Carolyn Rice of Somis, California is quite possibly one of the most underrated horse trainers in our industry. Rice has trained multiple World and Congress Champions in various events including the horsemanship and equitation and she herself won a World Championship in Junior Trail. Her daughter, Parris Rice, is a two-time AQHYA World Champion in the Equitation winning last year as well as in 2009. Additionally, her current client, Danielle Long, and former client, Maggie McCrady, are past AQHA World Champions in Horsemanship.
Rice’s hard work and determination is starting to get noticed, and GoHorseShow wanted to find out what advice she has for exhibitors wanting to be competitive and set themselves apart in the Equitation at the major shows.
First of all, Rice says that, “You need to be a strong and confident rider. This means that you should be comfortable stepping into the show pen knowing that you and your horse can present a quality pattern,” Rice says.
Carolyn discusses what set her daughter apart from the rest of the exhibitors when she won the world twice in this challenging class. “My daughter, Parris Rice, is a very hard working, focused competitor. She went to the world show prepared to do any task presented in the Equitation. She did her homework on building her strength so that she was competent with and without irons,” Rice explains to GoHorseShow. “Parris is also a very strong correct rider in her body and leg position.”
Rice breaks down some of the elements of the class and shares her thoughts on many different issues.
Appearance and Presence–When the rider first walks in the pen, Rice suggests that the rider needs to be prepared. The judge shouldn’t have to wait for them to get ready–to gather their reins up and finally be ready to show. She also tells her customers to never keep the judge waiting and always be ready at the cone so when the judge nods–the rider needs to immediately take off. (Pictured left Parris Rice taking her victory lap as AQHYA 2010 World Champion in the Equitation Photo © AQHA.COM)
The rider’s attire needs to be neat, well fitted, and traditional. Rice explains that “The ideal body position in the equitation requires the rider to sit in an athletic position that is not on your seat pockets. Have a strong deep foot and leg, with your foot at the horse’s girth. You need to keep your hands in front of you and present them forward at the two point, with your elbows relaxed downward.”
Carolyn mentions that she has her riders do extensive exercises without stirrups every time they ride. She recommends riders doing two point and strengthening exercises, and she notes that riders who have difficulty getting their diagonals need to practice learning to feel and follow their horse’s shoulders.
Type of Horse Needed–Rice stresses that she believes that the Hunt Seat Equitation is a class that should be judged on the rider’s ability to ultimately be able to go over fences. However, Rice does think a more western type horse can be successful in the Equitation class as along as the horse moves in a forward manner. “The horse does not have to have the talent or ability to be an over fence horse in this class, so, yes, I think western horses can do well if they are carrying their riders in a forward step and doing their jobs.” When asked whether she thinks an average horse can be competitive in this class, Rice emphasizes that she believes that “the definition of an average horse is subjective, but that the definition of a great rider is not, and that is what the Hunt Seat Equitation is about.”
She underscores that the horse needs to have a clear walk, trot, and canter but that it doesn’t have to be a horse that is competitive in the hunter under saddle. Rice says that her daughter’s horse, Javah Mon, is a big horse but doesn’t have that huge of a step, so, Parris has to make sure she is moving in a forward hunter pace. According to Rice, some judges that are not as knowledgeable in this class may pick a rider that is on an english type horse, but judges that are more confident and experienced in this class will pick the better rider regardless of the type of horse. When asked how she would break a tie if there was equally skilled riders–one on an english horse and one on a western type horse, she said that she would have them drop their stirrups and see which rider rises to the occasion and has a stronger leg and body position over using the type of horse as a tie breaker.
Improvements in the Class— Carolyn states that some of her pet peeves involve riders having poor leg position–either having your leg too far back or forward. “I would like to see more riders with a stronger leg position and look like they could go over a fence successfully.”
She doesn’t like to see riders that are not in sync with their horse and ride behind the motion. She prefers to see a connection between the horse and rider and a shorter rein length that shows they are constantly communicating with each other. Rice likes to see the horse’s neck level or slightly higher depending on the horse’s conformation and the horse needs to carry the rider in a forward gait.
Rice mentions that she believes the bigger shows are right on track with the tougher patterns but she would challenge the judges to have tougher maneuvers in the patterns at the smaller shows and do work on the rail without stirrups to be able to easily differentiate between the stronger and weaker riders. (Pictured above is Carolyn Rice with Graysen Stroud and Phat Assett, the 2008 Congress Novice Youth Equitation Champion. Photo © Jeff Kirkbride)
According to Rice, transitions to a walk from a hand gallop or trot is also a great maneuver to include in patterns. “The ultimate goal is to be strong, correct and fluid,” she says. “Sitting and extended trots, hand gallops, two point positions are great tests and should be called for at the bigger events.” She also explains that the top riders will always maintain a forward pace in their pattern and on the rail. “It is the novice riders that tend to go slower because they have fear of increasing their speed resulting in them losing control of their horse. All riders need to practice going at a forward pace at home so when they get to the shows the new arena and crowds don’t intimidate the rider, and they still are able to ride their horse in a forward and confident manner.”
Handling Pressure at Big Shows— Rice says that riders need to go to the show prepared to do anything that could be asked of them. Read the rulebook and practice all the possible maneuvers that could be included in a pattern. “This is the biggest thing I think there is. It is unnerving to not be sure if you can accomplish a task that is presented. The rider needs to practice and be prepared. If they don’t prepare, then, they may panic if they are asked to transition from a hand gallop to a trot. They need to make sure they have done their homework, and have the confidence that they have prepared themselves for anything that comes their way,” Rice says. “Also, get enough sleep and eat well and smart.”
Carolyn says for exhbitors to not worry about what the competition is doing, and make sure that you are following your own routine. At the World and Congress, she tries to get her riders up early when it is not as crowded and work the patterns in a less chaotic fashion. Carolyn explains that while forward motion is important, correctness should always trump speed. Rice concludes her thoughts by saying that nothing can replace doing the practice and work before the show. “Nothing can replace riding time–and practice, practice, practice at home!”
