As my wonderful gelding ages towards retirement, my trainer recently asked me what I wanted to do next. To be honest, I’m not sure.
I’ve done jumpers for the past 20+ years. I love it, but NOT because I love to go fast/jump high. I love the technicality of it. I love that I can make a mistake and still be successful. I love not having to prep my horse. I love not being penalized for a horse that is “up” and enjoying its job. I love the fun clothes! I really love not braiding. Unfortunately, I’m not getting any younger. The jumps are looking bigger. The courses are getting hard to remember.
The hunters are fun in their own way. I did them for years as a junior and young adult. They’re beautiful, accurate, artistic even. I can see why people enjoy the hunters. There are competitive divisions at 3’ and even 2’6", so if I need to step down, that’s totally viable. Also, if need be, hunters are much, much easier to sell in my area. Plus my trainer has faaarrrrr more hunter experience. But…I’m having trouble getting psyched about riding a hunter. (Also, at this point in time, in my area, I believe good hunters are significantly more expensive than good jumpers).
I would love the input of others on this. Are there some other considerations I should take into account?