Soo I want to be a professional hunter/jumper rider... where should I start? I don't really have to worry about money, I have a ton saved up. I have 2 horses and they have really helped me, but i'm looking for a younger horse to get me to the top. I'm switching to A rated next spring and will be trying to show at least once a month, hopefully more. What shows should I go to once i'm doing good at A shows? The biggest show by me is in Iowa and it's AA and theres one in the cities that has Grand Prix and it's A rated. Should I show in Jumpers, Hunters, and Eq.?
Do you have a coach/mentor? If so, what level are they willing to teach? Are they willing to put the time into training you and reaching your goals?
Do you like Hunters or Jumpers more?
Try and shoot for Spruce Meadows, Thunderbird Show park, like you said Iowa, California... Maybe go abroad and take a position as a exercise rider for a big stable?
Do you want to be a professional or do you want to be at the top? Because those are actually two different goals. To be at the top you need to work with one of the top trainers, one who travels. And you'd probably be traveling more then once a month: spending winters showing at WEF in fl, the HITS circuit, qualifying for indoors, Devon, etc. all the top shows. It's practically every weekend. Most of the top jumper riders have multiple horses. I'd get one that is experienced and can show you the ropes. Be prepared to spend a lot of money. A LOT. A big name trainer once said, "I feel sorry for the millionaires. They just can't keep up with the billionaires." And he was talking about the jrs who are showing at the top. Yikes. It's not unrealistic to spend $10 a wk at some of these shows. The top horses are 6-7 digits. It's more then most people can just "save up" for.
If you just want to be a pro? I'd still say get a nice horse that will take you far. Get a good trainer that will teach you how to ride and show. (Yes they are different) work your butt off. Ride as many horses as you can. Build your resume. And get as many contacts as you can. Go to college. Keep riding. Work your butt off some more. Posted via Mobile Device
I guess I should have started off asking where you are in your riding now. Getting to "the top" however you define that, is just reaching all your smaller goals until you find your self there. Are you showing at 2"3 at schooling shows? Then your goal would be to be competitive at 3" at rated shows. Then 3"6. Then higher, start traveling further to the bigger shows. Qualify for indoors. Try to qualify for Young Ruders if youre young enough .Win at the bigger rated shows. Think about the smaller grand prix. Then the bigger ones. Qualify for some nations cup teams, World Cup qualifiers. etc etc.
I don't know where you are in your riding but I would not buy a baby. It takes so long and so much money to get a horse to the top, and there's no telling if he'll even have what it takes. If you're in the process of learning I'd get something experienced. Posted via Mobile Device
I guess I should have started off asking where you are in your riding now. Getting to "the top" however you define that, is just reaching all your smaller goals until you find your self there. Are you showing at 2"3 at schooling shows? Then your goal would be to be competitive at 3" at rated shows. Then 3"6. Then higher, start traveling further to the bigger shows. Qualify for indoors. Try to qualify for Young RIders if you're young enough .Win at the bigger rated shows. Think about the smaller grand prix. Then the bigger ones. Qualify for some nations cup teams, World Cup qualifiers. etc etc.
I don't know where you are in your riding but I would not buy a baby. It takes so long and so much money to get a horse to the top, and there's no telling if he'll even have what it takes. If you're in the process of learning I'd get something experienced. Posted via Mobile Device
Excellent! Yr is an excellent goal to have in mind. I know several people who were on teams and loved it. If you don't mind me asking, If you're showing at 3"3 and looking to do yr, why are you looking at ponies and babies? Yr is 1.45-1.50 and i realize very few people will have one horse that takes them to that level... But I'd at least be looking for a 1.40 horse. Posted via Mobile Device
I'm not allowed to buy another horse hehe, but I know a thoroughbred I can lease. My friend has jumped her 4' and she could easily go higher. I guess I like ponies... my current pony (14.1) is jumping 4'3.
EAP is a program that was created to build the opportunites you are seeking, and you should consider it. This program can get you noticed, as it did the current Maclay and USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East winner.
I agree with what's been said by upnover. It's a lot of hard work, a lot of hard days, and to be frank, a lot of money. I would suggest finding a working student position with a reputable trainer/facility, which may mean relocation. If you're in school, look for a summer intern position and ride as much as possible during fall, winter, and spring. A WS position will teach you the true ropes of the business, while giving you ample riding time and exposure to trainers and clients that come through. You'll also be put on a wide variety of mounts. If you want to be at "the top," wherever that may be, you need to be able to ride any horse you're asked to.
Yardandgroom.com has horse related jobs (including WS positions) if you're interested. Good luck!
At rated shows there is a maclay class you enter. Depending on how many are in the class you get a certain number of points if you ribbon 1-4th. For example, if there are 16 or less people in your class and you win you get 10 pts. Your points accumulate and if you get a certain number you qualify for regionals. I think there are something like 7 regional competitions in the country. From there they take the top 150 from all the regionals across the country and those qualify for finals. Finals is usually around the end of oct and all the people who qualify (and want to) come and compete. Posted via Mobile Device
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!