What is with people and EQ?!?

Question

Okay it just suddenly seems like every one is switching to EQ jumpers and hunters what ever, I dont even know what it is or any thing. But like every body is doing EQ what ever, like stadium jumpers are switching over to eq now and its just weird. To me the first thing that comes to my mind "is that all people care about, is how THEY look?" no offence, but thats what I think when some oen says EQ.
Anyways, whats is eq classes and all these giant eq shows?
And have you noticed people all switching over to do eq and buying all these fancy 'eq' horses?
Do you do eq?!

=] Cha.

Answer 1

Equitation is how much a horse and rider fit into the hunter "norm." Equitation was developed in order to facilitate riding for the horse and rider- think about it. In an English saddle, if you're not properly equitating, there's the possibility that if your horse spooks, you might not stay in the saddle. Over fences, if you don't fold yourself forward and go into halfseat and keep your heels down, you're going to hit your horse in the mouth and get popped off his back. Case in point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM



It's not about vanity; it's about riding properly so you and your horse don't get hurt.



So Jumpers= not equitation, based on faults (but you'll see basic equitation, because otherwise they won't be able to stay on)

Hunters= Equitation over fences and on the flat.

Answer 2

...this seems more like a rant than a question, but I think you're asking why people prefer eq?



For me, it's more of a challenge. Sure I can throw myself over a course and with a fancy horse I might even place. Eq is all about precision, accuracy and position. Of course it's about how I look, but it's also how balanced my horse is, how subtle my aids are and smooth and effortless I can make the course. Since the emphasis is heavily on the rider, I don't have to have a 20k horse to do well and since I'm not pounding my horse over 4 feet or higher constantly, he'll last longer as a show horse.



Not to mention that good basic eq is the most valuable thing a rider can have--a solid position will get you so much further than being able to cling on over omg-big-fences!



Honestly, the thing that usually comes to my mind when people diss eq classes is that they don't have the strength or discipline to really ride well. High level riders ride eq to maintain their own position and work on precise control in the ring.

Answer 3

Equitation is the performance of the rider. How well the rider's position is, how they use aids to tell the horse what to do, how well they control their horse, etc. At my local horse show, they base it on 75% rider and 25% horse. I haven't noticed it lately, but practicing EQ is a good way to challenge both you and your horse. It isn't always based on looks, but on how you can handle your horse and how well of a seat you have.



I do compete in EQ, but I don't have a fancy horse. I ride Western so when I do EQ (or Horsemanship), I ride my ranch horse and try my best.



Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Well in equitation it's about the rider not so much the horse, so really you could have a piece of crap horse that's pretty simple to ride and win. It's all on the rider, their position, use of the aids, and how they handle the horse. They also have Dressage Seat Equitation classes and it's actually pretty big. I've watched the national competition a couple times, if my horse wasn't so bouncy I'd try it myself!

Answer 5

road apples, rofl laughing at the video!!!!!!



Maybe they can do better in eq, so why not? If you are still doing jumpers, more ribbons for you:).

Answer 6

equitation aka eq is where it is based less on getting a clean round and speed but more on your form and how you and your horse are moving