I was a judge for one of the obstacles on the ACTHA competitive trail ride in Bumblebee the past Saturday. Huge turnout, 95 or so riders. Always interesting to watch what the riders and horses are doing. Some of the handling/bits/attitudes are distressing to watch, but, all in all it's enjoyable. But, it's interesting how many people tell their horse to do the wrong thing and don't know it. I score the horse higher if he is doing exactly what the person asks even if it isn't what the task is supposed to look like because he is following the direction. But, then I score the rider lower for asking incorrectly.
Some people are jerking their horse's head with their rein coming across their belly button and on toward their opposite shoulder and wanting horse to step over with the front feet, yet the technique with the rein and body position they are using is directing the hind feet and causing a turn on the forehand instead of the required turn on the haunches.
I just have to sit there and watch. I'm not sure how to get the word out about the skills needed to operated horse feet. There should be a way for people who don't know they don't know this to find out.
Suggestions????
Maybe a judges corner on an ACTHA newsletter. I'll look into it.