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View Full Version : Hunter pics, ducking to one side - avoiding bascule?

DressageReine
Aug. 29, 2009, 09:09 PM
I was talking with my friend who trains jumpers today. She said something interesting. In many photos of top hunters, I see riders kind of ducking/choosing a side of the horse to lean over while jumping. She mentioned that this was because they're trying to avoid the bascule of the horse from popping them out of the tack. I was always curious as to why the top riders/trainers did this, and this offers a plausible explanation (to someone very inexperienced in the hunter/jumper crowd). What do you think?

I am not trying to start an argument about riding correctly, I'd just like to know why I see this so much. I guess another side of my question would be, is it possible to ride a horse w/a large bascule with correct equitation, or are there certain adjustments that need to be made in the rider's eq?
Abbeyroad1791
Aug. 29, 2009, 09:19 PM
Don't know much about hunter riding fads reg. ducking and such, but it is definitely possible to ride a horse with a large bascule with correct equitation. http://www.theridgefarm.com/graphics/breedingpix/Pictures-horses%20047.jpg
Nona Garson's got it down. ;)

I don't show in the hunters so I'd really have no clue, but I once heard someone at a show say that the ducking was to really emphasize how athletic the horse's jump was, to make it look as if the rider couldn't stay with the horse. I'd think that the pro's showing in the pro hunter divisions wouldn't have any trouble staying with their horses because most of them would be showing in GP's which are much higher jumps and require a more athletic jump. Personally I think that a picture of a gorgeous hunter with a perfectly balanced rider is more attractive but again, just me.
DressageReine
Aug. 29, 2009, 09:22 PM
Ah that's interesting! That's what I'm thinking too, I find it hard to believe that the top hunter trainers would have any problems staying with their horse. I suppose if they want to show off the jump that's fine, but I agree with you -- the better the rider's eq the more it shows off the horse, IM(V)HO.