Equitation
Overview
Equitation is a hybrid discipline between hunters and jumpers. Courses are typically more challenging than hunters, resembling more of a jumper style course, but should be ridden with the smoothness and style of hunters. Equitation puts more of an emphasis on the rider to navigate courses efficiently with good control and smooth transitions.
Gait Terminology
The following terms are used for all equitation divisions and callouts during flat classes.
Down 1 - Back up
Up 0 - Halt
Up 1 - Walk
Up 2 - Trot
Up 3 - Canter
Up 4 - Working Canter
Up 5 - Hand Gallop
Up 6 - Gallop
Turn Out
Dress code, equine level, and equine mood are scored in all equitation divisions. Each dress code error error will deduct 2 points out of the total 10 possible points. Equine level and mood are both scored out of 15 points.
Flat Phase
In all flat phases, scoring is done in the form of errors with the riders with the lowest scores placing highest. Below is a list of possible errors that may be assigned. Riders who bring an equine that goes against our restrictions will be penalized, such as riding a banned breed or riding a pony in a horse-only division.
10 points - cutting off another rider
10 points - facing the wrong direction in line up
10 points - riding through another rider
10 points - incorrect gait demonstrated
10 points - incorrect equine
5 points - clumping together with other riders
5 points - changing direction to line up
5 points - riding too close when passing another rider
3 points - small circling or curling
3 points - excessively riding the quarter line
3 points - too close to other riders in line up
3 points - late transition
3 points - moving in the line up
2 points - poorly ridden corner, not smooth
2 points - excessive horse head pulling
2 points - taking too long to line up
1 point - talking or gesturing during the class
1 point - riding too close to the rail
1 point - riding through bushes or decorations
Jump Phase
All jump phases should be ridden at the working canter in the correct order of jumps displayed on the course diagrams. Courses are judged mainly on straightness and centeredness to jumps and overall smoothness. All courses should be ridden with a preference for inside turns and efficiency while still prioritizing straightness over jumps. Scoring is broken down by the following criteria.
20% based on turn out (dress code, equine level, and equine mood)
80% based on the execution of the jumps, turns, and other course elements
Top scoring riders from the jump phase will be called back for the work off or flat phase. The number of riders called back will vary based on the rating of the show.
Time Allowed
Certain divisions have an additional element of a time allowed that the course must be completed under. The timer will start when the horse takes off from the first jump and ends when they land the last jump. Points will be deducted off the final score if over the time allowed.
Jumps
Each jump is scored out of 10 points. All jumps should be ridden at the working canter unless otherwise noted. If a jump is supposed to be ridden at another gait (trot, canter, or hand gallop) the transition should occur about 4-6 strides before the jump. Riders should then resume the working canter shortly after the jump.
Turns
The quality and type of turning during an jumping round is scored out of 10 for the whole course. In all equitation divisions, turns should be efficient, taking inside turns when possible.
Courtesy Circles
Courtesy circles for jumping rounds are scored out of 10. Circles should only be done if the first or last jump is close to the in or out gate. The course diagram will always indicate if an opening or closing circle is needed. An ideal circle is about one third the size of the average arena. Riders should transition between trot and working canter about halfway through the circle. Riders should always enter and exit the arena at the walk.
Halt
Halting during a course is scored out of 10 points. Ideally, a halt should be 2-3 strides after the jump and last 3-5 seconds. Halts should be straight and deliberate, showing a smooth decline from working canter down through the trot and walk before halting. Transitions out of the halt should be more efficient, getting back up to the required gait as quickly as possible.
Strides
If distances are provided on a course diagram between two jumps, proper striding will be judged out of 10 possible points. The correct number of strides equals the distance in feet divided by 12, minus 1 (to account for take off and landing distance). Below is are stride counts for each distance.
24 feet - 1 stride line
36 feet - 2 stride line
48 feet - 3 stride line
60 feet - 4 stride line
72 feet - 5 stride line
84 feet - 6 stride line
96 feet - 7 stride line
Lead Changes
Riders may be asked to perform a lead change in between specific jumps during a course. The course diagram will always indicate where the lead change should occur. Tests may ask for a simple lead change or flying lead change. See below the scoring guide for lead changes.
Simple lead changes consist of transitioning down to the trot for 2-3 strides before continuing at the original gait (canter or working canter). Flying lead changes consist of transitioning down to the canter from the working canter OR transitioning up to the working canter from the canter for 2-3 strides before continuing at the original gait.
Deductions
Below are additional deductions that may be taken off of the final score. Riders who are off course will be excused from the arena and disqualified. Riders who bring an equine that goes against our restrictions will be penalized, such as riding a banned breed or riding a pony in a horse-only division.
Refusal - 40 points off final score
Hitting a jump - 20 points off final score
Other hard stop - 20 points off final score
Incorrect gait - 10 points off final score
Incorrect in or out gate - 10 points off final score
Incorrect equine - 10 points off final score
Each second over the time allowed - 5 points off final score
Off course - disqualified
Work Off
The work off is presented in a test-like format with step by step instructions. Riders will be given at least ten minutes to the learn the course on foot or the course may be released to practice the morning of the show. All aspects of judging of the jump phase remain the same for the work off. Rider are expected to follow all steps of the work off exactly.