hunter poke vs arabian headset

Hey all,
so I have an Arab mare that I had been training to take to some Arabian breed shows. I still aim to do this, but I stopped showing for a few years and would need to buy all new show gear (long boots, jacket, velvet helmet, etc- can you see the $$ going up? Lol). So now, I'm planning on taking her to some local shows-- schooling, "fun" shows, and 4-H shows to get us back in the groove and which don't necessarily require me to be decked out. (I can get away with some half chaps and a show blouse minus my hunt coat).
My main issue is this: My mare has been thoroughly conditioned for a beautiful Arabian headset. We worked on it for years, and continue to make minor improvements (mainly making sure we're riding back to front and utilizing half halts to keep her from getting heavy on the forehand). This will be great for her Arabian shows but should I have her set in frame for her (English) pleasure classes? I know in the hunters she will need to be "let out" into a hunter poke, but I just don't know what they want for a pleasure class...(and of course, I'd love to show her off! Haha)

WELCOME to the forum!!

We need pictures of you and your partner!!! NOW!!! LOL!
Really, anyone judging an arab needs to be aware of how they are supposed to go. If you get a chance to talk to the judge before the show, you can ask them. Or, you can ask the other competitors who know the judge, what they usually like.

I have all my students keep a "Judges book". They list every dressage judge they have shown under, copies of the test and comments, and general impressions about the particular likes and dislikes the judge exhibits through the comments they write. Things such as....likes VERY forward movements....likes strong bends....dislikes crooked.....appreciates longer movements....etc. That way, when you ride under that judge again, you have an idea of how to "tweak" your ride to better please that particular judge.

What is an Arabian headset? It's so unique to them that it bears their name?

Yes, photos would be fun.

I've always shown my Arab mare with her "Arabian" style headset and frame at all breed open pleasure shows, as those judges are generally used to judging multiple breeds and have at least a decent idea of how an Arabian should look/move. Rated or hunter/jumper specific shows though, you will probably be better off going with a more traditional "Hunter" style look and way of going, as those judges often seem to reward conformity and the more traditional hunter movement. This is just my personal experience though!

I understand what you mean without pictures. If you are just doing schooling shows I think you should keep her with her Arab head set. You're just going to the schooling shows to practice..might as well practice how you are going to ride in the breed shows.

I would ride her as you usually do. An Arab can only look like an Arab. I'll bet she's beautiful.

I agree with this.