Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 8 'The Gate'

"The Gate, The Gate, The Gate!"

Just go around already!

If that phrase reminds you of a TV show, then you're likely 'of a certain age', like me. Unlike 'The plane' in  that show however, the gate is a firmly earthbound obstacle. It is also present in almost every W.E. show you'll ever attend. It exists in 'solid' gate mode, and also in a rope version; used in speed round. The gate can be a push gate, a pull gate, a forward gate, or a reverse gate. 

This is an object that requires practice, practice and more practice. Horses often balk at this obstacle; hesitating at the motion of the gate, the sight of a rope, the narrow opening, and a host of other invisible horse-eating attributes. The reverse gate causes further consternation for many competitors, and where one horse will traverse the forward gate with ease, the reverse gate will be the opposite. Horses don't tend to like backing through a narrow opening, with a gate chasing them from the other side, and if a rider is leaning off the side of their horse, then the balance gets wonky while you're at it, and pretty soon you'll find yourself dropping the gate to get re-balanced and re-oriented. Personally, if you are beginning to get into a fight with your horse at the gate, do yourself a favor, take a very deep breath in, then out, and take your horse for a little walk around the gate. It will help settle you both down; then try again. Fighting with your horse will only create more frustration for both of you and it does not reflect good horsemanship to the judge. Per the rule book, depending on the level, you may pass by an obstacle with the agreement of the judge and take a zero score on the obstacle. The rule is here (my bolding):

A refusal (e.g., the horse stops, steps backwards, or circles before entering the obstacle) will result in a negative score. Introductory (L1) and Novice A/B (L2/L3) riders are allowed three refusals; if the third try is unsuccessful, the rider can, with the authorization of the Judge, move on to the next obstacle and a score of 0 is given for the obstacle not completed. A third refusal for Intermediate (L4) riders and above is a disqualification.

The RULEBOOK says this about the gate itself (bolding is mine): 

 Gate 

Description  The gate must be at least 1.3 m (4-ft 3-in.) high and 2-m (6.5-ft) wide, supported by two weighted posts (or jump standards) and two hinges.  A latch easily operated from horseback should be used.  The gate can be opened to the right or left depending on how the obstacle is set in the course. A rope between two posts can be used instead of a solid gate. A solid gate is preferred for Ease of Handling in licensed shows and is required in championship competitions. A rope gate should be used for Speed. 

Execution.  The rider will approach perpendicular to the gate at the prescribed gait for the level and transition to the walk as she/he approaches the gate.  The rider then moves the horse laterally and halts alongside the gate. The rider must lift the latch, open the gate, and go through the entrance.  When the horse has fully passed to the other side of the gate, the rider may back up one or two steps to close the gate.  With the horse squarely halted, the rider will then put the latch in place to complete the obstacle.  The rider should not release control of the gate at any point in the performance of this exercise until the gate is latched.  The obstacle may be required in both directions providing there is at least one obstacle in between the first and second execution. (note that it does NOT require push vs pull-HH)

Assessment Criteria (EOH).  The Judge will evaluate the horse’s action, which should be fluid and without any hesitation.  The horse should pay attention to and participate in the opening and closing movements without showing any signs of insecurity or disobedience.  The rider’s action should be easy, precise, and free from hesitation. A negative score will be given if the rider releases control of the gate by letting go for more than a momentary adjustment of hand position at any time during the execution of this obstacle, or if there is any sign of insecurity by the horse or rider or lack of continuity (fluidity) of the action. Switching hands will result in a disqualification.

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It is really easy to accidentally grab the gate with the wrong hand too, in an attempt to grab it in case you've been jockeying around trying to control your horse. My recommendation is to practice with various gates, backwards and forwards until your horse no longer considers this obstacle a big deal...break it up into little steps that the horse can conquer with confidence before putting them all together....or in the case of a confident mare..you wait till you get the LOOK that she thinks a gate out in the middle of nowhere, when one could simply go around is just flat stupid...

Don't let it eat me!