[morgangirl]

Recently at a show the judge ask the English Pleasure class (saddleseat) for a hand gallop. I have never seen it asked in an EP class before. Do you do a two point as you would in a Hunt Class?

[jazzyjumper]

I am pretty sure you go into your half seat (basically the same as a two point, but without the release) and urge your horse to be more forward. The key is keeping it controlled. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.

[Faith04]

That's pretty much it, the hand gallop is a controlled gallop. Not just a flat out run, it can be quite difficult to do properly as most riders are afraid to let their horses go and so really only get a faster canter. You ride in a forward, 2 point position, with a good contact. The horse is usually judged on how well he goes into the gallop and how willingly he comes back down.

[morgangirl]

It's just that I have never heard of a hand gallop being called for in a English Pleasure (saddleseat) class. Usually just a walk, trot, pleasure trot and canter are called for.

[MIEventer]

Ahhh, good ol' English Pleasure classes! I grew up doing flat shows from the age of 12 to 18.

They also ask for Hand Gallop in Road Hack classes as well. The objective is to see a longer stride, under controll *not racing around* while the rider is up in 2 point. All absorption of your motion should go into your ankles and knees. No gripping, no pinching - open everything up and allow your ankles to anchor you.

The judge wants to see forward ears, smooth steady rhythmic gallop, under control.

A Hand Gallop, I do all the time between fences on the CC course. Nothing scarey about it what-so-ever! Just practice it at home.

Ask for a canter, get up in two point, keep a steady contact and use your leg to ask for a more extended stride. Keep it under control - no loud hands. Put your hands on the crest of the neck if you have too.

The judge looks for goof form of the rider. Feet at the girth, heels deep, knees moving with the motion of the stride, seat centered over saddle, tall upper body *not to closed of a hip angle*, shoulders back, quiet hands, CARRIED hands and a quiet steady, rhythmic canter - just lengthen the stride. And a happy horse. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY.

English Pleasure = a pleasure to watch and a horse that is a pleasure to ride!

[Sandra-A1]

I have never seen a saddleseat rider go into what I know as a 2-point position...

If I had been showing in that class I would have asked my horse to extend his/her canter and would have inclined my upper body a bit forward (as/if necessary), but I would not have attempted to go into a real two-point position like when riding in a hunt seat type of class.

Saddleseat classes are about showing with style and elegance and the rider must maintain an elegant (and correct ) position in the saddle when riding all gaits..even the hand gallop.
Also, since most horses shown under the saddleseat have a lot of lift and elevation when performing their gaits.....they are, usually, also already very collected...so asking one to extend their canter into a saddleseat class hand gallop will not usually mean that the horse is traveling the same as a horse in a hunt seat class doing the hand gallop so a real two-point position would not be necessary.

Please keep in mind that this is just my opinion....

[MIEventer]

I would suggest reading the rules on Saddleseat Hand Gallops or what is expected. Maybe speak to a judge who asks for that to find out what they say in what they look for in a hand gallop while judging a saddleseat class

[Sandra-A1]

According to the Saddlebred Horse Division Rule Book:

e. HAND GALLOP: The hand gallop is performed with a long, free, ground-covering stride. The amount of ground covered may vary between and among horses due to difference in natural length of stride. A decided lengthening of stride should be shown while the horse remains controlled, mannerly, correct and straight on both leads. The hand gallop is not a fast collected canter.

The above information was found at:
http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2008/26-SB.pdf

Also, according to the USEF Rule Book:

Disciplines: National: Saddle Seat Equitation
Subchapter EQ-3. Saddle Seat Equitation Section

EQ115 Position.

1. General. Judges should note that the required Equitation Seat should in no way be exaggerated but be thoroughly efficient and most comfortable for riding the type of horse called for at any gait and for any length of time. In Saddle Seat Equitation classes, riders should convey impression of effective and easy control. To show a horse well, he should show himself to the best advantage. Ring generalship must be taken into consideration by the judges. A complete picture of the whole is of major importance. An exhibitor is entitled to request only one time-out per class. (See GR833). A judge must order from the ring any unruly horse or one whose actions threaten to endanger the rider, other exhibitors, or their entries.

2. Hands. Hands should be held in an easy position, neither perpendicular nor horizontal to the saddle and should show sympathy, adaptability and control. The height the hands are held above the horse's withers is a matter of how and where the horse carries his head. The method of holding the reins is optional however both hands must be used and all reins must be picked up at one time. Bight of rein should be on the off side.

3. Basic Position. To obtain proper position, rider should place himself comfortably in the saddle and find his center of gravity by sitting with a slight bend at the knees but without use of irons. While in this position adjust leathers to fit. Irons should be placed under ball of foot (not toe nor "home") with even pressure on entire width of sole and center of iron. Foot position should be natural (neither extremely in nor out).

4. Position in Motion.

Walk: slight motion in saddle.

Trot: slight elevation in saddle posting; hips under body not mechanical up-and-down nor swinging forward and backward.

Canter: close seat, going with horse.

Slow Gait: steady in saddle, no slap nor twist; legs straight down, intermittent calf pressure permissible; hands slightly raised, flexible contact, no sawing.

Rack: seat smooth in saddle; legs down and slightly back, not thrust forward; hands low in motion with gait, not sawing but placement optional to individual rider and horse.

EQ116 Appointments.

1. Personal. Exhibitors and judges should bear in mind that at all times entries are being judged on ability. However, neatness is the first requisite regarding a rider's attire and the following requirements are based on tradition and general present-day customs. Judges must eliminate those competitors who do not conform. Adjustments to tack and attire for valid medical reasons is permitted provided the steward is notified prior to the class.

Informal: Conservative colors are required (i.e., herringbone, pin stripes and other combinations of colors that appear to be solid). Solid colors include black, blue, grey, dark burgundy, dark green, beige or brown jacket with matching jodhpurs; derby or soft hat (may wear protective headgear without penalty, see GR801.4) and jodhpur boots. Only informal dress is permitted in Saddlebred Pleasure Equitation classes, day or night.

Formal: Even more conservative attire is required for evening classes. Solid colors include dark grey, dark brown, dark blue or black tuxedo-type jacket with collars and lapels of the same color, top hat, jodhpurs to match and gloves, or dark-colored riding habit, accessories and jodhpur boots. Formal riding habits are not to be worn before 6:00 p.m. and are not mandatory after 6:00 p.m.; exhibitors competing on Pleasure horses have the option to wear formal attire in Open equitation classes as specified by the rule.

Miscellaneous: Spurs of the unrowelled type, whips or crops are optional.

2. Tack.

Bridle: Entries shall be shown in full bridles (curb and snaffle). Pelham bits are permitted in Pleasure Equitation Classes. Martingales or similar tie-downs are prohibited.

Saddle: Flat English-type. Forward seat, Western and side saddles are prohibited.

EQ117 Class Routine.

Riders enter the ring turning to the right and proceed counterclockwise. All riders shall be worked both ways of the ring at all required gaits as directed by the judge. The order to reverse can be executed by turning either towards or away from the rail. Entries will line up on command and any or all riders may be required to execute any appropriate tests included in class requirements. (See EQ118 and EQ119). Judges are encouraged to call for at least two tests of the top competitors. When individual tests are called for, the judge’s opinion rests on a 50-50 analysis of the railwork and the individual tests. The fall of horse or rider does not necessarily cause elimination, but is penalized at the judge’s discretion. All entries chosen for a collective workout must be worked both ways of the ring in front of each judge at any gait requested.

For more information about Saddle Seat Equitation, please contact the Breeds and Western Disciplines Department of the United States Equestrian Federation at (859) 258-2472 or:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 258-2472

The above information was found at: http://www.usef.org/Contentpage2.aspx?id=sse

[MIEventer]

Hey now that's cool!

Yeah, the USEA description of the Hand Gallop is exactly what I said. Extented movement, not quickened. Controlled, smooth, rhythmic and a pleasure to watch. But a hand gallop, the rider must free the back by moving into a 2 point.

But I see in the saddle seat section, there is nothing on the Hand Gallop. I guess it is out of the ordinary for a judge to ask for that?

I know nothing about saddleseat.

[SaddleUp158]

I have been showing Morgans for 5 or 6 yrs and have never heard a judge call for a hand gallop in any SS class. As for riding in a two point if they did call for it, I do not think it would work that well! I am afraid you would end up with the horse's head in your face, it would also be pretty difficult in a cutback saddle. If they did call for one I would probably, depending on the horse, either sit it like I would an extension or just barely use a half seat.