Oregon's Newest WE Affiliate Organization-A resource for Eastern Oregon. Please welcome WE East of the Cascades!

 

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The 4 Loop Serpentine

 Thanks KarMik Acres!!

Annual WEUSA member’s meeting reminder

 

Let's talk obstacles: Episode 12. Move Sack

We now resume our regularly scheduled posts about obstacles. Taken in alphabetical order, we have reached the 'Move Sack' obstacle.

The 'Move Sack' obstacle comes with a disclaimer, and that disclaimer is:

The following obstacles are alternative representations of traditional cattle handling methods used throughout the world. They are not used in WAWE competitions.

 WAWE, by the way, stands for World Association for Working Equitation. Most of USAWE's rules are based on this group's rules. We do, however have some of our own obstacles, and this is one of them.

The rule book says this:

Description. This obstacle consists of a table or platform, at least 1.2-m (4-ft) high. Two tables or platforms may be used, set some distance apart. A sack containing items not to exceed 4.5 kg (10 lbs) is set on one of the tables. The sack should be made of natural material such as burlap, canvas, or cotton (not a plastic bag).

 Execution. The rider picks up the sack from table A, continues forward at the prescribed gait and sets the sack down on table B. Introductory (L1) riders walk to perform this obstacle and may halt to pick up/drop off the sack. Novice (L2/L3) riders may walk or trot to perform the pickup/drop-off. Intermediate and Advanced (L4-L6) riders perform the pickup/drop-off at the walk or canter. Masters (L7) riders perform this obstacle at walk or canter. If only one table is used, the rider follows a track prescribed on the course map. If the sack is dropped, it will be handed back to Introductory (L1) riders. Novice (L2/L3) riders must dismount, retrieve the sack, remount with the sack in hand, and place it on table B or request permission to pass and receive a 0 for the obstacle. Intermediate (L4) through Masters (L7) riders must dismount, retrieve the sack, remount, and replace it on table B. Failure to do so will result in a disqualification.

Judging criteria is as follows:

Assessment Criteria (EOH). The Judge will evaluate the manner in which the horse approaches the obstacle, confidence between tables/platforms, the reaction to the movement of the sack, and its response to the aids to enable the route to be performed with maximum smoothness. A higher score will be given for performing this obstacle without changing gait.

This is another obstacle in which you must be very careful to use the SAME HAND you used to handle all the other objects that you will touch during the EOH course. Not doing so will result in a DQ. It is also an obstacle you'll want to practice well before you enter a competition. A horse not used to an object hanging off or dangling off its side could present a danger to you. I find this one easy to practice, since I am always shedding layers of coats in the winter after I've warmed up a bit. I take the time to flop it over the saddle and wave it around. It would also be helpful to practice with an object that makes noise when you pick it up. One never knows what creative course designers will think of next.

I don't have any pictures of this obstacle to share, even though I know I've ridden it before in a test. If you have a picture of this obstacle being performed; I'd love to see it.

Till our next obstacle: Happy Riding!

USAWE Region 1 has a newly approved coach!

 If you live in the Southern Oregon Area and would like to learn more about W.E. please contact Laura Stutesman at Rising Hope Stables.

Rising Hope Stables on Facebook

I can attest to Laura's deep love of the sport, excellent coaching skills (I have observed her for many years with her students) and deep love and commitment to her horses. 

Laura is a fierce competitor and has achieved excellent scores over many years for her horses and her student's horses in this sport.

Please join me in congratulating Laura on becoming an official USAWE coach!!!

Verify your HORSE RECORDING!

 

Just click the link below.

Verify your horse recording !

Heads up for Annual Member's Meeting!

 PUBLIC NOTICE!  Annual Member Meeting

Mark your calendar!  USA Working Equitation's annual meeting of the members will be held virtually via Zoom on Saturday February 4, 2023 at 9:00 am PST | 10:00 am MST | 11:00 am CST | 12:00 pm EST. The meeting day and time is predetermined and mandated by USAWE's Bylaws. All current USAWE members in good standing are invited to attend. To attend, please contact your Regional Director after January 25th to RSVP and receive the meeting information/ Zoom webinar link.

We would love to hear from you. While we may not be able to answer each and every question during the meeting, your questions will help to guide our decisions and better understand the needs and concerns of our members. To ask a question, please use the link listed below and submit your question(s) by January 25^th so presenters have time to prepare a response. Thank you.

URL Link to Ask a Question:  https://forms.gle/8hHPBrVWeuD14hYj9

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Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.

Let me know if you have any questions.

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Kris Blacklock

USA Working Equitation

Secretary

(608) 370-4629