Confused about a movement in novice 28

[Gorgeous George]

Like a complete nutter I have decided to have a bash at a novice test in January

I don't think George and I are anywhere near novice level, but hey we thought we'd have a go!

One of the moves we have to do is canter a half 15m circle from the longside and then canter back to the track, a sort of teardrop shape with a few strides of counter canter on the track. We can't manage counter canter so we'll sort of gloss over that bit

but as we canter off the half 15m circle back to the track should the bend remain the same (boy I hope so as that means we can just about do it), or should I be changing the bend as we're about to go in the other direction?

Oh dear, does this make any sense? Perhaps we should just stick to prelim!

 

[piebaldsparkle]

No keep the same bend, thus when you hit the track your bend will be to the outside, thus you will be in counter canter.

 

[nicolaread]

im old hat 2 this test now!!! lol as you finish the 15m circle try + keep that bend (which will now be slightly to the outside) if you are struggling try + look to the fence line as this will keep you riding like you are on the other rein, this should help you keep the counter canter, dont change your contact in2 the new inside rein either until you do your downwards transition to trot. im sure u will b fine!! do it 4 the fun + experience!! if your at the show ne way u may as well do what eva classes you can + get some under your belt!! good luck!!

 

[spookypony]

Ditto the other two: keep the bend. "Few" strides doesn't necessarily mean many; if you practice just getting as far as the track before your transition initially, I'm sure you'll be able to get 2 or 3 strides along the wall by January!

 

[libbyandblue]

if you keep the same bend, the horse will remain more in balance, in time, when you get to elementary, judges look for horses with a straight bend, but for novice, listen to those people above!

 

[Small65]

Just think ride the shoulders to the track and you should keep the balance and correct bend! GOOD LUCK!

 

[snip]

Yep everyone above is right you will be in counter canter so ask the horse to bend over the leading leg ever so slightly. For practice you should try riding some shallow(say 5 metre) loops away from the long side whilst in canter, if you have a 60 metre school this will be easier than in a 40.So for example on the left rein start to ride a loop away from the long side until you reach the quarter line level with X. As you ride back to the wall keep a slight left bend and think and use body weight to bring the horse to the right.As long as your horse has a good balanced canter and you can keep him together you won`t find the movement in the test too hard, my litle 4 year old is mastering counter canter now and his proper canter s improving as a result of the exercise.