The Jug Lift tests the ability of the horse to wait patiently and willingly while the rider completes a task. While the obstacle looks simple, it develops important qualities including straightness, balance, and accuracy. Training for the Jug Lift enables the horse to transition energy down into a quiet halt and then back up in a working gait with ease and harmony.

Obstacle Setup

A platform or barrel at a height of approximately 1 metre (not more than 1.6m)

A jug or similar object with a handle, safe and easy to grasp (may be partially filled to help it stay on the platform if needed)

Position the jug on the barrel for ease of pickup

Performance

• Rider approaches the barrel in a straight line, making a progressive transition with as much distance as needed, according to the level selected (more distance for lower levels), to arrive in a smooth, balanced halt parallel to the barrel

• Halt with the barrel next to the rider so the jug is easily reachable

• Horse should remain immobile, ideally keeping the entire body still for best marks

• Rider holds the reins in one hand and lifts the jug smoothly above their head with the other (using same hand as for all other touchable obstacles)

• Jug is placed back on the platform

• Depart forward calmly and in balance, transitioning to the gait of your level with the same distance (or steps) as the initial transition

What Judges Are Looking For

‣ Straight, organised approach

‣ Smooth halt showing balance appropriate for the level, with higher levels arriving at a square halt without moving legs once halted

‣ Horse standing patiently and immobile, ready for departure

‣ Accurate positioning for jug lift and replacement

‣ Horse confidence and understanding of the task

Common faults include stepping off before the jug is replaced or reins gathered, wavy line into the halt or on departure, tension, unclear halt, difficulty reaching due to poor positioning, knocking the barrel, dropping the jug, or uprighting the barrel.

Training Tips

⁃ Practice parallel halts beside barrels, staying quietly as long as the horse needs to reduce tension

⁃ Begin with small movements with your arms at the halt to prepare the horse for maintaining their balance while you reach and move your arms

⁃ Introduce the jug from the ground to build confidence

⁃ Work on smooth transitions by taking more time at first, allowing your horse to find their balance

⁃ Smooth transitions come from proper engagement, allowing the horse to place their feet and carry both rider and their own weight comfortably

⁃ Slow steps into the halt encourage engagement and build strength and balance

⁃ Great balance helps your horse manage tension, and relaxation gives the horse confidence and clarity to do their job well, so it’s a win-win for a relaxed and balanced performance

Happy Jug Lifting!