Is my horse a good hunter?

Question

I purchased him last year and now we are still training over fences. I am wondering if he is stylish enough for the 2'3" + hunters at schooling shows. We did the 18" and he cleaned up on the flat and over fences.

P.S: Yes, I know I seem tall for him, but my stirrups are a hole or two longer because I am still learning to keep my leg still. Also, tips on my position would be great too!

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa283/Jazzy_Horse/Chance/cap0004.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa283/Jazzy_Horse/Chance/Rio6-21-08293.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa283/Jazzy_Horse/Chance/cap0007.jpg

Answer 1

his knees could be higher and he could be more rounded, but that will come, once he goes higher, you will really be able to see what he can do, but in the mean time you should be doing alot of gymnastics with him, so he can learn to lift, his knees more, as far as your position goes, you should try to sink into your heels, there is visible room between you and the saddle. Also don't make such a big more over the jump, small two-point will get the job done! ( I do the same thing, just remember, you can't jump the jump for the horse, and by leaning up on his neck, you're not helping him out at all) He looks like a cute mover, nice heel to toe motion, but it's hard to tell from a picture, you look good, keep going! Also, your hands right now look like what is known as puppy paws, you need to keep your thumbs up, and closed.

Answer 2

Horses are prey animals, they don't hunt. their predator instincts are basically on existent. so no he probably isn;t a very good hunter.

Although paints have natural camouflage so there's a bonus

Answer 3

He seems awesome and your position is very good also try tokeep your toes pointed forward though. And yes  i think he will be a very good hunter

Answer 4

Why not? You say he cleaned up at 18 inches, so if you work at it im sure you can do it!

Talk with your trainer if you have one, its always good that they know what your personal riding goals are.

I would give you tips on your position but the pictures are a little bit blurry to tell.

=]

Good Luck!

Answer 5

He looks like he could be a very good hunter.  He has nice form over fences.  Would be easier to tell with a pic of him on the flat but very nice.  He has a nice long shoulder.  

Very cute

Answer 6

I would say definitely! You both look really good, and no im provements on the position either!! :)

Answer 7

yes long shoulder and he is very cute

Answer 8

his form is great from the pictures. don't be suprised if others beat you on him. its the sad truth that solid horses beat paints in hunters generally.

your form looks good by the pictures to.

Answer 9

Yes, your horse should do very well at schooling shows as long as you ride a good course.  At local shows, riding a good course (i.e. correct track, good distances, even speed, etc.) is just as important, if not more important, as the horse's movement.  If you do your best to show off your horse, I am sure you will clean up 2'3" classes as well.

However, if you move on to tougher competition, your horse's movement will become more important.  Work on getting your horse to stretch out in the flat classes.  (He is in a tight, upright frame in most of your trotting pictures--the last one is better.)  Overall, his form over fences is good.  You could clean it up a little by jumping gymnastics and crossrails which are low in the middle but high on the ends.

I like your position.  Be careful not to get too high out of the saddle when you jump (there is a lot of air in between you and the horse!)  In the flat pictures, your leg looks more sloppy than in the jumping pictures, but I can tell you have solid basics.  Also, keep your back flat.  In some pictures you over arch it and in some you slouch.

Keep up the good work, and don't let anyone tell you you won't win because you have a paint.  Paints stand out, and do fine.  I used to show a very unconventional horse.  Once and a while there would be a biased judge who wouldn't place us even if we did well, but overall the judges were really fair.  Like I said, at local shows, riding well is just as important as the horse's type in hunter classes.