Hunter Myths - Spin-off of the Left Sided Mane - UPDATE: ARTICLE IS OUT!

[DMK]

@touchstone-

I guess I don’t understand the point of entering a judged competition without wanting to adhere to the basic turnout norms of that competition to put your best foot forward.

As has been pointed out, nothing is static forever. How out of place do you think a rider would look in canary flare breeches, flat tack, a loose ring snaffle, and gasp a forward galloping pace?

At best it would be considered quaint.

I think a true come to jesus moment for me was when I recently re-watched Osczar’s 100 round and marveled at his (now practically extinct) forward pace and flowing ride even in that tiny indoor arena (comparatively speaking)… And then I remembered when he actually was showing, I thought how much slower hunters were going “these days”… :lol:

[4LeafCloverFarm]

@DMK

I think a true come to jesus moment for me was when I recently re-watched Osczar’s 100 round and marveled at his (now practically extinct) forward pace and flowing ride even in that tiny indoor arena (comparatively speaking)… And then I remembered when he actually was showing, I thought how much slower hunters were going “these days”… :lol:

This is SO true! As I watch rounds on internet live feeds of hunter shows I’m literally clucking in my head and at times, feeling like I need to help them over the fences. I’m sure hunter rounds from the 70’s would look like run-away galloping to current show riders.

[TheMoo]

Equestrian coach had a video about the great TBs and there is some awesome clips from the outside course at Fairfield Hunt Club. My how things have changed.

I find it amusing how people got the impression I don’t respect tradition or what to create waves by my tack and not caring if the horse is braided on the right when the whole discipline has changed so much.

Yeah know, those big outside courses at Oxridge and Fairfield made me excited to ride hunters. If I was a child today looking at the disciplines I would have gone straight to eventing or moved to jumpers when my skill level dictated it.

[touchstone]

@DMK

As has been pointed out, nothing is static forever. How out of place do you think a rider would look in canary flare breeches, flat tack, a loose ring snaffle, and gasp a forward galloping pace?

At best it would be considered quaint.

I think a true come to jesus moment for me was when I recently re-watched Osczar’s 100 round and marveled at his (now practically extinct) forward pace and flowing ride even in that tiny indoor arena (comparatively speaking)… And then I remembered when he actually was showing, I thought how much slower hunters were going “these days”… :lol:

I don’t think we’re disagreeing that much. I think that if you want to be a trendsetter, have at it! But you’re probably already winning and understand the risks you’re taking at that point by being a little unconventional. I’m just saying that if you are coming to the discipline afresh, why not set yourself up for success? The idea that we need to dispel the “myths” that there are certain norms to the discipline is one that suggests that conforming doesn’t matter at all.

I am a fan of many of the sport’s recent changes in “fashion.” Thank goodness for approved helmets and machine washable show clothes! But I do think that change occurs very slowly. (Perhaps as slowly as some hunters canter these days…)

[DMK]

@touchstone-

(Perhaps as slowly as some hunters canter these days…)

FTW!!!

[Daventry]

As promised, here is my article on Hunter Myths: Separating Truth From Fiction. I interviewed A LOT of hunter judges across North America for this article but could only add in a few judge’s comments due to limited space. Most of the judge’s laughed at some of the myths that frequent the hunter bulletin boards and commented that they have more important things to worry about than what a rider or horse are wearing (as long as it is legal tack & attire) and what side the mane is braided on. Only one judge seems to care about black tack and braids and I included his comments in the article. Despite repeated attempts, he did not disclose whether marks would be deducted or not.

Interestingly enough, I did have two judges that stated that brown tack and braids on the right were considered traditional in the hunter ring but noted that they would not deduct any points for it. Yet, after asking them to explain where this tradition originated from, neither one had an answer. We continued to have a great discussion about knights & swords and dyed tack from the 70’s. By the time the conversation was finished, these judges changed their opinion in regards to what is considered traditional tack and braiding in the hunter ring…because there is no basis for the tradition.

Anyways, I had a lot of fun writing the article and listening to some of the most respected hunter judges in North America. An interesting note, Julie Winkel is currently writing a book, along with Tricia Booker, that is geared towards hunter competitors, parents and trainers. After interviewing Julie, she has agreed to address these hunter myths in their book and it should be available to the public by the fall.

The article starts on page 76. http://read.uberflip.com/i/1111354-may-6-13-2019

[Daventry]

As promised, here is my article on Hunter Myths: Separating Truth From Fiction. I interviewed A LOT of hunter judges across North America for this article but could only add in a few judge’s comments due to limited space. Most of the judge’s laughed at some of the myths that frequent the hunter bulletin boards and commented that they have more important things to worry about than what a rider or horse are wearing (as long as it is legal tack & attire) and what side the mane is braided on. Only one judge seems to care about black tack and braids and I included his comments in the article. Despite repeated attempts, he did not disclose whether marks would be deducted or not.

Interestingly enough, I did have two judges that stated that brown tack and braids on the right were considered traditional in the hunter ring but noted that they would not deduct any points for it. Yet, after asking them to explain where this tradition originated from, neither one had an answer. We continued to have a great discussion about knights & swords and dyed tack from the 70’s. By the time the conversation was finished, these judges changed their opinion in regards to what is considered traditional tack and braiding in the hunter ring…because there is no basis for the tradition.

Anyways, I had a lot of fun writing the article and listening to some of the most respected hunter judges in North America. An interesting note, Julie Winkel is currently writing a book, along with Tricia Booker, that is geared towards hunter competitors, parents and trainers. After interviewing Julie, she has agreed to address these hunter myths in their book and it should be available to the public by the fall.

The article starts on page 76. http://read.uberflip.com/i/1111354-may-6-13-2019/77?

[4LeafCloverFarm]

Good article. Enjoyed it.

[NoSuchPerson]

Thanks for the update and the link. It’s a nice article and I enjoyed reading it.

[PonyPenny]

So judges do have their preferences. Wasn’t the argument that hunter myths are just myths and judges don’t care? Obviously they do. My original answer stands. Braid on the right.

[lovezehorses]

@PonyPenny

So judges do have their preferences. Wasn’t the argument that hunter myths are just myths and judges don’t care? Obviously they do. My original answer stands. Braid on the right.

Everyone has preferences, I think the case here is whether it would affect your score.

[Daventry]

@lovezehorses

Everyone has preferences, I think the case here is whether it would affect your score.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Many of the judges I spoke with burst out laughing when I mentioned the right or left controversy. As stated by judges several times in the article, they have more important things to worry about.

But if someone feels they would have a heart attack doing anything but abiding by the myths…you do you!

[eclipse]

Thank you for the article…I’ve shown under Randy Roy, got some high scores from him, he’s one of my very favourites to show in front of! This article just shows that judges want to see, clean, neat and tidy and most of all a lovely round! … they don’t sweat the small stuff like which side you braid on or you’ve worn white breeches on a Sunday LOL

[DarkBayUnicorn]

@eclipse

Thank you for the article…I’ve shown under Randy Roy, got some high scores from him, he’s one of my very favourites to show in front of! This article just shows that judges want to see, clean, neat and tidy and most of all a lovely round! … they don’t sweat the small stuff like which side you braid on or you’ve worn white breeches on a Sunday LOL

Yes. I’ve shown under all the judges in the article except Randy, because I’ve known him all my life so that wouldn’t be exactly fair.

BTW, when he says in the article that he takes the trouble to get “dressed up” when he’s judging so he expects riders to “dress up” too, he’s not kidding. The man is most often found in cargo shorts and a t-shirt, but when he’s judging he looks quite dapper!

[atl_hunter]

@Daventry

As promised, here is my article on Hunter Myths: Separating Truth From Fiction. I interviewed A LOT of hunter judges across North America for this article but could only add in a few judge’s comments due to limited space. Most of the judge’s laughed at some of the myths that frequent the hunter bulletin boards and commented that they have more important things to worry about than what a rider or horse are wearing (as long as it is legal tack & attire) and what side the mane is braided on. Only one judge seems to care about black tack and braids and I included his comments in the article. Despite repeated attempts, he did not disclose whether marks would be deducted or not.

Interestingly enough, I did have two judges that stated that brown tack and braids on the right were considered traditional in the hunter ring but noted that they would not deduct any points for it. Yet, after asking them to explain where this tradition originated from, neither one had an answer. We continued to have a great discussion about knights & swords and dyed tack from the 70’s. By the time the conversation was finished, these judges changed their opinion in regards to what is considered traditional tack and braiding in the hunter ring…because there is no basis for the tradition.

Anyways, I had a lot of fun writing the article and listening to some of the most respected hunter judges in North America. An interesting note, Julie Winkel is currently writing a book, along with Tricia Booker, that is geared towards hunter competitors, parents and trainers. After interviewing Julie, she has agreed to address these hunter myths in their book and it should be available to the public by the fall.

The article starts on page 76. http://read.uberflip.com/i/1111354-may-6-13-2019/77?

I especially loved Geoff Teall’s comment about politics. I have won against some nice horses and good riders by putting in a fantastic effort, and I have lost against those same riders when my performance wasn’t as nice as theirs. I have watched coaches stand at an open gate almost IN the ring with the horse to guide their kid around the course, making themselves known, and the judges have not fallen for that, either. Only one judge refused to place my horse, and to be fair, my guy does have a strange gait that no hunter purist loves. When I hear people blame politics in this sport, I just shrug and think it’s sour grapes.

[eclipse]

@DarkBayUnicorn

Yes. I’ve shown under all the judges in the article except Randy, because I’ve known him all my life so that wouldn’t be exactly fair.

BTW, when he says in the article that he takes the trouble to get “dressed up” when he’s judging so he expects riders to “dress up” too, he’s not kidding. The man is most often found in cargo shorts and a t-shirt, but when he’s judging he looks quite dapper!

I’ve always seen him in a hat! Love it…and I received my highest score to date from him in a hunter classic…gasp…not wearing a shadbelly as I don’t own one, wearing a jacket with a burgundy collar and lining (it’s my nicest jacket and “I” feel dressed to show in it) … I was one of the only ones not in a shad but my horse put in a great round and we stood out for that! (I think it’s the pic I posted on a thread about wearing non blue or black jackets lol)

[DarkBayUnicorn]

@eclipse

I’ve always seen him in a hat! Love it…and I received my highest score to date from him in a hunter classic…gasp…not wearing a shadbelly as I don’t own one, wearing a jacket with a burgundy collar and lining (it’s my nieces jacket and “I” feel dressed to show in it) … I was one of the only ones not in a shad but my horse put in a great round and we stood out for that! (I think it’s the pic I posted on a thread about wearing non blue or black jackets lol)

Yep. Best round wins.

[ZELLA]

Count me as another old fart who thinks it’s hysterical that the current height of hunter fashion is riding the horse in a D-ring. I laugh at the irony of using a racehorse bit in a competition to canter over little sticks as slowly as possible.

[Rackonteur]

@ZELLA

Count me as another old fart who thinks it’s hysterical that the current height of hunter fashion is riding the horse in a D-ring. I laugh at the irony of using a racehorse bit in a competition to canter over little sticks as slowly as possible.

And in the meantime race horses have taken to galloping in dressage bridles complete with flash straps.

[PonyPenny]

@Daventry

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Many of the judges I spoke with burst out laughing when I mentioned the right or left controversy. As stated by judges several times in the article, they have more important things to worry about.

But if someone feels they would have a heart attack doing anything but abiding by the myths…you do you!

You can believe what you want, but preferences do affect your score. The judges alluded to that fact in your article. Now obviously, performance is the number one determinant of your score, however at the top levels, not much separates many rounds. Judges will use a preference to determine the final scores. In any subjective sport, personal preferences absolutely affect scores.