1. A COMPARISON OF PFHA AND INTERNATIONAL RULESBy: Sharon Londoo and Jose M. Colon 1

2. Agenda Definitions Brief History Center of Balance Posture and Position PFHA Procedures International Procedures Tests Judging Score Sheet Photo Discussion Conclusion 2 3. Equitation - Definition Web Definition: The art or practice of riding a horse correctly. Equitation often refer to a rider's position while mounted, and encompass a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In horse show competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated. The performance of the horse is not judged per se, but a poorly performing horse is considered to reflect the ability of the rider. In good equitation, the rider is always in balance with the horse, maintains a correct position in every gait, movement, or over a fence, and possesses a commanding, but relaxed, presence, able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids. 3 4. Equitation Rule Books Definitions PFHA Rule Book: The Paso Equitation seat enhances the particular and special style, grace, rhythm and oneness of horse and rider. The class is to be judge 100% on equitation. The rider's position in motion should be natural, co-coordinated and graceful. The rider should remain almost motionless at all gaits. Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than the method used in obtaining them. International: Paso Equitation is the art of effectively and correctly riding a horse using effective aids to achieve the best performance of the horse while maintaining correct posture, seat and balance that enhances the oneness between rider and horse. The Paso Horse Equitation highlights the style, grace, rhythm of the Paso horse, and the special relationship between the horse and rider. This event is judged 100% on the equitation parameters and rules. The quality of the horse shall not be more important than the skills and aids used by the rider to achieve the best performance of the horse. 4 5. Brief History Evidence is found in China thatshows that the Chinese were riding horses as early as 4000 BC. Horses have been used throughout history in warfare. Most of the general principles of equitation were developed thousands of years ago. Xenophon, a general and horse master from ancient Greece, wrote one of the oldest known texts on horsemanship around 350 BC. 5 6. A riders center of balance The center of gravity is defined as: The balancing, equilibrium or pivoting point of the body. It is the point where the sum of all the forces and force movements acting on the body is zero. It is the point at which all the weight of the body may be considered to be concentrated and about which all the parts exactly balance.The humans body center of gravity is right above the pelvis.Shifting the position of the pelvis, will have an effect on the distribution of weight.Why is understanding the center of gravity/ balance important in equitation? 6 7. A horses center of balance The weight of a horse is concentrated at the center of gravity. For a horse to move efficiently and gracefully, it must be in good balance and permitted to have a posture that maintains the center of gravity. In good equitation, a rider must not interfere with the horses balance, center of gravity and movement. He/ she should be part of it and in coordination. The rider recognizes how to tactfully help the horse maintain the center of balance and find that posture where the movement becomes supple. Using effective aids, the rider can influence the horse movement without interfering with a good balance. The wrong aids or rider posture can cause the horse to compensate and lose the natural balance of movement.7 8. Balance+ Body 1= Body 2BalanceRider and Horse appear to become one when there is balanced equitation. 8 9. Riding Aids Legs Weight Seat Voice Hands9 10. Riding Aids10 11. Areas evaluated PFHAInternational 100% Equitation Basic Position Head Position Back Position Arms and hands Position Legs and feet Position in Motion Horse handling (65%) Handling, control, confidence,focus Use of Aids Individual Test Position (35%) Basic Position Head Position Back Position Arms and hands Legs and feet Position in Motion Posture (Balanced and Natural) Seat (Naturalness) 11 12. Basic Position PFHAInternational Convey the impression of Assume a balanced, naturaleffective and complete control at all times, showing both the horses and the rider to the rider's best advantage. A complete picture of the whole is of major importance.and correct position on the mount to promote the best performance of the horse. Convey the impression of effective and complete control of the horse at all times, handling the horse in the most appropriate manner while maintaining a high degree of elegance, style and union with the horse. 12 13. Position in Motion DescriptionPFHAInternationalThe riders position in motion should be natural, coordinated and graceful.YesYesThe rider should remain almost motionless at all gaits.YesNot SpecifiedFrom the side, a straight line should be able to be drawn perpendicular to the ground through the riders head, shoulder and ankle.YesHead, Shoulder and HipThe riders toe should never be more forward than his knee, thereby keeping his center of balance directly above his feet and ankles.YesNoThe riders upper arms should fall naturally from the shoulders toward the hip bones and should be flexible, never clutched to the body, extend forward or spread way from the body.YesYesThe rider should appear to have a natural flow downward into the saddle and show no side-to-side movement of upper body.YesYesAt all gaits, the rider should remain in the center of the saddle and not slip back on the cantle.YesYes 13 14. Basic Position in Motion PFHAInternationalWhy are these lines important?14 15. Basic Position in Motion Dressage Given a chance, horses will go where you put your weight. Sometimes riders do not put their weight in the direction they want to go. Michelle Morseth, Dressage InstructorLight aids are needed when you ride balanced. Sometimes only a change in the weight or contact of your seat are sufficient. 15 16. Basic Position - Philosophy Xenophon, a general andhorse master from ancient Greece, wrote one of the oldest known texts on horsemanship Xenophon, in his writings about the art of horsemanship indicates that the basic position of a rider has more in common with standing upright with the legs slightly bent than with sitting on a chair. 16 17. The Seat The rider appears to have a naturalflow downward into the saddle so that the torso, pelvis and legs are balanced and symmetrical. The body of the rider should never interfere with the movement and balance of the horse, but it should promote a good performance. The rider should be centered on the saddle and aligned with the horses dorsal line. The seat must appear natural and comfortable at all times, highlighting the union with the horse. The seat should never appear rigid or tense. 17 18. The SeatNo matter where the horse moves or how it moves, your seat should always remain in the same place, on the horse. This is key to being in balance with your horse. 18 19. Head Position Should be held erect/ straightwith the chin up. The riders eyes should look forward at all times in the direction of travel so as to maintain full control of the horse while in motion. The head is a very important function in the balance of the body. Therefore, putting your head down affects your overall balance on the horse. 19 20. Back Position The riders back should bestraight, but not tense or stiff. The position of the back must look natural and it should not be arched, leaning forward or backward. The riders shoulders should be square, but not tense or stiff. From behind, the riders back should be aligned with the horses dorsal line20 21. Back Position From behind, the ridersback should be aligned with the horses dorsal line. This allows the weight of the rider to be distributed equally over the horse. If the riders weight is not centered over the horse, this can cause the horse to compensate by twisting its body beneath the rider. 21 22. Arms and Hand Position - PFHA The arms should hang naturally with the elbows not extending forward, backward or outward beyond a perpendicular line even with the riders shoulders. The riders hands should be held in an easy position, neither perpendicular nor horizontal to the saddle, and should show sympathy, adaptability and control. The height the riders hands are held above the horses withers as determined by the head carriage of the individual horse. Extremely high or low hand positions are improper. The riders hands should not pass over or behind the pommel of saddle. The rider shall make every effort to achieve as straight of a line as possible from the elbow through the forearm, hand and rein to the bit. Hands and wrists should be flexible and not held extremely separated. 22 23. Arms and Hand Position - PFHA The reins should be held by one reinin each hand entering at the bottom below the little finger and extending upward with the bight (excess) of the rein hanging on the off (right) side of the horse. The rein must pass directly from the bit, between the little and third fingers, with the thumb being placed on top. It is important that the third finger holds the edges of the rein in the joints nearest the palm and that the fingers are closed securely, but without tension. Right (excess) of the rein should be on the off (right) side.23 24. Arms and Hand Position International The riders hands should beheld in an easy and natural position, horizontal to the saddle, and should convey softness, adaptability and control. The rider must make every effort to achieve as straight of a line as possible from the elbow through the forearm; from the forearm to the hand; from the hand to the rein; and to the ring of the bit. 24 25. Leg and Feet Position - PFHA The riders leg should hang naturally with a slight bend at the knee. The riders lower leg should be under the riders body and not flared outward. Flaring of the lower leg shall be penalized. The riders feet should be parallel with the horses body with the heels slightly lowered (approximately one inch). The ball of the riders foot should rest directly over the stirrup iron with even pressure on the entire iron with heel, hip and point of shoulder in line. The riders foot position should be natural, neither extremely in nor out. 25 26. Leg and Feet Position International The riders lower leg should be under the riders body and should not be extended forward or backwards; that is, it should follow a straight line from the knee down to the stirrup. Extending the leg forward, backward or not keeping a straight line from the knee to the stirrup shall be penalized. The riders foot position should appear natural and be as parallel as possible to the horses body. The foots position should not appear to be forced inwards and/or the toes pointing outwards. Those riders that appear to be forcing the foot position or maintain the toes pointing towards the body of the horse (inwards) or outwards; shall be penalized.26 27. Procedures - PFHA Enter the ring to the right at a Paso Corto and circle the arena in a counterclockwise manner until asked to reverse or change gait. The sequence of the gait will be Paso Corto, Paso Largo, walk, reverse and repeat. The reverse will be executed toward the center of the ring. A halt will be called at least once during the Paso Corto. Entries will execute the above class requirements and, in addition, Judges are encouraged to call for at least two (2) of the tests, of the top contestants. Each of the tests is to be performed individually. 27 28. Tests - PFHA 1. 2. 3. 4.5. 6.Ride without stirrups at a Paso Corto Back his or her horse smoothly and under control. Dismount and mount. Perform a figure eight (8) at the Paso Corto. The rider shall always turn and face the Judge unless otherwise instructed. Move the horse from Paso Largo to walk on a quiet rein; Answer questions on parts of the horse and tack. 28 29. Procedures International Each participant will perform the mandatory tests in the following order: Theoretical Test (For Mundial participants 12 and older) Group Performance Individual Tests: Figure Eight Back Serpentine Sounding Board 29 30. Procedures Group Performance Enter the arena to the right and circle the arena in a counterclockwise manner. Participants should maintain working their mounts close to the rail. At the discretion of the Judges, the participants will be ordered to circle the arena various times in one direction until instructed to reverse. The reverse must be made toward the center of the ring. The turn should not exceed an area of three meters. During the reverse, the riders should return to the rail at the same place where the rider began the reverse, and then proceed in gait in the opposite direction. The rider must make sure that the horse maintains its gait and rhythm at all times during the reverse. In the case of Galope horses, as they execute this gait and reverse they must make a proper lead change, that is, the horse must gallop with the lead toward the side in which the turn is made and sustain it during the ride in this same direction. Participants will be penalized if they cannot maintain their horses in gait, for turning on the front legs, or pivoting of the hind legs while turning. Judges will observe the skills, focus, handling and ability to maintain the horse in gait during its movement on a straight line as well as during the turns. 30 31. Individual Test - Pattern 43 1 231 32. 32 33. Figure 8 - Procedure Participants should complete three Figure 8s around the poles(two in one direction and one in the oposite direction) as follows: 1. 2.3.4. 5.Participants shall enter the figure 8 from in between the sounding board and the figure 8 poles. Cross over the midpoint to the second pole and complete two Figure Eights in one direction. The start and end of each figure 8 will be in the center (midpoint) of the two poles. Cross in a straight line (towards the entry point) from one pole to the next, Complete one more Figure Eight. At the completion of the last Figure Eight, participants will halt in between the two poles facing the judges. 33 34. Figure 8 - Procedure The Judges will evaluate the softness of the hands on the reins,the use of aids balancing the body on the mount during the execution of turns, and the riders ability to maintain the horse in gait throughout the test. Penalize: Participants shall be penalized if they enter the Figure Eight incorrectly Perform more or less than three figure eights in the manner described in the rule book. If the rider holds the reins with the hands separated, using a leading rein on/or close to the horses neck, using excessive aids (kicking, slapping the reins, etc.), if their mount veers off track during the turns, or does not maintain gait during the test. 34 35. Halt and Back35 36. Halt and Back - Procedure Once the figure eight is completed, participants must halt betweenthe two Figure Eight poles and back up a minimum of 4 steps and a maximum of 6 steps. Judges will evaluate: the smoothness of the command to halt, the riders seat (relaxed natural seat, balance, and proper position), the way the rider guides the horse backwards with subtle commands,and in a straight line using even diagonal steps until halting the horse to complete the back. After halting, the participant must command the horse to move forward with softness, determination and urge. This is accomplished with the use of the proper aids and the riders balance on the mount.36 37. NONO37YES 38. Serpentine The serpentine test consists of alternating straight linemovements and half circles turns. During the half-circle turns, the horses body should bend toward the center of the circle. Judges evaluate: the riders use of aids during the turns, sense of rhythm, the ability to maintain their mounts in gait, cadence and flexibilityof the horse during the straight lines and turns. During the transition from straight lines to half-circle turns, themount must not move over the tangent, in zigzag or sinusoid patterns. Participants with Trote and Galope and, Trocha and Galope must perform this test in the Trote/ Trocha in one direction and 38 39. Sounding Board Once the serpentine test is completed, participants must go over thesounding board in both directions with the horse centered in the middle of the board throughout. Participants with horses that perform two gaits must perform this test in one gait in one direction and in the other gait in the opposite direction. The board shall be placed at ground level. If this is not possible, then there must be an access ramp. Participants shall not turn their horses on the board, nor will they be able to step off it.39 40. Sounding board Judges will evaluate: the riders ability to calibrate and maintain the horse in gait, the ability to keep the horse in a straight line trajectory over the soundingboard. Penalize: Not maintaining their mounts in gait over the sounding board; Allowing the horse to move sideways (not straight) over the sounding board; Or allowing the horse to step off the sounding board (one extremity). Participants may not turn their horses over the sounding board or stepoff of it. Participants in categories of 9 years of age and older shall be disqualified for turning over the sounding board. Participants in categories under 9 years of age shall be penalized for turning over the sounding board.40 41. Optional Tests Judges may request optional tests to participants that, accordingto their evaluation, are tied. The optional test must be requested in the following order: 1. Reverse 2. Parallel Comparison 3. Order to Halt and Continue 4. Circles 5. Change of Mount Participants in categories of 4 to 5 years old may only be asked to perform the reverse test.41 42. Reverse This is an optional test consisting of changing direction (reverse) whilemoving. Participants must reverse turning away from the rail and returning to it in the opposite direction. Participants will be penalized if: They allow their mounts to not maintain the rhythm and cadence of the gait shall be penalized. if while executing the reverse, the rider holds the reins with the hands separated.42 43. Parallel Comparison This test can be used to compare two or more participants. Judges will evaluate the position of the rider including: the posture/ position of the back (should be natural), the center of balance on the saddle in relation to the horses dorsal line, the naturalness of the shoulders and elbows, the position of the legs and feet, and the riders focus and skills to achieve the horses straight trackingmoving forward and appropriate degree of collection based on the horses abilities.43 44. Order to halt and continue Judges will evaluate the riders technique to command the horse to halt, remainstill, and continue movement when commanded. The horse must halt by placing the hindquarters toward its center of gravity and tucking its head so it appears to have come to a stop by giving in to the bit smoothly. Then it must resume movement forward on its own in response to the subtle cue from its rider. The horse must resume movement in gait, with most of its impulsion coming from its hindquarters. The following will be evaluated: The technique used to command the horse to halt, remain still, and continuemovement when commanded, The aids used to transition the horse to a halt, The balance of the rider on the horse and the engagement of the horses hind quarters during the test.Sounding Board 44 45. Circles Participants shall perform three circles of at least three meters in circumferencein one direction, followed by three circles of the same size in the opposite direction. The turn shall be made towards the pole. The mount must maintain its gait, energy, momentum, agility, cadence, and response to the riders commands throughout the test. Judges shall evaluate: the aids used by the rider to maintain the mounts focused and energetic throughout the test. The participants attempts to ensure that the mount maintains a high degree of agility, flexibility, consistency of gait, rhythm and cadence. The Judges shall observe the subtle, yet effective aids used by the riders. Participants shall be penalized for using excessive and blatant aids that are against the standards of equitation and/or may represent rudeness and violence against their mount.45 46. Change of Mount This test may not be performed by riders in the 4 - 5 and 6 8 years oldcategories. Procedure: 1. 2.3. 4. 5. 6.7.Dismount. To dismount, the rider may either step down or slide down and the size of the rider must be taken into account when evaluating. Tie the reins. Untie the lead line. Hand the horse over to the selected participant. When receiving the new horse, fasten the lead line. To mount the new horse, the rider shall check the curb chain, length of stirrups and girth and adjust them if necessary. Mount.46 47. International Scoring Table47 48. 48 49. Horse handling and riding skills Consider the following skills during evaluation: Sense and awareness of the Paso horse rhythm and cadence during the ride Ability to calibrate, control and maintain the horses gait, rhythm and cadence Naturalness and softness of the hands on the rein Ability to minimize the limitations of the horse with the use of effective aids. Ability to maximize the virtues of the horse Riders ability to use subtle, yet effective aids Focus, confidence, control and self-assuredness while handling the horse Relaxed, natural, and correct posture and seat Poise, grace and elegance Performance and completion of the required tests/ individual work offs in the correct sequence. Good sportsmanship and courtesy in the ring.49 50. Penalize Distraction, negligence, and inattentiveness to the Judges' instructions. Obvious roughness and rudeness towards one's horse. (Kicking the horse, pulling on the reins, and cruelty acts) Lack of technical, theoretical, and general knowledge of the horse. Each judge must have the results of the graded theoretical tests given to the participants. Inadequate position of the riders back (arched back, leaning forward or backwards) Inadequate positioning of the hands (separated excessively or unstable, too high or too low). Inadequate positioning of the legs and feet (toes pointing outward, upwards or downwards, feet too deep into the stirrup, legs extended forward or backward) and incorrect support on the stirrup. Rising out of the saddle while the horse is in motion. Making incorrect turns during the Reverse and the Circles tests Lack of stability and/ or incorrect position of the head. Excessive and/ or blatant use of aids (kicking, rein slapping, clucking, etc.) Inability to maintain the horse in gait. Performing the mandatory or optional tests incorrectly. Unnaturalness of the riders posture and not changing hands correctly when required during those tests where the horse is required to turn or perform closed circles (to be taken into account during the Circles test). Not using the necessary aids to achieve the best performance of the horse. Kissing at the horse is acceptable but not excessively. Lack of good sportsmanship and courtesy in the ring. Uneven length of stirrup leathers, except in categories of 4-5 years of age. The proper way to measure the correct length of the stirrup leathers is from the base of the saddle where the cinch is attached up to the base of the stirrup. The loss of one or both stirrups (feet come out of the stirrups). Not maintaining the required position on the saddle as defined in the rule book Not performing the test in both gaits if riding a Trote y Galope or Trocha y Galope horse. 50 51. Causes for disqualification Total loss of control of the horse. Evidence of misbehavior/ rudeness against another rider. Disobeying the Judges' orders and instructions. Causing an unjustified delay of the competition. Addressing the Judges in an inappropriate way. Acts of cruelty against the horse. Turning over the sounding board. Riders in categories of 9 years of age and older shall bedisqualified if they turn in circles more than one time around one of the poles during the figure eight test. This will not be applicable to participants in categories under 9 years old (Mini and Pre Infantiles) 51 52. Conclusions There are differences when comparing PFHA and InternationalEquitation procedures. There are a few differences in the required position when riding: Arms and Hands Legs The basic principles of equitation are the same: Balance Position Effective Aids Horsemanship PFHA judging parameters focus 100% on equitation. International judging parameters while intended to be 100% onequitation, includes certain aspects in the rule book that may be interpreted as considering the performance of the horse. 52 53. References53