Ridden TREC – Ditch In Hand

© Kim Stoddard

Description

A flagged natural or man-made ditch with distinct fixed edges, with or without water, for the horse to jump or step across. Take off and landing should be level with ground.

– Front width: 3 – 4 m
– Minimum depth 12” (.31 m)
– Maximum width across: 2’ (.61m).

Objective

To lead the horse across the ditch, highlighting the willingness of the horse, as well as the correct approach and attitude of the rider.

Horse to follow on a loose rein and maintain a respectful distance from the rider.


Scoring This Obstacle

See also: Ridden Obstacles / Scoring

Effectiveness Faults (E Score) -3 per incident

BEFORE the obstacle:

– Running Out
– Error of Course Corrected
– Stepping Back
– Refusal
– Circling

IN the obstacle:

– Foot in ditch (Horse)

* Change of gait / jumping from a standstill permitted.

Style Faults (S Score) -1 per incident.

– Irregular Forward Motion
– Progression on Tense Reins
– Loss of Balance of the Horse or the Rider
– Incorrect Rider Aids
– Horse Moving Sideways
– Horse’s Nose Passing Rider’s Shoulder

(Flapping Stirrups – see Penalties).

Penalties (P Score)

– Brutality (-5)
– Dangerous Handling (-5)
– Fall of Horse or Rider (Rider Excused)
– Leaving The Obstacle (-10)
– Flapping Stirrups / USA (-1)


Get The Score!

Rate these performances to test your knowledge of TREC Rules and Scoring.

Ridden TREC Obstacles / Scoring

Images©Kim Stoddard, T. Thomas, N. Basile

– Scroll to the bottom of the page for Judge’s Scorecard –


Obstacle Building Tips: To Come

Ridden TREC Obstacle Gallery

Next: Ditch Ridden

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JUDGES SCORECARD

A. E Score: 4 Horse passing rider / S Score: 2 Eyes Down / P: -1 FS / Total: 5

B. E Score: 1 Refusal, stopped motion / S Score: 2 Tense Reins / Total: 3

C. E Score: 4 Horse passing rider / S Score: 2 Looking Back / Total: 6*

D. E Score: 7 / S Score 2 Rider Looking Back / Total: 9

*Flapping stirrups not an issue in a saddle with fenders.