I tend to disagree with calling the hunter world elitist. You can take a look at ANY discipline and label those who compete successfully as elitism at it's best.

To me, if I want to successfully compete at any given discipline, even at local levels, I would sure enough want to look like I knew what I was doing and would appreciate any advice given. Whether I used that advice would be MY choice. I have competed at hunter shows both locally and at larger venues. I may not have had top of the line anything, but I was competitive and bought the best equipment I could afford and did what I could to look like I belonged at that level. Firstly, good equipment will last a lifetime when properly cared for. Even if you're just a backyard rider, you should buy the best you can afford. Unless of course, you don't plan to take care of it... then, by all means, buy shit. That philosophy carries over into competing. Do the best you can with what you have.. but if you don't care.. then, by all means... do whatever you want, but then don't bitch because the judge didn't like you - and it must be elitist because you don't have the proper attire or your horse wasn't turned out appropriately. And don't you dare poo poo those who do make the effort with proper turn out and try to adhere to the unwritten rules who really want to compete. You don't HAVE.TO.HAVE the $300 bridle and $3000 saddle to be competitive... but at least make sure you're neat and clean and turned out appropriately. And this goes for ANY discipline from A-rated shows to Quarter Horse Congress to the little Saturday night open shows at the local level. Even when I show locally, I make sure my horse and tack is clean and we come to show.

Also, don't assume that some anonymous name on the Internet is trying to make up for a poor home life... saying things like doesn't make you any better than the person at which the comment was directed.