The Art and Science of Equitation

Spending time at a barn or horse show is a very unique learning experience. When you hang around a horse environment, you are sure to hear terms and phrases unique to that one area of the world. There is a unique language for horse people and learning some of the terms makes living within the horse world a more rewarding experience, regardless of your level of involvement. For example, learning the general meaning of equitation opens up many different sects of the equine universe.

Equitation refers to the rider’s position when riding the horse. When a rider is taking lessons for equitation, they are working on improving their posture and poise when in the saddle. When riders show in equitation classes, the judges are looking at primarily the rider, not the horse.

Riders are judged on their seat and hands based on the specific discipline in which they are competing. But beyond their general riding ability, they are also judged on appearance and presentation. Their attire must be impeccable and their tack must be perfectly fitted and cleaned.

They are judged on how perfect they go through the motions of the ride, both in terms of maintaining their position and giving commands. Judges are looking for how well they use their aids like crops, reins, spurs, and more. Judges do look at the horse in order to see how well the horse is responding to the rider, in an attempt to get a better feel for how well the rider is communicating with the horse.

Many differnt types of riding have equitation training and showing. The standards for equitation vary greatly depending on the specific sport. For example, Western Pleasure equtiation differs from Hunt Seat which differs from Saddleseat. Equitation is really the backbone for all other types of riding and training. After all, a horse is only as good as his rider. By perfecting the rider, it is easier to bring out the best in a horse.