What the Judge is looking for – Equitation

Judging equitation can be difficult sometimes and what the judge is looking for can be difficult to understand, particularly if you haven’t shown before or are new to going to a horse show.

First things first –

1. you have to jump all the jumps. If you come in and do not get to a jump, refuse, or have a poor take off spot, it will knock you out of the placings.
2. you have to have a secure lower leg and deep heel. When you enter the horse show arena, the judge may scan your heels. Those without a secure heel may be shelved and get lower placings. Even in an equitation class not over fences your lower leg and deep heel will be a factor.
3. you have to have a secure, independent seat. If you come into the horse show arena and are not balanced and correct in your position at the walk, trot and canter then you may be dropped down in the placings.