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For the past few years weve been presenting our Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge across North America. Its the hottest new cross disciplinary competition around, in which all breeds and all disciplines are invited to compete on a timed versatility course of challenges inspired by the best in every discipline! Every course is different, but each one is made up of challenges include trail obstacles, jumps, ring jousting, elements of reining and dressage, gymkhana and more.
Whats truly unique about this competition is not only the truly versatile course: its how the judges score each horse/rider team. We designed our Wind Rider Challenge to truly reward the best relationship between horse and rider; to do so, we came up with four specific criteria for the judges to consider. Our panel of three judges consider, in equal weight;
Horsemanship (Does the rider help his horse take on the challenge course with tact?)
Equitation (Does the riders equitation improve the horses way of moving, or does he/she interfere with it?)
Accuracy/correctness (Does the horse go over the bridge, take the jump, etc?)
The horses attitude (Even if hes nervous is he willing, and does he trust his rider?)
What doesnt count? How much bling is on the tack, how trendy the riders outfit, or whether the horses haircoat is perfect. This competition is about the horse and rider working together as a team, rather than against each other. The top three teams earn the chance to compete in the final rounds on a new Challenge course, followed by the chance to wow the judges and the crowds with a musical freestyle. Weve seen some amazing freestyles that rival the best professional equine performers. Check out the video clips on our website to see the fun and get inspired!
To encourage even more people to join us, this column is the first in a series that will explain exactly how to train your horse (and yourself!) to master the challenges that may be included in the next Wind Rider Challenge near you. In each article well focus on one skill or obstacle. Together well cover how to canter correct circles with the ability to speed up and slow down, square halts from the canter, sidepassing ground poles, how to take a two foot jump correctly (even in a Western saddle!), ring jousting, javelin throwing at the canter, turning on the forehand or haunches, lateral work and more.
In this article well discuss the proper way to open, pass through, and close a gate, a task inspired by trail class. This seems simple enough, but unless you know how it can be quite daunting, especially if your horse dances around and you cant even get him to halt and relax next to the gate. Therefore you need a good, obedient halt: this is an important, practical skill that will help you and your horse not only with many of the challenge elements in our competition, but also whenever you ride or handle your horse. Several other prerequisites include your horse going forward, backing in a straight line, and moving laterally, all on cue, for exactly as many steps as you ask.
For the purposes of this article well assume that your horse is already confirmed in the above skills. Lets also assume that, for simplicitys sake, our gate is made up of two jump standards with a rope secured to one and attached to the other by a loop on the end. Usually the standards are placed three to four feet apart. When you begin this lesson make it easy for your horse by undoing the loop and letting it hang down out of the way before you mount up. Once mounted simply approach the gate and ride around and through it with apparent disinterest in the object itself. This demeanor on your part will signal to your horse that there is nothing scary about the gate. Then begin just stopping by the gate, resting and then moving on. As with every new lesson, be sure to release all pressure and pet your horse, especially in the beginning, so that he understands exactly what behavior you want.
To set up for the next step dismount, attach the loop end to the opposite standard create a gate, and remount. Then halt next to the standard with the loop, pick it up and then replace it on the standard, all with an attitude of This is no big deal. Do this several times until your horse is pretty calm standing there steadily as you pick up the rope and replace it. Take as much time as you need here, and do so on both sides so you can approach a gate in either direction.
Now pick one side and stick with it; lets assume that youve directed your horse to halt with the gate on your left. Hold your reins in your right hand, pick up the loop with your left hand, back up slightly and then guide your horse in between the jump standards.
Horses that neck rein well have a clear advantage here, so both Western and English riders would benefit if they and their horse now how to not only direct rein, but to neck rein properly, too! Of course, if your horse gets worried or squirrelly, its better to drop the rope than to pull the standard on top of you. If this happens, youve be gone too far, too fast; go back to getting your horse comfortable with walking between the standards calmly, and pretend youre holding the rope. Mimic the arm movements, etc. As soon as youre about 80-85% sure that hes ready, try the rope again. If hes steady, once youve guided your horse through the two standards, turn left (moving the shoulders to the left and the hindquarters somewhat to the right is the most efficient way to do this while staying close to the obstacle). Then simple back up in a straight line the two or three steps required to position yourself next to the other standard. Once halted, simply put the loop back on the standard, effectively closing the gate. Practice this until its just about perfect, and then repeat the lesson on the right side.
If you take the time to teach your horse this lesson, you wont get tangled up in the rope gate, or need to switch hands, or pass the rope over your horses head because hes moved out of place, spun around, or backed up uncontrollably, or lean over so much that you almost fall off! Your horse should be able to simply approach the gate as you specifically direct, halt in position, wait as you lift the loop off the standard, pass through the standards calmly, turn forehand and hindquarters on command, back up the exact number of steps you request, and stand quietly right next the to other standard as you easily replace the loop.
Remember that once hes just about perfect at home youll need to prepare him for the stimulation and distractions that are unavoidable in an arena with a crowd watching, lights, a sound system, flash bulbs going off, applause, etc. So practice this same lesson in unfamiliar environments with new distractions, like a friends indoor arena, a warm up ring at the fairground where there are other horses preparing to show, etc. By training your horse to focus on you by doing the job you require, especially when hes in an unfamiliar environment, youll not only have a solid partner in the competition: youll also have a more reliable horse who will focus on you on the trail, in the show ring, or just about anywhere.
Next month well discuss another great lesson for the versatile, all around horse, no matter what your discipline. Have fun, and ride safe!
Bob Jeffreys 7/09. Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard travel across North America teaching people how to bring out the best in their horses. Their homebase is Two as One Ranch in Middletown, NY. For info about Bob & Suzannes Wind Rider Challenge, private horse training lessons, riding lessons, clinics, DVDs, books, Horsemanship Ed Courses and ProTrack Trainer Certification Programs please visit TwoasOneHorsemanship.com or call 845-692-7478.
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