>>>> i wondered about this statement too Judy! Spotted saddle horse shows have jumping and they jump just like any horses! Maybe its something to do with conformation, not gaitedness. Janice
Remember, "gaitedness" is not a single state - it comes in infinite degrees from pace to trot. I think the key is how pacey a horse is. And, some horses have a wide RANGE of gaits, while others have a narrow range. For instance, Sina CAN pace, but she also can trot pretty easily - and she can jump in nice form, very easily. But, Big Mac, who has very little ability to trot, as is very pacey, finds jumping very difficult. However, I have to go back to the pics Virginia has sent us. Gat CAN jump, at least the little low cross-rails. So, I'm not so sure that's the problem here. Sure, she may not be a 100% perfectly ideal hunter pony, but a lot of hunter ponies we encountered weren't. It wasn't that she CAN'T jump - it was a matter that the coach put her in classes that she and Alex...and probably mostly Alex...weren't confident to go over. I haven't heard a single thing that makes me thing Gat is really the issue in this unfortunate event. I still have an urge to go upside the head of that coach....GRRRR! Virginia, what height were they supposed to be jumping? Were these hunter or jumper classes. You may not know all these, but believe me, it's time for you to learn! Welcome to the Horse Show Mom Club... Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
