AN exciting new discipline which rewards riders for their horsemanship skills is coming to Bromyard.

Equitation is a combination of correct basic flatwork movements and show jumping and, in this discipline, the ability of the rider is of paramount importance.

Kate Wrathall, who is helping to organise a training day at Bromyard Equestrian Centre in July, followed by a competition in August, explained what Equitation as a competitive sport is all about.

"Equitation means the art of riding correctly and, in its broadest form, covers most sections of equestrian sport," she said.

"It is a training discipline for riders of all ages.

"The aim is to produce effective, stylish riders who could, if they wish, go on to compete in any discipline.

"It is the riders who are judged, not the horses, so this discipline is excellent for competing where a specialised horse is not a pre-requisite.

"Therefore it also makes a useful class in which to take a young horse or rider.

"Equitation will have its own distinctive rosette so that competitors will know that they are taking part in an official Equitation class."

The class is divided into two parts which run consecutively and are scored separately.

Part one deals with flatwork and schooling and riders may be required to do some flatwork movements and a jumping exercise.

The purpose of the jumping in this part of the test is to ascertain the control the rider has of his/her mount and to assess the seat and hand position.

It is not a test of how big your pony or horse can jump! In this part, the judges will be looking for correct basic aids, effectiveness and a good hand, seat and leg position.

Part two deals with the jumping and is essentially a straightforward showing jumping round. The course will consist of between six and eight fences and these may include a combination.

Here the judges will be looking for a fluid, rhythmic round as well as the points mentioned above.

Each part carries a total of 20 marks and there will be two judges in the arena who will hold up their scores after each rider has finished so that spectators will be in touch with the competition.

At the end of the class, the riders will be given their sheet with the judges' marks and comments.

Kate said: "The welcome level test sounds easy but things will get harder as you progress into intermediate and open.

"This would be a movement from an intermediate test for example: enter at canter show one change through trot; canter one jump one hand; trot one circle sitting - no stirrups.

"Or from an open test: canter serpentine with changes through walk; collect the trot sitting - no stirrups, and so on.

"One thing is for sure, if you compete in Equitation, both you and horse will improve and enjoy yourselves.

"Equitation riders have the prestige of knowing that it is their good riding that has got the rosette, not the money they spent on their horse""

A clinic is due to be held on July 12 when people can ask questions and watch a rider at work.

A class is scheduled for August 11 and both will be at Bromyard.

Please contact Adie at Bromyard Equestrian Centre or Kate on 07989573733 for test copies or more information.