Posted by Sandy If you visit the www.usef.org web site, you can peruse general judging information provided there as well as suggested levels the above tests might be used for. http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2005/11-EQ.pdf. For instance, using Test #16 is not suggested for use at beginner or intermediate riding levels. It is admirable to pursuit a Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification. I Judged a semi-final show at http://www.vinceremos.com/ in Loxahatchee, FL a couple of years ago and enjoyed being a part of their wonderful program. The motion of the horse is unbelievably beneficial to the physically challenged and it is equally rewarding to those giving their time and knowledge to make such programs possible. Best of luck in all of your admirable goals, Linda.
on 8/10/2005, 4:45 pm, in reply to "judging"
Message modified by board administrator 8/10/2005, 4:50 pm
Dear Linda,
I think the asking of equitation and riding equipment questions of riders in the line-up is first-rate, however, changing horses is a test reserved for the most advanced riders. With your present goal being judging at small, local schooling shows, I would not advise the use of this test. Certainly, if a rider is injured by a mount the judge instructed him or her to ride, there could be legal repercussions, especially if the competitors in the test are novice riders. When Judging unrecognized horse shows, you are not covered by insurance you would be covered by when judging a USEF rated show. I advise you to purchase insurance which does cover such a situation. Hopefully, you will never need it, but its not worth the risk to remain unprotected. A parent's view of even the most simple test could be mis-interpreted in the event of a child's injury, however innocent the judge might be. Insurance is well worth its cost if for no other reason than to pay for legal defence, which is costly whether the case is won or lost.
Below are the approved USEF Equitation tests a judge may use while judging:
"If exhibitors are called back collectively to test, they must remain in the ring
until all exhibitors have completed the test. Equitation tests must not have exhibitors trotting
or cantering through in gate or out gate.
1. Halt (4 to 6 seconds) and/or back.
2. Hand gallop.
3. Figure eight at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals. At left diagonal, rider should be
sitting the saddle when left front leg is on the ground; at right diagonal, rider should be sitting
the saddle when right front leg is on the ground; when circling clockwise at a trot, rider
should be on left diagonal; when circling counterclockwise, rider should be on the right diagonal.
4. Figure eight at canter on correct lead, demonstrating simple change of lead. This is a
change whereby the horse is brought back into a walk or trot and restarted into a canter on
the opposite lead. Figures to be commenced in center of two circles so that one change of
lead is shown.
5. Work collectively at a walk, trot or canter.
6. Jump low obstacles at a trot as well as at a canter. The maximum height and spread for
a trot jump is 3 for horses, 2 for ponies.
7. Jump obstacles on figure eight course.
8. Question(s) regarding basic horsemanship, tack and equipment and conformation.
9. Ride without stirrups, riders must be allowed option to cross stirrups.
10. Jump low obstacles at a walk as well as at a canter. The maximum height and spread
for a walk jump is 2.
11. Dismount and mount. Individually.
12. Turn on the forehand.
13. Figure eight at canter on correct lead demonstrating flying change of lead.
14. Execute serpentine at a trot and/or canter on correct lead demonstrating simple or flying
changes of lead.
15. Change leads on a line demonstrating a simple or flying change of lead.
16. Change horses. (Note: this test is the equivalent of two tests.)
17. Canter on counter lead. (Note: no more than twelve horses may counter canter at one
time.)
18. Turn on the haunches from the walk.
19. Demonstration ride of approximately one minute. Rider must advise judge beforehand
what ride he plans to demonstrate.
EQ114
A pre-described flat-work ride may be offered as part of a competition upon application and
approval from the Hunter Seat Equitation Committee".
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