Finally Pictures of Bourbon!!!

[shotabourbon]

here's the link for the pictures!!! Just click on Horse Shows!

community.webshots.com/user/bourbonbaby

let me know what you think!!! Maggie, there's some pictures on here of you too!

[Machogirl]

First off, I love all the pictures! Your horse is adorable and your pink coat is really pretty against his color!

Okay, now on to the critiqueing:

I'm going to break it down:

~ BRIDLE ~
In this picture (http://community.webshots.com/slideshow?ID=499844097&key=WnVpOr) :
It looks as though something is twisted on the bridle. I'm not sure if it is the noseband or one of the cheeckpieces, but something isn't laying quite right. Also, I would check the fit of your throatlatch and tighten it up a bit. It is hanging pretty low and this is unattractive and can be harmful to the horse. Another thing about the bridle (I know, I know already...) is that on the snaffle rein you have a snap, big No No. Snaps are okay for training, even though scissor snaps can come off, but you shouldn't show with snaps on your bridle. And yet another thing about the bridle (I am very picky, sorry).... It looks like your laced rein is on the curb and your flat rein is on the snaffle. Normally the curb has the flat rein and the snaffle has the braided rein. I cannot see the bridle that well in this picture so if I mentioned something that is actually right then I am sorry.

~ HORSE'S APPEARANCE ~
In some of the pictures your horse has a long ribbon in his forelock and first section of mane. Traditionally the long ribbons are used on TWHs for showing. Saddlebreds use ribbons for certain classes but they are a smaller version and oftern twisted around the throatlatch. If you are going to use ribbons, I would try to get shorter ones because they are kind of distracting. If I were you though, I wouldn't even use them unless some rules states that you should, for you type of showing, etc...
Technically, you should be showing with a white girth. Patent leather is the preferred kind, but there are some other types. I wouldn't recommend a web or cotton girth though.

~ YOUR APPEARANCE ~
Overall your appearance looks pretty good. In one of the pictures, your back number is crooked. Not only does this look unprofessional, but it also looks sloppy and like you were in a big rush to get to the ring. Your hair could be neater and the bun could be a little smaller, but it doesn't look bad how it is. Your gloves look a little big and seem as though they may get in the way so I would suggest getting some smaller or more form fitting gloves. SSG gloves are nice, either leather or nylon blend. I prefer a leather glove for showing, but it is mostly rider's preference. Make sure that your tie is up to the collar and tight. Yes, it should feel snug but not as though you are being choked. Also, make sure your vest is on straight.

~ YOUR EQUITATION ~
In many of the pictures you legs have slid far forward. Make sure that your stirrups are adjusted correctly and that you keep the iron on the ball of your foot. It would help to sit back a little bit and pick yourself up. Roll your shoulders back and make a small arch in your lower back. Keep those shoulders back!! Also when rolling the shoulders up, bring up your chin. Watch your hand and arm position. In some pictures your arms are perfect height but in some they are too low. You want to have a good bend in your elbow, normally about 90 degrees, give or take. Also, watch your hands. Make sure you keep your thumbs on top. Work on 'A' hands as described in previous post.

Well, this has been a long post but I hope it helps. I think if you really work on appearance and equitation, you will only get better! Your horse looks good and with some more training, he can look even better. If you have anymore questions feel free to post them. I'm sorry if this is mean, I don't mean it to be at all.

[kkmhorselova]

lol the 'A' hands strike again! anways, you two look good together, and your horse is so cute! I think macho pretty much covered everything.

[butterfly]

Bourbon is so cute! And he really reminds me off Misty in one of the last pics, where he has his head down low. Aborable.

Be careful with the bits. I'm assuming it's a double bridle. Go more on the snaffle to get his head up, and just barely jiggle the curb. Don't hang though; sometimes just give a little bump, or a give-release pattern will work, too. Other than what Machogirl said and what I have above, awesome job!

[Emily-Moe]

LOL, im pretty sure i cant add much more than Laura has said,helpful and maybe obsessive but definatley helpful!

Bourbon looks very cute!, you must be really proud! Thanks for all the pictures, lol i reeaallly like seeing pictures!!

[MyBestDay]

Very nice I agree with all that has been said. I would also like to add that it may be beneficial for you to raise the bit a hole or two in your horses mouth. Judging by how far back your curb is coming, it is too loose right now The shank should be nearly parallel with the horses mouth.

[cowboycrazy]

hey kasey bourbon looks so cute i think that was they the 2nd or 3rd winton woods show i wasnt there guess what!!! me and pride have mastered our leads and and are showing canter next year i went to harvest homes and come home with 2 forths and a 3 sixths which i think is very good considering i was the ONLY saddle seat person on the whole show grounds i was agenst all QH's and hunt seat and we even gave the contesters a run for there money in the catalog race out of 26 contesters we came in 6th

[twhbabe]

kACEY omg i LOVE ya soo much
pics were the best ever love always maggie

[nashley]

maggie ur in there 2 with reb yea reb did a fling lead change it was great this is all while i was bareback Kacey i miss you SOOOOOOO much

[shotabourbon]

That's sooo awesome jess!!! You and pride look awesome together!!! I love hearing from you guys!!!

[shotabourbon]

Hey, I just added a whole bunch of new ones you guys!!!

[Emily-Moe]

YAY!!! gosh, i love seeing pics! I love him when hes all stretched. SO cute. I think the pic where you said you need to clip him is soo cute, because he looks my show horse now too, all fluffy and cute, not very show horsey!!

[kkmhorselova]

wow I love the new pictures!! He is so cute!!

[Machogirl]

I love the new ones too! I love your horse!