Excelling in equitation classes is largely about being a pretty rider on a well trained horse and presenting yourself with charisma and attention to detail.  On page 238 of The Appaloosa Horse Club Handbook, it states that hunt seat equitation riders are “to be judged on hands, seat, and legs and their ability to ride and control a horse properly.”  Appaloosa exhibitors in equitation classes will compete individually to perform a posted pattern and may then perform rail work as a group.  Nailing your patterns is critical to success in equitation classes.  Today I’d like to look at a Hunt Seat Equitation pattern and point out areas to wow the judges as well as possible pitfalls.  The pattern we are looking at was used at the 2009 National Appaloosa Show and was taken from the pattern book used at the show.
 
 
Hunt Seat Equitation pattern, 2009 ApHC National Show

Hunt Seat Equitation pattern, 2009 ApHC National Show

 

The pattern instructions are:
Begin before A.  Walk to A.
At A, canter a half circle to B on the right lead.
At B, stop.  Sidepass left.  Execute a 360 degree turn on the haunches to the left.
Canter a half circle to A on the left lead.
At A, break to posting trot and trot a serpentine from A to B to C demonstrating the correct diagonals.
At C, stop and back.
Sit trot to exit gate and break to a walk to exit arena.
 
Let’s look at some of the potential hazard areas in this pattern.  There are several areas that may incur point losses if not carefully performed. 
 
Caution areas in pattern

Caution areas in pattern

*The first red zone you will encounter is the transition between the sidepass left and the turn on the haunches.  You must be extremely clear in your cues and I would suggest adding a brief pause between the two maneuvers.  This is a point that people often rush through, miscueing their horse in their hurry to move to the next maneuver.  Be smooth, but distinct in your cues.  Otherwise your turn will likely be sloppy and your horse may even struggle with his canter transition.  Remember you are using your right leg for three individual cues in a row here – be aware!
*The second red zone is the downward transition from the canter to the trot.  You should nail this transition right at the marker to get maximum points and it is imperative that you fall immediately into the correct diagonal at the post.  This should naturally happen if you don’t fight it, so practice this frequently.  Patterns are often small enough that you don’t have the chance to trot for several strides before picking up the correct diagonal.
*The next red zone is your serpentine.  Don’t cut your corners or trot diagonally across the arena.  Make your line straight  and change diagonals EXACTLY at the marker. 
*Finally, stop square and soft at the final marker.  Sit straight and deep as you’re stopping and don’t shift your seat.  Back straight, and be ready to correct if your horse begins to back crookedly.  Trot off smartly, you should still have a strong trot even if you’re sitting it.  Big points for sitting a big, sweepy trot.
Now where can you pick up some bonus points?  If you can navigate the trouble spots mentioned above with style and charisma, you’re doing well!  Additionally, make sure that your half circles are even and well matched.  Keep your horse in frame, but not on a super tight rein.  Use your markers carefully and make your transitions smooth and timely.  Keep your eyes up and ride with confidence and you’re on your way to excelling in Hunt Seat Equitation!