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last hunter show of the year, judge my EQ?

1K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Alyssa 
#1 ·
hey there!

I had my last show of the year a few weeks ago, and would love some feedback and things to work on over the next few months off.


anyway, heres the link to a photographer's website, so there is certainly a variety of photos in the album

Rider 17 - Sarah M Watson Photography
 
#3 ·
You didn't say how you've placed this season, but I'm guessing that you'd like to do better, else you would have been using these pictures for bragging rights. =b
I see several little things that you can easily change. First, your turnout is clean, but I'd like to see your horse's mane and tail braided, unless, of COURSE, if the show tells you NOT to. Also, your horse should GLEAM, so do a little bit better at show grooming.
I see that your helmet moved in the photos. I read that George Morris suggests that you not put your excess hair in your helmet before adjusting it. I do it routinely bc of habit, but I've been rethinking this. One year CW reenacting, (where I supposed to be a "guy"), I cut my hair really short so putting it up under a Kepi wasn't a problem.
Certainly your DON'T want your helmet to obscure your vision, or to be too loose.
I agree about your back. Spend the winter months doing the basic BORING stuff:
--riding without stirrups
--riding in 2-point, all gaits for an hour at a time, as if you were at a Hunt
--school Dressage.
Get your horse to do Quality lateral work. Perfect it at the walk, then move on to the trot and canter. ALL of the flatwork really pays off. Your horse becomes physically stronger and much more responsive.
KEEP YOUR EYES UP!!! I constantly remind MYSELF to do this.
Practice jumping this winter ONLY on very short verticals and cross rails. Commit your horse to the small jumps before tackoff and do NOTHING as your horse jumps, so you do not interfere. Try jumping these small jumps from the walk.
I see that you are riding with a Pelham, but no contact over some jumps. Can you jump him with a snaffle? IMHO, it shows off your horse better. We all know that more bit signals a hot horse that is harder to control, and Hunter is supposed to show off a talented Working horse, not a race horse.
I like your conservative choice of tack and your show clothes. Good luck next year! =D
 
#4 ·
Thanks guys!

I definitely slouch a little in my two point..my neck is probably stiff due to whiplash I got from a car accident, But will try to focus on posture more frequently! :)

I typically braid the horse for formal events (such as hunter derbies, medal finals, or other important shows) but avoid it because I think it makes him look more masculine without braiding (he's an OTTB stallion, so I try to make him look less dainty. We are working on his diet to help with weight gain however, which the extra oils in his diet seem to help with his coat as well!)

My plans for winter were to drill the dressage, and continue to ride without stirrups at least once a week.

I'm also very curious about bit selection as well. I school in a snaffle 50% of the time, but like the pelham for additional control when he is feeling good. Id like to succeed more as an EQ rider and am curious if bit selection makes a difference when judged on the rider? I find he is more forward on grass, versus a sand ring, so maybe using different bits for different needs? he is also very forward on cross country as well, which we ultimately may begin working towards eventing as we have minimal competition in our area (no classes are available for hunters or jumpers above 3ft.)


we are reserve champion for the year in our area in the 2'9-3' division, but Im one of those crazy perfectionist types, so this sport is great for me, cause there is always room for improvement!



Also, I wasn't sure if my release was slightly excessive or not. I feel like he seems happier than in the past with my adjustment in release, but wonder if too much is possible?


Anyway, thank you so much for your feedback! Im feeling like I am on the right track!
 
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