What Is ANRC?
Mission
The primary goal of ANRC is to promote the American System of Forward Riding. This system is based on the idea that the rider’s position or seat, control, and schooling of the horse are integral parts. The training objectives seek to develop the horse’s agility and strength under the weight of the rider, and achieve balance of the horse independently of the rider’s aids. Emphasis is placed on the rider’s ability to achieve a cooperative performance, allowing the horse to move forward freely with connected movement, while remaining calm and alert.
The DVD series, “The American System of Forward Riding: Life Lessons Learned with Horses”, was produced by R. Scot Evans and Shelby French to guide the rider through the system. The series gives excellent visual representations of good performances, as well as specific program and schooling techniques for the rider to follow.
Photo Courtesy of Katherine Cameron
Statement of Purpose
The ANRC promotes the highest quality of educated riding and related services within schools, colleges, universities, and public or private riding establishments by:
• Offering instructional riding clinics
• Offering a “Rider Certification” to strengthen riding knowledge and skills
• Annually sponsoring the ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship
• Partnering with USHJA to provide competitions under the USHJA/ANRC Horsemanship Program
• Offering forums and Symposiums on related topics
• Publishing the “Riding Highlights” newsletter with information on ANRC activities
• Cooperating with other organizations whose purposes are in accord with those of the ANRC
Brief History
Established in 2006, ANRC fosters the mission of the former Affiliated National Riding Commission, which existed as part of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) for more than 60 years. ANRC’s educational system is based on the teachings of Captain Vladimir Littauer, who came to the United States in the thirties and established a riding school and is author of the book Commonsense Horsemanship. His progressive forward riding system influenced many professional riders and trainers, including Jane Dillon, George Morris, Joe Fargis, Lendon Gray, Pam Baker, and Bernie Traurig.
Flagship Programs
ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship
The ANRC Intercollegiate Equitation Championship, traditionally held in April, is a National championship where colleges showcase their most talented riders in a team competition judged and scored on equitation skills in four phases:
• A Program Ride (includes USEF Hunter Equitation Tests)
• A Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Course at 3’
• A Derby Course (natural jumps in a field) at 3’
• A Written test based on riding theory and stable management
Students may compete on a college-owned horse or a privately owned horse. The highest score in each phase will be awarded to the rider who demonstrates excellence in equitation and produces a smooth, cooperative performance exemplifying quality hunter movement both on the flat and over fences. In 2011, a Novice Division was added at 2’6” to provide an introductory level of competition for riders with similar goals.
USHJA is a primary sponsor of the ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship and ANRC competitors are eligible for the USHJA Affiliates Awards program. USEF honors the winning team of the ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship at the USEF annual meeting and provides a perpetual trophy for the winning team of the Novice Division.
USHJA/ANRC Horsemanship Program
Beginning in 2012, the USHJA will partner with the ANRC to add horsemanship curriculum to the USHJA Outreach Program. The new USHJA/ANRC Horsemanship program will be similar to the ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship, and is designed to offer three levels of competition. Each level will consist of a program ride and medal course, with the option to include a written test and/or derby style course. This flexibility will allow each host organization to meet the needs of their facility and program participants. The competitions are open to riders and horses at varying levels of skill.
