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Spring 2026 Hunter Pace
Put your "THINK SPRING" mindset into action and start getting you and your horse in condition for the 2026 season!
It's been a long, difficult winter for horses and riders. Severely cold temperatures, record-level amounts of snowfall, and constant melting and re-freezing have made conditions difficult, if not impossible, for any outdoor activities. So let's all look forward to a much needed spring season that hopefully will bring sunshine and warmer temperatures conducive to "spring training."
This year, Tanheath's Spring 2026 Hunter Pace will once again be held on the grounds of the beautiful Douglas State Forest. Join us for a great event that takes horse and rider through beautiful scenery and well groomed trails. After you've enjoyed a great ride, relax and enjoy lunch with friends and other riders in this scenic venue as the results are calculated and awards are announced.
Is there a better way to kick off spring?
Who will win the ribbons?
Below will be the first place winners for each division. The link below the blue ribbon winners will bring you to the spreadsheet of all of the results, including all placements, times, team and rider names.
Ribbons are awarded to 3rd Place in each division. Winners who are not present to receive their ribbons will receive them through the mail.
Photos of the day will be displayed in the galleries below.
Blue Ribbon Winners
Hunter: 1st Place Team
Junior Hunter: 1st Place Team
Hilltopper: 1st Place Team
Junior Hilltopper: 1st Place Team
Trailblazer: 1st Place Team
Junior Trailblazer: 1st Place Team
Link to full spreadsheet of Hunter Pace results. >
Each spring Tanheath hosts a Hunter Pace. The event is a favorite with many equestrians in the southern New England area and is well attended by riders of all disciplines and skill levels.
Registration opens about a month prior to the event.
The Hunter Pace competition is separated into several divisions: jumpers, hilltoppers, junior hilltoppers, trailblazers, and pleasure riders who do not compete. Teams of two or three riders with their mounts ride the marked trail in an effort to come the closest to the "pace" time predetermined by the pace setters who have previously ridden the course at the fastest safe pace. Jumpers jump all the fences and travel at a safe hunting pace; Hilltoppers pick and choose fences and travel at a moderate pace; Junior Hilltoppers are teams that have at least one rider under the age of 18 and intend to pick and choose fences; Trailblazers pick and choose fences and travel at a relaxed pace. Teams and riders are timed.
At the conclusion of the Hunter Pace, times are recorded and top finishers are awarded ribbons for first, second, and third place in each division.
Springtime in the Douglas State Forest
Thank you all for a fantastic turnout and a fun event day!