Hunter Over Fences
H unter Over Fences is a discipline where the horse and rider jump a course of fences. The higher levels are for advanced Hunt Seat riders (must be Regular Level) but there are introductory classes of ground poles to teach riders to negotiate a course and cross poles for beginning Over Fences Riders.
Divisions Offered
Ground poles, Cross Poles, 2’, 2’6 (Regular)
Requirements
To compete at cross poles and above, rider must have Regular status.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Hunter Under Saddle – Flat class (no jumping) judged on horses manners, movement, consistency, and style. Walk/trot/canter in a group on the rail.
Hunter Over Fences – Over Fences round of usually 8 jumps judged on horses manners, distance found to jumps, movement, consistency, and style.
Equitation Over Fences – Over Fences round of usually 8 jumps judged on the position and decisions of the rider and distance found to jumps.
Handy Hunter (2’6 division only) – Over Fences round of usually 8-10 jumps consisting of a more difficult pattern with sharper turns to test horse and rider’s “handyness” on course. Judged equally on horse and rider using criteria from hunter and equitation judging.
Hunter Hack – Flat class with short 2 jump pattern at the end usually consisting of a single line and a hand gallop to halt. Judged as an overall test of a horses movement and maneuverability.
The Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation division is divided into two different types-Hunter Seat and Jumping Seat. Both types of Equitation classes are designed to teach riders proper form and style, with riders being judged on position and style both over fences and on the flat. Riders should be accurate and stylish while using invisible aids and trying to make their rounds seem completely effortless.
In Hunter Seat Equitation classes, courses are hunter-style courses with the majority of fences resembling those that would traditionally be found in the hunt field. Bridles and bits permitted in the Hunter Seat Equitation classes are more traditional hunter-style tack, i.e. snaffles and pelhams along with cavesson nosebands.
In Jumping Seat Equitation classes, courses are jumper-style courses with the majority of fences and tracks resembling those that would traditionally be found in the jumper ring. Additional jumper-type tack is permitted including gags and two or three ring bits as well as falsh, drop, and figure eight nosebands. Additionally, if martingales are used, they must be running martingales.
Kelsey Shanley
[email protected]
859 225 6960
The United States Hunter Jumper Association
Recognized National Affiliate Association
The USHJA, as the National Affiliate for the Hunter/Jumper discipline, promotes the sport and the well-being of its participants, offers broad based education for its members, and provides the framework for the conduct of the sport.
Missy coached Julie Welles (above) to win multiple junior equitation finals; now a professional and Missy’s assistant, Julie is making her mark in the open jumper and grand prix divisions. | Photo by Susan Spaulding
Equitation is about learning to ride well–whatever your sport. It’s that simple. And riding well is having the horse go well and showing a nice style while you’re doing it.
I don’t think of equitation as a different sport. To me, it’s a complement and a stepping-stone to what occurs every day in good jumper riding and hunter riding, dressage, eventing, trail and saddle seat. So in equitation, just as in any of those disciplines, you need to be riding with your horse’s particular abilities and limitations and talents in mind and (as invisibly as possible) adjusting your ride accordingly. That’s all part of horsemanship, which is the most important thing any trainer can teach.
To me, equitation classes are about finding great riders. Talent certainly plays a part in great riding; still, a rider who isn’t as talented but has the desire and works hard may end up surpassing one who’s naturally talented. In any case, what the judges–and all of us–should be looking for is the end result: a horse performing beautifully, being ridden in a classical, correct style. And we need to remember that the specifics of that style can vary greatly from rider to rider. An Anne Kursinski, a Todd Minikus, a Peter Wylde–they’re all totally different stylists, yet they’re all completely accurate and functional, and they get the job done.
What is equitation over fences? The class “Equitation over Fences” is judged primarily on these criteria: how riders are positioned on the horse. how effective they are in using their aids while communicating with their mount when completing a course.
What is hunt seat equitation over fences? The hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting. 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.
What is equitation judged on? Equitation is judged on the rider and her/his effect on the horse wile executing a pattern. The class is judged 75% on pattern work and 25% on rail work (usually following the pattern work). While judged on the flat, the class provides a base for natural progression to over fence class.
What is the difference between hunter and equitation? Hunters are where the horse is judged, Equitation is where the rider is judge, and Show jumping is judged based on speed and faults. Most Hunter/Jumper competitions offer classes in all three divisions and it is not uncommon for trainers to have a presence in all three rings.
What is equitation over fences? – Related Questions
What is a good equitation score?
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.
What makes a good equitation round?
A rider’s base of support and balance is critical for good equitation. These position flaws signal there’s something difficult about the horse’s ride. The rider should mask difficulty with proper equitation.
How do you win an equitation class?
To win an equitation round of class the rider has to get the judges attention. It will be flawless and flow smoothly and immediately catch the judges eye as soon as the entry comes in the gate. For ‘flat’ equitation classes, riders should use invisible aids.
What is the purpose of equitation?
(equitation) A rider’s ability to ride correctly with a strong, supple position and effective aids. This is judged in equitation classes, or classes at horse shows that mainly judge the rider’s performance and control of their horse, as opposed to the performance of the horse.
What does the word equitation mean?
: the act or art of riding on horseback.
What do you do in an equitation class?
“Equitation classes judge the rider on their form, their guidance of the horse, effectiveness of their aids, position of legs, hands and upper body, and the ability to perform certain tests with style and precision. The rider’s legs should be perpendicular to the ground and quiet, with the heels down.
Is hunter or jumper better?
A hunter is a horse and a jumper is a horse, right? The horse and rider team with the fastest time and the fewest faults wins. Hunters: Where the horse and rider jump a course and the judging is based on accuracy, grace, and elegance. Jumpers Where the horse and rider memorize a course of jumps and a jump-off course.
Is there jumping in dressage?
Jumping is basically flatwork except for the part when the horse is going over the fence. Basics such as waiting, going forward, going sideways, and adjustability are still all part of Dressage.
Is Equitation a sport?
Horseback riding is one of the oldest sports and fulfills every definition of sport, yet it is often perceived as an easy activity, not a sport.
What is Hunter Hack class?
Hunter hack is the transitional English class between the flat riding class with no jumps (hunter under saddle) and the class with tall jumps (working hunter).
Do you sit the canter in an equitation class?
Seat: You should sit in the saddle in an equitation class, feeling your saddle with your seat bones. You will use this deeper seat in all gaits unless asked to hand gallop. Don’t use a half-seat at the canter! Your hands should be far enough apart that an orange would fit between them.
What do hunt seat judges look for?
Hunter horses are judged based on the horse’s style, their form over fences, pace and the judge’s overall impression of the horse. The horse should also have a good attentive expression, good scope, tight knees that go up to the horse’s chin and/or nose and they jump up and around the fences using their head and neck.
What is a big EQ horse?
Medal Classes (Big Eq):
Medal Classes are the bigger, more challenging version of Equitation classes, with separate phases and testing. They are called Medal classes because when they began in the 1930’s, riders were awarded actual medals!
What is English equitation class?
English Equitation: Judged on how well the rider can handle the horse and their balance. A pattern is usually involved. Western Pleasure: Similar to the other pleasure classes as it is judged on the horse, but the horse must move like a western horse (i.e. at a slower rate than in English).
What does started under saddle mean?
“Starting a horse under saddle” doesn’t just mean training a horse to carry riders on its back. Also known as “breaking” a horse, starting a horse under saddle encompasses training and conditioning that comes before riding. When your horse is ready, it can then begin training to hold you in the saddle.
What is walk trot hunter under saddle?
Hunter Under Saddle: A preliminary class for English riding disciplines in which judges evaluate a hunter-type American Quarter Horse on the flat, at a walk, trot and canter. Emphasis is placed on smoothness of gait, free-flowing stride and willingness to perform. Exhibitors must wear traditional English attire.
What is adult equitation?
Equitation, is a hybrid between hunters and jumpers, where the rider’s abilities are judged subjectively over a more difficult jumper type course.
What are equitation classes?
The Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation division is divided into two different types-Hunter Seat and Jumping Seat. Both types of Equitation classes are designed to teach riders proper form and style, with riders being judged on position and style both over fences and on the flat.
Who is an equestrian?
An equestrian is an expert horseback rider. When you know that equus is the Latin word for “horse,” the meaning of equestrian becomes clear. An equestrian is someone who is involved with horses. You can also use it as an adjective to describe anything having to do with horseback riding.
What makes a good hunter mover?
The show hunter moves smoothly and freely, pointing its toes as it floats over the ground. It should not have excessive knee action, nor should its strides be short and choppy, both of which would make its movement less efficient. The horse should be forward, so it could jump if needed, but no faster than necessary.
What is Pony Equitation?
Hunter Seat Equitation demands conscientious training, diligent practice, and an unswerving attention to detail. Hunter Seat Equitation in Pony Club strives to create riders who can maintain a basic balanced position on the flat and in the open that leads to developing good jumping skills and position over fences.
