Adult Amateur Equitation

[WannabeDQ]

I have signed my 5 year old training/first level horse up for the AA Equitation class at our regional finals. We did it at a show recently and it went fine, but we were the only ones in the class.

I just saw where someone posted that they were signed up for the AA Equitation class… in addition to her PSG championship (same horse). Now I’m wondering what in the world I’ve signed up for. I was under the impression this was for the training - second crowd but I can’t find much information online. We are in no position to be competing against FEI combos!

Does anyone have any insight? Seen these classes at local shows? I understand they are pretty new but it’s my only class on Sunday and I’d rather get home a day early if it’s going to be way out of our league.

[alibi_18]

@WannabeDQ

I have signed my 5 year old training/first level horse up for the AA Equitation class at our regional finals. We did it at a show recently and it went fine, but we were the only ones in the class.

I just saw where someone posted that they were signed up for the AA Equitation class… in addition to her PSG championship (same horse). Now I’m wondering what in the world I’ve signed up for. I was under the impression this was for the training - second crowd but I can’t find much information online. We are in no position to be competing against FEI combos!

Does anyone have any insight? Seen these classes at local shows? I understand they are pretty new but it’s my only class on Sunday and I’d rather get home a day early if it’s going to be way out of our league.

You’ve signed up for the AA Equitation class.

Stop looking at others and concentrate on your riding.

[WannabeDQ]

Yes I’m aware of the class I signed up for.

I have not seen this class run before and the one I rode in had no other competitors so I was hoping to hear from others who had. If it’s mainly upper level pairs then obviously it may not be the best class for my youngster.

Hoping someone can chime in with a more helpful response!

[hoopoe]

this is an equitation class and as such judged on the rider. There are no USEF rules restricting the class to riders below 2nd level. The judges may test only to / thru first level, so if a judge wants to test the riders, lengthening and leg yields may show up. Perhaps that is your confusion.

There is no reason to believe a rider showing PSG has better Eq than you, watch some classes, it can be kind of harrowing.

Overall the Eq classes, when I was showing, were not popular. Perhaps they have come along a bit more.

Before the USEF Eq stuff got going, I showed in a class sponsored by a local pro. It was for riders on horses not showing above 2nd level. Now mind you I usually rode against a pro riding a young horse, she was classic German trained. Gorgeous seat, can’t top that.

It was nice because the judge gave feedback to the riders. It was a chance to get in to the ring and perhaps , for a young horse, going round with other horses is a good experience.

Ride your horse, gain the experience and perhaps some insight if the judge chooses to do so. Ride your best and with good horsemanship. You never know how the ride will go and you may come out on top.

[alibi_18]

@WannabeDQ

I’d rather get home a day early if it’s going to be way out of our league.

I answered you the way I did because of this.

It’s an amateur class, not a FEI Young horse class.
You will be against other amateur riders so you should not feel it is out of your league.
It’s about the riding. Not the level of the horse.
What type of score do you get for « rider »?
That’s around what you’re gonna get in that class.

Yes I’m aware of the class I signed up for.

I have not seen this class run before and the one I rode in had no other competitors so I was hoping to hear from others who had. If it’s mainly upper level pairs then obviously it may not be the best class for my youngster.

Hoping someone can chime in with a more helpful response!

I beg to differ. Better go into hack classes with higher level riders who have control over their horses than with beginners who ride all over the place.

If your goal is to ride in company of lower level riders just so you can undoubtly win, that’s another story.

But if you are skilled enough to ride and train youngsters, I don’t see why you would be out of place with more skilled riders.

Judge will only ask for stuff your horse can do.

Mainly walk, trot, canter and some lengthening, sitting trot and voilà.

And truly, if the judge ever ask for something your horse is not prepared for, ex Shoulder in, don’t do it, stop and tell the judge « my horse is training level, we’re not there yet ». You won’t lose points.

I was, just this past weekend, scribing for our Regional Championship final and I scribed into 2 of those Equitation classes. 10 horses per classes with riders from Intro to 3rd level mixed up.
3rd level riders didn’t win.

[NoSuchPerson]

@alibi_18

I beg to differ. Better go into hack classes with higher level riders who have control over their horses than with beginners who ride all over the place.

Amen to that. One of my worst showing experiences ever was in a maiden flat class (horses or exhibitors that have not won a first place ribbon). First a horse spooked into us from the side and almost knocked my horse off her feet, then later in the class another rider ran into the back of my horse as a means of getting her’s to stop. The icing on the cake was that when my horse kicked at the horse that ran into her, WE got eliminated from the class but the person who ran into us was allowed to stay.

But I digress.

OP, I would ride in the class. It will be good experience and if the judge provides written or oral comments, you may get some valuable feedback. The skill level of other competitors in the class is irrelevant.

[SarahandSam]

Definitely ride in the class. It’s a fun time and I’m really glad USDF is promoting it. I did have a PSG rider in my class once who beat me, but I clearly didn’t feel too badly about it… and a couple times I beat second and third level riders (I’m training/first level myself), so that was nifty. It’s still about your own riding and your own issues/strengths, so just ignore the others and ride for yourself. The class itself is neat, in my opinion… it’s felt for me like a very short clinic, since you generally get immediate verbal feedback from the judge. I also like taking on specific challenges when I’m told to do them, rather than stressing about memorizing and riding a specific test in advance, so it’s been more relaxed and comfortable. I was planning to ride in it for my regionals but had to scratch with a lame horse… so I’m happy to encourage everyone else to go do it and have fun!

[high_hat]

Be aware that there may be other riders in your class. They are conducted like a rail class. That being said they may not ask everyone to canter at the same time.

My advice is to listen (of course) and to space yourself away from other riders as best you can.

[AZ_TD]

Since horses in dressage seat equitation are only allowed to participate in a snaffle bridle, you may have an advantage over a PSG horse that may only go in a double bridle.

[Aeris]

I had the pleasure of watching this class at region 4 championships. I didn’t sign up and, after watching, I actually regret it! (sure, my horse hasn’t gone in a snaffle in a very long while and my lower leg is sort of a travesty, but it really did look just that fun!) There was definitely a wide range of riders, but I can’t say that I necessarily could tell what level each rider was doing in their other championship classes. It really was as promised - a class on equitation. The winner set up her transitions well and had an excellent seat and leg. Comments were given directly to each rider from the judges, but quietly enough for the audience to not hear, which I thought was very polite and respectful. Likewise, those watching the class were excited to see a different type of class and very encouraging to everyone in the ring. Just remember to smile, keep that leg on and have a great time!

[joiedevie99]

Definitely do it! I watched one class in Region 8 and it looked like so much fun. I decided not to enter because it was the same day as another championship class, but I certainly will next year. There were a range of riders and horses, and the upper level people didn’t necessarily do better. They were really judging the rider, and you didn’t need anything above first level.