This document provides an overview of the differences between the rules for Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) equitation and International equitation competitions. Both rule sets emphasize maintaining a balanced position and using aids to achieve the best performance from the horse. However, they differ in some evaluation criteria, such as PFHA judging 100% on rider position while International considers both position and horse handling. The document reviews the history of equitation and defines key concepts like center of balance. It also outlines the specific position requirements and tests for each set of rules.

1. A COMPARISON OF
PFHA
AND
INTERNATIONAL RULES
By: Sharon Londoño and Jose M. Colon
1

2. Agenda






Definitions
Brief History
Center of Balance
Posture and Position
PFHA Procedures
International Procedures
 Tests
 Judging Score Sheet
 Photo Discussion
 Conclusion
2

3. Equitation - Definition
Web Definition: The art or practice of riding a
horse correctly. Equitation often refer to a rider's
position while mounted, and encompass a rider's
ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In
horse show competition, the rider, rather than the
horse is evaluated. The performance of the horse is
not judged per se, but a poorly performing horse is
considered to reflect the ability of the rider. In good
equitation, the rider is always in balance with the
horse, maintains a correct position in every gait,
movement, or over a fence, and possesses a
commanding, but relaxed, presence, able to direct
the horse with nearly invisible aids.
3

4. Equitation – Rule Books Definitions
PFHA Rule Book: The Paso Equitation seat enhances the particular
and special style, grace, rhythm and oneness of horse and rider. The
class is to be judge 100% on equitation. The rider's position in motion
should be natural, co-coordinated and graceful. The rider should
remain almost motionless at all gaits. Results as shown by the
performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than
the method used in obtaining them.
International: Paso Equitation is the art of effectively and correctly
riding a horse using effective aids to achieve the best performance of
the horse while maintaining correct posture, seat and balance that
enhances the oneness between rider and horse. The Paso Horse
Equitation highlights the style, grace, rhythm of the Paso horse, and
the special relationship between the horse and rider. This event is
judged 100% on the equitation parameters and rules. The quality of
the horse shall not be more important than the skills and aids used by
the rider to achieve the best performance of the horse.
4

5. Brief History
 Evidence is found in China that
shows that the Chinese were riding
horses as early as 4000 BC.
 Horses have been used throughout
history in warfare.
 Most of the general principles of
equitation were developed
thousands of years ago.
 Xenophon, a general and horse
master from ancient Greece, wrote
one of the oldest known texts on
horsemanship around 350 BC.
5

6. A rider’s center of balance
•
The center of gravity is defined as:
• The balancing, equilibrium or pivoting point of
the body.
• It is the point where the sum of all the forces and
force movements acting on the body is zero.
• It is the point at which all the weight of the body
may be considered to be concentrated and
about which all the parts exactly balance.
•
The human’s body center of gravity is right above the
pelvis.
•
Shifting the position of the pelvis, will have an effect
on the distribution of weight.
Why is understanding the center of gravity/ balance important in equitation?
6

7. A horse’s center of balance
•
•
•
•
•
•
The weight of a horse is concentrated at the center of
gravity.
For a horse to move efficiently and gracefully, it must
be in good balance and permitted to have a posture
that maintains the center of gravity.
In good equitation, a rider must not interfere with the
horses balance, center of gravity and movement. He/
she should be part of it and in coordination.
The rider recognizes how to tactfully help the horse
maintain the center of balance and find that posture
where the movement becomes supple.
Using effective aids, the rider can influence the horse
movement without interfering with a good balance.
The wrong aids or rider posture can cause the horse
to compensate and lose the natural balance of
movement.
7

8. Balance
+
Body 1
=
Body 2
Balance
Rider and Horse appear to become one when there is balanced equitation.
8

9. Riding Aids
 Legs
 Weight
 Seat
 Voice
 Hands
9

10. Riding Aids
10

11. Areas evaluated
PFHA
International
 100% Equitation
 Basic Position
 Head Position
 Back Position
 Arms and hands
Position
 Legs and feet
 Position in Motion
 Horse handling (65%)
 Handling, control, confidence,
focus
 Use of Aids
 Individual Test
 Position (35%)








Basic Position
Head Position
Back Position
Arms and hands
Legs and feet
Position in Motion
Posture (Balanced and Natural)
Seat (Naturalness)
11

12. Basic Position
PFHA
International
 Convey the impression of
 Assume a balanced, natural
effective and complete
control at all times, showing
both the horses and the rider
to the rider's best advantage.
 A complete picture of the
whole is of major importance.
and correct position on the
mount to promote the best
performance of the horse.
 Convey the impression of
effective and complete
control of the horse at all
times, handling the horse in
the most appropriate manner
while maintaining a high
degree of elegance, style and
union with the horse.
12

13. Position in Motion
Description
PFHA
International
The rider’s position in motion should be natural, coordinated and
graceful.
Yes
Yes
The rider should remain almost motionless at all gaits.
Yes
Not Specified
From the side, a straight line should be able to be drawn
perpendicular to the ground through the rider’s head, shoulder and
ankle.
Yes
Head, Shoulder
and Hip
The rider’s toe should never be more forward than his knee,
thereby keeping his center of balance directly above his feet and
ankles.
Yes
No
The rider’s upper arms should fall naturally from the shoulders
toward the hip bones and should be flexible, never clutched to the
body, extend forward or spread way from the body.
Yes
Yes
The rider should appear to have a natural flow downward into the
saddle and show no side-to-side movement of upper body.
Yes
Yes
At all gaits, the rider should remain in the center of the saddle and
not slip back on the cantle.
Yes
Yes
13

14. Basic Position in Motion
PFHA
International
Why are these “lines” important?
14

15. Basic Position in Motion – Dressage
“Given a chance, horses will go
where you put your weight.
Sometimes riders do not put their
weight in the direction they want
to go.”
Michelle Morseth, Dressage Instructor
Light aids are needed when you
ride balanced. Sometimes only a
change in the weight or contact
of your seat are sufficient.
15

16. Basic Position - Philosophy
 Xenophon, a general and
horse master from ancient
Greece, wrote one of the
oldest known texts on
horsemanship
 Xenophon, in his writings
about the art of
horsemanship indicates that
the basic position of a rider
has more in common with
standing upright with the
legs slightly bent than with
sitting on a chair.
16

17. The Seat
 The rider appears to have a natural




flow downward into the saddle so that
the torso, pelvis and legs are balanced
and symmetrical.
The body of the rider should never
interfere with the movement and
balance of the horse, but it should
promote a good performance.
The rider should be centered on the
saddle and aligned with the horse’s
dorsal line.
The seat must appear natural and
comfortable at all times, highlighting
the union with the horse.
The seat should never appear rigid or
tense.
17

18. The Seat
No matter where the horse moves or how it moves, your seat should always
remain in the same place, on the horse. This is key to being in balance with
your horse.
18

19. Head Position
 Should be held erect/ straight
with the chin up.
 The rider’s eyes should look
forward at all times in the
direction of travel so as to
maintain full control of the
horse while in motion.
 The head is a very important
function in the balance of the
body.
 Therefore, putting your head
down affects your overall
balance on the horse.
19

20. Back Position
 The rider’s back should be
straight, but not tense or stiff.
 The position of the back must
look natural and it should not
be arched, leaning forward or
backward.
 The rider’s shoulders should
be square, but not tense or
stiff.
 From behind, the riders back
should be aligned with the
horse’s dorsal line
20

21. Back Position
 From behind, the riders
back should be aligned
with the horse’s dorsal
line.
 This allows the weight of
the rider to be distributed
equally over the horse.
 If the rider’s weight is not
centered over the horse,
this can cause the horse to
compensate by twisting its
body beneath the rider.
21

22. Arms and Hand Position - PFHA
 The arms should hang naturally with the
elbows not extending forward, backward
or outward beyond a perpendicular line
even with the rider’s shoulders.
 The rider’s 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 rider’s hands are held
above the horse’s withers as determined
by the head carriage of the individual
horse.
 Extremely high or low hand positions are
improper. The rider’s hands should not
pass over or behind the pommel of
saddle. The rider shall make every effort
to achieve as straight of a line as possible
from the elbow through the forearm,
hand and rein to the bit. Hands and
wrists should be flexible and not held
extremely separated.
22

23. Arms and Hand Position - PFHA
 The reins should be held by one rein
in each hand entering at the bottom
below the little finger and extending
upward with the bight (excess) of
the rein hanging on the off (right)
side of the horse.
 The rein must pass directly from the
bit, between the little and third
fingers, with the thumb being
placed on top. It is important that
the third finger holds the edges of
the rein in the joints nearest the
palm and that the fingers are closed
securely, but without tension. Right
(excess) of the rein should be on the
off (right) side.
23

24. Arms and Hand Position –
International
 The rider’s hands should be
held in an easy and natural
position, horizontal to the
saddle, and should convey
softness, adaptability and
control.
 The rider must make every
effort to achieve as straight of
a line as possible from the
elbow through the forearm;
from the forearm to the hand;
from the hand to the rein;
and to the ring of the bit.
24

25. Leg and Feet Position - PFHA
 The rider’s leg should hang naturally




with a slight bend at the knee.
The rider’s lower leg should be under
the rider’s body and not flared
outward. Flaring of the lower leg shall
be penalized.
The rider’s feet should be parallel with
the horse’s body with the heels slightly
lowered (approximately one inch).
The ball of the rider’s foot should rest
directly over the stirrup iron with even
pressure on the entire iron with heel,
hip and point of shoulder in line.
The rider’s foot position should be
natural, neither extremely in nor out.
25

26. Leg and Feet Position International





The rider’s lower leg should be under the
rider’s body and should not be extended
forward or backwards; that is, it should follow
a straight line from the knee down to the
stirrup.
Extending the leg forward, backward or not
keeping a straight line from the knee to the
stirrup shall be penalized.
The rider’s foot position should appear natural
and be as parallel as possible to the horse’s
body.
The foot’s position should not appear to be
forced inwards and/or the toes pointing
outwards.
Those riders that appear to be forcing the foot
position or maintain the toes pointing towards
the body of the horse (inwards) or outwards;
shall be penalized.
26

27. Procedures - PFHA
 Enter the ring to the right at a Paso Corto and circle the




arena in a counterclockwise manner until asked to reverse
or change gait.
The sequence of the gait will be Paso Corto, Paso Largo,
walk, reverse and repeat.
The reverse will be executed toward the center of the ring.
A halt will be called at least once during the Paso Corto.
Entries will execute the above class requirements and, in
addition, Judges are encouraged to call for at least two (2)
of the tests, of the top contestants. Each of the tests is to
be performed individually.
27

28. Tests - PFHA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ride without stirrups at a Paso Corto
Back his or her horse smoothly and under control.
Dismount and mount.
Perform a figure eight (8) at the Paso Corto. The
rider shall always turn and face the Judge unless
otherwise instructed.
Move the horse from Paso Largo to walk on a quiet
rein;
Answer questions on parts of the horse and tack.
28

29. Procedures – International
Each participant will perform the mandatory tests in the
following order:
 Theoretical Test (For Mundial participants 12 and
older)
 Group Performance
 Individual Tests:
 Figure Eight
 Back
 Serpentine
 Sounding Board
29

30. Procedures – Group Performance
 Enter the arena to the right and circle the arena in a counterclockwise manner.






Participants should maintain working their mounts close to the rail.
At the discretion of the Judges, the participants will be ordered to circle the
arena various times in one direction until instructed to reverse.
The “reverse” must be made toward the center of the ring.
The turn should not exceed an area of three meters. During the reverse, the
riders should return to the rail at the same place where the rider began the
reverse, and then proceed in gait in the opposite direction.
The rider must make sure that the horse maintains its gait and rhythm at all
times during the reverse. In the case of Galope horses, as they execute this gait
and reverse they must make a proper lead change, that is, the horse must
gallop with the lead toward the side in which the turn is made and sustain it
during the ride in this same direction.
Participants will be penalized if they cannot maintain their horses in gait, for
turning on the front legs, or pivoting of the hind legs while turning.
Judges will observe the skills, focus, handling and ability to maintain the horse
in gait during its movement on a straight line as well as during the turns.
30

31. Individual Test - Pattern
4
3
1
2
31

32. 32

33. Figure 8 - Procedure
 Participants should complete three Figure 8s around the poles
(two in one direction and one in the oposite direction) as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Participants shall enter the figure 8 from in between the
sounding board and the figure 8 poles.
Cross over the midpoint to the second pole and complete two
Figure Eights in one direction. The start and end of each figure
8 will be in the center (midpoint) of the two poles.
Cross in a straight line (towards the entry point) from one pole
to the next,
Complete one more Figure Eight.
At the completion of the last Figure Eight, participants will halt
in between the two poles facing the judges.
33

34. Figure 8 - Procedure
 The Judges will evaluate the softness of the hands on the reins,
the use of aids balancing the body on the mount during the
execution of turns, and the rider’s ability to maintain the horse
in gait throughout the test.
 Penalize:
 Participants shall be penalized if they enter the Figure Eight




incorrectly
Perform more or less than three figure eights in the manner
described in the rule book.
If the rider holds the reins with the hands separated, using a
leading rein on/or close to the horse’s neck,
using excessive aids (kicking, slapping the reins, etc.),
if their mount veers off track during the turns, or does not
maintain gait during the test.
34

35. Halt and Back
35

36. Halt and Back - Procedure
 Once the figure eight is completed, participants must halt between
the two Figure Eight poles and back up a minimum of 4 steps and a
maximum of 6 steps.
 Judges will evaluate:
 the smoothness of the command to halt,
 the rider’s seat (relaxed natural seat, balance, and proper position),
 the way the rider guides the horse backwards with subtle commands,
and in a straight line using even diagonal steps until halting the horse to
complete the back.
 After halting, the participant must command the horse to move forward
with softness, determination and urge.
 This is accomplished with the use of the proper aids and the rider’s
balance on the mount.
36

37. NO
NO
37
YES

38. Serpentine
 The serpentine test consists of alternating straight line
movements and half circles turns. During the half-circle turns,
the horse’s body should bend toward the center of the
circle.
 Judges evaluate:
 the riders’ use of aids during the turns,
 sense of rhythm,
 the ability to maintain their mounts in gait, cadence and flexibility
of the horse during the straight lines and turns.
 During the transition from straight lines to half-circle turns, the
mount must not move over the tangent, in zigzag or sinusoid
patterns.
 Participants with Trote and Galope and, Trocha and Galope
must perform this test in the Trote/ Trocha in one direction and
38

39. Sounding Board
 Once the serpentine test is completed, participants must go over the
sounding board in both directions with the horse centered in the
middle of the board throughout.
 Participants with horses that perform two gaits must perform this test
in one gait in one direction and in the other gait in the opposite
direction. The board shall be placed at ground level. If this is not
possible, then there must be an access ramp.
 Participants shall not turn their horses on the board, nor will they be
able to step off it.
39

40. Sounding board
 Judges will evaluate:
 the rider’s ability to calibrate and maintain the horse in gait,
 the ability to keep the horse in a straight line trajectory over the sounding
board.
 Penalize:
 Not maintaining their mounts in gait over the sounding board;
 Allowing the horse to move sideways (not straight) over the sounding board;
 Or allowing the horse to step off the sounding board (one extremity).
 Participants may not turn their horses over the sounding board or step
off of it.
 Participants in categories of 9 years of age and older shall be
disqualified for turning over the sounding board.
 Participants in categories under 9 years of age shall be penalized for
turning over the sounding board.
40

41. Optional Tests
 Judges may request optional tests to participants that, according
to their evaluation, are tied. The optional test must be requested
in the following order:
1. Reverse
2. Parallel Comparison
3. Order to Halt and Continue
4. Circles
5. Change of Mount
 Participants in categories of 4 to 5 years old may only be asked
to perform the reverse test.
41

42. Reverse
 This is an optional test consisting of changing direction (reverse) while
moving. Participants must reverse turning away from the rail and returning
to it in the opposite direction.
 Participants will be penalized if:
 They allow their mounts to not maintain the rhythm and cadence of the
gait shall be penalized.
 if while executing the reverse, the rider holds the reins with the hands
separated.
42

43. Parallel Comparison
 This test can be used to compare two or more participants.
 Judges will evaluate the position of the rider including:
 the posture/ position of the back (should be natural),
 the center of balance on the saddle in relation to the horse’s dorsal line,
 the naturalness of the shoulders and elbows,
 the position of the legs and feet,
 and the riders focus and skills to achieve the horse’s straight tracking
moving forward and appropriate degree of collection based on the horse’s
abilities.
43

44. Order to halt and continue
 Judges will evaluate the rider’s technique to command the horse to halt, remain
still, and continue movement when commanded. The horse must halt by
placing the hindquarters toward its center of gravity and tucking its head
so it appears to have come to a stop by giving in to the bit smoothly. Then it
must resume movement forward on its own in response to the subtle cue from
its rider. The horse must resume movement in gait, with most of its impulsion
coming from its hindquarters.
 The following will be evaluated:
 The technique used to command the horse to halt, remain still, and continue
movement when commanded,
 The aids used to transition the horse to a halt,
 The balance of the rider on the horse and the engagement of the horse’s hind
quarters during the test.
Sounding Board
44

45. Circles
 Participants shall perform three circles of at least three meters in circumference
in one direction, followed by three circles of the same size in the opposite
direction. The turn shall be made towards the pole. The mount must maintain
its gait, energy, momentum, agility, cadence, and response to the rider’s
commands throughout the test. Judges shall evaluate:
 the aids used by the rider to maintain the mount’s focused and energetic
throughout the test.
 The participants attempts to ensure that the mount maintains a high degree
of agility, flexibility, consistency of gait, rhythm and cadence.
 The Judges shall observe the subtle, yet effective aids used by the riders.
 Participants shall be penalized for using excessive and blatant aids that
are against the standards of equitation and/or may represent rudeness
and violence against their mount.
45

46. Change of Mount
 This test may not be performed by riders in the 4 - 5 and 6 – 8 years old
categories.
 Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Dismount. To dismount, the rider may either step down or slide down and the
size of the rider must be taken into account when evaluating.
Tie the reins.
Untie the lead line.
Hand the horse over to the selected participant.
When receiving the new horse, fasten the lead line.
To mount the new horse, the rider shall check the curb chain, length of stirrups
and girth and adjust them if necessary.
Mount.
46

47. International Scoring Table
47

48. 48

49. Horse handling and riding skills
 Consider the following skills during evaluation:
 Sense and awareness of the Paso horse rhythm and cadence during the
ride
 Ability to calibrate, control and maintain the horse’s gait, rhythm and
cadence
 Naturalness and “softness” of the hands on the rein
 Ability to minimize the limitations of the horse with the use of
effective aids.
 Ability to maximize the virtues of the horse
 Rider’s ability to use subtle, yet effective aids
 Focus, confidence, control and self-assuredness while handling the
horse
 Relaxed, natural, and correct posture and seat
 Poise, grace and elegance
 Performance and completion of the required tests/ individual work
offs in the correct sequence.
 Good sportsmanship and courtesy in the ring.
49

50. Penalize



















Distraction, negligence, and inattentiveness to the Judges' instructions.
Obvious roughness and rudeness towards one's horse. (Kicking the horse, pulling on the reins, and cruelty
acts)
Lack of technical, theoretical, and general knowledge of the horse. Each judge must have the results of the
graded theoretical tests given to the participants.
Inadequate position of the riders back (arched back, leaning forward or backwards)
Inadequate positioning of the hands (separated excessively or unstable, too high or too low).
Inadequate positioning of the legs and feet (toes pointing outward, upwards or downwards, feet too deep into
the stirrup, legs extended forward or backward) and incorrect support on the stirrup.
Rising out of the saddle while the horse is in motion.
Making incorrect turns during the Reverse and the “Circles” tests
Lack of stability and/ or incorrect position of the head.
Excessive and/ or blatant use of aids (kicking, rein slapping, clucking, etc.)
Inability to maintain the horse in gait.
Performing the mandatory or optional tests incorrectly.
Unnaturalness of the rider’s posture and not changing hands correctly when required during those tests
where the horse is required to turn or perform closed circles (to be taken into account during the “Circles”
test).
Not using the necessary aids to achieve the best performance of the horse. Kissing at the horse is acceptable
but not excessively.
Lack of good sportsmanship and courtesy in the ring.
Uneven length of stirrup leathers, except in categories of 4-5 years of age. The proper way to measure the
correct length of the stirrup leathers is from the base of the saddle where the cinch is attached up to the base
of the stirrup.
The loss of one or both stirrups (feet come out of the stirrups).
Not maintaining the required position on the saddle as defined in the rule book
Not performing the test in both gaits if riding a “Trote y Galope” or “Trocha y Galope” horse.
50

51. Causes for disqualification
 Total loss of control of the horse.
 Evidence of misbehavior/ rudeness against another rider.
 Disobeying the Judges' orders and instructions.
 Causing an unjustified delay of the competition.
 Addressing the Judges in an inappropriate way.
 Acts of cruelty against the horse.
 Turning over the sounding board.
 Riders in categories of 9 years of age and older shall be
disqualified if they turn in circles more than one time
around one of the poles during the figure eight test. This
will not be applicable to participants in categories under 9
years old (Mini and Pre Infantiles)
51

52. Conclusions
 There are differences when comparing PFHA and International
Equitation procedures.
 There are a few differences in the required position when riding:
 Arms and Hands
 Legs
 The basic principles of equitation are the same:
 Balance
 Position
 Effective Aids
 Horsemanship
 PFHA judging parameters focus 100% on equitation.
 International judging parameters while intended to be 100% on
equitation, includes certain aspects in the rule book that may be
interpreted as considering the performance of the horse.
52

53. References
53