For many riders, the word “equitation” brings to mind a very specific image: polished junior riders in the big equitation finals, vying for the top call and the prestige that comes with it. In hunter circles, equitation is often considered just another competitive division, a place where juniors prove their talent before moving on to focus in the hunters or jumpers. But Geoff Teall believes equitation is much more than that.
“Equitation literally means the art of riding on horseback,” he writes. “It encompasses the concepts of horsemanship, correctness of position, and riding skills.”
Seen this way, equitation is not a passing phase for juniors. It is the foundation for a lifetime of good riding.
Beyond the Show Ring
The annual equitation finals are the pinnacle of the division, and winners often go on to enjoy lengthy, successful careers in the industry. But Teall points out that many riders who never set foot in the equitation division also succeed. Why? Because the principles of equitation apply everywhere.
“I see equitation as more than just a division of competition dedicated to making young riders into good riders,” he explains. “To me, equitation is a means to an end.”
Good position, correct basics, and an understanding of balance are skills that transfer whether you’re jumping a Grand Prix course, hunting across open country, or enjoying a hack at home.
A Foundation for All Disciplines
Teall stresses that equitation training builds a rider’s toolbox in ways that carry across disciplines. “I believe that an understanding and a mastery of sound riding principles gives the hunt seat rider the skills needed to succeed in all facets of riding, including jumping, dressage, showing hunters, fox hunting, or pleasure riding,” he writes.
A rider grounded in equitation has already learned the essentials: balance, control, harmony, and grace. These skills aren’t limited to the medal ring. They’re the base of riding itself.
More Than Just Looking Pretty
Too often, equitation is dismissed as simply making a rider “look good” on a horse. But Teall emphasizes that correct position and balance are not about appearances. They are about function.
“As a rider, perfecting your form and position provides you with a wealth of skills that will help you cope with the problems and difficult situations you’ll surely encounter in your riding career,” he writes.
Form, balance, and position are not cosmetic details. They’re grounded in efficiency and make riders more effective in difficult situations, from tricky jump-off turns to keeping a horse confident over a spooky fence.
Equitation also develops the rider as a trainer. “Since fine-tuning your equitation skills involves learning how to ride into and out of specific problems, you learn a lot about training,” Teall explains.
Not only do you learn how to train yourself to jump with fluidity, style, and grace, but you also learn how to train your horse to do the same.
Equitation as Lifelong Horsemanship
Perhaps most importantly, Teall frames equitation as a philosophy of horsemanship. It is a way of approaching the horse with respect, patience, and skill. When equitation is done well, he says, “it creates a solid riding foundation. It will help you understand sound training principles. An equitation background has the potential to give you a wonderfully broad base for your riding.”
Whether or not you ever show in an equitation division, you can ride with equitation every day, focusing on form, balance, and harmony to improve both yourself and your horse.
Equitation is not just for juniors, not just for finals, and not just for the polished few who ride in the spotlight. It is, as Teall reminds us, “the art of riding on horseback.” It is a toolkit for anyone who aspires to ride better, train more effectively, and enjoy a lifetime with horses.
No matter your discipline or level, embracing equitation means embracing a standard of balance, form, and horsemanship that will serve you every time you put a foot in the stirrup.
Read more of Geoff Teal’s riding philosophy in Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style on Audible and Kindle.
