Enter at walk on the right rein

Enter at walk on the right rein

Enter at walk on the right rein; show a nice free balanced walk. The horse should be obedient and listening to both hand and leg.

When asked by the Steward, go forwards to trot. This should be an open free moving stride, with carriage and cadence. The horse should be carrying himself, working forwards into a contact and ‘on the bit’.

At an appropriate point and when the judge is watching show a few lengthened strides. (Not extended) Do not over ride your horse or push it out of its natural balance. This is best done on a long straight side of the arena.

When asked by the Steward, go forwards into canter. This should be calm, relaxed and be free moving, but not fast. The horse should carry himself in an uphill posture, maintaining his shape. It should look effortless.

When asked by the Steward, you will be required to change the rein. The Steward should direct you where to do this. As you come across the arena to change the rein you should come down to trot for a few strides, change the horses bend and go forwards to canter on the left rein, and use the space you have in the arena (be aware that you may pass horses that have not yet changed the rein, keep to the inside as you come across the diagonal and to the outside after going down the next long side, so they may come across the centre to change the rein).

You may be asked by the Steward to show a few lengthened strides in canter (gallop if space allows). This should only be done if space allows for open horse classes and should not be required of novice classes. This will be done on the long side of the arena. If you are too close to the horse in front to be able to do this turn a circle until you have the space. Once you have shown your lengthened strides, bring your horse down through transitions to walk and walk around the arena on the left rein.

The judge will select an initial line up of the horses; this will be done via the steward. The steward will call the horses in order of the judge’s preference. The first horse will be placed by the steward. The second horse will stand to the left of the first, the third to the left of the second, and so on down the line until all the horses are placed.

At this point in English ridden classes the Judge may ride the horse, or ask for a short show depending on the class.

If the judge rides, make sure that your horse has suitable tack to accommodate the judge, i.e. the stirrups are large enough and the leathers adjust to fit. Your horse should

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