DRESSAGE

"If training has not made a horse more beautiful, nobler in carriage, more attentive in his behaviour, revealing pleasure in his own accomplishment ... then he has not truly been schooled in dressage." (Col. Handler – Spanish Riding School) Quite simply, dressage means "training" or "preparation". As described by the FEI: "Dressage, the highest expression of horse training, is considered the art of equestrian sport and is used as the groundwork for all the other disciplines."

In modern day dressage competition, the horse and rider perform a test for a number of judges (up to five) to reflect the horse's way of going and level of schooling. Competitions are ridden in a flat arena usually measuring 60m x 20m and surrounded by a low barrier behind which 12 lettered markers are placed from where specified movements start and end. Each movement is awarded a mark out of 10, & some more difficult movements have a coefficient x2, the scores are totalled and shown as a percentage. It is the aim of the competitors to produce a harmonious, elegant performance where the horse moves rhythmically with suppleness in a calm, confident way. "If one induces the horse to assume that carriage, which it would adopt of its own accord when displaying its beauty, then one directs the horse to appear joyous and magnificent, proud and remarkable for having been ridden." (Xenophon - 430 – 354 BC).

The discipline of Dressage is overseen by DRESSAGE SOUTH AFRICA (DSA) and also a member of the SAEF (South African Equestrian Federation) 

DRESSAGE FREESTYLE

Freestyle to Music, sometimes known as Musical Kur or simply kur (from German kür, "freestyle") is a form of dressage competition where the horses paces are set to music to create a competitive "dance".

Movements and figures are choreographed to meet the technical requirements of the particular level with carefully chosen music that highlights the horse/rider combination. Musical Freestyles are entertaining and offer great audience appeal.

The discipline of Dressage Freestyle is overseen by DRESSAGE SOUTH AFRICA (DSA) and also a member of the SAEF (South African Equestrian Federation). 

ENDURANCE

EQUITATION

Equitation – the art and practice of horse riding  (Concise Oxford Dictionary)

Introduced into SA in 1970 by Mrs Charlotte Stubbs after a visit to the USA and in consultation with Mr George Morris, American coach and Olympic rider; the goal of equitation has always been to educate, set a standard of correct horsemanship nationally and to give exposure at a grass roots level to as many instructors and young riders as possible.

The most important thing about equitation is that you don't need a pony or horse that excels at jumping or dressage!

Equitation remains committed to GOOD RIDING. You, the rider are judged and when you ride well, your mount performs better and you are doubly rewarded with a good performance for your effective riding ability.
The challenge for any young and upcoming rider is –"to go as far as your talent will allow, without having a wonderfully talented horse or pony"
If you lease a pony from the local riding school or have a pony at home, you can enjoy the challenge and pleasure of learning to ride him/her properly, and from the comments on your score sheet, improve on your faults and gain confidence when you are rewarded for good riding.
Once you are able to ride more correctly and effectively, you will be able to improve your horse's schooling, he or she will perform better and your marks will reflect this.
An Equitation horse or pony can be any well schooled mount. It doesn't have to be as beautiful as a show horse neither is it required to have excellent movement, or the strength of a Jumper. It may be a horse or pony of any breed and size.
The tests consist of technical difficulties on the flat and over fences, and aims to reward the rider who has developed the correct seat and is able to ride effectively, so as to improve the horse's way of going. The flatwork movements are intended to reward the rider who is able to sit correctly and with feel, be effective in riding the horse in the correct frame so that the movements are ridden with accuracy, impulsion and submission.

The jumping phase is at a level that suits the average horse or pony, and the ability of the rider to partner his or her mount effectively and accurately around the course.

'Maximum effect with minimum visible effort'
Equitation strives also to guide, encourage and educate the rider who has yet to establish his or her position and feel.
Equitation competitions are structured so that every competitor will receive a free critique from knowledgeable judges-especially valuable to young riders in outlying areas who may seldom have the benefit of expert tuition.
Those talented riders who are lucky enough to have a talented mount may go on to compete in the higher graded classes, but riders and mounts at all levels will ride and perform better if they have the correct foundation.
Once a rider has moved through the levels and begins to compete in the Open equitation classes, any one of our top coaches (and we have many) will carry that rider forward and with self motivation, and dedication, riders are able to qualify for provincial colours.
Once established in the correct techniques of effective riding, our leading juniors, all of whom have expert instructors who believe in and practice this correct standard of horsemanship, will be well equipped to move up into the top levels of Show jumping and other equestrian disciplines.

The discipline of Equitation is overseen by EQUITATION SOUTH AFRICA (SAEQA) and is a member of the SAEF (South African Equestrian Federation).

EVENTING 3 Phase

,EVENTING 3 PHASE  (EV)

JUMPING

Jumping (previously called Show Jumping) is competitive precision riding over a set course of obstacles, which although perhaps solid in appearance, are easily knocked down. Each knock or refusal incurs penalties, which are marked against the competitor. The winner is the rider who can jump the course clear, and then jump at least part of it again, raised and this time against the clock, to be clear and faster than any other rider.

Jumping is a sport that caters for young and old, where boys and girls, and men and women compete against each other. 

The DISCIPLINES OF JUMPING falls under the SAEF (South African Equestrian Federation). - JUMPING is also a FEI (Federation Equestré Internationale) discipline.

SASJ WEBSITE:  please click this link

MOUNTED ARCHERY

SADDLE SEAT

SANESA PRIX CAPRILLI

Prix Caprilli, is named after the great Italian rider who was the father of the modern forward seat for jumping, is a dressage test with jumps included.   

The tests have the same movements as a dressage test and include the requirement for horse and rider to trot and/or canter over single jumps.  Prix Caprilli draws from both disciplines, requiring the horse to  perform dressage movements while also navigating low fences. The judges will judge this test the same as a normal dressage test that includes technical marks for the movement, impulsion, submission and riding.   

The test takes place in a standard dressage arena, which provides a defined space for the movements.  The jumping elements consist of low fences, typically 2' cross rails, to ensure the focus remains on the horse's overall ability and not just on the jumps themselves.

The emphasis is not the jumping style of the horse, it is on the horse’s relaxation, obedience and evenness of pace.   It is a dressage test that happens to have jumps in the way and the jumps should not disrupt the standard performance expected in a dressage test.   It is worth thinking about the riding style you will adopt over the jumps as you will need to establish a position over the jumps that assists the horse in freely jumping over the jump without any resistance.   

The discipline of SANESA Prix Caprilli does not fall under the SAEF and is managed by SANESA.

SANESA PRIX CAPRILLI GUIDELINES:  please click this link

SHOWING (Performance Riding/Working Riding/Working Hunter/In-Hand Utility)

VAULTING

WESTERN MOUNTED GAMES

WORKING EQUITATION

Working Equitation was created with the objective of enhancing the equestrian techniques developed in countries whose riders use horses in different aspects of fieldwork. Working Equitation therefore provides an occasion for the simultaneous comparison of sporting and cultural considerations.
Working Equitation broadens a horses scope and teaches your horse to be a good partner in any equine sport you care to pursue. The obstacle course is not only fun, but it hones your aids. For instance, you learn the basics of bending, leg yields, transitions, side passing and in higher levels doing flying changes around the poles and giving your horse a visual reference for timing and purpose of change.
The rider must enjoy a challenge and be open to trying different things, the horse is trained to have a good mind and a willing attitude and become balanced. At higher levels, riders need the ability to lighten the forehand and achieve true collection.
A competent WE rider is always in balance with his horse, giving the impression of a harmonious cooperation, by maintaining a correct position, with a commanding but relaxed presence, the rider appears able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids. 
In WE you don’t have to abandon everything you know and start at the bottom, you bring your horse (No specific breed required) and tack and training you already have and simply add another layer of your expertise.
The sport tests the horse and riders partnership and ability to manoeuvre obstacles.
South African Working Equitation Association (ZAWE) is the National Association overseeing the Technical Discipline Rules for Working Equitation offered in SANESA.