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An equestrian rider refers to a person who performs equestrianism, which is the skill of riding or driving horse. Such skills are usually intended to be performed in competitive sports. These skills are honed through intensive training as well as in competitions, games and races. For an equestrian rider to be successful, he or she needs to have a lot of endurance, hardships, mental and physical intellects.

Equestrian sports have evolved, thus, demanded specialized skills from both the horse and the equestrian rider. And because of its growing popularity, the skills were preserved, particularly after that time when horses were being used in combat. Today, equestrian sports provide entertainment and at the same time preserve excellent horsemanship. In nearly all equestrian sports, both the horse and the equestrian rider are required to focus on control and balance.

Equestrian riders train their horses to be ridden or driven in many different sporting events and competitions such as show jumping, eventing, dressage, etc. In these competitions, either or both the rider and the horse are being judged. Like in dressage competition, the horse is judged based on the level of its impulsion, collection and obedience. On the other hand, in a show jumping, judgments are made based on the ability of the horse and the rider to jump over a series of obstacles at a given time.

Judging equestrian sports is a difficult task, which is why different judges are hired for the different equestrian sports. An equestrian sports judge has to decide first which discipline he or she is most interested in judging. Then, he or she should familiarize himself or herself with the relevant rules as well as the judging procedures.

Often, equestrian riders find it difficult to understand how equestrian sports are judged. One might be confused why a horse show class is placed or why a certain horse is ranked better than the other. To remove all of these confusions, you have to see the class from the judges perspective. Equestrian riders have to consider three things to better understand class placings.

First, you should remember that all the details needed in decision-making can all be seen by the judges. For one, the judges have the best vantage point, which enable them to get an up close view of each horse in the competition.

Secondly, equestrian riders must consider that each horse class has specific rules. As an example, Arabian Mare halter classes are judged and evaluated according to its type, which becomes the key factor. But when it comes to judging Arabian Gelding halter classes, its conformation is considered first.

Each class has different specifications, which the judges have to set. Evaluations made by the judges will be different in relation to the horses class, as indicated by the rule book.

Finally, you should bear in mind that excellence is one of the most important factor when judging a horse show. A mediocre horse with perfect performance can still be outranked by an excellent quality horse, even if it commits minor mistakes. You, as an equestrian rider, should also be concerned about the fact that gait, frame and overall elegance are rewarded.