I thought this article was interesting.
Am I reading it correctly, that you can compete in pairs?
Does extra points for a snaffle mean really just a plain snaffle or any jointed bit?
It says a simple snaffle, so I’d guess with a smooth mouthpiece, but are they doing bit checks on every horse?
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I would assume a rider would present for a bit check if they want the extra points for riding in a snaffle.
Does a simple snaffle include a double jointed plain bit?
I’d sure hope so. I looked on their website and can’t find a formal rulebook though.
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I competed in one last year, here is what I remember/my interpretations.
For the snaffle check: it was a visual check & just that you had no leverage, so a double jointed was fine, but also anything could have been inside the mouth. Maybe at their more intense shows they will do a true bit check? (The ones they are running right now are more of a schooling show & they plan to eventually have some with more of a recognized or even championships feel)
Yes, we had some in pairs come through while I jump judged before my round. We noted what happened at each jump based on horse color or rider colors. Anyone that came through in pairs tho from experience was not there to try to win anything, more of a trail ride with some jumps thrown in.
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I just think it sounds like a great way to help a person who has confidence issues (but is more than capable and wants to have fun), to be able to ride around with someone else.
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Oh, I totally agree & thats what was happening! They where there for the experience & confidence vs trying to win.
They also allow coaching on course, so their a rider who had issues their first attempt, so the 2nd attempt the trainer road out with the rider on a bike so that they could complete the course & coached through their troubles! It was great! But I’m sure that could have been on a horse as well.
I think that the pairs option will not be allowed at their championships, but that may not be true. They did say the pairs option was up to the organizer & does not have to be offered (possibly because the pairs typically took longer to get around than the singles?).
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Windchase in NoVA has an event that is similar to this they run every August.
Super low pressure and fun. You can even get a lead horse to follow or jump higher or lower than your level.
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