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

UPDATE: from Competition 13 (Oct 2025) onwards the newer WENZ rulebook requirements for the gate have been adopted (specific changes to Introductory and Preparatory levels). Some requirements have changed from the below – the thoughts and skills to develop outlined by Maree are still useful to read.

Sometimes when the gate is too new for the horse and they are still learning the essential skills, the second reverse to hang up the rope would cause competitors to lose their well earned marks from doing the first part of the obstacle well.

In competition #12, we are adopting the new WENZ (Working Equitation New Zealand) rules which have implemented lesser requirements than the WEDU rules for the gate at the two lowest levels.

In previous virtual competitions, we had already started to move away from the full gate (which was not yet observed in the WEDU rules) introducing different requirements at Introductory and Preparatory levels. Our thoughts were that it was better to have the obstacle in the competition rather than leave it out, but to avoid creating too much to learn at once. Therefore, we wanted to allow the riders to concentrate on particular skills to complete the gate by removing the rope in our previous competitions.

However, it is now slightly different in the WENZ rules to our previous competitions, so it will be a slightly different challenge for riders in competition #12. You can read the new rules in the WENZ rule book. Please note that the virtual competition has a judges directive to do a selected Preparatory option.

Introductory Level

When you are introducing your horse to the obstacles the focus is lack of any anxiety and confusion. We want to see an approach, either coming parallel to the gate or perpendicular with a forward turn to a halt at the pick-up end. Show immobility in halt while you place the reins in one hand, touch the pick-up post and replace your hands on the reins. Depart forward and repeat the same approach, halt and touch on the other side of the gate [at the hinge end post].

Preparatory Level

There are several options for the gate at this level. For this virtual competition we have chosen the following option [as a judges directive].

Approach parallel or perpendicular to gate and halt rider at pick-up end. (Perpendicular to forward halt higher marks) Pick up rope with reins in one hand and rope in other. Rein back and pass through gate and then hang up at hinge end before rein back one or two handed to final halt.

Show ¼ turn on haunches to depart.

Preliminary Level

At this level a regular forward gate with more synchronized fluent movement, consistent tiny bend to right from pick up halt to hang up halt. Approach and depart ideally perpendicular to gate. A ¼ turn on the haunches to depart.

Novice Level

As in Preliminary level but showing more ‘uphill’ balance and smooth efficiency.

Elementary Level

As in Novice with transitions from canter to halt and halt to canter, before and after.

Ridden Example AT Introductory Level

Thanks to rider Becky Corlett for demonstrating the Introductory gate obstacle. Note that in competition #12, you will first approach from arena corner side of the gate (this demo was not using the competition course).

Ridden Example at Preparatory Level

Becky Corlett demonstrating the Preparatory Level gate obstacle. Note that in competition #12, you will first approach from arena corner side of the gate (this demo was not using the competition course).