AQHA MAGAZINE March / April 2020 AQHA March-April 2020 PRINT (1)High Res | Page 38
PG.36
AQHA FEATURE...
AVOIDING
ERRORS
in the Arena
To avoid errors, become a forward thinker as you show.
Know exactly what you must do before and during any
run.
ERROR: CLASS OR PATTERN ERROR
ERROR CONTROL & HANDLING
Lack of judgement in any pattern can cause you to
make errors. Beginning a pattern in the wrong place, or
picking up a gait too early or too late are simple mistakes
to make. You can help prevent these errors by studying
and then following the written pattern completely.
Be sure you correctly understand what is being asked
of you in a pattern. If you don’t understand something,
ask the steward to ask the judge to clarify. If a pattern
indicates a 10mt circle, make sure it is just that. Reining
patterns can ask for small or large circles, slow or fast. So
make certain there is a good variation of speed and/or
size in your circles. Read your pattern instructions well
and study the drawn pattern.
Mentally prepare yourself before you begin each class.
It’s all about learning how to flawlessly show in or ride
each particular class. Stay calm and prepare your horse
patiently for the task ahead.
Fear can often cause you to make errors. Work on
controlling any of your showing fears by keeping a good
mental image of you and your horse executing a perfect
run and make sure to breathe comfortably through your
classes.
At all times, if you make an error, pretend it didn’t
happen, leave it behind you, then get straight back to
the business of showing your horse. In other words, be
confident and move on.
Taking all of the above into consideration can help you to
show your horse more effectively. It’ll help you to become
a more relaxed and forward thinking rider. This will
build your confidence and help decrease your chances of
making errors, placing you with a greater control on the
outcome of each class.
QUICK TIPS
• ENSURE YOUR BACK NUMBER IS CORRECT.
• ENSURE CORRECT REIN HANDLING.
• ENCOURAGE SMOOTH TRANSITIONS.
• DON’T CUT CORNERS IN RAIL CLASSES.
• DON’T TALK DURING YOUR CLASS OR RUN.
• LOOK UP, NOT DOWN, AND AT LEAST
2 HORSES AHEAD OF YOU.
• MAKE SURE YOU’RE ON THE
CORRECT DIAGONAL.
• IF YOU TAKE THE INCORRECT LOPE
OR CANTER LEAD, FIX IT IMMEDIATELY.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW.AQHA.COM.AU