Bobbin Hollow Disciplines
Get Back To The Basics with BHEC!
We teach novice up to advanced and world level!
The versatile seat…Basic Balance Seat. All new students start from the very basics of classical training & equitation and then can choose from the many disciplines that BHEC offers below.
Level Taught: Beginner to Advanced. Lesson Information
Dressage
The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result, it makes the horse not only calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with the rider. The horse should give the impression of doing on his own accord that which is required of him. Visit the United States Dressage Federation for more information.
Level Taught: Beginner to Intermediate. Lesson Information
Driving
Combined driving competitions consist of three very different sections. First is the dressage test to illustrate the harmony between driver and horse as they drive a set pattern, this is what BHEC also specializes in and have produced several World Champion driving horses. Second the cross-country is a marathon where horse and driver must maneuver around and through different obstacles. The cones course is performed at the end of the competition and demonstrates how well horses have recovered physically and mentally from the stress of the marathon. Visit the American Driving Society for more information.
Level Taught: Beginner to World Level. Lesson Information
Equitation …in All Disciplines!
Any comprehensive work on our sport has to begin with the rider’s position. A study of our discipline is somewhat difficult because there is no one work that pulls together the evolution of the accepted style of riding in the U.S.A. today. Our roots go back to the beginning of riding history; today’s seat and style is a composite that best suits modern needs in the show ring. The definition of equitation is “that position which allows the rider to perform a function with the least amount of energy.”
Level Taught: Beginner to World Level. Lesson Information
Hunt Seat
Hunt Seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American horse shows. Along with Dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting. Hunt seat competition in North America includes both flat and over fences for show hunters, which judge the horse's movement and form, and equitation classes, which judge the rider's ability both on the flat and over fences. Hunt seat is also the generic term used to describe any form of forward seat, including that seen in show jumping and eventing.
Hunt seat is an extremely popular form of riding in the United States, headed under the USHJA (United States Hunter/Jumper Association) and the United States Equestrian Federation. It is also popular in Canada. While hunt seat showing is not an Olympic discipline, many show jumping competitors began by riding in the hunter divisions, before moving into the jumper divisions.
Level Taught: Beginner to World Level. Lesson Information
Hunt/Jump
A hunter is a type of show horse that is judged on its movement, manners, and way of going, particularly while jumping fences. The horses are shown in hunt seat style tack. In the United States, hunters are primarily exhibited over fences, with a few additional classes offered for horses shown in-hand or on the flat.
Level Taught: Beginner to World Level. Lesson Information
The United States Hunter Jumper Association
Saddle Seat
Saddle Seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds. The style developed into its modern form in the United States, and is also seen in Canada and South Africa. To a much lesser extent, it is ridden with American action horse breeds in Europe and Australia.
The goal of the Saddle seat riding style is to show off the horse's extravagant gaits, particularly the trot. All saddle seat riding is done on the flat (jumping is not involved). In the United States, there sometimes is confusion between saddle seat and hunt seat disciplines among individuals who are neither familiar with different styles of English saddle nor the substantial differences in rider position and attire between the disciplines.
Level Taught: Beginner to World Level. Lesson Information
At BHEC, we produce World Champion Saddle Seat riders year after year!
The U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup
Western
Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved from the ranching and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. American cowboys needed to work long hours in the saddle over rough terrain, sometimes needing to rope cattle with a lariat (or lasso). Because of the necessity to control the horse with one hand and use a lariat with the other, western horses were trained to neck rein, that is, to change direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck. Horses were also trained to exercise a certain degree of independence in using their natural instincts to follow the movements of a cow, thus a riding style developed that emphasized a deep, secure seat, and training methods encouraged a horse to be responsive on very light rein contact.
Though the differences in equipment appear dramatic, fewer differences between English and Western riding exist than most people think. Both styles require riders to have a solid seat, with the hips and shoulders balanced over the feet, with hands independent of the seat so as to avoid jerking the horse in the mouth and interfering with its performance.
Western Pleasure is a western style competition at horse shows that evaluates horses on manners and suitability of the horse for a relaxed but collected gait cadence and relatively slow speed of gait, along with calm and responsive disposition. The horse is to appear to be a "pleasure" to ride. Most light horse breeds in the United States and Canada may compete in western pleasure classes, either in open competition or at shows limited to a single breed. However, horse conformation and temperament play a role in this event, and hence animals that are calm, quiet, have collected, soft gaits and the strong muscling required to sustain slow, controlled movement are the most competitive.
Level Taught: Beginner to World Level. Lesson Information
Do you want to compete?
We specialize in the American Saddlebred and Morgan Horses. Both of these breeds are very diverse and multi-disciplined. We are known for producing World Champion Horses and World Champion Riders, we can take you into the ribbons. Please call (239) 592-1033 for more information on these services and current rates. Here is a list of what we offer.
· Classic Pleasure · Country Pleasure · Dressage · English Pleasure · Equitation · Fine Harness |
· Five Gaited · Hunter Jumpers · Hunter Pleasure · In-Hand · Park Harness |
· Park Pleasure · Park Saddle · Pleasure · Pleasure Driving · Roadster to Bike
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· Roadster Under Saddle · Saddle-Type Pony · Three Gaited · Western · Etc. |
Common Questions from new comers?
What is Five-Gaited? Our American Saddlebred horses compete in the Five-Gaited division displaying beauty, brilliance, elegance and refinement. The horses perform at speed in an animated form. Horses are shown with a full mane and tail. Protective boots may be worn on the front feet. The horses are judged at the animated walk, trot, slow gait, rack and canter.
What is Three-Gaited? Again, our American Saddlebred competes in the Three-Gaited division with the epitome of beauty, brilliance, elegance, refinement and expression. The horses perform in an animated and precise manner. To accentuate the refinement of horses in this division, they are shown with a roached mane and tail. Horses are judged at the animated walk, park trot and canter.
What is Fine Harness & Park Harness? American Saddlebred and Morgan Horses compete in the Fine Harness and Park Harness divisions which should posses all of the elegance and refinement of the ideal American Saddlebred and Morgan horse. As opposed to the Five-Gaited horses, entries in this division work toward animation rather than speed. The horses are shown with a full mane and tail. Protective boots may be worn on the front feet for the ASB’s. The horses are judged at the animated walk, park trot and "show your horse."
Important Associations
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Southwest Florida's Premier Equestrian Center3375 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. • Naples, Florida 34109 • (239) 592-1033 |