When I’m in an equitation on the flat class and asked to reverse at the trot, what do I do?
First, you need to change your diagonal, because you are about to go in the other direction. Try to do a small half-circle and get right back to the rail. Another option is to go through the middle of the ring and change, but this may be too much of a tour! Finally, you need to be aware of the traffic in the ring while you execute this move. You don’t want to get in the way of other riders, so keep it simple and small.
When asked to counter-canter a jump, how much counter-canter does the judge want to see?
The best way to explain this is through a diagram. The test is cantering fence #1, then counter-cantering fence #2: The optimum route shows that you are trying to win. The okay route shows that you are playing it safe. Starting your counter-canter too close to fence #2 tells me that you can’t get a true counter-canter or maintain it for a sufficient amount of time. I would like to add here that the counter-canter can be done in a number of ways: first, by landing left and staying on the left lead; second, by doing a flying change; and third, by trotting and doing a simple change (not halting).
I don’t see much release in equitation classes today. Is that what the judge is looking for?
Personally speaking (and I think most judges will agree) horsemanship is about rewarding horses for jumping well, so what part of holding is good for jumping when all it accomplishes is jumping flat, inverted, or rubbing the jumps? A horse that comes to the fence and jumps up, round, and uses all of his parts shows me that the rider has released to follow. This is the jump we appreciate, are looking for, yet so rarely ever see. Whatever happened to releasing the horse’s head with a following hand? It is a much more fluid and effective style than the stranglehold that appears to be the vogue du jour! Release is basic, simple and correct. Please remember whenever you are showing in front of me to let go of the deathgrip – and a rotating release doesn’t do it!
I have heard so many comments about the judging while standing at the ingate. What do you have to say about that?
I am also guilty and apologize, as I am a judge and most assuredly would not want negative comments made about me. I have all but won a lot of classes standing at the ingate only to have my spirits dashed at the end of the class. If the ingate provided such an advantageous view, all of the judges would be there! Judging from the side of the ring gives a totally different perspective and all trainers should go to the side of the ring to watch. The negative comments would surely end, as there would be a new-found appreciation for the difficult task the judge has before him. Thank you for bringing this ‘Bash The Judge’ issue to light. Watch the class from the judge’s view before commenting!
