Written by Head Judge, Maree McAteer.

Introductory Level

For beginning level, we are looking for the rider to manage a progressive transition from walk to halt halting when the front legs have stepped over the pole. The horse is to show he is comfortable halting over the pole for up to 5 secs and then walking off.

Preparatory Level

The same task as Introductory level but we are looking for acceptance of the aids. A trot to walk transition is done in a timely balanced way before entering the transition markers. Then does the horse accept the aids to halt without confusion or resistance, stand willingly still and then obediently move off straight. Again a timely obedient transition back up to the trot after exiting the transition markers in this case probably after a turn.

Preliminary Level

The first level where side pass is asked. One pole done off your leg of choice. A well-timed canter/trot/walk transition before entering the transition markers. A passing of the pole in either side pass or half pass with higher marks given for a continuous movement and no touching or stepping over the pole. Then exit through the transition markers, and a transition back to canter probably after turning the corner (in the competition #12 course).

Novice Level

The first level where you must show side pass off both legs. A canter/trot/walk transition before entering the transition markers. On the parallel poles you can choose which pole to do first with the horse’s head between the poles. For the second pole you will walk forward then pass the pole with the horse’s head to the outside, followed by exiting through the same markers you entered through. Higher marks given for a half pass movement – forehand slightly leading and the bend in the direction of movement. Transition back to canter on exiting the transition markers.

Elementary Level

For competition #12 we have a ‘L’ configuration. A canter/walk transition before entering the transition markers then pass the pole off the right leg in half pass. On exiting the transition markers, a walk/canter transition.

Ridden Example Preparatory Level

Thanks to rider Sue Muldrew for allowing us to use her Preparatory level Halt over Pole video with the course set up for competition #12.

Ridden Example Preliminary Level

Another example with a Preliminary level rider doing a side pass over the pole.