Hi! Currently writing a 2nd level freestyle, and have been combing through rules and can’t find a definitive answer on whether counter canter in medium canter is permitted at this level? I can’t find any mention of it in later tests, and counter canter TO medium paces is mentioned as a way to increase difficulty. Would love insight on whether this can be included or not!
You’ll probably need to write to the USDF Freestyle Committee head judge for that answer, it’s a little outside the norm.
They’re typically really good about responding. When I had a question re a 3rd Level Freestyle about six years ago, it was Dolly Hannon and she got back to me within a day.
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I think you can do it as long as it’s on a straight line, but it may be confusing for the judge if it’s done on the rail. Across the diagonal or on centerline/quarterline, may work.
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Supposedly if it’s not on the “forbidden” list it is allowed. But for the judge who needs to give a score for the counter canter and a different score for the medium it presents a dilemma.
It’s possible to do that the way freestyles are scored. As to whether it’s allowed, take Silverbridge’s advice and ask the freestyle committee.
I would also add that it would count as the medium canter and not as the counter canter or as both, since the counter-canter movement is done in collected canter.
