So what is equestrian? Pamela Bruemmer, equestrian head coach at NMSU, says it’s simply riding horses. But she explains it further in the following questions and answers.

What is the difference between rodeo and equestrian?

Rodeo encompasses speed events that involve livestock and rough stock – steer, bulls, saddle broncs, etc. Rodeo events are roping, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle-bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping and calf roping. These events are all races against the clock.

In equestrian, you only ride horses. The horses are trained to execute specific gaits, patterns or maneuvers in an arena or over a trail course. Equestrian is more of a disciplined riding style in either of its two forms, western or English (see below).

What are the events in an equestrian competition?

At the collegiate level, all we do is equitation – either English or horsemanship (Western) – where riders are judged for their style and proper form and how well they can get an unfamiliar horse to properly perform what is asked of them.

How are participants judged?

Participants are judged on their equitation. Equitation is the basic proper position for when you are riding. There should be an imaginary straight line from the rider’s ear, shoulder, hip and heel, and the head should be up and looking forward. There should be a straight line from the rider’s elbow to the horse’s bit, and the heel should be down. This is the proper position for both English and western riding. It allows the horse to move and perform with as little interference from the rider, but still gives the rider maximum ability to cue the horse. Riders must adjust their body position for the different gaits.

What is English riding?

In English riding, the rider’s eyes should be up and the shoulders back. Toes should be at an angle best suited to the rider’s conformation, ankles flexed, heels down and the calf of the legs in contact with the horse and slightly behind the horse’s girth. The stirrup should be on the ball of the foot. Hands should be over and in front of the horse’s withers and slightly apart, making a straight line from the horse’s mouth to the rider’s elbow. The levels of speed at which the horse moves are referred to as walking, then trotting, then cantering. The rider’s body should be vertical when walking or at a slow trot, and posting (lifting up and forward) when trotting.

What is western riding?

In western riding, riders should sit in the saddle with legs hanging straight. The stirrup should be just short enough to allow the heels to be lower than the toes. The body should always appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible. The levels of speed at which the horse moves are referred to as walking, then jogging, then loping. Riders sit to jog rather than posting. At the lope, the rider is close to the saddle. All movements of the horse are governed by imperceptible aids, such as shifting the rider’s weight.

How many members are on the equestrian team?

We have 30 this year. Our squad is fairly small compared to other varsity teams, but our horse squad numbers work for the number of our riders. We have 30 horses to care for and keep fit as well!

Are the team members only women or can men join as well?

We are a women’s team only.