Do you know what constitutes a winning round in the hunter ring from the judges point of view? Do you know what the judge looks for, what they prioritize? Questions always arise regarding what judges see and what wins in the show ring.
It seemed appropriate to thoroughly research this subject, and determine if USEF judges are willing to talk, to explain, to teach, and to advise for the betterment of the sport. And they are willingly speaking up, and they want you to listen and learn.
This library of hunter and hunt seat equitation knowledge is now available. Just learning one or two invaluable nuggets of horsemanship from over 250 answers, opinions and preferences will surely make a difference in your next show performance. Check out some of the questions asked.

Monday, March 28, 2011

"What do you especially look for in an equitation ride? What are your top 3 priorities in the rider's form in terms of importance in an equitation rider, and why? (heels, hands, seat, etc.)"
Form follows function is the theme of good equitation. Many of our top Olympians excelled as Medal equitation winners. While most riders and trainers understand the basic equitation position, judging equitation is much more than placing in a beauty pageant. It's rating that indefinable connection between horse and rider and assesing good horsemanship. The judges were asked to describe the optimum attributes of a good riding position, and the most important aids that contribute to a solid equitation performance.

Watch and listen to the answers from some of the top hunter judges in the country. They have presided over the highest level of hunter shows from the east to the west coast, such as Palm Beach, Capitol Challenge, Harrisburg, Washington, HITS, Toronto Royal Winter Fair, Devon and many others.  They will tell you what wins.