Description
An S-shaped corridor marked with raised bars balanced on upright holders with flags indicating entrance and exit. The S Bend is composed of (2) 4m outside bars, (2) 2.20 m end bars, (2) 1.80 m inside bars, 4 corner uprights, and 4 end uprights. Dimensions are the same for all Levels.
– Overall Width: 2.7 m
– Interior Corridor Width: .90 m
– Overall Length: 4 m
– Height: Around .2 to .3 m (8-10”)
Objective
To lead the horse through the S Bend in a fluid forward motion without knocking down the poles.
To be performed at a walk.
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:
– Break of Gait (Stopping)
– Knocking down a bar
Each bar (or part thereof) knocked down by horse or rider = 1 fault
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)
– Any gait other than walk X (No Score)
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Ridden TREC Obstacles / Scoring
– Scroll to the bottom of the page for Judge’s Scorecard –
Obstacle Building Tips:
Mini Clinic: Tips For Success
S-Bend In Hand
Preparation:
Get the horse used to following directly behind you on a medium rein and practice making a quick change of direction in hand. Begin by using a demonstrative gesture (and voice command) to cue for the turn about. For example: At a walk, hold reins in right hand, point right, change direction with horse following. Continue at a walk, switch reins to left hand, point left, change direction. Keep walking.
Introduction to the Obstacle:
It can be helpful to start with ½ of the S bend at a time to get the horse used to turning within the rails, before putting it all together.
Execution:
The key to this obstacle is timing and maintaining forward momentum. As your horse is behind you, be sure to walk to the very end of the S-Bend and ask for the turn as you are making it, using the technique described in the warm-up exercise. Make sure to walk deep enough into the turn for the horse’s hind legs to clear the short rail, and to achieve a moment of straightness before starting the second turn.
When schooling, pick a spot to lead to after the obstacle vs. stopping the moment you complete the task.
Trouble Shooting:
A common mistake: The rider is walking too slowly and the horse drifts, stalls, or misunderstands the question. March on and lead with intention!
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JUDGES SCORECARD
A. E Score: 7 / S Score: 3 / Total: 10
B. E Score: 1 (2 rails down) / S Score: 0 / Total: 1
C. E Score: 4 (1 rail down) / S Score: -1 rider position / Total: 3
D. E Score: 7 / S Score: 3 / Total: 10