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A rider's equitation is her/his ability to ride correctly with a strong, supple position and effective aids. This is judged in equitation classes, or classes at horse shows that mainly judge the rider's performance and control of their horse, as opposed to the performance of the horse. Equitation classes occur in the Hunt seat, Saddle seat, Dressage, and Western disciplines. A good equitation rider is always in balance with the horse, maintains a correct position in every gait, movement, or over a fence, and possesses a commanding, but relaxed, presence. They are effective riders, able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids.
In the United States, the largest organizer of equestrian competitions is the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The organization offers equitation classes at its recognized shows, including those in hunt seat, dressage seat, saddle seat, and western.
Hunt Seat Equitation
Hunt seat riding originated in the hunt field. Unlike the more common hunter classes, hunt seat equitation judges the rider rather than the horse (except refusals, which always count against the rider). However, a poor performance by the horse is usually a result of the rider it was given, and so a bad take-off spot may be penalized if the judge feels it was due to rider error. Loss of a stirrup or reins are also severe faults, and may be cause for elimination.
Flat classes include judging at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions, and the competitors may be asked to ride without stirrups. The riders are required to have a light contact with their horse's mouth the entire ride.
Over fences, the competitor rides over a course of at least 6 obstacles (usually many more). Fence height may go up to 3'6". Classes often require at least one flying change and one or more combinations. The rider is judged not only on effectiveness of aids, but should also maintain an even, forward pace and meet each fence at an appropriate distance.
The highest level of hunt seat equitation is the Open, Maclay, and Medal classes. These classes may include bending lines, roll back turns, narrow fences, and fences with a long approach. Fences must be at least 3'6" and may be up to 5' wide, and the course must have at least 8 obstacles and at least one combination. However, course may not include liver pools or open water elements.
Equitation tests may be chosen by the judge to help place the riders. These tests are required in the Medal classes. Tests may include a halt for several seconds, rein back, demonstration of the hand gallop, figure-8 at the trot or canter with correct diagonals or leads (simple change of lead or flying), trotting or cantering low fences (up to 3'), jump obstacles at the walk (up to 2'), jumping fences on a figure-8, oral questions regarding tack, equipment, conformation, and basic horsemanship, riding without stirrups, performing a turn on the forehand or haunches, and a serpentine at the trot or canter with flying changes. Riders may also be asked to switch horses.
Saddle Seat Equitation
Saddle seat is a uniquely American form of riding that grew out of the Southern plantations. Now it is seen almost entirely at horse shows organized for exhibitors of the American Saddlebred, Morgan Horse, Arabian, Friesian and the National Show Horse. There is now an international competition, the Saddle Seat World Cup that includes the United States, Europe and Africa.
Saddle seat equitation may include a pattern to be ridden, often at different gaits with several changes in direction. Gaits include the walk, trot, road-trot, and canter. Some breeds also perform at the "slow gait" and "rack" with rules for position at each gait. The test may also include a figure-8, serpentine, or diamond pattern at any combination of gaits.
Rail work is judged in two different directions, and riders are judged as a group.
Correct position for the rider is to have the shoulder, hip, and heel in a line. Also to have a straight line from knee to toe, and from elbow to wrist to the horse's bit. The rider's back should be straight yet relaxed, and the legs and arms are to remain virtually motionless.
It is possible to have a "ride-off," where two or more riders are asked to perform additional rail work to determine the winner. Often, a ride-off is performed without stirrups on the saddle, to scrutinize the rider's leg strength.
The value given to rail work and pattern work varies from qualifying competition to championship competition.
Western Equitation
Western equitation competitions are judged at the walk, sitting jog, and lope in both directions, and perform a reinback.In a Western equitation class you may be asked to perform riding patterns such as, transitions from halt to lope or lope to halt, a figure-8 at the lope with simple or flying change, serpentines at the lope with flying changes, the rein back, a 360 degree turn (spin), and the roll back. These patterns are used to judge the rider's position and control of horse.
Riders may only use one rein while riding, unless the horse is ridden in a snaffle bit or hackamore; However, these bridles are only permitted for use on horses five years of age and under. Horses are not allowed to wear a noseband, or any type of protective boot or bandage, except for in the pattern test.
The correct position for this discipline is a straight line from the rider's shoulder down to their heal. This means the rider's feet and legs should be pushed back, with their heels pointed down. A rider's first instinct and common fault is to sit on the horse as if they were sitting in a chair. The rider should be sitting as straight as possible by sucking in their stomach rather than arching their back. The rider should have all of their weight sunk into their seat and should be sitting back. The rider's shoulders should be rolled back and their chin should be up to show that they are looking forward. Another way to win over the judge is always with a pleasant smile.
Dressage Seat Equitation
Dressage seat equitation is a relatively new class offered at dressage shows. Unlike a dressage test, the horse's gaits are not judged. There are several riders in the ring at one time.
The rider is judged on how she conforms to the classical position. This includes judging the rider's balance of weight, rhythm, spring in their joints as they absorb the horse's motion, and a certain amount of frictional grip with the saddle. The rider is relaxed and does not interfere with her horse's movement as she sits, but is free to manipulate her aids. The rider and horse should have unity, and the rider should use her aids correctly and efficiently.
For judging of dressage seat equitation, see *
See also
External links
"Equitation"