Help! Student getting conflicting training advice

Question
Hi, Dorothy,

I just bought a beautiful, well mannered, quarter horse. Although I rode as a young adult I am just getting back into riding after 35 years.

The equestrian center where I board and ride has 2 instructors/trainers. I like both, and use both, depending on their availability.

The problem is that they are at odds about the correct head position of my horse, a hunter/jumper. One is adamant that the horse's head should be held straight ahead and the other is just as adamant that his head should be down, neck a bit rounded. Today these 2 instructors had a blow out regarding this issue right in the middle of my lesson!

My problem is that I am just a student and I am doing my best to ensure that both my horse and I get proper training. As you can imagine, I am very confused about the situation. Do you have any suggestions? Can you tell me what the correct head position should be?I am very grateful for any guidance you can offer.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration regarding this matter.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Tinsman

Answer
Hello Jennifer,

It is a shame that you cannot get another instructor.  It is unthinkable that two trainers would "have a blow out" in the middle of anything.  However:   As long as your horse is accepting the bit, his head, the line from his forehead to his nose, should be in front of the vertical.  Your horse should carry his neck and head in a comfortable position for his conformation, not artificially held down nor pulled up.  His nose should not be sticking out too much, nor should it be behind the vertical.  The whole thing about the "hunter" way of going is that the horse be and look natural and comfortable to himself and his rider. It follows that if he is on the bit and accepting your controls, that his neck would be a bit rounded, but not as much as in dressage or jumper riding. Jumper riding may another kettle of fish because that is timed and the fence patterns are tighter and more difficult.  Then he should have had dressage to make him more maneuverable and this would have an effect on his head carriage.  What I suggest that you do is attend a few hunter shows and see what the judges are awarding. If they like the neck straight and nose stuck out, then that must be the current fashion.  If they like more contact with the neck rounded, that may be what they like this year.  

I prefer dressage because there is not so much room for subjectivity and fad.  Next time your instructors get into a row, I would simply dismount and leave the ring without paying.  That is what they would do if you were having a fit.  LOLOL

Happy riding,
dorothy