What is the Equitation Judge is looking For?

Equitation is all about your riding.  You need to allow your horse to go comfortably and jump beautifully as he can, regardless of your horse's conformation or the height of the jumps.

The definition of equitation is to ride well, showing good style with a kind obedient horse, whatever discipline you choose. 

Good equitation is what occurs every day in good jump and hunter riding, dressage, eventing, trail and saddle hunter.

To do so you need to:

Ride with your horse's particular abilities and talents in mind

Have an awareness of your horse limitations.

What the Equitation Judge is looking for:

• That your horse is moving forward propelled from behind, pushing off well from his hind legs, and coming well under him with each stride.
• He's happy and light off your aids.
• That you are balanced through the corners and therefore not falling in or out.
• He's relaxed, bent a little around that inside leg and rein.
• When approaching the jump, your horse's movement is forward and balanced.
• You are not having push or pull your horse and both have a relaxed expression.
• You must release the horse's mouth over the jump and you follow you horse's motion.
• On landing, your horse is centred and balanced.
• Your position stays secure and solid throughout the jump.
• Your horse shows great rhythm and pace.
• You should be able to lengthen and shorten your horses stride with no resistance.

The basis for your horse going well is your good position; heels down your base of support centred and with your horse's movement.  Your upper body is in balance, neither jumping ahead nor falling back. That you both form a caring and trusting partnership and that is shown in the expression of your performance.

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