Intro B test advice

[Hazkirbo]

In intro B, one of the movements is ‘in trot circle right 20m, allowing the horse to stretch’ (why I hate intro B, but I’m doing a championship so got no choice).

If I allow my horse to ‘stretch’ our circle will be absolutely abysmal as he needs that outside rein support.

Do I ride the movement ‘correctly’ and have a terrible circle (he’ll probably not even stay on a circle, could well bugger off) or ride a half-decent circle with rein contact?

Championship is tomorrow so haven’t really got time to be playing about!

 

[Surbie]

Am doing that one today. If it's at all helpful my instructor pointed out it doesn't say you have to stretch the entire way around. The pointer I was given was to allow a stretch for part of the circle, preferably the bit most visible to the judge.

 

[JulesRules]

Are you able to maintain support on the outside rein with a slightly longer rein and more inside leg? Maybe start with just allowing him to stretch just a teeny bit.

 

[lauracwd2]

Allowing the horse to stretch doesn't mean throwing away your rein contact. The horse should take the contact forward and down for a few strides so you're lengthening the frame.

 

[scats]

Although obviously there to show a stretch and that your horse can take the contact forward and down, it is sort of a test that your horse isn’t relying too much on guidance from the reins to stay on the line of the circle. As someone else has said, you don’t throw your contact away completely, so you should still have enough contact to keep him with you.

If you think he might take the excuse to head off in a different direction, I would opt for a small stretch but ride an accurate circle.

 

[tallyho!]

It is absolutely a test for how the horse is responding to seat aids as well as rein aids. Ideally giving your hands forward should urge the horse to stretch down naturally while your inside leg supports and your outside leg dictates the bend and stops the quarters from coming away from the line of the circle. Sit a little to the outside to help you stay on the circle and not fall in. Have look at one of Sylvia Loch's books, the classical seat or the the classical rider are great because they help you with things like how to maintain a circle without relying on your reins.

 

[alainax]

Although as above it should be something he gets good at with proper schooling, in the mean time can you time the stretch for when he is heading back to the track. More likely to gravitate toward it an not bugger off! You have to do it though, you'll get movement not shown if you just do a circle with no stretch. A squigly circle will be better id imagine.

 

[Batgirl]

Having just got back from judging a few of these...
Bear in mind you should still have rein contact, not looped dangly reins (same as free walk though few realise it!), it should be longer and encourage the horses head to drop a bit and stretch over the topline.
You are better making an effort than not - if you show no stretch you should really get a max of a 5, truly a 4. If you attempt to stretch and are a little wobbly as a result you may get the benefit of the doubt.

Have a play at home and see how you can get a stretchy frame.

 

[Hazkirbo]

Didn’t feel confident to allow a ‘stretch’ as he was pretty disengaged compared to our usual schooling, but it’s something for us to practice!