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Re: Hairstyles In Showing
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KaylaBlueHorse
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Oct 30 08 5:42 AM
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My Recent Posts
My two cents on the hunter world thing (Disclaimer, I did not show A or AA level, but boarded at such a barn which was small and private - I was one of those weird teens who just wanted to school 5x/week and used my horse and my beloved traditionalist instructor as therapists to work through my unusual cocktail of teenage angst)...
The hunter world in the US is a machine that is supported and perpetuated through the concept of elitism. It's a social cosmos all it's own, and for decades the most elite within society participated in one way or another. Yes, there is good riding in HJ because good riding is where it originated from. There are individuals who perpetuate this tradition in good riding (usually of the older generation and occasionally their pupils - I suppose they are part of the 'traditional philosophy' that Terryn highlighted in the roached mane thread). While still a man who has located a fantastic and lucrative venue, I would consider GM to be the typical member of this group.
However, elitism is so central to hunters today. It has provided the competitive edge needed in this extremely competitive sport. We can't ignore the psychological implications of elitism, either. Generally speaking, people do want to be a part of something better, something greater. They want to profess some sort of loyalty to a structure that separates them from the rest. Yes, this appears rather cultish... but the cultish mentality is just as rudimentary in it's form.
As a casual observer... and I can call myself a 'casual observer' because I was never truly effected by the 'elitism'... I identify the greatest casualty of this elitist concept as it's effect on young riders. Young riders clearly make up a huge portion of the HJ discipline. THey are so susceptible to perceived social norms, that they are proverbial sponges on legs. I find it very offensive to run into an adult with an elitists attitude, but they are fully responsible for their choice of action and you can usually count on the world to knock them down a peg or two. When young riders and young adults reflect the ideas of the group that they would like to be part of, especially if they are reflecting the concepts found within the HJ social bubble, they are alienating themselves more than they are achieving acceptance. Who hasn't been familiar with this negative equation in their youth? HP is simply doing this.. in part, she is responsible for her actions, but I believe that she is also a product of a machine. I'd bet my bottom dollar that her home life is less than ideal, and that riding has given her the outlet that she needs. I'll also guarantee that the elitist structure of HJ represents some sort of a home-away-from-home, some stability, and it provides a number of adult figures that she can look up to.
So, in recap... hunterworld isn't a terrible place. It has it's roots in foxhunting, in workmanlike attire, always putting the horse first, and with a move towards elegance in riding. Those aren't bad things. However, elitism is now the pillar upon which it rests. Two generations are part of the elitism machine, which is inherently self perpetuating. HP is of the younger crowd.. she may replace her elders, she may be exposed to some paradigm changing events as she matures. One thing is true though... concepts such as 'elitism' (and inversely... "Equality") will always exist and will provide perversion in some form or another...
just my $.2
/end book
Last Edited By:
KaylaBlueHorse
Oct 30 08 5:45 AM. Edited 1 times.
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