(show jumping) ( not accusing you!)?

Just because you saw one boarder at your barn riding improperly, does not mean that everyone who showjumps saws on their horse's mouth and beats them, and I thank you for saying "alot of show jumpers" rather than "all the showjumpers" :) I have never seen anyone who viciously beats their horses and saws on their mouth. Anyone who knows how to ride properly would not do that! I do not see the point in it either, and I show jump as well. At our shows, you have got maximum of 2 smacks with your crop, and if you go over that limit you get whistled out and disqualified. If you do it again in a second cl, you could be asked to leave the show grounds. I think the reason why people sometimes saw on their horse's mouths is because some horses are strong(like a stallion), and they need a stronger rider to be able to adjust their stride length, or to get their hindquarters under them in preparation for the jump. Sometimes, why people smack their horse's (not beat) is because their horse refused the jump, or the horse is misbehaving (bucking) or after the horse refused the jump, when they are coming up to it sometimes you smack and the horse will go over, but not all people do that. You are right, beating a horse should not be tolerated under any cirstances ;) hope i helped