Written by head judge, Maree McAteer with foreword by Belinda Rodriguez.

In our latest competition #12 there is a stockyard between the pole pickup and deposit rather than a knocking or spearing ring obstacle. Our demo video for the Novice rider shows the stockyard between the pole pickup and deposit.

The pole is also known as a ‘garrocha’ or ‘varra’ and is between approximately 2.4m to 3.5m. We suggest using the shortest pole at the lower levels (and possibly smaller for small ponies as long as it extends far enough out to avoid poking the eyes when held vertically).

The stockyard is also known as ‘stockpen’ or ‘livestock pen’. The WENZ rules reference it as ‘stockyard’.

Introductory Level

At walk show one circle inside pen (either direction) showing ability to guide your horse one handed and manage the pole.

Preparatory Level

Walk or trot are allowed. If you choose walk transition before entering the pen. Show left and right circles in the pen and a loop outside riding one-handed and without touching the horse with the pole. Correct bend will get you a higher mark. It is allowed to trot the circles and walk the loop but pay attention that the transitions are done outside the pen. This starts the idea that you need impulsion inside the pen and collection outside as you progress up the levels.

Preliminary Level

Allowed in walk or trot but probably better in walk when carrying the pole. Show off bent active walk inside pen and a turn outside showing some active shortening of strides that are on a loop as small as you can keep bent and balanced.

Novice Level

Allowed in walk or canter. If you choose to canter, the loop outside is done in walk. Be careful to not walk before exiting pen and canter before re-entering for second circle. Impressive level of difficulty if you can do well. In this level we are expecting some level of uphill collection so looking for a half-pirouette outside the pen. Be careful hindlegs do not stall.

Elementary Level

Same as Novice level except loop outside can be done in canter with canter half-pirouette. Elementary should show higher degree of uphill balanced collection.

Ridden example at Novice Level

Thanks to rider Carole Allerby for this demonstration of the Stockyard from a previous competition.