In Equitation, it’s not about having the fanciest horse – it’s all about how well YOU ride!
What IS Equitation?
Equitation means ‘the art and practice of horse riding.’ It’s a discipline where judges don’t look at how fancy your horse is or how high they can jump; they look at YOU and how well you ride!
Here’s what makes equitation so special: when you ride well, your horse performs better. You get doubly rewarded – good marks for your effective riding AND a better performance from your horse. The goal? ‘Maximum effect with minimum visible effort.’ This means you want to look like you’re doing very little, but actually be giving your horse perfect aids!
Equitation was introduced to South Africa in 1970 by Mrs Charlotte Stubbs after she visited the USA and learned from George Morris, a famous American Olympic rider and coach. The goal has always been to educate riders, set a standard for correct horsemanship, and give as many young riders as possible the chance to learn and compete.
Why Equitation is perfect for everyone
The most important thing about equitation? You don’t need a pony or horse that excels at jumping or dressage!
Your equitation horse or pony can be:
- Any breed and any size.
- A pony leased from a riding school.
- Your trusty pony at home who isn’t a fancy show horse.
- A well-schooled mount that’s willing to try.
- A horse or pony that doesn’t need to be beautiful or have spectacular movement.
The challenge is simple: ‘Go as far as your talent will allow, without needing a wonderfully talented horse or pony.’ If you can ride your riding school pony or your pony at home correctly and effectively, you’ll improve their schooling, they’ll perform better, and your marks will show it!
What do you do in Equitation?
Equitation tests consist of technical difficulties on the flat (flatwork) and over fences (jumping). The tests are designed to reward riders who have:
- A correct seat and position.
- The ability to ride effectively.
- The skill to improve their horse’s way of going.
The flatwork phase
In the flatwork, you’ll be asked to do movements like:
- Circles and serpentines
- Transitions between walk, trot, and canter
- Figure 8s
- Lengthening and collecting on a circle
- Leg yielding (at higher levels)
- Sometimes even riding with one hand or without stirrups!
Judges look at whether you sit correctly, have good ‘feel,’ and can ride your horse in the correct frame so movements are done with accuracy, impulsion (forward energy), and submission (your horse listening to you).
The jumping phase
The jumps are set at a height that suits the average horse or pony – not super high like in pure showjumping. You might jump:
- A course of jumps
- Gymnastics (grids of jumps set close together)
- Jumps on a circular track
- Serpentines over fences
- Trotting poles followed by canter jumps
- Creative patterns like zig-zags, Mercedes (yes, like the car logo!), and looping stars
Judges watch how you partner your horse around the course – your position, your accuracy, your effectiveness, and how smoothly you ride.
The amazing feedback system
Here’s something really special about Equitation: every competitor gets a score sheet with comments from the judges! This free critique is especially valuable for young riders who might not have regular access to expert coaching. You’ll learn exactly what you did well and what you can improve.
This means equitation doesn’t just judge you – it teaches you! You can take your score sheet home, work on those specific things with your instructor, and see your improvement at the next show.
SANESA Equitation levels
Equitation is graded as Novice, Intermediate, and Open (beginner, middle, and advanced). In SANESA, both Primary and High School riders can compete in all the levels, and there are separate classes for horses and ponies at each level.
Primary School Levels:
- Level 0 Lead Rein: SANESA Special Tests with poles on the ground
- Level 0 Off Lead: SANESA Special Tests (35cm jumps)
- Level 1: SANESA Rider Special (60cm for horses, 50cm for ponies)
- Level 2: SAEQA Welcome (70cm for horses)
- Level 3: SAEQA Welcome (80cm for horses, 60cm for ponies)
- Level 4: SAEQA Novice (90cm for horses, 70cm for ponies)
- Level 6: SAEQA Intermediate (100cm for horses, 80cm for ponies)
- Level 7: SAEQA Open (110cm for horses, 90cm for ponies)
High School Levels:
High School has the same levels as Primary School, starting from Level 0 (45cm jumps) and going all the way up to Level 7 Open!
The horse swap challenge
Here’s something really cool about equitation: at higher levels (Intermediate and Open), judges might ask riders to swap horses!
This is the ultimate test of riding skill. Can you get on a horse you’ve never ridden before and still ride well? At Level 7, you can earn special grading points from SAEQA if you swap horses. It’s not compulsory at lower levels, but it really proves that you know how to ride, not just that you know YOUR horse!
What do you wear?
Equitation has a smart, traditional jumping dress code:
- Helmet: Approved riding helmet with three-point harness (always!)
- Jacket: Black, navy, or dark jacket, OR your school blazer or tracksuit top (SANESA is flexible!)
- Jodhpurs: Preferably beige, but white is acceptable too.
- Boots: Long black boots or jodhpur boots with leather chaps (no suede).
- Gloves: Black, brown, or navy (but you won’t be penalised for not wearing gloves in Levels 0-3).
- Crop: Short crop only, max 75cm (no long whips or showing canes).
Important: No spurs in Level 0! They’re allowed at higher levels but must be blunt metal spurs.
Your horse should be clean, neatly turned out, and preferably plaited (braided).
Important SANESA Equitation rules
- No cross-entering: You can’t compete in two different levels at the same show.
- One class only: Each rider can only compete in one equitation class per show.
- Horse can do two classes: The same horse or pony can compete with two different riders in the same class.
- Maximum 4 classes per day: Your horse can only do 4 classes total across all disciplines (unless it’s a Level 0 lead rein pony doing only lead rein classes).
- Team selection: Teams are selected based on horse-rider combinations, BUT you can substitute horses if your new horse has done at least two qualifiers in that class.
What are judges looking for?
Judges are watching YOU, not your horse. They’re looking for:
Position
- Heels down, toes up, legs in the right place.
- Upper body balanced and following the horse’s movement.
- Head up, eyes looking where you’re going.
- Hands quiet and effective.
Effectiveness
- Can you make your horse do what you want?
- Are your aids (signals to your horse) clear and correct?
- Does your horse respond well to you?
Accuracy
- Are your circles actually round?
- Do you start and end movements at the right places?
- Are you jumping in the middle of fences?
Overall picture
- Do you and your horse look like a harmonious team?
- Is your horse working in a correct frame?
- Do you look confident and in control?
Top tips for Equitation success
- Practice without stirrups: This strengthens your leg and improves your seat.
- Watch yourself: Video your rides and see what the judge sees.
- Read your score sheets: The judges’ comments are gold! Learn from them.
- Practice the movements at home: Set up poles and practice circles, serpentines, and transitions.
- Think about accuracy: Use cones or markers to help make your circles rounder.
- Work on your position: Every ride at home is a chance to improve your position.
- Learn the movements: Study what movements might be asked for at your level.
- Stay calm: Breathe! Tense riders make tense horses.
- Try different horses: If you get the chance, riding different horses improves your skill.
- Enjoy it: Equitation is about learning and improving – have fun with it!
Why try Equitation?
Equitation is perfect for riders who:
- Don’t have a fancy, expensive horse.
- Ride at a riding school and use different ponies.
- Want to focus on improving their own riding skills.
- Like the idea of getting helpful feedback from judges.
- Want to build a really solid foundation in riding.
- Enjoy a combination of flatwork and jumping.
- Want to prove that it’s the rider, not the horse, that makes the difference.
- Dream of eventually competing in show jumping or other disciplines (equitation is perfect training!)
The best part? Equitation teaches you to be a correct, effective rider. Once you have these skills, you can ride ANY horse better. Whether you move on to showjumping, eventing, dressage, or any other discipline, the foundation you build in equitation will serve you for your entire riding career.
The way forward
Equitation is structured to guide you from beginner all the way to the top levels. Start in the Newcomers’ Challenge classes at Level 0, work your way through the levels, and who knows? You might find yourself competing at Open level (Level 7), earning provincial colours, and riding in national championships!
Many of South Africa’s top junior showjumpers started in equitation. Why? Because equitation teaches the correct techniques and effective riding that form the foundation for success in all jumping disciplines.
Ready to show off your skills?
If you love riding and want to focus on improving YOUR skills (not just your horse’s natural talent), equitation is calling your name! Talk to your instructor about entering a Level 0 or Level 1 class. Remember – you don’t need a fancy horse. You just need a willingness to learn, dedication to practice, and a pony or horse who’s ready to try.
In equitation, YOU are the star of the show. Your position, your effectiveness, your accuracy, your skill – that’s what counts. And the amazing thing? As you get better, your horse gets better too. That’s the magic of equitation!
[Box] For more information about SANESA Equitation and to see the full Equitation Handbook, visit www.sanesa.co.za [end]
