| Equitation refers to classes where the rider's style is | | | | Unlike the more common hunter classes, hunt seat |
| judged. In an equitation class, your horse doesn't have | | | | equitation judges the rider rather than the horse. Riders |
| to be the smoothest jumper in the world, or the most | | | | will receive penalties if their horse refuses a jump. |
| elegant mover, the rider is the one being judged, and | | | | Certain fundamentals of equitation are rigidly observed |
| the horses' movement is irrelevant to some degree. | | | | in judging. In general in a hunter equitation class as long |
| Equitation divisions range from beginner walk-trot | | | | as the horse clears the fences in a jumper competition |
| through open equitation. In the flat equitation | | | | it does not matter what it looked like. Saddle seat |
| competition, riders are judged on how well they handle | | | | equitation may include a pattern to be ridden, often at |
| riding skills, such as walking, trotting, and cantering. | | | | different gaits with several changes in direction. Stock |
| Riders should be able to show precise handling of their | | | | seat equitation is a western discipline. |
| horse at the walk, trot, and canter while maintaining | | | | Jackets are required in all equitation classes, with the |
| proper equitation and control. | | | | exception of hunter equitation classes where jackets |
| A knowledgeable equitation rider establishes a straight | | | | are preferred but not required. The rider must remain |
| line from his/her elbow, through forearms and reins to | | | | on the same mount throughout all phases of an |
| the horses mouth. Shoulders are another common | | | | equitation class until the judge requests a change. |
| area for equitation faults. Some equitation judges will | | | | In equitation classes, only the rider is being judged |
| ask riders to answer questions on anatomy, tack, and | | | | therefore no penalty should be assessed because of |
| equitation. | | | | the horse's conformation, color or movement. Many |
| There are three types of equitation saddle seat, hunter | | | | riders compete in specific divisions where they earn |
| seat, and stock seat. In hunt seat equitation, riders | | | | points in Equitation classes, the points count for class |
| compete over fences and in separate classes, and at | | | | year end awards. |
| the walk, trot and canter on the flat. | | | | |