I am curious to find out the reason to this rule, if someone knows please share it here, otherwise I will look around and let you know once I find out.
However I had a chat with the judges after the show and I must say that I was impressed by their professionalism and integrity.
Hunters are judged on conformation, way of moving, quality, substance and soundness. Astra had one minus according to the judges and it was her long back. According to Hunter standards the back should be shorter. Otherwise they found her to be of high quality, have correct legs, good neck and head and a nice trot. They also liked her overall impression of athletism. A hunter that has a body to do the job.
However, I guess her long back will prevent her from winning the big hunter championships. But that is not a goal for us it was very educational to get a hint on how the Tekes stand in the hunter ring.



Astra and Nichole discussing the winner strategy when entering the ring.


In Hunter Over Poles the Hunters train to ride a course in an even rythm without spooking, the horse is supposed to trot over poles on the ground.
Peggy made this hughe jump over the first pole in her first class, that jump cost her the first price. Peggy loves to jump, I suspect she found it a bit ridiculous to trot over poles, but....you have to walk before you run.


Portia as always perfect style and balance.

1. Jessica D.04/24/2007 20:49:40

That sounds about right to me...on the whole long back fault. But I do think that if she can jump well and moves well enough...Astra could still do pretty well in Hunters...Conformation comes more into play in the in-hand classes more so than the under saddle classes. ;)

2. Jessica04/25/2007 08:54:31

We entered into this class more for social training and of course curiosity about how she would be judged. It was a nice bonus that we won. Astra will do under saddle classes, she is a good prospective jumper.
We're currently looking for someone who can show her.