I’ve seen it stated on the forums a couple of times that dressage horses do “changes” and hunters “swap”. An oversimplification, but I think we all get the that there’s a difference in how the change of lead is executed. BUT, since I did pony hunters as a kid 25 years ago a lot has changed in the hunter ring. Hack winners are over their backs and using themselves. The Hunter Derby seems to reward an athletic style of jumping that I don’t remember seeing back in those belly-buster hunter days.
So my question is, is the lead change next? Will we start to see, maybe just in the derbies, horses being rewarded for a more expressive change? I could just picture some Popeye K clone taking the high option and capping off the line with a big showy lead change before flowing through the corner. What do you all think? Pipe dream? Has anyone seen this happening? For how plugged in I am this could be old news! Also curious to hear any opinions on this. Thanks in advance!