Walking On Volume 4, Issue 10, October 2017 | Page 12

Industry Info
Training and showing in-hand:
NAWD’s Six Feet on the Ground program
By Lindsey Buhrmann
Thanks to the Internet, a new
type of horse competition is grow-
ing in popularity: virtual horse
shows. During these competitions,
hosted by North American West-
ern Dressage, patterns are posted
online to be performed in front of a
video camera stationed at “C”—the
point in the arena where a tradi-
tional dressage judge sits during
riders’ performances. Videos are
then uploaded to YouTube and
evaluated by certified judges. A few
days later, placings are announced
and awards are distributed.
While there are a number of
riding classes in each show, some of
the most popular are unmounted
pattern classes called “Six Feet on
the Ground.”
12 • Walking On
“In Six Feet on the Ground, we
emphasize the principles in the
training scale, which are applicable
to every discipline and provide a
working model for success even
before we get in the saddle,” NAWD
President and Founder Jen Johnson
said. “Working with your horse on
the ground is the first step in devel-
oping a partnership and we should
consistently take the opportunity
to evaluate this most basic founda-
tion-building activity.”
Six Feet on the Ground is not
showmanship or halter class. There
are 10 patterns to choose from that
progress and incorporate classical
training principles that both horse
and handler are evaluated on.
Additionally, NAWD hosts in-hand
trail and in-hand freestyle classes at
some shows and has recently added
long-reining, too.
The “Six Feet on the Ground”
program from NAWD is an ideal
way to keep you and your horse fit
any season of the year. It does not
require a dressage court or formal
arena, and horses are shown in
a simple halter and lead rope or
cavesson. Tests 9 and 10 allow for
a snaffle bit to be incorporated as
the horse and handler prepare to
transition to long-reining or sad-
dle work. Chains are not allowed,
and the competitor wears a neat
western or English outfit, plus any
protective clothing to keep horse or
handler comfortable.
“There are many different ways
that people train their horses on the
ground, and this program allows
them freedom and flexibility to
work with their horse in the way
that is most effective for them,” Jen
said. “One of the coolest things is
that Six Feet on the Ground is very
versatile. From younger horses to
those who compete under sad-
dle, to those who are retired from
riding, Six Feet on the Ground is a
great option.”
Equestrians report that the Six
Feet on the Ground program has
helped them build a solid foun-
dation and partnership with their
horses.
Learn more at northamerican-
westerndressage.org/tests/six-feet-
on-the-ground-program/.