Equestrian

With its diversity of classes offered, equipment needs, and dependence on a live animal, the equestrian program is certainly the most complicated.Equestrian has grown in a short period of time. In 1993, only 13 local programs had Equestrian. Today that number is 58, with over 500 athletes across the state.Equestrian also set the stage for other sports and the “Team” concept. In 1990 the SONC Equestrian Development Team was established, it was the first in the state and one of the first in the country, serving as a model for all other SONC sports.

Rules and Resources

Events Offered

SONC offers 12 different events in performance and gymkhana. Performance classes showcases the ability of the athlete to control the horse and follow verbal instructions as well as learned patterns. Gymhkana, also called games events, are timed events in which an athlete or team must complete certain tasks while racing the clock! SONC also offers Unified Sports relays in two and four-person teams.

Performance Classes

Dressage
Equitation (English & Western)
Equitation with Pattern (English & Western)
Western Riding
Working Trails (English & Western)
Showmanship at Halter/Bridle Classes (non-mounted performance class)

Gymkhana Events

Pole Bending
Barrel Racing
Figure 8 Stake Race
Team Relay (2 & 4-person)
Unified Sports Team Relay (2 & 4-person)

Competition Opportunities

Local Invitationals
SONC Equestrian Tournament is the state-level competition which was held in Raleigh September 30-October 2.

Equestrian Calendar

All forms must be submitted by the local program coordinator.

Equestrian Tournament Registration Forms

Individual Entry Form
Relay Team Entry Form
Horse Roster

Equestrian Invitational Registration Forms

Individual Entry Form
Relay Team Entry Form

Patterns

These patterns are valid for the 2011 SONC Equestrian Tournament in October and the Charlotte Invitational in June 2012.

Equitation with Pattern Level A
Equitation with Pattern Level B

Showmanship Level A Showmanship Level B Showmanship Level C

Working Trails Level A
Working Trails Level B
Working Trails Level C

Dressage Level A
Dressage Level B
Dressage Level C
Western Riding Level A
Western Riding Level B

Sport Development Team

These volunteers advise SONC staff regarding sport rule modifications, competition and also train coaches in their sport! For more information on the equestrian sport development team, contact one of the members below or Andrea Stamm, SONC staff liaison.

Perry Flynn, SDT Director
Greensboro, NC

Hellen Bee
Lexington, NC

Denise Bricker
Clayton, NC

Kim Hicks
Roxboro, NC

Katie Miller
Charlotte, NC

Kathie Streit
Mocksville, NC

Sports Offered

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