Equitation Divisions

The equitation divisions can be even more confusing than the hunter divisions because the classes are divided between the hunter ring and the jumper ring. I will divide the list of divisions based on whether the classes are hunt seat equitation or jumper equitation. Again, the classes that are offered will vary from show to show, so check each prize list when you're planning out your show season.

Equitation classes are generally a smooth, hunter-type course with slightly more technical elements (rollbacks, broken lines, etc.).

Medal classes incorporate at least two extra tests into the course. These can include things like a trot jump, a halt or counter-cantering a jump.

Hunt Seat Equitation

Junior C Equitation - Open to riders who are under 12 years old on January 1 of the current year. Height depends on size of pony or horse. Jumps for horses are set at 3' (0.90m), jumps for ponies are set as for the Pony Hunter divisions.

Junior B Equitation - Open to riders who are 12, 13 or 14 years old on January 1 of the current year. Height depends on size of pony or horse. Jumps for horses are set at 3' (0.90m), jumps for ponies are set as for the Pony Hunter divisions.

Junior A Equitation - Open to riders who are 15, 16 or 17 years old on January 1 of the current year. Jump height is 3'6" (1.10m).

Children's Equitation - Open to riders competing in the Children's Hunter division. Jump height is 3' (0.90m).

Pony Medal - Open to junior riders. Fence sizes and distances adjusted based on pony size.

Children's Medal - Open to junior riders who do not cross-enter into jumper classes exceeding 3’9” (1.15m), hunter or equitation classes exceeding 3’3” (1.0m). Jump height is 3' (0.90m).

Junior Medal - Open to junior riders. Jump height is 3'6" (1.10m).

Adult-Amateur Medal - Open to amateur riders. Jump height is 3' (0.90m).

Jump Canada Medal - Open to juniors. Jump height is 3'6" (1.10m). There is a jumping phase and a flat phase, with a scoring of 60% over fences and 40% on the flat. Regional finalists compete at the Royal Winter Fair.

Aubert Brillant Medal - Open to juniors and amateurs who are not competing in the Jump Canada Medal at the same show. Jump height is 3'3" (1.0m). There is a jumping phase and a flat phase, with a scoring of 60% over fences and 40% on the flat.

Jumper Equitation

CET Mini Medal (also known as the Francois Ferland Medal) - Open to juniors and amateurs but riders may not cross-enter into the CET Medal at the same competition. Jump height is 3'3" (1.0m). There is both a jumping phase and a flat phase, with a scoring of 60% over fences and 40% on the flat..

CET Medal - Open to riders until the end of the year in which they reach the age of 21. No stallions are permitted. Jump height is 1.10m to 1.15m (3'6" to 3'9"). Riders must be members of the Canadian Equestrian Team. There is both a jumping phase and a flat phase, with a scoring of 60% over fences and 40% on the flat. Regional finalists compete at the Royal Winter Fair.

OHJA Medal - Open to juniors and amateurs who are not competing in hunter divisions set at 3' or under, or in the 1.0m junior/amateur jumpers. Jump height is 3'6" to 3'9" (1.10m to 1.15m).

For the complete rules of the EC-recognized equitation divisions, read chapters 10 and 11 of the EC Hunter, Jumper, Equitation and Hack Rulebook here