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Discussion on Hunter suited
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| Author |
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Roxanne |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:15 am:
I am currently training my Thoroughbred/Welsh mare for the hunter show ring. The reason I have chosen hunter is because that is the style I have always ridden and began with. My pony is 14.1 hands and a beautiful jumper. We are currently jumping 2-2'6" and doing pretty well. My worry is that my mare has a very pony stride and she is not the sluggish hunter at all. She is a very forward mover. We just got over our rushing thing:) Will I still be in the ribbons at shows if my horse doesn't take the slow and sluggish reaction to the hunter ring over fences? I would like to continue riding hunter but not if my horse isn't suited for the style.
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Marlane |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:16 am:
Probably the only way to find out is to actually take part in a class and see how you place,if it is a schooling show ask the judge what he/she thinks.
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Lola |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:16 am:
Hi Roxanne!
Hunter is a very subjective area in the horse show world. There is plenty of predjudice around, from a horse's colour or breed to the rider's style or trainer. Its unfortunate, but its true.
Your pony will most likely do better when shown against other like entries, try showing her in the hunter pony classes. Even then you may end up with a lower placing against "typier" ponies.
Try and look at showing as a gauge for your own progress instead of looking at it as a way to get ribbons and recognition. Sometimes a judge is just partial to a certain horse and that animal will get placed no matter what.
Most of all have fun and enjoy your pony.
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Ida |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:16 am:
Roxanne: One major reason I don't show is my buddy (ie my horse) is a small Quarter Horse; but has a rather slim built. So we would look totally out in both open hunter class and breed class. And he also has a conformation fault so he travels in 'crooked' way slightly . I wish the horsey world has classes for the'physically challenged' horses!
Anyways, I don't want to get a second horse just so that I can show. But my advice is go to schooling shows as much as possible just like the other posts say. And remember don't feel bad about not winning. Nothing is more important than enjoying your horse. If you want to try out your riding skill, you can do what I know some students are doing, borrow or partboard horses to show.
Also there are Equitation over fence classes. Try one to see if it is what you want to do.
Hunter used to be a bit faster/forward. (Anyone agree with me on this?) Now people like more collection and control. You can train your pony to be more collected but it comes with training over time.
Ida
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Roxanne |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:17 am:
Well, I am entered in two equitation classes and the other three classes are open pony hunter over fences. I think I just need to get the idea that if I don't win a first place that doesn't mean that I am not good at what I do. Showing is all based on opinion. Thanks to all who responded to my post. I am showing on Sunday and will update you on how I do! :)
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Amber |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:17 am:
My horse is no slug, but we place high and consistently in any hunter show. Judges look for a smooth, consistent stride and a careful round jump--to put it simply :) If it looks nice in hunter, it's good. Give it a try, but even if you don't place well the first year or so, don't give up. Working on your faults will just make you a better rider and your horse a better mount. And I swear by the use of dressage in training for ANY discipline. It is the basis for all riding, and it can improve your horse (or pony) immensely. Try taking some dressage lessons, with a good instructor. Some people would disagree, but there is no way that a horse slopping along on loose rein and totally on the forehand is a very athletic partner. I think the hunter world could learn a tonne from the dressage world. And I do not show dressage, only hunter, so its not like I'm one-sided or anything.
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Roxanne |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:18 am:
Well I took my mare in the Open Pony hunter division which consisted of one under saddle class and two over fences classes. We received a first in the under saddle and a third and a fourth in the over fences. It was a lot of fun and I was very pleased with my horse. I think since she was in a new place she really had to pay attention and concentrate on listening to me and my aids. Anyways it was a blast! :)
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Ida |
Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:18 am:
That's great. Congrats! (no msg)
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