Equitation Medals are constructed in 2 rounds:
1) Medal Round: 100 points
2) Work-off: 100 points
Adds up to a score of 200. Highest score is deemed the winner of the medal.
Turns: Inside, for both medal & work-off
Pace: Working Canter (unless trot/counter-canter/gallop jump)
Approach to jumps: Straight-on or splicing when asked
Medal Round
A Medal round includes a minimum of 6 jumping efforts and a maximum of 13.
Riders are to navigate a hunter course (if hunt seat) but with more possible bending lines & combinations. If jump seat, riders are to navigate a jumper course, but at a controlled pace with rollbacks and possible splicing.
The course is judged on straightness to jumps, rider's equitation over fences, use of inside turns, even pace, and overall technique of the rider.
Tests Included:
Trot jump: riders are to trot when straight-on with the jump and land in a working canter on the backside. Points will be taken off if there is a canter stride before the jump or if rider does not land in working canter.
Halt after jump: about 3-5 strides after a jump, riders will transition into the halt. Every gait should be seen, canter, trot, walk, halt. Riders will stand for a minimum of 5 seconds before continuing the course.
Hand Gallop jump: riders are to hand gallop when straight on with the jump and complete it. Points will be taken off if the hand gallop is not started at least 5 strides in front of the jump.
Jumping Faults:
Any rail down: If deemed the horse's fault, 4 points will be taken. If deemed the rider's fault, 50 points will be taken.
1st refusal: 60 points
2nd refusal: 70 points
3rd refusal: Elimination
A judge will mark a rider's round out of 100 based on jumping style and ability of the horse.
Work-off
A work-off includes a minimum of 5 jumping efforts and a maximum of 9.
Riders are to navigate a harder version of their medal course. Tighter turns, rollbacks, more tests, and harsher judging will ensue.
The course is judged on straightness to jumps, even pace, inside turns taken, how the tests are performed, preparedness of the rider, and overall technique.
Tests Included:
Trot jump: riders are to trot when straight-on with the jump and land in a working canter on the backside. Points will be taken off if there is a canter stride before the jump or if rider does not land in working canter.
Halts: about 3-5 strides after a jump, riders will transition into the halt. Every gait should be seen, canter, trot, walk, halt. Riders will stand for a minimum of 5 seconds before continuing the course. Points will be taken off if rider halts to soon/late, too quickly, or stands for less than 5 seconds.
Counter-canter jumps: these are usually performed after halts. Riders will transition into the counter-canter and complete the jump, landing in the working canter. Points will be taken off if horse switches before the jump or does not land in working canter.
Transitions: Riders may be asked to perform a certain transition before or after a course. This is includes: walk to working canter, trot to working canter, walk to counter-canter, halt to working canter, halt to counter canter.
Hand Gallop jump: riders are to hand gallop when straight on with the jump and complete it. Points will be taken off if the hand gallop is not started at least 5 strides in front of the jump.
Flying change: riders may be asked to perform a flying change when switching directions after a certain jump. Riders should land, then at least 3 strides out perform a flying change by collecting the canter for 1-2 strides then proceeding at the working canter. Points will be taken off if the flying change is performed too late/too soon or if the rider is in the collected canter for more than/less than 1-2 strides.
Jumping Faults:
Any rail down: If deemed the horse's fault, 4 points will be taken. If deemed the rider's fault, 70 points will be taken.
1st refusal: 60 points
2nd refusal: Elimination
A judge will mark a rider's round out of 100 based on jumping style and ability of the horse.