| Author |
Message |
    
Karen Blair-Imrie
| | Posted on Sunday, 1 April, 2007 - 6:20 am: | |
I had an amusing experience years ago at a national trials. The section A starting steward noticed that the curb chains on a team of ponies were too tight, and had one of the grooms loosen them. The competitor started off down the track, the ponies all pulling like trains. Just around the corner, out of sight of the steward (but where we in the adjoining field could still clearly see), the competitor stopped, had the groom tighten up all the curb chains again, and drove on :-) |
Janet Pilling
| | Posted on Wednesday, 28 March, 2007 - 10:57 am: | |
There has always been a turnout check at Hopetoun at the start of the marathon. Fit and condition of harness is checked thoroughly and the carriage is looked at too. As far as I know this is just for Novices. I think it is a good thing and should be encouraged especially at club level but it is not always possible to have starting stewards with the correct knowledge or available time. Only twice at club level have I had a judge come out of his car and check my pony, harness and carriage before the dressage (generally at club level everyone has the same vehicle and harness throughout the competition so this was ideal).
While everyone hated the Standing Presentation at National Novice level, I wonder where such checks and improvements will happen now. At Novice Qualifiers?
When I started going to competitions I was fortunate enough to be in a very friendly club and a few experienced drivers gave me invaluable tips about the fitting of harness. I was delighted to have experienced drivers take an interest in me and would feel comfortable helping out a newcomer myself. The problem is when the competitor is an experienced driver and they are still getting it wrong! Then it takes an official to make the comment. I appreciate time is always an issue but there are spaces for remarks on the bottom of dressage sheets which are often left blank. Judges please help us out here, constructive criticism is always welcome  |
Dawn Emmerson
| | Posted on Wednesday, 28 March, 2007 - 8:54 am: | |
I thought this would make an interesting discussion.
The correct fitting of harness for the marathon section in particular.
While harness is checked for Novices and below at the standing presentation which is brilliant, I have rarely seen a harness check at the start of the marathon where I would have thought this is more important.
I have seen harness so loose you could imagine the horse/pony stepping out of it or so tight you wonder how it can breathe or move even. Too low and too high is very common as well.
How many of you have seen shafts sticking so far out to the side banging up and down they look like wings not to mention how much this is uncomfortable for the horse.
This is not just seen with novices, I have seen open drivers with poorly fitted harness on their horses/ponies.
Do you thnkk it should be that harness checks are held at the start of the marathon at every event no matter how small it is. |
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