The “Pick Up the Garrocha” obstacle is designed to evaluate the horse and rider’s precision, calmness, obedience, and coordination when performing a seemingly simple yet technically important task: picking up a long wooden pole (the Garrocha) from a barrel or stand. It also assesses the rider’s ability to control the horse with one hand, maintain alignment, and execute a smooth transition into subsequent obstacles.
Construction
• Barrel: Open-topped, stable, and lightly weighted.
• Pole: 2.4–3.5 m long, 25–30 mm diameter. Max 2.5 m suggested for Intro & Prep levels.
• Pole Tip Identification: Clearly marked with a taper or colour.
• Positioning: Pole placed butt end down, angled away from rider’s approach for safety.
Performance Guidelines
• Introductory: Walk or trot beside the obstacle. Carrying the pole is not compulsory.
• Preparatory: Walk or trot. Trot earns higher marks when done well.
• Preliminary: Trot required.
• Novice & above: Must canter.
• Must be performed in motion—halting or circling the barrel results in lower marks.
• Correct canter lead earns higher marks. Horse should be on the lead nearest to the Pickup Barrel (e.g. Right lead for right-handed riders, Left lead for left-handed riders.
Combinations with Other Obstacles for EX2
o Intro to Prelim will ride the Stock Pen between Pole Pickup and Deposit. (Note: that since creating Exercise 2 we have had clarification from WENZ that Preliminary levels and below cannot ride any other obstacles between the pickup and deposit of pole except for the Spear Ring and the Knock Ball so our competition will not involve the Stock Pen between)
o Novice and upwards will ride the Stock Pen and Jump carrying the pole.
Special Notes
• In Preliminary, All obstacles must be in trot while carrying the pole.
• At Introductory, you get to choose if you want to pick up the Pole or not, and although not a requirement in the rules, it’s a good time to practice riding accurately with one hand.
Riding Tips
o Approaching the Pickup pole is similar to the Kiwi Pickup.
o Choose your line of approach and organise reins in one hand early.
o Bend at the waist well before you get to the Pole.
o Straightness and attention to your destination are important for fluency and balance.
o You may carry the Pole horizontally, vertically, or over your shoulder.
o Be observant and careful not to bump your horse with the Pole, or to get your reins tangled up with the Pole.
o If you find yourself in difficulty or feel unsafe, just drop the pole. By extending your arm out the side and pushing the Pole away from you it will help to not tangle the Pole with your horses’ legs.
Judging Considerations
Judges will assess the Pickup, looking for accuracy, control, calmness, fluidity and horsemanship.
This includes…
Correct positioning, and clean pickup without bumping or knocking over the barrel.
A brave balanced horse in the correct gait for the level, with smooth transitions before and after the obstacle when required. The rider’s management of the Pole and confident communication and aids while riding one handed.
If the Pole is not in the pickup barrel on approach, the rider will stop and signal to the judge for it to be reset before continuing.
For details on the penalties please refer to the WENZ Rule book Version 1.2 which can be found at: https://wenz.nz/
Why This Obstacle Is Important
The Pick Up the Garrocha obstacle is fundamental in Working Equitation because it emphasizes multiple core principles of the discipline: harmony between horse and rider, calm precision, and effective use of aids.
While the act of picking up a pole may appear simple, it reveals much about a horse’s trust in the rider and the rider’s ability to multitask under pressure.
It also introduces riders to traditional working skills rooted in Iberian cattle work, reinforcing the sport’s historical roots.
When executed correctly, this obstacle sets the tone for a composed and technically skilled performance throughout the Ease of Handling phase!
Virtual Working Equitation 