When I was searching for my current horse, I made a wish list of attributes I was seeking. Because I was looking for a young horse, I put conformation near the top of the list. When my search finally ended, I was thrilled that the check marks were plentiful.

As I helped prepare my 2-year-old for the hunter breeding ring this year for my first foray into the division, I received a lot of advice. Most people were supportive of the division, but others had stern warnings for me about politics, subjectivity and the “good old boy’s club.”