can a draft cross show in english hunter under saddle shows?
December 9th, 2009 | by drafthorse |
Gidsswtgirl asked:
He is 17.3hh draft cross and i am wondering what peoples thoughts are that know horses if it is okay to show a draft horse that big in flat and jumping classes or if it is not suitable becasue of how big he his.
american creme draft horse
He is 17.3hh draft cross and i am wondering what peoples thoughts are that know horses if it is okay to show a draft horse that big in flat and jumping classes or if it is not suitable becasue of how big he his.
american creme draft horse
5 Responses to “can a draft cross show in english hunter under saddle shows?”
By ap1188 on Dec 9, 2009 | Reply
Size isn’t really the deciding factor here, it’s going to be his movement. You see plenty of draft-crossed is the hunter classes at open and schooling shows, but not so many at the rated shows. The reason being is that most draft crosses tend to have higher knee action than what a hunter judge is looking for (we like to see flat kneed horses). In the lower levels, a flashy draft cross might still place in the ribbons, especially if he has enough TB or warmblood in him to keep his action less dramatic.
A good manual to look at for evaluating your hunter prospect is Judging Hunters and Hunter Seat Equitation by Anna J. White-Mullin with in introduction by George Morris. It gives you a comprehensive guide as to what judges are looking for in each discipline. It’s geared more towards the rated shows, but if your horse meets most of these criteria, you’ll know you can definitely compete on the open or schooling level.
By Longears on Dec 10, 2009 | Reply
Hello
I agree it will be his movement, general confirmation, jumping and manners that should be judged not his size or breeding. However as in any type of horse showing, a certain look to a horse will give it an advantage over one that dosn’t have the ‘right look’ no matter how well behaved it is.
Of course there are several different hunter classes, show hunter and working hunter and sometimes more obscure hunter classes. I would suggest entering a working hunter class, as the name suggests the horse should be heavier in build then a show hunter. If you do enter and don’t get placed don’t be afraid to ask the judge what they think of the horse and what, if anything you can do to improve your chances
good luck with it!!
By Horse Freak on Dec 13, 2009 | Reply
as long as he moves and jumps ok, why not?
By joannaduplessis@sbcglobal.net on Dec 14, 2009 | Reply
Yes these type of horses do well under saddle and they make excellent dressage horese. Look at the Halflingers they are draft cross mix and they show in everything .
By blackhorse_81 on Dec 14, 2009 | Reply
It is not that it is unsuitable, it is that normally horses that large dont jump as smoothly as smaller horses and ponies. Most bulk on horses tends to make them move a little more rigedly (Sporthorses, you can fall asleep at some of their canters). But if you think he has the potential to win, I say go for it but beware. It is not always the height that matters, but it can make a difference. Horses that are that tall more step over a 2″ jump, which rather eliminates the purpose of jumping! Good luck at your show, I think you should enter just because the experience will do you good, as well as for your horse.