The ideal riding horse should be somewhere between a hack and a hunter and should show quality, substance, good bone, correct conformation, presence and true action.
Horses in the class are asked to perform a walk, trot, canter and (conditions permitting) gallop together.
Individual shows should not exceed 11⁄2 minutes, and should include walk, trot, canter, gallop, rein back, stand still and demonstrate obedience to the leg.
For evening championships riders should wear a black or navy jacket with a white or cream stock, fastened with a pin, plus a top hat.
Competitors qualifying for the evening performance at the Horse Of The Year Show should wear black or navy jackets and a top hat.