"What do you look for in a hunter? What is your idea of a "classic hunter"? In a hunter under saddle class, comment on the "frame" of the horse you are looking for."
 Although standards exist for high level judges, judging hunters is largely subjective, based on jumping form, technique and overall impression.  In hunter under saddle classes, the horse's movement and manners are judged, with quality of movement paramount. Good trainers and riders can accentuate their horse's movement by creating a more extended, fluid and balanced gait. This gait is established through various means: establishing a certain amount of collection, moving at a faster pace, sometimes a looser rein, and/or various equipment to achieve the desired "frame" or way of going.
Watch and listen to the answers from some of the top hunter judges in the country. They have presided over the highest level of hunter shows from the east to the west coast, such as Palm Beach, Capitol Challenge, Harrisburg, Washington, HITS, Toronto Royal Winter Fair, Devon and many others.  They will tell you what wins.