show 'n' sport
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You may use these tests for testing with the Academy, for schooling, lessons, clinics, practice shows, and other events
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This division is largely about English riding, however still under the influence of Classical without the current fads and trends in the competitive show circuits.
There is English Pleasure Natural, Saddle Pleasure, Hunter under Saddle, Pleasure Hack, Show Hack, Road Hack, and Hunter Jumper. Formal or evening attire is requested. Riders look a little more professional, horses look a little more polished and training is refined. Full bridles are requested. Horses must be at least 5 years old. Based on each discipline 1. 0 CREDIT UNITS = 1 score of 55+% CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT TITLE/level = 1 scores of 70+% *Note, the level that the horse and rider score a 70+% on in Hunter Jumper tests will be recorded. Minimum age of horse is 5 years old in each class. Remember for any show you can collect ribbons, aim for Championship rosettes, and also earn course credits for your Equine Science diploma. Notes: You must be a current member and your horse registered with the academy (free with membership). Video your test or pattern and upload it to the internet. Email the office a link. Wait for results and keep on riding! |
For more information and help with these disciplines refer to International Rider I.
GAITS - (The cardinal rule is “No snappy gaits!”)
WALK
The walk needs to be natural in appearance. It needs to be flat footed, which means that the leg and hoof action does not involve any toe flipping or excessive animation. It has a four beat gait with steady rhythm and cadence. He needs to travel straight, meaning not over bent or counter bent. As he travels, he is alert, happy and travels with a reasonable length of stride according to his body structure. He must not drag his feet or appear to be too slow. The walking gait is lively, graceful and full of animation, but he must not prance. His knees should flex, but not overly. His walk is graceful with elegant steps still flat.
NORMAL WALK, which is the same as WALK. The horse needs light rein contact and is not allowed to rush.
COLLECTED WALK, which contains shorter, higher strides, but the horse must not pace.
EXTENDED WALK, in which the horse must lengthen his frame to cover more ground with each step. The horse needs light rein contact and is not allowed to rush.
TROT
The trot is smooth, never choppy and consists of two beats as the horses leg moved in diagonal pairs. His movement is square, even and balanced. He must travel forward with ease and both his front legs and his back legs need to reach forward. The hind legs must not appear to walk or shuffle. During the trot, the rider must always post.
NORMAL TROT, which is light, cadenced and crisp in appearance. The rider posts. The English Pleasure horse must appear to be in a collected frame, but not with a hollow back or inverted nose. Smoothness is a higher priority than moving forward fast. The knees need to flex, but not more than a ninety degree angle and not high as seen in several breed shows. The hocks must engage well under the horse.
SITTING TROT, the rider does not post.
STRONG TROT, there should be a clear definition between the Normal trot and the Strong trot. The horse must do so willingly, quickly and show an increase in speed and a lengthened stride. The rider must post. It is called for as the horse is developing muscle, power and the ability to lengthen his stride.
COLLECTED TROT. There should be a clear definition between the Normal trot and the Collected trot. It is lighter and shorter with the same amount of impulsion and balance. The neck must raise and arch, but the head must still be in the vertical. The rider sits the seat while collecting the trot.
EXTENDED TROT. The hindquarters engage and create more impulsion creating a medium speed with a lengthened stride. The horse must do so willingly, quickly and the rider must post.
CANTER
The canter has an even three beat gait. The horse is relaxed and travels forward to cover ground with ease. The correct lead should be easily taken and held throughout the canter. Excessive speed is prohibited, just as is the overly slow canter which may appear to have four beats to it.
EASY CANTER, which is forward and light.
COLLECTED CANTER, the horse needs to engage his hindquarters and move with impulsion. His weight must be transferred to the haunch to lighten the forehand, showing free and supple shoulders. The neck is raised and arched. The steps are lighter and shorter while still covering ground. The horses head is never in front or behind the vertical.
EXTENDED CANTER, which should be performed immediately when asked for and done without resistance or a hesitation in gait or lack of rhythm. The horse must show an increase in speed and a lengthened stride
HAND GALLOP, which is an increase in speed and stride length, as the rider switches to a 2 point seat.
WALK
The walk needs to be natural in appearance. It needs to be flat footed, which means that the leg and hoof action does not involve any toe flipping or excessive animation. It has a four beat gait with steady rhythm and cadence. He needs to travel straight, meaning not over bent or counter bent. As he travels, he is alert, happy and travels with a reasonable length of stride according to his body structure. He must not drag his feet or appear to be too slow. The walking gait is lively, graceful and full of animation, but he must not prance. His knees should flex, but not overly. His walk is graceful with elegant steps still flat.
NORMAL WALK, which is the same as WALK. The horse needs light rein contact and is not allowed to rush.
COLLECTED WALK, which contains shorter, higher strides, but the horse must not pace.
EXTENDED WALK, in which the horse must lengthen his frame to cover more ground with each step. The horse needs light rein contact and is not allowed to rush.
TROT
The trot is smooth, never choppy and consists of two beats as the horses leg moved in diagonal pairs. His movement is square, even and balanced. He must travel forward with ease and both his front legs and his back legs need to reach forward. The hind legs must not appear to walk or shuffle. During the trot, the rider must always post.
NORMAL TROT, which is light, cadenced and crisp in appearance. The rider posts. The English Pleasure horse must appear to be in a collected frame, but not with a hollow back or inverted nose. Smoothness is a higher priority than moving forward fast. The knees need to flex, but not more than a ninety degree angle and not high as seen in several breed shows. The hocks must engage well under the horse.
SITTING TROT, the rider does not post.
STRONG TROT, there should be a clear definition between the Normal trot and the Strong trot. The horse must do so willingly, quickly and show an increase in speed and a lengthened stride. The rider must post. It is called for as the horse is developing muscle, power and the ability to lengthen his stride.
COLLECTED TROT. There should be a clear definition between the Normal trot and the Collected trot. It is lighter and shorter with the same amount of impulsion and balance. The neck must raise and arch, but the head must still be in the vertical. The rider sits the seat while collecting the trot.
EXTENDED TROT. The hindquarters engage and create more impulsion creating a medium speed with a lengthened stride. The horse must do so willingly, quickly and the rider must post.
CANTER
The canter has an even three beat gait. The horse is relaxed and travels forward to cover ground with ease. The correct lead should be easily taken and held throughout the canter. Excessive speed is prohibited, just as is the overly slow canter which may appear to have four beats to it.
EASY CANTER, which is forward and light.
COLLECTED CANTER, the horse needs to engage his hindquarters and move with impulsion. His weight must be transferred to the haunch to lighten the forehand, showing free and supple shoulders. The neck is raised and arched. The steps are lighter and shorter while still covering ground. The horses head is never in front or behind the vertical.
EXTENDED CANTER, which should be performed immediately when asked for and done without resistance or a hesitation in gait or lack of rhythm. The horse must show an increase in speed and a lengthened stride
HAND GALLOP, which is an increase in speed and stride length, as the rider switches to a 2 point seat.
ROAD HACK
The horse and rider proudly show their versatility looking like they are ready to hack in the field. This class is not as formal as Show Hack, so typical, conservative hunter tack and attire are recommended.
Gaits: Walk, Normal Trot, Sitting Trot, Strong Trot, Easy Canter and Hand Gallop
NOTES: English riding is considered to be a formal and traditional way of riding. It may be a harder form to learn, but it can also help with other disciplines. The rider uses two hands and sits very tall and straight. The Hack horse is to be considered one of the most prestigious horses and a pleasure to ride. He should show versatility and lovely animation. He does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the Hack tests is to confirm that the horse is suitable for riding with showy gaits and have presence and animation. The history of stems from the use of horses for transport across the country scape. The Hack horse is judged 10% on manners, 15% on conformation, 20% on substance, and 55% on performance. English horses cover more ground with high-stepping strides travelling smoothly and swiftly. The legs have a stepping action, with flexed knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits with vitality and lively animation. The gaits should have a definitive cadence, correctness, giving the horse presence, yet the horse is natural and unconstrained. The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. The road hacks head may be carried slightly higher than the withers, but never lower. The road hack may have a lower set neck and less arch than a show hack horse. There is more bending at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. Most importantly, he is safe, athletic and very efficient for his purpose, with clear versatility in his actions.
The Road Hack horse should have excellent conformation the same as the dressage horse. Much like the English horse, he is athletic, balanced and his front feet appear to float across the ground. He must be able to flex and to extend. This action needs to be counter balanced with a long, shapely neck set relatively high on the shoulder. He has a higher head carriage, but he is relaxed and happy. Overall the Hack horse presents a versatile appearance being in between the Hunter under saddle and the English horse.
The horse and rider proudly show their versatility looking like they are ready to hack in the field. This class is not as formal as Show Hack, so typical, conservative hunter tack and attire are recommended.
Gaits: Walk, Normal Trot, Sitting Trot, Strong Trot, Easy Canter and Hand Gallop
NOTES: English riding is considered to be a formal and traditional way of riding. It may be a harder form to learn, but it can also help with other disciplines. The rider uses two hands and sits very tall and straight. The Hack horse is to be considered one of the most prestigious horses and a pleasure to ride. He should show versatility and lovely animation. He does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the Hack tests is to confirm that the horse is suitable for riding with showy gaits and have presence and animation. The history of stems from the use of horses for transport across the country scape. The Hack horse is judged 10% on manners, 15% on conformation, 20% on substance, and 55% on performance. English horses cover more ground with high-stepping strides travelling smoothly and swiftly. The legs have a stepping action, with flexed knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits with vitality and lively animation. The gaits should have a definitive cadence, correctness, giving the horse presence, yet the horse is natural and unconstrained. The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. The road hacks head may be carried slightly higher than the withers, but never lower. The road hack may have a lower set neck and less arch than a show hack horse. There is more bending at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. Most importantly, he is safe, athletic and very efficient for his purpose, with clear versatility in his actions.
The Road Hack horse should have excellent conformation the same as the dressage horse. Much like the English horse, he is athletic, balanced and his front feet appear to float across the ground. He must be able to flex and to extend. This action needs to be counter balanced with a long, shapely neck set relatively high on the shoulder. He has a higher head carriage, but he is relaxed and happy. Overall the Hack horse presents a versatile appearance being in between the Hunter under saddle and the English horse.
SHOW HACK
This class is similar to Dressage, using the same tack and attire as upper level. This class is similar to Road Hack, however it is considered formal. Horses are a bit more animated and flashy, but gaits are never snappy. The horse must look like an absolute pleasure to ride.
Gaits: Walk, Normal Trot, Collected Trot, Extended Trot, Normal Canter, Collected Canter and Extended Canter
NOTES: English riding is considered to be a formal and traditional way of riding. It may be a harder form to learn, but it can also help with other disciplines. The rider uses two hands and sits very tall and straight. The Show Hack horse is to be considered one of the most prestigious horses and a pleasure to ride. He should show versatility and lovely animation. He does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the Hack tests is to confirm that the horse is suitable for riding with showy gaits and have presence and animation. The history of Show Hack started in England, where exhibitors showed their horse to a maximum performance of style, elegance and self carriage. The Hack horse is judged 10% on manners, 15% on conformation, 20% on substance, and 55% on performance. English horses cover more ground with high-stepping strides travelling smoothly and swiftly. The legs have a stepping action, with flexed knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits with vitality and lively animation. The gaits should have a definitive cadence, correctness, giving the horse presence, yet the horse is natural and unconstrained. The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. The show hacks head carriage must be higher than the withers as the horse must be in a collected frame. The show hack needs a higher set neck and with more arch. There is more bending at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. Most importantly, he is safe, athletic and very efficient for his purpose, with clear versatility in his actions.
The Show Hack horse should have excellent conformation the same as the dressage horse. Much like the English horse, he is athletic, balanced and his front feet appear to float across the ground. He must be able to flex and to extend. This action needs to be counter balanced with a long, shapely neck set relatively high on the shoulder. He has a higher head carriage, but he is relaxed and happy. Overall the Hack horse presents a versatile appearance being in between the Hunter under saddle and the English horse.
This class is similar to Dressage, using the same tack and attire as upper level. This class is similar to Road Hack, however it is considered formal. Horses are a bit more animated and flashy, but gaits are never snappy. The horse must look like an absolute pleasure to ride.
Gaits: Walk, Normal Trot, Collected Trot, Extended Trot, Normal Canter, Collected Canter and Extended Canter
NOTES: English riding is considered to be a formal and traditional way of riding. It may be a harder form to learn, but it can also help with other disciplines. The rider uses two hands and sits very tall and straight. The Show Hack horse is to be considered one of the most prestigious horses and a pleasure to ride. He should show versatility and lovely animation. He does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the Hack tests is to confirm that the horse is suitable for riding with showy gaits and have presence and animation. The history of Show Hack started in England, where exhibitors showed their horse to a maximum performance of style, elegance and self carriage. The Hack horse is judged 10% on manners, 15% on conformation, 20% on substance, and 55% on performance. English horses cover more ground with high-stepping strides travelling smoothly and swiftly. The legs have a stepping action, with flexed knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits with vitality and lively animation. The gaits should have a definitive cadence, correctness, giving the horse presence, yet the horse is natural and unconstrained. The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. The show hacks head carriage must be higher than the withers as the horse must be in a collected frame. The show hack needs a higher set neck and with more arch. There is more bending at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. Most importantly, he is safe, athletic and very efficient for his purpose, with clear versatility in his actions.
The Show Hack horse should have excellent conformation the same as the dressage horse. Much like the English horse, he is athletic, balanced and his front feet appear to float across the ground. He must be able to flex and to extend. This action needs to be counter balanced with a long, shapely neck set relatively high on the shoulder. He has a higher head carriage, but he is relaxed and happy. Overall the Hack horse presents a versatile appearance being in between the Hunter under saddle and the English horse.
tack, turnout and attire
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PLEASURE HACK
This class is similar to Hunter under Saddle, using the same tack and attire, however the horse does not need to be as big and sporty. Manners are more important. The horse must look like an absolute pleasure to ride.
Gaits: Walk, Trot, and Canter.
NOTES: Pleasure Hack, everything is virtually the same as the Hunter under Saddle, except there is no hand gallop. Also, there is more emphasis placed upon the horses manners, where he should seem to be a pleasure in the saddle. The reins should be a bit looser than the hunter under saddle horse. The horse himself may be smaller in stature, not as strong and not as big boned as the hunter under saddle horse. The pleasure hack horse must not be speedy or have extreme motion. There must be no resistance. He should be obedient, alert and responsive to move freely. The best tip about the Pleasure Hack horse is that he should look like anyone can ride him.
For Tack, Turnout and Attire see video for Hunter under Saddle
This class is similar to Hunter under Saddle, using the same tack and attire, however the horse does not need to be as big and sporty. Manners are more important. The horse must look like an absolute pleasure to ride.
Gaits: Walk, Trot, and Canter.
NOTES: Pleasure Hack, everything is virtually the same as the Hunter under Saddle, except there is no hand gallop. Also, there is more emphasis placed upon the horses manners, where he should seem to be a pleasure in the saddle. The reins should be a bit looser than the hunter under saddle horse. The horse himself may be smaller in stature, not as strong and not as big boned as the hunter under saddle horse. The pleasure hack horse must not be speedy or have extreme motion. There must be no resistance. He should be obedient, alert and responsive to move freely. The best tip about the Pleasure Hack horse is that he should look like anyone can ride him.
For Tack, Turnout and Attire see video for Hunter under Saddle
HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
This class is also called Hunter Pleasure. It is designed to show off the hunter horse who does not jump during the test. Horses are bigger, sporty and look as though they could go off jumping through the fields without any problems.
Gaits: Walk, Trot, Canter and Hand Gallop.
NOTES: The Hunter Pleasure horse is the same thing as that of the Hunter under Saddle horse. Both of these terms refer to a hunter horse that appears to be a pleasure to ride, but does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the hunter pleasure tests are to confirm that the horse is suitable for fields and jumping with long, low strides covering ground smoothly and easily. The legs have a sweeping action, with flat knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits in a relaxed and free flowing correctness. The gaits should have a definitive cadence.
The horses conformation is the most important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity in the sport. The ideal hunter horse has a little more muscling for endurance across the fields. He still needs to stand square and fit into a box, meaning that the legs are directly underneath him. His body can easily be divided into thirds. One third is the shoulder area, one third is the body and one third is the haunch. The withers and the point of croup are level. Longer back horses have the better ability to arch, creating a scope over the jump. The hunter horse may not need to jump as high, so may not needs as long a back.
Overall, the horse needs symmetry and a smoothness of muscling blending together. He needs to appear like he can work easily, happily and for long hours in the saddle. He is relaxed and ready to work, conserving his energy for a long afternoon in the fields, over jumps. He moves efficiently so as to conserve energy and is able to cope with different jumps, scenery, land terrain. Even though he travels long and low on a looser rein, he is ready for a change of pace or a sudden turn, such as what happens in the hunt field.
The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. His head carriage must be level with the withers or slightly higher. The poll must never be lower than the withers for more than any length of time. He has a lower neck and has less arch in the neck. There is less bend at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. The Hunter is more relaxed and is not as animated in his actions as other types of horses such as the English Pleasure horse. Instead, he has a longer, more rectangular frame. He has a fairly level top line. He is safe for the rider and appears to be athletic and very efficient for his purpose. The horses performance, appearance, condition and suitability will account for 60% of the total score in testing.
This class is also called Hunter Pleasure. It is designed to show off the hunter horse who does not jump during the test. Horses are bigger, sporty and look as though they could go off jumping through the fields without any problems.
Gaits: Walk, Trot, Canter and Hand Gallop.
NOTES: The Hunter Pleasure horse is the same thing as that of the Hunter under Saddle horse. Both of these terms refer to a hunter horse that appears to be a pleasure to ride, but does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the hunter pleasure tests are to confirm that the horse is suitable for fields and jumping with long, low strides covering ground smoothly and easily. The legs have a sweeping action, with flat knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits in a relaxed and free flowing correctness. The gaits should have a definitive cadence.
The horses conformation is the most important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity in the sport. The ideal hunter horse has a little more muscling for endurance across the fields. He still needs to stand square and fit into a box, meaning that the legs are directly underneath him. His body can easily be divided into thirds. One third is the shoulder area, one third is the body and one third is the haunch. The withers and the point of croup are level. Longer back horses have the better ability to arch, creating a scope over the jump. The hunter horse may not need to jump as high, so may not needs as long a back.
Overall, the horse needs symmetry and a smoothness of muscling blending together. He needs to appear like he can work easily, happily and for long hours in the saddle. He is relaxed and ready to work, conserving his energy for a long afternoon in the fields, over jumps. He moves efficiently so as to conserve energy and is able to cope with different jumps, scenery, land terrain. Even though he travels long and low on a looser rein, he is ready for a change of pace or a sudden turn, such as what happens in the hunt field.
The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. His head carriage must be level with the withers or slightly higher. The poll must never be lower than the withers for more than any length of time. He has a lower neck and has less arch in the neck. There is less bend at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. The Hunter is more relaxed and is not as animated in his actions as other types of horses such as the English Pleasure horse. Instead, he has a longer, more rectangular frame. He has a fairly level top line. He is safe for the rider and appears to be athletic and very efficient for his purpose. The horses performance, appearance, condition and suitability will account for 60% of the total score in testing.
tack, turnout and attire
ENGLISH PLEASURE (NATURAL)
This is a showy kind of class where the horse needs to be well mannered but also have a little more animation. It stems from English riding around in parks on Sundays in their best attire, showing off their horsemanship abilities and wealth. Unlike today, horses are not asked for snappy gaits and still adhere to Classical Horsemanship principles.
Gaits: Walk, Normal Trot, Strong Trot or Extended Trot, and Canter.
NOTES: English riding is considered to be a formal and traditional way of riding. It may be a harder form to learn but it can also help with other disciplines. The rider uses two hands and sits very tall and straight. The English Pleasure horse is to be a pleasure to ride, but does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the English pleasure tests are to confirm that the horse is suitable for riding with showy gaits and be appealing to the eye. The history of English riding has been started with the evolution of riding with saddles. However English Pleasure has evolved into what it is today. It started with field hunts and evolved into formal riding on Sundays as a chance to socialize and show off ones expertise as well as social hierarchy among the aristocrats. It was a chance to show off fashionable outfits and flashy horses in the park. It was a chance to court; therefore attire took on a different fashion, called period dress consisting of very elegant clothing. Ladies would ride aside, which is now somewhat outdated, but there is still room for the option. This type of riding also evolved into the Saddle seat discipline in the United States, where plantation owners would travel across their vast fields and need a comfortable horse. English horses cover more ground with high stepping strides travelling smoothly and swiftly. The legs have a stepping action, with flexed knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits with vitality and lively animation. The gaits should have a definitive cadence, correctness, giving the horse presence, yet the horse is natural and unconstrained. The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. His head carriage must be higher than the withers as the horse must be in a collected frame. The horse needs a higher set neck and with more arch. There is more bending at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. Most importantly, he is safe, athletic and very efficient for his purpose.
Unlike Hunter under saddle, where the horses conformation plays such an important role in the horses scoring; the English horses scores are largely represented by his manners. Therefore, he must be very well-mannered. His performance, conformation, appearance, condition and suitability accounts for 60% of the total score in his test. He should have excellent conformation and have a flashy appearance. This coins the term “Saddle horse” or “Show Horse”. Of course, the horse needs to be sound and the Academy strives to promote useful horses with longevity in all disciplines. Hes square, well balanced and athletic. His power needs to come from the hind end, which will lighten the front end and allow the horse to save his shoulders and create a light, airy causing the horses front feet to appear to float across the ground. He must be able to flex and to extend. This action needs to be counter balanced with a long, shapely neck set relatively high on the shoulder. The neck must not appear to be thick and not have a pronounced crest. He needs a laid back shoulder for obvious extension. The English horse is more refined, elegant and has small bone structure than a stock horse, hunter horse or sport horse, but must still have substance. They should carry their tails higher naturally. Even though the horse always shows a higher head carriage, he is relaxed and happy. Overall the English horse presents a brilliant appearance.
There are several different types of English Pleasure classes. One is the most basic and covers most small shows. It is just English Pleasure which allows a broader base of tack and attire. Specific breeds have their own definitions of English Pleasure ranging in movement and animation. The highest categories have movement that is very lively and snappy. It is considered stylish and for the finished horse. The problem is that most of the movement comes through false training methods. Therefore, the Academy will not hold courses and have tests for these disciplines. The Arabian and the Friesian breeds have Country English Pleasure, English Pleasure and Park. The Morgan breed has Classic English Pleasure, English Pleasure and Park. The National Show horses have Classic Country Pleasure, Country Pleasure and English Pleasure. The Saddlebred breed has Park Pleasure, English Country Pleasure, English Show Pleasure, and Park. The Andalusian and Lusitano breeds have English Pleasure for Dressage Suitability, Country, Saddle Seat Horse and Formal Saddle Horse. Gaited breeds have their own English pleasure with five gaits. These breeds are as American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker, and Missouri Fox Trotter. Concours dElegance has different types of attire as well. The main purpose of concours delegance is to have an elegant poise and riding habit, for the purpose of courting and socializing on Sundays in the park. This needs to be kept in mind when choosing an outfit so as not to lose the integrity of the class. Starting in the 1750s the fashion became quite popular and English Pleasure began to evolve.
This is a showy kind of class where the horse needs to be well mannered but also have a little more animation. It stems from English riding around in parks on Sundays in their best attire, showing off their horsemanship abilities and wealth. Unlike today, horses are not asked for snappy gaits and still adhere to Classical Horsemanship principles.
Gaits: Walk, Normal Trot, Strong Trot or Extended Trot, and Canter.
NOTES: English riding is considered to be a formal and traditional way of riding. It may be a harder form to learn but it can also help with other disciplines. The rider uses two hands and sits very tall and straight. The English Pleasure horse is to be a pleasure to ride, but does not jump during any evaluations or performance in the arena. The purpose of the English pleasure tests are to confirm that the horse is suitable for riding with showy gaits and be appealing to the eye. The history of English riding has been started with the evolution of riding with saddles. However English Pleasure has evolved into what it is today. It started with field hunts and evolved into formal riding on Sundays as a chance to socialize and show off ones expertise as well as social hierarchy among the aristocrats. It was a chance to show off fashionable outfits and flashy horses in the park. It was a chance to court; therefore attire took on a different fashion, called period dress consisting of very elegant clothing. Ladies would ride aside, which is now somewhat outdated, but there is still room for the option. This type of riding also evolved into the Saddle seat discipline in the United States, where plantation owners would travel across their vast fields and need a comfortable horse. English horses cover more ground with high stepping strides travelling smoothly and swiftly. The legs have a stepping action, with flexed knees. The horse needs to show the ability to lengthen gaits with vitality and lively animation. The gaits should have a definitive cadence, correctness, giving the horse presence, yet the horse is natural and unconstrained. The horses head must be in the vertical or slightly in front. His head carriage must be higher than the withers as the horse must be in a collected frame. The horse needs a higher set neck and with more arch. There is more bending at the poll. The horse must be bright, alert, and willing. He needs to react to light leg and hand contact, and respond immediately in transitions. Most importantly, he is safe, athletic and very efficient for his purpose.
Unlike Hunter under saddle, where the horses conformation plays such an important role in the horses scoring; the English horses scores are largely represented by his manners. Therefore, he must be very well-mannered. His performance, conformation, appearance, condition and suitability accounts for 60% of the total score in his test. He should have excellent conformation and have a flashy appearance. This coins the term “Saddle horse” or “Show Horse”. Of course, the horse needs to be sound and the Academy strives to promote useful horses with longevity in all disciplines. Hes square, well balanced and athletic. His power needs to come from the hind end, which will lighten the front end and allow the horse to save his shoulders and create a light, airy causing the horses front feet to appear to float across the ground. He must be able to flex and to extend. This action needs to be counter balanced with a long, shapely neck set relatively high on the shoulder. The neck must not appear to be thick and not have a pronounced crest. He needs a laid back shoulder for obvious extension. The English horse is more refined, elegant and has small bone structure than a stock horse, hunter horse or sport horse, but must still have substance. They should carry their tails higher naturally. Even though the horse always shows a higher head carriage, he is relaxed and happy. Overall the English horse presents a brilliant appearance.
There are several different types of English Pleasure classes. One is the most basic and covers most small shows. It is just English Pleasure which allows a broader base of tack and attire. Specific breeds have their own definitions of English Pleasure ranging in movement and animation. The highest categories have movement that is very lively and snappy. It is considered stylish and for the finished horse. The problem is that most of the movement comes through false training methods. Therefore, the Academy will not hold courses and have tests for these disciplines. The Arabian and the Friesian breeds have Country English Pleasure, English Pleasure and Park. The Morgan breed has Classic English Pleasure, English Pleasure and Park. The National Show horses have Classic Country Pleasure, Country Pleasure and English Pleasure. The Saddlebred breed has Park Pleasure, English Country Pleasure, English Show Pleasure, and Park. The Andalusian and Lusitano breeds have English Pleasure for Dressage Suitability, Country, Saddle Seat Horse and Formal Saddle Horse. Gaited breeds have their own English pleasure with five gaits. These breeds are as American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker, and Missouri Fox Trotter. Concours dElegance has different types of attire as well. The main purpose of concours delegance is to have an elegant poise and riding habit, for the purpose of courting and socializing on Sundays in the park. This needs to be kept in mind when choosing an outfit so as not to lose the integrity of the class. Starting in the 1750s the fashion became quite popular and English Pleasure began to evolve.
tack, turnout and attire
SADDLE PLEASURE
This is class is almost exactly the same as English Pleasure except it is not as fancy, the clothes are more conservative in color choice and also the gaits are simple.
Gaits: Walk, Trot, and Canter.
For Tack, Turnout and Attire see video for English Pleasure
Notes: See English Pleasure
This is class is almost exactly the same as English Pleasure except it is not as fancy, the clothes are more conservative in color choice and also the gaits are simple.
Gaits: Walk, Trot, and Canter.
For Tack, Turnout and Attire see video for English Pleasure
Notes: See English Pleasure
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NOTES: Credits for overall score: Even hunter pace, Jumping in the center of fence, Free flowing stride, Even arc of travel over the fence, Jumping fences without breaking, Even hunter pace, Jumping in the center of the fence, Free flowing stride, Even arc of travel over the fence, Jumping fences without breaking, and Good hunter conformation.
Penalty Points: 0 – 5 – Play, ½ - Tick/light touch of rail, out of lead (per stride in line), 1 - Drift along fence, early unfold of knees, rap of rail, 2 - Uneven knees, swinging knees or hind, loose lower leg, gaping or pulling down in bridle, out of lead, 2 – 5 - Weak departure, hard rap on rail, chip, 3 - Swap Out, 5 - Add stride, stalling or propping, hanging knees down, slapping front legs down, 5 – 10: Off all fours or kick out.
Major Faults: 10 - Hanging one leg down, use of whip, Equitation: Wrong diagonal to trot fence, 10 – 20: Trade leads, leaving off of one leg, Equitation: Jump ahead/left behind, 20 - Add stride in an “in & out”, rail down, trotting on course, failure to obtain lead through corners and end, 30 - Refusal, bucking, dropping a rein, loss of stirrup.
The judges classify the horse by the following criteria: amplitude and regularity of the paces, ease of the transitions, execution of flying changes, submission to the aids, nature of approach to demands of the course, position, posture and outline when performing the different obstacles. The judges should classify the rider by the following criteria: position, correct execution of the jumps, correct and effective use of aids and the use of the reins.
The hunter horse has many different definitions such as show hunter, or hunter under saddle otherwise known as hunters on the flat. There is also hunter over fences, low working hunter, high working hunter and handy hunter which combines flat work and jumping. The horse needs a sloped shoulder in order to be able to lift up the front end to clear the jumps. If the horse is a little more muscled and heavy set, he will not be able to jump as high. However, if the horse is light, but the shoulder is too sloped, he will not be able to lift his shoulder and roll the scapula as much. He will have trouble clearing any jumps at all. If the shoulder is not sloped enough the strides will be shorter and the horse will not be able to cover as much ground.
Penalty Points: 0 – 5 – Play, ½ - Tick/light touch of rail, out of lead (per stride in line), 1 - Drift along fence, early unfold of knees, rap of rail, 2 - Uneven knees, swinging knees or hind, loose lower leg, gaping or pulling down in bridle, out of lead, 2 – 5 - Weak departure, hard rap on rail, chip, 3 - Swap Out, 5 - Add stride, stalling or propping, hanging knees down, slapping front legs down, 5 – 10: Off all fours or kick out.
Major Faults: 10 - Hanging one leg down, use of whip, Equitation: Wrong diagonal to trot fence, 10 – 20: Trade leads, leaving off of one leg, Equitation: Jump ahead/left behind, 20 - Add stride in an “in & out”, rail down, trotting on course, failure to obtain lead through corners and end, 30 - Refusal, bucking, dropping a rein, loss of stirrup.
The judges classify the horse by the following criteria: amplitude and regularity of the paces, ease of the transitions, execution of flying changes, submission to the aids, nature of approach to demands of the course, position, posture and outline when performing the different obstacles. The judges should classify the rider by the following criteria: position, correct execution of the jumps, correct and effective use of aids and the use of the reins.
The hunter horse has many different definitions such as show hunter, or hunter under saddle otherwise known as hunters on the flat. There is also hunter over fences, low working hunter, high working hunter and handy hunter which combines flat work and jumping. The horse needs a sloped shoulder in order to be able to lift up the front end to clear the jumps. If the horse is a little more muscled and heavy set, he will not be able to jump as high. However, if the horse is light, but the shoulder is too sloped, he will not be able to lift his shoulder and roll the scapula as much. He will have trouble clearing any jumps at all. If the shoulder is not sloped enough the strides will be shorter and the horse will not be able to cover as much ground.