What is Equitation
Equitation is a western riding discipline that emphasises the art of horse riding and the practice of horsemanship. Focusing on how skilfully a rider is positioned and moves while riding their horse, the discipline tests a rider’s precision and form. There are a number of different events within equitation, all of which vary very slightly in how they put riders to the test. But all equitation events aim to highlight the form, cleanliness, precision, and presentation of a rider.
Here we explore equitation in detail, including the different events within the discipline and what makes a good equitation horse.
Types of Equitation
Equitation isn’t a singular practice. Under this equestrian sporting event sits an array of disciplines, all of which were born from different traditions from around the world. It’s this that sets them apart, alongside how they’re judged.
Working equitation
Working equitation is a horse-riding discipline that brings together elements from a number of equitation types. Working equitation is more than just a type of equestrian competition; it also celebrates the importance of equestrianism and the long-standing cultural bond between man and horse. It has its origins in Southern European cowboy culture but encompasses many facets of equitation from around the world – including dressage, obstacle navigation, speed tests, and livestock handling.
Working equitation tests not only the movement and sporting ability of a horse, but also the temperament and nature. Riders need to be able to navigate a course with style, poise, and skill. Bringing together the stylistic demands of dressage and the practical challenges of Western rodeo events, Working equitation is a sport which celebrates the tradition of the working horse in a sporting way.
Western equitation
Western equitation shares some similarities with both saddle seat equitation and Western pleasure but is a unique equestrian sport with its own heritage and tradition. The biggest distinction between Western equitation and other types is that Western equitation requires a Western saddle. When taking part in Western equitation events, riders are expected to use a Western saddle and a curb bit, and must only use one hand to hold the reins. Western saddles are typically larger and heavier, as they are designed for enduring comfort over many hours of riding.
Western riders often use longer stirrups and maintain an upright position, but posture can look different than in other kinds of equitation due to the single-handed reins. The reining hand should bend at the elbow, remain closer to the body, and stay central over the horse’s neck by the saddle horn.
Other types of equitation
As well as the types of equitation that come from Western tradition, there are a few varieties of equitation which lean into English riding practices. Dressage seat equitation is a modern addition to the sport, with riders being judged on their balance, position, and posture throughout an equitation performance. Hunt seat equitation is derived from the English tradition of hunting on horseback, and riders are judged on how well their horse performs particular movements.
Saddle seat equitation is slightly different, finding its origins in the Southern USA and deriving from American riding styles. Unlike Western and working equitation, though, it focuses specifically on gaits. Saddle seat riders are judged on how well their horse can walk, trot, and canter, among other movements.
What Makes a Good Equitation Horse?
The key characteristics a horse needs to perform well in equitation events is stamina, athleticism, discipline, and skilful movement. Good equitation horses are athletic, enabling them to skilfully complete the course and showcase their movements. They also need to be able to perform at a high level over a long period of time. Training for equitation events can be intense, and so the right horse will need to be able to cope with training demands and perform for long intervals of time.
Discipline is important, as is experience and comfort in competing. When competing in equitation events, horses wear saddles, tack, and a bit – for some horses this can get uncomfortable, so horses need to be experienced enough to not get frustrated or uncomfortable in their tack.
What to Wear for Western Equitation
Specific dress codes differ between types of equitation, with Western riders wearing more traditional Western clothing. If you are taking part in equitation events and competitions, it is important to check the dress code before getting started to make sure that you won’t be marked down for wrongful dress.
Specific dress codes do differ between the types of equitation, with Western riders wearing more traditional Western clothing for Western equitation. Check out Ariat’s Western clothing – designed for comfort, style, and sporting practicality. Our Heritage Roper Western Boot is a great example of how traditional Western style has inspired our supportive, sporting design – perfect for showcasing your western equitation strength.
If you’re not sure what to wear, check out Ariat’s guide to Western Riding to learn more about dress codes and clothing suggestions. To find the right Western footwear, check out our guide to finding your perfect fit with Cowboy boots.
