National Five Bar Training System. Proudly Supported By Mackey Ireland Overseen by Ian Fearon 1
Introduction and Acknowledgments. SJI Five Bar Training System Welcome to the ShowjumpingIreland Five Bar Training System, we trust the system will appeal to a broad spectrum of our membership and support the Progression and maintenance of standards at all levels. This series of progressive standards will provide riders with a defined and structured focus for their training. The entire focus of this system has been to improve the performance at competition level in the Showjumping arena. Regardless of being new to show jumping or have been competing for years this system can support your development and give recognition for your progression and achievements. ShowjumpingIreland is committed to raising standards of Show Jumping and supporting its members to achieve their maximum potential. ShowjumpingIreland would like to acknowledge the input of the many trainers who provide essential feed back in relation to the training requirements of members. ShowjumpingIreland in formatting this system have looked to tried and tested systems from other National Governing Bodies and Disciplines both in Ireland and abroad and would like to acknowledge British Showjumping as having created guidelines and procedures that lay out clearly defined principles to progress and structure training so as to achieve maximum benefit from training. This system is modelled comprehensively on the British Showjumping system with alteration and enhancement based on ShowjumpingIreland aspirations and requirements. * The term horse will refer to a Horse or a Pony. What is the system all about? The Five Bar is structured to assist riders to develop specific performance and competition skills through training, whether this is through National training organised at Regional level or through private training. It aims to provide clear targets and competencies that competitors can strive for and achieve. The systems of awards are open to any current ShowjumpingIreland member riding a Horse or Horse. Members can enter at the level most appropriate to their current ability and it is recommended that this should be assessed in consultation with a ShowjumpingIreland or Horse Sport Ireland Accredited Coach/Trainer. It is important that riders should not start at a higher level than they are capable simply because they want more of a challenge. The system of awards are progressive and it is important that the foundations steps are not skipped. As a result of this riders are required to complete the written questions in all system awards below the level that they are taking. For example, a rider that starts at level 3 will have to complete the written questions at levels 1 and 2. Each level of award requires you to; set out your personal goals, achieve the ridden skills outlined and answer the questions correctly. It encourages good basic riding standards and basic knowledge of Horsemanship, discipline rules and general equitation 1st Bar: Introductory level for those new to the sport who have very little much formal training for show jumping. 2 nd Bar: For riders with some experience of show jumping who have established the basics and are ready to refine the basics and progress their skills 3rd Bar: For riders who have been competing on Horses for some time and have a knowledge and ability to work their Horse soundly on the flat and over fences and can do this correctly and consistently. 4th Bar: For riders who are experienced and competent in the relationship between training and Horse management 2
and the demands of modern show jumping competition 5th Bar: Aimed at riders with a depth of experience both in competition and working their Horses in preparation for competition. Riders will be committed to enhance their level of training and achieve their seasonal goals. Using the log-book The log-book provides an outline of the standards that need to be met at each level. The responsibility lies with the rider to take the log book to each training session they wish to be assessed. If you don t have the log-book the coach is unable to sign-off the relevant criteria that you achieve. It is likely to take several training sessions to achieve a given level of award and it is important that the assessment sheet is given to the Coach/Trainer before a training session so that they know the criteria that have been achieved and those that require assessment. It is the rider s responsibility to complete the blank areas and the Coaches responsibility to complete the grey shaded sheet. When each of the criteria have been achieved you must send the summary assessment sheet signed by an Accredited Coach to your Regional Training Rep (names and contact details are available on the SJI website www.sji.ie). Achieving an award There is no time limit to work through an award, although for certain levels clear rounds have to be achieved within 12 months of the date of submitting the log. To achieve the relevant Bar award you need to have all the criteria signed off as a pass by a ShowjumpingIreland Accredited Coach. They will need to see you demonstrate the criteria, question your understanding of the criteria (those with a Q) and you should have completed answers to the questions for the Bar level you are taking and any questions below that you have not previously answered. When everything is signed off as a pass, send the sheets to your Regional Representative on the Training Committee of ShowjumpingIreland. Riders are asked to keep their own original copy prior to sending to the Training Committee of ShowjumpingIreland. 3
How to start on the assessment SJI Regional Training will help to give guidance on the Bar level you should be working towards and can begin assessment (check the SJI web-site or contact your Regional or Branch rep to check for training sessions). You can also book independent coaching session with SJI Accredited Coach s/trainers (Check the SJI web-site or contact the ShowjumpingIreland Head Office directly for names and contact details of Accredited Coaches). It is important that you remember to take your log along with you so that the coach can sign the relevant criteria. You will also be responsible for taking a copy of the SJI competition print out for proof of four double clears, where appropriate. Coaches will not have spare copies of log books; these are unique to each rider. It is recommended that you take a copy of the original before sending to the Training Dept at ShowjumpingIreland. How can I prepare? It is important that you read and familiarise yourself with the criteria expected of you and your Horse at the level you are ready to work at. You can work through the log at home or with your own Coach to help prepare you for the skills that you will need to demonstrate. By going along to SJI Regional training this can both help you to prepare for the individual criteria and give you the opportunity to be signed off in some of the criteria. A pass in a given criteria is awarded when a rider is able to confidently and consistently demonstrate that criteria. If you are not yet able to consistently and confidently meet one of the criteria the coach will not sign the pass column. The Coach may write a comment on the final page to give guidance on where you should focus your future work. During a given coaching session it will not be possible to observe all criteria for a particular star level, a signature can only be given against those criteria that are worked on and observed. 4
SJI Bar One Training Award Name: Membership Number: Name of Horse or Horse: Registration No: Grade/Bands: Sex: Age: What level are you currently competing: What are your goals for the next 6 months? (This should include the things you want to achieve; it can include both competition outcomes for example qualifying for second round of spefic competitions and performance goals). Date/s and venue of training session/clinics and competition where a criterion has been assessed (this may be on more than one occasion; each and every session must be logged): Venue/s: Date/s: 5
SAFETY AND CORRECT PRATICE 1. Rider is able to tack up correctly and safely. All tack should be in good working order, must be clean and supple with no loose stitching or bad repair. Tack should be correctly fitted and suitable to your Horse. Is tack suitable for use 2. Show a good level of presentation and welfare of your Horse 3. Is able to mount safely from a mounting block or leg-up giving due consideration to the Horse 4. Is able to dismount safely 5. Is safely and suitably attired for training session/competition 6. Is competent and able to carry out safe practice. Suitable safe Rider clothing, Horse saddlery, collecting ring and competitions, being a good example for the sport 6
7. Is able at all times to show consideration for the Horse, parents, sponsors, officials and general public 8. Show 3 correct and incorrect ways to build a safe showjumping fence including raised poles. (For example see appendix for raised trot and canter poles) Rider s answer: Safe 1 2 3 Unsafe 1 2 3 7
9 How do you make others aware of your intentions in the practice ring? Rider s answer: 8
STABLE MANAGEMENT: The following section is to be completed by the rider. Please read the questions and record your answers in the box. All answers need to be checked and if correct signed and dated by an accredited coach on the assessment summary sheet. Animal Welfare and Feeding 1. How long should you wait after feeding your Horse before commencing exercise? Rider s answer: 2. How long should you wait after exercise before feeding your Horse? Rider s answer: 3. Give three possible symptoms of suspected colic: Rider s answer: 1 2 3 9
4. What is the normal temperature of a Horse? Rider s answer: Exercising 5. Why should you warm-up your Horse before exercise? Rider s answer: 6. Why should you cool-down your Horse after exercise? Rider s answer: Shoeing 7. What condition should the Horses feet be without Shoes? What condition should the horses feet be in with Shoes? When should you remove your horses Shoes? What type of studs would you use for different ground conditions? Rider s answer: 10
8. How many studs would you use on front shoes and rear shoes for your Horse? Rider s answer: 9. Give three examples of checking suspected lameness: Rider s answer: 1 2 3 11
RIDING AT WALK 1. Is able to sit in the correct position using leg seat and hand contact. (See appendix) 2. Is able to show the correct rein contact 3. Is able to show forward walk and halt in a controlled manner 4. Horse can be ridden straight during flat work, pole work and simple gymnastic lines. Show straightness, control and correct use of aids Coach s assessment of safe practice for this module. 12
RIDING AT TROT 5. Rider is able to ride in sitting trot and rising trot on the correct diagonals and change diagonals. See description in appendix 6. Rider is able to ride in straight lines when required 7. Rider can ride simple school movements in walk and trot e.g. 20m circles, correct change of rein across the diagonal ad at the half markers, figure of eight, 4 loop serpentines. See appendix for circles & serpentines 8. Rider has a sound basic position (Correct posture in the saddle, shows suppleness, independent balanced seat throughout most flatwork, security of seat) 9. Uses a controlling rein contact but does not restrict Horse See appendix 10. Demonstrates confidence in riding the Horse forward 13
11. Rider is able to warm-up without direction so that the Horse is ready for work 12. Rider can work Horse over raised trot poles both in rising trot and light seat and balance to aid Horses performance 13. Horse responds to simple aids (leg, hand, seat contact & voice control) 14. Horse can be ridden straight during flat work, pole work and simple gymnastic lines. Show straightness, control and correct use of aids Coach s assessment of safe practice for this module. YES Or NO 14
RIDING AT CANTER 15. Rider can show correct canter leads from strike-off 16. Rider can make a simple change of canter leads (through trot) 17. Rider can show simple lengthening and shortening of stride within a pace 18. Rider is able to ride in straight lines when required 19. Horse can be ridden forward and straight during pole work and simple gymnastic lines. Show straightness, control and correct use of aids 15
Coach s assessment of safe practice for this module. YES Or NO 16
JUMPING 20. Rider is able to walk a course (minimum height 90cms) and identify simple related distances three to five strides (see appendix for appropriate Horse distance) 21. Rider is able to ride and describe the five phases of a jump (See appendix) Rider s answer: 22. Rider can work through a simple grid/gymnastic jumping line with a basic and secure jumping position (see appendix) 23. Rider is able to ride a course of jumps in training or competition (minimum height 90cms) demonstrating balance and control throughout the course, showing effective control of pace and correct use of arena. 17
24. Horse can be ridden towards straightness with a natural head/neck position during raised pole work and simple gymnastic lines. Riders show straightness, control and correct use of aids 25. Rider is able to conduct an appropriate cool-down at the end of a session Coach s assessment of safe practice for this module. YES Or NO Rules and Competition 1. Give an outline of rules/etiquette when warming-up in the collecting ring and name three incorrect uses of the collecting ring fence. Rules & Etiquette 1 2 3 Incorrect uses 1 2 3 18
Next Developments Having worked through the Bar One Level what are the key areas you will focus on developing over the next 6 months You: Strengths: Weaknesses: Your Horse. Strengths: Weaknesses: 19
Comment from Coach/s on specific areas to focus on for your future work Strengths: Weaknesses: Goals: 20
Bar 1 Assessment summary sheet This sheet must be signed by a SJI Accredited Coach as proof that each performance criteria have been achieved. When all criteria has been signed and dated this summary sheet only should be forwarded to your Regional Training Rep (names and contact details are available on the SJI website www.sji.ie). (Please copy first as SJI cannot be responsible if the original is lost) Participant Name: Membership number: Animal Name: Reg No. Name/s of accredited coaches making assessments: BAR ONE COACH/TRAINER SIGNATURE DATE ACHIEVED When Complete please forward (after copying) to your Regional Training Rep (names and contact details are available on the SJI website www.sji.ie). 21
SJI Bar Two Training Award Name: Membership Number: Name of Horse or Horse: Registration No: Grade/Bands: Sex: Age: What level are you currently competing: What are your goals for the next 6 months? (This should include the things you want to achieve; it can include both competition and performance goals.) Flatwork: Jumping: Date/s and venue of training session/clinics and competition where a criterion has been assessed (this maybe on more than one occasion, each session must be logged): Venue/s: Dates: 22
PROGRESSIVE FLATWORK 1. Can begin to ride the Horse working on the bit throughout walk (See appendix) 2. Shows correct use of the outside and inside aids using hands independently to let the Horse stretch and give through an allowing hand 3. Rider can undertake serpentine showing Horse self carraige in both walk and working trot. 4. Rider can undertake 10m circle and 20m circle in walk, trot and canter at collected and working paces. 23
5. Rider can undertake simple lateral movements and understands the value of these both in flatwork and showjumping (See appendix) 6. What are the benefit of lateral movements? Rider s answer: 7. Rider can begin to establish a consistent forward rhythm through school movements 8. Can consistently demonstrate an independent balanced seat and control in all phases during simple exercises showing effectiveness of legs, seat and hands 9. Rider to be able to show forward and lateral movement through simple leg yielding in both walk and trot (See appendix) 24
10. Rider can execute transitions walk/trot/walk, trot/canter/trot, walk/canter/walk with independent balanced seat and using correct aids and appropriate preparation walk/trot/walk trot/canter/trot walk/canter/walk 11. Rider can execute smooth half halts and uses these correctly for school movements 12. On the flat to be able to shorten and lengthen horses stride in all paces 25
JUMPING 1. Rider can work in light and upright seat and maintain control of their horse, both over raised canter poles (See Appendix) 2. Showing correct jumping position and balance over the fence (See Appendix) 3. Rider to be able to canter on the required distance (as per distance charts) and show how to count and ride 1 to 5 strides over raised canter poles on straight lines (see appendix for distance chart for ponies and Horses) 2. Rider to be able to canter on the required distance (as per distance charts) on bending lines (starting with a minimum of 3 strides over raised canter poles) 3. Horse to keep in rythym, relaxed and accept the contact oveer raised trot pole/poles to a small fence with the rider in an independent balanced seat 26
4. Rider must ride over a raised trot pole/poles to a small fence to a raised canter pole in a straight line (1 to 5 strides) progressing to canter from fence to fence both in straight and bending lines in an independent balanced seat 5. Rider must rider over a raised trot pole/poles to a small fence to canter poles in a bending line (3 to 5 strides both right and left rein) in an independent balanced seat (see appendix for distance chart for ponies and Horses) 6. Rider can jump a 1m course confidently and competently 7. Give feedback on the strengths and weakness after jumping a round (1m minimum) Rider s answer: 8. Rider is able to walk a course (minimum height 1m), without a coach, and identify related distances on a straight and bending line correctly 27
Stable Management: The following section is to be completed by the rider. Please read the questions and record your answers in the box. All answers need to be checked and if correct signed and dated by an accredited coach on the assessment summary sheet. Feeding 1. Give the general rule and principles for watering Rider s answer: 2. Describe the difference between hard feed and roughage Give the general rule and principles for feeding (forage and hard feed)? Rider s answer: Exercise: 3. Give the procedure for cooling off a Horse after work: Rider s answer: 28
Tack, shoeing and soundness Describe the characteristics of a well shod foot Rider s answer: If your Horse is lame what area would you check first and when do you decide to call a Vet? Rider s answer: Describe how a Horse would trot if it was lame on the near fore Rider s answer: Describe how a Horse would trot if it was lame on the near hind Rider s answer: Present a brief week planner on time allocation to rest, fitness, flatwork, jumping before a Show? Rider s answer: Name the following bits and describe their action. 1 2 3 Rider s answer: 29
What are the symptoms if your Horse is 1/10th lame and what are the consequences if it s ignored? Rider s answer: Riding Knowledge 1. Describe and illustrate a light seat and jumping seat. Rider s answer: 30
Your Next Development Steps Having worked through the Bar Two Level, list the key areas you will focus on developing over the next 6 months Rider: Strengths: Weaknesses: Horse: Strengths: Weaknesses: 31
Advice from Coach/s on focus for your future work: Strengths: Weaknesses: Goals: 32
Bar 2 Assessment summary sheet This sheet must be signed by a SJI Accredited Coach (Level 2 and upwards) as proof that each performance criteria have been achieved. When all criteria has been signed and dated this summary sheet only should be forwarded to your Regional Training Rep (after taking a copy) (names and contact details are available on the SJI website www.sji.ie). Participant Name: Membership number: Animal Name: Reg No. Name/s of accredited coaches making assessments: BAR TWO COACH/TRAINER S SIGNATURE DATE ACHIEVED When Complete please forward to your Regional Training Rep, after taking a copy, (names and contact details are available on the SJI website www.sji.ie). 33
SJI Bar Three performance Award Name: Membership Number: Name of Horse or Horse: Registration No: Grade/Bands: Sex: Age: What level are you currently competing: What are your goals for the next 6 months? (This should include the things you want to achieve; it can include both competition goals, for example qualifying for second round of spefic competitions and performance goals.), and Training goals, for example basic flatwork obedience, strength, suppleness etc. Date/s and venue of training session/clinics and competition where a criterion has been assessed (this maybe on more than one occasion, each session must be logged): Venue/s: Dates: 34
FLATWORK Rider: 1. Rider is able to ride in harmony with the Horse s movement showing a secure and independent seat with an effective lower leg. Is able to apply the correct aids and demonstrate in a sympathetic but effective manner. 2. Rider is able to apply the correct aids and demonstrate effective riding for leg yielding, shoulder-fore and shoulder-in (See appendix) 3. Rider can demonstrate correct use of outside rein and leading rein and can explain the importance of both. Rider s answer: 4. Can ride both square turns and curved turns. Can use raised guide poles 5. Rider can demonstrate a consistent and established jumping seat (an independent balanced seat, over the centre of gravity, allowing the horse free movement in balance 6. Rider can demonstrate good approach to fences with good rythym, balance and with the horse in front of the leg 7. Rider can set-up a Horse and use correct aids and influence the horse to land on the correct leg 8. Horse and rider have established good rhythm and regularity in all paces 9. Horse and rider have established suppleness and impulsion during flatwork and in balance 35
Rider: JUMPING 1. Rider is able to walk a course (minimum height 1.10m) and identify related distances on a straight line and bending lines 2. Describe the difference between a bending line and a dog leg? (See appendix) Rider s answer: 3. Rider is able to walk a jump-off course (min height 1.10m) and make some reactive decisions about how they would ride this and why. 4. Rider can work the horse on the flat at the pace required for competition (325m/m and 350m/m) and is able to reasonably judge this pace though turns 5. Rider must shows ability to judge a stride and alter approaches to a fence where necessary 6. Can consistently demonstrate shortening and lengthening of strides when required between a given distance (raised poles on the ground or fence) 7. Rider can jump a 1.10m course in balance throughout the track and maintain a good forward rhythm at 325 or 350m/m. Rider must demonstrates appropriate influence and control where necessary over the horse s length of stride 8. Be able to give an accurate feedback of strengths and weakness after jumping a round (1.10m minimum) 9. Horse and rider have established balance, suppleness and impulsion in a controlled manner between the fences 36
STABLE MANAGEMENT The following section is to be completed by the rider. Please read the questions and record your answers in the box. All answers need to be checked and if correct signed and dated by an accredited coach on the assessment summary sheet. Feeding: 1. Give a general example of the ratio of bulk to concentrate feeds for Horses in medium to heavy work Lazy: Normal: Hot: 37
Exercise 2. Give an example of a routine week that is appropriate for maintaining fitness for a Horse that is competing Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 3. What is a horse s normal pulse rate? 4. Where would you check a horse s pulse rate? Shoeing 5. Give some benefits for when a farrier may use wider web shoes and pads under shoes: 38
6. If an unshod Horse which is turned out goes lame, what would be the most obvious cause? Riding Knowledge: 7. What is meant by the terms: A) Rhythm B) Impulsion C) Why is straightness so important to the show jumper? 39
Your Next Development Steps Having worked through the Bar Three Level what are the key areas you will focus on developing over the next 6 months Rider: Strengths: Weaknesses: Horse: Strengths: Weaknesses: 40
Advice from Coach/s on focus for your future work: Strengths: Weaknesses: Goals: 41
Bar 3 Flatwork Exam Paper See Appendix for Dressage Arena dimensions and lettering M B F 1 C X A Enter at A with a relaxed walk with a contact, straight to C. Rider must show effective leg and hand contact with upright and supple seat. H E K Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 2 C ^ 20m ^ A 2 x 20m Circles in trot Rising. Right rein - working trot. Horse and Rider showing correct bend in circle, showing correct use of inside and outside rein and leg and seat contact throughout the circle. Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 42
3 C A At C begin Serpentines in working Trot Rising. Rider showing correct use of the Arena with a nice supple outline on the Horse. Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 4 C M B F H E K A Before K prepare shoulder in right and then shoulder- in, in sitting trot from K to E, then rising trot round to C and prepare shoulderin right and then shoulder-in, in sitting trot M to B Rider and Horse showing correct engagement with collected trot. Proper use of Riders Inside and outside leg, hands, seat and upper body position. 5 C M B F A Rising trot round to K and change rein across the diagonal and then before H prepare shoulderin left and H to E shoulder-in, in sitting trot, then rising trot and before F prepare shoulder-in left, then shoulder-in left from F to B in sitting trot, then rising trot to C Rider and Horse as Diagram 3 H E K Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 43
6 C ^ 20m ^ X A Between M and C prepare to Canter. At C Canter 2 20m Circles on the Left Rein. Changing the rein through X. Rider Showing the correct inside bend. Good upright position and control of the circle and the canter. Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 7 C ^ 20m ^ A At A, Canter 2 20m Circles to the right. Rider showing the correct inside bend. Good upright position and control of the circle and the canter Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient M F 8 C A K Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient Lengthen stride from K to H in Canter Collected Canter from M to K, preparing before M In lengthened canter, Rider rides in light seat, showing nice position and independent balance with canter stride extending showing straightness at all times. Rider must prepare and shorten the Canter stride in an upright position and showing good control in shortening the strides 44
10 C ^ M H 15m ^ F K A Transition to Trot between A and K Ride diagonal line from K to M into 2 15m circles in Sitting Trot Arriving at K, transition into a rising and collected trot, Horse showing correct inside bend and a good engaged trot. Rider sitting in balance Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 11 C X A Walk at M. Ride centre Line from C to halt at X Rider must ride in a relaxed walk and controlled walk before halting at X Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 45
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Bar 3 Showjumping Exam Paper Marks for: 1. Appropriate dress for rider Very Good Good Sufficient Insufficient 2. Appropriate tack on Horse 3. Rider course walk 4. Feed back (a) Distances (b) lines {with assessor(s)} 5. Warm-up (Horse) in collecting ring 6. Jump course (1 st round) Marks for: Rhythm of the round Balance and control Riders Jumping position Riders position between fences Straightness and accuracy to fences Identify the distance and stride to the fences Effectiveness 7. Jump off (2 nd round) Marks for: Good forward rhythm and pace Smooth and balanced turns Straightness Position of rider Effectiveness Marks for: Correct cool down Feedback {discussion with assessor(s)} 47
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Bar 3 Assessment summary sheet This sheet must be signed by a SJI Accredited Coach as proof that each performance criteria have been achieved. When all criteria has been signed and dated this summary sheet only should be forwarded to your Regional Training Rep, after taking a copy, (names and contact details are available on the SJI website www. sji.ie). Participant Name: Membership number: Animal Name: Reg No. Name/s of accredited coaches making assessments: BAR THREE COACH/TRAINER S SIGNATURE DATE ACHIEVED When Complete please forward to your Regional Training Rep, after taking a copy (names and contact details are available on the SJI website (www.sji.ie). 49
APPENDIX CORRECT POSITION 50
APPENDIX BASIC DRESSAGE ARENA M B F C X A H E K THREE-LOOP SERPENTINE M B F C A H E K 51
APPENDIX 10m / 15m / 20m CIRCLE M B F C A H E K 52
APPENDIX TROTTING ON THE CORRECT DIAGONALS In sitting trot, you sit when one diagonal pair of legs comes to the ground (for one beat) and you rise off the Horse s back when the other diagonal comes to the ground (for one beat). There are two alternatives: either sitting when the near fore and off hind come to the ground or sitting when the off fore and near hind come to the ground. 53
APPENDIX REIN CONTACT Once the contact has been established you will be able to use it to develop and allow the horse to come over it s back in a rounder outline. Horse & Rider showing nice contact and some collection. Good Rider position with good lower leg, seat, upper body and hand position with the rider looking forward and in balance. 54
APPENDIX LIGHT SEAT JUMPING POSITION 55
APPENDIX LATERAL WORK Lateral means sideways. In lateral work the Horse moves forwards and sideways, with fore and hind legs moving on different tracks. Most lateral work may be performed at the walk or trot. Turn-around-the-forehand and the leg-yielding can be used as training exercises before the Horse has achieved collected paces; but before attempting shoulder-in a degree of collection is necessary. The Horse should first be taught to Leg Yield along the wall or side of the School with the Horse s head flexed, facing the wall but not bent in the neck or body. The wall is used for guidance and makes it easier for the horse and rider to perform the Leg Yield. Only when the Horse and Rider is showing the correct balance and angle in their Leg Yielding with the wall, then you can begin to teach Leg yielding away from the wall. This is more difficult to maintain the Horse s balance, straightness and control. The Riders leg, hand and weight aids must all work in harmony and balance to perform the leg yield correctly. In preparation for leg yield, these movements should be prepared with the rider using a half-halt. Rider will bring their outside leg behind the girth as their sideways driving aid and open the outside hand to indicate the direction. The inside leg and hand helps to control the angle. The Rider also uses their weight aid and upper body position to influence the Horse s effectiveness to perform the leg yield. These exercises should be trained in both directions. 56
APPENDIX TURN AROUND THE FOREHAND This may be taught as soon as the Horse understands lateral work. While turns around the forehand, carried out equally on both reins, are a good way of teaching the first lessons in moving away from the leg. 57
APPENDIX LEG-YIELDING This is carried out at the walk or trot and is used to teach young Horses early lateral work and an understanding of lateral aids. Collection is not required. Leg yielding should be performed in both directions. Leg Yielding against the wall Leg Yielding away from and to the wall 3. Leg Yield Left to the wall 2. Straight 1. Leg Yielding Right away from the wall 58
APPENDIX SHOULDER FORE/SHOULDER-IN Shoulder-In is an important training exercise for Horses already able to show some collection in trot and it is often included in flatwork training. It is of great value when carried out correctly. It teaches the rider to control the Horse s shoulders and is a suppling exercise which helps to develop a higher degree of collection. Accredited Coaches should teach leg yield and Shoulder Fore before more difficult lateral movements. You ask the horse move forwards and sideways on two tracks, with the head flexed slightly away from the direction of the movement, and with the body straight. Another exercise called Shoulder Fore can help you to apply the aids while maintaining your direction. To do this, walk or trot along the outside track, positioning the horse s shoulder on a slightly inside track and keep moving in the same direction. This is the first preparation for Shoulder In. SHOULDER IN SHOULDER FORE SHOULDER IN 59
APPENDIX RAISED POLE Poles must sit on grooved block or cup on a wing safely as not to move. A flat rail or a latt, laid flat on the ground can act as a trot pole or a canter pole. 60
APPENDIX 5 PHASES OF A JUMP Approach Takeoff Moment of Suspension Landing Getaway LIGHT SEAT OVER A RAISED TROT OR CANTER POLE Jumping Lines Bending Lines are where Horse and Rider can identify each Fence through the amount of Curving or bending Line curve required from normally 6,7,8 strides. Higher Level sometimes 5 fence to fence and being strides able to use outside, centre and inside lines on related or non related distances. Straight line Dog leg is when rider and horse jumps onedog fence, landing Leg ( 90% ) Turn.straight on Should NOT bestrides, less than 8then strides between fences 3 or more turn and ride required bend or curved strides, to arrive straight for 3 or more strides to the fence on related and non related distances. Straight line is when the Horse and Rider is going straight from fence to fence on related or non related distances 61
APPENDIX IV 62
APPENDIX V 63
APPENDIX VI 64
APPENDIX VII 65