Equitation on the Flat--Tips for Improving Your Performance

As IEA/IHSA season ramps up, here are ten ways you can improve your performance in equitation on the flat classes.  These suggestions are no substitute for good quality instruction from your coach, just ideas for giving you an edge over your competition.  Good luck and happy riding!

1.  Get noticed. You can’t get a good score if the judge doesn’t see you.  Stay away from large groups of riders.  Find a good spot where you can be by yourself.

2.  Use the quarter line when riding down the side in front of the judge.  If you are up on the rail right under the judge, he/she can’t see your position.  If the quarter line isn't an option, stay a few feet off the rail as you pass the judge.

3.  Be aware of the horses around you and stay out of trouble.  If you see a large pack of riders up ahead, cut across the ring to avoid the pile up.  Also be aware of any horses wearing red ribbons on their tails.  A red ribbon means the horse kicks and you should keep your distance.

4.  Learn to pass correctly.  Always pass on the inside and give the other riders plenty of room on all sides.  Make sure you are at least one horse-length in front of the horse you are passing before moving back over onto the rail.

5.  Learn to feel your diagonals and leads.  In equitation you should be looking straight ahead, not down at your horse’s shoulder looking for leads and diagonals.

6.  Practice your sitting trot every time you ride.  Many equitation classes are won (or lost) based on the sitting trot.  Practice your sitting trot on every horse in your team’s barn, the bouncy ones, the smooth ones, the big-strided ones, and the short-strided ones.  Knowing how to ride the sitting trot can help put you at the top of the judge’s card.

7.  Work without stirrups every time you ride.  Equitation judges are looking for a strong, tight leg that doesn’t move around when you trot or canter.  There is no better method of strengthening your leg and core than working without stirrups.

8.  Take your time during transitions.  You don’t have to leap into the canter the moment the announcer says so.  Take a second or two to organize yourself and your horse before making the transition.  This also applies to reversing.  You don't have to change direction immediately when the announcer calls for a reverse.  If someone is right behind you, wait a couple seconds before you turn around to give them time to get out in front of you in the new direction.

9.  Show off your good stuff and hide your bad stuff.  If the horse you’re riding has a smooth gait that makes your sitting trot look great, make a pass directly in front of the judge.  If the horse is bouncy and you’re flopping all over the place, stay in a group on the rail.

10.  And last, but certainly not least, enter the ring ready to win.   First impressions are important.  Make sure your boots are polished, your feet are in the stirrups correctly, and your reins aren't twisted before you walk in the gate.  Don’t mosey into the ring or look around at your teammates.  Enter with your eyes up and march down the rail in a strong working walk. Put your game face on and let the judge know you are the winner.

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--Amanda

Equitation on the Flat Lineup
photo credit Cyndi Gallagher Simmons