Wednesday, March 14, 2007

SOME THOUGHTS ON COURSE DESIGN

From a junior equitation rider's point of view, course design can often present challenges.

For example, with the Hunter phase of the Washington, the course is usually set on a twelve or thirteen foot stride. Adjusting in the lines may be necessary depending on the size of your horses' stride. Checking for a dotted line - a line beyond which you may not go in making your opening circle is important in this class. The dotted line will be marked on the course diagram at the in-gate not necessarily in the ring (sometimes it is marked with a line of bushes).

In general, Equitation courses usually ask questions of the rider. When evaluating an equitation course, thinking of the course from all directions can be helpful. When you look at a fence, it is better to think of it as part of a whole line - evaluating what went before and what is coming after. The course diagram can help you get a sense of how the course flows and what you want the complete picture to be like.

Talk to you later.
Maria Schaub

4 Comments:

At Fri Mar 16, 10:00:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

thanks for doing this blog so much. i really enjoy checking to see when you post new entries. i know it must be hard to post becaus you're so busy, but it would be great if we could hear more from you in more posts!!

love your riding skills,
E

 
At Sat Mar 17, 08:43:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

my trainer and i think equitation is the most important part of riding. (besides the actual horse of course) she tells her students that show all the time that no matter what type of course you are doing (jumpers, hunters etc.) if you ride it like your equitation course, it will be a good round. I think that is very true because if you are making stupid equitation mistakes like not applying the same amount of pressure on both reins, or simply jabbing your horse in the flank because your lower leg is swinging, your horse will be effected. if you are balanced, quiet, and keep good form, your horse will be likely to follow! Do you agree with this statement? Can't wait until your next entery!!!

-a.a.e

 
At Sun Mar 18, 03:04:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats on winning the ronnie mutch!

 
At Fri Jun 21, 02:14:00 PM, Anonymous Vicky Vacation said...

Great readiing your blog

 

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