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Post by canadiankigers on Dec 28, 2008 11:30:04 GMT -5
Since the stallion thread has been going so well, I thought that I would open a new thread to discuss working equitation. I found the rule book at www.erahc.org/Show-08/we-general-rules.pdf. It is a PDF so those with dial up might want to save this for a time when they can click on it and do something else while it is loading. I really like the way this type of riding challenges both the horse and rider and teaches them to work as one. This is the basis from which we (CKMR and Wild Horse Run Productions) have chosen to design our all breed horse challenge on. I feel that it is a great example for showing the general public just how athletic and versatile the Kiger breed can be. I feel it will also seperate the chaff from the wheat. Not all Kigers will be able to do well in a class of this type as it can be very demanding. I would love to hear what others think of this type of class for Kigers? |
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Post by kigerfan on Dec 28, 2008 12:19:14 GMT -5
I have a very bad back due to childhood abuse so I could never sit as well on a horse as someone without the problems I have. It doesn't make me any less of a rider but my riding stance would definitely detract from the beautiful horse beneath me. In this sort of competition, I would have to have someone straight of form ride my horse in order that she had the best chance of excelling.
I would love to see her judged on free movement as to her natural form, movement and conformation. That way I could not detract from her in the least.
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Post by dazzlingduns on Dec 28, 2008 13:32:26 GMT -5
Physical limitations sure could play a role, but one should challenge themself beyond those limitations to be the best one could be, otherwise those limitations can often become an excuse. I have seen a few exceptional talented riders with physical limitations, such as missing limbs.
Melissa
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Post by Michelle Clarke on Dec 28, 2008 13:32:43 GMT -5
You do not have to be a perfect rider to get out there and show/compete your horses!!! Don't let that ever stop you. The one thing I LOVE about the spanish type horses is that they an average rider look good! With their soft gaits that are easy to ride, highly trainable temperment, natural balance and adaptability - they are the perfect match for every level of rider. Obviously some have a hotter diposition than others, but in general spanish horses are known for their great demeanors. That is why alot of people are able to have well-mannered stallions in these breeds and that is why you see many "mature" ladies show casing those big Andalusians/Lusitano stallions: taking them into shows, parades and out in public easily.
Sitting pretty in a expensive saddle and sparklie outfits may catch the judges eyes, but in the end a professional judge that knows quality always sees past that. So, unless you are gunning for Equitation points - where the rider is judged heavily - just get out there and show off those Kigers!!
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Post by kigerfan on Dec 28, 2008 13:37:44 GMT -5
I don't let my problems slow me down too much. I push myself to my limits constantly but I also know that I don't sit tall in a saddle. I love to ride Firefly. I would love to get her into shows. I am just positive she could do well. I need to know much more about what shows require. What the different procedures are and such. Any help that anyone would like to give me on that would be appreciated  Frefly turns heads all the time at the ranch. People love her |
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Post by Michelle Clarke on Dec 28, 2008 14:01:05 GMT -5
This is the exact thing that the Kigers could very well excel at. Perfect for Kigers because of the versatility. I have been waiting for this to "cross the big pool" and begin to get popular here. The great thing is that it is International.
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Post by kigerfan on Dec 28, 2008 14:06:59 GMT -5
Being a California native, one thing I thought would be really really fantastic was to have a Kiger contingent in the Rose Parade. I wonder how many would be up for that sort of thing.
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Post by desperatehorsewife on Dec 28, 2008 15:30:57 GMT -5
I'm trying to decide if there's actually any equitation in WE?  Looks like it's horse performance based...not equitation. I only scanned it quickly, but it seems to be something similar to the ranch/stock horse competition with a variety of classes offered that showcase the horse in its working environment (sort of...if it worked in an arena.) |
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Post by canadiankigers on Dec 28, 2008 16:36:15 GMT -5
Just another thought....... Like we don't already have enough!!! What if we were to develop a working equitation definition designed for the Kiger conformation? I believe it was Dianne who mentioned that the Kiger conformation may not always lend it'self to the typical Spanish style of riding. Please correct me if I am wrong, I am going by memory and this senile mind of mine does not always work as well as I would like it to. LOL!!!!
Just another item to go on the "to be considered" list.
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Post by dazzlingduns on Dec 28, 2008 16:45:23 GMT -5
Sitting pretty in a expensive saddle and sparklie outfits may catch the judges eyes, but in the end a professional judge that knows quality always sees past that. So, unless you are gunning for Equitation points - where the rider is judged heavily - just get out there and show off those Kigers!!
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The expensive saddles and sparklie outfits are the icing on the cake Michelle, and show the sacrifices some make to put on a grand performance too . LOVE that BLING with a nicely trained horse! And so do MANY others, even professional judges! Been in that arena, and done that.
Melissa
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Post by desperatehorsewife on Dec 28, 2008 18:04:32 GMT -5
It doesn't matter what kind of horse you're riding...equitation is how well you sit the horse, period. A knowledgeable judge will not have any problem looking past how your horse travels. I've seen several Kigers that lend themselves quite well to western, but hey, do saddle seat if that's your thing. Or hunt seat. Doesn't matter...a good seat and hands are the same no matter the breed beneath the seat  I'm all for performance based classes and putting something together on that front, but equ classes aren't the same thing. Calling it WE is just confusing...or at least to me, when you're talking obstacle courses, working cow, etc, and I think you're going to confuse the general public as well. |
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Post by canadiankigers on Dec 28, 2008 18:34:33 GMT -5
DHW:
That is a valid point and I am sure you are not alone when it comes to that. What, in your opinion, do you think would help to clearify that?
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Post by Michelle Clarke on Dec 28, 2008 20:16:06 GMT -5
First off, remember that WE developed in Portugal (in association with JP Giacomini working with the main registry). "Equitation" has different understandings in other countries. Equitation is defined as "The art and practice of riding a horse". Therefore, "Hunter Equitation" is the art and practice of riding a horse for that sport: just as Saddle Seat Equitation. Working Equitation is the art and practice of riding a horse in a working environment. While it may be confusing, I doubt the name will be changed or even should. This is an International Competition. Maybe the Americans' that are confused should really just learn the real meaning . While in America, judgeing may be more based on the rider, in WE, both horse and rider are judged, just as in Dressage. A rider must obviously be effective in order to train a horse for these type of competitions. The pdf that Kelly posted is not in fully finished... We don't need to create a new definition to fit the Kiger...the Kiger will do fine. There are many different breeds all over the world that compete against other breeds. There is no halter type class as far as I know, so "perfect" comformation or type is not required. Just remember, this is a Performance class, not a rail class...a higher level of training is required. However, don't forget, there are entry levels! |
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Post by stlkigers on Dec 28, 2008 21:43:24 GMT -5
Kelly:
I have to say that I'm with Tracey(DHW).....I grew up riding hunters and also riding western. In both avenues equitation solely depended on the riders performance. Once a friend of mine won a eq class even though her gelding bucked half way around the arena with the judge looking......She obviously had a great seat.....So maybe equitation here is not what it is known to be in Portugal as Michelle said....I'd hate to see a competition not be given a second look at due to the word equitation being in the title; maybe you all can preface it with something else so the person seeing a flyer/ad understands at a glance that it's not just another equitation class....It's more of a performance event....Just the sort of thing I would love to do.....
One thing I have to say is that I quit serious showing in western several moons ago because no matter how well trained the rider and mount were, western pleasure/eq classes got to be very political; you had to have a certain amount of silver, a certain "in" type of headstall, the "in" color of chaps, etc to place in classes.....I got disgusted and started doing more english events; dressage, some 3 day eventing, etc....I think a well trained horse and rider properly attired should place just as well as some one a bit more ostentatious. But that was not so in No. Cal (OH, unless you were a guy.....They didn't have to worry about riding attire fads and in colors)....Now I'm feeling old because I remember when I started riding English and showing, many judges didn't seem to place riders on "off" colored horses....meaning basically non-bays,browns, blacks. And gosh forbid you rode a paint or a roan! GASP! Oh my I'm showing my age! Now my daughter's english instructor makes a fortune raising and selling warmblood crosses that are mostly black and white tobiano....times have changed!
Angela
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Post by DianneC on Dec 29, 2008 0:25:01 GMT -5
I didn't see anything they were doing that a Kiger couldn't do, with training. Lead changes around the barrels might be the most advanced.
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Looks like it's horse performance based...not equitation. I only scanned it quickly, but it seems to be something similar to the ranch/stock horse competition with a variety of classes offered that showcase the horse in its working environment (sort of...if it worked in an arena.)
