[ridegrrl]

In Hunter Under Saddle or Hunter Pleasure, your gaits should all be forward-moving and correct, with impulsion.

The walk should be a true four-beat walk, flat footed (no jigging). You should be moving forward with purpose, but not look hurried.

The trot should show lots of energy and reach, and it should look comfortable and effortless. We're not expecting a huge Dressage style extended trot... but you should definitely be going somewhere!

The canter should be sat, it's always a true 3 beat gait on the correct lead, and again it's energetic but not racing around the arena

The hand-gallop is a 4 beat gait, not just a faster canter. You should ride this in two-point position. Keep it a controlled gallop, extreme speed is penalized.

Except for over-fences classes, the hand-gallop is the only time you ride in two-point.

[gotta a horse]

If you don't mind me asking what disipline(s) does she have the "look" for (if any)? I'm having trouble wording it, lol. She's a 15 hand, 12 year old, Quarter Horse mare out if Impresive Reflection and Morningstar Misty (if that helps any) Here is a pic of her, sorry she's so out of shape and it's probably 1-2 months old. http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com...&searchid=3174

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by gotta a horse

If you don't mind me asking what disipline(s) does she have the "look" for (if any)? I'm having trouble wording it, lol. She's a 15 hand, 12 year old, Quarter Horse mare out if Impresive Reflection and Morningstar Misty (if that helps any) Here is a pic of her, sorry she's so out of shape and it's probably 1-2 months old. http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com...&searchid=3174

Hi there. I don't mind at all! Do you have any pictures of her jogging/trotting, and loping/cantering? Beyond basic conformation and temperment, when I'm looking at a horse and considering what discipline(s) he might excel at, the way he moves and carries himself naturally (without a rider) is a great indicator. It's hard to tell what a horse can do, when he's standing still. So if you've got some movement shots, we'll check her out!

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

Originally Posted by ridegrrl

In Hunter Under Saddle or Hunter Pleasure, your gaits should all be forward-moving and correct, with impulsion.

The walk should be a true four-beat walk, flat footed (no jigging). You should be moving forward with purpose, but not look hurried.

The trot should show lots of energy and reach, and it should look comfortable and effortless. We're not expecting a huge Dressage style extended trot... but you should definitely be going somewhere!

The canter should be sat, it's always a true 3 beat gait on the correct lead, and again it's energetic but not racing around the arena

The hand-gallop is a 4 beat gait, not just a faster canter. You should ride this in two-point position. Keep it a controlled gallop, extreme speed is penalized.

Except for over-fences classes, the hand-gallop is the only time you ride in two-point.

Can someone PLEASE explain the bolded part to Fiona?? LOL She just won't listen to me on this one, she thinks I'm wrong!

[SammyDoodle]

Originally Posted by bay_blnd jmpr07

Can someone PLEASE explain the bolded part to Fiona?? LOL She just won't listen to me on this one, she thinks I'm wrong!

lol - maybe Sam can come along and listen to that lecture as well. He has the same views on that one as Fiona!

[ridegrrl]

Are you gals not getting enough energy from Fiona and Sam at the trot? Or are they over-achievers and showing off with big extension?

[gotta a horse]

Thank you. Once it's safe enough to have her do some cantering/loping I'll get some pics. The footing is horrible right now, probaby not safe enough to trot.

[gotta a horse]

I just thought of another question. Do you like to see the horses body clipped in a show? Sis's coat is thin but would it look better to have her body clipped? Also if you do how much coat would you like to see left on?

[stephanie]

This is an awesome post! Thanks so much for doing this!
When you judge jumping, do you like to see an automatic release? I have been working on mine for awhile, but I have had some people and judges tell me to use a crest release instead. What do you think, does it make a difference?
this is the best picture i have of one.
Thanks again for helping everyone!
~Stephanie

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by gotta a horse

I just thought of another question. Do you like to see the horses body clipped in a show? Sis's coat is thin but would it look better to have her body clipped? Also if you do how much coat would you like to see left on?

I'm not a big fan of body clipping... it makes the ends of the hair blunt and that takes away the smooth surface that gives them natural shine, so then you end up using a tonne of shine products. If you have to show when your horse is really fuzzy and it's a bigger show (don't worry for fun/schooling shows), then go ahead and clip. Otherwise, just brush lots and blanket your horse to help the hair lay as flat as possible. I'll wait to see your horse's action shots.