Bridges , poles , and tarps
Bridges , poles , and tarps are another basic component of a trail course and an opportunity to show off your talents . When approaching one of these obstacles you shouldn ’ t stop unless directed to in the pattern instructions . I like to ask my horse to drop his head down to inspect the obstacle while in motion . I ’ ll do this by crouching a bit and leading my arms toward the obstacle . I call this “ Trail Drama ”. As I have my horse cross a bridge I will stay to the side – on the ground . Ideally the same with the tarp unless it is large . Your goal is to always center your horse over an obstacle . Sometimes you will cross the obstacles yourself . Poles , unless narrow , will be crossed by horse and handler . A good spacing for walking poles is 18 ” -24 ”.
Gaiting
Gaiting is required in many patterns . This is where a lot of your showmanship training will be needed . If the pattern requires you to gait from point A to point B you ’ ll want to do it with good posture and ease . Don ’ t get ahead of your horse and please don ’ t squat walk . A simple light jog is what you should be doing as a handler .
Backing
Backing between or around obstacles can be tricky . Your horse is going to rely on your body language . Practicing at home is very important . You should teach your horse how to back a consistent straight line . Once they understand that cue – you will want to start turns while backing . I like to ask them to back and as I ’ m moving I ’ ll push them to their right or slightly pull them to their left . This will dictate where their hips go . You will want to be facing them and staying to the side , never directly in front of them . It isn ’ t incorrect to switch sides while backing but you are not allowed to change hands . A properly trained horse can maneuver most obstacles with its handler on its left side . You can get into a very
nice “ workflow ” by not micro-managing every step but by looking through your obstacles as you work . It reminds me of backing a horse trailer . Your brain will go into autopilot to work the obstacle .
Side passing in-hand
Side passing in-hand . It isn ’ t as tricky as it sounds but you definitely need to train your horse ! Side passing obstacles can be over a pole or between two poles , between two barrels , or out in the open . When side passing you would still need to stay in a somewhat showmanship position . You ’ ll need to pivot the shoulders over and then angle yourself towards their hips to move them another step . Some horses are very sensitive and catch on to this quickly . Some horses will side pass fully , front and back , just by facing their rib cage and keeping their head / neck straight . Practice . Practice . Practice . There are wonderful videos on YouTube if you need help .
Moving Items
Moving , dragging , and carrying items . As with the gate-transferring , your left lead into your right hand is always the first step . This should be done with simple grace , making sure the lead is looped or folded safely in the right hand . If it ’ s an item that makes noise you ’ re welcome to gently shake it or flap it to prove that your horse is obedient . Be mindful in your approach-if your horse isn ’ t settled you shouldn ’ t attempt to show off .
Practice
Don ’ t forget to practice . If you incorporate a few minutes before feeding time or after each ride you and your horse will get accustomed to each other ’ s body language . The goal in an In-hand obstacle class is to have a horse and handler team that seamlessly walks / gaits , halts , backs , pivots , crosses , and carries together as a team . It is lovely to watch when done correctly .
March 2024 | NWHA National News 7