Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Yes Angie, the judges in general do look for the over all "equitation" that
makes for a balanced rider, who is best helping his horse. NATRC does judge
the rider. (and again, you can just ignore that card if you want, and just
ride for the horse's score card )  Judging has changed over the years. There
probably was a time, when a judge would just look at the side view of a
rider going up a hill, and if they did not see a bunch of daylight under the
rider, they would be marked down. But judges have learned over the years,
that was not necessarily what was making a rider who was balanced, and
working WITH their horse. More and more will watch you from behind, looking
for riders who lean to one side or the other, those of us who seem to drop
one hip and slightly off set to one side (guilty as charged, from looking at
my ride photos....but you know, after 40+ years of riding, I have nothing
more to learn...NOT!)  Leg position for being balanced and light in the
saddle. When you go up a hill, do your legs fling back, and kick the horse
in the flank? Or when going down hill, to you sit way back on your horses
loins, and shove your feet "to the dashboard"?  Are you so heavy in the
saddle, that you interfere with the horses ability to maneuver as well.
Imagine dead weight, vs. a rider who is lighter in the saddle, more
balanced, and is helping the horse.  So, the judging of equitation has come
a long ways over the years. Most experienced riders who come to distance
riding from the show ring and such, usually do ride balanced naturally, as
that is just how they have always ridden.  Some of the very best in
endurance, have probably never done a CTR, but would get no complaints from
the judges on how balanced they are when they ride down the trail. They do
not do this because they think a judge would be hiding in the bushes like at
a CTR, but because it is the best for their horses. The two "out west"
riders that come to mind first, are Suzy Kelley, and Dave Rabe. Light in the
saddle even after 100 miles..... They are a joy to watch, as they make it
look so easy. Riding balanced and light, is not as easy on the rider for 50
or more miles as just being a passenger along for the ride.  But I know I
put the horses comfort etc. above mine at every ride.
Jonni



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