What is EQ in horse riding?

More specifically, equitation may refer to a rider's position while mounted, and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In horse show competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated.

What does EQ stand for horse?

1. EQ. Equestrian Queensland. Equestrian, Dressage, Horse.

What is the big EQ?

Medal Classes (Big Eq):

Medal Classes are the bigger, more challenging version of Equitation classes, with separate phases and testing. They are called Medal classes because when they began in the 1930's, riders were awarded actual medals! Even though now it's down to big ribbons, they name has stuck around.

What do equitation judges look for?

Horses are judged on several points, including: hunting pace, movement, style of jumping, and manners. Riders are judged on their position (equitation), ability to communicate and control their mount with invisible aids, and ability to execute the questions posed on course.

What's the difference between equitation and hunter?

A good way to remember the difference between hunter and equitation is that in hunter classes, the rider shows off the horse. In equitation classes, the horse shows off the rider. In equitation, the rider's job is to “make it look easy”. Riders are judged on position, style, and quietness.

The EQ Effect on the Horse (Science Behind the Saddle Series)

What is the purpose of equitation?

Ultimately, the purpose of Equitation is to improve riders' skills by providing them with correct instruction and helpful tips to allow them to become the best possible rider they can be. It is the only discipline in which the rider and their influence on their equine partner are formally judged.

How do you win an equitation class?

To win an equitation round of class the rider has to get the judges attention. It will be flawless and flow smoothly and immediately catch the judges eye as soon as the entry comes in the gate. For 'flat' equitation classes, riders should use invisible aids.

What is a good score in equitation?

70-79: Good pattern execution and average equitation but lacking the adequate style and professional presentation to merit elevating to the next scoring range. A very good rider who commits a minor fault. 60-69: Fair pattern that lacks quickness or precision.

What does good equitation look like?

What should a correct equitation round look like? – In the corners, he's not over bent, he's not leaning too hard on the inside leg or locking on the inside rein. – He's relaxed, and bent around the turns. The rider should feel a lightness in her aids.

What is an equitation class?

Equitation classes are a hybrid between hunters and jumpers. It is similar to jumpers in that riders often have to compete over jumper type courses, but it is more like hunters because it is also subjectively judged on the rider's style.

How much does a top equitation horse cost?

Top equitation horses can be leased in the general range of $2,500 to $6,000 per month and offer a very attractive alternative for parents who want to give their child an opportunity to compete at the top level for a year or two.

How much does it cost to list horse on big EQ?

Rates are $150 for one month, $90/month for six months, or $65/month for twelve months; paid up front.

What's the EQ diet?

Derived from Big Eq – a term coined to describe U.S. equitation divisions that culminate in prestigious events like the Maclay Medal – this so-called diet is all about eating very little to nothing to lose weight fast and keep it off for competition.

What is the difference between equitation and dressage?

Dressage seat equitation is a relatively new class offered at dressage shows. Unlike a dressage test, the horse's gaits are not judged, although the horse's frame is taken into consideration by the judge, but rather it is the rider who is evaluated.

What is Limit equitation?

*LIMIT: Classes are open to horses and/or exhibitors if specified, that have not won a total of six first place ribbons at a Regular Class “A” or Dressage Competitions of The Federation (USEF) or Equine Canada in the particular performance division or level in which they are shown.

What is the difference between hunter jumper and equitation?

To sum it up... Hunters are where the horse is judged, Equitation is where the rider is judge, and Show jumping is judged based on speed and faults. Most Hunter/Jumper competitions offer classes in all three divisions and it is not uncommon for trainers to have a presence in all three rings.

What does equitation over fences mean?

An Equitation Over Fences class is an opportunity to demonstrate one's ability to make adjustments in a matter of seconds and work in concert with their horse. “It's very technical it's about deciding where and how tight to turn while being pretty and efficient,” says Kiersten Sapp, of Tallahassee, Florida.

How is horse riding scored?

Scoring. The horses are timed from a start and finish line, and a final score is obtained by combining the number of jumping faults (4 points for every jump knocked down), number of disobedience faults (4 points for any disobedience listed below), and time faults (penalty points for going longer than the posted time).

How do you show hunter under saddle?

Hunter Under Saddle horses should be suitable to purpose. Hunters should move with long, low strides reaching forward with ease and smoothness, be able to lengthen stride and cover ground with relaxed, free-flowing movement, while exhibiting correct gaits that are of the proper cadence.

What does Short Stirrup class mean?

Rider restricted classes

Short stirrup, long stirrup, and green/novice rider: These classes are for the riders with less experience and or horses who can not jump quite as high. Short stirrup classes are usually for riders 12 and under, long stirrup classes are for those 13 and over, although age varies between shows.

What is a walk trot canter class?

​ ​Hunter Under Saddle. In this class, your horse walks, trots and canters in both directions around the arena and is judged on how well he moves (his "way of going”) and carries himself at all three gaits. Though good manners are important, they are not judged as heavily as in a pleasure class.