SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION 2016
Overall Look The equitation seat should not be exaggerated, but be thoroughly efficient and comfortable Convey the impression of effective and easy control Ring generalship must be taken into consideration A complete picture of the whole is of major importance
General Any horse that is suitable for saddle seat and is capable of performing the required class routine is acceptable. Unsoundness does not penalize a competitor unless it is sufficiently severe to impair the required performance. A penalty is at the judge s discretion. An exhibitor can only request one time out per class.
Position - Seat Rider should give the impression of oneness with the horse. The riders ability to establish his center of gravity is of utmost importance in order to secure a proper balance. Rider position should convey the impression of form and function. The rider s form dictates and controls the performance of the horse.
Position - Seat The line of the rider s back should be straight and perpendicular to the saddle. The seat should sit firmly in the saddle. The back of the saddle should not extend too far beyond the rider s seat, nor should the rider be so far back as to be falling beyond the edge of the saddle. Leaning forward, round shoulders, leaning back, or overarching the back all constitute faults.
Good Position
Position - Lower Body With the seat firmly in the center of balance, the legs should lie easily along the saddle with a slight bend to the knee. The ball of the foot sits firmly in the iron with the heel slightly lower than the toe. The length of the stirrup is determined by this proper leg position.
Position - Lower Body If the heel is distinctly lower than the toe, the stirrup is too short. If the toe reaches for the iron, the stirrup is too long. The foot faces forward, never exaggerated inward or outward position.
Position - Lower Body Faults would include: Excessive movement of the knee or leg Ineffective leg aids in the control of the horse Exaggerated position of the leg or foot position A rider cannot have their foot tied or secured in any manner to the stirrup or stirrup leather or they will be eliminated from the entire competition. EQ101.4
Good leg position
Position - Upper Body The rider s head should be carried high but in no way stiff or tipped to either side. The head is the highest point of balance and should be directly over the midpoint of the shoulders. Proper riding position should be similar to correct posture, in which the head, shoulder, hip, and ankle are all on the same perpendicular line.
Position - Upper Body The elbows should not be pinched into the body nor pointing out to the side. The lower arm to the wrist may be raised higher than the elbow. The position of the hands should not be exaggerated in any manner. They should appear to be in an easy position, neither perpendicular nor horizontal to the saddle.
Position - Upper Body The height of the hands should correspond to the head carriage of the horse, the length of the rider s arm, as well as his height. The hands must always show control of, as well as sympathy to, the horse s mouth.
Position - Upper Body Faults would include: Excessive movement of the hands An unnatural or exaggerated position A height far above or below the acceptable range of the horse s head carriage, Hands which are over the horse s withers but are too far into the horse s neck or too close to the rider s body
Appointments At all times, entries are being judged on ability. However, neatness is the first requisite regarding a rider s attire. Judges must penalize and may eliminate those competitors who do not conform. Informal attire must be worn before 6:00 PM. Only informal dress permitted in Saddlebred Pleasure Equitation classes & Morgan Classic Saddle Seat Equitation classes, day or night.
Informal Attire Informal riding habit will consist of jacket with collars and lapels of the same conservative color with matching jodhpurs, collared shirt, tie, vest, complimentary gloves, jodhpur boots, and derby or soft hat (protective headgear may be worn without penalty) Conservative colors include: black, blue, grey, burgundy, green, beige, or brown May contain herringbone, pin stripes, and other combinations of colors that appear solid Colors not on this list are not acceptable and must be penalized and may be cause for elimination.
Appointments Formal attire may be worn after 6:00 PM but is not mandatory. Exhibitors competing on Pleasure horses have the option to wear formal attire in Open equitation classes as specified by the rule. Blunt end (unrowelled only) spurs and/or riding crop optional
Formal Attire Formal riding habit will consist of a tuxedo-type jacket with collars and lapels of the same color with matching jodhpurs, formal shirt, bow tie, vest or cummerbund, and matching top hat (women), homburg or other soft hat (men). (protective headgear may be worn without penalty) Solid colors for habits include dark grey, dark brown, dark blue, or black. Formal shirt must be white or off-white with the bow tie and vest or cummerbund to match shirt or riding habit in color. Colors not on this list are not acceptable and must be penalized and may be cause for elimination.
Control of the Class Any rider not having his mount under sufficient control will be dismissed from the ring and disqualified from that class. Riders must remain on the same mount throughout all phases of a class until the judge requests a change.
Control of the Class No rider can be asked to perform a test on another horse before he has performed the same test on his own. Attendants are not allowed in the ring except at the request of judge(s). Walk and Trot classes- headers permitted in the lineup and will be called in by the announcer after the class has lined up
Rail Work Rail work is of primary importance in saddle seat equitation since it is here that the rider is asked to show his horse to its best ability in a manner in keeping with all show horses. A rider should not go so fast as to compromise the form of the horse.
Rail Work The gaits required are walk, trot, and canter, unless it s a walk and trot only or five gaited class. Each gait must be performed both ways of the ring. The judge may ask to see a certain gait a second time.
Class Routine Riders traditionally enter the ring at a trot, turn to the right and continue counterclockwise. Riders shall work both ways of the ring at all required gaits. Incorrect diagonal or leads shall be penalized. The order to reverse can be executed by either turning towards or away from rail.
Line Up Riders are asked to line up at the direction of the ringmaster. The rider should in no way be simply perched with no visible means of control. The judge may either walk from rider to rider inspecting each one or he may choose, in the interest of time, to simply stand behind the lineup. In either case, the riders are still being judged.
Line Up Unruly horses in the lineup should be noted, however if a rider wishes to move his horse around (after he has been inspected by the judge) he may do so, providing he comes back to the lined up position.
Workouts Tests are found in rule reference EQ118 of the USEF Rulebook. These tests may be used individually or in a combination with each other. Remember that the intent of a workout is to show the rider s ability to execute certain prescribed movements with balance and control of the horse. Workouts should be written in a way that cannot be misunderstood
Workouts When additional tests are desired, the judges instructions to riders are publicly announced. In Medal and Championship classes workout instructions must be written down by the judge and given to the announcer prior to the class. It is suggested that the judge go over these instructions with the announcer immediately before they are announced to assure mutual understanding of the wording.
Workouts Instructions can be posted at the judge s discretion, provided it is announced and they are posted at least one hour prior to the session in which the class is held. Note: UPHA Finals workouts must be posted at least two hours prior to session. If you are going to post a workout, submit them to the show office ahead of time in order for the staff to be able to make copies and post them within the required time period. Judges cannot confer with riders individually during the line-up.
Workouts Any or all riders may be required to execute any appropriate tests included in class requirements. Always consider safety when asking inexperienced riders to perform certain workouts. In any 13 and under class be very sure that you do not ask for an illegal workout. Thirteen and under riders are not permitted to do straight line lead changes. Serpentines and figure eights at the canter are permitted.
Workouts Judges are encouraged to call for at least two tests of the top competitors. In regular equitation classes, the judge s opinion rests on a 50-50 analysis of rail work and the individual tests. (see class specifications) When judging the tests a judge should watch for straight lines to be straight, circles to be round, and if there are two matching circles that they are of the same size.
Workouts It is also important to observe the rider s use of aids in control of his horse. All entries chosen for a collective workout must be worked both ways at any gait requested.
Recent Rule Change In the UPHA Finals the Phase 1 workout must be available to each rider in the competition office no less that two (2) hours prior to the performance in which the class is run.
Tests allowed for Specific Classes Maiden: Tests 1-4 Novice: Tests 1-9 Limit: Tests 1-12 Walk & Trot: No tests shall be called Riders 10 & Under: Tests 1-7 Riders 11-13: Tests 1-12 Riders 13 and Under: Tests 1-12 Riders 14-17: Tests 1-16
Tests allowed for Specific Classes Open: Tests 1-16 Adult Saddle Seat Equitation: Tests 1-13 & Tests15-16 Championships: At least the top 4 must be worked from any of the tests appropriate for the class
Judging Specific Classes Judges are encouraged to keep the percentages in mind when judging these classes: USEF Saddle Seat Medal- Individual workouts of the top four riders are required and must include two or more individual tests from tests 1-16. Judging is based 50% on rail work and 50% on individual workout. There is not a pre-established workout for this class.
Judging Specific Classes The Good Hands A minimum of two riders are required to individually execute a figure eight at a canter, trot to the judge, stop and back; after which, Tests 1-16 may be called for. Judging is based 40% on rail work and 60% on an individual workout. This class puts more of an emphasis on the workout.
Judging Specific Classes Saddle & Bridle s American Saddlebred Pleasure Equitation Medallion- It s recommended that upon the judges discretion, he should ask for a stop and back a few steps on the rail, while the horse is to stand quietly and to have the rider demonstrate a brisk trot. An appropriate workout is to be selected by the judge and the top four riders are required to work. Continued
Judging Specific Classes It is recommended, that in a relatively small class, all riders be given the opportunity to work, rather than leaving a few out of the workout. It is recommended the workouts include the following: Riders must leave the lineup, must include a change of diagonals and a change of direction. The class is judged 50% on rail work and 50% on the workout.
Recent Rule Change In UPHA Challenge Cup qualifying classes, the serpentine is now required to consist of four half circles.
Judging Specific Classes UPHA Challenge Cup- In Challenge Cup classes for riders age 17 and under, judging is based 60% on rail work and 40% on the individual workout. The top four riders must be worked individually; more may be worked at the judge s discretion. The mandatory workout in all the qualifying classes is: Trot a serpentine consisting of four half circles to the opposite end of the ring. Return down either rail at a show trot. Showmanship is paramount throughout the class.
Judging Specific Classes UPHA Five gaited Horsemanship- This class is to be judged at all five gaits both ways of the ring and on an individual workout. Canter lead changes or canter departures off the rail cannot be requested as testing. The class is to be judged 60% on rail work and 40% on the work out. Consult your rulebook for the two designated workouts that the judge may call for in this class.
Judging Specific Classes In Championship classes, the judge must ask at least the top four riders to work individually from the USEF tests appropriate for the class. For specifications for judging all the national finals consult your USEF rulebook.
Tests from which judges must choose 1. Address reins- the process of laying down reins and picking up reins (only in line up). 2. Circle at a trot. When circling clockwise, rider should be on left diagonal; when circling counterclockwise rider should be on right diagonal. 3. Performance on the rail at a walk, trot, or canter using correct leads and diagonals only. 4. Performance around the ring at a walk, trot, or canter using correct leads and diagonals only. 5. Feet disengaged from stirrups. Feet engaged. In the line-up only.
Tests from which judges must choose 6. Change of diagonals on or off the rail. The judge must specify diagonal changes to be executed and the beginning diagonal. 7. Execute serpentine at a trot. A series of left and right half circles off imaginary line where correct diagonals must be shown. 8. Back for not more than eight steps. 9. Figure eight at a trot demonstrating change of diagonals. Unless specified, it may be started either facing the center or away from the center. If started facing the center, it must be commenced from a halt.
Tests from which judges must choose 10. Circle at the canter. When circling clockwise, horse should be on right lead; when circling counterclockwise, horse should be on the left lead. 11. Execute serpentine at a canter. 12. Figure eight at canter. Unless specified, it may be started either facing the center or away from the center. If started facing the center it must be commenced from a halt. Figures are commenced in center of two circles so that one lead change is shown.
Tests from which judges must choose 13. Canter straight line, on or off rail, with or without lead demonstrating simple change of lead. The judge must specify lead changes to be executed and the beginning lead. 14. Ride without stirrups for a brief period of time, at any gait requested (for not more than one minute at the trotting phase). Riders may be asked to disengage or engage stirrups at a halt or walk or any gait requested by the judge. (Exception: Adult Equitation Riders must not be asked to perform without stirrups.)
Tests from which judges must choose 15. Demonstrate ride of approximately one minute on own mount. Movements must be selected from Tests 1-14 above. Rider must advise judge beforehand what ride he plans to demonstrate. To be used only in Championship and/or medal Classes. Riders must have with them two copies (one for judge and one for announcer) of a written one minute workout in case the judge asks for this test. The test must be stopped at the end of one minute but the rider will not be penalized for not completing it.
Tests from which judges must choose 16. Exchange horses. This is only used after four or more top riders have been tested. Only one pair to exchange. Saddles can be exchanged. *The purpose of this test is to break a tie.
Tips on Scoring Stay consistent Don t get caught up on what number others are scoring Determine what your middle number is
Tips on working with your scribe Meet with your scribe prior to class Confirm the scribe understands the score sheet How you will convey scores; do you need a prompt?
Please Remember It s the overall picture that counts.
USEF would like to thank the following for use of their materials, videos and photos Gayle Lampe, author of Riding for Success and publisher Saddle & Bridle Magazine The UPHA Equitation Committee, UPHA Saddle Seat Equitation Judges Guide and Workout Manual Avis Girdler Photography Howard Schatzberg Photography Richfield Video Richard Wright Cindy Mugnier