What is the best way to enter the ring for an under-saddle hunter class?
Always enter at your best gait, and before the class is called to order, show off your best gait. Should you need to get your horse relaxed and tired, cantering is probably your best bet. If his trotting and cantering are not really special, but his manners are, then just walk on a loose rein until the class begins. Please note that if you plan on cantering, do try to stay out of traffic and don’t go so fast as to stir up the other horses. Remember that even though the class has not officially started, the judges are watching, so make it pleasant and enjoyable…this means no “training.”
What is the best way to enter the ring for an equitation flat class?
Your most comfortable, relaxed position — whether sitting trot, posting trot or cantering — is always the best way to enter, because this is the judge’s first impression of you. You want to demonstrate good horsemanship, so don’t attempt anything too risky like a counter-canter or an extended trot. Just keep it simple with a relaxed style, like a nice following posting trot or a full-seat canter. Enter without thinking you have to do something really showy to get my attention; believe me, I won’t miss you …especially if you execute too many unnecessary maneuvers!
What is the best way to enter the ring for an over-fences equitation class?
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. I want riders to get directly to the first jump with no grand tour of the ring. If you step into the ring, pick up the canter and get right to business promptly and efficiently, I am really going to like you! All too often, the rider enters the ring at a sitting trot – this is not a flat. The grand tour which usually follows bores the judge and it is often done poorly – no Robert Dover here! Riders and trainers need to take note that you should hold off on the sitting trot until you are asked for it.
What is the best way to enter the ring for an over-fences hunter class?
It depends on your horse. If he is quiet and relaxed with a good trot, then trot into the ring and show it off – briefly. You should then calmly break into a canter and immediately get to the first jump. If your horse is tense or nervous, walk him a moment and let him look around, take a breath, and then ease into a canter to start. Should your horse be a bit spooky, go immediately to a trot and go by the first jump, allowing him to see it. You then pick up a canter and proceed nicely to the first jump. This isn’t an equitation class, but I do understand that the longer approach to the first jump often sets a more relaxed and smooth start, which is what hunter performance is all about. You need to do what you think will present your horse the best.
Do I have to be on the correct diagonal in an under-saddle class?
A great question, and the direct answer is no — but let me elaborate. We all know it probably feels better posting on one diagonal than the other, so just imagine how much more comfortable your horse feels. You are trying to show your best trot, so stay on that diagonal both ways and get it done! It will also help to keep your horse from falling in off the track or cutting in and allows you to use less rein, but more leg, to get the longest, most relaxed trot on the rail.
