QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED

LEADLINE
Friday, 28-Apr-2000 15:04:41
HI SANDY,
AS ALWAYS WHEN LOOKING FOR THE "RIGHT" ADVICE, I COME TO YOU! WE ARE HEADING TO OUR FIST A RATED SHOW FOR THE LEADLINE CLASS. THE PONY, THE TACK AND DEVON'S OUTFIT ARE ALL PERFECT. I AM PLANNING ON LEADING HER INTO THE RING. WHAT IS THE PROPER ATTIRE FOR THE HANDLER? FROM SHOES TO THE HAT PLEASE...THANKS..LOL..LOL
HORSE SHOW MOM

Re: LEADLINE
Friday, 28-Apr-2000 20:23:52
Thank you for that ‘vote of confidence.’ I hope I can measure up to it, Leah. There are no ‘written rules’ regarding the attire for the handler or leader in a ‘leadline’ class. Dress neatly and conservatively, much the way you’d expect the Judge who is officiating to be clothed. A nice straw hat, a long or mid length skirt and blouse topped off with a blazer and comfortable walking shoes would suit very well, in my opinion. One fact of horseshowing we all agree on is to plan for unexpected weather for both your ‘protégé and yourself; warmer coats, raingear, etc. always have a place of honor in my trunk. Good luck. I hope you and Devon have fun.
Sandy

Re: Re: LEADLINE Saturday, 29-Apr-2000 20:35:41 Sandy, You always live up to the praise which I give to you. It is always nice to know that I have someone that I respect and enjoy to turn to to discuss "horse-y" topics and the "in's and out's" of horse showing with. Thanks for your advice and no matter what I am certain Devon and I will have an awesome afternoon. And I promise to send you pictures of our outfits!! lol Thanks again, you’re wonderful!
Horse Show Mom

Re: Re: Re: LEADLINE
Saturday, 29-Apr-2000 20:41:59
You're too sweet, Leah! I hope all goes well for you and Devon. Sandy

CLINICS???
Saturday, 29-Apr-2000 20:31:39
My nephew Darren has a new 7yr old bay 16.2 hand mare, very sweet and quiet. Started nicely but needs work not dropping her inside hip and shoulder. Advice/ideas??? Also he would love to go to clinics but there seem to be so few Hunter/Jumper/Eq clinics here...Advice? Are you available? Details? And how come so many of these "new instant" trainers slack on teaching proper Equitation and Horsemanship??? It is almost like "Instant coffe, Instant tea, Instant horseperson"......
me

Re CLINICS: Lots of leg yielding, shoulder in and haunches in. Some basic dressage should be helpful teaching your nephew’s mare to balance. I am available to do clinics. ‘Have all the details on my ‘old’ message board. If you e-mail me, I’d be happy to answer any questions and fill in the details for you. You can tell me what dates you have in mind and I can determine if any previous committments stand in the way. Thanks for thinking of me. I always enjoy doing clinics.
Sandy

Re: CLINICS???
Saturday, 29-Apr-2000 23:30:20
Sign me up! Let me know when Sandy's coming, so I can polish my boots!
Imagination Farm

TROTTING
Saturday, 25-Mar-2000 21:03:31
Hi,I am just beginning riding and am really nervous when it comes to trotting, my horse has a really fast and bumpy trot and I was hoping you would be able to tell me how to make her go slower without me getting to nervous. Thank you.
katie

Re: TROTTING
Saturday, 25-Mar-2000 22:03:07
Hi Katie,
You would do well to get some assistance from a trainer, who can do some mounted training on your horse. He, evidently, needs some education and that can not be given to him by a beginner rider, especially one who is fearful. If you can arrange to practice on a quiet, school horse, while your own horse is being re-trained, this would be an excellent way to work on your position while your horse is in training. Once your mount has learned to listen to the rider’s aids, the trainer can help teach you the correct way to apply them, so that you will be successful in your requests for a slower trot. Spend a little time perusing my training links, within this URL. There are several exercises, which are designed to help you learn to sit the trot. When sitting, think of yourself as a part of the horse, sitting into, rather than on top of him. To do this, you will need to develop a deep seat and heel. Riding in a two-point position, stepping down into the heel will help you strengthen your leg and heel. Draw an imaginary line starting at the top of your helmet, then going through your shoulder, hip and heel, concentrating on keeping the line perfectly straight, without stiffness. When riding in two-point, the line will move forward as you move your body into jumping position, but the line will remain straight. Working at the sitting trot, take both reins in your outside hand and take a hold of the pommel (front) of the saddle with your other hand. Use that hand to bring your seat forward and down, while your upper body (above the waist), rises tall and opens, as if you were taking a deep breath and lifting your chest. When you feel comfortable with this exercise, slowly drop the hand that was holding the pommel down to relax at your side. Then, gradually, bring the hand and arm up until it is straight up. While in this position, stretch your hand and arm, as if trying to touch the sky. Doing this will help you experience the position you are trying to achieve at the sitting trot and later, at the canter. Good luck. Please keep us updated on your progress.
Sandy

EQUITATION:
Monday, 10-Apr-2000 20:51:31
205.188.199.195 writes:
Hello! My name is Rachel. I am 13. I show my 5 y.o. TB mare Winter Fashion in Children's Hunters and want to move up to Junior's(3'6"). What is your advice in making the move? I am one of the top Eq. riders in my state and want to continue that at 3'6" Eq.
Thank you!
Rachel

Re EQUITATION:
Hi Rachel,
Your trainer is the person you should consult about plans to move up to the Junior Hunter division. If your horse is capable of making this move, I am confident you will soon be doing so, but not knowing all the details, I’m really not the right person to offer this advice. Best of luck.
Sandy

TOO TALL!!!
Saturday, 25-Mar-2000 21:19:38
Hello, My name is Caitlin and i love horses,but I am 6'2 and 230 pounds, everyone sez I should stick with basketball and leave horse riding (especialy jumping) to those skinny, short people but I don't want to. Do you think there is to much of me to quit my heart's desire? Please help! Thanks for listening.
Caitlin

Re: TOO TALL!!!
Saturday, 25-Mar-2000 21:35:06
Hello Caitlin,
There are many riders as tall and weighing as much or more than you. I see no need to give up the sport for those reasons. You do, however, need a large horse, who can help keep the whole picture in good prospective. Many warm bloods can fill the bill, being of substantial height and width. When shopping for a suitable mount, I’d stay away from the thoroughbred type. Good luck. I hope you continue to enjoy horses and riding and are successful in doing so.
Sandy

SHORT RIDER....BAD CANTER.....
Saturday, 15-Apr-2000 09:09:38
Hi Sandy! I'm a short rider, 5'1" and i'm not growing any more. I have had to work extra hard to learn how to use my short limbs to their fullest. My horse has a long neck and I have shorter arms. At the canter, when I have good contact with his mouth, I find myself more forward than I should be and I can't maintain a good seat. Particularly, this is more so when I have him round. When I ride without reins, I have no problem sitting back and down. I ride dilligently without stirrups 15 minutes everyday on 2 horses and I occur the same problem like this too. Any tips on how I can conquer this?? Thank you so much!
Melissa

Re: SHORT RIDER....BAD CANTER.....
Saturday, 15-Apr-2000 21:48:37
Hi Melissa,
You need to lengthen your reins to make up for the lack of length in your arms. Think of the reins as an extension of your arms. That is, after all, what they are. No one has arms long enough to reach the horse’s mouth. That is why we need reins. Your rein length needs to be longer than a person with long arms, but not so long as to leave slack or less contact with the bit than is needed for good communication. Your reins should not be so short as to necessitate any change in your position. Try it. Good luck.
Sandy

"A" CIRCUIT EQ.
Monday, 03-Apr-2000 10:49:40
Dear Sandy,
In the Big Eq. classes does a rider's build play a role in the final score?? Would a size 2 be preffered over a size 6/8?? I am a size 7 and don't have any fat, just muscle. I was wondering if i should lose weight to pin better in the eq. is the reason why larger sizes pin lower than smaller sizes b/c the skinner people's mistakes are more easily covered up than not so skinny people-- this is what someone told me
thanks for answering!

Re: "A" CIRCUIT EQ.
Monday, 03-Apr-2000 20:57:18
Hon,
I don’t know who has been giving you this dribble, but, please, do not concern yourself with slimming down to smaller than a size 7. Rumors like the one being touted to you are what make young riders ill and anorexic. You are far from heavy. Everyone stives to look their best in competition, however, the ‘best’ is not necessarily the thinnest. Work to make your round the most elegant, controlled and effective one in the class. You needn’t be skinny to win.
Sandy

IN FRONT OF THE VERTICAL
Tuesday, 28-Mar-2000 21:31:49
Sitting a few degrees in front of the vertical does what, and when do we do this. I just had my lesson and I heard my instructor talking about it too another rider, however I won't see her for another few weeks and I was wondering if you could help me. Thank You so much.
Chris

Re: IN FRONT OF THE VERTICAL
Tuesday, 28-Mar-2000 21:55:53
Hello Chris,
To be in balance with your horse, you should be sitting a couple of degrees in front of the vertical at the walk, sitting trot and the canter. While at a sitting gait, a rider who is on the vertical is riding behind the motion and a person who is leaning forward more than a couple of degrees is riding in front of the motion. To view a complete description of what our AHSA Rule Book requires, regarding position in equitation, go to http://www.ahsa.org/rulebook2000/. You will find the Rule Book available for your perusal at this site. Go to the hunt seat equitation section and Article 2208 for position requirements.
Sandy

Re: Re: IN FRONT OF THE VERTICAL
Tuesday, 28-Mar-2000 23:13:16
so do we adpot this position or does it come naturally?

Re: Re: Re: IN FRONT OF THE VERTICAL
Wednesday, 29-Mar-2000 19:38:58
Some might find it very natural, since the position will place you over the center of the horse's balance. It is necessary to learn to adapt to this when it does not come natually.
Sandy

TOO SHORT FOR EQUITATION?
Tuesday, 28-Mar-2000 19:41:07
I have ridden "A" hunters for about 5 years, and I really want to start the big Eq classes, but I am 5'4 and weigh about 105 lbs. I don't think I am going to grow much more than that. I have a nice 16-16.1hh equitation horse to ride, but I am wondering if the Eq judges will even give me a second look because I am so petite? Any opinon would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Kendra

Re: TOO SHORT FOR EQUITATION?
Tuesday, 28-Mar-2000 21:46:45
Hi Kendra,
I see absolutely no reason a judge would penalize an equitation rider for being petite. Many small riders have competed successfully, even winning major finals. Unless your horse is excessively round in his barrel, his size should be a good one for you. Best of luck to you.
Sandy

TOO SHORT FOR EQUITATION ALSO.....
Thursday, 30-Mar-2000 17:28:21
i was reading Kendra's question to you about being 5'4" and 105pds, about not being able to compete with the taller equitation riders. maybe it's true that height and size doesn't matter, but i know that i was winning all my equitation classes until i was 17 and of course i never grew any taller but everyone else that i competed against did. I look at Emiliy Williams, i use to compete against her and we would be 1st and 2nd all the time when we were younger, and she has a tall slim body now which win you look at her you have to say she looks good. and of course it's all politcal and people know who she is, so if she doesn't knock or miss a lead change you know who is going to win. i love equitation and trainers that i know can't figure out why other then that i'm short is the reason why i'm not placing high anymore. i know things are politcal and i'm wondering how we can change that.
Kim

Re: TOO SHORT FOR EQUITATION ALSO .....
Thursday, 30-Mar-2000 21:55:35
Kim,
I can’t speak for every Judge, however, I can speak for myself and the many good friends I know and have had the opportunity to adjudicate with. You put in the best round, with the most classic position when I am judging and you will go home with the blue ribbon.
Simply because you were once competitive with a certain rider and have not been recently, does not indicate that the Judges have now become ‘political.’ Circumstances change. While one rider may take daily lessons and campaign every week at all the A3 shows, gaining tons of mileage, another may not have that opportunity. One rider may attend clinics with every top trainer available, while the other may have time or financial constraints, which prevent her from doing the same. Additionally, I don’t believe your being petite is holding you back. If you look at some of the winners of the equitation finals in past years, there have been many small winners. Clea Newman, riding Charge Account is a good example.
My advice to you is to spend your time working toward realistic goals, rather than looking for excuses, which can only encourage performance that is lacking and discontent in a rider.
Sandy

A FEW QUESTIONS
Tuesday, 28-Mar-2000 15:42:13
Hi Sandy !
I'm 12 years old and I have been showing in the childrens hunters and pre green divisions (also some mini eq classes) for about a year and a half now with my 3 year old hunter, Clever Cruiser. Since he is too young to move up to the 3'6'' and he is holding me back, I sold him. My goals are to beat/make/break the George Morris record (he won the medal/maclay finals when he was 14). Before I had Clever Cruiser (which I bought and TRAINED totally on my own without a trainer) I had my large pony, Farnley Peter Rabbit and did him in the large pony hunters. Now I need a trainer to find me an eq horse (I can not afford a fancy made one, I will most likely have to buy a half finnished one and finnish it myself) so I have been talking to all of the trainers in my area (Wellington, Florida). Each and every one of the trainers I have talked to say that I am way to young when they hear that I'm 12, and they say this before they see me ride or hear what I have done with my greenie. As a result I have gotten very fustrated because I think that I am ready to move up to the 3'6'' eq. (By the way, I chose eq because I can't afford a fancy hunter that will pin at the big shows)
Sandy what are your thoughts on this? I am tall for my age, so I look and ride like most of the eq riders.
Also, in the eq is jumping out of hand (following the horse's mouth in the air) a requirment even if the rider has a beautiful trip?
And what do you think is an appropriate age to start thinking about the young riders ?
THANX Sandy (I know this is kind of long)!
Jenifer

Re: A FEW QUESTIONS
Tuesday, 28-Mar-2000 21:41:53
Hi Jen,
What does your trainer think about your moving up to the 3’6” equitation? I don’t think being 12 makes you automatically, too young to do this. I do believe you must posses a certain amount of maturity and be capable of safely and effectively, executing a course of fences at this height, but you might well be ready for that step at age 12.
Having the ability to release ‘out of hand’ will be an asset in this or any advanced division, however, it is not a pre-requisite for showing in the equitation division. Thinking about doing the young riders or USET can be done at any age under 21. Your trainer is the one who can evaluate your level and readiness to move up into this class. Good luck in accomplishing your goal and winning the medal and maclay at or before age 14. When George Morris accomplished this amazing feat, both of these equitation classes and finals were held over 3 foot fences, which might make breaking his record a bit more challenging when doing so at 3’6.”
Sandy

Re: Re: A FEW QUESTIONS
Wednesday, 29-Mar-2000 20:16:51
THANX SANDY !
Jenifer

PROPER ATTIRE FOR THE MARSHALL STERLING
Monday, 20-Mar-2000 22:56:36
HI Sandy!
What is the proper jumper attire for the Marshall and Sterling League Finals at Washington? Can you wear a gray coat in the jumper classics? With whatever color blouse, or should it be blue with a white blouse and stock?
Thanks! Love your site!
witicha

Re: PROPER ATTIRE FOR THE MARSHALL STERLING
Tuesday, 21-Mar-2000 09:21:29
Thanks Witicha,
You can learn what you need to know at the Marshall and Sterling web site at" http://www.equisearch.com/msterling/ms_toc.html
Or, Inquiries may be addressed to:
Marshall & Sterling League
13 Closs Drive
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
914-876-5433
Sandy

Re: PROPER ATTIRE FOR THE MARSHALL STERLING
Tuesday, 21-Mar-2000 17:06:24
Hi Again,
There are no specifications for attire. The AHSA says that you can wear anything appropriate when it is not offering anything over $25,000. But then, in the Monmouth prizelist it said that only blue,scarlett, hunter or black was permitted in the classics under $25,000 and the M+S. I just want to clarify whether it would be OK to wear a gray jacket in this class, as well as the finals, or whether Blue would be much better or whatever color. Please, someone give me an answer!
witicha

Re: Re: PROPER ATTIRE FOR THE MARSHALL STERLING
Tuesday, 21-Mar-2000 17:35:16
Navy blue ,scarlett, hunter or black should be fine, witicha, but I'd still suggest phoning Hits at the number I provided in my last message, to be sure.
Sandy

MACLAY
Friday, 28-Apr-2000 10:18:18
I would like to find information on the history of the ASPCA Maclay finals. I was looking on web but I could not find anything.
Thank you
L.

Re: MACLAY
Friday, 28-Apr-2000 20:12:04
Thank you for your inquiry, L.
‘Never gave the ASPCA Maclay Final’s origins much thought before. Other than knowing the class was a gift given by Alfred B. Maclay, and therefore named for him, I could shed little light on the class’ history. In the class specifications it reads, “The Aspca Horsemanship trophy Donated by the late Alfred B. Maclay, Esq. Regional and the National Finals sponsored by the National Horse Sports Foundation through a grant from Rolex Watch U.S.A.”
I did an online search, as you did and found some enlightening information about Mr. Maclay at http://www.ahsa.org/history/. There is soon to be a National Horse Show biography page on line at http://www.nhs.org/Page5.htm.
Unfortunately, it is not available at this time. Good luck with your search. Please do update us when you can educate us further regarding the origins of the Alfred B. Maclay ASPCA Horsemanship Class.
Sandy

SHOW INFORMATION
Sunday, 02-Apr-2000 11:11:45
Hi Sandy! For those of us who are new to the world of horse shows, can you give a brief description of what each class entails and what the judge would look for? What is meant by getting the correct lead and being on the right diagnonal? I guess we need a book called Horse Shows for Dummy Parents!
Cecilia

Re: SHOW INFORMATION
Sunday, 02-Apr-2000 13:19:55
Hi Cecilia,
Don’t laugh! Keep notes, I'll bet a "Horse Shows for Dummies" book would be a best seller. :-)Coincidently, in answering the last question on this board, I attempted to shed some light on differences of Dressage and Hunt Seat riding styles. You should get some insight in reading that response. There are so many classes offered at a typical AHSA horse show that I would be authoring an additional book here, were I to describe each of them. I would suggest your perusing the AHSA Rule Book to read descriptions of the various classes within the "Hunter and Hunt Seat Equitation" divisions at www.ahsa.org/ Once at this URL, point to AHSA Rule Book 2000 and click to open the rule book. On the left you will see a choice of various sections within the book. I’d begin with Hunt Seat Equitation, which is judged on the rider (position, effectiveness, etc.). You will see a full description of what the judge is seeking on these pages. You will also benefit from going to the Hunter catagory and perusing through the various divisions which come under that heading. I assume your child is a beginner, so you won’t need to learn everything in one sitting. Concentrate on the basics of each category.
The rider is posting on the correct diagonal (at the trot), when he or she rises up out of the saddle at the same time as the horse’s outside (closest to the rail in most cases)foreleg moves forward. The rider is seated when the inside foreleg moves forward. The canter lead is determined by direction. When the inside legs move forward before the outside legs, the horse is said to be cantering on the correct lead. If the outside legs are moving forward ahead of the inside legs, the horse is considered on the incorrect lead. When a horse appears 'disunited,' cantering on one lead with the front legs and another with the hind legs, it is cross cantering, which is never correct. I hope you and your offspring enjoy riding and showing. There is so much to be gained from the sport in addition to the expertise of riding well. Do let us know when your book is published. :-)
Sandy

FORWARD SEAT
Thursday, 30-Mar-2000 21:06:29
I understand how to do the forward seat, however my problem is the aids when want too speed up my canter and ride in a forward seat, or speed up too a gallop. What I mean is do I ease the rein pressure and give a little leg till he is moving at the speed I want him too then go into the forward seat. I know the question sounds dumb but I don't want too make any mistakes with my horse and riding.

Re: FORWARD SEAT
Thursday, 30-Mar-2000 22:02:12
No question, aimed at improving your riding ability is dumb. It is only foolish to be afraid to ask. Asking your horse to increase his pace while you are still in the saddle is correct. As the horse begins to react to your aids to move on, rise up into the forward or two-point position.
Sandy

RIDING STYLES
Sunday, 02-Apr-2000 10:33:29
What are the definitions of Dressage and Hunt Seat styles of riding?
Thanks Much!
Lisa

Re: RIDING STYLES
Sunday, 02-Apr-2000 12:45:13
Lisa
Our AHSA Rule Book defines Dressage as,
"The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible but also confident, attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.
2. These qualities are revealed by:
a) The freedom and regularity of the paces;
b) The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements;
c) The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating in a lively impulsion;
d) The acceptance of the bridle with submissiveness throughout and without any tenseness or resistance.
3. The horse thus gives the impression of doing of his own accord what is required of him. Confident and attentive he submits generously to the control of his rider remaining absolutely straight in any movement on a straight line and bending accordingly when moving on curved lines.
4. His walk is regular, free and unconstrained. His trot is free, supple, regular, sustained and active. His canter is united, light and cadenced. His quarters are never inactive or sluggish. They respond to the slightest indication of the rider and thereby give life and spirit to all the rest of his body.
5. By virtue of a lively impulsion and the suppleness of his joints, free from the paralyzing effects of resistance the horse obeys willingly and without hesitation and responds to the various aids calmly and with precision, displaying a natural and harmonious balance both physically and mentally.
6. In all his work even at the halt the horse must be on the bit. A horse is said to be on the bit when the neck is more or less raised and arched according to the stage of training and the extension or collection of the pace and he accepts the bridle with a light and soft contact and submissiveness throughout. The head should remain in a steady position as a rule slightly in front of the vertical with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck and no resistance should be offered to the rider.
7. Cadence is the result of the proper harmony that a horse shows when it moves with well marked regularity, impulsion and balance. The rhythm that a horse maintains in all his paces is an integral part of cadence. Cadence must be maintained in all the different exercises and in the variations of each gait".
The informed Hunt Seat Equitation rider uses a great deal of ‘Dressage’ in an effort to soften and supple the Show Hunter or Equitation mount. In Equitation classes only the rider is being judged, whereas in Hunter classes, the focus is on the horse and it’s suitability to exhibit as a quality Hunter. The show ring hunter is judged on its merits as a ‘field hunter.’ Although many show horses have never been out on an actual fox hunt, the show hunter’s value is directly related to the horse’s ability to hunt, for it is this quality that the Show Hunter is being judged. The show hunter should move forward from behind, with a long, ground covering stride, wasting little effort with any short, choppy, uncomfortable steps. Were this horse out hunting to hounds, the long, even, ground covering step would serve him and his rider well. This horse would not fatigue, with his energy spent half way through the day of hunting, because his stride is smooth and effortless. In contrast, the short choppy strided hunter must use more energy traveling in his upright manner, seeming to go ‘nowhere.’ The show hunter, as well as the fox hunter, must jump in athletic form (the dressage horse is not required to jump). For the same reasons that the show hunter should move well while traveling under saddle, the jumping effort should be smooth, with legs and shoulders tucked up well (shoulders parallel to the ground or higher). Over jumping, using more energy to complete the task than is necessary, is penalized by the show hunter judge. For similar reasons that the choppy mover is penalized, the over jumper is wasting energy which would better be spent in his additional jumping efforts on course.
The accomplished Dressage or Hunt Seat Rider is a joy to watch; a treat to the eye of the observer, showing the lovely results of either discipline's countless hours of training.
Sandy

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