What exactly is Saddle Seat?

I'm guessing that those of you who read this blog (Hi, Uncle Gary!) have very little idea what I'm talking about when I discuss my style of horseback riding. So here's a little tutorial about the style of riding that I compete in: Saddle Seat. This is by no means a complete description of my chosen riding style, but more of a glimpse, so that some of what I talk about here on this blog makes sense.

As widely respected American Saddlebred trainer, Smith Lilly, aptly puts it in his newly released book, Saddle Seat Horsemanship:

     Saddle Seat horsemanship, at its core, is about the careful development and refinement of the natural exuberance and inherent majesty that all horses possess...Such training should be enjoyable for both horse and trainer. We are only asking the horse to do what he most enjoys and delights in doing of his own accord. And, in turn, we as riders and trainers come to know the indescribable joy that comes from riding a horse that is giving all of the proud carriage, all of the height of action and all of the natural charisma that he has to offer.

Commonly, I'm asked where the jumps are. No, I do not jump. And no I don't race. Yes, we go around a ring, but there's a lot more to it than simply going around in a circle.

Within Saddle Seat you may choose to show in equitation or performance classes. In equitation it is the rider that is being judged (overall picture is important, so it's key that your horse is turned out nicely also). For further reading about equitation, you may want to spend some time reading this site. I'm not going to dive much deeper into equitation because Mario and I show in performance classes. In performance classes, it is the horse that is being judged. There are several divisions from which to choose when showing in performance.

Last year Mario and I competed in a performance division called Country Pleasure. According to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Rule Book, a horse showing in Country Pleasure should exhibit the following:

      Manners and suitablity as a pleasure horse are paramount. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Special emphasis is given for a true, flat walk. Entries must be asked both ways of the ring to halt and stand quietly on the rail. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. A Country Pleasure horse may be less showy than a Show Pleasure horse.

We did pretty well in this division last year. But over the winter Mario has been working a little differently and showing us (my trainer and me) that he wants to do a little more in the show ring. Normally, the next "step up" would be Show Pleasure. Show Pleasure has many of the same requirements as Country Pleasure with the exception of halting. Also a Show Pleasure horse is generally more animated than a Country Pleasure horse. But, Mario is working a lot more animated and really wanting to be a big, bold-going show horse, the stronger he gets (all the while still being a perfect gentleman).

This year, we will be showing in a division called Park. A Park horse (again, according to the USEF Rule Book),

     To be shown at an animated or flat walk, trot and canter. Horses should stand quietly in the lineup. The Park horse should be stylish with finish and quality and well-mannered. The performance should be animated and graceful at all gaits.

There are some significant differences between a Park class and a Country Pleasure class. In a Park class, flat walking and halting are not a requirement. Neither is backing. Manners are still important, but there is more emphasis placed on performance. Of course, we won't really know if this is the right move until we get him in the ring in a couple of weeks, up against the other guys. The great thing about Mario, is that he is suitable for Country Pleasure, so we can always go back to that if we've misjudged him in the off season. It will be interesting to see!

For more information about the American Saddlebred and Saddle Seat riding:

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA)