WHAT TO EXPECT ON COMPETITION DAY
By Vickie Zapel,
PrI
Lesson Two
HOW
TO ENTER AND PROCESS THE FORMS
During 2013 American Quarter Horse Association
(AQHA) annual membership meeting, the Board of Directors agreed to sanction
“Competitive Trail Challenges” on approved courses. This action gave competitive trail another
popularity boost, as AQHA is the largest breed association in the world with
more than 50,000 members.
This
means if you are riding a registered Quarter Horse you can earn AQHA
points. If you participate in one of the
AQHA sanctioned challenges, but are not riding an AQHA registered horse, you
can still win competition points toward the sponsored Challenge’s class awards
and highpoints. Your AQHA membership
must be current to accumulate AQHA points.
The
AQHA judging rules will be covered in greater detail in lesson three.
Even
at the AQHA sanctioned events, you will still see every make and model of horse
with every level of rider in a multitude of different class categories, so the
AQHA sanction does not limit you in anyway.
If you don’t ride a Quarter Horse you can still win competition points
and if you do ride a Quarter Horse, you can earn the Competitions own points
and accumulate permanent AQHA points for your Quarter Horse, adding to the
value of horse.
THE NEW
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN TRAIL CHALLENGE ASSOCIATION
International
Mountain Trail Challenge Association or IMTCA
formation was legally formed in May of 2013. For details on the association and scheduled
events, visit the website: www.IMTCA.ORG The International Mountain Trail
Challenge Association was founded by Mark Bolender,
owner of Bolender Horse Park www.BolenderHorsePark.com. If you pay
minimal membership dues, you can now ride in any country in the world and begin
to accumulate “IMTCA” points.
IMTCA was set up as
a profit corporation to encourage good horsemanship and promote the new
discipline of Mountain Trail. The
association will track the progress of each horse, endeavoring to set the
judging standards across the globe, for show obstacles and courses, give each
horse a competitive license and issue the IMTCA license and membership
registration for the horses.
You
can ride any breed or a horse without breed registration and be eligible to
receive points for your horse at IMTCA sanctioned events. When you join, IMTCA will assign your horse
an entry show number for life; it is not a horse/rider combination. The entry number will be on the horse’s IMTCA
registration’s license form, along with a photo that you will submit when
joining.
IMTCA is working with
mountain/obstacle show facilities and their management to register horses so
points can be accumulated. As of July 2013 this program is in its initial stages.
DO
YOU LOVE TO TRAIL RIDE AND HAVE A COMPETITIVE STREAK?
If
you are looking to raise money for a good cause, for your club or organization,
or for yourself, and you want to play a bigger role in supporting equine
charities and horse rescues in America, then you should check out ACTHA, American Competitive Trail Horse
Association. You can even join to become a member for
free. ACTHA offers awesome awards from
hats, jackets and buckles to saddles and a 4-Star horse trailer along with
hundreds of competitive trail rides, year round.
Log
in at www.actha.us and you can search for competitions near you
by zip code. Have questions? Phone them at 877-992-2842 X 720. While logged in at their website, click the
information tab and you can handily study their rule book.
An
ACTHA competitive trail ride can be held on private ranches or public parks
across the country. Obstacles are mostly
natural and each obstacle has its own judge. You will encounter both natural and manmade
obstacles, usually 6-8 obstacles over 6-8 miles of trail, where an individual
judge is assigned to each obstacle.
Rides
are usually held on a weekend and start with a “briefing” before trail riders
mount up. The actual ride generally last
2 to 2 ½ hours with five different divisions being offered: open, pleasure,
scout, junior and buddy; the day ending with an awards ceremony!
The
chart below shows some, but not all of the potential
obstacles to be found on your ACTHA competitive trail ride. Check the website for additional and new
obstacles. You can even make a suggestion for obstacles you would like to encounter.
Remember
that competitive trail is primarily a very new sport. There will be rules and regulations with
different governing associations, and there will also be independent
organizations that elect not to conform or join a regulating association. That being the case, always check with your
breed association to determine if you can earn points or credits.
As an example, if you check out the
American Paint Horse Association at www.apha.com/ you can
click the tab for “rule proposals”, next click events, workshops and then
proposals, to scroll down to page 38 where you can study their new rule SC-312,
set to become effective in 2015.
This new rule will govern ACTHA riders
on Paint horse’s accumulating points to become sanctioned in 2015. For more information you can contact APHA at
817-222-6444.
DEFINING THE ENTRY
FORM, OR YOUR “SHOW PREMIUM”.
Show
committees used to mail out entry forms and some still do, but don’t expect
that service to continue. Plan on
visiting the “show website” and printing whatever information you seek. All entry forms will not necessarily appear identical, but will generally include the same information.
You
may want to enter early to insure your stall or RV
reservation and pay discounted “pre-entry” fees.
Many events will let you mail, fax or email your entry form and secure your spot with
payment of your stall, bedding and any additional grounds fees.
When you get to the event and enter your
classes, you’ll most often leave an “open check” so that you can add or
subtract classes as the event proceeds.
You’ll close out your check at the end of the competition.
Even
though you have sent in a “pre-entry form” listing classes, you’ll still have
to check in at the registration office when you arrive at the event. There you will confirm your classes and
present your health and Coggins certificates (if required) and the horse’s
registration papers or license (if required).
Currently
at AQHA sanctioned events you don’t need copies of your registration papers; just your correct registration number. For some events you’ll have to show your
membership card in order to earn “association”
points. If you travel across state lines
with your horse, or go to an association approved horse show before, a negative
“Coggins” certificate is a requirement.
Check with your veterinarian to be sure you have plenty of time to get a
Coggins report prior to a show.
At
the time of entry, you’ll be given a “show number”, on a thick paper square,
approximately 4X6” in size, keep it as neat as possible.
Some
associations request you keep your number for as long as you show your horse;
others may request you keep your number for the year’s series, and other show
managements will issue a new number at each show.
Be
certain to ask about keeping your number.
When
you write your final check or pick up your entry number it is always wise to
check the “classes” you intended to enter.
The office maintains a list of all class and who entered them. The horse and rider combination on each entry
is identified by their show or entry number.
By double checking this information, you can catch any mistakes and be certain
that the show committee has you entered in the correct classes.
Reading
through all of the information seems like a lot of
homework, but if you are unfamiliar with competing and/or the facility, you
will definitely want to be informed. It
is much easier to know this information before heading to the event so you don’t show up with your dog, when dogs are not
allowed. You may also discover you cannot keep your horse tied to your trailer
all night and that the stall you are required to rent does not have bedding
because you were supposed to bring your own.
Knowing
the details is important; saves time, money and eliminates problems.
It
is most helpful to know if a concession stand will be available and from what
hours and when the management office is open to finalize your entry and pick up
your entry number. You’ll also want to
know what time the show starts and when the Judge’s Walk Through will
begin. (More information on the “Walk
Through”, in Lesson Three).
Photo
Courtesy of Oregon Horse Center
Please
read the following form carefully.
You’ll
note in the upper left hand corner in red print, “MUST
BE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY”. This is for your
own protection as well as the facility/owner/management. The owner/management wants to be certain that
you understand that you are riding at
your own risk. You will not be allowed to compete without all
of the required signatures and you most definitely
want your emergency contact information readily available to the show office.
In
the “online” entry packet there will also be additional information generally
referred to as the “show program” or “show premium”, such as the show schedule time line, names of judges, the photographer and information
about how to sign up for photos and the list of classes.
Class
lists can be confusing when you are unfamiliar, so can the rules and
requirements for different awards. At
the onset of confusion, the best thing you can do is telephone…. ask your
questions, making notes for reference.
Don’t feel silly, even if you have to ask again
when you arrive on the grounds; the more you understand, the more confident you
will be.
UNDERSTAND THE
RESERVATION INFORMATION
If
your work schedule will allow it, arrive at the competition a day early to let
your horse settle in and settle down.
Make certain that when you do pull out of your drive, you know the best
possible route and you’ve got a map with directions, plus a destination
telephone number, just in case. If you
are traveling alone (or even with a friend) always call your significant other
and tell him or her where you’ve stopped and at what time.
Before
you get back into your vehicle, walk around your rig, check tires, latches and your hitch.
For more information on how to prepare to haul to a competition take the
course “Preparation for Competition” available at www.equinestudiesinstitute.org
Upon
arrival, your horse is in tow; he needs his stall, feed
and water. You need to park, off-load and unhitch.
When
you finally locate the show office there is a long line of other nervous people
in a rush. The helpful person behind the
desk is swamped and her computer is acting up.
It is now that you’ll discover you forgot your reading glasses and
cannot read all the paperwork you brought with you. You’ll also realize, now that you need it,
you left your wallet on the other side of the facility on the front seat of
your truck.
Moral of the story: ask all
of your questions early. You
don’t want to be part of the “madness” on show day. If possible, call a week ahead of your
departure date to get all your questions answered;
you’ll be glad you did.
Below please view a short video sample of an
obstacle you could expect to find at a competition. This water box is dry with two logs placed in
front of it. The gravel footing sinks to
a hard bottom and the step up on the opposite end adds to the degree of
difficulty. At events that last longer
than one day, the management will frequently leave water obstacles, like this
one empty, until the second day. On the
second day, management would likely fill the box with water and on the third
day, there could possibly be a small sprinkler running next to the box that
would hit your horse’s legs. Much more
on riding obstacles in future lessons of Course Two, “MY HORSE WILL CROSS
ANYTHING”.
This
video taken at Eros Bordeaux Stables near Olympia, Washington.
WHICH CLASSES TO ENTER?
Now
that you’ve addressed many minor details, we can a take a step back and
consider which classes you should enter?
The
normal procedure is to enter a few classes that match your skill level and
experience. When submitting the entry
form at the show office, you’ll generally want to leave an “open check”. Leaving an open check enables you to “add
classes” or eliminate some. The general
rule is “enter or scratch” at least 3 classes ahead the class to be added or
scratched as the office will need time to get the updated entry information to
the Gate Keeper.
If
you are feeling confident you might want to organize your class entries to make
you eligible for “high point” awards in a given
division. Ask office management the
rules concerning “high point” award requirements.
Keep
in mind that you are away from your horse’s familiar surroundings
and he may ride like a true champ at home, but not so much at the competition,
at least in the beginning. You may want
to begin with the lower level classes for which you qualify,
and work your way up the “skill ladder” as you attend additional competitions.
You
drove a long way and you worked really hard to prepare
for this day…so you’re excited and the adrenaline is flowing.
How
about your horse, he had a long trailer ride and he’s pretty
excited too.
The
best idea is to try to “cluster” the classes in which you want to compete. This allows you to block out time for leading
your horse around so he’ll get familiar with the
grounds, lunge line warm up and riding warm up, a bath and beauty prep for the
class.
Now
your horse has had a chance to mentally and physically
prepare for the competition and so have you.
Compete
well for the level of training your currently riding, and then rest your
partner.
Arrival
time at the event should be planned to allow plenty of time for all the things
you need to do...stall set up, show office sign up, horse warm up, etc. Don’t cut it too close.
At
your first or second or even third event you are going to learn a lot about
your horse. Give yourself plenty of time
to learn how he behaves and where you will fine “holes” in your training
program.
Be
sure your horse has plenty of water, has time to relax in his stall, and has
time to urinate, eat and rest.
After
a “riding warm-up” pull his saddle and let him relax in his stall. Be prepared early so you are both relaxed
and ready to go when “show time” arrives.
THE CHECK IN GATE
AND “ORDER OF GO”
Generally, show management will
post an “order of go” the night before the competition. It is really just a
list of the competitors and their entry numbers for each separate class. Each and every
“class” will also have a numerical order assigned to the classes on your entry
form.
The “order of go” is randomly
orchestrated on a separate sheet for each class. So, you might be in Class 2, Novice Horse,
and your individual entry number might be “101”. Check the Order of Go sheet and you may find
yourself as the seventh entry. If you
are also entered in Class 5, you may find your entry number toward the bottom
of the list or near the top again. It’s
a good idea to know your order of go well ahead of time.
The
announcer will be calling class numbers as the day progresses. Before your class is called, you can begin
your mental time clock calculating when you should be tacked up, warmed up and
physically checked in with the Gate Keeper.
Be sure you are ready a few horses prior to your “go”. Remember, this is not a competition where all of the entries to the same class enter the arena at the
same time.
It
is your responsibility to be ready when your number is called.
Entries
are judged individually.
You
should be “at the ready” at the starting cone or starting point. The judge will give you a sign telling you to
begin your ride. Be ready; never keep
the judge waiting.
At
some events, if you miss your “order of go” the Gate Keeper will let you wait
until the last entry has competed and then let you work the pattern.
At
other shows if you are not ready when called you will simply be “scratched”
from that particular class
On the other hand the entire event may not specify an order of
go, commonly known as “work at will.”
Always
appreciate the Gate Keeper; they are frequently volunteers and have a long
thankless job of standing in one spot, clip board in hand, breathing dust and
attempting to keep every competitor in order and moving ahead with no delays.
TRACK AND
COORDINATE YOUR DIFFERENT PATTERNS;
Short
video clip taken on a different day at Eros Bordeaux Stables displaying a
sample of a simple obstacle frequently found in competitive trail. If you study the PATTERN 4 sample included in
this lesson you will find three different balance
beams or planks in just one facility course.
Look
for numerical numbers; 1. Balance Beam.
2. Balance Beam (angled).
3. BIG Balance Beam.
To
study the number “2 Balance Beam”, shown on the trail pattern # 4, preview the
small photo below of the sorrel paint.
Look just past his front left leg and you’ll see the angle coming up
before his next stride.
Next
photo down, study the perfect entrance onto a beam/plank, notice that both the
horse and the rider are concentrating at what path is directly out in front of
them. Note the straightness of the
horse’s body from poll to hind quarters, it is perfect.
More
video and training material on how to ride this in future lessons. See video below of long, high narrow plank,
which is number 3 “BIG balance Beam, shown on pattern 4.
(After
control and click, click pointer on Internet logo and video will open, and then
push arrow for play).
Photo
courtesy of Oregon Horse Center in Eugene, Oregon.
At first glance, this pattern may
seem more complicated than it really is.
You will see that this pattern is marked as; PATTERN #4, which we happen
to know is the IN-HAND pattern according to our entry form which would have
been retrieved from the show facility website. (IN-HAND is where you lead your horse
through the course, instead of riding him, see cute photo of little girl in
pink on her adorable pony, while being hand lead by mom). This competitor has hand
written on the upper right corner IN-HAND as her own personal reminder
of which pattern number 4 is.
See
the sample registration form that went with Pattern #4.
Note
entry number pinned on bottom right corner of saddle pad, left side of horse.
Also
note that on her pattern #4 she has circled
class number 1 and 2 on her actual pattern print out
because those are the IN-HAND classes that she personally entered. You can do this with each pattern class you
choose, because many classes will ride the same pattern. Put one copy of each pattern in your pocket
and another copy in your grooming
tote or tack room or the back of your horse trailer. Some competitions will provide a stack of the
different pattern classes early that morning or the night before, some will
simply post one copy at the competition and expect you to have printed your
patterns from their website before you left home.
One
copy you will need to have with you when you attend the “The Judges Walk
Through”. The walk through will be
explained in depth in Lesson Three. The
second copy is your back up, in case you misplace the first copy
or it is in your coat pocket, which you took off because you were hot and hung
over a fence rail somewhere and now you are in a rush because the event is
moving faster than you anticipated and you really need to study your pattern
again.
Another
helpful idea on show day is to have posted your own copy of your entry form on
your tack room wall. At a handy glance
you can check the order of the classes YOU entered, to help keep you on
track. Most likely, you will have more
than one pattern to memorize.
KEEPING SAFE IN THE
COMMOTION
There is maximum turmoil at any
horse competition; a combination of humans and animals, generally focused on
themselves and not paying enough attention to their surroundings.
It is your responsibility to keep yourself and your horse safe at all times. Maneuvering through a crowd of horses and
handlers can easily be equated to defensive driving. Look ahead; anticipate the actions of those
in front of you. Turn on your mental
blinker and make eye contact with the other horse handler/rider who is heading
in your direction when you intend to turn in front of them. Watch the mental rearview mirror for potential
hazards coming your way. BE ALERT!
If you stop moving, think about where
you are. Are you in the way? Did you stop in the middle of the main flow
of traffic? Can you easily see what is
going on around you? Do you have a safe
escape route?
Do not depend on your horse to be
smart about what he is doing. Treat him
as if he is a child and you are the parent; pay attention! Don’t let your horse visit, touch or back into
another horse.
If you have to
walk behind a horse that is tied in an aisle way, ask the horse owner’s
permission. Give the owner an
opportunity to move his horse over. A
million times horse owners have said to the passing party, “Oh, my horse is fine”. Well, that is just great until his horse
isn’t fine and you’ve put yourself and your horse in a dangerous position with
no avenue of escape.
Always think about the tight areas and
be as safe as possible. If the horse you
need to pass gives the slightest indication of being in a foul mood, re-route
to reach your destination.
You’ve prepared as well as you can at
this time for your level of riding and your horse’s level of training.
It is best to simply ride against
yourself in your own mind. You know when
your horse is giving you the best he’s got, and you know when you are riding to
the best of your ability. One of the
wonderful reasons to compete is to compare yourself to your last ride. Make a mental note of where you find holes in
your training. Competing will make your
inefficiencies known to you and you can go home armed with the knowledge of
where you need to improve.
PIN YOUR NUMBER
When you pin on your entry number, do
it with pride. You may not win the
championship, but you accomplished a goal and are preparing for the next.
When you attach your entry number, you
will typically fasten it to the left side of your saddle blanket or pad. Or you may prefer to adhere it to the center
of your back.
You just reviewed a sample page of
available ways to fasten entry numbers from the 2013 Collection of the Hobby
Horse Clothing Company Catalog. You can
visit them on line at www.hobbyhorseinc.com
.
Remember
to double check the back of the number after you fastened it. You do not want sharp pins popping open and
sticking you or your horse.
To
keep your number fresh, clean, neat and easy to
re-apply you might consider the half size plastic page cover sheets found at
any office supply store. They will help
preserve your number card for re-use. If
an association assigns your number ahead of time for the duration of your
membership, you can have your number laminated to extend its life expectancy.
Regardless
of where you attach your number or how you attach it, make certain it is easily
visible, readable and straight. As you begin your pattern, the judge or the
scribe may ask for your number, so remember it!
Assignment:
Schedule,
pay and take a traditional riding lesson from a qualified or certified
instructor that you have never ridden with before. Your old 4-H leader, school principal or
husband does not count. The purpose of
this exercise is to open up a new world to you, a new
experience that you and your horse will benefit from, but it will only be
beneficial if you follow the platform assigned in Lesson One where you followed
certain selection criteria.
This
professional instructor does not have to be a certain type, but they do need to
be qualified to help you with something specific. So you will need to
pick a particular issue or problem that you are currently having with your
horse.
While
your lesson is still fresh in your mind, please write an essay and include such
information as; the instructor’s credentials, what was your specific goal, how
was the goal approached from the instructor’s point of view, what were the two
main things you learned (explain this in detail), what type of improvement did
your horse make and why? Would you want to go back again or not?
Please
make a note of the course/lesson in the subject line and email your written
assignment to me at: Vikevon7@gmail.com
I’ll do my best to respond within 5-7
business days.