About: Equitation Finals

9/20/2016

If you are under the age of 18 and enjoy jumping, then you have probably heard of the big eq classes at the fancy 'A' rated horse shows and maybe even watched with awe as these kids soared over the giant obstacles. I know that was me! For many it is the end-all be-all goal to accomplish with your riding career. And for many it truly can be the extent of their riding career. After turning 18 (and depending on the show competition calendar that is kind of complicated) you can no longer compete in the Junior divisions and then there are things like college and real life that need your attention.

Below you can read about each of the different Equitation finals. They are each unique, focusing on different aspects of riding. If you have any questions about these different classes please feel free to contact me!

USEF Talent Search Finals - West

September 22 – 24, 2016
San Juan Capistrano, California

The Talent Search finals are unique for starters because they are open to young riders, which is considered riders under the age of 21. This final is held over multiple days with a Flat day, a Gymnastic day and Show Jumping course day. The combination of scores from the three events and the test, determines the winner.

This is the only final to have a West Coast final and an East Coast final.

USEF Talent Search Finals - East

October 7 – 9, 2016
Gladstone, New Jersey

The jumps for the show jumping course can be set up to 1.20m aprox. 3'11". And while the course is timed, it is judged and placed based on the rider's ability to navigate the course with style and ease. The course is also to include an open water jump between 10 and 12 feet wide.

These finals are meant to be a funnel for young riders looking to compete in international jumping competitions.

Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Final

October 16, 2016
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

This final is open to Junior riders, under 18, and is also three phases, however set up differently. The first round is where everyone who has qualified for the finals will compete. Then the second round is only for a certain number of the top riders. Usually something like the top 25. Then the judges will pick a select few, usually around four, to participate in the test. The test is a shortened equitation course that determines the winner.

WIHS Equitation Finals

October 28-29, 2016
Washington D.C.

Hosted over two days, 40 Junior riders are invited to participate. 30 from the East Coast and 10 from the West Coast. First riders will compete over a hunter style course at 3'6" while being judged on their equitation. Then the next day, in reverse of their standings (the winner of the hunter phase to go last), the riders will compete over a jumper style course at 3'6". Again being judged on equitation. Then that evening the top riders will be called back for a work off to determine the winner.

Maclay Finals

November 1-6, 2016
Lexington, Kentucky

This is the fourth jewel in the equitation medal finals crown that is also only open to Junior riders. Based on the number of riders to participate at the regional qualifiers, a certain percentage determines how many riders from each region will be invited to the finals. The first round of the finals is held over a 3'6" equitation course. A minimum of 12 riders are then called back to participate in a flat portion. Then the top riders can be called back for a test that produces a winner.

2015 WIHS Winner Maddy Darst

If you are interested in watching what it takes to win one of these finals on the right is the winning round from the 2015 Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals of Maddy Darst.

The round is so effortless and smooth. The total epitome of the equitation finals.

USEF Network

Usually, every year the USEF Network will broadcast the equitation finals live. The schedule is not currently up to date saying they will show these events but, historically I have been able to view them here. A great free way to watch many of the top competitions across the U.S. in many different disciplines.

0 Comments