Upcoming Events at Cedar Run Ranch:
Spring ACTHA Ride
Featured Clinician Michael Lyons
April 25 | April 26
Fall ACTHA Ride
TBA
De-Spooking & Trail Obstacle Clinic
February 16-20
Apprenticeships
March 16- April 3
May 4-22 | August 3-21 |
Nov. 2-20
Teen Camps
July 20-24 | July 27-31
Learning for Older Ladies
May 28-31 | September 24-27
Trail Boss Obstacle Tips
BANK
(Down an Embankment)
by Donna Smith, ACTHA Trail Boss
Rider will be asked to take horse down an embankment.
Judge Criteria: The rider is to sink down and back into a secure position in their saddle, placing weight into their heels and stirrups. The rider should release the rein enough to allow the horse freedom to balance his head and neck. The rider should regain a centered position upon landing. Penalize any loss of balance on the part of horse or rider. The horse should demonstrate balance, willingness, and athletic ability. The obstacle should be done at a walk for pleasure/junior divisions. *PLEASE USE CAUTION, any rider not confident should pass.
OPTIONS – Open division may approach at a trot. VIDEO >>
To be different from a hill, I see the bank as more of a stair step or a couple of stairs with an added ramp. As you can see in the video it doesn’t have to be squared off but it should be smaller than a hill. (The video is more like the steps with a ramp.) I try to look for something about the height of a 2 or 3 step mounting block.
Adding a log to step over, a change in course to follow the natural terrain, a Bank Up, or other added task can add variety to this obstacle. Remember to always keep safety in mind. Natural banks often have additional hazards and possible poor footing. Many are created due to excess rain wash and should
probably be executed at the walk for all riders. Open can transition down or up by approaching or leaving at the trot.