HP,

I think the fact that you are here and trying to help people makes you better than you think you have been portrayed.

There is nothing wrong with being given things- and it sounds like you've WORKED for a lot of things, too- as long as you remember that not everyone is given these things. And, to me, it sounds like you are on your way to becoming a great horsewoman- way more important than just being a good rider (oh gosh, I didn't mean that you weren't a good rider too- you know what I meant, right?)

But I am asking you, as an OLD PERSON (I'm 40) to please answer questions from people just entering the hunter world with a little sensitivity.

If someone would have told me at the age of Y that I needed X and it would cost me Z I might have given up.
Fortunately I got the chance to make a fool of myself in rubber boots and a burgandy hunt coat, and learned BY CHOICE what I needed to do to make it to the big time. And did it, step by step.

Not everyone has to start at the top. Advice on what is appropriate is great. Brand names can wait.