How is hunt seat equitation judge

As the class continues, be aware of where the other competitors are. Also, try not to get caught on the rail with another pony on the inside hiding you from the judge.

Your position is very important in an equitation class. If you feel nervous, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Sit lightly in the saddle. At the walk, trot and canter your body should be slightly in front of the vertical. Get into two point position for the hand gallop. They should be far enough apart that you can just touch your thumbs together. Your hands and knuckles should be slightly tilted inside the vertical—about 30 degrees.

One of the first things a judge will notice is your swinging leg. Your pony should be forward going with energy.

He should take long, loose strides—not short, choppy steps. You should have a light contact on the reins— not loopy long reins—and your pony should accept the bit contact without pulling or fussing. Excellent rider who commits a minor fault, or an excellent rider who commits a major fault.

A very good rider who commits a minor fault. A good rider who commits one minor fault, or a very good rider who commits a major fault in the performance of the pattern. Horses are judged on several points, including: hunting pace, movement, style of jumping, and manners. Riders are judged on their position equitation , ability to communicate and control their mount with invisible aids, and ability to execute the questions posed on course. Hunter classes are judged using the numerical scoring system, much like grade school.

Scores can range from in the 90s down into the 60s. The following are some of the possible reasons for the different scores. This score is not commonly given, as the round would require that it be beautifully executed by a top quality horse or very accomplished rider. This score could indicate a special horse or top rider having a good round with some subtle discrepancies.

This score could reflect an acceptable round produced by an average horse or intermediate rider. It could be an excellent performance by a horse of less quality, or a more novice rider. This could also be a trip by an exceptional horse or rider that had some notable problems. This score could reflect that either there was a significant error by a quality horse or good rider, or there were serious flaws with the style of the horse or rider.

Such a low score usually means that major problem s occurred during the round such as a dangerous jump, e. A score of 55 is given automatically for breaking stride trotting on course. A score of 50 is usually given for adding a stride in a combination.

A score of 50 is given for loss of an iron or rein in an equitation class. A score of 45 is usually given for a rail down in the hunters division. A rail down in equitation classes constitutes a 4 point deduction of the original score. Comparison of Competitors — Additionally, if there are identical scores amongst competitors horse and rider teams in the same class, the judge will compare them to each other to decide which was better and adjust the scores accordingly, so there are no identical scores in the same competition.

Ultimately, the judge must decide which horse or rider was better if the scores are similar. Once you understand how the scoring works, it is very important to know that you are being judged from the time you enter the arena until the time you leave. The old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression is all-important. As the round finishes, the judge has a score in mind and is now deciding, if there is another competitor with a similar score, which one is higher or lower.

There is no excuse for dirty tack, ill-fitting jackets or muddy boots! Overall impression of the horse includes weight and condition of the animal, as well as conformation, expression, and type. Overall impression of the rider for the equitation division includes suitability of the horse to the rider, not only in size, but also in compatibility.