First Time Equitation Class

So I'm entering a school showjumping day competition and it has Equitation (top Score) AM7 and 2 Phase in 65 cm.
I have never seen nor attempted equitation but I really would like to give it a go. I've asked my friend who has been riding for 5 more years than me but she's never really done equitation too.

-What is it all about?
-What do the judges look for?
-Tips and ideas on how to approach it.
-Tack Ideas. I have blue web reins so I don't think I'd be using that for equitation, I have black plain leather reins but I would never jump with them because they slip really easy. Am I better off buying black rubber grippy reins or should I buy plaited leather reins. And do you put boots on the horse in equitation?

THANKS :)

I'm not in Australia, so I can't answer most of your questions, however, I will say that rubber reins can get sticky and uncomfortable, causing blisters and such, so personally I would go with laced (plaited?) reins. These will give you more grip and won't get sticky with frequent use.

So here are examples of the rubber and laced (plaited) reins :)
Thanks for your help.

Alright so I've only ever done EQ once! Im pretty sure that it is all just plain gear. Plaited reins would be best to use. I may be getting mixed up with hunter jumping though....Judges will be looking for position, control and style. Id ride it all at a nice and controlled canter, with correct staright approaces and smooth take offs. Sorry I can't be more of help :/

Good luck!

No worries thanks!

Equitation is based on how you ride and how you control your horse over fences. The horse is not really being judged, you are. How do you and your horse harmonize, how is your position over jumps, to the jumps, your steering, the way you get your horse to move...etc.

You can't use rubber reins in an eq class .. Well you can- but you shouldn't and most classes say only leather . Eq is judged on you, but you are judged against the other riders not the ideal rider. But even at that you want to be balanced, heel down correct leg and hands- your striving for perfection. Your horse isn't judged but the smoother horse and calmer he is the easier to ride so that makes your job easy. Leads are inportant, correct diagonals, counter canter, not just cantering on the wrong lead. Sitting trot, no stirrups over fences and around the ring sitting OR POSTING. It takes a lot of hours in the saddle practicing your position and balance before even expecting to get noticed in the ring.

You want to be turned out in full show gear, boots polished, clean tack. As George Morris would say "workman like appearance".

You should read read read books on hunters, hunt seat equitation and practice practice practice, in every show no matter what it is - barrel racing to showjumping you can tell why is that weekend warrior and who works on themselves and horses all year and between shows

Oh ya! Have fun ( did I forget to say that lol)

Okay cheers thanks for the info :)