How many classes is too many?

[JazCreekInc.]

It is clear that some horses you see show every week may show in *many divisions* and various other classes at week long shows.

I have been thinking about what is "too much" in a rule creating sense? For myself my jumper may show in 2-4 classes in an entire show but it is fair to say many equitation horses and hunters would need to show in double divisions and/or many medals.

If the USHJA were to create guidelines to protect our horses from overuse how could they do it? What is too much? How do you account for lunging and lessoning?

I am just curious because the welfare of the horse should be accounted for in some way but what is a reasonable way to accomplish it?

[JinxyFish313]

There is a lengthy thread about this very subject from about a month ago. Try searching.

Unrelated, I love Petaluma!

[whbar158]

I think it depends. On the horse, classes, warm-up etc. My horse could do LOTS of classes and be fine, even at 20. He takes very little warm-up, like basically you just get him warmed up and don't really do any schooling because it makes him angry. I personally think it is something hard to police because a horse can go in 10 classes at a show and still not be worked as hard as a horse in 5. I have watched horses jump jump jump jump in schooling canter canter canter to get quiet. So personally I don't think they should limit the number of classes a horse can do for this reason.

[JazCreekInc.]

Jinxy, I would love to check out the thread, do you have any suggestions as to how I could find it?

[fourmares]

I think it depends on the horse, his fitness, his soundness and how he is managed. What type of class, the height of the jumps and the footing make a difference too... I just don't think that this is something that should be policed or regulated.

[ExJumper]

Use the search function.

We beat this to DEATH shortly before the board went down for its restructuring.

Here, I saved you the trouble: http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226044

[JazCreekInc.]

ExJumper: Thank you... that is EXACTLY what I was looking for!
Sorry to start over again...

[LeeB10]

As an aside.... JazCreek - I was just checking your website and I could have used you last year when my daughters horse colicked. I'll keep you in mind for the future if we need that kind of layup place again as you are close to home and your facility looks perfect....