This is a question that i have been thinking about a lot…

If Classis Pleasure is only for amateurs, why do open and junior classic championships strip?

I know that it is required that Open and Junior Horse Championships are required to strip, and Ladies, Amateur, and Junior Exibitor do not. So since classic is only open to amateurs, why does the class strip?

No one really needs to give me a straight answer, i just think it is a strange rule.

What is everyone’s take on asking judges about your performance? As a Jr. Ex. showing pleasure and equitation, I like to ask the judges what he/she liked/didnt like/ and what i could improve on my performance. Do you think this is appropriate? Some judges have been happy to answer my questions and even look through their cards, while some just scowl and give me an answer like “more consistant”.

Also, I only ask after i am done showing. ;]

In Hunters, I know shadbellys are acceptable in evening classes and championships, but I was wondering, what was everyone’s take on shadbelly point colors and the shirts that are underneath? According to USEF rules, points and shirts must be canary yellow, with the points looking as an extension of the shirt. But more and more I am seeing all kinds of crazy colors and designes underneath those shadbellys. Is this allowed? Because according to USEF, it it not. So would colors with shadbellys be appropriate or looked down upon.

And also, i was just at the Morgan Gold Cup Horse Show, and I saw more horses showing in illegial bits that those showing in legal bits. In Hunters, a good 50% of these horses had curb shanks exceeding the legal limit, and the curb bits looked the size of a saddleseat curb.  And also in saddleseat i saw many horses showing in a sort of pelham bit, with 2 reins, but not 2 different bits. And many horses had strange curb bits going on, where they connected underneath the horses mouth, and were one U shaped shank, not 2 straight ones. Aren’t bits like this illegial? and why are judges not penalizing against this?

It just goes to show, the Morgan World is not at good at following USEF rules as they say they are.