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Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 9: Herding Cattle

Herding Cattle

Hey!!! There's an obstacle called HERDING CATTLE. I mean, did you KNOW THAT? Because I didn't. I knew there was a cattle TRIAL but I did not know there was a HERDING CATTLE OBSTACLE. This is an obstacle that would be considered part of the EOH course.

 (Psst..please don't tell any course designers this..Mojo is a scaredy-cat and Besita might kill the cattle) both those things would result in low scores.

It's description (from Appendix B of the rule book) is here:

Description.  This obstacle consists of two adjacent and connected fenced enclosures. The fence panels must be 1.5- to 2.1-m. (5- to 7-ft) high, each with an exterior entrance gate and one gate connecting the two enclosures, all of which can be operated from horseback. Each enclosure should be a minimum of 6 x 6 m (20 x 20 ft,) or sufficient in size for a horse and rider to enter and easily move through or properly herd the cattle contained in the pen. The obstacle should be erected within a perimeter fence secure enough to contain the stock should any escape from the obstacle. The perimeter fence may be used as a portion of the obstacle.  The cattle should be reasonably quiet and accustomed to being worked from horseback. The animals should be larger than 300 pounds. Bulls larger than 500 pounds or over 8 months of age are not to be used. The Judge may remove any individual animals that are too wild or aggressive to ensure safe and sporting conditions.

 Execution.  The rider will open the exterior gate to the empty pen, enter, and then close the gate.  The rider will then open the gate between the two pens, herd the animals from one pen to another, and close the gate between the two pens.  The rider will then exit through the exterior gate of the now empty pen, closing the gate behind him/her.  Riders must open/close the gates by themselves.   This obstacle should be performed at the walk, with momentary short bursts of speed as needed to properly execute the elements required.  This obstacle is not used for the Introductory (L1) level. 

 Assessment Criteria (EOH).  The Judge will evaluate the smoothness and harmony of the operation, including the rider’s ability to complete the exercise with the animals remaining calm. The Judge will consider the operation of the gates the same as the Gate obstacle. The Judge will consider the horse’s naturalness and submission in herding the animals. A negative mark will be given for any signs of fear visible in the horse’s reaction to the animals being herded. The Judge will give a negative mark if an animal escapes.

I can  see why this obstacle is not often used. It's BIG, and requires some quiet stock. I imagine it might take quite some time to get through it as well. It might, however, just turn up on a course one of these days, so now you know and you'll be prepared! Moo!