At most Hunter/Jumper shows there are three types of competitions, hunters, jumpers and equitation.

The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement, manners, and way of going, particularly while jumping fences. The horses are shown in hunt seat style tack, and are often of Warmblood or Thoroughbred type. In the United States, show hunters are primarily exhibited over fences, with a few additional clsses offered for horses shown in-hand or on the flat. In the United Kingdom, competition over fences is called "Working Hunter," and the term "Show Hunter" describes classes held on the flat.

Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers, sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events, and sometimes show jumping is but one division of very large, all-breed competitions that include a very wide variety of disciplines. Jumping classes may be governed by various national horse show sanctioning organizations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation in the USA. However, international competitions are governed by the rules of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

Equitation is a rider's ability to ride correctly with a strong, supple position and effective aids. This is judged in equitation classes, or classes at horse shows that mainly judge the rider's performance and control of their horse, as opposed to the performance of the horse.

Thanks for the question and I hope my answer helps.

Another difference, in my area, between hunters and jumpers is that hunters usually jump 3ft and under while jumpers are 3ft+. That's how it is in my area, wether it's like that for everyone, I don't know.

At the rated shows, hunterd do up to 4'0. The way I always describe hunters vs. jumpers to people is to compare it to the ice skating sports. Hunters are the figure skaters. It's judged on style, grace, consistency, and small detalis that make one horse stand out over the other and it's subjective. The jumps usually resemble the kinds of natural obstacles you would find in a hunt fields. Jumpers are the speed skaters. It doesn't matter what you look like so long as you are the fastest one around and knock the least things down. The jumps are bigger and usualy more creative and brightly colored with lots of tight turns. Equitation is judged on the rider's position, ability and style. The courses usually are more similar to jumper courses, with lots of unusual turns, but ithey should be ridden with the flow and consistency of a hunter course. Equitation classes range from low for novice rider's up though 3'6 for the advanced riders.