Hunt Seat - Riding Levels
1. Introductory Hunter Seat Equitation - Beginner riders with no previous experience competing
2A. Pre-Novice Hunter Seat Equitation - Riders eligible are those who have been riding for less than 4 calendar years. Riders may not have competed in recognized competitions. (exceptions Pony Club Riders rated D2)
2B. Novice Hunter Seat Equitation - There is no riding time limit for eligibility for class 2B. Riders may not have competed in recognized competitions (except Pony Club Riders rated D3 may ride in 2B)
3. Limit Hunter Seat Equitation - Riders who have not won more than 5 equitation classes on the flat or never competed in 2nd level or above dressage tests in recognized competitions.
4. Limit Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences - For riders who have not won more than 2 classes over fences 3’, and have had at least 6 months of continuos professional instructions over fences within the last year.
5. Intermediate Hunter Seat Equitation - Riders who have not won more than 8 blue ribbons on the flat or never competed 4th level or above dressage tests in recognized competitions.
6. Intermediate Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences - Riders who have not won more than 6 blue ribbons in classes over 3’3" or higher in recognized competitions, or have ever competed in but not won an USEF medal, or equivalent 3’6" equitation class, or Pony Riders rated "B" or "HA". Riders at this level have competed, but not won at the Preliminary Eventing Level.
7-8. Open Hunter Seat Equitation & Over Fences- Riders who have won an USEF medal or equivalent 3’6” equitation class or a Preliminary level event in recognized competitions, ever competed in in an intermediate or advanced level event, USET medal or Young Rider competitions, Dressage test level 4 or higher, or Pony Club Riders rated A.
Stock Seat - Riding Levels
11. Beginner Western Horsemanship - Riders in their first or second calendar year of riding with no prior showing experience.
12A. Rookie A Western Horsemanship - Those who have been riding for less than 4 calendar years. Riders in this class may have competed in local non- recognized competitions only.
12B. Rookie B Western Horsemanship - Those who have been riding between 4 - 6 years.
13. Level I Western Horsemanship - Riders who have competed in recognized competitions. May not have earned more than 30 points from any breed associations in Western classes excluding roping, games, halter, showmanship & novice classes.
14. Level II Western Horsemanship - Riders who have won more than 5 blue western horsemanship ribbons, or have earned more than 31 points from any breed association excluding roping, games, halter, showmanship & novice classes.
15. Open Western Horsemanship - Riders who have competed in nationally recognized qualifying competition such as World Show, National Breed Competition, or the Quarter Horse Congress Team Competition. May also have finished in the Top 5 at a Non Qualifying World or National Breed Association, or finished in the year end Top 3 in a Recognized Breed Association in any Western Class excluding roping, games, halter, showmanship & novice class.
16. Open Reining Pattern - For riders in open level