GoHorseShow would like to thank AQHA Judge Cindy Hale of Perryton, Texas for taking the time to break down the Level 3 – 14-18 Hunt Seat Equitation prelims pattern for us. You may view the pattern displayed below or download it here.
We chose this pattern as it is certainly one of the more challenging at the show. However, those not showing in this class can still benefit as there are many elements from it in the patterns of other classes at the Youth World.
Before we take a look at the maneuvers of this pattern, let us take a look at what the judges are looking for in an equitation rider.
We are accessing a rider’s ability to ride correctly with a strong, supple position and effective aids. A good rider is always in balance with the horse, maintains a correct position in every gait, possesses a commanding but relaxed presence, and is able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids.
The judges are looking for the rider that is sending their horse with the purpose to do his job in the arena. The pattern is a test for us to identify these qualities. So, looking at this test you should:
1. Be at cone A ready to start your pattern with authority. Use your legs to push your horse forward to the trot, picking up the left diagonal quickly and efficiently. Keep your eyes up and look ahead as you bend to the right and continue to the center of the pattern to a halt.
2. Keep a light feel of your horse’s mouth to steady his front end as you use your leg to push his hip around to show a 180-degree turn to the right on the forehand.
3. Pick up the left lead and canter a half circle to the left.
4. Push your horse forward from your leg to your hand and as you lengthen your stride and increase your speed to a hand gallop, rise to a two-point position. You will bend to the left, continue up the arena, and bend left again until you are even with cone B.
5. At cone B, slow to a canter, resume a soft seat, and continue down the centerline to the center of your pattern and halt.
6. Back 6-8 steps.
7. Keep a light feel of your horse’s mouth to steady his front end as you use your leg to push his hip around to show a 180-degree turn to the left on the forehand.
8. Move into a sitting trot right up the center of the arena to cone B and curve to the right to continue around the corner.
9. Once at the diagonal line, pick up the right diagonal and show a strong posting trot to the center and then down the centerline until you are even with cone A and halt.
Stay connected to your horse throughout the pattern. We are not looking for a rider who is on a horse that has been properly drilled to do a pattern, but for a rider who can communicate and guide their horse through any series of tests given. The arena is your canvas, paint us a picture of your equitation – the art of riding!
