Q: What does competing ‘hors concours’ (HC) mean?

A: Most of the time when we go to shows we are competing to try and win rosettes. However, there are times when you might want to go to the show just to get the experience without having to worry about the result.

If a rider has a young horse, they might run him in a competition hors concours (HC). This means they’ll pay the entry fee and take part in the class as normal, but they won’t be in with the chance of winning a rosette, no matter what they score.

You might also have to compete ‘HC’ if your pony has competed at a much higher level than the class you’re entering, because it could give you an unfair advantage over other competitors who aren’t as established at that level.