Equitation help! (REPOST for even more help, pics inside)?

Question

Hey guys!

I was recently at a horse show and I did really good, I got all frist seconds and thirds.... The thing is I really like it when the judge gives me advice after the show ( which they usually do..) and this time he didn't...

Oh well! This is why I have you guys! I would really love some HARSH advice! I wanna hear what I need to improve and whats good.. I don't personally have any pictures but this website does...

STEPS:

1. Go to http://www.capturedphoto.com

2.click on equestrian

3.click on echo

4.click on 2008 June

5. click on cali girl

6. THATS US!!

Thanks guys!!! and by the way i'm riding hunter jumper... Once again THANX!!

Answer 1

I am a hunter judge myself and I have had many people have the same problem you do.

The only things I can really see wrong is that in the canter, you seem to tilt forward higher on the horses neck.  This is called perching.  it's a problem many hunter riders develope usually after they begin jumping.  When you perch however, it makes your leg slip backwards instead of staying steady on the girth and you appear imbalanced.  You look like a wonderful rider and I'm sure you have great balance but it gives the judge the picture that you have to sit up to be able ride the horse's canter.

As a judge myself, I'd prefer to see you sit straight up in the saddle with a big smile.  Sitting up makes you appear more confident than perching does as well.

Good luck!

Answer 2

This is Deja Vu..we just did this with the same pictures 3 days ago....you had 7 people critique you...have you already digested all that was said then?

Plus, not that I know how this system works..but YOU didn't even vote for the most helpful answer..it went into voting.  The least you could have done was vote for the one YOU felt would help you the most and show your appreciation byu saying thank you.  So what is the point of reposting with the same pictures?  I don't get it.

It seems to me people took alot of time and effort to give you their opinions...questions like this for those of us that take it seriously...take alot of time and thought to put an answer together to help you.  Now it's time for you to help yourself...so put up some different pictures so we can see the improvement and show us that our time was not in vain.

Just my opinion....

Answer 3

if you did fine then you did fine no worries

Answer 4

Looking at the pictures, I would have to say you look pretty good up there. The only thing i can think of improving would be that your horse could use a little more exercise. Not that shes over weight, just that she could use more muscle on her. She is a beautiful horse, and i think you two will do very well. And i love palominos so much, she is so gorgeous.

Answer 5

At the canter (photo 618) your toe is turned way too far out, and your reins are too long. You need more contact with the horses mouth. At the trot you are turning and dropping your hand down towards the shoulder and opening you fingers rather than having your reins short enough and just squeezing with your hand to cue the turn. Photo 93 your reins are even more looped and your toe turned so far out I can almost see your heel from the front. Definitely work on that! Other than those few things everything looks really nice. You have a great line through your shoulders, hip, and heel. Your eyes are up and looking where you are going. Your tack looks great.