WORKING EQUITATION OBSTACLES ( SEE CURRENT ANWE RULEBOOK)
2 Barrels
Specifications:
Two barrels are placed approximately 3m apart measured from the centre of one
barrel to the centre of the other barrel
Criteria:
The horse is ridden mid-way between the barrels and performs a circle around the
right-hand barrel first. Upon completing the circle and passing halfway between
the barrels, the rider will change direction and begin the circle on the left-hand side
around the left Upon completing the circle on the left-hand side, the competitor
will pass halfway between the barrels to exit the obstacle.
- Level 1, Introductory Level – For example may trot both circles or trot the first circle, walk the second, however the OC must give clear directives on course maps for where trot and walk should be executed.
- Level 2, Preparatory Level – for example may trot one or both circles or canter one or both circles, however the OC must give clear directives on course maps for where trot and canter should be executed.
- All other levels as per standard level requirements see section 15.0
- Level 6, 7 & 8, - Consagrados and above, this obstacle may be performed in rein back starting with the right barrel first. -hand barrel.
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the balance, regularity, change of bend, quality, and
placement of changes of lead, the shape and symmetry of the circles and horse’s
reaction to the aids
3 Barrels
Specifications:
This obstacle consists of three barrels positioned in an equilateral triangle with the
distance between the barrels approximately 3 metres. The distance from barrel to
barrel is measured from the centre of one barrel to the centre of the next barrel, and
all barrels to be the same distance from one another.
Criteria:
The horse canters a route through the barrels. The rider circles around the first barrel
on the right or left. Then proceeds to the next barrel, performing a change of lead
over a line midway between the 1st and 2nd barrels. The rider then half circles
around the 2nd barrel, performs another change of lead over a line midway between
the 2nd and 3rd barrels, and makes a full circle around the 3rd barrel before exiting
from the same point as the point of entry.
- Level 1, Introductory Level - For example may trot both circles or trot the first circle, walk the second, however the OC must give clear directives on course maps for where trot and walk should be executed.
- Level 2, Preparatory Level – For example may trot one or both circles or canter one or both circles, however the OC must give clear directives on course maps for where trot and canter should be executed
Evaluation:
The obstacle should be judged on the horse’s attitude, the rider’s use of aids, changes
of bend, balance, rhythm, fluidity of performance, correctness, and placement of
changes of lead and the shape and symmetry of the circles.
Speed:
This obstacle is not to be used in speed for levels 2 – 4, Introductory to Debutante W
inclusive. It may be used in speed for Levels 5 – 8 Debutante F to Masters.
Bell Corridor
Specifications:
The obstacle consists of 2 small fences (at least 50cm high) or hay bales,
placed parallel to each other forming a corridor 1.5m wide. The recommended
length of the corridor should be between 3m and 4m.
A bell is located on the side at the end of the corridor at a height of approx. 2m.
Level 4 – 8 (Debutante and above) the corridor may be ‘L’ shaped, and all
components must be joined.
Transition markers to walk must be used for levels 1 to 3 and may be used for levels
Debutante W level 4 and above. Where an ‘L’ corridor is used transition markers
must be used for levels 4 and 5, Debutante W and F.
Criteria
- Level 1, Introductory Level - will have no rein back. Corridor poles may be on the ground and should walk at transition markers, The rider then halts, rings the bell and proceeds forward.
- Level 2, Preparatory Level - Canter or trot, walk at transition markers, halt, ring the bell, rein-back 3 -4 steps then proceed forward.
- Level 3 – 8, Preliminary level and above - the horse approaches the corridor at canter, enters and moves forwards towards the end. The rider then halts, rings the bell, and performs a rein back and continues to the next obstacle
- Level 4 and above, Debutante W and above where no transition markers are in place, the horse canters into the corridor.
Evaluation:
This obstacle is judged on the horse’s attitude and straightness, the rider’s use of
aids, regularity, balance, continuity, and quality of the performance.
An insufficient score should be given if the horse displaces either side of the corridor.
Speed:
This obstacle not to be used in Speed phase at L2, Preparatory level. Halt is not
required.
The Bridge
Specifications:
The obstacle consists of a bridge measuring at least 4m long x 1.5m wide and at least
20cm (8 inches) above the ground at its centre. Within these dimensions is a sloping
1m ramp at both ends. The bridge may or may not have side rails, if side rails are used,
they should be removable i.e.not fixed. The surface of the Bridge must provide
traction and not be slick. The Bridge should be made from solid material and should
not endanger either horse or rider.
Transition markers: must be used in the Ease of Handling (EOH) phase
(1 metre on approach and 3 metres on depart). If the bridge is to be used a second
time on the same course, transition markers should be placed 3m from each end.
Criteria:
Ease of Handling (EOH) phase – all levels the horse should walk the bridge.
An insufficient mark or lower will be given for any trot or canter steps on the bridge.
If a horse steps off the side of the bridge with any foot, the competitor must leave
the bridge in a safe manner and re-present through the bridge entry markers.
This will be classed as a refusal and judged accordingly.
Evaluation:
The Judge will evaluate the transition to walk at the marker, quality, regularity,
straightness, and the transition at the marker upon leaving the bridge. Marks will be
deducted if a horse shows any awkwardness, hesitation, or irregularity.
EOH Phase - An insufficient mark or lower will be given for any trot or canter
steps on the bridge
Speed:
Transition markers must be removed. Debutante W and below anything other
than clear walk steps means elimination.
Debutante F and above may trot or canter over the bridge.
Garrocha - Pick Up
Specifications:
This obstacle consists of a barrel and a Garrocha. The Garrocha should be bamboo,
aluminium, poly, or timber or cardboard. Timber garrochas must measure a
minimum of 28mm (1 1/8”) in diameter at the thickest end. Garrocha lengths must
be: a) Child division riders – 1.8 m b) Level 1 (Introductory) riders – 1.8 m c) Level 2
(Preparatory) riders – have an option of 1.8 m or 3-4 m d) Levels 3 to 7
(Preliminary and above) riders 3-4 m The Organising Committee should allow riders
(via the Obstacle Steward) to place the garrocha where required prior to presenting
to the Judge.
Criteria:
The rider approaches the barrel and removes the garrocha without the horse
reacting in any way. The rider should pick up the garrocha with their thumb facing
up. The horse should always move forward at a steady gait, and should not react to,
or unduly notice, the appearance of the barrel or the removal of the garrocha.
L1 – L5 Introductory to Debutante F inc. - If the rider drops the garrocha in Ease of
Handling (EOH) they must dismount, pick up the garrocha, deposit the garrocha
back in the Pick-up Barrel, remount and continue (judging will re - commence
where the rider dropped the garrocha).
L6 – L8 Consagrados 2 to Master’s - Dropping the Garrocha If the rider drops the
garrocha, they must dismount, pick up the garrocha then remount with garrocha,
place the garrocha in the pickup barrel whilst mounted, represent to pick up the
garrocha. Judging commences from where the garrocha drop occurred. Failure to
replace the garrocha will incur elimination.
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the manner in which the horse approaches the obstacle,
its reaction to the movement of the garrocha and the relaxed manner in which the
rider picks up the garrocha. Any slowing down or change of gait by the horse will be
penalised. Knocking over the pick-up barrel in Ease of Handling (EOH) will result in
an insufficient or lower mark. A higher mark will be achieved if the canter lead at the
time of executing matches the side the garrocha is held.
Speed: Knocking over the pick-up barrel will incur a 5 second penalty.
Garrocha - Bull Ring or Ball knock off
Knock Down a Ball Specifications:
The ball is located on the top of a base approximately 1.6m in height. Balls of a
larger size should be used for Introductory
Preparatory and Preliminary (Level 1-3) while balls of a smaller size but no smaller
than 15cm (6inches) are appropriate for Debutante (Level 4/5) to Masters (Level 8).
Balls should be constructed or filled in a way that prevents the ball from bouncing
and/or rolling.
Spearing a Ring Specifications:
The ring should be 15cm - outside diameter. Rings may be located on a bull or
several bases at various heights ranging from 1.2m to1.6m as indicated on the
course map.
Criteria:
Knock Ball and Spearing the Ring
The competitor, at the required gait, knocks down a ball with the tip of the
garrocha or collects the ring from any location. The ring or ball must be clearly
attempted.
Dropping the Ring - A ring dropped off the garrocha does not need to be picked up.
L1 – L5 Introductory to Debutante F inc. - Dropping Garrocha without the ring -
If the rider drops the garrocha without the ring, they must dismount, pick up the
garrocha, deposit the garrocha back in the Pick-up Barrel and then remount.
After remounting, the rider then picks the garrocha back up and judging continues
from where the garrocha drop occurred.
L1 – L5 Introductory to Debutante F inc. Dropping Garrocha with the ring -
If the rider drops the garrocha with the ring, they must dismount, pick up the
garrocha and the ring, deposit both back in the Pick-up Barrel and then remount.
After remounting, the rider then picks up the garrocha only and judging continues
from where the garrocha drop occurred.
L6 – L8 Con 2 to Master’s Dropping the Garrocha with or without the Ring.
If the rider drops the garrocha with the ring, they must dismount, pick up the
garrocha and the ring, deposit the ring only back in the Pickup barrel.
Remount with the garrocha, place the garrocha in the pickup barrel whilst mounted,
re-present to the pickup barrel. Judging commences from where the garrocha
drop occurred. If the garrocha is dropped without the ring the above applies
without the ring.
Failure to clearly attempt the ring or ball is elimination.
Evaluation:
This obstacle is judged on the horse maintaining regularity, straightness, balance
and the fluency with which the rider skewers the ring with the garrocha or knocks
down of the ball.
Striking the base holding the ring or the ball will be incur a lower mark.
Dropping the ring after collecting will incur a lower mark.
A higher mark will be achieved if the canter lead, at time of executing spearing the
ring or knock down the ball, matches the side the garrocha is held.
Speed:
Bonus points are accrued by securing the ring or knocking the ball (with the tip
of the garrocha) – 10 second deduction per obstacle off final time.
The garrocha and rings must be securely deposited in the barrel to accrue the 10
second deduction.
Garrocha - Deposit
Criteria:
The rider approaches the barrel and deposits the garrocha in the barrel with their
thumb facing up.
L1 – L5 Introductory to Debutante F inc. Dropping Garrocha without the ring -
If the rider drops the garrocha without the ring, they must dismount, pick up the
garrocha, deposit the garrocha back in the Pick-up Barrel and then remount.
After remounting, the rider then picks the garrocha back up and judging continues
from where the garrocha drop occurred.
L1 – L5 Introductory to Debutante F inc. Dropping Garrocha with the ring -
If the rider drops the garrocha with the ring, they must dismount, pick up the
garrocha and the ring, deposit both back in the Pick-up Barrel and then remount.
After remounting, the rider then picks up the garrocha only and judging continues
from where the garrocha drop occurred.
L1 – L5, Intro to Debutante F, Barrel knocked over or Garrocha bouncing out –
If the deposit barrel is knocked over when depositing the garrocha or if the
garrocha bounces out of the deposit barrel, the rider is to dismount and replace
the garrocha back into the deposit barrel. Failure to do so will incur elimination.
L6 - L8 – Cons 2 to Master’s level, Barrel knocked over or bounced Garrocha -
If the deposit barrel is knocked over when depositing the garrocha, or the
garrocha bounces out of the deposit barrel, the rider must dismount and
replace the garrocha into the deposit barrel whilst mounted. Failure to do
so will incur elimination.
All levels - The obstacle is only considered successfully completed if the garrocha
and ring (if collected cleanly) stays in the barrel which is in an upright position.
Evaluation:
This obstacle is judged on the way in which the horse approaches, its reaction
to the movement of the garrocha and the calm manner in which the rider
deposits the garrocha.
A higher mark will be achieved if the canter lead matches the side the garrocha is
held.
The Gate
Specifications:
The gate should be constructed from a wooden or metal frame supported by two
uprights without sharp edges. The gate opening should be at least 2m wide with
the top set at a height of at least 1.3m. A latch easily operated from horseback
constructed of metal hoop or rope loop should be used. The gate should swing
freely to open and close forward or backwards to the left or right in conformity
with the course. A rope between two posts can be used instead of a solid gate,
preferably in speed phase.
The Rope gate should be constructed from sturdy wooden or metal uprights
with no sharp edges or unnecessary exposed hooks. Gate opening should be
at least 2m wide with rope ends attached at least 1.3m from ground level.
The rope must be minimum 16mm rope in thickness and end loop must not
be big enough for a hoof to reasonably fit in.
Criteria:
All levels Approach the gate with final pace at walk.
L4 - L8 Debutante W and above may have a reverse gate.
All Training Levels (L1 & L2) should approach the gate in a calm relaxed manner
and perform a balanced obedient halt. This concession assists trainers/riders to
develop calmness with the gate.
Approach criteria:
L1, Introductory: The approach may be parallel (from the side). Then halt to
open the gate, push the gate open, halt in centre of the gate opening for
5 seconds, then proceed forward to next obstacle without closing the gate.
When dropping a rope loop, ensure it is safely away from horse’s legs.
L2, Preparatory Level: Should approach head on and perform a balanced
obedient halt to open the gate.
L3-8 All Competitive levels cantering to approach the gate head on, makes its
transition and final approach at a walk. The horse positions itself at halt at the
side of the gate (to the left or right depending on the direction in which it opens).
After approach:
L2-L8 All Levels above Introductory: after approach criteria above, the rider should
then move the quarters parallel then open the gate. The horse should then walk
through the entrance and when exited to the other side, back up one -two steps
to close the gate. With the horse halted squarely the rider should close the latch
to complete the obstacle. The rider preferably keeps hold of the gate/latch during
the course of performing this obstacle.
Failure to latch the gate will result in elimination as the obstacle is incomplete
Evaluation:
The judge will score the transitions and the horse’s action which should be fluid
and without hesitation or tension. The horse should pay attention to and
participate in the opening and closing movements without signs of insecurity or
disobedience. The rider’s action should be easy, precise, and free from hesitation.
Debutante W and Above Levels: - not keeping hold of the gate/latch is an
insufficient mark.
Speed: No halts required, failure to latch is elimination. When using a rope gate,
passing the rope over the head of the rider is never allowed (elimination).
The Jug
Specifications:
This obstacle consists of a table at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) high, on which a jug is
placed. A bottle of fluid or sand may be used instead of the jug. Organisers should
take care to make sure that equipment is stable in all weather condions
Criteria:
The competitor approaches the table and halts. The horse should stand immobile
while the rider lifts the jug above their head and replaces the jug on the table
before moving off at the appropriate gait.
L1, Introductory Levels - should be straight and relaxed into halt and immobile.
L2, Preparatory Level - and above should be straight, balanced, immobile and
square in front
The jug, when replaced on the table, shall remain upright. If the jug falls after it is
placed on the table the rider must dismount and replace the jug unmounted,
otherwise it is an elimination.
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged by the manner in which the horse approaches and remains
at a halt next to the table, without showing any signs of fear and trusting the riders
use of the aids. The rider will be penalised if the horse touches the table.
The Judge will also take into consideration the severity or mildness of each
disobedience.
Speed:
This obstacle is not used in speed
The Jump
Specifications:
The obstacle consists of a jump of various heights, depending on the level. The jump
will consist of crossed rails or straight rails or hay bales with a rail on top dependent
on the level of competitor as set out in gait required below. The bales of straw may
be replaced by a natural substance provided that it does not exceed the bale’s height.
Criteria:
The horse should approach and jump naturally and with assurance.
L1 - Introductory - Trot pole on the ground.
L2 - Preparatory - Canter or trot a cross rail, total height 20 cm at the centre.
L3 - Preliminary - Canter a cross rail total height between 20 - 30 cm at the centre,
preferably off a hay bale on either side.
L4 - Debutante W - Canter a raised pole total height 40cm. This jump should
include a ground rail.
L5 - Debutante F - Canter a hay bale broad side down with one rail on top (resting
in jump cups) total height 50 cm. This jump can include a ground rail.
L6 & 7 - Consagrados 2 & 1 - Canter a hay bale broad side down with one rail
on top (resting in jump cups) total height 50 cm. This jump can include a ground rail
L8 - Masters Canter a hay bale broad side down with one rail on top (resting in
jump cups) total height 50 cm. This jump can include a ground rail
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the bascule (except for Introductory) of the horse and
the horse and rider’s confidence and the correct use of aids to perform the obstacle.
Touching any part of the obstacle will result in a lower score for Ease of Handling
(EOH) however will not incur a penalty in the Speed phase. Displacing the rails or
hay bales will result in an insufficient or lower score for Ease of Handling (EOH)
Speed:
Displacing rails or hay bales will incur a 5 second penalty.
Brushing rails/hay bales, no penalty.
The Rein Back Obstacle With Cup
Specifications:
Corridor - Rein back corridors should comprise 2 small fences at least 50cm high,
made in such a way that it is safe for the horse if the corridor is stepped on or over.
At the end there is a post with a height of between 1.6m & 2m on the right-hand
side upon which a cup is placed. At the exit there will be another post on the right-
hand side of the same measurements.
Each side of both straight or “L” shaped corridor should measure between 3m and
4m with a width of 1.5m.
Transition markers to walk must be used for L2 & L3, Preparatory and Preliminary
Levels.
Transition markers to walk may be used for Levels 4 and above, Debutante W and
above. Where an L shaped corridor is used transition markers must be used for L4
and L5, Debutante Levels.
Criteria:
This obstacle is not to be used for L1, Introductory level. Competitor enters the
corridor, halts, removes the cup and reins back either in a straight line or an “L”.
At the exit there will be another post on the right-hand side - the rider will halt
and place the cup on this post.
The horse should remain immobile while collecting and depositing the cup.
L2, Preparatory Level - may rein back till rider is level with middle of corridor and
then walk forward. OC must give clear directives on course maps for where trot
and walk should be executed.
L4 - L8, Deb W and Above may have an “L” shaped corridor.
This obstacle has the following variations:
Straight Rein Back with Cup - The horse and rider backs through a straight corridor.
Rein Back in “L” with cup (L4, Deb W and above) comprised of a corridor shaped
like an "L". Competitor enters the corridor, rides to the end, halts, and then a rein
back is executed back through the "L" shaped corridor to deposit the cup on the
exit post.
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the horse’s attitude, straightness, fluidity, balance,
the correctness of the halts, the fluency and balance of the rein back, the rider’s
use of aids, continuity, and quality of the performance.
An insufficient score should be given if the horse displaces either of the sides
of the corridor.
Parallel Post Rein Back With Cup
Specifications:
Two parallel lines of 3 posts, with a height of between 1.6m & 2m, forming a corridor
where the posts are separated by a minimum of 2.5 metres and a maximum of 3
metres from each other, and each line is separated by 1.5 m
Criteria:
The competitor moves between the lines of posts up to the last post where the rider
removes the cup and performs a rein back
The horse should remain immobile while collecting and depositing the cup in
Ease of Handling (EOH) phase. To complete this obstacle the horse must fully exit
(i.e.., with its four legs) in rein back from the obstacle.
In case the horse knocks down any of the posts the rider must dismount and put it
back in place. The rider must be mounted to replace the cup. This obstacle is not
considered completed unless all posts and cup are in place.
Failure to re-erect any knocked down post will incur elimination
Slalom Rein Back With Cup
Specifications:
Two parallel lines of 3 posts forming a corridor where posts are separated by a
minimum of 2.5m and a maximum 3m and each line is separated by 1.5m.
Criteria:
The horse/rider moves between the lines of posts up to the last post where the
rider removes the cup and performs a rein back slalom between the posts.
The horse should remain immobile while collecting and depositing the cup in
Ease of Handling (EOH) phase.
To complete this exercise the horse must fully exit (i.e.., with its four legs) in rein
back from the obstacle
If the rider uses the left hand to ride the horse and the right hand to manipulate
the obstacles, they should remove the cup placed on the post to the right and
replace it on the middle or last post to their right, according to the course directives.
When executing the slalom in this obstacle, the rider will slalom back through the
posts on their right.
The obstacle is executed on the opposite side for riders who use the right hand
to ride the horse.
In case the horse knocks down any of the posts the rider must dismount and put it
back in place. The rider must be mounted to replace the cup. This obstacle is not
considered completed unless all posts and cup are in place.
Evaluation:
This obstacle is judged on the horse’s attitude, straightness, fluidity, balance,
correctness of the halts, the fluidity and balance of the rein back and the rider’s
use of the aids. If the horse knocks down any posts the score must be insufficient or
below. Failure to re-erect any knocked down post will incur elimination
Switch Cup
Specifications:
This obstacle consists of a down-turned drinking cup on a post with a height of
between 1.6m & 2m. The distance apart is approximately 1.2m (less for juniors).
Criteria:
The rider halts by the post and picks up the cup from the top of one post and places
it on the top of another post according to course directives. The horse should be
immobile whilst picking up or replacing the cup, in Ease of Handling (EOH) phase,
and then proceed forward immediately after replacing the cup.
This obstacle can have the following variations:
Standing Cup Post
The rider halts between two posts as per specifications, picks up the cup from one
post and places it on top of the adjacent post.
Moving Cup Post
The rider picks up the cup and replaces it on another post according to the course
directives.
If any post including the post on which the cup is to be placed is knocked over,
the rider is to dismount, erect the post, remount, place the cup on the post and
continue.
Both obstacles are not considered complete unless all posts and cup are in place.
Evaluation:
This obstacle is judged on the manner in which the horse approaches and remains
immobile, without showing any fear and trusting the rider’s use of aids.
Side Pass
Specifications:
This obstacle consists of a pole at least 2.4 m long and a maximum of 4 m long
Level 1 Introductory - The pole or half pole is on the ground
Level 2 Preparatory - The pole is on the ground
Level 3 Preliminary - The pole is raised 5 – 10 cm above the ground
Level 4 and above Deb W and above - The pole/s are raised 5 – 10cm above the
ground. An “L” shape may be used.
Criteria:
The horse moves sideways, with the pole always positioned under the barrel of the
horse with the forelegs in front of the pole and the hind legs behind the pole.
L1 - Introductory Level should stand over the middle of the pole for 5 secs and then
proceed forward.
L2 - Preparatory Level should execute progressive transitions to the centre of the
pole, side pass half of the pole or side pass the whole pole according to course
directives.
This encourages riders to begin in either straight or approach at an angle with
shoulders leading, encouraging bend in the direction of movement.
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the horse’s capacity to move laterally without touching
the pole. Also, the horse’s calmness, continuity of action and crossing of the legs
with rhythm are judged.
A bend in the direction of movement, shoulder slightly ahead, will gain a higher
score than if the horse is bent away from the movement. The horse will be severely
penalised if it touches or knocks the pole.
Single Slalom
Specifications:
The obstacle comprises at least 5 Posts (approximately 2 metres high) set out in a
straight line approximately (6–10 metres apart).
L1 - L3 Introductory, Preparatory and Preliminary - 10 metres apart
L4 - L5 Debutante W and Debutante F - 8 metres apart
L6 - L8 Consagrados 2, Consagrados 1 and Masters- 6 metres apart
The distances should be changes accordingly for each level
Criteria:
Course directives will determine if the course is to be ridden from the left or the right.
The horse is ridden around the slalom posts performing a clear change of bend with
each change of direction. When required the change of lead or flying changes should
always be performed at the halfway point between the posts. Unless there is a flag to
direct otherwise, the slalom is finished when the rider passes through the last two
poles.
L2 - Preparatory Level may be directed the following gaits or variations thereof for
the slalom:
- Trot the entire slalom
- Canter with changes of lead through trot or walk
- Alternate each change of rein between canter, trot and walk
(e.g., Canter in, walk the second, trot the third, walk the fourth, canter the fifth.)
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the harmony, precision, regularity and balance of the
horse’s movements and the rider’s use of aids, showing clear changes of bend and
the quality and placement of changes. Acceptable lines for Debutante F and below
Double Slalom
Specifications:
The obstacle consists of at 5 or 7 posts a minimum of 2m high. The posts are laid out
in 2 parallel lines 6-10 m apart. Distance between the two parallel lines of posts must
equal the distance between the individual posts in those parallel lines.
L1 - L3 Introductory, Preparatory and Preliminary - 10 metres apart
L4 - L5 Debutante W and Debutante F - 8 metres apart
L6 - L8 Consagrados 2, Consagrados 1 and Masters- 6 metres apart
The distances should be changed accordingly for each level
Criteria:
Course directives, the placement of the number and placement of red and white
markers/flags will determine if the course is to be ridden from the left or the right.
The horse takes a slalom course around the posts with changes of lead and bend
performed on the half-way line between the posts. Unless there is a flag to direct
otherwise, the slalom is finished when the rider passes through the last two poles.
L2 - Preparatory Level may be directed the following gaits or variations thereof for
the slalom:
- Trot the entire slalom
- Canter with changes of lead through trot or walk
- Alternate each change of rein between canter, trot and walk (e.g., Canter in, walk
the second, trot the third, walk the fourth, canter the fifth.)
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the harmony, precision, regularity and balance of the
horse’s movements and the rider’s use of aids, showing clear changes of bend
and the quality and placement of changes.
Speed:
This obstacle is not to be used in the speed phase for L2 – L4, Preparatory to
Debutante W level. This may be used for L5-8, Debutante F to Master’s level.
Stock Pen
Specifications:
The obstacle consists of a 3m diameter internal pen. The outside diameter should
be approximately:
L1 to 3 Introductory, Preparatory and Preliminary - 10m diameter
Level 4 and 5 Debutante W and Debutante F - 8m diameter
Level 6 to 8 Consagrados 2, Consagrados 1 and Masters - 6m
Rope must not be used. Gate opening to be between 1.5 and 2 metres.
The Stock Pen diameter should be changed to the diameter for each level.
Criteria:
The horse enters from the direction given on the course map (if no directions are
given the rider may enter from either direction) in the gait required for the level.
The horse performs a full circle around the inner enclosure, comes out and performs
a half circle/pirouette and re-enters.
L1, Introductory level must trot inside the pen, then walk a half circle/turn on the
haunches or turn on the forehand, then re-enter in trot.
L2, Preparatory level must trot or canter inside the pen, then walk a half circle/turn
on the haunches then re- enter in trot or canter.
L3-L5, Preliminary to Debutante F perform half circle/pirouette within 5 metres of
the gate either in front or to the side.
L6 – L8, Consagrados 2 and above perform half pirouette in centre of the gate
within 5 metres of the opening.
Evaluation:
This obstacle is judged on the horse’s balance, bend, confidence and the harmony
between horse and rider.
Speed:
At speed this obstacle is be performed in one direction.
Water Filled Ditch
Specifications:
The Water Filled Ditch should be no more than 20cm deep and should have a gradual grade into and out of the water. It must have safe footing. Minimum size 1.5 metres wide x 2 metres long.
Criteria:
The horse should move through the ditch naturally, showing that it is familiar with moving through water.
At all levels in Ease of Handling (EOH) the obstacle must be performed in walk.
Evaluation:
The obstacle is judged on the horse’s confidence in approaching the obstacle showing trust in the rider.
Speed:
In Speed the obstacle may be performed in any gait, however, the horse must have stepped through the water.
The Bank
This obstacle is not to be used for Introductory or Preparatory levels.
Specifications:
This obstacle starts with a ramp leading to a platform of at least 2 metres wide positioned up to 60cm above ground level and terminates in a sheer drop onto dry solid ground.
The judge should remove this obstacle if ground conditions are not ideal for safety reasons.
Criteria:
The horse should negotiate the ramp, platform and drop or rise in a confident manner. It should step down from the bank in a calm manner without leaping excessively.
This obstacle may be executed as an upward bank.
(Please note there is no water where the horse drops down the bank)