Hunt Seat Equitation / Jumping

Specifications For Hunt Seat Equitation

Position.

1. General. Rider should have a workmanlike appearance, seat and hands light and supple, conveying the impression of complete control should any emergency arise.
2. Hands. Hands should be over and in front of horse's withers, knuckles thirty degrees inside the vertical, hands slightly apart and making a straight line from horse's mouth to rider's elbow. Method of holding reins is optional and bight of reins may fall on either side. However, all reins must be picked up at the same time.
3. Basic Position. The eyes should be up and shoulders back. Toes should be at an angle best suited to rider's conformation: ankles flexed in, heels down, calf of leg in contact with horse and slightly behind girth. Iron should be on the ball of the foot and must not be tied to the girth.
4. Position in Motion. At the walk, sitting trot and canter, body should be a couple of degrees in front of the vertical; posting trot, inclined forward; galloping and jumping, same inclination as the posting trot.
5. Mounting and Dismounting. To mount, take up reins in left hand and place hand on withers. Grasp stirrup leather with right hand and insert left foot in stirrup, toe in girth and mount. To dismount, rider may either step down or slide down. The size of rider must be taken into consideration.

We offer the lessons for all riders in the following categories:

Beginning Equitation

In Beginning Equitation, the rider is instructed in the following: proper handling of the horse, mounting and dismounting, and correct body position. Control at the walk and trot is taught, including posting and two point. When the rider is ready, cantering will be introduced. In addition, students will learn horse colors, body parts, and proper terminology in Hunt Seat equitation.

Walk/Trot/Canter

In this lesson, students learn the following: safe handling of the horse and correct body position for optimal balance and jumping. Control at the canter and knowledge of leads are introduced at this time. Riders learn to jump a single jump, no higher than 18". Additional terminology is also taught, including parts of the bridle and saddle.

Beginning Jump

In Beginning Jump, the same concepts are taught in Walk/Trot/Canter, but at a more advanced level. Riders learn to negotiate a course of jumps no higher than 18".

Intermediate Jump

Basic skills introduced in previous levels are practiced at a higher level in Intermediate Jump. Correct leads and lead changes are introduced, while maintaining a controlled canter. Students learn to negotiate a course of jumps set at 2'.

Riders will advance to cross country field and be taught the more technical aspects of riding.