This is a great topic for a paper! There are many different opinions on the difference between hunters/jumpers, and many misconceptions on both sports. In the simplest terms, hunters focus on form and rideability. The horse must go at an even pace and the pair must present a pleasant picture. Long, ground-covering strides are preferred in the show ring for a hunter horse. The horse is expected to jump each fence in perfect rhythm and form. Jumpers are strictly judged on time and faults. Form is not

Welcome back! It's nice to see familiar faces from the good ol' days.

I agree with what has already been said. When I moved my horse, I had to move her from the place that she was born and raised. She had lived there for 12 years having never been anywhere else except for one summer of show experience. Knowing my horse is a worrier, I was so nervous to move her. I was pleasantly surprised when I moved her to find that she settled in perfectly. She fit in right away with no major fits or problems. My worrying was for nothing. Like others have said, she may take time

I don't think I'd be too worried. Yearlings almost always look terrible. There was an old rule of thumb that I can't remember where I heard... but horses are generally most conformationally correct at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 3 years old. I don't think it's totally accruate and I may even be reciting it wrong because I think it's a bogus rule, but it emphasizes that there is a LOT of changing that occurs between 1-4 years and even later in some horses. He is croup high like

I was there for cross country, too! It was my first year going. I loved it! I'm going to have to make it an annual tradition of mine, if I ever heal from the horrid second-degree sunburn I came home with...

I don't think there is really enough information about the spooking issue to really give any decent advice here. What is he spooking at? Is it a specific spot in the arena? Just under saddle or on the ground also? Have you noticed any other specifics about his surroundings when he spooks? Is he better with other horses in the ring, or worse? I think that a trainer is the best solution for dealing with a spooky horse when you're unfamiliar with how to deal with it. My general formula for dealing

Thanks guys! This is exactly the type of stuff I've been thinking about for the last few years. I did know about the amateur status requirements, but didn't know that events aren't affected. Reputation has been the biggest obstacle holding me back from pursuing my dream. With the job I have now (meaning no time) and lack of a trailer, it has been hard for me to get out to compete. I'm hoping to start changing that this year, though. :) FCP, I actually really like your idea! I didn't

Hey guys, So over the past 4 months, I've seriously considered my options career-wise since I've been miserable at my current job. I'd really like to start to get more involved with horses, as has been my dream since I can remember. Now, for those of you who don't know me, never fear... I am a rational person. I'm not going to quit my job tomorrow to play with ponies all day. But, I am trying to find a new job that will allow me more time to start exploring horse ventures on a

He is absolutely gorgeous. Lucky you!

I would just like to point out that every time I come to this thread to figure out what it's about... I can't. HAHA that is all. Thanks.