[QUOTE=vxf111;8863700]
Then hunters are crazy. Because that’s very commonly done.
I think it would be crazy to show up for a show with wildly disfavored tack/equipment. So clearly our definitions of “crazy” differ. I’ve done baby CT events and dressage shows and I do my best to follow the norms. It doesn’t cost anything to take off a martingale and wraps/boots or to choose from among your bit selection one that is not hugely unconventional. When I did dressage I didn’t go out and buy the whole kit but I fit in everywhere I could.
You’ve listed head to toe unconventional tack… and then disparage hunter tack. I suspect those standing martingales do a lot less than your figure eight, gag bit, etc. Hunters usually can get it done with way less bridle. Different strokes for different folks.
If you don’t like hunter norms, there are other ways to get in the ring with other horses. Dressage suitability classes, for example. An equitation flat class. Schooling. If you’re insistent on not doing what is done… why bother?![/QUOTE]
Um. Wow, I think you completely misunderstood me. Did you read the post…?
I listed what I was already going to the show with, ie, the gettup I had for jumper classes. I listed what other tack I have that I thought might be closer to the mark. Then I asked what was illegal or terribly unconventional. As for the boots/wraps, I listed that because I thought it might be required or something. I usually don’t flat in any boots other than bell boots, which he lives in, unless we are going to be galloping or something of the like, then I might put on polos. I only break out the open fronts (or “riot gear” as my non horsey bf calls them, lol!) if we are jumping a substantial height. As for the snarky remark about the bridle and bit, I usually actually jump in a loose ring double jointed snaffle and no noseband at all - much less bridle than a D ring and caveson - which I mentioned in my post as well. I’d only be competing in stronger stuff because he is very young and high strung and I suspect will be pretty cranked up in a show environment. Like I said, if I get there and he’s calm, I’ll jump in our regular set up. I was genuinely surprised about the martingale - I guess figure 8s and mild gags are evil, but I’d be terrified of sending my horse over a 3ft plus jump with his face tied to his chest. “Different strokes for different folks”, like you said, I guess!
Again, I posted this to find out how to look as much like a hunter as possible. So far I’m going to have a loose ring bit, caveson noseband, white rolled fleece on front and back 1/2 pad (which I’ve seen hunters compete in plenty of times before), no boots, no martingale, nothing illegal or ~horribly unconventional~. I even have just now located a brown fancy stitch hunter bridle to use, it was quite expensive when I bought it years ago before I knew it was hunters and not what my horse needed. So as it stands, I’m gonna look pretty darn hunter-y on show day. As for my own attire, I’m not so far off the mark. i believe the only thing really left in that department are my dark brown gloves and hunter green show coat, as well as my saddle (a Stubben Imperator). The gloves were $50 and the coat was $560. The saddle is a saddle. I’m not replacing them for a one time class.
Sorry if thinking it’s crazy to tie your horse’s head to its chest while jumping but make it illegal on the flat is considered “disparaging hunter tack”. I came here to learn more about it so as to blend in better. PS - They don’t have an equitation flat class or dressage anything at this show.
I mean I could do it. My REAL answer to “What should I do with my hair, it won’t fit in my helmet” is “Hairnets. Suffer.” but I am just trying to be nice. Ish. :lol:[/QUOTE]