Explanation of What they are looking for in the AQHA Hunters

[AGRHJRider]

Haha, the title says it all.
Ive done the hunters and equitation on the A circuit for ages, but with a new group of clients I am trying to do my best to get them to the top in the AQHA Hunter Circuit.
Ive got my copy of the rule book and have done a lot of judging on my own and then comparing it to classes i see.
What do you think are the major differences between the QH hunters and the over fences classes?
Also does anyone else think the equitation classes are kind of a joke? I am trying my hardest not to generalize but it seems to be a "broke horse" contest.
Also whats with the trend of loping to the first fence, pulling to a chip and then having to gallop out to make stride? Granted I have seem some very very wonderful horses and riders. But does anyone else think the pace should be a little more forward than a lope?
Also for a judge to judge the hunters are there any special certifications they need? I saw a whole lot of "western" typers place over good solid hunters last weekend and was a little discouraged.
Please dont anyone get me wrong, i love the AQHA and appreciate everyone involved, this really isn't a rant, im just trying to understand.
Thanks so much in advance
AGR

[Aubreyyy]

You will most likely get more information on an AQHA HUS board.

I rode APHA for a couple of years, but its a WHOLE other ballgame. Expect to be disappointed, surprised, pissed, and see a BUNCH of contradictions.

4-H judging materials are also pretty informative-
Judging the HUS Horse (http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ag/other/fs9608.pdf)

[Chancensassy]

AGRHJRider - Sounds to me like you aren't looking for information, you are looking for others to share an opinion. I didn't get you wrong, it sounds like a rant, and your love of AQHA just doesn't sound honest. Sad for the clients that have come to you for help in their endeavors, when you are, admittedly, clueless to the criteria of their classes. Shouldn't a Professional, in the industry, know where to find the information that they need without "asking strangers on the forum" to educate you? If you were at Ocala, about 30% of what you saw were Appendix horses out there competing, and doing it handily.

[Mardi]

Good Lord, Chancensassy. Just answer the OP's question, if you have answer.

AGRHJRider: I've seen both Quarter Horse hunters and "regular" hunters. Also have been at barns where they have one or the other.

IMHO, the Quarter Horse hunter goes that way because MOST (not all) QH riders do not want to learn hunt seat riding, and so do not go to "regular" hunter trainers for instruction. Instead, they take english lessons from their western trainer. This is shown by the perched position and insecure seat most QH riders have when they show in hunter classes. They look as if they'd fall off if the horse moved suddenly in any direction.

The QH version of hunters has evolved so that it looks like a western horse going english for a day. NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT...it's what is fashionable right now. The judges, many of whom are not regular hunter judges (at least not USEF licensed, since AQHA is not affiliated with USEF, yet) reward the western-gone-english look, and so that's what you see in the ring or over fences.

When the judges begin to reward a tradtional hunt seat style of riding and hunter way of going, then the QH's will adjust.

[ToTheNines]

The breed shows (AGHA, APHA, ApHC) are oriented toward "all around horses". Many people that do them have one horse, and they want to go in both English and Western classes. I do admire those sweet horses, and with that said, the rest of this post has a critical tone because IMO the breed shows discourage horses and riders that are competive in both open and breed shows.

Added to this is the "headset" problem in the hunter under saddle classes. Even the nicest HUS horses are not trained on the flat in a way that will carry them around a hunter course. Their headsets are low and behind the bit. They are generally not trained to carry a hunter course canter, but rather a more western type lope. They are trained to slow down and frame up to the leg, not go forward. The English equitation classes are pattern classes, all movements between cones that are very close together, which further rewards a "breed show broke" horse.

I have experienced problems going from hunter/jumper shows to breed shows. The breed show judges are mostly cowboy-hats, not educated to know a flowing hunter round, and reward "slower is better" even if that means crawling to the jumps and running down the lines. I suppose if you had a huge strided horse and a very accurate ride you could go slow enough to do well over fences, but it would also have to have its head low.

I betcha that those nice Quarter horses you see at hunter shows are coming from hunter/jumper barns, not breed show barns. I had one breed show judge tell me my horse was a good mover but he was not "broke in the face" (his nose has a hunter poke and his poll is not as low as his wither).

[fordtraktor]

In my experience (granted this was a decade+ ago) AQHA judges typically reward the best mover, rather than the horse that gets all the jumps right. So chipping at an AQHA show is easily overcome if the horse is a nicer horse than the horse that hits the spots but isn't quite the bee's knees otherwise. This is not universally true, but is is pretty common.

I think the Equitation classes are great fun. What I like about them is that equitation is supposed to be about rider effectiveness. If you can't perform the pattern, it doesn't matter how "pretty" you are sitting -- you aren't going to do well. It is better, IMO, than lower-level eq classes where kids are rewarded for perching in the "right" way but can barely steer. To the extent your people are not doing well because the style of riding is different, instruct them on the differences and why they should alter their riding to match expectations. It is easy for me to switch from a hunter-style ride to an AQHA ride, because I know the purpose and effect of both.

I always loved the equitation classes, because if you get a hard pattern it gives an advantage to the well-prepared. Perhaps you should work on getting your clients' horses more broke if they are struggling.

My horses also never had much problem switching from breed to A shows. I taught them cues putting down their heads, and cues for loping. I would practice both ways every day. That way the horse could switch in the space of a few strides between AQHA and A show styles of riding (and were as successful as they deserved to be at both). It beats me why people would even try to show a horse in a hunter frame at a breed show, knowing that it is not what is expected.

[Vandy]

It beats me why people would even try to show a horse in a hunter frame at a breed show, knowing that it is not what is expected.For the same reason I've seen breed show people ride a horse in a breed show frame at a hunter show: because that's how the horse has been trained to perform and that's how the rider has been trained to ride. It's not always easy to "cross over", especially for Amateurs. I judged a (unrated but fairly competitive) local show recently where most of the horses were the same ones who compete on the rated H/J circuit, with the exception being one very nice young breed show type AQHA. Although he was one of the fancier horses in the hunter hack, I didn't pin him because his canter was a crawling lope and he did 8 strides in an 82' line (guess the rider missed the OP's memo because she didn't crawl, chip and run, she just crawled). Rider was furious and complained to the manager, but hey, I pinned it as I saw it. She scratched the rest of her classes and took off. Oh well.

I have a nice young AQHA gelding with a huge yet lopey stride and I've toyed with the idea of campaigning him at the QH shows. If I do, instead of trying to guess what they're looking for, I'll send him with a breed show trainer who knows the game.

[fordtraktor]

Vandy, you might want to send him to one that knows/does both. That way you get access to 2 markets.

I think the breed show person who showed up at the hunter-type local show was equally as unrealistic as those who take their hunter-types to AQHA shows and wonder why they don't pin.

[kellyb]

Also does anyone else think the equitation classes are kind of a joke? I am trying my hardest not to generalize but it seems to be a "broke horse" contest.
Also whats with the trend of loping to the first fence, pulling to a chip and then having to gallop out to make stride? Granted I have seem some very very wonderful horses and riders. But does anyone else think the pace should be a little more forward than a lope?
Also for a judge to judge the hunters are there any special certifications they need? I saw a whole lot of "western" typers place over good solid hunters last weekend and was a little discouraged.


First of all, I think you need to let go of the negative outlook. Showing AQHA hunters vs. USEF hunters is a different ballgame, it is best if you just take it for face value and not spend time lamenting on how much better the USEF horses are. If you don't want to do it, fine, no one is forcing you to. Your post comes off as more condescending rather than curious. Do you want to learn more about this or do you want to just tell us how you think it should be?

There is not a 'trend' of loping to the fence and chipping. I don't know what shows you are watching, but not every trip is like that, nor is it the standard that is aimed for.

Course wise, you want the same thing you would at a regular hunter shows, albeit with a little less pace. You still need to get the strides, find the fences, and have a pretty jump if you want to win. You generally will see the QHs go in a lower frame than at rated shows, but during the 'fence classes' as they are called, there is not as big of an emphasis on it.

For the flat classes, the best bet is just to watch what is winning at the World/breed show level. The horses are very long and low. The canter is slower than what you would find at a rated show, as is the trot, but they do still need to cover ground. The horses go on a loose rein and are expected to hold their frame without being on the bit or relying on the rider very much. The horse needs to appear like it is on auto pilot.

Yes the equitation classes are very much about having a broke horse...what should they be about? To do well in the Eq at rated shows you need to have a good horse underneath you that can get you around a tricky course. Nothing different here. I like watching the pattern classes on the flat, it emphasizes all the hard work that has been put into making that horse do everything so precisely. Even with the best pattern horse though, you still need to be able to ride it flawlessly and appear like you're just sitting there. :)

Generally you will not find as forward of a seat (especially in flat classes) in AQHA. You'll find the riders sit up taller (almost vertical). Attire will be similar, with AQHA being less traditional that USEF hunters (for instance, black shirts are very 'in'). Also almost everyone shows in hunt caps on the flat, not helmets.

If I were you I would consider purchasing a $20 subscription to reelhorse.com...that allows you to view all the videos from QH Congress. There are tons of hunter classes for you to observe - both on the flat, eq, and over fences. Congress is really a cream of the crop show...maybe even more so than the world (IMO) since anyone can show, not just those who have hauled for points all season long.

[shoponee70]

so i did both, and i wasnt very good at the qh but the general idea was
a western pleasure walk, an extended huge trot, a 4 beat lope.
when you change direction you do a turn on the haunches to the inside
horses head needs to be in peanut roller position. ( straight top line, low head carriage) ON THE LOOP Rein conact.

when i did it in ralieigh it was in the indoor the class was huge and the people were brutal to be seen by the judge.. i swear it had 40 horses in it.. and they did nto cut the class.. try to stay off the rail to the inside if its a big class other wise i think they expect them nose to tail around the rail of the ring like a WP class.

pm me if i can answer any questions. =D

[kellyb]

so i did both, and i wasnt very good at the qh but the general idea was
a western pleasure walk, an extended huge trot, a 4 beat lope.


It is NOT a 4 beat lope. Slower does not equal four beats.

Anyway...to help the OP, this is from the rule book. You can view it for free at www.AQHA.com

466B. HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
(a) Hunters under saddle should be suitable to purpose.
Hunters should move with long, low strides reaching forward with
ease and smoothness, be able to lengthen stride and cover ground
with relaxed, free-flowing movement, while exhibiting correct gaits
that are of the proper cadence. The quality of the movement and the
consistency of the gaits is a major consideration. Horses should be
obedient, have a bright expression with alert ears, and should
respond willingly to the rider with light leg and hand contact. Horses
should be responsive and smooth in transition. When asked to
extend the trot or hand gallop, they should move out with the same
flowing motion. The poll should be level with, or slightly above, the
withers to allow proper impulsion behind. The head position should
be slightly in front of, or on, the vertical.
(b) This class will be judged on performance, condition and
conformation. Maximum credit shall be given to the flowing, balanced,
willing horse.
(c) Horses to be:
(1) shown under saddle, not to jump.
(2) shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the
ring. Horses should back easily and stand quietly.
(3) reversed to the inside away from the rail.
(d) Horses may be asked to change to canter from the flatfooted
walk or trot, at the judges discretion.
(e) Faults to be scored according to severity:
(1) Quick, short or vertical strides
(2) Being on the wrong lead
(3) Breaking gait
(4) Excessive speed at any gait
(5) Excessive slowness in any gait, loss of forward
momentum
(6) Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for
(7) Head carried too high
(8) Head carried too low (such that poll is below the
withers)
(9) Overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the
nose is carried behind the vertical
(10) Excessive nosing out
(11) Failure to maintain light contact with horse’s mouth
(12) Stumbling
(13) If a horse appears sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated,
drawn or overly tired
(14) Consistently showing too far off the rail
(f) Faults which will be cause for disqualification, except in
novice amateur or novice youth, which shall be faults scored according
to severity:
(1) Head carried too low (such that poll is below the
withers consistently)
(2) Overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the
218
nose is carried behind the vertical consistently
(g) At the option of the judge, all or just the top 12 horses may
be required to hand gallop, one or both ways of the ring. Never more
than 12 horses to hand gallop at one time. At the hand gallop, the
judge may ask the group to halt and stand quietly on a free rein
(loosened rein).

461. WORKING HUNTER
(a) The same rules apply in junior working hunter as apply in
senior or all-ages working hunter classes, except the minimum height
of obstacles.
211
(b) A hunter course shall be any course that management
deems a fair test of a hunter. Judges are responsible for correctness of
each course after it has been set and shall call the show committee’s
attention to any errors that would tend to result in unfair or inappropriate
courses.
(c) Course or Arena Arrangement:
(1) Minimum of four obstacles. Horses to jump a minimum
of eight fences. One change of direction is mandatory.
(2) Obstacles which may be used:
(A) Fences shall simulate obstacles found in the
hunting field, such as natural looking post and rail, brush, walls,
coops and ascending oxers (not square). Triple bar and hogsback are
prohibited. Striped poles are not recommended; PVC poles used as
rails are not permitted.
(B) The top element of all fences must be securely
placed so that a slight rub will not cause a knockdown;
(C) Distance between fences is recommended to be
in 12-foot (3.5 meters) increments with the exception of some combinations:
one stride in and out, 24-26 feet (7 meters); two strides in
and out, 36 feet (11 meters); three strides, 48 feet (14.5 meters);
(D) Minimum height for junior horses, youth and
amateur classes must be three feet (90 cm), with a maximum of three
feet three inches (1 meter); heights for senior horses must be a minimum
of three feet three inches (1 meter), with a maximum of three
feet six inches (1.07 meters), and all-ages must be a minimum of
three feet (90 cm) with a maximum of three feet six inches (110 cm).
Minimum height for novice and select will be two feet six inches (79
cm) with a maximum of two feet nine inches.
(E) A variation of three inches (75 mm) in fence height,
lower than official heights listed, may be instituted if show management
and the judge feel circumstances warrant, i.e., footing, weather, etc.;
(F) The use of wings on obstacles in hunter classes is
recommended; standards made of PVC material must be anchored
or properly secured.
(G) Jump standards with hole heights at three inch
(75 mm) intervals with jump cups are recommended.
(d) Scoring:
(1) To be judged on manners, way of going and style of
jumping. Horses shall be credited with maintaining an even hunting
pace that covers the course with free-flowing strides. Preference will be
given to horses with correct jumping style that meet fences squarely,
jumping at the center of fence. Judges shall penalize unsafe jumping
and bad form over fence, whether touched or untouched, including
twisting. Incorrect leads around the ends of the course or cross-cantering
shall be penalized, as well as excessive use of crop. In and outs
(one or two strides) shall be taken in the correct number of strides or
be penalized. Any error which endangers the horse and/or its rider,
particularly refusals or knockdowns, shall be heavily penalized.
(2) Scoring shall be on a basis of 0-100, with an approximate
breakdown as follows:
(A) 90-100: an excellent performer and good mover
that jumps the entire course with cadence, balance and style.
(B) 80-89: a good performer that jumps all fences reasonably
well; an excellent performer that commits one or two minor faults.
(C) 70-79: the average, fair mover that makes no seri212
ous faults, but lacks the style, cadence and good balance of the scopier
horses; the good performer that makes a few minor faults.
(D) 60-69: poor movers that make minor mistakes;
fair or average movers that have one or two poor fences but no major
faults or disobediences.
(E) 50-59: a horse that commits one major fault,
such as a hind knockdown, refusal, trot, cross canter or drops a leg.
(F) 30-49: a horse that commits two or more major
faults, including front knockdowns and refusals, or jumps in a manner
that otherwise endangers the horse and/or rider.
(G) 10-29: a horse that avoids elimination but jumps
in such an unsafe and dangerous manner as to preclude a higher score.
(e) Elimination:
(1) A total of three disobediences that can include any of
the following: refusal, stop, run out or extra circle.
(2) Jumping an obstacle before it is reset.
(3) Bolting from the arena.
(4) Off course.
(5) Deliberately addressing an obstacle.
(6) Failure to trot the horse in a small circle on a loose
rein for soundness, after jumping the last fence, while still mounted
and prior to leaving the arena.
(f) General:
(1) Circling once upon entering the ring is permissible.
(2) Horses shall not be requested to rejump the course.
(3) Manners shall be emphasized in youth and amateur
classes.
(4) When an obstacle is composed of several elements, any
disturbance of these elements will be penalized; however, only a reduction
in height of the top element shall be considered a knockdown.
(5) In cases of broken equipment, the rider may either
continue without penalty, or stop and correct the difficulty and be
penalized the same as any loss of forward impulsion.
(6) When an obstacle requires two or more fences (in and
out), faults committed at each obstacle are considered separately. In
case of a refusal or run out at one element, entry must rejump the
previous elements.
(7) Disobediences (major faults)-see rules 460(e)(2)(A-F)
except (A)(2).
(8) The course must be posted at least one hour before
scheduled time of class.
(9) It is mandatory that a schooling area with at least one
practice jump or practice time in the arena be provided.
(10) Schooling over obstacles in the ring or over any part
of an outside course is permitted only at the time designated by show
management.

[chawley]

I think there are some generalizations going on here. While some of the local QH circuits may demonstrate some of the things stated here, the higher level QH hunters are very comparable to those showing USEF rated shows.

I have watched the hunters go at Congress every year for several decades. Of late, many of the top placing horses are also very competitive on the A circuit. I have a good friend that showed at the highest level in both. My sister, who has won classes at Congress, also won many blue ribbons at A and B shows. Additionally, one of this year's winners at Congress trains at Equisports. My point is that it takes a VERY nice horse and a great trip to win top ribbons at the bigger AQHA hunter shows. If you can compete in the higher levels of USEF then you will be competive in AQHA as well.

Hunter U.S. is obviously a whole different ball game, and I will agree that the equitation classes lag behind USEF.

[City Ponies]

Your top O/F horses will be competitive at the local A's so don't go in there expecting to sweep the competition if you have an average QH hunter. Many Working Hunter competitors are starting to cross enter into the Open shows because of the market there is for a horse that can do both well. AQHA people are starting to realize that USEF points bring better money sometimes.

That said, people who ONLY do AQHA will have the type of rounds that are sterotyped here. Mainly b/c they are looking for all-around points, their horses have to do western and english events and therefore aren't great at one or the other but are "good enough". Yes, equatation is a bit of a joke, but I know a few Amatuer riders on the AQHA who will go out and sweep the Ariat Adult medal because their horses are just that adjustable and they can manage 8 fences well with a decent position.

I'm aiming for AQHA Jumpers with my guy. He's not fancy enough to do the hunters and I have no desire to do patterned Eq, but Jumpers are universal. And a fast clean round is all that's important :)

[fordtraktor]

CityPonies, AQHA Jumpers are awesome. My Appendix did very well on the A circuit (we had numerous offers from Olympians for him). I took him to Congress, and he won lots of money, a solid bronze trophy, and a fabulous brand new Crosby saddle. The AQHA prizes are much, much better than anything you get on the A circuit -- and entries are substantially cheaper.

Not to mention the shopping -- the shopping is divine!

Unfortunately jumpers are pretty small nationally and they usually only have good numbers at the major shows. I only showed at Congress and still ended up in the Top Ten year-end awards.

As others have mentioned, very good riders show up at the big shows. Chuck Waters and a couple other names I recognized were showing the year I was there.

[Mardi]

This is a very interesting discussion.

However one thing hasn't been mentioned (unless I missed it) and that is conformation.

Many Quarter Horses are not built for the way of going found at "regular" hunter shows.

The QH's are bred for straight hocks (or "posty hocks" - straight as a post - as one QH trainer worte in an article) and "flat knees". They are also, for the most part, "slab sided", not round, but flat and narrow. This is not a criticism. They are bred this way for the purpose for which they are used. When it comes time to move forward freely and have a ground covering trot and canter, it's hard for many of them because they aren't built for it.

Conversely, there is a young, tall, attractive gray QH where I ride that is in training for Western Pleasure. The work is very hard for him, physically. He's not built for it. I'm wishing for the day when the western trainer turns him over to the h/j trainer at the barn, and let him do what he's comfortable doing (i.e. built for). He'd be sensational in the "regular" hunter ring. And much happier.

[findeight]

Back to OPs question...or rant...whatever.

AQHA at AQHA breed shows is more Winglish-a Western horse in English tack. That's not changed and won't any time soon. Just a different ballgame with different rules to accomodate that breed standard, but still a ballgame.

The best one that did both USEF Open and AQHA was probably Wrapped In Red but, guys, that was at least 10-12 years ago so it's not like it was last year or anything.

AQHA is never going to be exactly the same as the USEF A rated Opens because it's a different horse bred to a standard that is part of how they are judged. And there is nothing wrong with that as long as you educate yourself on the differences.

I was at The Congress when Wrapped In Red won the HUS...and he was booed. Overheard those behind me commenting on him "running off" and being "a bad mover" then they gushed over some pitty pat trantor type. So Be it. Different strokes.

Know what the judges want to see and present them with what they want to see. If you disagree, go to where the judges agree with your own theories, little has changed in any of the breed worlds since I started in '68. No reason to think it will now. Or to blame them because they are different-because they ARE different.

[AppendixQHLover]

The Hunter Under Saddle classes at the AQHA shows can be painful. The horses that win have the heads down low.


IF I can get my horse registered(working on it), I will show him in the Working hunter divisions. We at least would have a prayer. The HUS classes, the judges wouldn't even look at us. He doesn't carry himself in that frame.

[City Ponies]

Another note, I find it such a waste that they breed the movement out of TB mares to get the heavy flat kneed gaits they want for AQHA. My mare's two foals won a good bit in HUS classes. They have that 'blah' kinda movement. She moves like a dream toe-flicking A circuit hunter. Drives me nuts!

[chawley]

Back to OPs question...or rant...whatever.

AQHA at AQHA breed shows is more Winglish-a Western horse in English tack. That's not changed and won't any time soon. Just a different ballgame with different rules to accomodate that breed standard, but still a ballgame.

The best one that did both USEF Open and AQHA was probably Wrapped In Red but, guys, that was at least 10-12 years ago so it's not like it was last year or anything.

AQHA is never going to be exactly the same as the USEF A rated Opens because it's a different horse bred to a standard that is part of how they are judged. And there is nothing wrong with that as long as you educate yourself on the differences.

I was at The Congress when Wrapped In Red won the HUS...and he was booed. Overheard those behind me commenting on him "running off" and being "a bad mover" then they gushed over some pitty pat trantor type. So Be it. Different strokes.

Know what the judges want to see and present them with what they want to see. If you disagree, go to where the judges agree with your own theories, little has changed in any of the breed worlds since I started in '68. No reason to think it will now. Or to blame them because they are different-because they ARE different.

I saw Wrapped in Red too....but I thought we were talking about hunters (OF), not Hunter Under Saddle (HUS)? Rarely do AQHA hunters at the top level do both over fences and HUS.

My sister's horse would have been laughed out of the ring in AQHA HUS, but rarely missed out on high ribbons in the hack at rated USEF shows. Man, he was a gorgeous mover! :) My good friend, who currently shows both circuits with her Appendix, also does well in the hack, but could never do HUS.

If any of you watched the hunter classic at Congress the past few years, you will have seen some very nice horses with great trips. Again, these are the top horses in the country, not locals or breed show QHs.

[Filly85']

I agree with what most of the others have already said.

The horse that won the AQHA World Championship over fences last year just did very well in Ocala in the AA Conformation Hunter Division.

If you want to be competitive or win in the Equitation and AQHA over fences classes at the big shows, you need to treat them just as you would the A circuit. The judges are pinning the USEF QH hunters in the over fences classes at the big AQHA shows.

AQHA hunter u/s classes are a whole other ballgame.

[Filly85']

CityPonies, AQHA Jumpers are awesome. My Appendix did very well on the A circuit (we had numerous offers from Olympians for him). I took him to Congress, and he won lots of money, a solid bronze trophy, and a fabulous brand new Crosby saddle. The AQHA prizes are much, much better than anything you get on the A circuit -- and entries are substantially cheaper.

Not to mention the shopping -- the shopping is divine!

Unfortunately jumpers are pretty small nationally and they usually only have good numbers at the major shows. I only showed at Congress and still ended up in the Top Ten year-end awards.

As others have mentioned, very good riders show up at the big shows. Chuck Waters and a couple other names I recognized were showing the year I was there.

Wow, congrats on your win!

This is off topic a bit, but does anyone remember this?

There was a GP QH jumper that I remember when I was young. He showed against Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Alvaretto the year that Margie and Hidden Creek's Alvaretto won the Budweiser GP. The QH did very well on the GP circuit and I think he only had a 16 year old girl was riding him. I think the horse's name was Whatazan or something similiar. Sounds like a fairy tale...I know...and maybe I did get some of the facts mixed up because it was a long time ago...think late 1990s.

Does anyone remember that horse? The only reason that I remember him is that the commentators kept saying how the little QH could jump the moon! Haha. Anyway, if I didn't get my facts too mixed up, it is an inspirational story.

[RugBug]

Wow, congrats on your win!

This is off topic a bit, but does anyone remember this?

There was a GP QH jumper that I remember when I was young. He showed against Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Alvaretto the year that Margie and Hidden Creek's Alvaretto won the Budweiser GP. The QH did very well on the GP circuit and I think he only had a 16 year old girl was riding him. I think the horse's name was Whatazan or something similiar. Sounds like a fairy tale...I know...and maybe I did get some of the facts mixed up because it was a long time ago...think late 1990s.

Does anyone remember that horse? The only reason that I remember him is that the commentators kept saying how the little QH could jump the moon! Haha. Anyway, if I didn't get my facts too mixed up, it is an inspirational story.

CeCe Younger was fairly successful on Young Fleet during the 80s. Don't know if that's who you're referring to, though. (doubtful after some research as Alvaretto was showing in the late 90s, early 2000s)

[Filly85']

CeCe Younger was fairly successful on Young Fleet during the 80s. Don't know if that's who you're referring to, though. (doubtful after some research as Alvaretto was showing in the late 90s, early 2000s)


I found him...maybe my memory isn't so bad after all:lol:

Anyway, I can't find any pics of him or any other information other than a few results from GPs. He was 5th in this one. His rider was Kylee Jo Johnson.

http://www.ryegate.com/gp/res_02/3138781.HTM

[fordtraktor]

Kylee Jo Johnson rode Whatazan back in the late '90s. I don't know if she won the Budweiser GP, but she did get ribbons in a number of grand prixs.

[fordtraktor]

We posted at the same time, Filly85. And thanks for the congrats -- the win itself wasn't so amazing, as we were the only ones to go double clean, but the prizes sure were great. I highly recommend Congress to any jumper riders with quarter horses.

[AGRHJRider]

Thank you all who have replied both positive and negative. Ive really enjoyed both varying degrees of responses and both have their places.
I dont feel as if i've generalized, in fact ive been very honest as to exactly what I have seen, there is no need to embellish or justify my point of view. I think that an influx of genuine hunter trainers who do just that, "only hunters" would do wonders for the QH over fences classes. I witnessed only a handful of clean hunter rounds last weekend.
That would be a round which had good spots, got the strides down the line, got all their leads, had a pleasant expression etc. The thing that got me was that the fences were all plain standards with white poles *no boxes, coops or flowers. Hardly a challenge right?
As to the accusation that I am clueless, im very educated in history and theory of modern riding. If i were in fact truly clueless and ignorant I would not have asked for help. Humility is a trait that allows me to learn and grow even in my adulthood. Perhaps you should re-read the original post where I stated that I have read the rule book. Although the AQHA show circuit is a relatively new venue for me I am open to learning what the "ideal" is and then producing that. If i didn't have such wonderful clients with outstanding horses I wouldn't bother.
As a young trainer taking students to Congress was amazing. I saw some very nice Hunters that could have possibly even won the hack at WEF. It was eye opening.
I do agree with some of the posters comments saying that a lot of the classes especially the under saddle classes were like watching western horses wear english tack for the day. That's fine. If thats truly the ideal then it can be done.
Regardless I would like any horse i ride or train to learn to be stabilized and carry himself with some form of impulsion over fences, on the flat, inside the ring or out whether it is on contact or a loose rein. That in my opinion is a good broke horse.
City Ponies best of luck with your QH jumper! I have a wonderful QH Jumper in my barn right now that is schooled to 5ft. We will be at World for the Select Classes! He is tidy and can turn on the dime.
Ideally I am encouraging my students to have horses that are adjustable enough to go from a USEF rated show to an AQHA show with minor adjustments.
If I came off as condescending to anyone I apologize, it was not my intention.
Thanks so much!

[Plumcreek]

OP, it may help you when doing an AQHA hunter class to think "pleasure over fences". It is the whole flowing controlled trip, not the quality of jump so much, when showing to the average AQHA judge..

Another thing to remember is that hardly any regular shows can afford the Specialized Over Fences judges for the fence classes. They need to rotate judges between the trail, hunter, reining, and rail classes over the weekend. The major (Congress and World) shows have a couple of USEF/AQHA judges for every fence class, so the judging (and competitors) there will be different than at the local circuits. Some of the regular AQHA judges are quite knowlegeable in the fence classes, some do not have a clue. The best quarter horses that cross over into the A Circuits usually only do the QH winter and largest circuits to get their World show qualifying points, so you may not be seeing the best ones at your area shows (you did not say where you show).

Do get the reelhorse.com subscription to watch the Congress classes. That will give you a more accurate group of top AQHA horses showing to good judges.

The upside of crossing over in AQHA shows is that you will get to see different training philosophies. The "brokeness" that QH people like to point out is generally a good thing, DONE RIGHT, and a large part of why the good quarter horse hunters often clean up at the A Circuits. As with any horse show, try to concentrate on the best horses and riders doing things correctly, and ignore the ones that are painful to watch. There are always a few really nice ones.

[CaliforniaSyndrome]

And they say religion is the opiate of masses....

[BelladonnaLily]

My daughter wants to try an AQHA show this summer with her mare. We've starting looking at shows coming up at Lexington...maybe to go watch the spring break-out show...but it appears they don't even HAVE over fences classes there! There is absolutely no point in trying an hus class...my mare doesn't go like a QH.

Do they have so few riders and horses that can get around a course that they don't even OFFER over fences classes? What then is the point of the HUS classes, if they can't jump at all?

[fordtraktor]

Belladonna Lilly, the spring break out show used to have over fences classes ten years ago, but they were poorly participated in (usually not even a full point class). I would not be surprised if they were dropped. Even then they were white rail jumps.

It is rarely worth going to the local-type shows if you cannot at least fake it through the US and Eq patterns, as the competition is so small over fences you may just end up showing against yourself. It is not that they can't get around courses, it is that most AQHA riders don't want to and the horses aren't trained to. They could care less about jumping. That is not a good or bad thing, it just is the way they look at it.

Good luck to your daughter with her AQHA horse.

OP, if your riders go to the shows and ride the over fences classes just like they would at an A show, they will likely do as good as they deserve if they judge is halfway decent. In the HUS/Eq, you will have to train the horses to go differently. Like I said, it can be done on command so the horses can still flat at both types of competitions.

One thing about impulsion -- it may look like the horses don't have what a USET rider would consider impulsion, but keep in mind that often the difference between a good AQHA HUS and a bad one is whether the horse is "tracking up under itself" and "using its rear end." They take off major points for being "strung out" or having the horse's hind legs trailing out at the trot and canter. That's just a less fancy way of saying impulsion. They still want it, but they also want the horse to maintain it while remaining long and low and in self-carriage. Does that make sense? There is more to training a HUS horse than getting your horse to carry its head low and going slowly.

[findeight]

AQHA is not, as a whole, centered on producing horses for the Hunter ring. They do Western, cattle classes and what you'd call Winglish-English for horses built for Western skills.

Although they are taller and stretchier these days then back when, they still breed for a low tie in on the neck/shoulder to produce a low and level way of going. NOT long strided though though like a nice Open Hunter needs to be to get the lines. More of a pitty pat, light across the ground, sloooooow and smooth way of going. The HUS horses don't even jump.

That does not get you the conformation for a nice bascule or the kind of hip and shoulder angles for a classic jump or the movement we like to see in the hack.
That's it in a nutshell.

It is really not a place for those a nickle short of Open AA quality to go play. You still need top quality to do well, just judged by a different standard.

Will say some of those horsemanship patterns in either seat ought to tell you they can ride though, and those horses are very well trained for what is expected of them. It's just different.

[Long Shadow Farm]

Here in Oklahoma we are seeing more and more trips over fences that win in the USEF shows as well as AQHA shows. Actually we are even having AQHA over fences classes at our USEF shows. I think it is great as I get to show my jumper and finally getting some points on him. Here he is in an eq over fences with a junior rider from our barn http://www.photographmemory.com/gallery/7567312_bxjvW#489151430_zXYoB.

He is for sure not your typical QH build. 16.2hh with a very up hill build (matter of fact, the saddle rep is having to custom build me a new saddle with a 5 cm build up in the seat panels because he is so up hill built.)

Now the HUS classes are much different........but I apprecaite those horses that show on the flat in the AQHA shows for how broke they are.

Bobbi

[Coreene]

Movin Artfully. Big AQHA wins, then off to a jr with more big AQHA wins plus the owner's entree into the regular circuit (simultaneously), where she won lots with him in the CH and I think the Sm Jrs. Owner won two WCs at the Jr Worlds last year on a lovely gray mare, and a few days later took the national junior championship/west coast at The Oaks (obviously on a different horse).

[Parrotnutz]

AQHA is not, as a whole, centered on producing horses for the Hunter ring. They do Western, cattle classes and what you'd call Winglish-English for horses built for Western skills.

Although they are taller and stretchier these days then back when, they still breed for a low tie in on the neck/shoulder to produce a low and level way of going. NOT long strided though though like a nice Open Hunter needs to be to get the lines. More of a pitty pat, light across the ground, sloooooow and smooth way of going. The HUS horses don't even jump.

That does not get you the conformation for a nice bascule or the kind of hip and shoulder angles for a classic jump or the movement we like to see in the hack.
That's it in a nutshell.

It is really not a place for those a nickle short of Open AA quality to go play. You still need top quality to do well, just judged by a different standard.

Will say some of those horsemanship patterns in either seat ought to tell you they can ride though, and those horses are very well trained for what is expected of them. It's just different.


I have to disagree in part with the "taller and stretchier but not long stridded enough" statement.

I have owned only appendix QH's for the past 20+ years and all have been not only long strided but have won nicely in USEF shows...I don't do the QH circuit. My old hunter ,<now passed away> used to win out of 50 over fences at "A" shows.

I presently own a 17 hand mare who has to literally be "stuffed" to get the striding at over fence classes as her stride is huge and my 3 yr old is already 17 hands and built very uphill. may not be able to tell from my pix because he is still growing and is a little butt high right now. He also has a huge stride.

When looking for a QH hunter I look at breeding...there are many now who breed for the more modern type hunter. Some of you are missing out at some awesome hunter because you are thinking "the old type QH".

Neither of mine, of course, are taken for QH's. When my mare shows I always am asked..is she a WB/TB cross and I have to admit I Loff telling people she is a QH and watch jaws drop:)

[findeight]

MOST of your successful, typical AQHA circuit show winners are bred and trained to produce sloooow. And not talking about "old timey" QHs...they have really not been sought for type wise for 50 years.

There are exceptions, as noted. But it is typically a different type horse the judges are looking for at the breed show, any breed show. More important they look like the breed type then move like an Open show Hunter-and those that do tend to do better Open.

At the major, national kind of QH show where they hire actual judges specializing in the Hunters, you do get more of a crossover. Not your generic QH show where the same guy judges everything from Halter to Roping.

[Plumcreek]

My daughter wants to try an AQHA show this summer with her mare. We've starting looking at shows coming up at Lexington...maybe to go watch the spring break-out show...but it appears they don't even HAVE over fences classes there! There is absolutely no point in trying an hus class...my mare doesn't go like a QH.

Do they have so few riders and horses that can get around a course that they don't even OFFER over fences classes? What then is the point of the HUS classes, if they can't jump at all?

Sparky would know more, but apparently the Lexington spring shows angered the good QH over-fences people so much that they went elsewhere, so the classes withered and were were discontinued. That show used to be one of the very largest for fence classes.

[Sparky]

Sparky would know more, but apparently the Lexington spring shows angered the good QH over-fences people so much that they went elsewhere, so the classes withered and were were discontinued. That show used to be one of the very largest for fence classes.


It's true--the management of the ECCS were unwilling to work with the h/j riders on the ring that they showed in. We went for several years and always showed outside in rain, wind, cold and bad footing. I don't ever remember a warm sunny day there! They had a lovely indoor that was used for western warm up while we showed in the slop. Everyone just finally had enough.

I don't know how far Lexington KY is from you (3 or 4 hour drive?) but there are some shows just outside there at Lakeside Arena that will have some big numbers in the o/f classes. Their website www.lakesidearena.com has the schedule. Good luck!

[camohn]

Good Lord, Chancensassy. Just answer the OP's question, if you have answer.

AGRHJRider: I've seen both Quarter Horse hunters and "regular" hunters. Also have been at barns where they have one or the other.

IMHO, the Quarter Horse hunter goes that way because MOST (not all) QH riders do not want to learn hunt seat riding, and so do not go to "regular" hunter trainers for instruction. Instead, they take english lessons from their western trainer. This is shown by the perched position and insecure seat most QH riders have when they show in hunter classes. They look as if they'd fall off if the horse moved suddenly in any direction.

The QH version of hunters has evolved so that it looks like a western horse going english for a day. NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT...it's what is fashionable right now. The judges, many of whom are not regular hunter judges (at least not USEF licensed, since AQHA is not affiliated with USEF, yet) reward the western-gone-english look, and so that's what you see in the ring or over fences.

When the judges begin to reward a tradtional hunt seat style of riding and hunter way of going, then the QH's will adjust.
This is the same thing I have seen in the APHA classes (and many of the same stock judges do the APHA and AQHA classes).
As to over fences: a "more forward" way of going is less acceptable in an APHA (thus I assume AQHA) class than in open hunters. The APHA hunters I saw winning a couple years ago kinda looked like they were in slo mo. A few years back there was a lot of breeding of TBs into the APHA hunters and not so much more recently.....my 2 cents is that a TB that is more forward moving ended up not so much what the APHA folks were going for.
FWIW there have been a few APHA hunters that also did well open but on the whole they are a different critter....the folks I know that tried to show both either did well in APHA but not open shows or the ones winning at open shows had horses that did not do well at the APHA shows. I too also think that an APHA hunter is a Western Pleasure horse dressed in an English saddle on many occasions. The last APHA show I went to there was just one forward moving correct hunter in the lot. And she came in last. Inquiring minds DID have to ask the judge why after the class. I was told it was because she picked up the wrong lead at the canter and had to switch it. So yes....I can see that being a not blue ribbon ride......but given that it was the only correctly moving horse in the whole class I think that last was a bit harsh.

[Plumcreek]

Anyone seriously thinking of showing in the QH fence classes with an eye to qualifying for one of the World Shows needs to tie into the information grapevine of the other exhibitors. More and more, everyone is comparing notes of which shows have good conditions and good numbers, and that is where they all go, even if it is a haul. So those 'exhibitor approved' circuits will have good numbers (20+) and have USEF cross-over quality horses, while other shows will be small.

Most trainers of all around riders and horses put the kabosh on fence classes as it opens up the striding too much to then be competative in the tight pattern classes like western horsemanship and flat hunt seat eq. That is why even the hunter hack classes are not entered by most all arounders even though those horses could easily do that class. Top riders who do both have a horse for each.

[camohn]

AQHA at AQHA breed shows is more Winglish-a Western horse in English tack.
I went back to read the earlier posts....I loff that term!

[findeight]

Remember points are based on the number in the class...small classes, small point totals-or no points at all if somebody does not complete the course.

So it gets to be a vicious circle where bad conditions mean fewer entries that mean fewer points that mean folks will go where there are more points for about the same money.

There is absolutly no reason why a QH with proper build cannot switch to Open shows. But I can certainly understand a person with one single horse that shows mainly AQHA in several diffent classes like Showmanship, Horsemanship, HUS maybe Trail and/or Western Riding (which is pretty typical) would not want to actually open up that stride to gallop a course. There are very, very few that can switch between pitty patting around and a good gallop at the same show on the same day.

Probably a better bet to take these QHs that go mostly in the Open style to Open shows.

[fordtraktor]

Maybe I'm just out of the loop, but it is my impression that there are very few horses that cross-enter between HUS and the western divisions these days. WP horses tend to be around 15 h, while to look normal in the HUS pen you need to have a horse that is at least 16.3 these days. Maybe it happens more than I see, but I haven't seen a horse appear in both the HUS and WP World Championship top ten in at least ten years if not more. Could be wrong though, I don't watch AQHA that closely any more.

Usually you see the Superhorse either in the cow divisions or something like HUS, Pleasure Driving, Hunter hack and Green Working Hunter.

[Mel0309]

This is a good example of one that does the USEF and the AQHA shows. I had the pleasure of watching him go at a USEF show and he went around just like this and won most of his classes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4mMvhyAx-I

[findeight]

Maybe I'm just out of the loop, but it is my impression that there are very few horses that cross-enter between HUS and the western divisions these days.

Usually you see the Superhorse either in the cow divisions or something like HUS, Pleasure Driving, Hunter hack and Green Working Hunter.


My impression as well and it's been that way since I was showing them back 25-30 years or so ago.

You have your WP type that does the WP and maybe, Halter and Showmanship, especially if it's a Youth horse. Then you have the using types that went for the more performance oriented stuff like Horsemanship, Trail, Western Riding and maybe Hunter Hack. Back when, you'd do the HUS as well with these but not so much today, getting as specialized as the WP.

And IIRC, the Superhorses stick to their own performance oriented category branching only into similar skill sets even if it's pulling a cart instead of carrying the rider. I dunno, can anybody remember one of these earning any of their Superhorse points at the World's in WP?

[fordtraktor]

Good example, Mel. He is lovely and I would think would do well about anywhere.

[TB4me]

Maybe I'm just out of the loop, but it is my impression that there are very few horses that cross-enter between HUS and the western divisions these days. WP horses tend to be around 15 h, while to look normal in the HUS pen you need to have a horse that is at least 16.3 these days. Maybe it happens more than I see, but I haven't seen a horse appear in both the HUS and WP World Championship top ten in at least ten years if not more. Could be wrong though, I don't watch AQHA that closely any more.

That was what I was going to comment...you rarely see a horse that can win the HUS and the WP on a national level. You see quite a few crossovers in the equitation on the flat class (lots of WP horses with English saddles on in there!) that also show Showmanship, Horsemanship, Trail, Western Riding, etc. I can't think of any horses that have won rail classes in both English and Western at national shows in recent years off the top of my head-if I am wrong, feel free to correct me! Like fordtraktor pointed out, a 16.2+ HUS horse is going to look pretty out of place in a WP class with 15hh pleasure horses. ;)

[TB4me]

findeight-you beat me to it! :)

[dags]

This is a good example of one that does the USEF and the AQHA shows. I had the pleasure of watching him go at a USEF show and he went around just like this and won most of his classes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4mMvhyAx-I

LOVE this guy! Still doesn't have the huge step most USEF Working Hunter courses are set to, but he clearly has more reach than what is being allowed here.

How do they set the lines in AQHA? Seems a couple of those jumps in would have required a pretty good gallop to get out, but he made it pretty well with just a little more flow and a larger gap out. What's the stride length standard in a class such as that one?

[fordtraktor]

Lines are 12 ft. increments, sometimes slightly longer at the big shows (like USEF). That video is at Congress, so they will be at least on the 12 ft. stride.

[seeuatx]

AQHA jumpers is something I would not mind doing...jumpers are jumpers after all. That is if I had a QH. Who knows what I'll have for my next horse (I'm not that picky... just cheap ;) ).

ETA: This one can come live with me anytime. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hc8ed0EAU4 . I take it from his fan club at the end that he is big time in the AQHA?

[Coreene]

So, again, Movin Artfully. 2003 AQHA Superhorse, four WCs (junior WC hunter in 2004, WC hunter hack in 2003, WC junior driving in 2006 and WC senior driving in 2006). Started doing the CH in 2006 and has done the CH/AA since.

While I agree that yes, most QHs can't show in both circuits successfully, it was nice that this example of one that has certainly been there/done that was at our place. Lovely horse.

[Long Shadow Farm]

Dr. Hollywood DVM was one of the horses that I bet this weekend in the Open Jumpers with my QH gelding. I am super stoked about getting him qualified for the World in the Ammys and Open. Only lack 1/2 point in the Ammys.

And I am looking forward to going to Congress this year! It will be a first for me.


Bobbi

[Sparky]

Coreene, isn't the gray mare at your place too? Her USEF name is "Conundrum"("Sassy"in the barn). She does quite well in the Sm Jrs., and crosses over to the AQHA effortlessly.

[Plumcreek]

So, again, Movin Artfully. 2003 AQHA Superhorse, four WCs (junior WChunter in 2004, WChunter hack in 2003, WC junior driving in 2006 and WC senior driving in 2006). Started doing the CH in 2006 and has done the CH/AA since.

While I agree that yes, most QHs can't show in both circuits successfully, it was nice that this example of one that has certainly been there/done that was at our place. Lovely horse.

Movin Artfully is an all-time fabulous horse.

The AQHA Reserve Super Horse stallion Regal Lark also crossed over successfully with Shane George riding in the major AA Circuits (like Indio) in the first and second year hunters. He did the flat hack in about the same frame, just was worked down more before the HUS to be a bit flatter in the AQHA, but same beautiful movement on the rail.

We probably could come up with a list of 15 or so champion level successful USEF/AQHA cross over horses.

[Coreene]

Coreene, isn't the gray mare at your place too? Her USEF name is "Conundrum"("Sassy"in the barn). She does quite well in the Sm Jrs., and crosses over to the AQHA effortlessly.Yes, she's gorgeous.

Lemme tell ya, when I started looking for a new horse to go into Willem's stall, I did a search on WBs first and Appendix second. And, laughing hysterically now, wound up with a combo of the two (he's by one of the big Hols jumpers at The Oaks, out of an APHA mare who had a 7/8 TB Appendix mom and a tiny Paint cutter papa). That's how you get a dressage horse who likes to jump that has cow. ;)

[Sparky]

Coreene, small world. We used to go to the early Oaks auctions and bought 8 of them eventually over a couple of years. My favorite was by Cheer, the coolest one was by South Pacific. That was a horse that we used to call Bread and Butter, who now shows in California as My Cap. Some of them I hated--they were pushy brutes, but they were all athletes! A QH/Holsteiner cross is a great idea!

[LetsRide]

I agree with what most of the others have already said.

The horse that won the AQHA World Championship over fences last year just did very well in Ocala in the AA Conformation Hunter Division.

If you want to be competitive or win in the Equitation and AQHA over fences classes at the big shows, you need to treat them just as you would the A circuit. The judges are pinning the USEF QH hunters in the over fences classes at the big AQHA shows.

AQHA hunter u/s classes are a whole other ballgame.

GI Jazz? :confused:

[LetsRide]

So, again, Movin Artfully. 2003 AQHA Superhorse, four WCs (junior WC hunter in 2004, WC hunter hack in 2003, WC junior driving in 2006 and WC senior driving in 2006). Started doing the CH in 2006 and has done the CH/AA since.

While I agree that yes, most QHs can't show in both circuits successfully, it was nice that this example of one that has certainly been there/done that was at our place. Lovely horse.

I have seen videos of him and he is a really NICE 3' hunter! :)

[Coreene]

Yeah, probably misspoke when I said he'd done the juniors as well in an earlier post, can't remember now if he did that. The AQHA thing I'd would LOVE to learn is Working Cow Horse - looks like a blast!

[Chancensassy]

How about "Billy Elliott" ridden by David Connors, won the Adequan Derby, last fall, showed and was a star, at Ocala. He rode "Dark Skys" last year and was very successful, he and Bill Ellis have ridden many QH's from AQHA World to "A" Circuit shows, Linda Caruthers has been riding a "Skys Blue Boy" gelding, at Ocala, and doing very well.

[Filly85']

GI Jazz? :confused:

GI Jazz aka Wichita.

[AGRHJRider]

Linda and her horse won the Hunter Classic at Congress with some very nice rounds. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that combo doing well anywhere they go. Immaculate turnout and effortless courses :D

[Filly85']

I had to share this....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skWmHsRmogU&feature=channel_page

I was absolutely floored that this was the same horse...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkMGeD1PczA&feature=channel_page

It just goes to show you what a good trainer and the right horse can do....what a lovely animal!:yes:

[Sparky]

Linda and her horse won the Hunter Classic at Congress with some very nice rounds. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that combo doing well anywhere they go. Immaculate turnout and effortless courses :D

David Connors won the Classic at Congress with "On Record". Linda was second.

[jvanrens]

Sparky, from what I recall of the Congress results, you didn't do so badly yourself in that class. :winkgrin:

[Sparky]

LOL You're very kind, but that would be my daughter!

[jvanrens]

Oops! That's right. [blush] I can't seem to keep anybody straight anymore! :lol: I saw your daughter's name in the Ocala results a few times. :cool: Congratulations.

[Sparky]

Thanks again! We hadn't been to Ocala for a few years and it's so nice to sit and watch nice horse after nice horse. I fell in love with Lonestar--watched him on cold, windy, rainy days, and on hot, sunny days, and he was the same under all conditions--just like a metronome!

[jvanrens]

Thanks again! We hadn't been to Ocala for a few years and it's so nice to sit and watch nice horse after nice horse. I fell in love with Lonestar--watched him on cold, windy, rainy days, and on hot, sunny days, and he was the same under all conditions--just like a metronome!

Lucky you! I likely would have fallen in love with more than one! :lol::lol::lol: All the weather in Florida would have felt warm to me though, we've had a cold winter here. ;) Did you manage to fit in any QH shows while you were there (if you don't mind me asking)?

Maybe you could tell me/us, the horses that David and Bill were riding for Carol Stillwell, were they all QHs? There are a couple I couldn't tell from their names?

[Sparky]

We managed to do the Tampa and Venice QH shows and got everyone qualified for World, thank goodness. Bill and David showed Billy Elliott in Ocala, and Carol did very well on him too. They also had one in the pre-green, but I think that Nadia, Soft Spoken, Randevouz, Lotte, and the rest are all warmbloods. Their owners skipped the HITS shows this year, but On Record and Broker Of Record had a great QH circuit. We stabled with them and had the best time, plus their level of professionalism is amazing. Not to mention the great Tuesday night "Idol" party at their house every week!

[AGRHJRider]

You're right Sparky... i think i just zoned out on Linda's horse becuase he was my favorite!

[Equino]

This is a good example of one that does the USEF and the AQHA shows. I had the pleasure of watching him go at a USEF show and he went around just like this and won most of his classes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4mMvhyAx-I

Very nice! Who is the rider? Really like her riding.

[HandItOver114]

We managed to do the Tampa and Venice QH shows and got everyone qualified for World, thank goodness. Bill and David showed Billy Elliott in Ocala, and Carol did very well on him too. They also had one in the pre-green, but I think that Nadia, Soft Spoken, Randevouz, Lotte, and the rest are all warmbloods. Their owners skipped the HITS shows this year, but On Record and Broker Of Record had a great QH circuit. We stabled with them and had the best time, plus their level of professionalism is amazing. Not to mention the great Tuesday night "Idol" party at their house every week!

Nadia is a Oldenburg Mare by Dark Dream. I sold her to Carol last summer.

[Sparky]

Nadia is a Oldenburg Mare by Dark Dream. I sold her to Carol last summer.

I took some terrific pictures of her in Ocala if you're interested in seeing them!

[HandItOver114]

I took some terrific pictures of her in Ocala if you're interested in seeing them!

I would love to see some photo's of her!!!

[Sparky]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30236660&l=1d7845fdef&id=1491799817

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30236674&l=f95a1d95c9&id=1491799817

Here are two--the rest are on my laptop in Florida, and I'll be going down there in a week. I love Nadia, and Dave had fun with her at indoors!

[Plumcreek]

I just have to comment on The Krumsun Kruzer, the stallion that just won the Superhorse Award:
At 15.2 hands, he won the junior (horse - 5 and under) working hunter, and was also qualified and shown in trail, western riding, hunter under saddle, pleasure driving, performance halter stallions, and hunter hack. I have never seen a happier horse go around a course of 3' hunter fences. He looked like the nicest horse every moment I was able to watch him.

Working Hunter:
http://www.aqha.com/showing/shows/worldshow/09winningrun/jrworkhunter.html

Superhorse award:
http://www.aqha.com/showing/shows/worldshow/09winningrun/superhorse.html

[Winston the Corgi]

I'm not an AQHA person, but I stumbled across this on YouTube from the recent Worlds - TOO CUTE! Reminds me of a pony (I mean this in a good way). I'd take him/her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yibHK0SPKjo

Does anyone know how this grey did in the ribbons? High, I hope (of course there is the rub, but otherwise a pretty cute round, at least in my perspective).

[Sparky]

That's KneeDeep In Assets aka "Goose" He and his rider were Reserve World Champions this year in Eq over fences and 8th in Working Hunter. They are always right up there in the results and have been for years. One of my favorite pairs!

[Sparky]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30226848&l=b33176ac13&id=1491799817

One more of Nadia for Handitover

[Plumcreek]

That's KneeDeep In Assets aka "Goose" He and his rider were Reserve World Champions this year in Eq over fences and 8th in Working Hunter. They are always right up there in the results and have been for years. One of my favorite pairs!

I liked his sire, 'Good Asset' a lot and wished I had owned a tall TB mare to breed to him. Good Asset had all the right conformation to put substance on a TB mare and the generations of pleasure horse mentality behind him for the brains. Deceased, sorry to say.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.danmcwhirter.com/home/stallions/images/good-asset_conf_370x246.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.danmcwhirter.com/home/stallions/good-asset/&h=246&w=370&sz=26&tbnid=cpoFR8ESyGV_qM:&tbnh=81&tbnw=122&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522good%2Basset%2522&usg=__uud4JK2a5C30Q5LkvVJsiWW77S4=&ei=eHEJS_mSE5G0tgePvujGCg&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=4&ct=image&ved=0CBEQ9QEwAw

Sparky, those really are fabulous photos, you have talent (and a fast shutter finger).

[superpony123]

cute horse :) i like him! started out a liiittle slower than i'd like but he picked up the pace at the end and looked really nice