When judging a hunter style class in a field derby which do u prefer: Sloppy braids v. no braids?

Braiding for huntseat riding is an age old tradition that dates back to early Fox Hunting when riders were in need of a solution to keeping their horses' mane from catching on trees and brush. Braids kept the mane nice and tidy from bramble while on the hunt and even helped to signal other hunt riders if a horse kicked or not depending on what side the braids laid on the neck.




While braiding has become a necessity for success in many hunter show rings today, some local shows do not require braids in order to place. When showing locally and at "B" rated shows which do you think judges prefer: sloppy braids or no braids and a pulled mane? We vote for a neatly pulled, appropriate length, mane. By "rocking" a nice pulled mane you can still show off your horse's crest without any distracting loose braids or annoying string.



However, it is still important to remember when braiding is essential. At local and lower rated horse shows if you compete in a prize or special class, such as any of our Hunter Derbies, neat and tight braiding woul be considered essential in order to compete. In our prize classes our judges will be judging not only on horse and rider performance but also efforts of embracing the traditional roots of hunting, including formal attire, appropriate tack, and neat braiding.

Upcoming 2011 Show Season

Hello all horse lovers,

As most of you probably know, we are entering into our second year of hosting Honey Tree Stable's own summer show series. Last year we had a very successful show turnout and had a lot of fun hosting and competing in our Hunter Derby shows. We want to get your guys feedback on what you look forward to this year's competition and what would you like to see at this year's series.

We are currently in process of requesting the OHJA rating and will hopefully have it apart of the OHJA schedule this Spring. In addition, we are constantly thinking and strategizing new ways to improve and make our field course more challenging. Last year, we included a ring of fire made out of hay bails and wagon wheels. Our course is very versatile and easily changeable, therefore we would love to hear from you guys any new jump ideas. Perhaps you were inspired by the most recent World Equestrian Games, we want to hear about it.

As the snow begins to melt away, and the grass becomes green we will upload new pictures of our field course. We will also be offering schooling in the Spring for $45/per horse and rider. Our first show dates are June 3-5 and June 24-26, so schedule your schooling day in plenty of time. We look forward to another successful show season!