Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 4

Julie Alonzo and CDC Pacifica 1/15/22

Hello Region 1! How's it going this cold January! I just came from the Region 1 WE show in Eugene, OR. Besides lots of familiar faces, I saw several brand new ones! I served as the gatekeeper, which I very much enjoyed. Normally at a show I am busy with my own stuff and rarely get to chat with all the other competitors, much less meet their horses and watch their runs.

This show demonstrated the versatility of the horses able to compete in our wonderful sport. There were two Icelandic horses, a Fjord, a Morgan, a Hanoverian, Andalusians, Quarter horses, Arabians and an Appendix QH. Have you ever seen an Icelandic pony do a speed round? Holy fast pony man, they are amazing!!!

Since it was chilly, I had my instant toe warmers, hand warmers and (full advertising plug) my Ororo heated vest. Good thing I don't live where it's REALLY cold. Anyway, it was a really fun time. I love it when new people try this sport for the first time and come out grinning from ear to ear! Can you say CONVERT??

Back to the obstacles though: This obstacle is the DRAG ITEM obstacle. I don't have any pictures because I've never actually seen it in competition. Have any of you? 

This one I'd FOR SURE practice on the ground for awhile before I even thought about doing it in the saddle..because..horses and stuff. We all know that things can go south in a hurry when a horse spooks, so it's valuable to know that some day a judge might throw this drag obstacle into the mix..be prepared!! Also note that this obstacle is NOT DONE at intro. 

 Drag Item

Description. 

The  obstacle  consists  of: (1)  An item to  drag,  which  should  resemble  objects  found  in  the  field  such  as  a  log,  a weighted  skid,  or  a  weighted  sack. (2)  One or two tables,  drums,  or  upright  structures  at  least  1.2-m  (4-ft)  high. (3)  A  standard  lariat  (lasso, reata, rope), a  minimum  of 6-m  (20-ft) long. The  coiled free  end  is  positioned  on  the  first  table.    The  loop  end  is  securely  attached  to  the drag  item. The  drag  may  be  in  a  straight  line  from  table  1  to  table  2,  a  “U”  from  table  1  around  a specified  object  and  back  to  table  1,  a  circle  around  table  1,  a  serpentine  through  cones,  or other pattern  as  designated.

Execution

 Rider  will  halt  at  the  first table,  pick  up  the  rope,  and  drag  the  item  in  the designated  pattern.      Rider  will  then  coil  the  rope  and  place  it on  the  designated  table. Riders  using  saddles  with  horns  may  dally  the  rope.    If the rider drops  the  rope,  Novice (L2/L3)  riders  must dismount,  retrieve the rope, and  remount with  the  rope.    Failure  to  retrieve  the  rope,  and  remount with  the rope will result  in  a  0  for the obstacle. Intermediate  (L4/L5)  riders must  dismount,  retrieve  the  rope,  and  remount  with  the rope.    Failure  to  do  so  will result in  a  disqualification.

 

Assessment 

Criteria  (EOH).  The  Judge  will  evaluate  the  manner in  which  the  horse approaches  the  obstacle,  its  reaction  to  the  movement of the  dragged  item,  and  its response  to  the  aids  to  enable  the  route  to  be  performed  with  maximum  smoothness.   Dropping  the  rope  will  result  in  a  negative  score.   This  obstacle  may  not  be  used  at  the  Introductory  (L1)  level.