As we all know, this test is…tricky. But alas, my trainer gets what she wants, so I’m doing it next show. So any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated. Placement of the 3s and 4s in particular. And any tips on helping the flow of the 10m half circle true canter/half circle counter canter.
Thanks!!!
To place the 3 and 4 time changes, you need to first count how many strides your horse takes on the diagonal. Say it is 24. For 4s, the changes use 20 strides (change, two three four, change two, three, four etc) so 24 minus 20 is 4. So to place them over x, count 2 and start. That leaves two at end.
For threes, again using 24 strides as our example, 24 minus 15 is 9. Count 4 or 5 and start.
For the 10 meter half circles at canter: turn your head to the right and look ahead down centerline, when you arehalf-way through the first half circle (as if you are going to turn down centerline towards the judge). This will help straighten your horse on the centerline for one stride or two, before turning again to the left to counter-canter the second half-circle.
And of course, make the two half-circles the same size!
I don’t think it’s a tricky test. It’s just really, really long and they put every move thought of in there. (And I’m assuming it will go away and they will try to make it easier than PSG when they do the tests again.)
Placement of the tempis is not usually difficult nor noted unless it is way off. Basically ride the corner, then two strides and change.
For the half circles, ride a half circle, not a pancake, make sure you clearly go straight 2/3 strides so you are showing it, and maintain an energetic, forward canter.
My issue was always trying to remember which moves go in which order.
I too hope they simplify this test. It’s horrible IMO.
I showed this test a lot, including at regionals. It is definitely a marathon test but it was good for my horse (OTTB) because it was lots of canter!
My suggestions for prepping for the test… take it apart and practice accuracy of each piece. It is easy to start cruising along and lose the collection and sit as you go along.
Trot work: school the transitions a lot and REALLY practice counting the halt-RB-walk-RB-trot. It carries a coefficient and they really do count those steps when they are judging.
Canter work: I used to practice the CC half circle loops all up and down the arena so it was more precise requiring than test. Then test was easy. When you do the straight part on CL smile at the judge like you know you are nailing it! The conscious effort of smiling gives you the right amount of straight to show the balance.
practice the half CP and make sure change is on diagonal not in corner after diagonal.
i also schooled the canter half pass pattern a lot bc it helps prep for PSG.
have fun!
Becky and Red
Thank you, this is really helpful. It’s a good test for my horse as well because of the canter. And the walk work is great for her. And she can get rolling a bit, the half pirouettes are nicely located for this reason. I will take that suggestion for the CC.
I just have to keep telling myself I won’t make an idiot of myself, and thankfully the coefficients are all on her strong movements aside from the rein back. She can get tense in the rein back.
Practice the RB so she does it from your seat more than your reins. Actually, I train it in a way I can give the rein forward during the backing up, so the horse can stretch the neck a little, it then stays (or goes back) into a nice forward contact afterward.
Don’t force the RB. It’s the one movement that can easily be rough handled. It shouldn’t.
From the ground up, take it slow and make sure you are waiting for the horse answer.
I never, ever « punish » or correct a horse by backing up, I always praise, because then, it become a source of frustration and they associate the RB with something they might have done wrong. Overachiever and eager to please type of horses get easily frustrated.
This is good advice and as this mare gets stronger, more through, and more relaxed in general, the rein back has gotten better. Still a work in progress, it scored 6s this past weekend.
At any rate, we did not make idiots of ourselves, got 2 qualifying scores for regionals and won the open 4-3 one day, small class, but hey, I’ll take mid 60s at only our 2nd show doing 4th level.
I got antsy about getting the count right for the changes that I sacrificed the straightness.
I’ll admit that I actually had fun riding it and it sure is a true test of whether or not the horse is on your seat and just how well you can ride half halt to half halt.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
