AN INTRODUCTION TO EQUITATION

Text: Tana Scott | Photography: L.C Photographs

BECOMING THE BEST RIDER YOU CAN BE

The word ‘equitation’ was originally used to refer to the overall position or style of the rider when in the saddle. The original meaning of this word was then taken to create the discipline called (you guessed it) Equitation.

Equitation, which can be ridden by riders of any age and ability, can be ridden at training or graded level. When a rider enters an Equitation test, they can expect to be judged on their position and how effective they are when in the saddle.

Ultimately, the purpose of Equitation is to improve riders’ skills by providing them with correct instruction and helpful tips to allow them to become the best possible rider they can be.

Did you know?

Equitation is a discipline that was introduced to South Africa in the 1970s by the talented Mrs Charlotte Stubbs.

The levels

In Equitation different tests exist which combine a flatwork part, which is now known as ‘Part 1’, and a course consisting of approximately 8 jumps, now known as ‘Part 2’. There are then four levels that riders may ride at when competing in Equitation:

WELCOME (60CM)

• In this level, the riders are required to do basic transitions such as halting, walking, trotting and cantering.

• Elements may include: trotting poles, Figures of 8, cantering a jump on a circular track, a small gymnastic, and canter poles.

NOVICE (70CM)

• In this level, the riders are required to do more complex transitions and movements.

• Elements may include: trotting a Figure of 8 over trotting poles, cantering two poles on a circle and changing rein through the circle, cantering a more complex gymnastic and jumping fences set at right angles.

INTERMEDIATE (80CM)

• In this level, the riders are required to do more complex transitions and movements than in Novice.

• Elements may include: cantering two jumps on a circular track, cantering a vertical on a Figure of 8 track, trotting a more complex gymnastic, jumping fences set on a zig-zag, cantering a Mercedes, performing roll backs and adding and subtracting strides in a related distance.

OPEN (90CM)

• In this level, the riders are required to do more complex transitions and movements than in Intermediate.

• Elements may include: jumping bounces on a curve, adding and subtracting strides in a related distance, cantering a related ‘s-bend’ and cantering a ‘looping star’.

Each test is created in a way which tests the riders and provides them with basic exercises to complete which, in the future, will help them achieve the best possible results. Each part in the Equitation test will be judged by either one or two skilled judges and once the test is completed, the judges will then score each part out of a possible 20 marks. The rider with the highest mark at the end of the class will be announced as the winner.

TURN-OUT

A large part of Equitation is the neat and correct turn-out of the horse and rider combination. Horses are required to have their manes and tails plaited and to be neatly groomed and presented. Riders are recommended to wear beige breeches, a collared shirt with a tie or a Chinese collared show-shirt, a show blazer and have polished boots. Hair should be tied up and the overall impression should be of a neat and well-presented rider and horse.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Equitation is a fun and informative discipline that has been enjoyed by many top and recreational riders over the years and provides a great medium for riders to improve their skills and the way in which they work with their horse.

Equitation is seen as the basis for all disciplines in the equestrian sport as it teaches the riders to apply the correct aids, sit correctly, hold the correct position and ride in an effective manner. These skills are used in all the other equestrian disciplines and doing Equitation as a discipline will greatly improve these skills and make you a better all-round performer.