GoHorseShow would like to thank AQHA Judge Gigi Bailey of De Pere, Wisconsin for taking the time to break down an NSBA World Show Equitation pattern. Judge Bailey has had the honor of judging World Shows and major events throughout her impressive career as a trainer and judge.
This pattern is for the Youth 14-18 Hunt Seat Equitation, Color Youth Equitation, Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation, and Color Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation. 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 these classes can still benefit as there are many elements from it in the patterns of other equitation classes in Tulsa.
Equitation, in my opinion, is one of the best classes offered at our horse shows today. There are no shortcuts or gimmicks that can replace a beautiful hunt seat position and performance. Only knowledge, effort, preparation and teamwork can win the day.
One of my favorite sayings is, “There is no substitution for time spent.” A graceful, correct and beautiful position, along with a high level of cooperation with their horse will be readily apparent to those qualified Judges waiting for their performance. Therefore, those benchmarks of Hunt Seat Equitation, which include position, communication and knowledge, will be at the forefront of a winning pattern.
This is a beautiful pattern. It incorporates elements that show not only the chance to display a beautiful position, but also the level of cooperation with their horse. There are 10 elements to this pattern. Let’s discuss them along the way…
#1 – Enter the arena at the sitting trot and continue through a left corner. This is a beautiful way to enter the arena…your horse moving forward and listening to you already. You will want to ride the left square corner, making sure you are centered in your saddle with your weight distributed through your back, seat and leg down through your heels. Your hands should remain together steering in a positive, but sophisticated manner.
#2 – Circle to the right on your left diagonal. Since you have been sitting the trot, you should have a correct feel to rise on the left diagonal. Steer through a beautiful, small circle with your weight centered and your eye just to the inside of the bend.
#3 – Hand gallop on the right lead to the center. A couple of things to remember about the hand gallop…you must assume a half seat in your saddle which is achieved by sinking through your leg into your heel and closing your hip angle forward, which will raise your seat out of the saddle. Another important aspect is to shorten your reins to maintain contact with your horse’s mouth. The hand gallop will increase in pace, but more importantly, will lengthen your horse’s stride as in approaching a fence. The pattern also shows a jump standard on the corner, which will definitely reveal the partnership between you and your horse.
#4 – Break to the posting trot, right diagonal, at the center of the pattern line. You will naturally rise on the left diagonal out of the right lead, so you will have to sit 1 step extra to rise on the right. Trot a half circle to the top of the pattern.
#5 – Top of the circle, pick up the left lead and canter the corner as well as a straight line. Again, stretching down your leg into your heel, your upper body sitting straight and tall. Remember to canter as well as your horse can. Correctness is more important than pace.
#6 Past the center line perform a lead change…simple or flying. Another great part of this pattern, you may choose the method of lead change to best achieve credit. Again…sink into your seat, leg and heels to maintain an optimum position.
#7 – Stop and perform a 180-degree forehand turn to the right. Your horse’s nose will go slightly right while its hip goes left. Your position and aids will be important to achieve a credit-earning maneuver.
#8 – Perform a 180-degree forehand turn to the left. Again, a beautiful opportunity to exhibit the partnership between you and your horse. Heels down, or depth of heel, plus a long leg and soft hands will result in another successful situation.
#9 – Two track at a walk as shown. A correct, beautiful position will result in a beautiful 2 track.
#10 Stop and back. Stop your 180 straight, which will set up a correct back. Again, focus on your correct position to be credit-earning. Leave the arena at a sitting trot.
Also, you will have practiced the pattern in the show arena. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with signs and markers, which can assist you to make your pattern the size and shape that you want. This will also teach you to keep your eye up as you will be the “pilot” of you and your partner.
Very Best Of Luck To Everyone…and Never Stop Riding!
