Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 11: The Jump

In my experience it's been a rare Ease of Handling round that does not contain a 'jump'. I've also found in speaking with folks over the years that there is a LOT of nervousness around this obstacle because a LOT of folks just don't like to jump! It is definitely a skill to be practiced. I myself have a tendency to look down, and flap my elbows on the way over; as if doing so will help with lift off. Sigh, so much for style points.

If a person doesn't have a jumping background, it can be very unfamiliar and nerve wracking territory to complete this obstacle. I personally get even more intimidated if it's a solid object like hay bales vs. a pole.

I do find it helps me a lot to sit up, look up and even look WAY off ahead, instead of looking at the jump. I just try to  pretend it isn't there..just another stride of trot or canter. I'd love to hear about techniques and/or advice in getting to the jump, executing it and recovering in time to prepare for the next obstacle, because I, for one, am not very good at it. Please chime in!

In terms of rules, the rule book says this: (bolding added by me)

Description. The obstacle consists of a single jump in a progression of heights for each level. Standard jump rails or a solid wood obstacle (like a flower box) can be used. Bales of straw placed end-to-end are acceptable. The jump must be at least 3-m (10-ft) across. The jump must be positioned between two jump standards with appropriate jump cups. L1: A single rail is placed on the ground between the jump standards; jump cups must be removed. Up to two ground rails may be set in front of the jump rail; each 1- to 1.2-m (3.5- to 4-ft) apart.  L2 and L3: Jump consists of a pair of crossed rails not to exceed 0.5 m (22 in.) at the standard and 0.4 m (15 in.) at the center.   L4 thru L7: Jump consists of a solid-looking obstacle or rails set 0.5-m (22-in.) high.

Execution. The horse should approach and jump over the obstacle cleanly, naturally, and with assurance. The obstacle may be required in both directions providing there is at least one obstacle in between the first and second execution.

Assessment Criteria (EOH).  The Judge will evaluate the manner in which the horse approaches and leaves the obstacle; the horse’s calmness, straightness, and tempo throughout the obstacle; the bascule over the jump; and the pair’s confidence and style.  Knocking over any part of the obstacle will result in a negative score.  

Below are pictures of each level of jump. The last one is Adrienne Ray and her fabulous Clipper. I didn't ask permission so I hope you don't mind Adrienne (check out those tight and tidy front legs on Clipper!)

L1 (Intro) Jump (ground pole)

L2 & L3 Jump (Novice) :15" max height at the crossing point

Adrienne Ray on Clipper
 L4-L7 (Int. A and up) 22" high crossrail

There are lots of opportunities these days, all across the United States to join the fun of W.E. and practice your jumping skills! Find these events on the W.E Calendar here: W.E. Events and have a wonderful time JUMPING. 

 

Let's Talk Obstacles: Episode 10. The Jug

 

CDC Besita at the Jug

The jug is a deceptively difficult obstacle. Seems easy, right? Impeccable transition, square halt, remain motionless. Sure, sure it is, especially if you bump the table, drop the jug, your horse steps backwards, or..you dump the contents of the jug all over your brand new show jacket and scare your horse (more common than one might imagine!).

The rule book says this:

Description.  A jug sits on top of a small table or other platform that is at least 1.2-m (4-ft) high. A manufactured table is not required; a table-like platform may be constructed of common materials (e.g., hay bales, sacks of grain, etc.) The jug must have a handle. The jug must be placed in the same position for each competitor.

Execution.  The rider approaches the table in the prescribed gait, halts with the rider’s leg even with the table, raises the jug above her/his head, and replaces the jug on the table.  The obstacle must be approached from the numbered side. The rider may stop at any position around the table as long as the obstacle is approached from the numbered side. The horse must depart at the same gait as it approached the obstacle.  If the jug is dropped, a member of the ground crew will hand the jug to the riders competing at the Introductory (L1) level. Novice (L2/L3) level riders must dismount, retrieve the jug, remount and replace the jug on the table, or may request permission to pass and receive a 0 score.  Intermediate (L4) through Masters (L7) riders must dismount, retrieve the jug, remount, and replace the jug; failure to do so will result in disqualification. 

Assessment Criteria (EOH).  The Judge will evaluate the manner in which the horse approaches and remains immobile next to the table without showing any fear and trusting the rider’s use of aids.  The jug, when placed on the table, must remain upright.  Any jarring movement against the table will result in a lower score. Intermediate (L4) through Masters (L7) level riders will receive a higher score for approaching the table at canter with a good canter-to-halt transition. 

The Jug is present in almost every EOH competition I have participated in. It is difficult to get a great score, unless you do it like the picture I posted above (best score I have ever received on the jug..thanks Besita!).

If you're struggling with the details of the jug; click this link. Trish Hyatt has an entire working equitation simplified program and just posted a jug challenge!

Enjoy!

https://we-simplified.com/jug-challenge

W.E. New Promo Ad. So cool!

 

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!

VOLUNTEERS

 

Dan Dahlke
W.E.Ethics Committee Volunteer

I just returned from a very fun W.E.clinic & show in Eugene, OR. While there I was able to reconnect with many 'experienced' competitors and was thrilled to meet so many new enthusiasts. It is really gratifying to see this sport take off in popularity; and it's doing so because it's fun, friendly, challenging AND we all get to play with whatever horse we happen to have around, from gaited ponies, to giant draft horses.

 None of this happens though, without a full compliment of volunteers. It takes a LOT of volunteers to put on a show, and a LOT of volunteers to run the W.E. organization. At this show I said 'hello' and 'thank-you' to a number of familiar faces; TJ Cruden at the gate, Mark Klingler as TD, Karen Hansen doing, well, anything and everything right along with her husband Graham; not to mention the indefatigable Dan Dahlke (he's a super hero in my eyes because my dog bit him once..last time my dog was allowed out in public). Most of the competitors pitch in too, doing as much as they can. Sometimes that involves FOOD like the pulled pork that arrived at our potluck..um YUMMYNESS (Amy and her hubs) and silverware that magically appears, and then gets washed and returned courtesy of Emily Elias. 

All these people helping each other and interacting together creates a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for all. 

Now, take this event; add increasing popularity and number of shows (see the event calendar  HERE,  there are upwards of 5 events per weekend all over the country now) and think about all the people running all these shows. It's quite something. Now add the nationwide organization who must coordinate and manage ALL these activities (and track the records). All those folks are volunteers too! 

In case you haven't checked out how many people volunteer for USAWE and  the committees required to run it,  may I present to you all the people, on all the committees for your USAWE organization (Region 1 members highlighted in yellow)

All committees are appointed by the USAWE Board of Directors.

Affiliate Organizations Program Coordinator
Email: AffiliateOrganizations@usawe.org
Kristine Strasburger

Awards Committee
Email: Awards@usawe.org
Chair: Erin Leal
Members:
Kimberlee Barker
Lori Fisher
Lynn Maloney
Barb Sullivan

Coaches Network Committee
Email: Coaches@usawe.org
Chair: Trisha Kiefer-Reed
Members:
Emily Kemp
Ashley Smith
Andrea Sullivan
Kat Waters

Competitions Committee
Email: Competitions@usawe.org
Chair: Kris Blacklock
Members:
Jeanne Bond
Susan Watkins

Ethics Committee
Email: Ethics@usawe.org
Chair: Dan Dahlke
Members:
Cindy Branham
Marcy Buffington
Ali Kermeen
Glynna Hoekstra
Ali Kermeen
Adair Soho

Financial Oversight Committee

Members:
Leesa Nero

 

Licensed Officials Committee
Email: LOC@usawe.org
Chairs: Christy Reich & Doreen Atkinson
Members:
Jeanne Bond
Kellee Campbell
Leslie Martien

Marketing Committee
Chair: Kiki Pantaze (R4Director@usawe.org)
Members:
Heather Hiller
Jody Fontanetta (Graphic Design)
Stephanie Kame (Graphic Design)
Gillian Ockner (Website)
Adrienne Raymond (Website)
Kristine Strasburger (Website)
Barbara Price (Oversight & Assistance)

Membership Committee
Email: Membership@usawe.org
Chair: Olga Hendrickson
Members:
Jacqueline Ely
Mindy Finelli
Heather Hiller
Kate Steffes

Rules Committee
Email: Rules@usawe.org
Chair: Jeanne Bond
Members:
Glynna Hoekstra
Leslie Martien
Barbara Price
Amy Star

Youth Development Committee
Email: altyson@gmail.com
Chair: Alex Tyson
Members:
Olga Hendrickson
Melissa Main
Kasey Riddle
Shannon Rowe

 THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!! 

Next time you're at an event..thank a volunteer!!

WE Coaches Network Region 1 has a GREAT ONE! Check it out!

Run-A-Muck Ranch

Connect with Trisha via Social Media or her email: torunamucksome@gmail.com

Wolf Creek, MT

Offering:

• Lessons on and off farm
• Clinics on and off farm
• Training Board

Finesse + Joy = Working Equitation!

From Affiliate Organization Run-A-Muck Ranch in Montana, Trisha instantly fell in love with a sport that offered so much to so many. Having spent decades instructing and competing in a variety of disciplines, it became apparent that this sport was the one that brought it all together.

Pulling from her Eventing and Dressage background, coupled with practical ranching and trail riding skills from everyday life, Trisha has been honored to coach and train several students and horses to solid successes in the show ring. To-date, 6 personal horses have either ribboned, won a buckle series, placed at Regional Championships and/or earned high point awards. In addition to seeing her students rank on Regional and National leaderboards, it is seeing their smiles and joyful tears that keeps her so enthused.

Achievement and WE volunteer highlights:

• WE United president elect
• Merger executive board member
• USAWE At Large Director
• Provisional Technical Delegate
• Chair, Coaches Network committee
• Awarded International Instructor of the Year in 2021 by Certified Horsemanship Association

So if you are interested in starting your WE journey, Trisha is thrilled to share the joy of this sport with everyone. Catch WE fire!

What is a WE Coach?

• An experienced trainer or instructor
• Someone who LOVES working equitation
• A person looking to help promote the sport in their area and to support other trainers across the country
• Someone who has invested time and energy into their working equitation education
• A professional seeking to expand their clientele in this growing sport
• The United States of America WE Coaches Network specifically recognizes WE Coaches residing in the United States. We hope that other North Americal WE Organizations follow suit with similar programs for their members.

What are the perks?

• National recognition as a working equitation professional
• Promotion on the USAWE website including a bio, photo and link to your business website
• Be part of a diverse network of trainers and instructors committed to improving horsemanship through working equitation

Director's notes: Because Trisha lives in region 1, I have had the distinct pleasure of watching her ride and compete. She's also a 100% fantabulous person to hang out with. Dancing anyone? SHe can do that too! We are lucky to have her!!

Big News!! USA Working Equitation signs Official Agreement to Join International WE Association!!!