written by head judge Maree McAteer

Introductory Level

Generally done in walk at this level as horse and rider are learning the obstacles. Most important focus is geometry. Straight lines in between round even sized loops. The size of the loops are big enough for the horse to actively walk forward in the same rhythm all the way.

Preparatory Level

With geometry mastered in Introductory level, now we are in trot. The focus in this level is the acceptance of the aids. A willing horse that trots in a consistent rhythm. Shows acceptance of the aids to be guided from nose to tail to follow the line of the slalom, curved left on left loops, straight between loops and curved right on right loops.

Preliminary Level

With acceptance of the aids mastered in Preparatory level, we now start to shape the horses topline. A transition is done from canter to trot before entering the slalom with time to have the trot balanced and rhythmical. The geometry chosen is the size you can do well showing off your horse’s skills. A balanced, slightly uphill trot with poll the highest point and nose vertical or slightly in front, showing symmetrical bends and fluent changes of bend through a straight line. On exiting, making a timely transition back to canter.

Novice Level

In this level we show a more enhanced level of what we started to develop in Preliminary level. Slightly more uphill with more impulsion in the trot, slightly smaller geometry to show off the horse’s advancing training.

Elementary Level

The first level of cantering this obstacle with simple changes through the walk. Again, attention to the geometry to set your horse up to do canter/walk/canter on a straight line showing quality deliberate transitions.

ridden example

Thanks to Michelle MacDonnel for the use of her video filmed for one of our competitions. This example is showing the Preparatory level.