Arabians in the hunter/jumper shows - is there a bias against them?

notadumbld · 02-10-2005, 11:04 AM

As most of you probably know, my daughter Chelsea (Bay Blond Jumper) has a half Arabian, half Oldenberg mare. Last year she did a bunch of hunterjumper shows with her but seldom placed. I was told by several spectators that it was because Fiona was half Arabian and that many hunter jumper judges don't think they belonged in hunter classes. I know next to nothing and of course I always think Chelsea looks great. But I've been told by many that she has great riding form, natural balance, and should be placing.

Chelsea is thinking about concentrating on dressage with Fi since she's good good talent in that area but I know she'll miss h/j. SHe has a new/old instructor - her first instructor from 8 years ago - who I think is far better than the last one. I want her to set up a course in the spring and to really critique Chelsea and Fiona. Maybe CHelsea is doing something wrong that the other instructor didn't catch. Or maybe we should get Fi a big tattoo on her butt that says, "I'm a registered sporthorse and this is MY house!"

Any instructors or judges here?

CowGirlUp1833 · 02-10-2005, 11:11 AM

I've been riding hunter/jumper on and off for years, and YES there is predjuduce. Most will want to see Warm Blood and TB types. Although, Oldenburgs are great hunters! Things are SLOWLY starting to change, but Arabians and Arab X's may always have a harder time in the Hunter ring. I've seen some that do very well. But there is a lot of (a lot of times undue) prejudice against them.

I'm actually taking another no-no breed into the hunter ring this summer. I have a very loudly colored appaloosa mare, who hasen't the talent, but not sure how we will fare with the judges.

EDIT: Do you have any pictures you could post for me to see her?

equineluver14 · 02-10-2005, 11:15 AM

I think its just stupid. Don't you think if they're going to prejudice against them they should just have it in the rules that certain breeds aren't allowed to compete? If they're allowed to compete then they should all be judged the same.

CowGirlUp1833 · 02-10-2005, 11:17 AM

Yes and No. Its not a breed thing, its a "Type" and they want hunters to look like a certain thing. It is literally judged on suitability. NOW...I am not saying that I agree...that is just how it is.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by equineluver14

I think its just stupid. Don't you think if they're going to prejudice against them they should just have it in the rules that certain breeds aren't allowed to compete? If they're allowed to compete then they should all be judged the same.

CJ · 02-10-2005, 01:02 PM

I have a Hungarian-Arabian cross, but never felt he wasn't placing b/c of discrimination. Maybe I was just oblivious, lol. I think you are doing the right thing by asking the opinion of other people & instructors. Can you post or ref some pics of Fiona? Meanwhile, list her breed @ shows as Oldenburg X, or Oldenburg Warmblood, instead of ArabX and see if that helps.

CowGirlUp1833 · 02-10-2005, 01:04 PM

That actually is a REALLY good idea (sad to be needed, but good none the less) I can't imagine this cross as having too much problem in the ring tho...to be completely honest, it MAY be the rider or something else too, not just the horse. OF COURSE I DON"T KNOW, because I've never seen them, so just throwing out ideas!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ

I have a Hungarian-Arabian cross, but never felt he wasn't placing b/c of discrimination. Maybe I was just oblivious, lol. I think you are doing the right thing by asking the opinion of other people & instructors. Can you post or ref some pics of Fiona? Meanwhile, list her breed @ shows as Oldenburg X, or Oldenburg Warmblood, instead of ArabX and see if that helps.

arabianlvr87 · 02-10-2005, 01:05 PM

In my experience, both my Arabs haven't placed BECAUSE of their breed/color. I think it's pathetic, if someone is better, they win. No matter what kind of horse they're on. I think Chelsea and Fiona always look nice over a fence, but if my voted counted, they'd have many more ribbons.

notadumbld · 02-10-2005, 02:04 PM

Here are two pics of Chelsea and Fiona. They aren't the best but at least you can see them together. In the jumping picture, Fiona is over-jumping because she thought the flowers are going to eat her.

willodean · 02-10-2005, 02:15 PM

They look great to me!

equineluver14 · 02-10-2005, 03:28 PM

yeah they look really awsome! Beautiful horse!

02-10-2005, 11:04 AM	#1
notadumbld Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: North Granby, CT Posts: 136 Images: 48	Arabians in the hunter/jumper shows - is there a bias against them? As most of you probably know, my daughter Chelsea (Bay Blond Jumper) has a half Arabian, half Oldenberg mare. Last year she did a bunch of hunterjumper shows with her but seldom placed. I was told by several spectators that it was because Fiona was half Arabian and that many hunter jumper judges don't think they belonged in hunter classes. I know next to nothing and of course I always think Chelsea looks great. But I've been told by many that she has great riding form, natural balance, and should be placing. Chelsea is thinking about concentrating on dressage with Fi since she's good good talent in that area but I know she'll miss h/j. SHe has a new/old instructor - her first instructor from 8 years ago - who I think is far better than the last one. I want her to set up a course in the spring and to really critique Chelsea and Fiona. Maybe CHelsea is doing something wrong that the other instructor didn't catch. Or maybe we should get Fi a big tattoo on her butt that says, "I'm a registered sporthorse and this is MY house!" Any instructors or judges here?

02-10-2005, 11:11 AM	#2
CowGirlUp1833 Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Holland Lake Shore, West Michigan Posts: 16,592 Images: 411 Blog Entries: 37	I've been riding hunter/jumper on and off for years, and YES there is predjuduce. Most will want to see Warm Blood and TB types. Although, Oldenburgs are great hunters! Things are SLOWLY starting to change, but Arabians and Arab X's may always have a harder time in the Hunter ring. I've seen some that do very well. But there is a lot of (a lot of times undue) prejudice against them. I'm actually taking another no-no breed into the hunter ring this summer. I have a very loudly colored appaloosa mare, who hasen't the talent, but not sure how we will fare with the judges. EDIT: Do you have any pictures you could post for me to see her? __________________ www.Equine-Endeavors.com Proud mom of Rusty and Stevey - the 2 best red-heads anyone could love!

02-10-2005, 11:15 AM	#3
equineluver14 Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The United States of America! Posts: 783 Images: 5 Blog Entries: 2	I think its just stupid. Don't you think if they're going to prejudice against them they should just have it in the rules that certain breeds aren't allowed to compete? If they're allowed to compete then they should all be judged the same. __________________ Some people think you don't have to be an athlete in order to be a rider . . .we know better HORSES: proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!

02-10-2005, 01:02 PM	#5
CJ Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,753 Images: 48	I have a Hungarian-Arabian cross, but never felt he wasn't placing b/c of discrimination. Maybe I was just oblivious, lol. I think you are doing the right thing by asking the opinion of other people & instructors. Can you post or ref some pics of Fiona? Meanwhile, list her breed @ shows as Oldenburg X, or Oldenburg Warmblood, instead of ArabX and see if that helps. __________________ One Mare Can Make a Difference Pinky Ribbon

02-10-2005, 02:04 PM	#8
notadumbld Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: North Granby, CT Posts: 136 Images: 48	Here are two pics of Chelsea and Fiona. They aren't the best but at least you can see them together. In the jumping picture, Fiona is over-jumping because she thought the flowers are going to eat her. Attached Thumbnails

02-10-2005, 01:05 PM	#7
arabianlvr87 Senior Member+ Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 8,567 Images: 294 Blog Entries: 158	In my experience, both my Arabs haven't placed BECAUSE of their breed/color. I think it's pathetic, if someone is better, they win. No matter what kind of horse they're on. I think Chelsea and Fiona always look nice over a fence, but if my voted counted, they'd have many more ribbons.

02-10-2005, 02:15 PM	#9
willodean Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Utah/Kentucky!! Posts: 1,142 Images: 21	They look great to me! __________________ "Courage is being scared to death but saddleing up anyway" ~John Wayne~ I have been BOO'D!! WHOO HOO!!

02-10-2005, 03:28 PM	#10
equineluver14 Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The United States of America! Posts: 783 Images: 5 Blog Entries: 2	yeah they look really awsome! Beautiful horse! __________________ Some people think you don't have to be an athlete in order to be a rider . . .we know better HORSES: proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!

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