These obstacles may include opening a gate, jumping fallen logs, crossing a bridge, or backing through an obstacle and are designed to measure maneuverability, response to aids, flexibility, and the horse's overall ability as a trail horse. Hunters are judged on pace, stride, manners, style of jumping, way of going, performance, equipment, fitness, and soundness. Each of these factors relates to the horse's ability to gallop cross country for long periods of time. Gaits include the Free Walk, Working Trot, and Working Canter. Carriage Driving Horses should be relaxed and supple and move forward energetically without rushing.
Equitation is the art of riding and showing a horse.
It is the riding technique which produces the maximum effectiveness from the horse with a minimum of visible aids. The rider is judged on hands, seat, legs, basic position, and the ability to make the horse perform any gait or test the judge may require. Equitation riders are 17 years old or younger.