Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 3

Hello Everyone,

I apologize for the delay between posts. My work team (and me too) has been dealing with a Covid outbreak. I won't get into that as this is NOT a place for that discussion, but suffice it to say, on top of the holiday season's normal scheduling challenges it has been a heck of  a week. The good news is that everyone will be fine, just caused a rather major disruption..to say the least.  I think it's time to get on with W.E., and speaking of W.E.......

I've attended a couple of committee meetings this week regarding zone championships. I have to say I am super impressed with the committees and the people involved with them. It's a big time and logistical commitment and the people doing it are just flat impressive and should probably run the world, but since they're not I am SUPER glad that they are running W.E.!

Now then, let's get back to obstacles and discuss the next one on the list:

 The Double Slalom:

From the Rule Book:

Double Slalom  

a.  Description.  This  obstacle  consists  of  an  odd  number  of  upright  posts: minimum  of  five; seven  recommended; minimum  of seven  for  Advanced  and  Masters  levels.  Each  post  is approximately  2  m  (6.5  ft)  in  height,  with  a  base  not  secured  to  the  ground. The  posts  are arranged  in  two  staggered parallel  lines, with  a  distance  of     6  m  (20  ft) between  the  parallel lines  and  between  each  post on the  line. The  posts  are  staggered such  that  the  midpoint  between the  first two  posts  of the  first line is  directly  opposite  the  first post of  the  second  line.   B-12 Revision  5, 1  December  2021   United  States  Rules  for  Working  Equitation 

b.  Execution.   The  obstacle  is  entered  at the  prescribed  gait.  The  horse  will  perform  half loops  or  turns  of  consistent  size  around  the  posts  in  the  direction  indicated  by  the  flags.   Changes  of  lead/bend  are  performed  halfway  between  the  posts  and  on  the  line  between the  successive  posts.  The  horse’s  lead  and  bend  should  conform  to  the  direction  of  the turn.  If there are no  exit  markers,  the  obstacle  is  complete  when  the  horse  has  crossed  the line  between  the  final  two  posts.

c.  Assessment Criteria  (EOH).   The  Judge  will  evaluate  the  horse’s  calm,  precise  action; quality  of  gait;  fluid  and  continuous  movement;  overall  manner in  performing  this obstacle;  and  the  quality  of the  lead  changes  or  changes  of  bend.  The  Judge  should consider  correctness  and  attitude  during  the  change  of lead  and/or changes  of  bend through  the  horse’s  body, and  the  horse’s bend  around  the  posts.  Late  or  delayed  lead changes  or  changes  of  bend  will  result  in  a  lower  score.  Failure  to  perform  lead  changes and/or  changes  of  bend  will  result  in  a  negative  mark.  The  shape,  symmetry, and precision  of  the  turns  for  this  obstacle, and  the  horse’s  response  to  the  rider’s  aids  will be considered. A  negative  score  will  be  given  for  knocking  down  any  of the  posts. 

This obstacle gets harder as one moves up the levels. In intro (L1), one performs this obstacle in TROT, at Novice Level (L2,L3): TROT, and Int. A (L4)the gait changes to canter with a change of lead through WALK. Every level above that requires canter with flying change; something I aspire to..someday!

Now, if you're as visual as I am, the words on the page don't translate clearly into what this obstacle looks like in reality. From above, it looks like this:

This particular one is an image I found on-line and is meant to show where the flying changes (or change of bend, or change through walk) should occur. You'll also notice that the shape here is very symmetrical but is 'ice cream cone' shaped around the poles. One can also find the double slalom illustrated like this:

I have been instructed by different judges at different times as to which is the preferred shape, however when reading the assessment criteria, this is what I see: The  shape,  symmetry, and precision  of  the  turns  for  this  obstacle, and  the  horse’s  response  to  the  rider’s  aids  will be considered. It might be a good idea to ask the judge what the preference is when you do your walk through. In my experience I find this easier to ride in straight lines in the trot, rather than in the canter, which tend get more 'loopy' with each new change of lead. In addition there are often entrance and exit markers leading into and coming out of this obstacle (remember: red on the right!) if you miss those,then a DQ is coming your direction!

No one sent me pictures of their horse doing this obstacle, however in looking for images I found some resources you might want to check out! Here is a website for a trainer named Dee Janelle out of Florida. You can click on her video diagrams of W.E. Obstacles

https://www.simpleequineteaching.com/working-equitaton-training

I also found a book on Amazon about W.E. obstacles you can purchase:

https://www.amazon.com/Working-Equitation-Obstacles-Dressage-Riders-ebook/dp/B088239ZYB

To see this obstacle ridden at a couple of levels, here are some YouTube links: 

The amazing Jill Barron at L6

https://youtu.be/4SdGt8f2wJ4

And the fabulous Kimberly Barker at L2

https://youtu.be/boyWX-yXa_s

I'd love a discussion around the 'right' way to do this obstacle. Have at it!

Happy Riding!!!

Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 2

 The Bridge

I received so many great pictures of the bridge from my Facebook request that I am only going to cover the bridge in this post! I think all the great pictures deserve a gathering spot!

Let's discuss the bridge before we drool over pretty pictures though. Here are the details from the rule book:

Description.  The  bridge  should  be  made  of  wood  and  be  solidly  constructed  to  ensure that it is  not  a  danger  for  the  horse  or  rider.  The  deck  of  the  bridge  must  not  be  slippery.   The  bridge  may  be  arched  or  angled  in  its  rise. Recommended  dimensions  are  minimum width:  1.5  m  (5  ft); minimum  length: 4  m  (13  ft);  minimum  height: 20  cm  (8  in.).  The bridge  may  have  side  rails.    If  side  rails  are  used, for safety  considerations  the  rails must be  constructed  such  that  they  can  be  quickly  and  easily  removed  without  the  use  of tools. Side  rails  should  be  between  91  cm  (3  ft) and  1.2  m  (4  ft) in  height.

Execution.  The  bridge  must be  crossed  at a  walk  in  the  Ease  of Handling  phase  for all levels.  The  bridge  may  be  crossed  in  both  directions  provided  that  there  is  one  obstacle  in between  the  first  and  second  crossing. 

Assessment  Criteria  (EOH).  The  Judge  will  evaluate  the  transition  to  the  walk,  the quality  and  regularity  of  the  walk,  the  straightness  of  the  horse  going  over  the  bridge, and  the  confidence  of the  horse  and  rider  while  navigating  this  obstacle.  Points  will be deducted  if  a  horse  shows  any  awkwardness,  hesitation,  or  irregularity.  Stepping  off  the bridge  prematurely  is  a  course  error.  

You'll note that at ALL levels, the bridge is done at the walk ONLY (for EOH).  You'll get higher points if you enter the bridge very straight and if you transition onto and off of the bridge (from the required between obstacle gait) with the same number of steps. I'm never together enough to remember to count before, so I have no idea by the time I exit..so I guess and transition..but I bet there are lots of folks who do it exactly right. 

You'll get a lower score if you break gait while on the bridge, or if your horse stretches down and out with its nose while crossing. The horse should remain business like and not change frame.

It is quite common for the judge to place entrance and exit markers on either side of the bridge. Make sure you transition before the markers and after the exit markers if the markers are there.

It is also common to have to pick up the garoche pole from a barrel, carry the pole over the bridge and then spear the ring and deposit the pole, so be ready for that. I tend to hold the pole tucked under my armpit and pointed straight ahead, but some folks hold it straight up and down too. Make sure you know how your horse might react if you accidentally smack your horse with the pole....the objective is to stay safe across the bridge..OH and if you get in trouble, with a horse that is spooking or reacting to the pole, please DROP THE POLE. Be safe, not sorry.

In speed round, of course, you can hit the bridge at any speed that floats your boat. I'd caution you to be careful about galloping the bridge though. I've seen a horse slide across the bridge on its side. I've seen horses trip and/or slip if the bridge gets sand or too much dirt across it. If you slide across a railed bridge, you could get a leg caught through a rail. At the top skill set of the sport the speed round is fast, but it's CONTROLLED and the horse remains in full COLLECTION except for some of the runs in between obstacles. The goal is to have  ultimate connection and precise control in every gait..it is NOT meant to be a gaming run. Nothing wrong with gaming of course, that's just not the spirit of  Working Equitation (as I understand it..correct me if I'm wrong). 

I've been lucky with the bridge obstacle, even my very spooky gelding didn't ever bat an eye at the bridge and my mare eats them for lunch..full speed ahead. Some horses really have a tough time with the bridge..and there will almost always be a bridge in a competition; therefore you'd be wise to school your horse over various bridges, with various scary things along side for visuals. 

And now, as promised..the pictures!

Robin Bond
Whizadorboom owned by Helen Gompers Foster

Robin Bond
Kiger Zapata KCA

Ashley Smith
Delirio DC

Karen Boyle Keen Cheeke
Rheanna

Bridgett Klingler
Port Stanley

Amy Star

Heather Humelbaugh
CDC Besita 

The next Region 1 event is THIS WEEKEND at the Oregon Horse Center. It is the first competition of the 2022 competition year. I have other obligations, so won't make it down there. I hope everyone at the show has a marvelous time! Good luck everyone!

Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 1

Obstacles

Since my first post ended by discussing DQs..and the DQs were all on obstacles, I thought I'd start a series where we look at the obstacles one by one. I mean, there are a lot of them to look at and they each come with their own specific requirements for performance.

One of the most important guides in the rule book, BTW is found on page 37 of the current (ver. 5.1) rule book. It's table 6-1 and it will tell you the gaits at which each obstacle is to be performed. I can tell you that this is a question that is ALWAYS asked at a course walk and the judges almost always have to look at that very table to answer your question, so take note and have that chart available to consult. I actually print all this stuff and put it in a 3 ring binder that I keep in my horse trailer. I'm old and like an actual book to page through, but lots of folks screen shot the page and keep it on their phone. Either way that table is a must have at a competition.

The link to Appendix B of the rule book is HERE, because that's the appendix that contains the rules for each of the 23 obstacles (one of the obstacles is the 'herding cattle' BTW). There are 23 potential obstacles available for a course designer to choose from, and those course designers must also follow specific rules when laying out the course, but for now I'll just start in alphabetical order and we'll look at a few obstacles per post. I have bolded specific information of note and the descriptions etc. are copied directly from the appendix. 

The Bank

• Description.  The  obstacle  consists  of an  embankment  of  natural  substance  positioned  not more  than  30  to  60  cm  (1  to  2  ft) above  ground  level. A  level  plateau  is  at  the  top  and bottom  of  the  embankment; the  plateau  must be  at least 2-m  (6.5-ft)  long  in  the  direction of  travel.  There  may  be  ramps  leading  to  and  away  from  the  level  plateaus.   

• Execution.  The  horse  should  approach  and  maintain  the  chosen  gait  through  the  obstacle naturally  and  without  any  hesitation.  The  obstacle  can  be  executed  as  either  an  up-bank or  a  down-bank.  Both  an  up-bank  and  a  down-bank  may  be  incorporated  and  scored  as one  obstacle.  This  obstacle  is  not  used  for  Introductory  (L1)  riders. 

•   Assessment  Criteria  (EOH).    The  Judge  will  evaluate  the  manner  in  which  the  horse approaches  the  bank,  the  smoothness  of  the  execution, the  consistency  and  quality  of  gait throughout  the  exercise,  and  confidence  in  the  rider’s  instructions.  Lower  marks  are awarded  for  hesitancy.  A  horse  that  steps  backward  before  going  over  the  bank  or  steps off  the  side  of the  bank  will  receive  a  negative  mark.

I haven't ridden at a competition with a bank in it except when the course is also outside. The Oregon Horse Center has a bank obstacle available and the course in Montana at Regionals also had a bank obstacle. It can be really intimidating to canter up and down those banks (or when your clumsier horse catches a toe on the way up..it's darn near heart-stopping). Horses also frequently break gait on the down side and/or refuse the up side. I highly recommend practicing a two foot minimum step-up and down before you're faced with one in a competition.

Olivia Chapeski at the Bank, Missoula, MT
Used by Permission

Jen Lenz 
The Bank at Aspen 

The Bell Corridor

• Description.  A  corridor  is  made  from  two  parallel  rails  resting  on supports,  small  fences,  or  walls  at  least  30  cm  (12  in.)  in  height.  The supports  are  not  secured  in  the  ground.    The  rails  are  approximately 3.7-m  (12-ft) long  and  1.5  m  (5-ft) apart. A  bell  is  placed  2-m  (6.5-ft) high  at  the  end  of the  corridor.   The  support  holding  the  bell  is placed  so  that  the  bell  hangs  in  center  of  the  corridor.

• Execution.  The  horse  and  rider enter the  corridor at the  prescribed gait  for  the  level  and  halt  at  the  end  of  the  corridor.    The  rider  rings the  bell and  reins  back  through  the  corridor.  The  obstacle  is completed  when  the  front  of  the  horse  clears  the  obstacle  and  course markers  (if  present).

• Assessment  Criteria  (EOH).  The  Judge  will  evaluate  the  horse’s  attitude,  straightness, gait,  and  collection; the  immobility  of  the  horse  at  the  bell; the  rider’s  use  of aids; and  the fluidity, continuity, and  quality  of  the  performance.    A  higher  score  will  be  awarded  for performing  the  obstacle  well  at  the  canter rather than  at walk  when  allowed.    The  Judge will  give  a  lower  mark  to  a  horse  that  drags  its  feet during  the  rein  back. The  Judge  will give  a  lower  mark  if a horse touches the  rails, and  a  negative  mark  if the  horse  displaces or  knocks  down  any  of  the  rails  or  if the  horse  steps  over  the  rails.  Failure  of the  horse  to remain  still will be  penalized.    Failure  of  the  rider to  ring  the  bell will result in disqualification.  Exiting  the  destination  (bell)  end  of  the  corridor  with  all  four  feet  will result in  disqualification. 

The bell corridor is very much to be expected in almost every competition. The corridor can be a 'L' shape, which makes backing out of it a tad trickier. Make note that if your HORSE rings the bell instead of your hand, that's not OK, so don't accept that if it happens, ring the bell clearly with your hand even if your horse has done it for you. Also, it looks better and scores better if you don't lean forward or rise up in the stirrups to ring the bell. Try to position your halt so that you can simply raise your hand (the same hand must be used for ALL obstacles you touch) to ring the bell; all while at a miraculously square halt of course! This obstacle can be very scary for horses. Some don't like the bell ringing over their heads, some get claustrophobic headed into the corridor, and a LOT of horses really struggle with the rein back to get out of the obstacle. This is an obstacle that looks very innocent but, depending on where it's placed in the course can really present some challenges. At Regionals in Montana, Besita took issue with the bell corridor. She had to face the bell 6 times I think, and every single time got worse until she refused it at the last. Fortunately for me I could ask for a pass at Novice level, once we move up, that would be a DQ. Now a smart person would've set up a substitute at the second refusal and worked through that before the next test but no one ever accused me of being that smart, so when I got home I had to do some serious re-schooling of the bell corridor. 

I'd love to hear you experiences with these two obstacles, and if anyone has a PHOTO that demonstrates these two obstacles I'd love to share them. That's it for now so until the next post..Happy Riding!

Heather