Now, onward to zone finals:
Hunt Seat Riders: Practice the Hunt Seat Rider Tests
Here is the list of hunt seat rider tests that may be asked at zone finals. You should practice these tests in your lessons until you are comfortable performing them on a variety of different horses.
1. Asked an appropriate horsemanship question that is tailored to the rider’s ability level
2. Halt
3. Sitting trot
4. Two point position at the walk and/or trot
5. Figure eight at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals
6. Figure eight at canter on correct lead, demonstrating simple change of lead
7. Change Horses
8. Ride without stirrups
9. Change leads down center of ring, demonstrating simple change of lead
10. Canter on the counter lead. No more than eight horses may counter canter at one time
11. Half-turn on forehand and/or half-turn on haunches
12. Jump a shortened course
13. Trot a jump not to exceed 2’6”
Which tests the judge may ask riders to perform is determined by the class level.
From the IEA rule book, here is a list of each IEA hunt seat flat division and which tests the riders in each division should be capable of performing:
Classes 9 & 12: Beginner Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat, Tests 1-7
Classes 8 & 11: Novice Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat, Tests 1-8
Classes 7 & 10: Intermediate Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat, Tests 1-9
Class 6: Open Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat, Tests 1-13*
*I think it's fair to assume tests 12 & 13 would only be asked in open fences, not open flat.
Western Riders: Practice the Western Rider Tests
Here are the tests that western riders should be practicing for zone finals.
1. Ask an appropriate horsemanship question that is tailored to the rider’s ability level
2. Individual performance on the rail
3. Halt and/or back
4. Figure eight at the jog
5. Change horses
6. Lope on specific lead and stop
7. 360 degree turn
8. Figure eight at the lope, demonstrating a change of lead (through the walk or jog)
9. Ride without stirrups
10.Simple change of leads in a straight line
Just as in hunt seat, which tests the judge may ask riders to perform is determined by the class level.
From the IEA rule book, here is a list of each IEA horsemanship division and which tests the riders in each division should be capable of performing:
Class 1: Varsity Open Horsemanship, Tests 1-10
Classes 2 & 5: Intermediate Horsemanship, Tests 1-8
Classes 3 & 6: Novice Horsemanship, Tests 1-6
Classes 4 & 7: Beginner Horsemanship, Tests 1-6
While at Zone Finals, Keep Up with the Schedule
The last thing you want is to be late and get flustered at the last minute. Ask your coach to share with you what time the morning schooling, course walk (hunt seat), and draw are scheduled to occur, the order of classes, and when your class is scheduled to run. Then you can follow along as the show runs and be where you need to be at the right time.
Find Out As Much As You Can About Your Horse
You will probably draw a horse you haven't ridden before. You may be tempted to sleep in or hang out with your friends in your tent with some hot chocolate during the morning schooling, but the best way to figure out your horse before you mount up is to watch your horse being ridden by a professional. You can also seek out the owner of the horse and ask them for any tips or advice for your ride.
Turn Yourself Out to the Nines
Your show attire should be spotlessly clean and fit perfectly.
Hunt seat riders: Get your coat and shirt dry cleaned and polish your boots until you can see you reflection in them. Invest in a solid black crop with no wrist strap. Dress conservatively. A navy hunt coat is always appropriate, though black hunt coats (not dressage coats) are also very much in style. You can't go wrong with a long sleeve white show shirt, though any conservative color is fine. If you don't have a nice show helmet and are in the market to buy one, now is the time.
Western riders: Get your clothes dry cleaned and make sure your chaps are clean, especially at the bottom where you may have stepped on them once or twice. Invest in nice pair of spurs that fit your boots and won't move around on your foot (except beginners, who aren't permitted to wear spurs). Get your hat shaped by a professional. Any western store can do this for you.
Varsity Open Championship Hunt Seat Riders: Know the Jump Numbers
If you make it to the hunt seat varsity open championship class, you will need to know the numbers of the fences from the individual varsity open fences course. It's possible that the judges will want additional testing during that class and ask the announcer to say something like, "canter fence 3, canter fence 4, trot fence 7, halt and return to the line up." You will need to know which fence is which in order to perform the test.
Know your Back Number
The judges may call certain riders into the center of the arena or ask for additional testing using rider back numbers, so you need to know your number. Have your friends or coach ask you what your back number is a few times before you go in the ring so you're sure you know it.
Keep Riding
If your ride isn't going as planned, or if your horse is spooking or misbehaving, keep riding! Your coach will be on top of things and will ask for a re-ride if necessary. Whatever happens, don't give up. Ride your best from the moment you enter the arena until the final results are called.
Enjoy the Experience
Last, but certainly not least, there is more to zone finals than just your ride. It is a huge accomplishment to make it this far, and you should be pleased with yourself no matter how you place in your class.You have already shown that you are among the best of the best in your entire zone, and you have nothing to prove. Enjoy the experience.
Also, most zone finals offer other activities besides the horse show, such as a spectator party and written horsemanship test. Take advantage of these opportunities to socialize with other riders in your zone and increase your equine knowledge.
Now go out there and do your best and have fun. If you get a ribbon, awesome! If you make it to nationals, congratulations! I'll see you there ;-)
Amanda Garner is an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), and Georgia Hunter Jumper Association (GHJA) steward, schooling show judge, head coach of the University of North Georgia IHSA Equestrian Team, and owner of Epiphany Farm, LLC in Dahlonega, Georgia. She is also a member of the IEA Board of Directors and the author of "A Parent's Guide to the Interscholastic Equestrian Association."
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Thanks! --Amanda
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