OBSTACLE TIPS
JEFF WILSON
ACTHA Monthly | July 2015 | 14
Jeff Wilson Cowboy Dressage
Jeff Wilson hosts and teaches Cowboy Dressage clinics in the Northeast with great success. He has worked professionally for over 30 years with problem horses, training horses of all breeds as well as specializing in starting horses. For several years now Jeff has turned most of his training program into liberty work, trick training, as well as teaching classical dressage movements in a fun and easy to understand way.
To our great benefit in the competitive trail sport, Jeff is also an ACTHA Ride Host. Look forward to Jeff's tips to help the horse and rider best perform official ACTHA obstacles in each issue of the ACTHA Monthly!
The Mount Obstacle
Rider will be asked to mount their horse in a safe manner.
Judging Criteria: Horses are to stand absolutely still (you knew that, right?). Rider is to hold reins and mane, and should land softly and politely in the saddle. The rider should not place their foot too far into the stirrup when mounting. The rider should clear the cantle and rump of the horse as they swing their leg over the horse. Most riders should use the terrain (a rock, stump, or ditch, etc.) to assist their mount. Management will always provide a mounting block.
Points should be deducted if: the saddle is shifted or dislodged (heavy penalty), loss of control—the horse moves or starts eating, the rider lands heavily in the saddle, faces the tail of the horse (you gotta be kidding), grabs the horn and moves the saddle, swings their leg under and kicks horse in the belly, swings the leg over and bumps the horse.
Click the MOUNT icon to see variations and video >
Tips: This obstacle asks the question, “Can you comfortably climb into the saddle?” Your response: “Well, I do it every time I ride, so why should it be considered an obstacle?” Not so fast with your opinion! Training horses begins with what riders allow—good or bad. It is a mixed bag of horsemanship to discover what people tolerate regarding their horse’s level of obedience when mounting.
Besides, getting on and off your horse in the middle of the woods is everybody’s fear. “Will I be able to find a big log or a tall enough rock to help me get back on?” Undoubtedly, your horse fears the other option—a nice “Indian burn” when riders have to pull themselves back to the top.
The real question is (and the practicality of this obstacle): Can you politely and confidently get back in the saddle utilizing a cooperative horse—one that positions itself alongside a mounting block and calmly waits for you to adjust your life and climb back aboard?
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