How to Compete in Equitation

Equitation is an English riding event that judges correct riding and proper body carriage of horse and rider.

Things You'll Need

  • Spurs
  • English Riding Jacket
  • Light-colored Shirts
  • English Reins
  • English Saddle
  • Breeches
  • Headstalls
  • Helmets
  • Leather Riding Gloves
  • Riding Boots
  • Riding Crop
  • Snaffle Bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a horse that moves well and carries himself well. Thoroughbreds and warmbloods (large horses of European descent) are preferred since they're taller and better able to make the jumps.

    • 2

      Tack up with an English saddle and tack. It's required for this event.

    • 3

      Maintain proper body position at the walk, sitting trot and canter. Keep your head up, eyes forward, shoulders back, back straight and body leaning slightly forward.

    • 4

      Accentuate the forward body position for the posting trot, gallop and jump.

    • 5

      Hold your hands just above the withers and slightly apart, with your knuckles rotated 30 degrees inside the vertical. There should be a straight line from horse's mouth to rider's elbow.

    • 6

      Flex your ankles, keep your heels down, and maintain contact with the horse with your calves. Keep legs slightly behind the girth.

    • 7

      Follow the pattern. Each rider rides in a specific, required pattern.

    • 8

      Wear a dark jacket with a light-colored shirt; a riding helmet with light-colored breeches; tall, dark leather riding boots, spurs and a riding crop.