Judging Guidelines
For a little more in depth information on what is judged based on each discipline/division.
Hunters
The hunter discipline originated through the sport of fox-hunting, where riders galloped over the countryside jumping natural obstacles such as stone walls, fences, and hedges. Most hunter divisions consist of an under saddle class and over fences class. Hunter derbies have two over fences rounds with more challenging elements.
Divisions and Judging
Under saddle:
- Proper spacing between riders
- Keeping distance when passing
- Timely gait transitions
- Smooth corners and turning
- Space between horse and rail
Over Fences:
- Centeredness and straightness over jumps
- Correct jumping height for fence height (not under or over jumping)
- Smooth and wide turns
- Long approach to fences
- Opening/closing circle if first/last jump close to in/out gate
- Ridden at the canter
- Deductions will be given for hitting a jump, refusals, incorrect in/out gate, under/over jumping, and dress code violations
Hunter Derby:
- First round ridden like regular over fences
- Second round ridden with preference for inside turns.
Equitation
Equitation is a hybrid discipline between hunters and jumpers. Courses are typically more challenging than hunters, resembling more of a jumper style course, but should be ridden with the smoothness and style of hunters. Equitation puts more of an emphasis on the rider to navigate courses efficiently with good control and smooth transitions.
Divisions and judging:
Under Saddle:
- Proper spacing between riders
- Keeping distance when passing
- Timely gait transitions
- Smooth corners and turning
- Space between horse and rail
Over Fences:
- Centeredness and straightness over jumps
- Correct jumping height for fence height (not under or over jumping)
- Smooth but efficient, inside turns
- Short approaches when possible to fences
- Opening/closing circle if first/last jump close to in/out gate
- Ridden at the canter
- Deductions will be given for hitting a jump, refusals, incorrect in/out gate, under/over jumping, and dress code violations
Show Jumping
The jumper discipline is all about speed, judged objectively on the horse and rider's ability to complete a course within the given time constraints. Riders are timed and given faults for certain offenses, such as hitting a rail or refusing a jump. Jumper courses are very technical with more jumps than seen in the other disciplines, requiring strategic riding and swift pace. Show jumping is one of the three phases of eventing.
Divisions and Judging:
Jumpers and Jump Off:
- Rounds judged simply on time and faults
- Timer starts when horse takes off at first jump
- Timer ends when horse lands last jump
- Faults will be assigned for refusing or hitting a jump
- Divisions consist of a jumper round and jump off
- Rider who go clear in the first round will qualify for jump off
- Final placings determined by fastest jump off time with lowest faults
Western
The western discipline originated from ranch work and animal herding. Today, western riding encompasses a wide variety of styles including reining, pleasure, trail, barrel racing, pole bending, cutting, and showmanship.
Divisions and Judging:
Speed Events:
- Timed classes to complete the given pattern
- Rider will be eliminated if the pattern is not completed correctly
Pleasure:
- Proper spacing between riders
- Keeping distance when passing
- Timely gait transitions
- Smooth corners and turning
- Space between horse and rail
- Dress code violations will affect your placing
Trail:
- Pattern to complete with specific gaits and elements
- Timing of transitions, correct gaits, quality of maneuvers
- Dress code violations will affect your placing
Cross Country
Cross country is a longer form version of jumpers that tests the endurance and stamina of the horse and rider. Cross country courses include significantly more jumps than any other discipline with challenging obstacles, occurring out in over courses with varying terrain.Cross country is one of the three phases of eventing.
Divisions and Judging:
- Rounds judged simply on time and faults
- Timer starts when horse crosses the starting line
- Timer ends when horse crosses the finish line
- Faults will be assigned for refusing or hitting a jump
- Final placings determined by fastest time with lowest faults
Dressage
Dressage is described as "the highest expression of horse training" where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements. Dressage tests include a series of movements and transitions that must be completed as accurately as possible. Dressage is one of the three phases of eventing.
Divisions and Judging:
- Test to be complete with specific gaits and elements
- Timing of transitions, correct gaits, quality of maneuvers
- Dress code violations will affect your placing
Racing
Horse racing and steeplechase are essentially races over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its basic premise – to identify which of two or more horses is the fastest over a set course or distance. Races are typically held at circular tracks with or without obstacles. Steeplechase will include obstacles to jump over.
Divisions and Judging:
- Rounds judged simply on fastest time
- Group will all race together
- Placings determined by the order in which horses cross the finish line
Endurance
Endurance is a long distance race that occurs over a very long course out in open trails. Endurance courses will occasionally include natural obstacles and contain challenging terrain elements.
Divisions and Judging:
- Rounds judged simply on time and faults
- Timer starts when horse crosses the starting line
- Timer ends when horse crosses the finish line
- Faults will be assigned for refusing or hitting a jump
- Final placings determined by fastest time with lowest faults