Foreword ix
Maria Schaub

Introduction xi
Chrystine Tauber

Preface xiii
Note to the Reader xiv
Acknowledgments xv
Special Thanks xvi
Part I Training and Showing Procedures for Hunters and Hunter Seat Riders
1
The Elements of Flatwork
3
Flatwork:The Cutting Edge of Success
3
The Components of Flatwork
5
Frame: Collection and Lengthening
5
Lower-Level and Upper-Level Movements
10
The Rider's Aids
11
Half-Halts
14
Pace
18
Impulsion
24
Bending
25
Transitions
31
Punishment and Reward
34
Flat Exercises for Hunters and Equitation Horses
37
Categorizing Your Horse
37
Longeing
38
Devising a Work Plan
44
The Walk
46
The Trot
48
Leg-Yield
52
Shoulder-In
54
Turn on the Forehand
55
Travers
55
Renvers
56
Turn on the Haunches
57
Half-Pass
57
The Canter
58
Flying Change of Lead
62
Counter Canter
64
Modified Pirouette
64
USEF Tests 1-19: Tips for Training and Showing
69
Test 1
69
Test 2
71
Test 3
74
Test 4
75
Test 5
76
Test 6
78
Test 7
81
Test 8
81
Test 9
81
Test 10
85
Test 11
85
Test 12
87
Test 13
89
Test 14
90
Test 15
91
Test 16
93
Test 17
93
Test 18
97
Test 19
100
Basic Courses for Hunters and Equitation
103
A Systematic Approach to Jumping
103
Cavalletti
104
Gymnastics
110
Striding between Fences
122
Analyzing Distances
124
Walking Courses
126
Setting Fences
129
Basic Goals on Course
132
Intermediate and Advanced Equitation Courses
147
Isolated and Related Distances
147
Combinations
152
Turns
153
Jumping on an Angle
158
Narrow Fence and End Fence
160
A Long Gallop to a Single Fence
161
Novelty Fences
161
Solving Typical Problems
165
Rider Problems
165
Developing a Better Eye
165
Finding the Right Spot to the First Fence
169
Strengthening the Rider's Position
170
Memorizing a Course
172
Sitting the Trot Comfortably
172
Horse Problems
176
Teaching Flying Changes
176
Preventing the Horse from Rushing Fences
178
Correcting Disobediences (Refusals)
180
Preventing the Horse from Cutting Corners
182
Calming the Anxious Horse at Shows
182
Warming Up for a Class
183
Monitoring Horse and Rider
185
Setting an Attainable Goal
186
Winning
189
Part II Judging Hunters and Hunter Seat Equitation
191
Under-Saddle Classes
193
The Ideal Horse
193
Unsafe Performance
195
Length of Stride
196
Appropriate Frame
198
Body Straightness
199
Common Locomotion Faults
199
Rhythm, Transitions, and Bending
200
Hunter Classes over Fences
205
Jumping Form
205
The Ideal Hunter
205
Form Faults Associated with Long Spots
205
Form Faults Associated with Short Spots
209
Other Form Faults
210
Minor Form Faults
211
Flight Path
215
Ideal Flight Pattern
215
Maintaining a Line
216
Even Arc
216
Rhythm
218
Pace and Impulsion
218
Bending
219
The Numbers
219
Changing Leads
222
The Dishonest vs. Honest Horse
223
Conformation Classes
227
General Observations
227
A Comparative Guide to Judging Defects
229
A System for Judging Conformation
230
Model and Breeding Classes
248
Equitation on the Flat
253
Position
253
Lower Body---From Heel to Pelvis
253
Upper Body---From the Pelvis Up
259
Performance
266
General Observations
266
Impulsion and Cadence
267
On the Bit
268
Bending
270
Smooth Transitions
270
Flexion and Collection
272
Extension
273
Severe Performance Faults
273
Quality of Performance
275
Tests on the Flat
276
Equitation over Fences
295
Position over Fences
295
General Observations
295
Approaching the Fence and in the Air
298
Performance
313
Tests over Fences
316
What to Expect from Equitation Riders
321
Beginners
321
Intermediate Riders
324
Advanced Riders
325
The Judge's Card
327
Numerical Scoring
327
Back-to-Back Classes
332
General Impressions
333
Competitor Expectations of a Judge
334
Faults over Fences
335
Faults between Fences
336
Manners and Way of Going
337
Equitation Symbols
338
Glossary 341
Index 346