by Jennifer Lindgren

Horsemanship & Equitation classes ask that you complete a pattern which tests both your riding skills and your ability to maintain a correct and balanced body position with quiet hands. Most horsemanship (Western) or equitation (Huntseat or Saddleseat) classes will ask you to perform both an individual pattern and group rail work. In some small classes or those with very young riders, the Judge might request rail work only.

When both a pattern and rail work are required, they count proportionally towards your overall score. I personally count them equally (50% pattern, 50% rail work). The formula used at the Open Show level is at the Judge's discretion and usually reflects their training and background. A good rider that has a few mistakes on their pattern can still win the class.

What the Judge is Watching For...

• Rail Work:
  The Rider's overall appearance.
• Hands, seat, and leg position
• How the rider cues the horse
• How the rider uses the rail and maneuvers around other exhibitors
• Pattern:
  Correctness of pattern and quality of each maneuver
• How well the rider maintains hand, seat, and leg position
• The way the rider cue's the horse and the smoothness of the pattern.
  For specific details about equitation rules, tests, tack and attire, including pictures of proper form, please view the USEF website. (Go to USEF.org, click on Rules and Governance, click on Rule Book, click on 2008 Rule Book, click on EQ: Equitation.) For specific details about horsemanship rules, tests, tack and attire, consult the AQHA rulebook. (Go to AQHA.com, click on Showing, go to Guide to Showing, go to AQHA handbook, go to Show Rules, go to section 473 Horsemanship.)
• Before the Show...
  Practice, Practice, Practice - straight lines, circles, stops, backs, & turns. Learn to count your horse's strides. Make your lines straight and true by picking a point in the arena to help guide you. Your circles must be round. This can be difficult so break your circle into quarters. Have the same number of strides in each quarter and pick four focal points (N, S, E, W) in the arena to help guide you. For figure 8's, make sure you cross exactly in the center. Make a folder and fill it with old patterns from shows, patterns you find in magazines and on-line, and those that you have created. Make notes on the back of each pattern you have completed. Address your strengths and weaknesses in executing that pattern. Excellent riders do their homework! (Get more practice patterns at Showhorsepromotions.com, click on practice patterns.)
• At The Show...
  Always Copy the pattern down yourself. Do not have somebody else do it. You and you alone are responsible for your pattern. Practice it first without your horse. Make sure you have it memorized before you get on your horse. (If you have questions, ask the judge or ringmaster before the class even begins.) Next, separately practice each maneuver required, preparing your horse for what you will be asking him to do. Do Not do the pattern just yet. Once you have practiced it in parts, then it is time to put it all together. Now, practice the pattern as written. Do Not do it too many times in a row because your horse might begin to anticipate the next maneuver and won't wait for your cue. This could make you miss your markers! Finally, take a deep breath, pet your horse to boost his confidence (he is probably nervous too) and go over the pattern one more time in your head.
• In The Ring...
  Be ready when you are called. Watch the judge for your signal to start. Complete the pattern exactly as it was written. Take your time. It is better to have a correct pattern that is slow than to make mistakes because you are trying to rush through. If you make a mistake, continue with the rest of the pattern. When your pattern is complete, exit the ring quietly. This is your last chance to make a good impression. If the judge is nearby, glance at them during your exit with a confident smile.
• Remember...
  Your tack and equipment should be clean and polished. Your outfit must be neat and clean, your number secured on all corners, your hair neat (no ponytails hanging!) and conservatively tucked either under your hat or in a bun. Gloves are optional if your hands and nails are clean (sometimes hard to do at a show). Be pleasant to your horse, the ringmaster, the judge, and especially your parents. Be proud of your accomplishments. Even if you don't win, it takes a lot of time, hard work, and money to go to a horse show. You should be proud of yourself and your horse for even completing a class this challenging.