ENGLISH EQUITATION - English tack and attire 

1. The judging emphasis is placed on the rider. Riders will be judged on seat, hands, performance of the horse, appointments of the horse and rider, and suitability of the horse to the rider. The results as shown by the performance of the horse are NOT to be counted as more important than the method used in obtaining them.

2. The rider should present a workmanlike appearance of being with the horse and in light control at all times. An impression of lightness and suppleness should be conveyed. Light contact with the horse's mouth is required.

3. The hands should be over and in front of the horse’s withers, with the palms turn in (down) about thirty (30) degrees inside the vertical. The hands should be held slightly apart and in a position to make a straight line from the horse’s mouth to the riders elbow. Method of holding reins is optional. All reins are to be picked up at the same time. Bite of reins may fall on either side.

4. The rider should site a basic position with the eyes up, shoulders back, toes out at a natural angle, heels down, ankles flexed, and the calf of the leg in contact with the horse slightly behind the girth. The ball of the foot should rest on the stirrup. The body should be vertical at the walk or slow trot, inclined forward at the posting trot and halfway between at the canter.

5. To mount, take up reins in the left hand and place hand on the withers. Face the horse at an oblique angle to the rear. Near the shoulder, grasp the stirrup leather with the right hand and insert left foot in the stirrup. Mount.

6. To dismount, the rider may either step down or slide down according to size.

7. The class shall enter to the right of the arena, and proceed in a counter clockwise direction. All contestants will work the rail in both directions as the judge calls for the specific gaits and directions. The judge may ask for appropriate tests and work the group individually. Tests may include but not be limited to: Performance on the rail, back, gallop and pull up, figure 8 at a canter, simple lead changes, bring horse to a walk from a canter, dismount, mount, drop stirrups, counter lead, and 1/2/ and 1/4 turns.

 

ENGLISH PLEASURE  -  English tack and attire

 1. Horses are to be shown on the rail in both directions at a walk, square trot with the rider posting, and a canter with light contact with the horse's mouth to be maintained at all times.

2. Horses shall not be asked to extend the canter unless they are the top group. Horses may be asked to back or reverse to the inside (away from the rail).

3. The English horse should be suitable to purpose. They should move cadenced and balanced. Quick short strides will be penalized. Horses should be obedient, alert and responsive to their riders. Judges emphasize free movement and good manners.

4. Entries will be penalized for wrong leads, wrong diagonal or excessive speed or slowness in any gait.

 

ENGLISH PATTERN CLASS English tack and attire

PATTERN will be posted at arena gate.

Each contestant will be required to perform a pattern individually. The class is designed to reflect the riding qualities of gaits, response to the rider, manners and disposition of the horse and rider. A horse going off the pattern is disqualified. Off pattern is any of the following: and incomplete pattern, incorrect order of maneuvers, knocking over markers, passing on the wrong side of marker.