A Hunter Pace is a low-key competitive event derived from Foxhunting. Originally organized in the off-season, they serve as a reason for members of the hunt to come together to ride. Before the event is held, one or more persons ride an imaginary hunting scenario, describing the path and any obstacles to be taken. The time that he/she rides it in is kept a secret from the participants. Participants ride the same scenario attempting to make the same time as the secret rider(s). The participant who finishes closest to the secret time is the winner of the event.

The Pair or Team Pace developed from the Hunter Pace. It is a team event in which a Member and a friend(s) ride cross country together over terrain and obstacles which are meant to simulate the riding conditions encountered during a Foxhunt. The obstacles vary according to ability level. It is up to each team to guess what the organizers of the Pace have decided is the ideal time to complete the course and to adjust their progress accordingly.

Most Hunter Paces are divided into two divisions, with different ideal times. There is often a "field hunter" division offered for those experienced in the hunt field who wish to take the course at a faster pace with larger jumps, and a "trail rider" division for those who wish to travel more slowly. Although jumps are found along the course, taking them is always optional for the trail rider divisions.

The winners of the various divisions of a Hunter Pace are not the fastest, rather the winning teams are the ones closest to the secret official time for their division. This secret official time is determined by having several riders take the course before the show and average their times. A Hunter Pace is not a race. Even though there is a competitive aspect to them, most riders simply regard it as an enjoyable way to spend a day in the countryside with their mounts and congenial company. The outcome is almost secondary, and many good stories are shared over the traditional breakfast or tailgate party afterwards.