Jumping off point 
But doesn’t the riders body position do that too, change the picture, but also the horses performance?
There’s a function to good equitation, as it relates to the horses performance.
4 Likes
Watch the way a really well ridden hunter jumps, say Babylon, vs the way a really well ridden equitation horse jumps. Like the one Carlee McCutcheon rides. Very different animals
Even better, ride a good hunter over 3’6, then ride a good equitation horse at 3’6. They don’t feel the same
A riders position can change the way a horse jumps, for better or for worse. Just depends on who the rider, and who the horse is
3 Likes
Getting the lead with leg over the jumps works well, in theory, esp with a made up jr/ammy type horse
Not necessarily so well on a green hunter, that you are just hoping doesn’t pull any crap on you after jumping a spectacular jump!
4 Likes
That’s how I taught my ottb to do it too. Basically mentally changing bend.
2 Likes
O.M.G. That is literally the point of this whole thread. I was just discussing with a fellow poster about a horse of mine who doesn’t jump as well with another—entirely, if not more so, competent—rider, and believe it or not, it is 110% because I manufacture a hunter jump for him whereas said competent rider looks like an equitation superstar. It really is a thing, regardless of how much you all want to argue it 'til the cows come home.
9 Likes
O.M.G.
Who’s arguing?
Clearly you’re pretty touchy on this topic.
Noted.
3 Likes
Yes, I literally am arguing: the rider’s body position does indeed change the picture and the horse’s performance—for the better.
And of course it’s touchy to many of us who spend a lot of time and money and effort (and enjoyment!) riding hunters to have a discipline that’s constantly crapped on by people who don’t understand it out of sheer stubbornness.
12 Likes
Yeah, but maybe it isnt?
I dabbled, very unseriously. Decades and decades ago.
A level so low it wasn’t a level.
To me its like watching paint dry.
And I enjoy the nuance of Dressage.
So maybe this is a chance to educate.
But that’s for you to decide.
1 Like
How would you like it explained that it has not been explained yet?
Sincere question.
What aspect has not been explained in a way that makes sense that you are still confused about?
(I am asking because I believe the frustrated people feel like it has been explained several times already, so maybe if you help them to understand what you are not understanding they can better answer your question.)
14 Likes
I’ve read the thread, I’m not exactly stupid, or a non equestrian, and I still don’t understand. 🤷
Sincere response.
2 Likes
Decades and decades ago, hunters were different. 
That was my era too, and the big slow tremendous jump wasn’t a thing.
3 Likes
What part are you not understanding?
Why the riders position does not affect placing?
Why the rider has that position?
You asked about outfits, are you still wondering about that?
No one is saying you are stupid or not an equestrian.
4 Likes
At some point, you have to simply have a willingness to understand too.
7 Likes
I don’t think I actually did.
I just entered the conversation.
But I’m regretting it.
6 Likes
I’ve watched this topic make the annual rounds since I joined COTH back in 2000. The arguments are always the same. Neither side will budge. I tend to be on team “ride properly” but I can accept that team “Ride-A-Hunter” produces the winning rounds and thus will continue for eternity.
All I will offer is that I have ridden the A+ style over fences, the back-cracking knees-to-nose horse. And while my equitation wasn’t perfect over each jump, I did strive to stay in balance and keep my eyes up. This horse also taught me to use an auto release; not an instructor, I just learned to do it naturally. Not in hunter classes, mind you-- we were eventing and doing hunter trials. But it IS POSSIBLE to ride one of these hard-jumping horses (whose head disappears in front of you) without looking like a dead fish.
16 Likes
I do this with my green jumper and my made hunters if I don’t want to change in the corner. We’re not taking green hunter. Those hunters at the level in the pictures are so schooled the chances of them pulling any crap is minimal. The horses’ jump is gorgeous. The leaning is not aesthetically pleasing but doesn’t take away the skill of the rider.
2 Likes
I feel that when I read through the assorted shenanigans that some trainers are involved in, ducking over fences isn’t the first thing I wish they’d stop doing!
And gosh, there are some lovely horses and skilled riders on this thread!
8 Likes
Love the second guy, if you zoom in he’s smiling, totally relaxed, and enjoying the ride.
RJ got off some jumper and immediately on to a hunter. A little trot, canter, crossrail, vertical, and pulled up. He looked down at the horse, a bit confused.
Then he turned to ground man and asked “which horse is this?”
He is, a natural.
RJ could duck beautifully. We were privileged to watch him.
2 Likes
