Confused!

Ok, I've just got more information about Carolina and I'm stumped.

Two years ago she sold for $17,500 to a fox hunter couple. Before she was sold she was competing at Level 4 Showjumping, Level 4 Dressage and 3' Hunters. What is the difference between Hunters and Showjumping? I know that sounds really ignorant but I did eventing in Australia and wasn't exposed to the Hunter circle.

Well the fox hunters used her once, terrorized her and dumped her in a field with no human contact, feed, vet care or farrier for two years.

You wouldn't know it. In the 2 and a bit weeks I've had her she's been amazing.

Anyway - any input would be lovely!!!!!!

I don't know about what designates one level from another, but the main difference between hunters and showjumpers is that hunters are judged primarily on the horse and his performance and way of going. Jumpers are judged on clear jumps with minimum faults and fast times. Equal runs are decided by jump offs where the fastest, cleanest course wins. I generally understand the difference at its most basic to be hunters kinda like pleasure, and jumpers more like barrels in the way the classes are judged. Hunters are a lot more "traditional" in rider turnout, etc., as far as the actual appearance in the ring. It's less unusual to see brighter colors (for English, lol) in the jumper ring, maybe even colored yarn in braids or even unbraided horses, at least in the U.S. and in my experience.

Your mare is so fortunate to now be in a loving home with the care she deserves.

Im glad to here everything is working out for you!

Hunters- judge more on looks rather than time i believe. And you have a choice between equitation and hunter under saddle classes. That means that you can either judge the horse or the rider. (i've only competed hunters at unrated shows so maybe someone with more hunter experience has a better explanation!)

Jumpers- judged only on time and rails dropped. Whoever has the lowest score (fastest time and least rails dropped) wins. I personally think jumpers are way more fun to compete in but that's just me!

But i'm with you... eventer at heart!

that's so awesome that you have her after all of that. Good for you for giving her the loving home she obviously deserves! She's so cute by the way!

Thank you everyone for your replies! Explains so much! I think it's kinda cool that she's so versatile! I'm going to learn a lot from her!

It amazes me that someone would pay that much for a horse, with that much talent, and then just abandon her.

Best $500 I've spent.