Hunter / Jumper / Equitation

Training & Lessons

Glossary of Terms

Horsemanship:

One who has extensive knowledge in all aspects of the horse. A person who displays the ability to read a horse, while being able to interpret their needs and understand the horse's body language.

Flatwork:

The rider demonstrates the ability to move a horse at all phases of each gait; walk, trot and canter, in a controlled and relaxed manner.

Grooming:

Grooming is the proper care of the horse's coat, mane, tail, and hooves. It includes which tools are best for the tasks that need to be performed. Grooming is a good time to identify health and injury issues that may need attention prior to or after working your horse.

Hunt Seat Equitation:

Equitation is a rider that incorporates good overall horsemanship. This includes the proper positioning of your body at each gait. The position of your body has everything to do with the control and function of your mount. Your hands, seat, legs, eyes and upper body should always be in the proper position while demonstrating complete control.

Hunters:

These are the graceful and elegant horses of the horse show. The tradition of hunters comes from fox hunting. These horses are judged on their style of jump, ability to jump, manners and evenness of pace. The horse and rider must exhibit these qualities on the course, over jumps, between jumps, and through the turns.

Jumpers:

These horses provide the thrills of the horse show. The purpose of the jumper is to clear the obstacles without faulting. Style, action, conformation or pace is not considered in the judging. Ultimately, the horses' speed and jumping ability are the only considerations for winning an event.

Lesson/School Horse:

These are the horses that are owned by the trainer or a facility. They are used for lessons for those who do not own their own horse. Lesson horses are generally seasoned, have a settled disposition and the ability required to help a student grow in their horsemanship education. These are the horses that are usually for beginning riders.

Safe Handling of Horses:

The ability to catch, halter, lead, and move a horse around, as well as safely moving, in close proximity, to a horse on the ground. Proper handling will insure the safety and prevent injuries to the horse, handler or others standing nearby.

Warm-up / Cool down:

Like any athlete, a horse must have an appropriate Warm-up period before workouts so as not to induce injury. It is true with the cool down period after a workout.