HUNT SEAT EQUITATION

Definition:
Hunt Seat Equitation is an English class designed to test the equitation of amateur and youth contestants. As in western horsemanship, contestants must individually work a predetermined pattern consisting of manoeuvres such as changing gaits (walk, trot, canter); travel in a figure-8 pattern or circles and back up. Top riders return to the arena as a group and are judged on the rail, performing gait changes at the judge’s discretion. Emphasis is placed on the rider’s ability to sit in the saddle correctly, hold the correct riding posture and control the horse.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • Make sure the pattern is clearly memorized and check anything that is unclear with the steward. Don’t rely on watching the other competitor’s patterns – they may all have got it wrong!!