helent623 wrote:
I relaize that in a sport as competitive as hunters every little bit matters, but this seems to be getting a little bit ridiculous. Can we get back to who has the most suitable horse for the hunt field, and have a separate class for looks, so that the person with the smallest braids and trendiest helmet wins? As long as you are neat and workmanlike it shouldn't matter. I know nothing will change, but this has become a fashion show with fences on the side.
No. It hasn't. There are rules to follow that perscribe specific attire, but there is a lot of freedom within those rules. The judge doesn't care if you are fashionable, as long as you are within those requirements. For example, you can wear a hunter green coat with rust front zip breeches and a Troxel show helmet, your horse could have huge, thick braids and you will be pinned according to your performance. It happens that braids are a requirement, and you will be knocked down if you don't braid. And that is that.

"If riding were only blue ribbons and bright lights, I would have quit a long time ago"~ George Morris

"Virginia has the nicest horses"~ George Morris

"Riding is first a sport, then an Art. That's why I make a lot of money"~George Morris

"Do as little as possible, but as much as necessary"~George Morris

"Distances are like men... never take the first one you see, there will always be another one"~George Morris

"Function equals form, and form equals function"~you guessed it :)