Equitation

Equitation refers to the art of riding a horse and the rider's position while mounted. It encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated.

Dressage Seat equitation, unlike a dressage test, the horse's gaits are not judged, although the horse's frame is taken into consideration by the judge, but rather it is the rider who is evaluated. The rider is judged on a proper classical position. This includes evaluating leg position, seat, hands, balance, and rhythm. The rider is to be relaxed and not interfere with the horse's movement, but able to make full use of all riding aids. The rider and horse should have unity, and the rider should use the aids correctly and efficiently.

In Hunt Seat equitation competition, flat classes (those that do not including jumping) include judging at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions, and the competitors may be asked to ride without stirrups. Riders should have a light and steady contact with their horse's mouth the entire ride.

In over fences classes (classes in which the horse and rider jump obstacles), the competitor rides over a course of at least six jumps (usually more). Fence height may go up to 3'9". Classes often require at least one flying lead change, and one or more combinations. The rider is judged not only on position and effectiveness of aids, but should also maintain an even, forward pace and meet each fence at an appropriate distance.

At the highest level of hunt seat equitation qualifying classes may include bending lines, roll back turns, narrow fences, and fences with a long approach to test the rider. Fences must be at least 3'6" and may be up to 5' wide, and the course must have at least eight obstacles and at least one combination. However, the course may not include liver pools or open water elements.

Equitation is an English riding event that judges correct riding and proper body carriage of horse and rider.

Instructions

Spurs
English Riding Jacket
Light-colored Shirts
English Reins
English Saddle
Breeches
Headstalls
Helmets
Leather Riding Gloves
Riding Boots
Riding Crop
Snaffle Bit
Helmets

Step 1: Select a horse that moves well and carries himself well. Thoroughbreds and warmbloods (large horses of European descent) are preferred since they're taller and better able to make the jumps.

Step 2: Tack up with an English saddle and tack. It's required for this event.

Step 3: Maintain proper body position at the walk, sitting trot and canter. Keep your head up, eyes forward, shoulders back, back straight and body leaning slightly forward.

Step 4: Accentuate the forward body position for the posting trot, gallop and jump.

Step 5: Hold your hands just above the withers and slightly apart, with your knuckles rotated 30 degrees inside the vertical. There should be a straight line from horse's mouth to rider's elbow.

Step 6: Flex your ankles, keep your heels down, and maintain contact with the horse with your calves. Keep legs slightly behind the girth.

Step 7: Follow the pattern. Each rider rides in a specific, required pattern.

Step 8: Wear a dark jacket with a light-colored shirt; a riding helmet with light-colored breeches; tall, dark leather riding boots, spurs and a riding crop.