Dictionary Definition
equitation n : riding a horse as a sport [syn:
riding, horseback
riding]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Pronunciation
-
- Rhymes: -eɪʃǝn
Noun
- A riding, or the act of riding, on horseback; horsemanship.
Extensive Definition
Equitation refers to a rider's position while
mounted, and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and
with effective aids. In competitions, this is judged in equitation
classes, or classes at horse shows that mainly judge the rider's
performance and control of the 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.
In 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. It is correct for the
riders to have a light and steady contact with their horse's mouth
the entire ride. Loss of a stirrup or dropping the reins are also faults, and may be
cause for elimination.
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 are
the national Maclay finals and USEF Medal classes. These
championships and their 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 tests may be chosen by the judge to
help place the top 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 at higher levels of competition, such as at a
national final. Switching of horses is no longer common at smaller
competitions due to the risks involved.
Saddle Seat Equitation
- ''see also Saddle seat
Gaits shown in Saddle Seat classes include the
walk, trot, and canter. Some competitions may call for extended
gaits, particularly the trot. In some cases, breeds who can perform
five gaits add equitation classes that require two additional
gaits: the "slow gait" and
"rack." All classes require Rail work, where competitors show and
are judged as a group going both ways of the arena. Saddle seat
equitation may include individual tests or a pattern to be ridden.
Tests may include backing up, mounting and dismounting, riding
without stirrups, "addressing" the reins (i.e. picking up the four
reins correctly), figure eights, serpentines and straight line
patterns done at any gait. At the canter, only simple changes of
lead are required when changing directions. It is possible to have
a "ride-off," where two or more riders are asked to perform
additional work to determine the winner.
Correct position for the rider is to have the
shoulder, hip, and heel in a line. He/she is 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.
The informal dress for saddle seat equitation
includes a coat and Kentucky jodhpurs of a dark,
conservative color, e.g., herringbone, pin stripes, black, blue,
grey, dark burgundy, dark green or beige; a white or pastel
collared shirt with a tie; derby or soft hat; and jodhpur
boots. Vests and gloves are optional. After 6 p.m. formal wear
is required. This habit includes a tuxedo-style jacket, pants and
vest with bow tie and formal shirt, and top hat.
Pleasure equitation is another form of saddle
seat equitation in which a rider is required to wear informal dress
(coat, jodhpur pants, derby or soft hat, all in a dark color) in
the day and evening and ride a horse that has a full mane and tail
which is not set.
The value given to rail work and pattern work
varies from qualifying competition to championship
competition.
Western Equitation
Western equitation (sometimes called Western horsemanship, stock seat equitation, or, in some classes, reining seat equitation) competitions are judged at the walk, jog, and lope in both directions. Riders must sit to the jog and never post.Riders must use a Western
saddle and a curb bit, and
may only use one hand to hold the reins while riding. Two hands are
allowed if the horse is ridden in a snaffle bit
or hackamore, which
are only permitted for use on "junior" horses, defined differently
by various breed associations, but usually referring to horses four
or five years of age and younger. Horses are not allowed to wear a
noseband or cavesson, nor any type of
protective boot or bandage, except during some tests that require a
reining pattern.
Riders are allowed two different styles of reins:
1) split reins, which are not attached to each other, and thus the
rider is allowed to place one finger between the reins to aid in
making adjustments; and 2) "romal reins," which are joined together
and have a romal (a type
of long quirt) on the end,
which the rider holds in his/her non-reining hand, with at least 16
inches of slack between the two, and the rider is not allowed to
place a finger between the reins.
The correct position for this discipline, as in
all forms of riding, is a balanced seat. This is seen when a
bystander can run an imaginary straight line that passes through
the rider's ear, shoulder, hip, and heel.
The Western style is seen in a long stirrup
length, often longer than even that used by dressage riders, an upright
posture (equitation riders are never to lean forward beyond a very
slight inclination), and the distinctive one-handed hold on the
reins. The reining hand should be bent at the elbow, held close to
the rider's side, and centered over the horse's neck, usually
within an inch of the saddle horn. Due to the presence of the
saddle horn, a true straight line between rider's hand and horse's
mouth is usually not possible.
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, but rather it is the rider who is evaluated. Also, instead of a single competitor in the ring, there are several riders in the ring at one time.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.
The
United States Equestrian Federation outlines the rules for
Dressage Seat Equitation
[http://64.233.161.104/u/thestudent?q=cache:S_qWn9gUfu8J:www.equestrian.org/aboutus/inter/dressage/seat-equitation/judging-guidelines.pdf+dressage+seat+equitation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8]