The Drums
We're BACK! FINALLY, with another episode about obstacles. The next obstacle in the alphabetical listing of W.E. obstacles is the drums; a set of 3 barrels around which one must navigate in either trot or canter, depending on the level ridden. This is THAT obstacle that prompts the judge to write "needs more bend", or 'circles unequal' or 'loses impulsion" or any number of other 'that wasn't perfect' remarks one can accrue during the performance of this obstacle. Ask me how I know. It is ALSO one of the most frequent obstacles involved in the dreaded DQ. Ask me how I ALSO know that! I myself have been known to circle the 3rd barrel twice, because I want to ensure I finished the obstacle. It is ever so tempting to leave the obstacle partially through the turn of the third barrel, especially when the next obstacle is along that line of sight, and it's easier than one might think to do this obstacle incorrectly.
The rule book describes this obstacle and criteria thusly:
Drums
Description. This obstacle consists of three drums positioned at the three points of an equilateral triangle with sides 3- to 4-m (10- to 13-ft) long, measured from the center of the drums. The drums are set 4-m (13-ft) apart for Introductory (L1), Novice (L2/L3), and Intermediate (L4/L5) levels, and 3-m (10-ft) apart for Advanced (L6) and Masters (L7) levels.
Execution. The horse enters at the appropriate gait for the level between drums A & C. The horse makes a full circle to the right around drum A. The horse proceeds to pass halfway between drums A & B, with a change of lead and/or bend over the imaginary line between A & B. The horse makes a loop to the left around drum B. The horse then proceeds to pass halfway between drums B & C, with a change of lead and/or bend along the imaginary line between B & C. The horse makes a full circle to the right around drum C and exits at the same point from which the exercise began. The obstacle may be executed to the left first if designated on the course map or approved by the Judge. The horse makes a full circle to the left around drum C. The horse proceeds to pass halfway between drums C & B, with a change of lead and/or bend over the imaginary line between C & B. The horse makes a loop to the right around drum B. The horse then proceeds to pass halfway between drums B & A, with a change of lead and/or bend along the imaginary line between B & A. The horse makes a full circle to the left around drum A, and exits at the same point from which the exercise began. All circles should be symmetrical and of the same diameter.
Assessment Criteria (EOH). The Judge will consider the horse’s attitude, the rider’s use of aids, tempo, continuity of action, quality of gait, fluidity of performance, correctness and attitude during the change of lead, accuracy of the passage halfway between the drums, and the shape, symmetry, and precision of the circles. The highest degree of execution is a 4-m circle for Introductory through Intermediate levels, and a 3-m circle for Advanced and Masters levels. A lower score will be given for incorrect placement of change of lead and/or change of bend (failure to perform midway between the drums). A negative mark will be given for failure to perform a change of lead and/or change of bend. The Judge will give a negative mark if a drum is knocked over.
I found this really nice YouTube video that shows a horse being walked through the barrels, and an accompanying schematic that might be helpful as you learn this obstacle.
Enjoy!
