Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American horse shows. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The jumping position is a position used by equestrians when jumping over an obstacle For the Roman class see Equestrian (Roman Equestrianism refers to the skill of riding or driving Horses This broad description A Horse show is a judged exhibition of Horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide Along with Dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training English riding is a term used to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting. Fox hunting is an activity involving the tracking chase and sometimes killing of a fox traditionally a Red fox, by trained Foxhounds or other Scent hounds Hunt seat competition in North America includes both flat and over fences for show hunters, which judge the horse's movement and form, and equitation classes, which judge the rider's ability both on the flat and over fences. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids Hunt seat is also the generic term used to describe any form of forward seat riding, including that seen in show jumping and eventing. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping.
Hunt seat is an extremely popular form of riding in the United States, headed under the USHJA (United States Hunter/Jumper Association) and the United States Equestrian Federation. The United States Hunter/Jumper Association, or USHJA, is the governing body for Hunt seat and Show jumping in the United States The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. It is also popular in Canada. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page While hunt seat showing is not an Olympic discipline, many show jumping competitors began by riding in the hunter divisions, before moving into the jumper divisions. Equestrianism made its Summer Olympics debut at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes
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Rider Position
The Hunt seat is also sometimes called the "Forward Seat. Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids The jumping position is a position used by equestrians when jumping over an obstacle " Ideally, a champion hunt seat rider has a very secure position. This includes proper leg position, weight in heels, soft hands, good posture, balanced seat, eyes up and, when working over fences, looking ahead towards the next fence. Riders usually employ a half-seat or "two point" position while jumping fences, depending on the type of course and height of fences.
Types of competition
Hunter seat competitions in general are divided into three general horse show categories, hunters, equitation, and jumpers. A Horse show is a judged exhibition of Horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide Show hunters as a group are judged on manners, way of going, and conformation. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Jumpers are judged by how quickly a horse can complete a course of jumps with the fewest errors, called faults. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes Equitation riders are judged on the appearance of the rider and the smoothness and overall look of the horse and rider as a team. Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids Other related disciplines within the hunter or hunt seat subcategory of English riding include Eventing and Dressage. English riding is a term used to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training These activities are all differentiated from Saddle seat riding, which is a discipline developed for high-action show horses that are not intended to be shown over fences. Saddle seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds
The horse
Show hunter
Horses used in hunter over fences and hunter under saddle (or "flat", non-jumping) classes are called show hunters, and are judged on their movement, way of going, manners, and jumping form. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Conformation is judged to some extent as well. Thus, smooth, quiet-moving, well-built horses with an excellent temperament are desired. A related flat class in many breed competitions very similar to Hunter Under Saddle is English Pleasure-Hunter Type, called simply "English Pleasure" in some places. English pleasure is generic term for a number of different English riding classes seen at Horse shows in the United States, where the horse is ridden in Although a somewhat different style of horse than the classic hunter may be shown, the goals of good manners, performance, quality and conformation are still emphasized.
Horses may be of any breed, although those of Thoroughbred and Warmblood type are most common. The Thoroughbred is a horse breed Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds primarily originating in Europe, registered with organizations that are characterized by open studbook Regardless of breed, the horse should have a long stride with little knee movement, good jumping form with correct bascule, and should be well-mannered. For top level competition, movement and jumping form become increasingly important.
Show jumper
The show jumper is generally a horse that has more power and energy than a show hunter. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes Because only jumping ability is scored, conformation, manners, and way of going are critical only as far as they affect soundness and ability to jump. Jumpers are often taller and more powerfully built than hunters, often with a bit more speed. Some are far more temperamental, though excellent jumpers must be manageable as well as athletic. Horses may be of any breed, though again, Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods dominate the field. It is rare for a horse to perform both as a hunter and as a jumper as temperament and style of movement are markedly different.
Equitation
Hunt seat equitation classes judge the rider only, including his or her position on the flat and over fences and overall effectiveness while riding. Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids Therefore, it is not imperative that the horse has perfect movement or jumping form, but it needs good manners and an attractive way of going that does not detract from the rider's performance. Although temperament is not judged, horses with a more tractable temperament are generally easier to ride, and can therefore help riders demonstrate their skills.
The ideal equitation mount has less bascule then the show hunter, because it is easier for a rider to maintain the correct jumping position on a "flatter" horse that does not throw the rider out of the saddle when it jumps. However, a show jumper is not ideal either, as the horse may be less than smooth in its way of going and too volatile in temper for the rider to maintain steady and correct form over a course. The horse must jump safely and not carelessly rub rails. The movement of the equitation horse is generally more collected than the show hunter, which allows the rider to better adjust the stride for tricky combinations.
Differences between show jumpers, show hunters, and equitation
Courses
The most notable difference between hunters and jumpers is the technicality of the courses. Show jumping courses include combination fences, sharp turns and several changes of direction, all requiring adjustability and athleticism. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes Show hunter courses include smoother lines, fewer combinations, and wider turns, reflecting the fox hunting tradition and the cadence needed for riding in large fields. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Fox hunting is an activity involving the tracking chase and sometimes killing of a fox traditionally a Red fox, by trained Foxhounds or other Scent hounds Jumper fences can be quite high, up to 5-5'6" in Grand Prix show jumping, and up to 7-7'6" in puissance (high jump) classes, with a much greater width. Puissance is the high-jump competition in the equestrian sport of Show jumping. Show hunters, on the other hand, are shown over fences no greater than 4' in height, even at the highest levels, but are expected to display a cadence and elegance that is not necessary in show jumping.
Equitation courses resemble a hunter course, but are more technical, testing rider's skill and form. They often include combinations, tight turns, and difficult distances between fences. These courses reach 3'6" in height at the highest competitive level.
Obstacles
The fences used in show hunter courses are designed to be very natural in appearance, to simulate a natural cross-country hunting course. The poles and standards of the fences are usually natural wood or painted a conservative color, such as white or brown. Water obstacles are not included.
Obstacles used in jumper competition are often brightly colored and sometimes even deliberately designed to look "scary. " These courses usually include an open water or "liverpool" obstacle, and may also have varied terrain with fences on the top or bottom of a bank, or with a ditch under an obstacle. Water is often used in equestrian events as an obstacle for jumping most notably in the cross-country phase of Eventing, as well as in Show jumping.
Equitation obstacles, though more complex in layout than a hunter course, are usually more conservative in design than jumper obstacles, more closely following those of the hunter courses.
Judging or scoring
Equitation and show hunters are judged subjectively based on ability and form (or the rider) and elegance, cadence and style (of the horse). Equitation may be judged in one round, though often a "work-off" is included in which the top riders come back and display a round of jumping, flatwork, no stirrup work, or switching horses, for example. Hunter courses are generally judged in one round, but classics often include two rounds for the top competitors. In most horse shows, four over-fence rounds (one often containing a 25% conformation component) and one flat class make up each hunter section. The judge decides which combination has the smoothest round and displayed a ride most closely to the ideal. Certain mistakes like refusals will lead to drastic penalties, while minor errors like a soft rub on a rail are slightly penalized, at the judge's discretion. This can make judging difficult to follow for those new to showing until the subtle factors considered by the judge are better understood.
Unlike the subjective scoring of the hunters, show jumping horses are more objectively penalized by scoring "faults" if they knock down or refuse obstacles (four faults), or if they exceed the optimum time. Some jumper classes also require a second round for those who jumped clean (received no penalties) in the first round. These "jump-offs" are judged on accuracy and time where competitors are placed first in the order of fewest faults and among those in the order of fastest time (not just time allowed). Because style is never taken into account, the horse may jump in unorthodox form, take off from a poor spot, or rub a rail without any penalty. This objective scoring makes show jumping easy to follow though sometimes both horses and riders may exhibit unorthodox and even unsafe form.
Pacing
Speed is not favored in show hunter or equitation classes. A steady but forward canter is seen in show hunter courses and in equitation courses. In show jumping, the rider may be penalized for going over the time. Therefore, a faster but steady gallop is used in jumper classes. Jump-offs also often display greater pace as time is of the essence.
Classes
Classes of hunt seat riding are often divided by the horse and rider's ability, the rider's age, the height of the horse or pony, and the requirements of the horse in that class.
Type of class
- Flat or Hunter Under Saddle classes: The horse is judged "on the flat," meaning jumping is not involved. In show hunter classes, the horse's movement and manners are judged, with quality of movement paramount. In equitation classes, the rider's position, seat, and aids are judged. Horses are shown at the walk, trot, and canter. The canter is a controlled three-beat gait performed by a horse In some classes, backing up, an extended trot, and a hand gallop may also be required. The rein-back is a Dressage term to indicate the Two-beat movement in which a Horse is asked to back up The trot is a two beat diagonal gait of the Horse where the diagonal pairs of legs move forward at the same time This is an article on horse gaits for other meanings see gait (disambiguation.
- Pleasure: Another class on the flat, where the horse's manners and suitability for the rider are ranked more highly than quality of conformation and movement. English pleasure is generic term for a number of different English riding classes seen at Horse shows in the United States, where the horse is ridden in The horse should look like it is a pleasure to ride.
- Over-fences classes: The horse is judged over a course of fences. In show hunter classes, particular attention is paid to the horse's jumping form, the fluidity of the course, and its take-off spot for each fence on the course. The judge also looks for correct leads in the turns or clean flying changes, good movement, and a calm ride. A lead change refers to an animal moving in a Canter or gallop, changing from one lead to the other
- Equitation classes In hunt seat equitation classes, the rider is judged on the flat and over a course of fences, with attention focused on his or her position between and while over a jump, his or her ability to get a horse to the right take-off spot, choice of line between fences, and his or her overall effectiveness. Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids There are also equitation classes offered where riders are not asked to jump, particularly at lower-level shows.
- In-Hand classes, Also called "model" classes, these are non-riding classes where the horse is presented to the judge "in hand" meaning that it is led by a handler on the ground. "Halter" is a term used to describe a type of Horse show class where horses are shown "in hand" meaning that they are led not ridden and are judged on their "Halter" is a term used to describe a type of Horse show class where horses are shown "in hand" meaning that they are led not ridden and are judged on their The horse wears only a bridle. The animal's conformation is judged, as well as its movement and soundness. Equine conformation refers to the correctness of a horse's bone structure musculature and its body proportions in relation to each other
Horse restricted classes
- Pony classes: Are designated by the height of the pony. Includes small pony (12. 2 hh or smaller), medium pony (larger than 12. 2 to 13. 2 hh) and large pony (13. 2 hh to 14. 2 hh) classes. The jump heights in the over fences pony classes are proportionate to the height of the pony. For example, small ponies in regular competition jump 2'3", medium-sized ponies jump up to 2'6", and large ponies have fence heights of 3'.
- Baby -, Pre-, First- and Second-year Green: the classes are for inexperienced horses. Depending on the region of the country and organization sanctioning the competition, "Baby-green" or "pre-green" classes many have a fence height from 2' to 3'. Under the rules of the USEF, first-year green have fences set at 3'6", and second-year green have a fence height of 3'9". The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States.
- Regular: for the experienced horse and rider combination. Fences are 4' in height, and the horse is more likely to be shown by a professional trainer.
Rider restricted classes
- Short stirrup, long stirrup, and green/novice rider: These classes are for the most inexperienced riders. Short stirrup classes are usually for riders 12 and under, long stirrup classes are for those 14 and younger, although age varies between shows. Fence heights in these divisions are usually 2'. Green or novice rider divisions have courses set at 2'6".
- Children, junior, and adult are classes broken down by age, but designed for riders with solid skills and a reasonable amount of show experience. Fences are usually 3' in the children's and adult amateur classes. Modified junior and Amateur classes are a step up, at 3'3". The highest levels for both age groups are the junior and amateur owner divisions, with fence heights of 3'6". These classes may be further divided by height of horse into Large (16 hh+) and Small (under 16 hh), or by age of the rider. USEF age divisions are usually 13 and under, 14-17 yrs, and 18 and over. Some organizations break down the adult division even further. Variations include 18-39 years, or 18-35, 36-49 and a "silver" division for riders 50 and over)
- Walk/trot' is a flat class for beginner riders, requiring the rider only to execute the walk and trot. These classes are not always offered at the higher-rated shows.
- Beginner rider: A non-USEF type of class offered in some areas, open to riders who have just begun showing. The rider may become ineligible for this class after one or two years of showing, or after winning a certain number of classes. These classes are not offered at the higher-rated shows.
- Maiden, Novice and Limit: Classes limited to horses or riders who have not won one, three or six first place (blue) ribbons in a given division at any show or shows sanctioned by a given organization, such as the USEF.
- Adult Amateur and Professional: these class divisions are designed to separate non-professional riders, called amateurs (because they do not earn a living from equestrian activities) from professional riders who earn their living as trainers.
Required tack
Hunter and Equitation classes
Hunter classes (both under-saddle and over fences) have requirements for classic, plain tack that demonstrates that the hunter is easy to ride and attentive and responsive to its rider. Tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by Horses in the course of their use as domesticated Animals Saddles stirrups
The saddle is usually a type of forward seat (jumping saddle), generally the style called "close contact," though "eventing" and "all-purpose" designs are seen in some areas, particularly at lower levels. English saddles are used to ride Horses in " English riding " disciplines throughout the world Saddles are usually of brown leather, with a plain girth, usually of leather. The saddle pad should be white, and shaped to fit the saddle. A saddle blanket is a Blanket which is inserted under a Saddle in order to absorb Sweat, cushion the saddle and protect the Horse 's back Ideally, no more than one inch of pad should appear under the saddle.
The bridle is simple, with a plain cavesson (any type of noseband other than a plain cavesson is prohibited) and a simple, unadorned browband. A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a Horse. The bridle fits over a horse's head and has the purpose of controlling the horse A noseband is the part of a horse's Bridle that encircles the nose and jaw of the Horse. A noseband is the part of a horse's Bridle that encircles the nose and jaw of the Horse. Bits are also simple, with riders usually using a classic snaffle, either a dee-ring, eggbutt, or full cheek design. A bit used in equestrian activities is a piece of metal or similar synthetic material that is placed in the mouth of a Horse or other Equid and allows A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. Milder bits are preferred in hunter classes. Pelham bits which include a curb chain and require two sets of reins are also legal and are particularly popular in equitation. A pelham is a type of Curb bit used when riding a horse It consists of a mouthpiece a shank a Curb chain, 2 rein rings per side on the shank and one cheekpiece A curb chain, or curb strap, is used on Curb bits (including the pelham, Kimberwicke, and Weymouth) when riding a horse Reins are items of Horse tack, used to direct a Horse or other animal used for riding or Driving. Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids Bit converters are illegal. A bit converter, also know as a pelham rounding is used on Pelham bits to change them from two-rein bits to one-rein bits
Almost all shows prohibit martingales in "flat" or "under saddle" (not to jump) classes. Martingales are only permitted in over-fence classes, and only the standing martingale is legal in hunter classes. A martingale is a term used to describe several different designs of tack that are used on Horses to control head carriage The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences A running martingale is legal for jumpers, but not hunters. According to the 2007 USEF Rule Book for the Hunter division, "Martingales of any type are prohibited in Under Saddle, hack and tie-breaking classes. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. Standing martingales are allowed for all over fence classes. All other martingales may be considered unconventional. "[1]
Breed shows
In some breed-specific shows, other types of bits, such as the Kimberwicke, are sometimes legal, but are not considered "classic" hunt seat bits, and riders moving from breed-specific to open competition are sometimes penalized severely if they use non-traditional equipment in open competition. The Kimberwicke, Kimberwick or kimblewicke is a type of bit consisting of a mouthpiece and D-shaped rings on either side
Grooming and braiding
- See also: Horse grooming and Mane (horse)#Braiding(US)/Plaiting(UK)
The horse must be very neat and well-presented. Horse grooming is hygienic care given to a horse or a process by which the horse's physical appearance is enhanced for Horse shows or other types of competition The mane is the hair that grows from the top of the neck of a Horse or other Equine, reaching from the poll to the Withers, and includes Hunter and equitation horses are to have braided manes and tails while showing, particularly at rated competition. The mane is the hair that grows from the top of the neck of a Horse or other Equine, reaching from the poll to the Withers, and includes If braiding is not possible, the mane is to at least be pulled neatly and lie flat on one side of the horse's neck. The dock of the tail is braided into a "French" style braid, which runs the length of the tailbone, with the remainder of the tail allowed to flow freely. In the United States, the hunt seat horse's tail is not "banged" (cut straight across to an even length), though banged tails are seen in Europe. [2]
Horses usually have any long body hair trimmed short, particularly around the fetlocks, jaw, and ears. In some breeds and in some places, it is common to trim muzzle whiskers as well. Many exhibitors also trim a small bridle path by shaving a few inches of mane right behind the ears. For the horse part see Bridle path (horse. For the neighbourhood see Bridle Path Toronto. The horse are usually bathed the day before a show, blanketed overnight to stay clean, then braided and thoroughly groomed the day of the competition prior to entering the ring.
Rider attire
The hunt seat rider is dressed conservatively. Classic attire for hunter classes consists of beige, tan or gray breeches, a white or light pastel shirt, and a black, navy, gray, "hunter" green or dark brown hunt coat. (Black is considered a dressage style, however, and though legal, is less often seen in Hunter classes. ) Some years, patterns that appear solid at a distance, such as pinstripes, faint plaids or herringbone, are popular. In some competitions, the show management may choose to waive the jacket requirement if the heat and humidity is very high. [3]
The show shirt, called a "ratcatcher," is a buttoned shirt with a stand-up mandarin-style collar covered by a separate, matching choker or a stock tie, the final look usually resembling that of a turtleneck. A polo neck ( UK) or turtle neck ( US) or skivvy ( Australia) is a garment&mdashusually a sweater&mdashwith a close-fitting round The traditional, classic shirt is white. However, in some places and at some types of less formal competition, particularly for children, pastel-colored shirts are popular, coordinated with the colors in the hunt coat. Traditionally shirts were long-sleeved, but today are more often short-sleeved or sleeveless. Stock pins are sometimes worn on the stock tie or choker, although the most recent fashion has been to embroider the rider's initials on the choker. [3]
In some places, particularly breed-specific shows where tradition is not as strong, different colors of jackets and shirts are seen: riders sometimes wear tan, teal, light grey, or even dark violet coats with shirts in move vivid shades like green, orange, pink, lavender, and blue. Non-traditional attire is frowned upon and sometimes penalized in open competition.
The rider is usually required to wear an ASTM/SEI-approved equestrian helmet with safety harness fastened. ASTM International ( ASTM) originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials is an international Standards organization that develops and publishes An Equestrian helmet is worn when riding Horses. This type of Helmet is specially designed to protect the rider's head if a person falls off Although black, velvet-covered hunt caps were once popular, the old style caps provided virtually no actual protection to the head and are now prohibited for junior riders at any time while mounted and on riders of any age in all classes over fences. Caps are still sometimes seen on adult riders in flat classes, and remain somewhat popular at breed shows. However, many adult hunt seat riders who do not jump are also leaving behind the hunt cap in favor of approved headgear.
A popular new design is characterized by a broad visor, a silver ventilation strip down the center, and, for women, a hair-catching cloth at the back. The ventilation strip has given this style of helmet the tongue-in-cheek nickname "skunk helmet.
Riders 13 years or older generally wear tall, black field boots with breeches. Younger riders who still have rapidly-growing feet may wear either brown or black jodhpur boots (sometimes called "paddock boots") and "jod straps" (strips of leather worn buckled under each knee for grip) with jodhpur pants. [3]
Dark gloves should be worn, but are not required. [3]
Attire for jumper classes resembles that of hunter riders, though may be less formal at lower levels. It is becoming acceptable in some regions for competitors to wear any collared shirt, such as a polo shirt during very hot weather, rather than the traditional wool hunt coat and long-sleeved ratcatcher. For upper level competitions, such as classics and grand prixs, formal dress is usually required. This usually includes light or white breeches, a white shirt, and a coat. Some riders are allowed to wear scarlet coats based on achievements in the sport. [3]
See also
- English riding
- Jumping position
- Equestrianism
- English saddle
- Show hunter
- Show jumping
- English pleasure
References
- ^ 2007 USEF Rule Book
- ^ Harris, Susan E. English riding is a term used to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world The jumping position is a position used by equestrians when jumping over an obstacle For the Roman class see Equestrian (Roman Equestrianism refers to the skill of riding or driving Horses This broad description English saddles are used to ride Horses in " English riding " disciplines throughout the world The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes English pleasure is generic term for a number of different English riding classes seen at Horse shows in the United States, where the horse is ridden in Grooming to Win New York: Scribner's 1977 ISBN 0-684-14859-5 p. 100-127
- ^ a b c d e Ensminger, M. E. Horses and Horsemanship: Animal Agriculture Series Sixth Edition Interstate Publishers 1990 ISBN 0-8134-2883-1 p. 344-345
- Morris, George H. Hunter Seat Equitation.
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