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!
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| Robin Bond Whizadorboom owned by Helen Gompers Foster |
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| Robin Bond Kiger Zapata KCA |
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| Ashley Smith Delirio DC |
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| Karen Boyle Keen Cheeke Rheanna |
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| Bridgett Klingler Port Stanley |
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| Amy Star |
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| 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!
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