If you want to excel in equitation classes, you must first master the pattern.  In stock horse breeds, equitation classes are commonly judged by individual pattern work or a combination of patterns and group rail work.  In either case, the pattern is your chance to shine.  All eyes are upon you and it is up to you to make a stunning impression on the judges.  Here are my top ten tips on distinguishing  yourself from the rest of the riders and making the judges take a second (and third!) look:

1. Present Yourself – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, because it is that important.  If you are a judge that has been standing for hours, watching the same pattern over and over, what stands out?  A horse and rider that are impeccably turned out, with pleasant attitudes that look like they WANT to be at a horse show.  The pattern is your chance to sell yourself – learn to do it well.
2. Use Your Markers – Most pattern classes will utilize markers to define transition points.  These markers are there for a reason.  Use them consistently and accurately to score points with the judges. 
3. Clean Transitions – If you’ve watched many pattern classes, you’ll agree that this is one area that exhibitors commonly give away points.  Be sure that your transitions are on target – not early or late.  They should be smooth and effortless and your position should remain correct. 
4. Circles are Circles – Not ovals.  Not triangles.  Not oblong.  If your pattern calls for a circle, make it a circle – even and centered around your marker (if need be).   Furthermore, if your pattern calls for a figure eight or another circle combination, make sure your circles are evenly matched and round.
5. Don’t Look Down – This is one of the cardinal rules of equitation excellence.  If you are going to compete in pattern classes, you must be able to pick up the correct leads and/or diagonals without looking to check yourself.  Practice this until you are confident that you can feel what is happening under you.
6. Know Your Pattern – This might seem obvious, but it is very easy to second guess yourself in the ring, especially if an exhibitor ahead of you does the pattern incorrectly.  Run through your pattern several times, with the markers set up, until you are satisfied that you have it memorized.  It also helps to have someone watch and give you feedback, if possible. 
7. Stop Square – Again, another spot where exhibitors give up the points.  Stop on your marks and halt square and soft.  Don’t lean back excessively and definitely do not let your horse throw you forward upon stopping.  Practice pausing, so your horse doesn’t get in the habit of wandering out of his stop.
8. Know Your Turns – Know the difference between a turn on the haunches and a turn on the forehand (hint:  it’s in the pivot foot).  Practice doing fluid, smooth turns, and be sure your horse plants his pivot foot.  Don’t dawdle through the turns – it becomes painful to watch if it takes forever to get through it.  Likewise, don’t rush through either.  The goal is smooth and fluid.  
9. Don’t Stop Showing – From the moment you enter the ring until the moment you leave, the judge is judging you.  Don’t stop showing as soon as your pattern is complete.  The show ring is not the place to be chatting with other competitors or spectators in the stands while your class is competing.  And especially don’t ever correct your horse in the ring if your pattern is less than stellar.  Nothing is more unprofessional that the exhibitor that begins jerking and spurring her horse as soon as the judge turns his back.  They can still see you and can still mark you down if they don’t like what they see.  Not to mention that behavior like this will sour your horse on patterns faster than you can imagine.  Just don’t do it.
10. Be Confident!  This is your chance to shine.  Take it!  After all your hard work and practice, go in there and knock ‘em dead.  Keep your head up, shoulders square and remember to breathe.  If you have done your homework, you will soon start to love your patterns because you and your horse will be the team that people come to watch.