We would like to thank 2014 Congress judge Karen Graham of Cave Creek, Arizona who took time from getting ready to judge in Ohio to break down the Congress Youth 15-18 Equitation pattern for GoHorseShow. It is undetermined at this point whether or not Graham will be judging any of the equitation classes. However, we thought it would be beneficial to our readers to find out from an AQHA Judge, whose customers have had success in this class, how she suggests the patterns should be executed.
Karen Graham specializes in all-around show horses, with many world champions, reserve world champions, and Congress champions to her credit. As a carded AQHA judge, she has had the privilege of judging World Shows and major events all over the country.
We would also like to thank HorseShowPatterns.com for allowing us to post the pattern in the article as well as provide a link to the pattern. You may view the pattern that is posted below or click here to download. GoHorseShow chose the 15-18 Youth Equitation pattern because we thought it would be beneficial to breakdown one of the more challenging patterns as some of the less difficult patterns having many of the same maneuvers.
Youth 15-18 Equitation Pattern Breakdown as Seen by Karen Graham
1) Sitting trot half way to B. I would like to see the exhibitor ready and waiting when I look up–that first impression is so critical. I can pick out a confident rider with my first glance. My best advice is just ride your horse–don’t stiffen up and lose your connection with your horse. Even if you’re a veteran showman, it can be intimidating to perform by yourself. Understand that your pattern is the critical point of this class, so be ready, and when the nod comes to start the pattern, show me the best sitting trot you have. I want your seat and legs connected to your horse, and your body position forward with the movement. I don’t like to see a hunt seat rider sitting up and leaning backwards like they are sitting in a western saddle. Stay with the motion.
2) Posting trot on the right diagonal to B. Lets do it! Find the halfway mark on that first diagonal line from A to B and nail your right diagonal. Don’t look for it, please! I want you to show me you feel it. Eyes up and hit that right diagonal and trot to B.
3) Canter on the left lead from B across the arena. You can see it’s drawn in an arc across the top, so work out what works best for you. I would use all the arena you need to make yourself and your horse look good without deviating too much from how the pattern is drawn. Remember this is Hunt Seat Equitation, so no loping. I want a CANTER! Not a gallop, a nice canter that you feel good about.
4) Round the arena and move into a hand gallop on the diagonal. Now’s your chance to impress the judges. Show them your two point and your ability to move up to a hand gallop smoothly. Please keep contact with your horse. Your hand gallop should be faster than your canter, but please don’t run– just a smooth lengthening of your stride and choose your pace wisely because your next maneuver requires you to come back down to the trot. Do not let your reins flop during this maneuver. Show off your hands and again your connection with your legs to your horse.
5) Break to a trot on the left diagonal in a straight line to B. In my opinion this will be the toughest maneuver in the pattern. Depending on your horse’s size of stride and how broke your horse is, your preparation will show in this maneuver. This is where you as the rider will have to decide what works best for you. It is written to break to the trot on your left diagonal on the straight line so that’s what I’d do. I would think the sooner you perform it would be credit earning because the bend makes the right diagonal so much easier to find. Keep your focus and try to nail the left diagonal as soon as you feel comfortable you have it. Don’t panic, keep your focus on that left front leg on the bend. Those that can keep their eyes up and make it look easy will probably have the greatest reward. Keep your left diagonal and your trot flowing right back up to B in a straight line.
6) Halt at B and back approximately one horse length. Stop and back about four steps. You got this!
7) Demonstrate a 180 degree forehand turn right. Try to keep your front feet within a small imaginary circle while you swing your hind end to the left half a circle. My best advice here is to make it look easy. The smoother the better.
Now your pattern is complete and you are so happy it’s done. But wait..it is written on your pattern to exit at the trot. Please, please don’t forget to trot. Nothing makes judges sadder than to see a beautiful rider not place because they forgot to trot out of the arena when it is written on the pattern. So, you’re not done with your pattern until you trot out of the arena.
After you have left the arena, then, you can pet your horse and yourself on the back for doing the best job you could do on that day. 
ADVERTISEMENT
Good Luck to everyone and I hope you have a great show!
