Equestrian competitors....?

Question

I was just wondering what exactly is Hunt seat? thanx for all ur help! =)

Answer 1

Hunt seat is an English form of riding exemplified in hunters, hunt seat equitation, and jumpers. The hunt seat style of riding was developed for fox hunting in Europe centuries ago. Thus, when you look at the attire seen in today's show ring, you can see the influence of these origins. The breeches provide a good grip, the tall field boots protect against heavy brush and thorns, and the hunt coat provides moderate protection from rain and the elements.

Hunt seat riding is a classical, forward riding style. The rider is positioned with shorter stirrups than seen in dressage or other disciplines. The stirrups are shortened even more in over fences classes to provide balance. The idea here is to remain balanced on the horse and allow it and yourself the freedom of movement to deal with anything that might happen in the show ring. Horses are worked in frame, though not as collected as you might see in dressage.

As I said before, there are three main forms of classes that fall under hunt seat riding: hunters, equitation, and jumpers. Hunters is judged solely on the horse's suitability as a mount. It is evaluated on conformation, movement, and style. Classes can be under saddle on the flat or over fences. In the latter, strict attention is paid to how the horse's form appears over the fence. The ideal hunter's knees should be up and together. It should round itself over the fence and should maintain a consistent number of strides between each fence in a line of jumps. In equitation, the rider is judged. Judges evaluate how classically correct the rider's position is and how well they can control and navigate their horses through a course of fence. Most equitation classes are geared towards junior riders, those under the age of 18. In America, our biggest Junior Eq class is probably the Maclay. Many young equitation riders go onto the upper levels of show jumping. Show jumping, or jumpers classes, are judged purely on speed and accuracy through a course of fences. Style, whether the horse's or the rider's, is not evaluated. That being said, a solid background in equitation is usually needed, as in jumpers the fences get bigger than in any other form of competition and an accurate ride is key.

There is a great book on the market called Judging Hunters and Hunter Seat Equitation by Anna J. White-Mullin with an introduction by George Morris. This is a great reference for learning more on what judges look for in various types of classes. You may also want to pick up a copy of Practical Horseman magazine and read George Morris's column, Jumping Clinic. He stresses the ideals of classical hunt seat riding.

Answer 2

Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to and refers to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American horse shows. Along with Dressage, is one of the two classic forms of English riding.

The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting. Hunt seat competition in North America includes both flat and over fences for show hunters, which judge the horse's movement and form, and equitation classes, which judge the rider's ability both on the flat and over fences.

Hunt seat is also the generic term used to describe any form of forward seat riding, including that seen in show jumping and eventing.

Answer 3

Hunt seat is the same as English saddle. It is the saddle that show jumpers use when they ride in competition, and is a very common English saddle. Other English saddles include the Dressage saddle and the close contact or flat saddle. I ride hunt seat, and let me tell you- it is AWESOME! I have ridden both English and Western, and I prefer English saddle and rein any day.

Answer 4

It is English riding event - your position in the saddle is more forward than you would be in Dressage riding or western riding. You are judged on your position in the saddle during hunt seat equitation - which means your hand, arm, spine, hips, leg and head position would be that of someone in a forward position.

Answer 5

Equestrian will stay an Olympic sport in 2016 and 2020 Olympics. I, for one, do unlike this sport besides in view that's the only Olympic sport the place athlete will matter on the overall performance of his/her horse to confirm that him/her to win a medal. yet regrettably,it could be very complicated that this sport would be faraway from the Olympic video games by way of fact wealthy human beings compete in this sport. And all of us understand, money is going around in IOC.

Answer 6

Since everyone else kind of answered what it is and how much it can be, let me tell you this. It's also hard as hell on the wallet, and competition is fierce! Definately look into getting lessons before considering buying or competing in it.

Answer 7

listen to ap1188 she is right and really knows what she is talking about when it comes to english stuff but if you need any help with western riding i am your girl