Editing Equitation (section)

==Hunt seat equitation==
[[File:Hanoverian-hunter.jpg|thumb|right|A hunter equitation rider jumping her course.]]
{{Main|Hunt seat}}
The [[hunt seat]] style of riding is derived from the [[fox hunting|hunt field]].

In equitation competition, ''flat classes'' (those that do not including jumping) include judging at the walk, [[trot (horse gait)|trot]], and [[canter]] in both directions, and the competitors may be asked to ride without [[stirrup]]s or perform assorted other tests or patterns. It is correct for the riders to have a light and steady contact with their horse's mouth the entire ride. Incorrect leads, break of pace, and wrong diagonals are penalized. Loss of a [[stirrup]] or dropping the [[rein]]s are also faults, and may be cause for elimination. Bridles and bits permitted in these classes are more traditional hunter-style tack, i.e. snaffles and pelhams along with cavesson nosebands.

In ''over fences'' classes (classes in which the horse and rider jump obstacles), the competitor rides over a course of at least six jumps (usually more).{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} Equitation over fence classes rarely have fences higher than {{convert|3|ft|6|in|m}}. Classes for more accomplished riders may require at least one [[flying change|flying lead change]], and one or more [[Combination (jump)|combinations]]. The rider is judged not only on position and effectiveness of [[riding aids]], but should also maintain an even, forward pace and meet each fence at an appropriate distance. Additional jumper-type tack is permitted including gags and two or three-ring bits as well as flash, drop, and figure eight nosebands.  Additionally, if martingales are used, they must be running martingales.

At the highest level of hunt seat equitation in North America are the national [[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals|ASPCA]] Maclay Finals, the [[United States Equestrian Team|USET]] Talent Search Finals, the WIHS Equitation Finals, and USEF Medal classes in the United States, and the CET (Canadian Equestrian Team) Medal and Jump Canada Medal in Canada. These championships and their qualifying classes may include bending lines, roll back turns, narrow fences, and fences with a long approach to test the rider. Fences must be at least 3'6" and may be up to 5' wide, and the course must have at least eight obstacles and at least one [[Combination (jump)|combination]]. The course may include liverpool or open water elements, depending on the class and region specifications. The USET Talent Search Finals always includes an open water element.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usequestrian.org/compete/disciplines/jumping/platinum-performanceusef-show-jumping-talent-search|title=Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search|website=usequestrian.org|access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>

Equitation tests may be chosen by the judge to help place the top riders. These tests are required in the medal classes. Tests may include a halt for several seconds, [[rein back]], demonstration of the hand gallop, figure-8 at the [[trot (horse gait)|trot]] or [[canter]] with correct diagonals or leads (simple change of lead or flying), trotting or cantering low fences (up to 3'), jump obstacles at the walk (up to 2'), jumping fences on a [[riding figures|figure-8]], oral questions regarding tack, equipment, conformation, and basic horsemanship, riding without stirrups, performing a turn on the forehand or haunches, and a [[riding figures|serpentine]] at the trot or canter with flying changes. Riders may also be asked to switch horses at higher levels of competition, such as at a national final. Switching of horses is no longer common at smaller competitions, usually only championships, due to the risks involved. The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes men and women of all levels of riding in both hunter seat equitation, on the flat and over fences and Western horsemanship in a range of programs from varsity to club sports at colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. The [[National Collegiate Equestrian Association]] (NCEA) mainly focuses on hunt seat equitation. Riders (women only) wanting to compete in the college division 1 teams need prior knowledge on riding hunt seat equitation to be considered for the teams.