Judging Horse Events – Equitation over Fences

Equitation over Fences is judged primarily on how riders are positioned on the horse and how effective they are in using their aids while communicating with their mount when completing a course.

Course Requirements

The course may prove to be more challenging than a typical working hunter course by the addition of sharp turns or even by asking the rider to break to a trot in between fences.

Some organizations or associations will even test the riders by calling out a course after they have completed the known course and by including an on-the-rail proportion to further evaluate the rider’s abilities and skills.

Course Specifications

Posted one hour prior to the class.
At least one change of direction is required.
Minimum height of fences must be 2’6” with maximum height of 3′ except for Level 1 (Novice).
A minimum of four obstacles is required and horses must jump a minimum of six fences.

Scoring

90-100: Excellent equitation, position, and presentation; meets all fences squarely and at proper distance; uses all options to their advantage.
80-89: Minor equitation faults, i.e., long, weak distance, deep distance, one step landing at counter-canter. Rider still maintains a quality ride, smooth.
70-79: More problems occur; equitation suffers, i.e., rounded shoulders, heels are not down, hands incorrect, lacks style and presence. One major fence problem, i.e., chip with a ride up the neck, or discrete swap-out; jumping off one side of the jump. No dangerous fences; not a flowing course, out of rhythm riding (minor miss/”chip”), additional minor faults.
60-69: Major equitation faults, poor body position, loose legs and seat, failure to obtain or maintain trot to a trot fence approach, two or three misses at the fence. Cross canter or no change (60), extra stride in a measure line (61-64), multiple distance mistakes.
50-59 – Refer to the major faults listed below
40-49: Disobedience
10-39: Rider avoids elimination; two disobediences, knockdowns; dangerous fences, accumulative major faults.

Minor Faults

Suggested 2-5 point deduction per occurrence

A jump out of rhythm (minor miss/”chip”)
Obvious pace changes
One step of cross canter (1 point for each stride up to 4 strides, additional cross canter strides major fault)
Swap lead in front of jump
Rail (4 point deduction per rail)
Wrong diagonal up to 2 steps
Hands not at a 45 degree angle
Ahead or behind motion at jump
Canter trot jump one stride or less