When is it acceptable for non-riders to jog a horse?

[Swale01]

I have a a somewhat humorous question...let me just say for starters that I realize I'm incredibly lucky to be in this situation. But could use a little COTH feedback here.

I have the best DH/Horse show husband in the world - he rarely misses a show, has taken charge of trailer maintenance, helps me ringside and has learned what he's watching to such a degree that he can identify things like a lead swap in front of a fence when he sees it. He uses his mad military skills to spit-polish my boots, he volunteers to drag the rings for my trainer when the shows are at his place and he has learned how to properly handle my horse and considers himself part of our 'team'. I do too, for that matter.

At a show about a month ago, he threw me for a loop a little...we recently moved up into a division that will require us to jog the pinnings, and we were called for the jog order. My DH asked "Could I jog him?" He has seen others at shows (grooms, mostly!) jog horses instead of the rider and reminds me of this. I shrugged, tied my number around my gelding's neck, and in they went. I was thinking it was really sweet and he looked excited to do it...but we also got a couple of odd looks. (For the record, my horse is an angel on the ground, DH is perfectly capable of handling him even when he's feeling ornery and DH is plenty smart enough to stay properly spaced while doing this...I had no concerns about the actual execution here, just the appearance.)

I figured this was a one-time thing, because it was our first pinning at a rated show where we had to jog and we were both excited. But at our show last weekend, he asked me if he could do it again!

SO....my question is....is it appropriate to let him do this? I would never ask him do it (part of me is already self-conscious about looking like some sort of diva for not doing it myself!) But part of me wants to let him do it any time he wants if it makes him feel more like part of 'the team'. I don't really know what the protocols here....are there protocols?? Are there reasons I should discourage this idea he has?

[CBoylen]

Sure it's appropriate. As you mention, many times the jogger is the groom. It's nice if the jogger is appropriately attired (as in not dressed sloppily, which presumably you discourage in your husband in general ;) ) and important that they at least have appropriate footware for safety. Oh, and make him wear or carry the number. Around the neck is tacky and unsafe. You should probably make sure he's aware to listen to instructions in case of a re-jog, and also, if you win, make sure he knows where to go when there's no one to follow.

[QM2]

I also think that it's appropriate. I also, think that it's really sweet.

You guys can be the ones whos husband always jogs. You could be known for it.

Have fun and enjoy your great husband. I have one too bit mine bucks my stalls. ;)

[pm59]

I agree, Let him enjoy himself and really BE part of the team!! Oh and LUCKY YOU!!!! A DH like that is worth is weight in gold!

[jetsmom]

Awww...what a sweet DH! I think it's great that he gets to participate at shows.



My DH plays poker, and after a game, will come home and tell the dogs "We've got money for dog treats!!" Silly, but it makes me fall in love with him all over again.

[Tha Ridge]

I agree, Let him enjoy himself and really BE part of the team!! Oh and LUCKY YOU!!!! A DH like that is worth is weight in gold!

Ditto this. As long as he's safe and having a great time, let him. :D

[MHM]

I agree with the others- it sounds sweet and perfectly acceptable for your husband to be the proud jogger. :)


Oh, and make him wear or carry the number. Around the neck is tacky and unsafe.

Ok, I'm scratching my head a little trying to imagine a scenario where the number around the neck could be a safety issue in the jog, as long as it stays on. :confused:

[dp1092]

I have a a somewhat humorous question...let me just say for starters that I realize I'm incredibly lucky to be in this situation. But could use a little COTH feedback here.

I have the best DH/Horse show husband in the world - he rarely misses a show, has taken charge of trailer maintenance, helps me ringside and has learned what he's watching to such a degree that he can identify things like a lead swap in front of a fence when he sees it. He uses his mad military skills to spit-polish my boots, he volunteers to drag the rings for my trainer when the shows are at his place and he has learned how to properly handle my horse and considers himself part of our 'team'. I do too, for that matter.

At a show about a month ago, he threw me for a loop a little...we recently moved up into a division that will require us to jog the pinnings, and we were called for the jog order. My DH asked "Could I jog him?" He has seen others at shows (grooms, mostly!) jog horses instead of the rider and reminds me of this. I shrugged, tied my number around my gelding's neck, and in they went. I was thinking it was really sweet and he looked excited to do it...but we also got a couple of odd looks. (For the record, my horse is an angel on the ground, DH is perfectly capable of handling him even when he's feeling ornery and DH is plenty smart enough to stay properly spaced while doing this...I had no concerns about the actual execution here, just the appearance.)

I figured this was a one-time thing, because it was our first pinning at a rated show where we had to jog and we were both excited. But at our show last weekend, he asked me if he could do it again!

SO....my question is....is it appropriate to let him do this? I would never ask him do it (part of me is already self-conscious about looking like some sort of diva for not doing it myself!) But part of me wants to let him do it any time he wants if it makes him feel more like part of 'the team'. I don't really know what the protocols here....are there protocols?? Are there reasons I should discourage this idea he has?

1. Keep your hubby around! He sounds like a joy to have at horse shows!

2. I think this is appropriate, it's awesome he wants to jog your horse to get his ribbons! Let him have fun! You will probably have cute candids from photographers :)

[Gry2Yng]

OMG! I am so jealous I can hardly stand it. LET HIM JOG! Maybe one of the COTH reporters will pick up on this thread and do a sidebar! How cool. My daughter is 3 1/2 and just did her second leadline. I am hoping my DH will FINALLY want to participate. He has already acknowledged that he is going to be writing a check for a pony in the very near future.

Get him a fun little "trademark" item to wear, sort of flower in the lapel style.

[dotneko]

My husband was the one in charge of the FEI jogging for
my horse. Since you had to jog in a snaffle and Fabian was
about 20 hands with all the commotion, I gratefully handed
over the duty to him. He got to dress up and wasn't
required to ride. I got to braid and watch.
He actually won 'best dressed handler' and a gift certificate
to a local tack store at one show.

[usedtobeaweffer]

I agree with the others- it sounds sweet and perfectly acceptable for your husband to be the proud jogger. :)



Ok, I'm scratching my head a little trying to imagine a scenario where the number around the neck could be a safety issue in the jog, as long as it stays on. :confused:



LOL i was thinking the same about the "safety" thing… lol…

[RumoursFollow]

Love that. Not sure my husband could have run fast enough to keep up with my amateur horse when he was my amateur horse. ;) Good for him!

[Kikki]

I think its really cool!

While not applicable to you, in classes restricted to juniors, a junior must jog :)

[sansibar]

aww that is so cute!

Totally acceptable in my opinion!

[SnicklefritzG]

Girl, I think you have a keeper. Let him do it:)

and one question: does he have any brothers who are single?

[cherham]

My hubby is a professional handler so when my horse has to go in the ring to jog he is always happy to do that for me. I do not run that well in riding boots and certainly do not have the stride to keep up with my horse when properly presented at the trot. The only problem we always have is the gate person who always want to rush him in......he would rather take that few extra seconds before entering to allow the horse ahead to move out of the way and then WOW my mare just powers into the most beautiful hunter trot way of going. The mare is then properly stood up for the final line-up just as she would be in a line class. More then once the judges have approached hubby and thanked him for presenting the horse is such a professional way...and more then once we have been moved up the line I believe because of that jog.

I realize that the grooms are very, very tired but do not understand why some of these lovely top hunters are presented in the jog with handlers that are unkempt, running shoes, hair a mess and then the horse is barely asked to jog at all; often seen lagging behind the handler with the gate person clicking them on. Terrible presentation! ANY horse can be taught how to trot in hand properly.

Kudo's to the OP and her husband. You guys will have a lot of fun at the horse shows.

[Ravencrest_Camp]

My hubby is a professional handler so when my horse has to go in the ring to jog he is always happy to do that for me. I do not run that well in riding boots and certainly do not have the stride to keep up with my horse when properly presented at the trot. The only problem we always have is the gate person who always want to rush him in......he would rather take that few extra seconds before entering to allow the horse ahead to move out of the way and then WOW my mare just powers into the most beautiful hunter trot way of going. The mare is then properly stood up for the final line-up just as she would be in a line class. More then once the judges have approached hubby and thanked him for presenting the horse is such a professional way...and more then once we have been moved up the line I believe because of that jog.

I realize that the grooms are very, very tired but do not understand why some of these lovely top hunters are presented in the jog with handlers that are unkempt, running shoes, hair a mess and then the horse is barely asked to jog at all; often seen lagging behind the handler with the gate person clicking them on. Terrible presentation! ANY horse can be taught how to trot in hand properly.

Kudo's to the OP and her husband. You guys will have a lot of fun at the horse shows.

cherham, not sure what kind of classes you are riding in, but in a hunter class you can not move up because of the jog. The jog is to test for soundness. The only way to move up would be if one of the horses ahead of you was not sound.

Again I don't know what kind of classes you are riding in, but in Canada the person who jogs the horse must be eligible for the class. So if it is amateur class, you can not get someone who is not an amateur to jog for you.

[mepkkg]

He's a keeper :)

[Timex]

Not only perfectly acceptable, but totally awesome! Lucky you, to have a DH that is so involved!

[Swale01]

Whew - thank you guys for the responses - I will definitely let him jog any time he wants to after this!

I definitely don't take the DH for granted - I'm grateful and amazed that he has participated the way he has. I have spent the last two years waiting for him to wake up one day and say "I think I'm going to skip the show today..." but he's still as enthused as ever, and I tell him every chance I get how much it means to me that he wants to be part of it.

Gry2Yng - DH would probably kill me for mentioning this but he asked for "horse show attire" for Christmas (actually what he said was, "I think we should have some team gear.") I translated that into a ball cap with a horse shoe, my horse's name, and "Pit Crew" over the top of it. I also had a fleece pullover made that has the pit crew logo. I think I need to get this made on a polo shirt now for the summer...

SnicklefritzG! The DH doesn't have any brothers...but I have one who has learned the 'pit crew' trade from the DH. Funny story about the brother....he's a good looking guy (6'3", blonde, athletic) and he lives only 20 minutes from the Wellington show grounds. So I get a phone call from him this year where he's excited because he just "met a cute girl in riding boots" at Starbucks and he recalled the lessons of DH and approached her and asked "So do you do the Hunters or the Jumpers?" He claims she was very impressed...:)

[findeight]

Again I don't know what kind of classes you are riding in, but in Canada the person who jogs the horse must be eligible for the class.


She is riding in USEF/USHJA classes in the United States where it is permitted...and quite common.

Oh, and the earlier moving up deal? You CAN move up in a Conformation Hunter class where they model after they jump and it's part of the total score. But not in the usual Hunter classes where it is strictly for soundness.

[dp1092]

Swale01: Please post pictures! :)

[myalter1]

AWWWWWW

[Gry2Yng]

The DH doesn't have any brothers...but I have one who has learned the 'pit crew' trade from the DH. Funny story about the brother....he's a good looking guy (6'3", blonde, athletic) and he lives only 20 minutes from the Wellington show grounds. So I get a phone call from him this year where he's excited because he just "met a cute girl in riding boots" at Starbucks and he recalled the lessons of DH and approached her and asked "So do you do the Hunters or the Jumpers?" He claims she was very impressed...:)

LOL!

[Oldenburg99]

Awww...what a sweet DH! I think it's great that he gets to participate at shows.



My DH plays poker, and after a game, will come home and tell the dogs "We've got money for dog treats!!" Silly, but it makes me fall in love with him all over again.

This cracks me up!! :lol:

[Oldenburg99]

Whew - thank you guys for the responses - I will definitely let him jog any time he wants to after this!

I definitely don't take the DH for granted - I'm grateful and amazed that he has participated the way he has. I have spent the last two years waiting for him to wake up one day and say "I think I'm going to skip the show today..." but he's still as enthused as ever, and I tell him every chance I get how much it means to me that he wants to be part of it.

Gry2Yng - DH would probably kill me for mentioning this but he asked for "horse show attire" for Christmas (actually what he said was, "I think we should have some team gear.") I translated that into a ball cap with a horse shoe, my horse's name, and "Pit Crew" over the top of it. I also had a fleece pullover made that has the pit crew logo. I think I need to get this made on a polo shirt now for the summer...

SnicklefritzG! The DH doesn't have any brothers...but I have one who has learned the 'pit crew' trade from the DH. Funny story about the brother....he's a good looking guy (6'3", blonde, athletic) and he lives only 20 minutes from the Wellington show grounds. So I get a phone call from him this year where he's excited because he just "met a cute girl in riding boots" at Starbucks and he recalled the lessons of DH and approached her and asked "So do you do the Hunters or the Jumpers?" He claims she was very impressed...:)

You know the rest of us are swooning and incredibly jealous over your DH and brother, right? :winkgrin:

So awesome for you!! let him participate in the fun!

[[email protected]]

I can only hope that my future husband will be this enthusiastic... :lol::lol::lol:

[Swale01]

Swale01: Please post pictures! :)

I haven't gotten a photo of him jogging yet (I'll try this weekend if I can sneak my camera into the grooming box!) But I do have one of my favorite photos of him online from "my view of the world" at shows...
http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1220167114_LZjqz-A-LB


And I have a feeling that my brother would want me to make sure that all of the single gals in the Palm Beach area on this thread know that he's not only pit-crew trained by my DH, he's also single... :lol:

[Twiceshy]

I haven't gotten a photo of him jogging yet (I'll try this weekend if I can sneak my camera into the grooming box!) But I do have one of my favorite photos of him online from "my view of the world" at shows...
http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1220167114_LZjqz-A-LB



AND he's a Red Sox fan? Swoon! :winkgrin:

Love the "Pit Crew" idea... I may have to copy that!

[Swale01]

Love the "Pit Crew" idea... I may have to copy that!

I'll definitely get a picture this weekend of his Pit Crew cap I had made...(it might be too warm for him to wear his fleece!!)

[MHM]

And I have a feeling that my brother would want me to make sure that all of the single gals in the Palm Beach area on this thread know that he's not only pit-crew trained by my DH, he's also single... :lol:

How old is the single brother?!? Where is the picture of him?? ;)

[RougeEmpire]

soooo does he have a younger brother avaliable??? lols!

[CBoylen]

Ok, I'm scratching my head a little trying to imagine a scenario where the number around the neck could be a safety issue in the jog, as long as it stays on. :confused:
Number string is really hard to break, and almost impossible to unknot if it is drawn tight, which is why it's great for fixing things, but not something to tie around a horse's neck where it might get caught on something. And I'll admit to being the guilty party in the past that did it for convenience, but it earned me a very serious, erm, lecture, from my trainer that I won't soon forget. And in the tradition of the reformed.....

[mrsbradbury]

Just love the thread. Supportive family, happy horses and pick ups!!! Great.

Have fun with your DH, I hope younger bro finds his gal and many blue ribbons to you!

[SnicklefritzG]

How old is the single brother?!? Where is the picture of him?? ;)


Sorry but I think there is a pretty long line already :lol:

[Kestrel]

Maybe you could sell his email address to finance your horse show habit :lol:

[mvp]

Given the talk about more- and less professional handling...

Given DH's interest in showing and your wanting to include him..

Make the jog His Thing. Maybe he'd really enjoy learning the difference between better and worse, and spiffing up his presentation style as a project makes a real contribution but is all his.

Being known around the shows for the DH who presents your mare like a professional would would make you guys the best kind of celebrity couple!

[Gry2Yng]

Sounds like the DH already jogs better than some of the pros I know.

[War Admiral]

Sounds like the DH already jogs better than some of the pros I know.

Juniors and ammies too, for that matter. :cool:

[Swale01]

Naturally, the batteries in my camera were dead this weekend - but my sister-in-law came through with her camera and I have a couple of photos to share...I have to apologize to CBoylen up front because we were the last O/F round, so we were hustling to take off the saddle and I handed the number to him and said "You can just carry this". He went ahead and tied it on the horse, thinking it was what he saw me do last time....next time he'll carry it. :)
I kinda feel badly about sharing these because I also realize that he should probably wear a nicer shirt if he's going to do this...I'm trying to offer him one gentle suggestion at a time. (He also had a nice fleece on most of the day over this...)

http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1224275595_jbazW-A-LB

http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1224275635_B2YrA-A-LB


AND....a photo of the brother....he'd kill me for this but I figure it's in my interest to do everything I can to ensure I get a sister-in-law who rides. :D I can vouch for his initial pit crew training, but he has a ways to go before he could take over the Crew Chief duties of the DH....
http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1220217491_Jcjx7-A-LB (http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1220217491_Jcjx7)

[GrayCatFarm]

I'm swooning. Over your DH, your horse, that braid job.........and your brother. I will now quietly take my place at the END of the line.

[comingback]

The OP's hubby sounds very similar to mine...he has military background, my boots are always shiny, and while I have been around horses for over 20 years, he has only been exposed for this past year. He loves it, has learned so much and is awesome around them.

Anyway...I was telling him about this thread and his first reaction was, "why dont I get to jog, I want to". Guess my plans to move up to a division requiring a jog just got fast tracked so he can take care of business :D

[Renn/aissance]

Hey! I saw you at that horse show! Er, rather, I saw your husband- and immediately thought of this thread, having no idea who you were. :lol: Love your horse!

[crugnug]

I officially have a crush on your hubby! What a cool thing to do! I also love the pics, thanks for sharing!

And also, if I lived in FL, I'd be first in line for your brother. Good looking AND "pit crew" trained? Sign me up! Unfortunately, I'm up in the frozen tundra known as Michigan :(

[Kryswyn]

My fiance' and I got together after I'd given up horses, but I do compete my jack russells at Terrier Trials. After one trial where he just took pictures I handed him the leash of my best dog and said 'you take him in Go to Ground' It was a little bit of a fiasco, but the dog is really fast and when his name was called for 2d, I told Bill to go get 'his' ribbon.

Bill now refers to Dare as "his" dog, and they won a boat load of ribbons last year.

Being able to share a sport with your SO is just the best!

****
Any bets on how soon OP gets a COTH sister in law? :D :D

[FineAlready]

This might just be the most adorable thread ever. It makes me all squishy inside, and I am so happy for you that you and your husband get to share your sport together!

[MHM]

So OP, how many PMs have you gotten for your brother's phone number? :lol:

[Foxtrot's]

Heck - he should be jogging in -he's earned it and a good percentage of the ribbon belongs to him for his time and efforts.

[chunky munky]

I had not seen this thread but had to click on it as it was getting so long. Well it was a pleasant surprise considering I had expected some crazy train wreck. Very cute.
But to the OP: As Bessie Smith once said "Woman be wise, keep your mouth shut, don't advertise yo' man!" LOL

[Swale01]

Heck - he should be jogging in -he's earned it and a good percentage of the ribbon belongs to him for his time and efforts.

I completely agree. I actually feel somewhat grateful that he wants to jog because I feel like it's a moment he can enjoy, and he deserves it. (I just hope my rides don't keep him jogging at the very back of the lines!!)

I appreciate the responses on this thread! I suspect DH would say (I have heard him say this before) that there would be more Pit Crew Husbands at horse shows if we women stopped overlooking the nice guys. I admit that prior to the DH, I was occasionally guilty of this myself...and he would also say that after his multiple deployments in the military, he doesn't take quality time with loved ones for granted. I'm grateful that he wants to be there with me and take any opportunity to make sure he knows it.

Comingback - maybe we can start a DH jogging trend! :D

I have no COTH sisters-in-law lined up yet. Did I mention that the Bro is only 20 minutes from Wellington? :lol:

[Oldenburg99]

I have no COTH sisters-in-law lined up yet. Did I mention that the Bro is only 20 minutes from Wellington? :lol:

How convenient!! ;)

[RougeEmpire]

Naturally, the batteries in my camera were dead this weekend - but my sister-in-law came through with her camera and I have a couple of photos to share...I have to apologize to CBoylen up front because we were the last O/F round, so we were hustling to take off the saddle and I handed the number to him and said "You can just carry this". He went ahead and tied it on the horse, thinking it was what he saw me do last time....next time he'll carry it. :)
I kinda feel badly about sharing these because I also realize that he should probably wear a nicer shirt if he's going to do this...I'm trying to offer him one gentle suggestion at a time. (He also had a nice fleece on most of the day over this...)

http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1224275595_jbazW-A-LB

http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1224275635_B2YrA-A-LB


AND....a photo of the brother....he'd kill me for this but I figure it's in my interest to do everything I can to ensure I get a sister-in-law who rides. :D I can vouch for his initial pit crew training, but he has a ways to go before he could take over the Crew Chief duties of the DH....
http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1220217491_Jcjx7-A-LB (http://amysmith.smugmug.com/Friends/Random-Photos/16242673_MbDAy#1220217491_Jcjx7)


DAMN!!!!
and cute to boot! You lucked out girl! I gotta come crash your horse shows and meet me some hot menz who can handle horses!

[crugnug]

No COTH sister in law yet? Damn, guess I need to get my butt down to Wellington!

[Hunter Princess]

Oh to escape PA....

[CharmCity]

I am cracking up over this thread as I type one-handed.
Swale01 speaks the truth about her DH and the his Team Swale01 gear-she has started a fashionable trend in proper attire for Pit Crew friends and family.
Since it's me, I have a brilliant idea (cough,cough). Your DH can jog your boy and you can jog my little beast when I move up. That way, you can watch DH from behind.
Then, I can train your brother on proper horse-watching behavior:)