July 4, 2003, Newsletter Issue #132: English Pleasure Riding Tips

Tip of the Week

For the first week, I will talk about Tips for the English Pleasure Rider, Hunt Seat.

In English Pleasure Hunt Seat, or Hunter Under Saddle or English Show Hack classes at Horse Shows, your presentation is as important as your ride in the class. In Championship or Stake Classes or Hi-Point, your horse may be requested to "strip" tack, and be judged as well by his or her conformation.

In Hunt Seat, Hunter Classes or Hack, you will want an even and steady pace throughout each gait, both ways of the ring. You want a Horse that demonstrates that they are a Pleasure to Ride. No fuss, no spooks, no resistance or rebellion. Simple, easy, happy and manageable.

You want to stay on the bit at all times, and in all gaits. You want a medium stride, unless requested to perform a particular gait at a collected or an extension of that gait. You may be requested to do simple patterns, and you are usually requested to hand gallop the ring. Depending if this is a Breed or an Open Show, will determine if you are to try to stay seated during a hand gallop or if you may rise into a 2 Pt. Position. Some Breed Clubs are not familiar with 2 Pt. Position, and therefore, it is wise to try to stay seated; unless you have a horse that is very thrusty, then simply go into 2 Pt. and hope for the best~!

Show Hack has a bit more leeway for hotter horses. The Show Hack is expected to be more brilliant, flashy and dramatic, yet still Pleasurable and manageable for the Rider. Show Hack must be braided, and riders must wear Jackets and Gloves, unless the Club Official states otherwise. In Show Hack you may be requested to perform shoulders or haunches in; counter canter and or patterns, on or off the rail.

Hooves are to be cleaned with soap and water, and a bit of sand paper to get all dirt off. Use of clear hoof polish is recommended, over Black or Colors. Bridle paths should be clipped, as well as the hair inside the ears, and the whiskers off of the face. Manes and tails should be braided, neatly and correctly.

REMEMBER: Remember to have fun, and to wear a SMILE~!~!

Here’s hoping you have Good GO!s every outing with horses.

HAVE A LOT OF FUN~!~!

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