You know you're not a Hunter Princess when........(Spin off from the Dressage Forum)

[Nikki^]

You use duct tape to cover the holes on the soles of your boots instead of buying new ones...

next...

[Nikki^]

You use duct tape to cover the holes on the soles of your boots instead of buying new ones...

next...

[EStieg12]

You have a saddle that is older then you are and you really don't give a rats patoot what the 12 year old thinks of your non-approved-non-GPA helmet.

[Katie_Rosenzweig]

"Devoucoux....that's a funny sound"

[bumknees]

you have no problems schooling with 45 other people in the ring at diffrent heights, and you learned very early in life to call 'heads up' and learned even faster what it ment...

[Curlytoons]

you carry full wheelbarrows of stall muck up the hill to the repository...

Curly

[Atypical]

You don't have an indoor and find 'inventive' ways to make jumps. Also, your chaps and boots are hand me downs and around a size too big.

[Looking4Trouble]

When your show clothes have been given to you and your horse cost less than 5000.

[Other]

You wear the same coat two days in a row.

You school and show in the same tack and helmet.

You pick up non-primary color ribbons.

You ride the same horse in eq, hunters and jumpers.

You school your own horse.

Your blankets don't match eachother, or everyone else's in the barn.

You don't "update" your GPA on a monthly basis.

You know what your horse eats, when he gets his teeth floated, wormer, and feet done-without having to ask the barn manager.

You clean your own tack, and maybe even your horse!

[Atypical]

Haha, I like all of Other's. You clean your own stalls, can administer your own medication, your horse does not live under lights (or even inside) and a GPA costs more than your monthly board bill.

[*Bounce*]

You've received the following response from a non-horsey person: "You've been riding how long and you still take lessons?"

[Flycatcher]

You braid your own....and the rest of the barn as well.

[Other]

You consider purchasing a horse without a year-end award.

You don't fly south for the winter.

You have a plastic trunk.

You can (and maybe even do) wrap your own horse.

You talk up and cool down your own horse.

You do your own horse laundry.

You unload the trailer and bed your own stall when you get to a show.

You handwalk and groom your own horse when he's laid up with an injury.

You fill out your own entries and pick up your number in the office.

You buy "off the rack", and you may even poke around the sale bin once in a while.

You bought or sold a horse on Dreamhorse, Equine, or AGdirect.

[Other]

You don't run for cover when you see an eventer approaching.

You know what a CANTER horse is.

You don't hack in designer jeans, you don't show jumpers in a Lacoste polo shirt, and your belt isn't Burberry plaid.

Your dog can walk on a leash, rather than be carried, his collar isn't encrusted in diamonds, he doesn't wear Chanel sweaters, and his name isn't Fluffy or Princess.

You don't get french manicures or acrylic nails before leaving for a horse show.

You don't do daily searches on Towerheads to see if your name has been mentioned.

You haven't ever had a two page, full color "congratulatory" spread in the Chronicle.

Your parents didn't buy you a pony for leadline and then a new one for walk trot.

You didn't have an open Bevals tab at age 9, and you don't throw the State Line catalogue away the second it appears in your mail box.

You don't automatically assume that anyone who helps take care of your horse is named Pedro.

You've actually HELD your horse for the vet or farrier! (GASP!)

[Merry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Flycatcher:
You braid your own....and the rest of the barn as well. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

... and you add a tiny bead in the mane, or use colored yarn because, damnit, you like it!

[*HuntrNJumprLuvr*]

OH MY GOD thats soo funny, Other, you hit them on the nose !!!!!

[Peggy]

You drive back and forth to the show instead of staying in a hotel (within reason). This not only saves a hotel bill, but enables you to wash your one set of show clothes and wear them again the next day.

You have ever been part of an "illegal" shavings run to a show.

You ride in Bit of Britain half chaps and a Tipperary helmet.

You can "prep" your own horse for a show and your interpretation of prep is bathing, clipping, and so on.

[samismypony]

you don't put gunk on your boots to keep your lower leg still

you know what to do when your horse bucks

you don't cry when you get reserve champion

[MissintheSouth]

Your mom(or Dad) has no clue how to tack up your horse or clean your stall, and has never done either of these for you.

Your boyfriend/parents/groom dont stand at the side of the ring to get your horses for you so that you can "watch the other horses go"-ie hang out with your buddies.

[Madame Butterfly]

...you're the subject of their gossip.

[MistyBlue]

You can stay off the neck when going over a fence and your arse isn't high enough to sell advertising space on. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Esquire]

You actually take care of your own horse before and after your classes, clean your own boots, tack, etc. I know we all pay a pretty penny for it (deserved), but I still think something is lost when we don't do some of this for ourselves.

[Automatic]

You've cleaned stalls in allsorts of inclement weather to pay for show expenses.

"Ebay" and "Dover On-Line Clearance Items" could be your middle name now.

You brag about how little your horse cost instead of how much.

[Countryhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Other:
You wear the same coat two days in a row.

You school and show in the same tack and helmet.

You pick up non-primary color ribbons.

You ride the same horse in eq, hunters and jumpers.

You school your own horse.

Your blankets don't match eachother, or everyone else's in the barn.

You don't "update" your GPA on a monthly basis.

You know what your horse eats, when he gets his teeth floated, wormer, and feet done-without having to ask the barn manager.

You clean your own tack, and maybe even your horse! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<span class="ev_code_BLUE">You just described my dtr, except she gets the primary colors</span>

[Countryhawk]

When you can drive the old 2wd pick up to feed the fields, get through the gate and not get stuck in the mud AND not lose the horses out of the gate while feeding

[dauntless]

you go girl http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif thats me too http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Other:
You wear the same coat two days in a row.

You school and show in the same tack and helmet.

You pick up non-primary color ribbons.

You ride the same horse in eq, hunters and jumpers.

You school your own horse.

Your blankets don't match eachother, or everyone else's in the barn.

You don't "update" your GPA on a monthly basis.

You know what your horse eats, when he gets his teeth floated, wormer, and feet done-without having to ask the barn manager.

You clean your own tack, and maybe even your horse! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Nikki^]

OMG! Too funny.

You school in black paddock boots and brown half chaps.

You set up your own courses and ride it in every different way, on your own.

You are your horse's day care at the show.

[Madame Butterfly]

you don't like to sit in the food tent for an hour and chit-chat with the goyles...

[xegeba]

What the hell are "goyles"? I'd be happy to sit in the food tent forever, if someone is buying the beer.

[Madame Butterfly]

.....when everyone else has someone holding his/her horse while tacking up and you have to tie your horse to the trailer (or your car..) to tack up....

[xegeba]

Oh! Blonde moment! Goyles means Girls!!! I like chatting with the girls... they make me feel so happy that I am not normal!!!!

[Madame Butterfly]

You know you're not a Hunter Princess when........when you only like chatting with your horse!

[Plumcreek]

You longe, flat and prep your baby greenie in the morning and hand your trainer the reins of your horse ready for warm up jumps.

You have lately been seen wearing a hunter green coat.

Getting "the treatment" (boots wiped, hooves oiled, tail brushed) at the ingate by the barn groom, as part of the day fee, is the most luxury you've had in years.

[Drummerboy]

Hat head is not the end of the world. It does not require a run to the mirror to fluff and primp before we tell someone to go get a diet coke for you.

You don't care what your hair looks like, you earned that flattened down look!! And you can stick your own hand in the cooler you brought from home to get a drink. (and even open it because you don't have nails!!)

[bumknees]

You've paid for the show your self by doing extra 'chores' around thebarn and home.

You stock a cooler with bread,cold cuts, self bottled water( ie empty pepsi bottles now water bottles) so you can eat at some point of the day.

your trailer is not the fanciest, newest on the lot it may even have rust and license plate held on by bailing twine.

[Esquire]

You do it because you enjoy the ride and your accomplishments that day with your horse...you don't come out of the ring whining about "not getting a ribbon."

Still amazes me when I saw an older adult come out of the ring this past show season whailing at the top of her lungs about how she knew that round wouldn't win the class. Good lord, it is supposed to be fun!!

[Rio Blanco]

When you're up WAY before 5am to feed/water your own horse, muck his stall, braid him, longe him, tack/warm-up/show/untack him, muck his stall again, clean your tack, muck his stall again, feed/water, and blanket him...... AND do all of the above for everyone else's.

When you can count on one hand (possibly even two) the number of horses that you've had in your "string" of show horses.

You paid MUCH less for your horse than the other people paid for their show ring attire.

When you're done showing your horse, you immediately rush back to the aisles, throw him on cross ties, and tack up multiple ponies and hand march them all to the warm-up ring, then untack/take care of your beastie yourself.

You spend countless hours on the internet or searching tack catalogues to find THE best price on almost everything before you buy http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[HiJumpGrrl]

(the following and all of the above apply to me, and this thread cracks me up http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif)

your horse is not bay or chestnut and you do not know what "chrome" is.

ariats and tailored sportsman breeches are way out of your price range, and you think on course breeches look perfectly fine.

you know what an automatic release is, and have been known to do one from time to time.

not getting the change in the corner is not the end of the world.

you learned to ride on other people's horses and did not have one of your own until you could pay for it by yourself.

you can ride a REAL green horse, as in one that's been U/S and jumping for less than a year.

the "hunter perch" makes you groan.

your horse goes on the bit.

you don't care what your horse's knees look like when you're trotting as long as they are tight when you're jumping!

you ride to the base of a fence, and you don't understand "the hunter gap"

you think your horse will fit 5 strides better in the 60-foot line, and that's perfectly ok.

you think 14.3 is a fine height for a horse to be.

[equest]

You ride and show a TB or QH because you can't afford a $40,000 warmblood.

Nothing you own is custom or monogrammed.

You dislike JRTs. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[Other]

You don't have a "practice horse" to jump during the week at home while your horse is "on the road".

You don't bring an "alternate" eq horse to finals in case something goes wrong with yours.

You can't rattle off a list of all the junior riders each judge/BNT/GP rider has slept with or gotten drunk.

You don't think it's normal to pay $1,000+ to sit under the tent at a "ringside" table.

You know the first and last name of all the people that take care of your horse, and you know how the barn help takes their coffee.

You can't rattle off last year's Devon point cut-offs for each division.

You pack your own lunch for the horse show, and it isn't a lobster salad sandwich with Evian.

You've ever gone to the barn to brush your horse on his day off.

You didn't get an "A/O horse" for your high school graduation present.

You're 25 and your parents aren't still paying for you to show your horses every weekend.

[maclaydreams]

You are not, in fact, close personal friends with here and have spent too much time at the barn as a kid to listen to their 80s-rock-star-father [or even to have heard of him].

You sit on the rail watching the horses intently in the middle of a dozen big-name trainers screaming into their Jenny-Oz-jewel-encrusted cell phone.

At the horse shows, all the grooms hang out, and you are the only non-Mexican one.

Standing by the gate means holding at least six grouchy, gray, identical small ponies whose nine-year-old Prada-bag-wearing riders had to run to Starbucks "for a frap" because "I'll never ride again if I don't get one". And those are actually direct quotes from their squeaky voices.

The showgrounds, and in fact the entire equestrian world, goes quiet when you interrupt a vicious, name-dropping conversation on the A-circuit's most recent sex scandal with an innocent "Who's that?"

You are the only rider on the West Coast who had not been featured or advertised like a product in Monarch International's [I]Show Circuit magazine for their six weeks at Indio.

[Nikki^]

LOL!!

You save months in advance to attend an "A" show.

You pay for everything yourself or work it off in the barn.

You don't need your trainer glued to your hip and can do your classes without her/him watching you.

Question: What's a hunter gap?

[Other]

Hunter gap: finding the gappier (longer) spot so the horse has to try harder over the fence. This helps a lot of horses jump better, get their knees higher, stretch their necks out and down more...

Bonus: you get to do that big infamous over-release: shoot your hands towards the ears, duck your body down, throw your leg back, etc.

Downside: if you don't know how to ride the horse right and have a ton of power, you'll just end up looking long, flat, and weak over the jump, and land with a strung out horse stuck on his forehand.

[HiJumpGrrl]

teehee! you have to ask this question:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nikki^:
Question: What's a hunter gap? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

you don't post the canter

you have ridden an over-fences class in dress boots

you don't buy a new hunt coat every year

riding in a field without a trainer is a regular thing for you

your horse's shoes/medications/supplements don't cost as much as yours

your horse doesn't have a "show name" and/or a "registered name"

a rub is just fine so long as the rail stays up

you regularly ride with your hair sticking out of your helmet

you don't own a hair net

you sweat more while engaging in equestrian activities than your horse does

your husband/wife/SO has told you to shower because you stink like a horse

you know what "tinglies" are and why they are the best thing to ever happen to paddock boots worn during stall-cleaning.

you have never worn makeup in the show ring.

[Renn/aissance]

You trail ride, school, and show in (gasp) synthetic galloping boots.

You have been heard to comment on how horrible Butets are.

You are perfectly capable of getting yourself ready for a class by yourself. This includes obtaining and putting on your number, polishing your own boots, buttoning your own collar, and doing your own hair.

You suppose that nail polish must come in some pretty colors, but you can rattle off every kind of hoof oil on the shelves of the local saddlery, and why such-and-such a brand is five times better than so-and-so for dry, shelly hooves.

You own a set of brushes- and they're not for your hair.

You and your horse have been known to share a hair/tail brush. This doesn't bother you.

You have become intimately acquainted with the wash stall.

You attend HITS- after begging your trainer to let you be her groom.

Your horse cost under $7000 at purchase, but has easily doubled that because a) you trained him and b) he's been on so many medications because he's the walking health problem that no one else wanted.

[ro's_rider]

your name and your horse's name get mispronounced at shows

your horse has been seen at an A show with a winter coat

you got a GPA one month ago

your barn has no stall curtains, directors chairs, flowers, waterfalls, and/or pictures of past year-end champions

your barn has no colors

your barn has no name, for that matter

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[ro's_rider]

heres some more!

you eat your horses treats

you've shown in the eqs without gloves

you settle for 50 braids instead of 5 gajillion

p.s. there are some hunter princesses who i think are sweet and awesome and it cracks me up when i see them schooling in sevens and their "barn" bag is a coach purse! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[MRedmond1502]

You take care of and ride two horses at the same show.

Like someone said earlier, someone oiling your horses feet before you go in is a luxury.

You know that Kiwi is more than a fruit, it's a shoe polish.

And yes you wear the same coat at every show for several years (navy blue never goes out of style thank god!)

When the little kids think your helmet looks funny because it's not a salad bowl with a stripe down the middle.

[SleepWalking]

You poultice your own horse's legs and feet after a show on hard footing. Then you poultice your friend's horse. Then every other horse your barn took to the show. All without getting any poultice on your breeches, because you've had waaaay too much practice.

You're the one lunging that gray horse in the mud at 5 am on a show morning, then the one standing at the wash rack with said gray horse and a bottle of quick silver. You do not own said gray horse, nor are you riding it.

On days when you show, you don't dare start the day in your breeches, because you know they'll never stay clean through the pre-show hack and/or lunge, bath, and stall mucking.

You're known as "that girl who is permenantly attached to the wheelbarrow" at horse shows.

You laugh at people who think hay bales are too heavy to pick up.

You not only drive your own truck and trailer, but can hook it up by yourself and can back into any parking space.

You cry when your dream horse turns out to be gray, or to have four knee high stockings. Why? Because you know the you will be the one bathing your horse at 4:30 in the morning in the freezing cold before a show.

You think sleeping until 6 is a luxery during horse show season.



These are fun! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[MeanderCreek]

... you actually ride your own horses, including starting the colts and you don't get off to longe when one has a "moment."

[Pirateer]

Yikes guys, some of this has gotten a little hateful...

[MCM]

On a hundred degree day, you untack and cool your horse, all before removing your own helmet

You don't ride with a cell phone in your back pocket (still haven't figured out how that one is possible http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

Dirt and grime are your closest personal friends while at the barn http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[teal tea]

Other I agree w/ you on almost everything. Especially the part about knowing every part of your horse's care. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif As a non HP I can't help owning a Yorkie (Peaches) who is not allowed to walk around the horsey areas. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif She's my baby. But I don't put clothes on her. And she doesn't have a rhinestone collar since she's always being held. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif
Also you know you're not a HP if you were never raised by a nanny or have your own "driver" to the stable. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Other]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Pirateer:
Yikes guys, some of this has gotten a little hateful... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh Pirateer, certainly not! Do not fret. I can assure you that I can answer "oh wait, that's me, I am an HP" to at LEAST a third of these... It is all in good fun http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Silver_Lining]

When you have a horse that actually has to decide whether or not he'll jump today. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[HiJumpGrrl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Silver_Lining:
When you have a horse that actually has to decide whether or not he'll jump today. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA i LOVE it.

[tuffy]

All you want for Christmas is horse stuff.
If you were to take out all the checks written in your check book for hose stuff you would have money for other things.
You don't even think about doing other things cause it cost alot and that would take money away that you spend on horse stuff.
You would rather have a new pair of custom field boots than any jewelry.
Your husband gets sick of you just wanting horse stuff for gifts.
When you ask for horse stuff a lot of times its something that your horse wears.

[Timlover]

When you go to a show and you get everyone to do your stuff and act all cool and cry when you get 2nd place

[Magnolia]

You think "Butet" is an urban clothing line.
You breeches zip in the middle of your belly, not on the side.
You ride in crazy lycra print pants.
You can't wait to go for a big long hack, complete with a gallop down hill.
Wintec represents great value.....
You can see your WHOLE ear under the huntcap, not just the lobes with the diamond studs...

[Magnolia]

Honestly, I'd love to be a hunter princess for just one week, right down to the little rhinestone doggie. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

My fantasy would be to wake up at 8 at the Ritz, take my benz to the showgrounds, hop on my massaged and manicured mount, jump 8 perfect jumps, hop off (hug the horse and put him away after a good grooming and carrot feed), pick up fluffy the dog and head to the spa!

[Hollywallz]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Magnolia:
Honestly, I'd love to be a hunter princess for just one week, right down to the little rhinestone doggie. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, yes, yes. It would be quite fun dotcha think for a week or so?

When you still have a stock pin to poke yourself with ..

[FatLilPony]

I too, would love the luxury ^^

But some of this stuff is about pure presentation-- and what's wrong with that?

I loved the "You brag about how little you payed for your horse as opposed to how much" -- hit the nail on the head http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Timlover]

WHEN everyone claps cheers and everything Opps dreamin. TOO BAD THAT WAS GLAMOURS

[janedoe726]

When you do your own horse laundry.... in your washing machine at home, then think nothing of throwing your jeans in next! (Did that last night http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif)

[Gravie]

You WORK for your lessons. :P

You don't care what the HECK you look like, all that matters is staying warm.

Your horse is dressed nicer than you are.

You groom your own horse, who WASN'T $200,000.

[Nikki^]

You show up to work (muck and feed) even though you have a concussion and a horrible bruised arm from riding a boarder's crazy horse.

You think mucking stalls is fun.

[maclaydreams]

The people at the tack shop greet your husband and all your friends and family by name every time it's your birthday, Christmas, or a gift-giving holiday.

You and your horse share Show Sheen.

When a big-name junior asks to borrow your spare eq horse, you reply "I don't have a spare eq horse." When they look stunned and ask to borrow your normal eq horse, you reply "I don't have an eq horse." When they back away a few steps and ask if they can borrow your spare hunter, you reply "I don't have a spare hunter." And after they faint and you revive them with smelling salts they ask if they can borrow your main hunter or even jumper, you reply, "Nope, this here is my spare eq/eq/spare hunter/hunter/spare jumper/jumper horse" and point to the air beside you.

Your tack trunk is broken, plastic, and $20 from Costco.

When you see Herm Sprenger stirrups, you wonder 'Wow, that's clever, I should put that cheap rubber on when my stirrups break!'

When you recieve your regional equestrian newsletter, you are the only one who hasn't donated a trophy in memory of your first horse, acquired with you were 2.

At the show photography booth you are the only person at the show without any photos. When asked why, you must reply, "Well, I couldn't afford to go into enough classes to have my photo taken."

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif As for whoever said it was harsh, I've looked at almost all of these and realized I am a hunter princess

[maclaydreams]

Your $10 used half chaps need to be duct taped around your leg everytime you use them, in comparision to everyone else's custom, French imported monogrammed full chaps.

Your tack trunk does not include an extra cell phone, Stila lip gloss, Steve Madden ballet flats, and Chanel earrings. Instead it has hoof picks, horse brush, and stuff that remotely relates to equines.

If you remove every equestrian-related expense from your life, you wouldn't even have money enough for a single Fendi purse that is slung over the 8-year-old short stirrup riders shoulders.

Your barns website is hosted on geocities and includes sale adds that may resemble "ril cutie 29-year-old gelding, wood b gr8 4 makin babies. cud def. be champ on a-cercut, good 4 ferrier and perfect wen vet comes 2 treet constant lameness"

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif These are fun

[Gravie]

You don't wear low-rise breeches. ;D

[Madame Butterfly]

Naw, Gravie, all of us trash wear low-rise everything... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

After a while, the higher waist hurts my naval ring.....

[helen elizabeth]

When you own a thoroughbred.

[Madame Butterfly]

Some day when I meet you in the Grand Prix ring and we're walking the course, I'll let you see it. There's a horse hanging from it. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

By the way, Shortys...is that because Thoroughbreds are too difficult?? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[helen elizabeth]

LoL, no, I have two that I lead around with nothing. Just today my mom and I took our three horses for a walk and my mare was free to roam the entire time. But I can just imagine an HP saying to someone, "I wouldn't be caught DEAD with a papered Thoroughbred!"
HP's are so worried about being elitest. They'd seizure uncontrollably if I walked in with my quarter horse.

[Invested1]

You are not a hunter princess if:

- You bought anything from a consignment store (gotta LOVE Middleburg Tack!)

- You throw all of your barn gear in the washer at the same time (fuzzy girth, saddle pad, jeans, sweatshirts, etc)

[Nikki^]

Speaking of HP, How about we redo the "Are you a Hunter Princess" quiz again? It needs to be updated and more questions added.

[WhatzUp]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:
Naw, Gravie, all of us trash wear low-rise everything... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

After a while, the higher waist hurts my naval ring..... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You were in the navy ? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

Yours in sport,

Lynn

[WhatzUp]

[QUOTE]you know what "tinglies" are and why they are the best thing to ever happen to paddock boots worn during stall-cleaning.
[QUOTE]

Help - what does this mean ? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Yours in sport,

Lynn

[HiJumpGrrl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pacificsolo:
Bits and Pieces.....I believe she is refering to Tinglies Rubbers (did I spell that right!? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif)... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
yep, you got it http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif. they keep your feet/leather boots nice and dry! even when your boots are 5 years old and the soles are separating from the boot top like mine currently are http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif hey, man, i'm ghetto fabulous.

[Jaegermonster]

Boy glad I'm not the only still poor one here who busted my butt as a kid so I could ride http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif....
ditto what you guys said and here's some more:
You know there is an actual "feed store" not just a guy that shows up with a truck
You know where the "feed store" is
You know what to do when you get there
You unload the 500 pounds of grain and hay by yourself without complaining

[apachepony]

When your horse cost less that $3000 (yet he sold for 3 times that because you can ride)
When your horse is a paint (GASP!!!!)
When you're riding a 13'3 pony and you're 18.
When you got your license you learned how to drive a horse trailer perfectly.
When people at shows gasp because you're a teenager driving a trailer without a trainer.
When your trainer stays at home teaching people (imagine that, teaching riding...) becaues you don't need them.
When your $20 used helmet has paper towels in it because it doesn't fit quite right.
When your PONY successfully competes in hunters, jumpers, driving, dressage, eventing, and gaming and gets sold to a 7 year old and does the same.
When you can start your own horse.
You know what bucking, crow hopping, rearing etc are and how to ride through them
When someone else's show coat cost more than your horse.
When you think the GPAs look like skunks.
When you've taught riding lessons.

[Nikki^]

You know how to fix the manure spreader.

[Madame Butterfly]

When you have the best clothes, the best tack, an incredible horse, and you still don't care what they say... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[helen elizabeth]

When the only way you would ever be able to show at HITS Ocala is if you moved to Florida. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[WhatzUp]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HiJumpGrrl:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pacificsolo:
Bits and Pieces.....I believe she is refering to Tinglies Rubbers (did I spell that right!? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif)... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
yep, you got it http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif. they keep your feet/leather boots nice and dry! even when your boots are 5 years old and the soles are separating from the boot top like mine currently are http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif hey, man, i'm ghetto fabulous. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

AH ! Tingleys !

Thanks everyone !

I have 'em but did not know their name ...

I always thought of them as boot condoms ...

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gifhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[equest]

When neither your car nor your horse is a German import. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[FLF]

When a cot and sleeping bag in the back of the van are your hotel. Much more convenient when you're braiding half the night anyway!

[mdponygroom]

when you start locally and aim high.

when you make it, and get to show with the best.

when you have enough class to know that making fun of people who have a lot of money and don't have to do the work that the rest of us do is below you.

[fourhorses]

Luv the comments!
Mdponygroom -- you are correct; making fun of people isn't very nice, and cocoloco on the dressage board is correc too: it has nothing to do w/ the clothes or even money -- it's the nasty, snotty attitudes some folks display that makes for a bad showing (pardon the pun) for the horse world. It would be nice if more people could learn to laugh at themselves and be nicer to those who may not fit the mold for their discipline. Why can't we all just learn to get along and have fun, right?

Signed,
Anal retentive psuedo DQ/HP/Cowhorse Diva

[Nikki^]

The only time your trainer touches your horse is to give a well done pat after your lesson.

Easy Mac is your friend.

When you do the night watch.

[Madame Butterfly]

When everyone at a horse show knows that they will find you with your horse at 11:00 PM at night..."We knew we'd find you here..."

[Madame Butterfly]

...when you're more concerned with the size of your horse's hoof than the size of some dude's di--- (egads, did I almost say that! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif)

....when you're not a groupie for any of the regulahhhhs... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

....when you know the truth but you're gonna wait for the best moment to reveal it....

[AOHunter2002]

*raises hand*

I am Hunter Princess hear me ROAR!
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Altough guilty of a lot of the things you guys are writing( which I have to say is making me laugh so hard I might pee my pants...keep them coming), I do still take care of both my horses at shows, and I do NOT ride in my sevens OR have a coach bag as my barn bag....So am i a true HP??

Keep 'em comin'!
Katie

[Nikki^]

MB: You are SO Funny!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Your trailer's rims are not spinners.

Home made ham and cheese samaches (sandwhiches) are your dinner.

[Madame Butterfly]

Nikki and PS, why is it that people that think alike live thousands of miles apart...

They say the world's greatest comedians are the most tragic fellows...the most tragic thing is that my last post is probably the truest and most meaningful thing I've said in ages...

Moving from cobweb to cobweb,

"Madame Sphinx"

P.S. "Boot comdoms"....only if they had that greasy crap on them, the flourescent colors, and oh, oh, oh...the RIBBING!!!.....
that would give new meaning to "putting one's foot up one's arse..." http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[Cindeye]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HiJumpGrrl:
you know what an automatic release is, and have been known to do one from time to time. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>That was my favorite one!

...you teach 17 beginner lessons a week in exchange for free board

...you organize the barn swap meet for outgrown boots, breeches, helmets, show jackets, etc.

...when a junior, you showed the same horse in hunters and big eq, and won both

...you're just as happy being in the barn grooming or cleaning tack as you are when you're riding

...your last name is the same as 2 of the Mexican grooms at the barn

[Cindeye]

Madame Butterfly, you're making me spit coffee onto my screen at work again!!!!!

[Nikki^]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:

P.S. "Boot comdoms"....only if they had that greasy crap on them, the flourescent colors, and oh, oh, oh...the RIBBING!!!.....
that would give new meaning to "putting one's foot up one's arse..." http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

I fell out of my chair!! Too funny!!!

You ride, groom, bathe and clip all the green beans and tune up school horses for the love of it (the exchange for board is the icing on the top).

[Madame Butterfly]

Cindeye & Nikki, Don't mind moi, I'm ante-ing up for a remake of "The Count of Monte Cristo" with Madame in drag as The Count...

I'm sure I'd look better in drag than drag queens...I certainly have more balls! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[WhatzUp]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by AOHunter2002:
*raises hand*

I am Hunter Princess hear me ROAR!
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Altough guilty of a lot of the things you guys are writing( which I have to say is making me laugh so hard I might pee my pants...keep them coming), I do still take care of both my horses at shows, and I do NOT ride in my sevens OR have a coach bag as my barn bag....So am i a true HP??

Keep 'em comin'!
Katie <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Katie,

What are sevens ? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Yours in sport,

Lynn

[Madame Butterfly]

Katie.....they're hotty jeans! Like Juicy Couture tops....

Actually, I have some and don't like them as much as some other hotties I have...

[Strictly Equitation]

You know you're not a Hunter Princess when...
you don't show up at the barns and your horse doesn't have its tack on and you go "Oh? Is this one mine...?"

[Madame Butterfly]

...your horse cowkicks you on the side of your knee (ouch!), and you don't go running to mumsie, popsie, or pookie-poo to request they "send the horse back where he came from.." and instead you down a couple (a couple?) Butes yourself because you have a amazing lesson tomorrow and a show in two days...

[HarleyBarley]

You have to move back in with your parents because you can't afford both rent and the board on your horse and the horse wins out.

[horse_poor]

You only have enough money to pay rent or your car payment or board.....and you end up paying board

[Cindeye]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:
Cindeye & Nikki, Don't mind moi, I'm ante-ing up for a remake of "The Count of Monte Cristo" with Madame in drag as The Count...

I'm sure I'd look better in drag than drag queens...I certainly have more balls! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Stop, Stop! You're killing me. "Oh balls!" said the Queen. "If I had two, I'd be King!"

[AOHunter2002]

Lynn:

sevens are a designer brand jean that are a bit expensive and quite frankly REDICULOUS to ride in... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Katie

[Magnolia]

I had a HP moment last night. I told my instructor "Hole 8 please...." I just assumed she was over there adjusting my stirrups... I blamed it on the hunter ear patties I did to keep my ears warm....

But, one more....

Where's the shovel? - I need to clean up the mess my horse just made in the aisle.

[Madame Butterfly]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cindeye:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:
Cindeye & Nikki, Don't mind moi, I'm ante-ing up for a remake of "The Count of Monte Cristo" with Madame in drag as The Count...

I'm sure I'd look better in drag than drag queens...I certainly have more balls! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Stop, Stop! You're killing me. "Oh balls!" said the Queen. "If I had two, I'd be King!" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

And If I have 4, I could be, ...
I could be...
I could be...
oh, oh, oh, (that's the ribbing...)
a juggler in the circus!

[Smigget]

You know you're not a hunter princess when...

*You ride a butter colored ex-cow pony Quarter Horse
*All your tack is black *gasp*
*You wear Devon Aire's synthetic field boots
*You have three pairs of breeches: One pair is winter weight, one pair is too small, and the third is BADLY stained because you use them so often that there is no time to wash them
*You have never seen a pair of TS breeches expect in catalouges
*You cannot even fathom spending $300+ on a helmet when a Troxel works fine

[MIKES MCS]

When you're in the middle of doing up a horse and ask the cute little pony rider sitting on the tack trunk all by themselves if they would like to help you.
When you're just about to get on your horse but have to pee and ask the 12 year old richest kid in the barn if they could hold your horse for a minute then thank them for being so nice after.
When you bring your own food in your own cooler to the show and are sitting by the ring taking a break and offer to share with who ever is sitting near you even if they are wearing the lastest and greatest
Sometimes the only thing that seperates us from the HP's of the world is no one ever offered to teach them...
But just so ya know I do find most of this thread hysterical and true.

[MRedmond1502]

your dog has better manners around the barn than most children.
You learned how to drive the truck and trailer when you were 16.
You work as an underpaid tack store employee just so you can get the discount on horse stuff.

[Madame Butterfly]

.....when they're starting to dress like you ...
and their trainers would like to do you....

[Madame Butterfly]

Luv Ya, PS.

[xegeba]

Yikes http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Madame Butterfly]

X, this is too racy for you. Ya'll better mosy on back to that relationship thread...

(big kiss) http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[xegeba]

This is just way over my head... but just when I was getting all smooshie... someone has to burst my bubble. So... no. I cannot, and will not go back to the relationship thread, even though someone made me go there in the first place. MB? Do you ever yell at your"signifigant other"? If the answer is yes, does this mean you don't love him?

[Madame Butterfly]

....you don't think about SO's and relationships ... because you don't have to. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif And.. you cease running after folks who couldn't give a rat's ass about you...because it's just a waste of time. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[LH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:
....you don't think about SO's and relationships ... because you don't have to. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif And.. you cease running after folks who couldn't give a rat's ass about you...because it's just a waste of time. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

excellent! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif


And if you make me choose between the horse and the SO . . . well, just don't make me choose because you won't like the answer.


You know you're not a HP when . . .
you're the only (or one of the few) 40 and older women at the show doing my own hauling/lunging/hack/bathing/braiding/selfcare at the show, from 'odarkthirty to the end of the day -- and love doing it!

your gray horse is always cleaner than you are,

your dogs get more of the hotel bed than you do,

when you'd rather be at the barn cleaning tack than at cocktail hour . . .

[Madame Butterfly]

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif LH, do I know you?

[Nikki^]

MB: Once again I fell out of my chair! You are too funny! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

When you take a loan out to buy your horse, get a second job to pay it off and pay it off in 1 year. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Madame Butterfly]

Nikki, are you saying I'm a comedian? When everything I'm saying is true blue-hoo-hoo...I half own this horse now, and next year at some point I will be sole owner (or is that soul owner)and I won't need a loan. However, the showing is going to require that I earn more money. That is going to happen too. Can't tell anymore...it's a secret. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Nikki^]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:
Nikki, are you saying I'm a comedian? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gulp....are you saying that like Joe Pesci in Good Fellas? Gulp....... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Pat]

.....the reason there's a cell phone on your belt is so that when the new four-year-old you just picked up from Penn National dumps you, you can call 911 yourself. You're already riding alone in a paddock (since you don't have a ring), no one's gonna know your gone for a while.


Just remember NOT to carry the cell in the middle of your back. That really is dangerous. A friend of mine slipped and fell on her FRONT WALK and really hurt her back on the phone she so cleverly place in the middle of her back. And she wasn't even on a horse!

[Madame Butterfly]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nikki^:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:
Nikki, are you saying I'm a comedian? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gulp....are you saying that like Joe Pesci in Good Fellas? Gulp....... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nikki, or like Robert DeNiro in TAXICAB DRIVER...
Yo! You talkin to me...you talking to me... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Merry, Merry! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Pat]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SleepWalking:

You not only drive your own truck and trailer, but can hook it up by yourself and can back into any parking space.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

AND you don't know how to take off/put on sway bars because you drive a real truck, not some namby-pamby SUV that really has no business towing a horse trailer.

I actually had to have it explained to me on the phone by a dealer. The Hunter Princess I worked for at the time brought the trailer to barn but didn't know how to unhitch it. I don't even know how she drove that far by herself with it in the first place. I stood there for a second dumbfounded by the swaybars and asked to be put on the phone with the dealer (who she was already talking to). I totally freaked him out by telling him I was more comfortable with a tractor trailer! No, I don't have a CDL, but I can unhook mine if I absolutely had to. It does take me a few minutes to get up the guts to take my foot off the clutch, tho.


Some people have no business driving vehicles with trailers behind them. My brother-in-law did about $800 worth of body damage to my mom's car with her little bitty landscaping trailer. Born and raised in the city, he'd never towed anything in his life, but being male, he could'nt admit it! He's family now, so I guess we have to keep him. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[LH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Madame Butterfly:
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif LH, do I know you? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have no idea! You might?!

[shameless brag on the way]
And for this non-HP, I lunged, cleaned up and braided my own horse this morning, showed at 9:00, and was champion in the older A/Os for the second week in a row on my 5yo OTTB who just started the 3'6" last week -- and he only did the A/O division -- no first years, no trainer rides,not even the 3' schooling warm up class . . .

[Madame Butterfly]

Luv ya already, LH. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[LH]

Thanks MB -- [still pinching myself to confirm that it's real] http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Hope I'm not the thread killer here, but

You know you're not an HP when

You load your own trunk on your trailer -- and that da*& thing is so heavy there could be a small body in there

You fill out your own entry blanks and send stall checks extra early to make sure you have a stall

Your regular trainer is heading to WEF for the winter, but you're not, so you've already made other arrangements for showing

You are plotting when to do the next body clip -- yourself, and ordering tranquilizer from the vet

You tip the grooms from the show -- when you were in self-care -- and they say that it's not necessary because they didn't do anything [well, they did lend a hand on a few things]

[Madame Butterfly]

It's real! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[dianad]

I am late to this thread but just had to say, I'm truly laughing out loud! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[sagebrush]

Why not keep it going???

You know your not a HP when

your trailer is air-ride equipped (from the rust holes)

your horse shopping budget is 3 figures.....

[Vandy]

You take some SMZs from your horse's medicine cabinet for your self-diagnosed strep throat because you can't afford health insurance...Oh, and said medicine cabinet doesn't include fluphenazine, reserpine, or any other special cocktails du jour.

[BravAddict]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nikki^:

You school in black paddock boots and brown half chaps.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ME ME!! That's me http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
But generally my paddock boots are dirty enough that I forget they're black.

[Hyperion280]

you can ride and train a green horse

you arent afraid to fall off

youre happy when your horses places 4th-6th

you wake up at 5 on friday morning, trailer to the show, only to leave at 8 on sunday, take care of your horse at home, get home at midnight, and have to go to school/work on the next day

when you don't own 15 6 digit ponies, like many people do

you take care of your own horse, while the other princesses think its SO over rated

you're a REAL rider, and can work with a difficult horse. you can ride any horse, in any class. you can also ride bareback, or with a saddle.

You ride more often than that weekends

[Pat]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sagebrush:

your horse shopping budget is 3 figures..... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your budget is that big? I'm jealous. I have 7 in the barn right now and only paid actual cash for one, the Spotted Draft. Really, I swear every thing else was a give away.

Every single one was someone else's trash!

SOOOO, you're not a HP if:

you have 3 OTTB's (2 with bone chips and one with an enourmous, scary sarcoid),
1 half-Ayrab who's last owner was terrified of,
1 FATTTT QH mare that doesnt tie, ship or ride with any mouth contact but rears with great skill,
and a standardbred broodmare you can't afford to breed because the "right" stallions are waaay out of your bugdget.

[CourbetteBunny]

umm maybe this has been said already...

You set your own jumps!

You never say 'daddy' to your father's face after your 18th birthday.

[Nikki^]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BravAddict:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nikki^:

You school in black paddock boots and brown half chaps.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ME ME!! That's me http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
But generally my paddock boots are dirty enough that I forget they're black. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

WOOHOOO!!! I'm not the only one! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

You know your aren't a HP when:

You break out your old ariats paddock boots (from 4 years ago) because your newer ones (bought 2 years ago) have bit the dust.

You think galloping in two point is such a rush.
When you think showing is all about the fun and not about the ribbons.

[Shipsinator]

...when your horse doesnt know his leads...

[the eleven]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HiJumpGrrl:
not getting the change in the corner is not the end of the world.

you learned to ride on other people's horses and did not have one of your own until you could pay for it by yourself.

you can ride a REAL green horse, as in one that's been U/S and jumping for less than a year.

the "hunter perch" makes you groan.

your horse goes on the bit.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

if your horse was "on the bit" you wouldnt miss changes...

[Madame Butterfly]

When you're not scared to tell a pretty cute hotsh-t trainer that something he suggests for your horse isn't the right thing....and ...he listens...and you both compromise and it works! Now that's cool. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

When you're not scared to tell a pretty cute hotsh-t trainer that your horse can go higher and he says, yeah, but don't yet as a course....and he explains why and isn't pissed cuz he knows you learned something. Cuz you can tell that he can tell that you're listening.

When you're not scared to tell a pretty hotsh-t trainer that your horse is gonna be famous, and the cute trainer next to him lowers his head and smiles...cuz you're probably right.

When you're in the company of somebody famous and you're not scared to be you cuz there's no one else you wanna be.


http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

One more: you think your horse's body is more gorgeous than anybody's you've seen lately, and frankly, you wish you were a horse... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Madame Butterfly]

...when your racehorse now can canter a course semicontrolled and some pretty cute hotsh-t trainer (who's never seen him before...) says, he doesn't look too strong....and you know, after one broken nose, 4 blackeyes, 2 pretty good kicks, and more bites than you want to remember, that you and your DemonBoy are on your way...

[Capt.Jack'sGirl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
One more: you think your horse's body is more gorgeous than anybody's you've seen lately, and frankly, you wish you were a horse... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh my! Lol. That cracked me up. Thanks for taking some of the 'finals week' stress off, Madame!

[MIKES MCS]

Oh PAT, I must save your PT addy, My sister has a TB breeding farm in New York and is constantly looking for homes like yours .It sounds like you may be a quick trailer ride away. Can I ad to to her freebie list takers?

[Renn/aissance]

You fell off last weekend, and you really don't care (and you didn't have a crying fit and tell Daddy to take the horse back!)

You enjoy riding the horses that everyone else hates, 'cause that whole bronco act is really kind'a fun.

You have been heard to tell your friend's old-enough-to-know-better horse that bolting away isn't going to scare you, and it isn't going to get you off, so he better throw a wrench in or quit it. (The horse quits.)

[Madame Butterfly]

Dear CaptJack'sGirl,

Glad to be of service.

Your servant,

The Last Samurai http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

P.S. He does have the most incredibly cut body... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[2ndyrgal]

When you laugh out loud in the show ring when your horse bucks big in the courtesy circle to celebrate. yee ha!

[Madame Butterfly]

....you're safer on him than off him. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[pixiepony]

your not afaid to sweat when you ride

you can warm your own horse up

you know what bit is in your horses mouth

you dont sell a horse if the missed a distance when it was your own fualt

you dont yell at your trainer if you or your horses did something wrong in a round

[lrkrame2]

1. You're the one waking up at 4:30 in the morning to care and clean and pre-work.. you're also the last one from the barn to leave the show due to the same as above, and don't generally get to go to the 'group dinners'

2. You poultice and wrap and pack feet of everyones horses

3. You're the one the pony kid is spraying with the hose cause you're out holding the pony while they 'want to help wash them'....

4. You've been known to get frustrated when the Princess' is trying to help unload the trailers, and have been heard muttering, "go get a latte" as you take the bale of hay that they've been dragging through the mud cause its '2 heavy!!"

5. You're almost late to your own class because you were holding/polishing someone else's horse at the hunter ring.

[lrkrame2]

When you laugh out loud in the show ring when your horse bucks big in the courtesy circle to celebrate. yee ha!

haha i've done that before!!! one of my babies was doing his first show and when the office misentered me and I wasn't listed in the class ( as they were announcing the placings) I looked at the judge and said " i know i'm not going to place, i just want to ride around"

[AlternaPony]

You have to decide whether to buy new groceries some weeks or pay the farrier bill.....:eek:

You hide new equine purchases in your car's trunk until you can sneak it into the house when your hubby isn't home....:lol:

[cloudyandcallie]

haha, duct tape and superglue are great for everything. altho the duct tape in colors is not as sticky as that that comes in the 3 pack of original silver at sam's club stores.
with diesel at 4.64 here now, we'll be using more superglue and duct tape. superglue helps keep the epoxy on my Hessen's hoof for 5 weeks when water loosens it.

[flying horse 72]

Almost everything you show/ride in: saddle, bridle, martingale, coat, boots, etc. was bought off of ebay.

Your breeches are hand-me-downs from a beloved friend:), and your show shirts are by Devon-Aire that your mom bought for you when you were 14. (I'm 35 now:eek:)

You ride a school-pony that was an Okeechobee cow pony, yeah that's as bad as it sounds:lol:.

Your Okeechobee school pony BEATS the HP's five-figure pony in Wellington.:cool:

You have to get a ride with one of your friends to the show an hour away b/c you KNOW your husband's 14 yo ford truck won't make it there....while your jeep is in the shop and when it was new you were too young to drive:lol:

Here's the kicker---you've bounced checks in order to pay for lessons!!!!:yes::yes::yes:

[flying horse 72]

haha, duct tape and superglue are great for everything. altho the duct tape in colors is not as sticky as that that comes in the 3 pack of original silver at sam's club stores.
with diesel at 4.64 here now, we'll be using more superglue and duct tape. superglue helps keep the epoxy on my Hessen's hoof for 5 weeks when water loosens it.

Don't forget the bailing twine!!!:yes:

[HuntJumpSC]

You've slept in the trailer, used the show grounds shower facilities and run back to said trailer wrapped in a towel b/c you forgot clean clothes!

I'm guilty of "illegal shavings smuggling"

You go over show grounds stabling with a hammer and do your own stall repairs.

I've survived a weekend show with a cooler full of spicy V-8 juice, string cheese and slim jims.

You bed your trailer for the trip home with the shavings from your horses stall. (Hey! You paid for 'em, right?)

[horsegirl888]

You pull into a horse show amongst the monster Featherlites and Sundowners in a red stock trailer... and don't care.

Your horse was less expensive than a custom saddle, and your saddle was less expensive than a pair of custom boots.

3/4 of your show clothes were at least 50% off, and all of them were on sale.

You only have one hunt coat.

You have one pair of field boots- not 2 extra "backup pairs."

You reflect on every shopping trip and wonder what you could have bought for your horse instead.

Moreover, you have ever returned an item of clothing to buy those engraved stirrups that you couldn't put down, but couldn't justify without returning that new swimming suit, and you were a lot happier with the stirrups than the swimming suit (guilty).

You clean your own horse's stall at a show.

You clean your own tack, and you don't insist on using only Vogel conditioner.

Furthermore, you know all the tricks to cleaning tack (by the way- AquaDent retainer cleaner will get your bits super shiny, and Nevr-Dull silver polish is great for brass nameplates).

:) All of the ones that people have come up with are great!

[lwyancey]

For all the closet Hunter Princesses in denial out there, I have one thing to say to your claims of groveling with the rest of us:
WHAT BARN HELP???

[Dixon]

You muck the stray pieces of manure with your bare hands because it leaves more shavings in the stall.

And you collect recyclable cans and bottles from the stable trash cans to help support your riding habit.

[SBT]

Most of your wardrobe is over 5 years old, and all of it is from Kohl's, WalMart, and other such discount stores.

You will buy your horse a $120 turnout sheet without blinking, but you would NEVER buy yourself a $120 pair of jeans (what a WASTE of perfectly good horse money!)

You clean your gelding's sheath yourself.

You don't think twice about picking up the plunger when the barn toilet backs up.

You have at least one bridle of unknown origin/age/brand that "came with" a horse you bought. And you still use it.

You sometimes use bailing twine as a lead rope.

You pick up dead rats by the tail and fling them into the manure pile.

Your horse does not, and probably never will, have flying lead changes anywhere but the paddock.

:winkgrin:

[Guin]

You can't afford to own your own horse, even a $500 auction one, because to house it anywhere nearby would cost as much as your parents' mortgage payment.

Your "tack trunk" is a big Rubbermaid bin from Target with your name taped on the top.

You can just barely afford one lesson a week, and work all summer at the riding camp to get free lessons.

You hope desperately that you will never grow out of your Pessoa pony saddle, because there is no way you can afford a different one.

You love just being "around" the barn, because horses are the most wonderful animals ever invented.

xox to my DD, totally NOT a hunter princess.

[jetandmegs4]

You rough board in order to have more money to have fun with your horse

[Silk]

Hunter gap: finding the gappier (longer) spot so the horse has to try harder over the fence. This helps a lot of horses jump better, get their knees higher, stretch their necks out and down more...

Bonus: you get to do that big infamous over-release: shoot your hands towards the ears, duck your body down, throw your leg back, etc.

Downside: if you don't know how to ride the horse right and have a ton of power, you'll just end up looking long, flat, and weak over the jump, and land with a strung out horse stuck on his forehand.

Downside #2: If your horse is anything but brave, you could end up flying air amateur and landing in the middle of the oxer without your horse;)

[imapepper]

your gray horse is always cleaner than you are,

your dogs get more of the hotel bed than you do,

when you'd rather be at the barn cleaning tack than at cocktail hour . . .

My grey horse(s) and I tend to be about the same level of clean at home but she is definately cleaner that I am when we show or lesson.

And isn't cleaning tack at the barn the same as cocktail hour? It is at my barn :winkgrin:

[piccolittle]

When you have no idea why anyone would want to wear breeches that zip on the side...

And only just figured out what Tailored Sportsmans were.

When this (http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=00FD00B00E0054&po=54) happens and you not only stay on, but finish 6th for the weekend. After waking up at 4 every morning to give that beast a fresh Quicksilver bath.

[Heineken]

LOL. So true. I had my cheapo horse fitted for an Antares last summer but never went through with it...seemed ridiculous that the saddle cost 2k more than the horse!

And I think Hunter Princessness is all an attitude. I think happy Princess thoughts when I drive myself, braid myself and muck myself at the big shows ;)

[Renn/aissance]

And I think Hunter Princessness is all an attitude. I think happy Princess thoughts when I drive myself, braid myself and muck myself at the big shows

:yes: :yes: :yes:

[Jaegermonster]

you don't put gunk on your boots to keep your lower leg still

you know what to do when your horse bucks

you don't cry when you get reserve champion

You DO so cry when you get reserve champion because you made the horse yourself and everyone told you he would kill you first :)

[Acertainsmile]

You have to stand on the wheel well of your trailer to get on your horse at a horse show...because you dont own a mounting block (and there is no fence close by)...and it's raining, your horse moves and you fall off the trailer...

Happened to me at a show last weekend. :lol:

[4-M'S]

Good one...

[Go Fish]

You'll clean your gelding's sheath.
You can actually clip a horse and pull its mane.
You'll hold your own horse for the vet or farrier.
You'll spend an hour trying to catch your horse in the pasture, even if the mud is deep enough to cause you to walk right out of your Wellies (yes, you actually own a pair).
You own a Corgi or other herding breed that sheds all over your house and car.
It's okay to track mud/manure into your house from your filthy paddock boots that you clean/polish twice a year whether they need it or not.
You know how to lunge your own horse.
You don't put your horse's boots/leg protection on backwards or on the wrong legs.
You know where on the horse you're supposed to apply Show Sheen (not where the saddle pad goes and not on the mane or upper tail).
If you step in manure with your $1,000 Vogels, you don't dance hysterically and scream "gross - yeeeuuuu - I need sterilization immediately!"
Your horseshow grooms don't think you are an idiot.
You can take out braids without ripping out all the mane hair, totally pissing off the braider who has to deal with the damage the next morning.
This is just my short list - I could go on for pages! :lol:

[Pandora1087]

Your tack trunk is a rubbermaid bought at Home Depot

You eat Ramen noodles so you can afford your horse.

Your horse is worth more than your car. And he is younger than your car.

The people you work with think that you are antisocial because you never go out with them, when in reality you never go out to save horse money.

You have horse showed with black vet wrap around your boot after your zippers broke.

You have never owned a show jacket that wasn't either hand me down or consignment.:lol:

[make x it x so]

You used black vetwrap to hold your broken-zipper tall boot together when it busted in the warmup of a show.

You muck stalls to work off board.

You only have *gasp* one horse but you wouldn't trade him for the world.

The hunter princesses that you know are impressed that you do everything for your horse.

You have to wake up early to load your horse on the trailer.

You buy a green(ish) horse and finish him.

You know what your horse eats (type and amount of food, supplements too!).

You have to at least somewhat RIDE your horse even on the regular outside-diagonal-outside-diagonal hunter course.

You clean your own tack and horse.

You love riding and are willing to do all this work for it. The bond with your horse beats any horse show glory you may have 'earned' being a hunter princess.

[Renn/aissance]

If you have ever woken up at 1AM, braided five horses and then your own, fed the barn, mucked out, groomed, replaced the braids your terribly itchy horse rubbed out, tacked up, schooled, begged someone to hold your horse for a moment so you could go walk the course, thanked them profusely, mounted up off a cracked plastic chair, ribboned in the Maclay, untacked, and then trotted off bareback in a halter and two lead ropes... you are probably not a hunter princess.

[CraziiPonii]

You have unloaded 500+ bales of hay in 100 degree weather.

You are currently attempting to build your own wood tack trunk (15 year old and a hammer- not so good)

You are the "test pilot" for any green horse that sets foot on the farm.

You enjoy cleaning tack, and will clean everything in the barn for fun.

Your purses are fake so you can save money for a new horse.

You have been thrown off in everyway possible.

You can patch up a horse so well that the vet is impressed.

[scpezold]

You have heard of the word "Colic" and know what it means (and what to do should it happen)

Your 1999 diesel F 250 was purchased used, has 210,000 miles (when you purchased it it had 200,000), only paid 10K for it AND..........it has cloth interior :eek: But hey she ain't hurt.

[oharabear]

... when your horse trailer is nicknamed "The Smurf" because of it's hideous blue color! :yes:

[scpezold]

You have been to the dollar store and get alot of your horse stuff there.

[lesson junkie]

.....you walk instead of using a golf cart....

[chukkerchild]

...you're not cocky about your accomplishments... oh, wait :lol:

[poniejumper]

....your trainer puts you on the any new horse (or pony) so the HP's won't have to fall off....

[amastrike]

You not only know what your horse looks like, you can groom, tack up, and take care of him.

[FlyingSwap]

Not only do you save up for a while to go to the A shows, when you get there, all your money is spent on your horse, so you throw down air mattresses, hay bales and sleeping bags and camp out right by the stall!

......and you put on bathing suits and bathe in the wash rack IN THE FREEZING COLD WATER, on a cool night, including leg-shaving and shampooing.

......and you figure out the best way to hijack hot water so you can make your cup o' noodles because that + pop tarts is what you'll be living on for three days.

......and you want to look cute at the swank exhibitors party so you plug in your hot rollers in the outlet by the stall, plop down on your tack trunk and get busy.

Don't take my word for it----ask Renn/aissance. She was there. :lol:

[Renn/aissance]

Hey, we're not white trash, we're inventive! :lol: And YOU were just insane going in that wash rack. But the curls looked fabulous!

[War Admiral]

......and you put on bathing suits and bathe in the wash rack IN THE FREEZING COLD WATER, on a cool night, including leg-shaving and shampooing.


I have TOTALLY been there and done that - minus the curling iron though, I must say.

I blush to admit it took me four years to find out that GIHP has a shower in one of the ladies' rest rooms. :rolleyes: I now take full advantage of that fact!

[FlyingSwap]

this is why we love the virginia horse center!!! SHOWERS!!! the ones in the east complex are the nicest, because they're the newest.

we look so cute biking back to the barn in pj's and crocs and towels on our heads LOL.

i like staying in the barn though---i like to be with the horses if something goes wrong. actually, at one show last year, we were stabled next to some friends of ours and we stayed in the tack stall---and one of their horses undid a bandage and managed to get it completely, hopelessly tangled around its legs and was having an absolute FIT in the stall---luckily we were there to rescue it. could have been very bad.

the security guys at VHC love us---they stroll through the barn and i'm ususally still awake (i never get any quality sleep in the barn) and we always wave......i kinda feel sorry for the HP's who never get to experience horse showing in this way. i love it.

[Cloverbug]

You know the words "Thank You" for ribbon staff regardless of color received, gate staff and anyone else who may assist you whether ever so briefly through the day or offer you a complement.

[horsegirl888]

You know you are probably not a hunter princess if...

-When you come out of your last class of the day, your horse is cooled out, brushed, blanketed/cooler-ed, polo wrapped, and given fresh hay and water BY YOU... and before you even get your show clothes off.

-You laugh and shake it off when you come out of the ring after a "bad" ride... instead of analyzing every detail immediately (or crying) with the trainer that is standing ringside.

-You are capable of warming up your horse without a trainer telling you what to do every step of the way

-You braid your horse in his/her stall and set up a saddle rack in the aisle because you don't want to spend the extra $ on a tack stall.

-You usually get to the show barn at 4:30 am in your pjs to feed and water because you camp in the parking lot in the truck camper on the back of your pickup. Furthermore, you leave the barn anywhere from 10:30 (on a lucky day) to 1:30 am.

-You thank everyone, even when you have just gotten 3 consecutive 3rd places out of 3 and really don't want to thank the gate person for another yellow ribbon. Happened at a show a couple weeks ago. :lol:

[Dixon]

Love this thread -- it's giving me great new ideas. Especially the black vetwrap to get you by in busted tall boots. I've done plenty of duct-taping around the feet/soles, but good to know there's a quick fix for the taller parts of the boots too. Really, it's good to know there are so many "inventive" folks out there. That's the spirit!!

[CraziiPonii]

You know the words "Thank You" for ribbon staff regardless of color received, gate staff and anyone else who may assist you whether ever so briefly through the day or offer you a complement.

OOOH... I like that one!!

[pony4me]

When the parents or grandparents of the AA circuit kiddies ask, "Hey, do you work here?"

[pines4equines]

You know you're not a hunter princess when...

When you think show string is the baling twine saved in the trailer for show mishaps?!?!?! (like broken halters, lead ropes, etc.) :winkgrin:

[pines4equines]

You know you're not a hunter princess...

If when a horse blows out his nostrils and it gets all over you, it just doesn't bother you...beyond the very minor, "ick."

If you put the thermometer in the horse's butt with your bare fingers, hold it there because you don't have the string and then pull it out after the right amount of time.

And the number 1:

If you clean your horse's sheath with your bare hands...

[Haalter]

You know you're not a Hunter Princess when...

You're posting on a 3-year-old COTH thread while the real HPs are busy showing at Devon ;)

[horsegirl888]

^Ah yes. Good point.

[Ibex]

LOL...

When you run over to a West Coast A-Circuit show to talk to one of the venders, and last about five minutes before you get a twitch in your left eye-ball and want to run away screaming.

[luvs2ride]

...You are your own groom at every show
...Tack is not updated to follow the trends
...You clean your own tack
...You can say "Thank you, you lovely horse!" and "Thanks Trainer" (not to mention "THANK YOU STEWARDS FOR HOLDING RINGS, ETC!!!") regardless of your ribbon

... Duct tape and baling twine go with you everywhere

...You polish your own boots! :D

[lesyl]

I'll play -

You know your not an HP (took me awhile to realize that was not the computer company) when there is a photo of you picking out your stall in wellies and your good going out to dinner dress.

[giddybiddy]

I'll play -

You know your not an HP (took me awhile to realize that was not the computer cpmpany) when there is a photo of you picking out your stall in wellies and your good going out to dinner dress.

HAHA classic!

[FlyingSwap]

Or when you have ONE set of (two) hanging baskets that you take care of and keep healthy all season. At home, they hang at either end of the barn in the doorways. At the shows, they hang at either end of the [40 year old]farm banner.

Or when you take several equines but don't have enough matching buckets for everyone--so you arrange bucket "sets" for everyone---waters are green, feeds black---so you still look coordinated.


ALSO---I see so many of our local BNTs create absolute chaos in the office...and then little ole me goes in and has everyone's entry forms all filled out, everyone's checks organized and the tack stall split already broken down, copies of the coggins and membership cards ready to go and all I have to do is hand them each horse's packet, pick up the numbers, say "Thank you" and leave. I haven't been responsible for a group of animals and riders NEARLY as long as these people have, but I'm organized, prepared, clear and polite. My riders and I have laid out a season plan for each of them, so we already know which divisions/classes everyone is riding in and we stick to our plans---none of this frantic add/scratch business. I mean, if you have a catastrophe that requires a change of plan that's one thing, but I feel like the frantic horse/rider juggling should be figured out BEFORE you're in the office causing a traffic jam.

[cloudyandcallie]

this is so true and so funny. and while a lot of us have done all this, it was worth it. I cannot imagine someone else doing things for my horse, but would love to have someone standing by to helpout. I'm the one always helping others.
but y'all are all great doing all this work yourself. can you imagine having 10 horses and a trainer and grooms and braiders and someone driving your horses to the show? must be boring to not do the work. and being able to identify your own horses, that is so true.

[Little Valkyrie]

You know your not a HP when:

the only time you win a pony hunter over fences class against some of those Long Island HP's is on a 20yr old show ring castaway who got so cranky he bucked everyone off. If you could stay on and stick it out long enough to earn his trust, he'd dust off his skills and put on one heck of a show.

[Tini Sea Soldier]

You leave your college's frat party at 230am... to get to the farm to prep your horse for your horse show at 3am... bc even though the trailer doesn't leave til 630am... you need to prep 3 others for the HP's... so yours needs to be done super early. Plus, you have to do AM turnout, feed, and muck a few stalls before you meet the trailer at the horse show... just in time to school, show, take care of your horse & get back to feed dinner & wait for the trailer to return and unload. ::sigh:::

[equestrianrider]

your tack box, is actually a red tupperware container w/ a green top that has 'yard sale' crossed out on the top....

oh yeah.. it so rocked

oh and not only do you have duct tape.. but camouflage duct tape...

[FlyingSwap]

You know your not a HP when:

the only time you win a pony hunter over fences class against some of those Long Island HP's is on a 20yr old show ring castaway who got so cranky he bucked everyone off. If you could stay on and stick it out long enough to earn his trust, he'd dust off his skills and put on one heck of a show.

AWW, I got to show a pony like that once when I was little. He was older and a little thin and was not doing much besides teaching a few lessons and carting the little ones around the shows---and something happened that I couldn't show my pony so I got to show Frosty, and LEMME TELL YA that old guy knew what was up in a pony hunter o/f class! He was so pleased with himself afterwards and everyone was like "Where did THAT come from?" The old ones are the BEST.

FYI His name was Frosty Valley---he'd had quite a career before he was semi-retired to teach lessons at our farm. Anyone remember him? White-grey and, if I remember correctly, not a good mover but a GREAT jumper...

[kateh]

your tall boots are devon aire, and were super excited that you finally had a pair that fit (as opposed to hand me downs)

your half-chaps are pig suede and velcro

your entire IHSA team shares clothes, and GPAs are not required

you're psyched to find out that the prize is boot socks

your barn's nameplates are colored pieces of paper in a plastic sleeve, made by the camp kids

your paddock boots are pleather and from payless (they look like real paddock boots! at least until the the pleather started shredding...)

[Renn/aissance]

you're psyched to find out that the prize is boot socks

Practical and fun! Who wouldn't be psyched? :lol:

[c_expresso]

...your stalls at horse shows look like horse stalls, and not a high-end drape, curtain, and director chair show!

[Peggy]

You're all sitting on plastic chairs under an oak tree next to your stalls (having requested the shady side of the barn b/c the rats ate your awning, rendering it unusable) eating lunch you brought yourself using laps as tables next to the adjacent barn's beautiful set-up with nice real table (complete with table cloth and the inevitable bowl of fruit), wooden chairs, etc.

You handwalk and cold hose/ice your own horse when he's on lay-up. You are capable of doing same.

You work shows as a groom b/c it's fun.

[spmoonie]

You know you're not a HP when.....

Most of your time at the barn is spent on the ground grooming, taking care of, and bonding with your horse.

Your saddle costs more than your horse.

[heatherny2]

....when you groom your own horse
....you arrive at the barn 3 hours earlier than trailering to (sorry, watch your mom braid the horses...all my life), wrap and load
.....you unload your own horse:eek:
.....you actually clean your own tack..with glycerine bar soap:eek:
.....you bathe, school and clip your horse the day before the show
.....you clean your own boots, tack, and clothes....
.....you search for a horse and find a freebie that you train on your own and both come together together :D

[Tini Sea Soldier]

Game-Ready to you means remembering your spurs & bat when you get down to the ring!

[Trot Left]

* You know every mark/nick your horse may have - because YOU groom your horse
* You know how to pull a mane
* Braiding - sure, even the ol' pinwheel tail!! ;)
* You can clip a nose!
* Colorful yard is always nice... hot pink perhaps

* You own a CROSBY even if it sits in the tack room now, you still have some flat as a board saddle, that you remember being the best!

* You have a true 'schooling bridle', not a Vespucci to school in.
* Your horse has a nylon halter - sigh :)

* Your blankets are not all matching and all Rambo.
* You know what a wormer is!
* You know how to wrap your horse
* You know what thrush is
* You've held your own horse for the farrier, vet and do it for other horses in the barn as well!

* You know how to clean a stall AND actually notice and lift the water bucket out of your horses stall

* Ribbons = what colors are the first 3 again ;)
* A "hanger" leg does not mean you now have to sell your horse
* A 1K horse could turn out to be a good horse!

* The old non approved, non harness helmet is still a best friend
* It's ok to not wear TS's or Ariats
* A $400.00 breastplate (martingale extra) really is not needed, really.
* FULL CHAPS - Gasp..tisk tisk!
* Get this - Riding in sweatpants! LOL from Target!

[Hopeful Hunter]

....when you actually wear underwear with your show britches and don't think VPL is going to cause the judge to faint.

....when your tow vehicle is not only older than most of the exhibitors at the show, it's actually old enough to drink!

[MustangSally00]

OMG! People actually go commando when riding?! ouch

[Hopeful Hunter]

OMG! People actually go commando when riding?! ouch


I think thongs are actually the "correct" thing to wear, but I'm an older adult ammy and I wear clothing larger than size 0 (add a number in front in fact)...you can sell ad space on my a$$, and a thong is just not happening for me!

[Mendin Fences]

Eww I hate thongs, I think it's more uncomfortable to have something creeping up your crack than it is to have people noticing your panty lines.
Personally, I got a few pairs of seamless underwear which are MUCH more comfortable, and while I don't wear them religiously, I make it a point to wear them at a show.
(Just a thought... I wouldn't want to share a saddle with someone who wasn't wearing any undies!) :lol:

[jse]

you care more about safety other than looking good.
your chaps may be from stateline and "ugly" but they protect your legs, and that's all that matters.
you helmet may not be a fashionable GPA or Charles Owen but it protects your head, and that's all that matters.
your polo's are strange colors, cause dammit you don't care what other people think and you'll do whatever the hell you wanna do!!!

[Mendin Fences]

your polo's are strange colors, cause dammit you don't care what other people think and you'll do whatever the hell you wanna do!!!

You USE polos :D

[jse]

You USE polos :D

LOL!!!! Better yet, you KNOW how to wrap with polo's! I'd love to see a princess even try....

[Pirateer]

As much as I try to pretend that I am a Princess- I do have a few non-princess attributes.

For example, this weekend I:

Showed in the rain
Poulticed and Unpoulticed my horse

I really try to keep my Tiara shiny- but the poultice smudges it every time ;)

[horsegirl888]

Wow, Pirateer. Poulticing definitely does not fall under the category of "Hunter Princes."

Congratulations on venturing outside the bubble! ;)

[Cita]

When...

...you know how much your lessons cost, because you're *paying for them yourself!*
...you are capable of riding and working with a horse outside of a lesson, without someone having to micro-manage and hold your hand.
...you care enough about your horses as individuals to think about and provide for their retirement in case of illness or injury.
...your horse cost less than a weekend at an "A" show.
...you admire lesson horse packers for their temperaments and knowledge instead of looking down on them for their imperfections.
...you have ridden in sub-freezing temperatures, by choice, and enjoyed it, even if you did have to nurse a mild case of frostbite afterwards.
...you have walked a mile to the barn in the pouring rain during finals week so you wouldn't miss your one weekly lesson.
...you can bathe, groom, tack, wrap, and braid your horse yourself but need help trying to put on makeup.
...you may board at a place with grooms who muck, rake, etc. for the barn, but you know their names, and aren't too stuck up to chat with them or even ask for help if you need it.
...you pick ticks off your horse... WITH YOUR FINGERS.
...most of the nice used tack posted on eBay is out of your price range.
...half of your riding clothes are hand-me-downs.
...you clean your own tack, and realize that rubbing leather conditioner over sweaty, dirty leather does not count as "cleaning" it.
...you're not bothered by riding outside of an arena - the lack of "walls" doesn't frighten you, because you actually know how to control your horse.
...you can rattle off horse breeds for 15 minutes straight, but when someone mentions fancy human clothes designers, you just look at them blankly.

[Leo86]

This is tooo funny.

I was a less wealthy kid competing in the Big Eqs on the A circuit and I remember being MORTIFIED when my mom would show up with our cooler of food and drinks (NO FOOD TAB!) and those fold up bright blue nylon camping chairs (GASP! They werent even monogrammed with the farm initials!). I also could never understand why she wouldn't let us get a hotel room if they show was less than 2 hours away

Now that I am an adult.....
My rolley cooler comes with me to every show, I still bring those camping chairs to sit in, and I only get a hotel room if I absolutely have no choice (but you better believe I conned at least 5 other people to share it with me!)

So I'll add to this list:

You know you're not a HP when...

You havent been on an exotic cruise or spent the summer in your beach house because a vacation for you is a horse show

The only way you'll pay for a hotel room is if you can split it with at least 5 other people

Your horse gets GROUP turn out and it typically lasts longer than 3 hours at a time

Your horse isn't turned out in full body armor

You ask your boyfriend to return the diamond necklace because think of how many horse items you could buy with that money!!

[cloudyandcallie]

.....you have a truck
and it has mud on it.

[MustangSally00]

You have a day (and sometimes weekend) job and it isn't doing car commercials for daddy.