By Erica Peet
www.weunited.us
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n the sport of Working Equitation, riders demonstrate their partnership with their horses in a variety of ways. Although the movements being judged in the dressage trial might seem obvious, what is not so obvious to many is how these same movements translate into the Ease of Handling trial, where obstacles are ridden with precision.
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Working Equitation
Simple in Appearance;
Challenging in Execution
Children's Level Rider, Ellie Bloom and Lakka, 20-year-old Norwegian Fjord
In this month’s article, WE United judge Erica Peet, r, Illinois, shares insights into one of the obstacles that is deceptively challenging to perform well: the Single Slalom. Although her thoughts are written specifically from a Working Equitation perspective, they are relevant to all riders interested in improving their ability to ride with correct bend.
For more information about Working Equitation, visit the WE United website at WEUnited.us.
Single Slalom
The Single Slalom is ridden at the trot (Children’s, Introductory, and Novice levels) or at the canter (Intermediate and above). We, as judges, are looking for the correctness of the bend, the regularity of the gait, fluidity and relaxation of the movements, even geometry and symmetry of the line of travel, and the placement of the lead changes when cantering. The horse's line of travel should be as shallow as possible on a single track (meaning no lateral steps), with appropriate bend. When cantering, the changes are to be placed at the midway point between each pole.
Some Common Mistakes
The most common problem that I see happening on the Single Slalom at the lower levels is that the horse does not track straight due to improper execution of bend. This leads to loss of symmetry, irregularities in the gait, and tension in the horse. As the rider, it is our responsibility to help develop our horse's strength and suppleness so that they can properly and evenly align their bodies through movements. This is what bend is: Proper alignment of the horse's body, nose to tail. The mistake often made is of too much pull on the inside rein from the rider which causes the haunches to fall out, and thus, the haunch is no longer on the same track as the front end.
movements translate into the Ease of Handling trial, where obstacles are ridden with precision.
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