We are part of the Novice Rider’s Development Circuit where students from M.C. Equestrian Centre, Paramount Equestrian Centre and Teesdale Riding School come together at one of the barns to compete in a show. Each barn hosts one or more shows during the circuit so students get a chance to compete at home as well as at the other barns which can be very exciting.
The shows are divided into different divisions according to age and jumping height. There are two types of classes that riders will participate in – Hunter and Equitation.
Hunter Classes: these are jumping rounds. Riders enter one at a time and jump a course of approximately 8 jumps. The rider is watched by a judge who scores each round out of 100 points. They are judged on; an even pace, proper strides in lines, good corners, lead changes, rider’s equitation and control of horse, etc… The biggest errors would be; going off course, knocking a jump down, refusing a jump (2 refusals and you are eliminated), etc…
Equitation Classes: this a flat class (which means no jumping). Riders enter as a group and follow directions from the announcer who will ask them to walk, trot and canter in both directions. The riders are again graded by the judge according to how well they ride their horse. They are judged on; rider’s position, control of horse (which includes staying at the correct pace and keeping yourself spaced away from other horses), posting diagonals, sitting canter, smooth transitions, balance, etc…
At the show riders will do four hunter classes and one equitation class. All classes are awarded ribbons from 1st-8th place. The equitation classes offer prizes as well as ribbons!
We have a grand finale – Year End Show held at Teesdale in November each year. Championship prizes are awarded to the riders based on points collected at all the shows during the year. Each placing receives a number of points, the greatest number of points is awarded a grand prize! So we encourage you to enter all the shows you possibly can!
