The definition of “look huntery” is the key, here, IMO. In this case, as hunter showing is a style confined to the show ring, “look huntery” is the expected opinion of judges in the discipline.
That’s the point I was making above. If a discipline favors a type in the show ring – and a rider wants to be successful in that discipline’s show ring – ride what the judge wants to see.
Or, ride something else, and do it ‘for the beer’. For the pleasure of being out with this crowd. No expectations of ribbons.
That is what is fair to the horse. And to the rider.
^^^ This.
Why does a rider who wants to show in hunters want this horse? How is that rider willing to modify their expectations of show results, to make them happy riding this horse?
A chance to what? Be a show ring hunter? Don’t intend to be personally disrespectful … BUT I just HATE it when people who say “give ___ a chance” when it is could well be a no-hoper.
What’s the downside if they don’t measure up to the “chance”? Can the owner handle it ???
Hopefully the “give him a chance” people are ready with a safety net to catch any horse who doesn’t work out when “given a chance”. Oh, but – the “give him a chance” people usually aren’t taking any ownership position. They have no intention of being there if it doesn’t work out. Sorry to be so sarcastic, but damn. This is how the neglect, auction, and slaughter neglect pipelines build up.
