I’m so excited that Coco and I each earned awards from the USHJA 2023 Outreach Competitions! He earned his gold ribbon for the Hunter classes we participated in, and I earned my awesome vest for the Equitation classes. What are Hunter and Eq classes, you ask???
From the US Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) website:
“Modern hunter classes were designed to test the qualities and attributes of a successful hunt horse. These classes are subjectively judged based on the horse’s performance over fences as well as its quality of movement under saddle on the flat. Show hunters should possess good style over the jumps, consistent pace throughout the course, as well as quiet manners. Hunter rounds should appear smooth and effortless to the spectator with the horse and rider working together to make the course flow from one jump to the next.” In other words, the hunter classes are based on the horse, and the horse earns the points.
As for Equitation, the above link also explains that “Equitation classes are judged on the rider’s ability, form, and skill to allow the horse to perform at its best, but the horse itself is not judged at all. The types of jumps and elements that make up an equitation course can resemble those used in either hunter or jumper classes, but the judging is subjectively based on the rider’s position, style, proficiency, accuracy, use of the aids (hands, seat and legs), as well as an overall impression of complete and quiet control.” This is where the rider is judged and the rider earns the points.
I can’t wait to start competing in the 2024 season! 💙 ❤️
Bye! I hope you enjoyed this post. 💙 ❤️ 🤎
Bee the equestrian 
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