Figure 8
Well folks, sorry for the long delay between posts! Life has been a tad busy between work, trying to coordinate two different households, and keeping three horses coordinated. I apologize!
Your BOD has also been busy coordinating competitions, rules, judge training, marketing and all manner of subjects important to a sport that seems to grow popular by the day. Your President, Barbara Price, is exceptionally well organized and efficient. Since all of the BOD is composed of volunteers, who other live busy lives, this is most impressive and appreciated!
If you're looking for events, there's one next weekend in Eugene, OR and a new event just became available, combined with a clinic in April. See the April event here:
April WE Clinic and Show
And now back to our obstacle for this episode: The Figure 8.
The Figure 8 is present in almost every single competition I've ever been to. It's one of those obstacles that seems 'simple', but really isn't. For some reason it's quite difficult to get the circles on either side of equal size, not to mention entering the obstacle in the middle of the two barrels, maintaining proper bend and impulsion and exiting in the proper gait. The rule book says this:
Description. Two drums (or similar upright items) are placed 3-m (10-ft) apart on center.
Execution. The horse performs a circle around the right-hand drum. Upon completing the turn, halfway between the drums, the horse will change direction and begin a circle of the same diameter around the left-hand drum. When completing the second circle, the horse must pass between the drums to exit the obstacle. The circles must be uniform in size with the change of lead and/or bend on-center between the drums. A circle size of 3 m (10 ft) represents the highest degree of execution. The Advanced (L6) and Masters (L7) levels may be required to rein back through the obstacle after the initial circuits in the forward direction. The first circuit in reverse must circle the drum on the right. If this option is included, it must be indicated on the course map.
Assessment Criteria (EOH). The Judge will evaluate the straightness of the approach to the obstacle; correctness of the horse’s posture during the change of lead; the passage half way between the drums; the shape, symmetry, and precision of the circles; and the horse’s response to the aids. A lower score will be given if the change of lead and/or change of bend are not centered between the drums. A negative mark will be given if the rider fails to perform a change of lead or if a drum is knocked over.
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Figure 8 Diagram
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You'll note that this obstacle must ALWAYS be executed with the right-hand barrel first..even if you're backing around it, which might be done at Advanced and Masters levels (maybe when I'm 80?) The comments I've received from judges are usually regarding uneven circle size and improper change of bend. A good way to practice this obstacle is by setting up your barrels, and then placing cones around the circumference in both directions such that you can get a 'feel' for the circle sizes.
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| Besita beginning her left hand barrel. This must have been speed round since this is NOT how you enter the barrels or finish a circle..just FYI ! |
