Sunday, January 30, 2022
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Region 1: Important Updates
Just a short post with news you should know:
First, for those of you that plan your life better than I do, the Zone Championship planning for 2022 is well underway. The Western Zone Championships for Regions 1 and 2 and will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dec. 8th-11th 2022. The website is UP and information regarding this event is located here:
https://westzonewechampionship.com/
Information regarding how to qualify for the championships is here:
https://usawe.org/competitions/championships/
There's even a cool logo:
I have to tell you I was extremely impressed with the quality of the proposals presented for the zone championships as well as the committee that organized the selection. You have a BOD full of intelligent, thoughtful, dedicated people. It takes a lot of hard work to make this organization go 'round and you can be proud of the work this group is doing.
Secondly, the annual meeting for USAWE Members is coming right up. You MUST be a member to attend. Please email me for information on how to join the ZOOM call at r1director@usawe.org. I must verify your membership status before I send you the link. You may also email me any concerns and questions to be presented at the meeting in case you cannot attend. Time and date for the annual meeting are as follows: are as follows:
Annual Member Meeting: Saturday, February 5 at 9:00 am PST / 10:00 am MST / 11:00 am CST / Noon EST
Thirdly, the next Region 1 Competition is now accepting entries for a February show in Eugene, OR
See the events calendar and find the entry forms here:
https://usawe.org/events/month/2022-02/
I'll be attending that show with Ms. Besita, hoping I remember to salute the judge. If you're there, please come and introduce yourself.
Heather
Monday, January 17, 2022
Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 4
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| 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.
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Cross National Camp and Cup Missoula, Montana, USA, July 9-17th
Interrupting our obstacle series for this notice!
If you'd like a multi-national week of W.E. fun..in MONTANA then click here:
CNC CAMP & CUP
This link will allow you to find out all about this fun-filled event..there's only been one other CNC camp and it was held in Eugene, OR in 2018. It was super fun, with lifelong friendships gained as the week went on. Plans were in the works for an Australian CNC, I think in 2020 but then Covid came to visit..so it was not to be.
At any rate, this time around the camp and cup are filling rapidly and folks are getting excited! There is a FB page just for this event here:
I am all signed up!
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| Caitlin Day Huntress for the U.S.A. in 2018 |
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| KF Marit. Riding for Canada in 2018 |
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| Mark Mason riding for Australia 2018 |
Come join the fun!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 3
Hello Everyone,
I apologize for the delay between posts. My work team (and me too) has been dealing with a Covid outbreak. I won't get into that as this is NOT a place for that discussion, but suffice it to say, on top of the holiday season's normal scheduling challenges it has been a heck of a week. The good news is that everyone will be fine, just caused a rather major disruption..to say the least. I think it's time to get on with W.E., and speaking of W.E.......
I've attended a couple of committee meetings this week regarding zone championships. I have to say I am super impressed with the committees and the people involved with them. It's a big time and logistical commitment and the people doing it are just flat impressive and should probably run the world, but since they're not I am SUPER glad that they are running W.E.!
Now then, let's get back to obstacles and discuss the next one on the list:
The Double Slalom:
From the Rule Book:
Double Slalom
a. Description. This obstacle consists of an odd number of upright posts: minimum of five; seven recommended; minimum of seven for Advanced and Masters levels. Each post is approximately 2 m (6.5 ft) in height, with a base not secured to the ground. The posts are arranged in two staggered parallel lines, with a distance of 6 m (20 ft) between the parallel lines and between each post on the line. The posts are staggered such that the midpoint between the first two posts of the first line is directly opposite the first post of the second line. B-12 Revision 5, 1 December 2021 United States Rules for Working Equitation
b. Execution. The obstacle is entered at the prescribed gait. The horse will perform half loops or turns of consistent size around the posts in the direction indicated by the flags. Changes of lead/bend are performed halfway between the posts and on the line between the successive posts. The horse’s lead and bend should conform to the direction of the turn. If there are no exit markers, the obstacle is complete when the horse has crossed the line between the final two posts.
c. Assessment Criteria (EOH). The Judge will evaluate the horse’s calm, precise action; quality of gait; fluid and continuous movement; overall manner in performing this obstacle; and the quality of the lead changes or changes of bend. The Judge should consider correctness and attitude during the change of lead and/or changes of bend through the horse’s body, and the horse’s bend around the posts. Late or delayed lead changes or changes of bend will result in a lower score. Failure to perform lead changes and/or changes of bend will result in a negative mark. The shape, symmetry, and precision of the turns for this obstacle, and the horse’s response to the rider’s aids will be considered. A negative score will be given for knocking down any of the posts.
This obstacle gets harder as one moves up the levels. In intro (L1), one performs this obstacle in TROT, at Novice Level (L2,L3): TROT, and Int. A (L4)the gait changes to canter with a change of lead through WALK. Every level above that requires canter with flying change; something I aspire to..someday!
Now, if you're as visual as I am, the words on the page don't translate clearly into what this obstacle looks like in reality. From above, it looks like this:
This particular one is an image I found on-line and is meant to show where the flying changes (or change of bend, or change through walk) should occur. You'll also notice that the shape here is very symmetrical but is 'ice cream cone' shaped around the poles. One can also find the double slalom illustrated like this:
I have been instructed by different judges at different times as to which is the preferred shape, however when reading the assessment criteria, this is what I see: The shape, symmetry, and precision of the turns for this obstacle, and the horse’s response to the rider’s aids will be considered. It might be a good idea to ask the judge what the preference is when you do your walk through. In my experience I find this easier to ride in straight lines in the trot, rather than in the canter, which tend get more 'loopy' with each new change of lead. In addition there are often entrance and exit markers leading into and coming out of this obstacle (remember: red on the right!) if you miss those,then a DQ is coming your direction!
No one sent me pictures of their horse doing this obstacle, however in looking for images I found some resources you might want to check out! Here is a website for a trainer named Dee Janelle out of Florida. You can click on her video diagrams of W.E. Obstacles
I also found a book on Amazon about W.E. obstacles you can purchase:
The amazing Jill Barron at L6
https://youtu.be/4SdGt8f2wJ4
And the fabulous Kimberly Barker at L2
I'd love a discussion around the 'right' way to do this obstacle. Have at it!
Happy Riding!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 2
The Bridge
I received so many great pictures of the bridge from my Facebook request that I am only going to cover the bridge in this post! I think all the great pictures deserve a gathering spot!
Let's discuss the bridge before we drool over pretty pictures though. Here are the details from the rule book:
Description. The bridge should be made of wood and be solidly constructed to ensure that it is not a danger for the horse or rider. The deck of the bridge must not be slippery. The bridge may be arched or angled in its rise. Recommended dimensions are minimum width: 1.5 m (5 ft); minimum length: 4 m (13 ft); minimum height: 20 cm (8 in.). The bridge may have side rails. If side rails are used, for safety considerations the rails must be constructed such that they can be quickly and easily removed without the use of tools. Side rails should be between 91 cm (3 ft) and 1.2 m (4 ft) in height.
Execution. The bridge must be crossed at a walk in the Ease of Handling phase for all levels. The bridge may be crossed in both directions provided that there is one obstacle in between the first and second crossing.
Assessment Criteria (EOH). The Judge will evaluate the transition to the walk, the quality and regularity of the walk, the straightness of the horse going over the bridge, and the confidence of the horse and rider while navigating this obstacle. Points will be deducted if a horse shows any awkwardness, hesitation, or irregularity. Stepping off the bridge prematurely is a course error.
You'll note that at ALL levels, the bridge is done at the walk ONLY (for EOH). You'll get higher points if you enter the bridge very straight and if you transition onto and off of the bridge (from the required between obstacle gait) with the same number of steps. I'm never together enough to remember to count before, so I have no idea by the time I exit..so I guess and transition..but I bet there are lots of folks who do it exactly right.
You'll get a lower score if you break gait while on the bridge, or if your horse stretches down and out with its nose while crossing. The horse should remain business like and not change frame.
It is quite common for the judge to place entrance and exit markers on either side of the bridge. Make sure you transition before the markers and after the exit markers if the markers are there.
It is also common to have to pick up the garoche pole from a barrel, carry the pole over the bridge and then spear the ring and deposit the pole, so be ready for that. I tend to hold the pole tucked under my armpit and pointed straight ahead, but some folks hold it straight up and down too. Make sure you know how your horse might react if you accidentally smack your horse with the pole....the objective is to stay safe across the bridge..OH and if you get in trouble, with a horse that is spooking or reacting to the pole, please DROP THE POLE. Be safe, not sorry.
In speed round, of course, you can hit the bridge at any speed that floats your boat. I'd caution you to be careful about galloping the bridge though. I've seen a horse slide across the bridge on its side. I've seen horses trip and/or slip if the bridge gets sand or too much dirt across it. If you slide across a railed bridge, you could get a leg caught through a rail. At the top skill set of the sport the speed round is fast, but it's CONTROLLED and the horse remains in full COLLECTION except for some of the runs in between obstacles. The goal is to have ultimate connection and precise control in every gait..it is NOT meant to be a gaming run. Nothing wrong with gaming of course, that's just not the spirit of Working Equitation (as I understand it..correct me if I'm wrong).
I've been lucky with the bridge obstacle, even my very spooky gelding didn't ever bat an eye at the bridge and my mare eats them for lunch..full speed ahead. Some horses really have a tough time with the bridge..and there will almost always be a bridge in a competition; therefore you'd be wise to school your horse over various bridges, with various scary things along side for visuals.
And now, as promised..the pictures!
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| Robin Bond Whizadorboom owned by Helen Gompers Foster |
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| Robin Bond Kiger Zapata KCA |
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| Ashley Smith Delirio DC |
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| Karen Boyle Keen Cheeke Rheanna |
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| Bridgett Klingler Port Stanley |
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| Amy Star |
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| Heather Humelbaugh CDC Besita |
The next Region 1 event is THIS WEEKEND at the Oregon Horse Center. It is the first competition of the 2022 competition year. I have other obligations, so won't make it down there. I hope everyone at the show has a marvelous time! Good luck everyone!
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 1
Obstacles
Since my first post ended by discussing DQs..and the DQs were all on obstacles, I thought I'd start a series where we look at the obstacles one by one. I mean, there are a lot of them to look at and they each come with their own specific requirements for performance.
One of the most important guides in the rule book, BTW is found on page 37 of the current (ver. 5.1) rule book. It's table 6-1 and it will tell you the gaits at which each obstacle is to be performed. I can tell you that this is a question that is ALWAYS asked at a course walk and the judges almost always have to look at that very table to answer your question, so take note and have that chart available to consult. I actually print all this stuff and put it in a 3 ring binder that I keep in my horse trailer. I'm old and like an actual book to page through, but lots of folks screen shot the page and keep it on their phone. Either way that table is a must have at a competition.
The link to Appendix B of the rule book is HERE, because that's the appendix that contains the rules for each of the 23 obstacles (one of the obstacles is the 'herding cattle' BTW). There are 23 potential obstacles available for a course designer to choose from, and those course designers must also follow specific rules when laying out the course, but for now I'll just start in alphabetical order and we'll look at a few obstacles per post. I have bolded specific information of note and the descriptions etc. are copied directly from the appendix.
The Bank
- Description. The obstacle consists of an embankment of natural substance positioned not more than 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) above ground level. A level plateau is at the top and bottom of the embankment; the plateau must be at least 2-m (6.5-ft) long in the direction of travel. There may be ramps leading to and away from the level plateaus.
- Execution. The horse should approach and maintain the chosen gait through the obstacle naturally and without any hesitation. The obstacle can be executed as either an up-bank or a down-bank. Both an up-bank and a down-bank may be incorporated and scored as one obstacle. This obstacle is not used for Introductory (L1) riders.
- Assessment Criteria (EOH). The Judge will evaluate the manner in which the horse approaches the bank, the smoothness of the execution, the consistency and quality of gait throughout the exercise, and confidence in the rider’s instructions. Lower marks are awarded for hesitancy. A horse that steps backward before going over the bank or steps off the side of the bank will receive a negative mark.
I haven't ridden at a competition with a bank in it except when the course is also outside. The Oregon Horse Center has a bank obstacle available and the course in Montana at Regionals also had a bank obstacle. It can be really intimidating to canter up and down those banks (or when your clumsier horse catches a toe on the way up..it's darn near heart-stopping). Horses also frequently break gait on the down side and/or refuse the up side. I highly recommend practicing a two foot minimum step-up and down before you're faced with one in a competition.
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| Olivia Chapeski at the Bank, Missoula, MT Used by Permission |
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| Jen Lenz The Bank at Aspen |
The Bell Corridor
- Description. A corridor is made from two parallel rails resting on supports, small fences, or walls at least 30 cm (12 in.) in height. The supports are not secured in the ground. The rails are approximately 3.7-m (12-ft) long and 1.5 m (5-ft) apart. A bell is placed 2-m (6.5-ft) high at the end of the corridor. The support holding the bell is placed so that the bell hangs in center of the corridor.
- Execution. The horse and rider enter the corridor at the prescribed gait for the level and halt at the end of the corridor. The rider rings the bell and reins back through the corridor. The obstacle is completed when the front of the horse clears the obstacle and course markers (if present).
- Assessment Criteria (EOH). The Judge will evaluate the horse’s attitude, straightness, gait, and collection; the immobility of the horse at the bell; the rider’s use of aids; and the fluidity, continuity, and quality of the performance. A higher score will be awarded for performing the obstacle well at the canter rather than at walk when allowed. The Judge will give a lower mark to a horse that drags its feet during the rein back. The Judge will give a lower mark if a horse touches the rails, and a negative mark if the horse displaces or knocks down any of the rails or if the horse steps over the rails. Failure of the horse to remain still will be penalized. Failure of the rider to ring the bell will result in disqualification. Exiting the destination (bell) end of the corridor with all four feet will result in disqualification.
The bell corridor is very much to be expected in almost every competition. The corridor can be a 'L' shape, which makes backing out of it a tad trickier. Make note that if your HORSE rings the bell instead of your hand, that's not OK, so don't accept that if it happens, ring the bell clearly with your hand even if your horse has done it for you. Also, it looks better and scores better if you don't lean forward or rise up in the stirrups to ring the bell. Try to position your halt so that you can simply raise your hand (the same hand must be used for ALL obstacles you touch) to ring the bell; all while at a miraculously square halt of course! This obstacle can be very scary for horses. Some don't like the bell ringing over their heads, some get claustrophobic headed into the corridor, and a LOT of horses really struggle with the rein back to get out of the obstacle. This is an obstacle that looks very innocent but, depending on where it's placed in the course can really present some challenges. At Regionals in Montana, Besita took issue with the bell corridor. She had to face the bell 6 times I think, and every single time got worse until she refused it at the last. Fortunately for me I could ask for a pass at Novice level, once we move up, that would be a DQ. Now a smart person would've set up a substitute at the second refusal and worked through that before the next test but no one ever accused me of being that smart, so when I got home I had to do some serious re-schooling of the bell corridor.
I'd love to hear you experiences with these two obstacles, and if anyone has a PHOTO that demonstrates these two obstacles I'd love to share them. That's it for now so until the next post..Happy Riding!
Heather
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Link to USAWE AO Page: AO Page
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Dedicated to: F.T. Sheer Perfection (Prima) July 18th, 1996 -March 4th, 2018 2017 Intermediate A Reserve Champion She got me into all this.....
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Link to USAWE AO Page: AO Page
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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 ...
