Amateur show horses

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shaskeen

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Why do horses shown by amateurs always look small compared to the ones ridden by the 'big boys' ie my cob and small hunter are both 15.1 and 15.2 respectively with height certificates yet are dwarfed in the ring
 
shaskeen said:
Why do horses shown by amateurs always look small compared to the ones ridden by the 'big boys' ie my cob and small hunter are both 15.1 and 15.2 respectively with height certificates yet are dwarfed in the ring
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Because you don't have their feet cut down to nothing and also have travelled them for 2 to 3 hours so that they're knackered and therefore sag... they spend some time training them to stand with their head in the optimum position to get their withers the lowest.
 
blitznbobs said:
Because you don't have their feet cut down to nothing and also have travelled them for 2 to 3 hours so that they're knackered and therefore sag... they spend some time training them to stand with their head in the optimum position to get their withers the lowest.
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They are also strapped, physically well built - professionals have a darned good eye for a horse - well muscled, well turned out, well schooled, wear all the correct gear to make them look as good as they possibly can. Every aspect of a produers job is to turn their charges out to the very best of their ability. I'm sorry, most amateurs don't have the knowlegde, the eye or the ability to do such a good job. I say most because it is certainly not all - there are some bloody fantastic amateurs out there.

Don't tar all producers with the same brush. Yes some do do dodgy things but they are fewer than you seem to think!
 
one of mine was 17 hh.
my mare was 16.1 and a mw
then i had a 14.1 traditonal
ive now got a 16.2.. and he is only just 3:eek:
 
Mine looked small in second place next to the winner....winner subsequently measured out by 5cms.

Do agree though that horses can often looked taller than they are when in condition.
 
The methods I outlined are not against the rules or even that unethical -- just a lot of hassle... It's odd that since maxicobs have come in that lots of horses have been remeasured larger tho' ...
 
Great replies from you all, but I have done my absolute all with correct tack and turnout beautiful horses, who dont get me wrong are winning but just look so small, no amount of strappin or a good professional eye can add inches to a horses wither.

Correct schooling rather than overfeeding also puts on a great topline, and well muscled fit not fat horses do look the business but it still does not add height to the wither!!!!

This IS NOT a case of amateur sour grapes but a valid observation
 
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