Could someone give me a brief explanation of the various flat classes - equitation , hunter under saddle, English pleasure , etc?
Would you use a close contact saddle for English flat classes generally? Or is an all purpose good for these?
The show circuit you are riding on is going to matter, because “english pleasure” at a Morgan show is quite different from at a hunter/jumper show or at a local unrated show. I would suggest asking someone who shows where you are planning to show what is customary and what wins, and also read the specifications that may be given in the prize list.
If it is a rated show, the explanation should be in your CEF rulebook.
In general, hunter under saddle and hunter seat equitation is going to be best in a close contact type saddle as you would use for hunters over fences.
Most typically, you see hunter under saddle classes. These are part of the hunter division, and are judged on suitability, style, and movement of the horse - stemming back to the first horse shows that judged fieldhunters based on if they would excel in the hunt field or out hilltopping. Walk/trot/canter both ways of the ring, not typical at all to see any extras. You see “pleasure” type classes more at non-rated horse shows and, IME, are more about manners and creating the picture of a “pleasurable” ride in addition to the factors above, plus sometimes pleasure classes include a hack (2 small fences) or different “tests” of the mount like backing, standing quietly, etc.
equitation under saddle is a whole different ballgame; judged on the rider’s hand, seat, guidance, and style. USEF tests can and usually are used (1-19, or fewer for less advanced riders) so you can expect a collected or extended gait, sometimes riding without stirrups, sometimes countercanter or various lateral movements.
Tack wise, hunter riders generally ride in close contact saddles due to the more flat seat and more appropriate flap. But, it depends on the rider and the horse. Look up videos of large hunter under saddle classes (Washington, Devon, PNHS, the National) or videos of flat phases of large medal finals (Maclay or USET) to see what these riders and horses look like. It is a great education!
The classes I’m looking at are for a local exhibition/fair and other local shows. Not breed specific
What blond said.
To simplify, in the hunter under saddle they are looking for the best mover. Manners do count, but if your horse is the best mover the judge may very well excuse a pinned ear or a swish or two of the tail. The horse should be ridden on light contact.
In the pleasure class, manners/obedience are much more important, but if all things are equal, the better mover will probably win. IIRC the horse should be ridden on a pretty loose rein–demonstrating stabilization, I guess.
The equitation class is strictly judged on the rider. As long as the horse is sound, movement isn’t really considered. Depending on the level of the class (there are many levels), the horse should be ridden on contact.
The equitation class I’m looking at says “basic seat” … So what is that?
There’s also a road hack class … I’m sure I did one of these classes in my Pony club days but cannot remember what its judged on. There was a small fence and maybe a hand gallop I think?
Basic equitation is still based on rider position but you will be asked only “basic” flat … walk, trot (sitting and/or posting), canter and maybe to show some extension and collection at the gaits. It’s expected that you will be able to demonstrate a good position and are able to ride your horse in a correct frame/contact, and that you will have a nice leg position etc.
Road hack is based on suitably of the horse for hacking out on “roads”. You will be asked for walk, trot and canter and probably extended trot and a hand gallop! The judge will want to see a horse that looks like it would be a lovely horse to take for a hack with a lovely big stride ona light contact.
Both of these classes will be flat only No fences.
Thanks , would you use a ap saddle or CC saddle for these classes? Or does it matter?
It doesn’t matter that much in this type Open show. In Eq, you would be better off in a CC but in Pleasure or road hack where the horse is judged, its not going to matter. Ride in what you are used to that allows you to showcase your horse.
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Road Hack in Canada is a flat class with no fences. It’s part of the Hack Division, made up (usually) of a pleasure 1 and pleasure 2 classes (horse and pony are separate divisions) and the road hack class.
In Road Hack, the judges will ask for the same things as in the 2 pleasure classes, but also for an extended trot and a hand gallop.
