I get that my preferences are different than other people's, and 99% of the time I never even see a reason to bring this up, but one of the first things I notice about a rider is their presentation. Is their tack cleaned and well cared for? Are their buckles polished? Are they riding in tack needing to be repaired or replaced? I don't care if it's older or not fashionable tack, but it should be well cared for and safe. Also, how is the rider dressed? Are they in clean, neat, and workman like clothing? Are their boots cared for looking? Of course they can have dirt from the day on them, but do they look like they are crusted over and never cleaned? Matching belt? That sort of stuff. It doesn't have to be fancy, but clean and presentable. Then, there is the horse - is it really groomed, or was a brush just run over it? Are there twigs and shavings in the tail? Is the mane kept up? I groom every chance I get, and I wash down with an ACV solution. I keep hair trimmed, etc.

I think this says a lot about the rider's take on the activity of riding, and horsemanship in general. None of my horse friends are like this though, so obviously I don't go around acting like I have a stick up my ass.. but this thread is about preference, and this is a preference of mine. I think I'm in the minority, but from where I come from everything was immaculate and in good working condition, or you were excused to adjust yourself and your horse accordingly.

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