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Discussion on Quarter Horse Mare with High Head Carriage

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Janet
Posted on Sunday, Apr 18, 1999 - 12:32 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

All this talk about head carriage! Perhaps you folks can advise me: I have a pretty little QH mare that I bought last summer. She is awesome in English Pleasure and dressage (which is why I just HAD to have her).

I showed a lot as a youngster, and am planning on taking her to some amateur shows this year, just for kicks. But I have been told FLAT OUT by a "friend" that I will not even place since my mare has a naturally high step and high head carriage. She wants me to put draw reins on her and retrain her headset, yadda, yadda, yadda. I say, phooey! Somebody before me has put A LOT of training into this mare to teach her all that she currently knows. Why should I presume to overrule that? Besides, I'm just going to have fun--it's not a high pressure type of thing.

But, is it true that a high-stepping (parkish) horse cannot place in this day and age? My friend says those days are gone, and horses now are required to travel "flat" and with a much lower headset. If she is on the ramene', what does the height of her head matter? Just curious as to what the judges are looking for "nowadays."
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Teresa A
Posted on Sunday, Apr 18, 1999 - 3:25 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I don't claim to have a huge amount of experience in showing but I do enter the small amateur shows that you are talking about. My experience is that it depends upon the judge and what they like. Some are fairer than others. The best way to find out about your mare, not seeing her go, is to take her to these shows and see how you place. If they are amateur training shows then you could talk to the judge as well and see what he/she says about your horse. Also, find a coach and get their opinion as well.

Teresa
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Janet
Posted on Monday, Apr 19, 1999 - 6:08 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks, Teresa! I think I'll ask another "friend" over to see her move. I have seen her move when other people have ridden her, but I LIKE spirited high-stepping horses, so I'm biased. I'll ask around and get some feedback. I also plan on going to the shows anyway. Even if we don't win, or even place, I think it will be fun to try! Maybe I'll find an old fart judge like myself and he/she will like park horses! (probably not)
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lindsay
Posted on Monday, Apr 19, 1999 - 8:04 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi! iam lindsay and have the same problem with my app mare. So, I took a crop that reached her forlock and held it there the whole time riding. Whenever she lifted her head really high it gently taped her. She tried to not put her head up so high to avoid the crop.
This has worked wonders for me and hopfully for you in the future! Thanks! Lindsay
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