In an effort to encourage participation, we want to make the obstacle course information available to all who wish to familiarize their horse with what can be expected.  The NAC committee feel it will make a safer and fairer competition for everyone to have this information before coming.

as with all versatility classes, ATSM protective head gear is encouraged.

·         Enter and proceed to the right,

·         Open, pass through and close the rope gate

·         Proceed on across the wooden bridge

·         Cross over the Cavaletti ground poles

·         Approach the zigzag poles on the right side,

o   Side pass left OVER the poles ,

o   Haunch turn

o   Side pass left over the poles

o   Fore turn

o   Side pass left over the poles

·         Proceed to the triple cones, reverse horse and back through “Keyhole” obstacle

·         Zigzag through the vertical poles

·         Over the 14” jump (may jump or walkover)

·         Through the ribbon curtain obstacle

·         Walk over/across the ground tarp

·         Approach the mailbox, open, show mail to the judge, replace and close the mailbox.

·         Exit the arena

 

a timed event where faults and penalties result in added "time". 

1.       All exhibitors are required to wear ATSM protective headgear.

2.       Order of GO is to be a draw at beginning of event.

3.       This is a timed event, with the fastest times determining the placing.

4.       All obstacles are required elements in order listed.

5.       Faults during obstacle negotiation will result in added time “penalties”. 

 

 Errors during each obstacle negotiation  

·   1 or 2 second penalty (judge’s discretion)

·   First refusal = 5 second penalty

·   Second refusal = 10 second penalty

·   3 refusals = missed obstacle and results in 20 second penalty

6.       Obstacles in order:

1.    Inner tube drag  to the “drop line”

2.     Bridge

3.     Cavaletti

4.      through the Poles  

5.      through the Cones

6.      14” jump

7.      360 degree turn in the box

8.      backing back to the “ line”

9.      through the hanging obstacle

10.   over the tarp

11.  dismount and load  horse in the trailer (no riding into trailer will be permitted)

·   Note - final obstacle … all 4 hooves must be on the trailer for time to stop. 

**** OPTIONAL BONUS of -5 seconds for “sending” the horse onto the trailer while rider remains outside.

7.       In the event of a tie, a “run off” tie-breaker will be called.

 [ VIEW COURSE LAYOUT HERE (COMING SOON) ]

 

All exhibitors are required to wear ATSM protective headgear. 

Each rider/handler and horse will exhibit individually in the arena.

The obstacles to be negotiated from the ground (on long-line) are

After negotiating the obstacles from the ground the exhibitor will be asked to mount the horse. 

  • A sidepull, soft rope or bitless bridle will be allowed to substitute for the rope halter if desired. 
  • Per FOSH rules saddles are optional and may be brought out by a groom with any other tack alterations. 
  • A mounting block will be available.

At this point the rider will proceed to the rail at a trail walk, and begin exhibiting the gaits of their horse: trail walk, flatfoot walk, intermediate gait and canter or lope both directions of the ring.

All obstacles must be negotiated on line (lead) or at liberty on the ground. The only physical contact allowable between the horse and rider while on the ground shall be through the line (lead). Ground skills and communication between horse and rider are paramount. The horse shall be sent over an obstacle or maneuver an obstacle with ease and an appearance of harmony with its handler. Hand or body contact while maneuvering ground obstacles will be penalized in the final scoring.
 

After the ground obstacle portion has been completed, the rider is asked to mount his horse (a mounting block may be used). The horse must stand ready and be alert to his rider cues. A repeat of the “on line” obstacles and /or predetermined patterns may be call for at this time. The class may call for a variety of gait changes, i.e., working walk, flat walk, running walk, and, in the advanced division the lope or canter. The purpose of the gait changes would be to observe a harmonious response to the rider and to consider how well the horse maintains the gait on a loose rein. The judge will reward the horse and rider that exhibit harmony while riding.

 

 Water Glass class  with Obstacles: as with all versatility classes, ATSM protective head gear is encouraged.

We wanted to shake things up a bit for this traditional gaited horse fun class by keeping a few of the obstacles in, NOT to be judged on how you negotiate them, only that you make the attempt while carrying your water glass.  It is a way to add complexity and a little challenge. 

The obstacles will be:

Note: you will be judged if you made an attempt at the obstacles and winners will be determined by the amount of water remaining in their glass.