Online Equine Health

A free online workshop covering Equine Health will be delivered in an interactive webinar beginning on 21^st January 2015. The workshop will be a repeat of the course which was run at the beginning of 2014 and will run over three weeks. Subjects covered include internal equine anatomy, signs of good and poor health and wounds and their treatment. Participants can access the lectures at any time during their scheduled week.  Upon completion of the course all participants will gain a certificate of completion from CAFRE. Enrol online at www.cafre.ac.uk/industry-support/industry-training/ and click on Equine. Access to the internet will be necessary for this course.

Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care

The Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horse Care is an accredited course which will run over 8 weeks at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. This is a theory based course which will cover aspects of horse care including Feeding & Watering, Horse Health and Welfare, Fitting Horse Clothing such as tack, rugs and stable bandages, Health & Safety when working with horses and Employment Rights and Responsibilities.

The course will run on a Wednesday evening starting on Wednesday 4^th February from 7:15 to 9:15 pm.  It is suitable for anyone over 16 years of age, wishing to improve their knowledge of horses and stable management and will be particularly valuable to anyone working in the equine industry to enhance their knowledge.  There will be a one off exam registration fee of £50.

Enrol online at www.cafre.ac.uk/industry-support/industry-training/ and click on Equine or for more information email Industry.trainingadmin@dardni.gov.uk

CAFRE Equine Management Degree Students with Elaine Hatton (ITM), Seamus McAlinney (CAFRE) and David Wright (HRI)

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) launched a bursary on November 6th, which will be awarded to a student studying Equine Management at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Enniskillen campus. The £1000 bursary, which will be linked to an assignment to produce a short video aimed at encouraging more young people to get involved in the racing industry, is open to second year students on the Honours Degree programme.

HRI was represented at the launch by Group Human Resource Manager David Wright and General Manager of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Elaine Hatton.

The bursary will be paid in two instalments: 50% in February and 50% following the successful completion of second year. The inaugural award will be presented to the successful student by HRI representatives at the Equine Careers Event to be held at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus on Wednesday February 11th 2015.

The short video assignment will involve the use of social media to find and engage potential customers, locally, nationally and globally. The video should embrace the theme “What the racing industry means to me” with the aim of encouraging more students to get involved in the racing industry. Horse Racing Ireland will make the final decision on the award of the bursary.

David Wright, HRI Group Human Resource Manager, commented: “Horse Racing Ireland is pleased to be associated with CAFRE, who have embraced in a special way the thoroughbred industry in all its facets and in doing so generated enthusiastic graduates for the industry. We are pleased that we can contribute to the College in a practical way, focusing on young people in the industry.”

Welcoming the launch of the HRI student bursary, HRI Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, said: “It’s important to encourage and support students with vision for the Irish racing industry, which is what this bursary aims to do. Those undertaking the Equine Management course hope to work in racing and inspiring students to think about what the racing industry means to them is beneficial both to those taking part and to the industry as a whole.”

Dr Sam Kennedy, Head of Education Service, CAFRE thanked HRI for their willingness to support young people participating in the equine degree programme at Enniskillen Campus. He stated: “We at CAFRE are delighted to welcome HRI here today and are extremely grateful for this fantastic opportunity which HRI is providing for our students. We hope to build on the links made with HRI and keep providing the racing industry with capable enthusiastic employees for the future.”

This article provides information under the following headings. When I wrote it I was proud to remember that the British Horse Society and within that the British Horse Society Ireland does a lot of good work.

Contents (Click links below for quick view)

BHS Examinations and Qualifications
BHS Register of Instructors and Grooms
BHS Ireland Learning with Horses courses
From BHS Ireland Learning with Horses course to the BHS Progressive Riding Tests
Education and Training Courses
BHS Ireland Adult Summer Camps
Welfare through Education and Information
Off Road Horse Riding
Safety
BHS Approved Establishment Scheme
Horses Welcome
British Riding Clubs
Communication with BHS Ireland Members
Membership of the British Horse Society
Contact BHS Ireland

BHS Examinations and Qualifications
The BHS provides one of the best examination systems in the world and is made up of vocational examinations and qualifications which are recognised internationally. Each award follows an established, tried and tested method of exploring candidates’ equitation, coaching and stable management skills which is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. BHS exams are not only held at Examination Centres throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland but we also have centres in the USA, Hong Kong, Italy and Singapore.Eric Smiley FBHS at an educational lecture on ‘Bitting’ in Hillsborough, Co. Down.

There are a number of BHS examinations towards which you can work, depending on your aspirations.

(Equestrian Qualifications GB Ltd is a subsidiary of the BHS but stands alone in its remit to award equestrian qualifications. EQL is an Awarding Body recognised by Ofqual and, as such, must comply with a range of conditions, including robust assurance for developing and awarding qualifications.)

If your aim is to become a Riding Instructor/Coach then you should aim towards completing the BHS Stages Exams click here to view a diagrammatical pathway pdf. Further information is available on www.bhs.org.uk under Training and Qualifications click here to visit website.

If your aim is to learn more for the benefit of both you and your horse then either the BHS Stages Exams or perhaps the BHS Horse Owners Certificate may be for you. The BHS Horse Owner’s Certificates are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse – but you don’t need to own a horse to sit them. Each level will be assessed in the form of a written paper under exam conditions. Courses are held within Northern Ireland.
If your aim is to work in the Equestrian Tourism industry we also provide the Equestrian Tourism Exams. These examinations are seen to be necessary for anyone wishing to work at a holiday riding centre or taking out hacks. There are three levels of equestrian tourism exam – Assistant Ride Leader, Ride Leader and Riding Holiday Centre Manager. If you hold the complete BHS Stage 2 exam you can turn your BHS Stage 2 exam into an Assistant Ride Leader Qualification by the completion of a simple half day exam.Patrick Print OBE FBHS Presenting BHS Stage 1, 2, and lungeing course at Laurel View Equestrian Centre

As part of both the BHS Stages Exams and as a recreational exam we offer the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test. This test is taken by more than 4,000 candidate a year and helps educate riders in road safety in order to minimise the risk involved when riding on the roads. The test is available to all riders from 12 years of age and is supported by the Department of Transport.

As part of the BHS Stages exam system the BHS Riding and Road Safety Test must be achieved prior to sitting the BHS Stage 2 exam. Training and tests are held throughout Ireland on a regular basis.

Work based diplomas replaced National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 1 January 2011. Assessment takes place either in the workplace or in an approved assessment location on a continuous basis. At present no Work Based Diplomas take place in Northern Ireland.

UKCC (Endorsed) Certificates in Coaching
EQL awards Equestrian Coaching Certificates on behalf of the British Equestrian Federation. If you are interested in the UKCC Coaching Certificates you should contact a UKCC Centre, a list of EQL Approved Centres is on the EQL Website, click here to view equestrian-qualifications.org.uk.

Before embarking on a career with horses it is important to select carefully your place of training. While it is not obligatory for candidates to be trained at a BHS Approved Centre, we strongly recommend it. Details of Approved BHS Training Centres can be found on our website, www.bhs.org.uk. Alison Mastin Moore BHSI teaching at BHS Ireland Adult Summer Camp 2011.

To view the examinations syllabi and guidelines, or to find out how to enter for BHS examinations, please visit our website at www.bhs.org.uk, call the Examinations Department on (0044)(0)2476840508, or send an email to exams@bhs.org.uk.

Further information on training opportunities within Ireland is available on www.bhsireland.com – look at our BHS Ireland What’s On Leaflet.

BHS Register of Instructors and Grooms

Once you have gained sufficient BHS Stages Exams, a minimum of BHS Stage 2 and the Preliminary Teach Test, you can join the BHS Register of Instructors and Grooms. This has been set up to benefit both qualified instructors, grooms and the general public. There are an increasing number of unqualified people who are professing to hold BHS qualifications and it is patently unfair to both those who hold genuine qualifications and the general public that this situation should be allowed to continue. When you join the register, you join a credible list of professionally qualified instructor or grooms who have gained internationally recognised qualifications.

In addition to the minimum qualifications required, all new applicants to the Register of Instructors must complete:-
• A Criminal Records check – this is processed by Access NI in Northern Ireland and administered for the BHS by Susan Irwin, BHS Development Officer for Ireland.
• A current Safeguarding and Protecting Children Certificate. This 3 hour course is organised by Susan Irwin, BHS Development Officer for Ireland.
• A current First Aid Certificate – certificates accepted by the BHS are the BHS First Aid course issued jointly by the BHS Ireland and Browne McKee Partnership or the full three day/two day refresher First Aid at Work or Occupational First Aid course. Please note, we do not accept any other type of first aid certificate that are equine specialised other than the BHS course.
• Once accepted onto the register, instructors are required to complete a Continual Professional Development Training (CPD) day every two years to keep their training record up to date. CPD courses are organised within Ireland three times per year in a variety of locations – details can be found on our website www.bhsireland.com.
• The benefits to the BHS instructor include optional Public Liability Insurance for freelance teaching up to £10 million. This will cover the instructor but not the premises that are being used.
• Personal Injury Insurance – this covers an accidental bodily injury which results in permanent injury up to £100,000.
• The optional addition of the Care, Custody and Control insurance provided cover for any horse subject to a limit of £10,000 for any one occurrence of any such animal and also any saddlery and/or tack subject to a limit of £5000 for any one occurrence in respect of such property.
(Further information on the insurance policies is available)
Further information on the BHS Register of Instructors can be found here

BHS Ireland Learning with Horses Courses
The BHS Ireland ‘Learning with Horses’ course has been developed to allow young people, between the ages of 9 and 18, to develop better life skills – improved confidence, teamwork, communication and problem solving.

We are particularly interested in working with young people who are experiencing difficulties integrating into the current education system. We aim to provide a means to develop the confidence and skills to reintegrate and move forward in a positive way.

The course syllabus provides a structure, which not only allows these personal skills to be developed, but also commences basic sound equestrian education. This could lead to further training, qualifications and a profession within the equestrian industry.
This is a practical course and is especially recommended for those whose needs have not been met by mainstream services and who are often at risk from social and/or economic exclusion. It will help assist development of personal awareness, emotional growth, relationships and trust. With help from horses, participants achieve a memorable, hands-on opportunity to learn these skills in a way that can easily be transferred to their daily lives.
Through working together with horses participants soon learn how attitude and body language impact on those around them, and can affect their overall performance. Accomplishing tasks with a large and powerful animal will instil confidence and self-assurance, which the learner can bring to other challenging and intimidating situations in their lives.
The ‘Learning with Horses’ course is a six week, two hour course for eight students, and is aimed at young people with little or no experience of horses.

On successfully completing this six week course each participant will receive a BHS Ireland ‘Learning with Horses’ certificate, and future training possibilities may be planned.

The course is facilitated by an instructor from the BHS Register of Instructors and takes place at a BHS Approved Riding School.

From the start of the initial Learning with Horses Course in October 2010 to the end of 2011 BHS Ireland has been able to assist 96 young people. In 2012 we have two courses in progress with a further 16 young people involved.

We must thank our funders Sport NI, The Santander Foundation, Victoria Homes Trust and the Big Lottery (Awards for All NI) for their invaluable assistance.

From BHS Ireland Learning with Horses course to the BHS Progressive Riding Tests
The lovely thing about the Learning with Horses courses is that we can assist those young people who are particularly keen to progress further within equestrianism and we have currently organised 5 BHS Progressive Riding Tests as a development from the Learning with Horse course. The BHS Progressive Riding Tests are another BHS qualification which can be offered by a BHS Approved Riding School to their clients and comprise equitation and stable management at a number of increasingly more difficult levels.
Who to Contact regarding the BHS Learning with Horses Courses:-
Shelagh Laird, BHS Riding Schools Inspector for Ireland
26 Hollow Road, Islandmagee, Larne, Co Antrim, BT40 3RL
07711664096/shelaghlaird@aol.com

Education and Training Courses
BHS Ireland offers access to a wide selection of educational opportunities throughout the year. Eric Smiley teaching indoor cross country lessons at Laurel View Equestrian Centre.

We offer educational lectures on a wide variety of topics from top educators Alison Mastin Moore BHSI, William Micklem FBHS, Eric Smiley FBHS plus professionals in their own area of expertise – farriers, vets, motivational training. We also offer lessons with inspirational instructors such as Eric Smiley FBHS, Jo Winfield FBHS and Patrick Print FBHS as well as Examination Training opportunities. We also organise the BHS First Aid Courses and the Safeguarding Children in Sport courses – both of which are a requirement for the BHS Register of Instructors.

BHS Ireland Adult Summer Camps

We are particularly proud of our adult summer camps which are available to BHS Gold members. These have grown in number and size over the past 10 years and now on average there are 9 camps held throughout Ireland during May and June.

These camps have all the key features to make for a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience for both the horse and the rider. Laughter is very important as well as learning – highly motivated and talented instructors teach and guide in a supportive manner – lessons are kept small to facilitate learning – talks and demonstrations are built in as part of the program – food and accommodation is good – and if the opportunity presents there is dancing, photographs and videos of campers on their horses are on show in the evenings.

Bookings are now being taken for the 2012 BHS Ireland Adult Summer Camps. The cost is £335 per person per camp.

These wonderful summer camps are suitable for all levels of rider and horse. BHS Gold members bring their own horse and enjoy having lessons with inspirational instructors.

Each camp provides the following:-

• Three days comprising of two lessons per day per person, these could be flatwork, jumping or cross-country. Lessons are organised to suit each individual rider and the groups are kept small with excellent instructors.
• Hacking (If available at venue)
• Yoga stretching for two mornings at the Enniskillen camps.
• Lectures and demos on a variety of topics
• Evening entertainment, which may include some dancing
• All meals and accommodation for three nights and three days.
• Stabling, bedding, hay/haylage
• You need only bring hard feed for your horse and any alcohol you may wish to consume.
• Great fun!!
• All campers must be at minimum of 18 years of age and must be Gold Members of the British Horse Society

Camp Dates for 2012

Kildalton College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny
Camp 1 – Monday, 14 May to Thursday, 18 May 2012

Enniskillen College, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
Camp 2 – Thursday, 31 May to Sunday, 3 June 2012

Camp 3 – Monday, 4 June to Thursday, 7 June 2012

Camp 4 – Thursday, 7 June to Sunday, 10 June 2012

Camp 5 – Monday, 18 June to Thursday, 21 June 2012

Camp 6 – Monday, 21 June to Thursday, 24 June 2012

Camp 7 – Monday, 25 June to Thursday, 28 June 2012

Camp 8 – Thursday, 28 June to Sunday, 1 July 2012

Gurteen College, Co Tipperary
Camp 9 – Thursday, 23 August to Sunday, 26 August 2012

Welfare through Education and Information
BHS Welfare aims to prevent cases of cruelty and neglect through education. This is achieved through training events and educational lectures, welfare volunteers, advisory literature (see list below) and a team of experienced and dedicated staff who handle all your enquiries.

Useful Leaflets- these are available through our websites

Off Road Horse Riding
The BHS actively works to improve equestrian access to off road horse riding. With the increased dangers of riding on the roads improved access to off-road horse riding is a priority. However it is a very difficult thing to improve, as we in Ireland have weak legislative powers and our land ownership is split into so many small parcels.

However we continue to look for opportunities and we provide details of all available places to ride within Ireland on our website click here to visit bhsireland.com

BHS Ireland has created and manages one Equestrian Toll Ride at the picturesque privately owned Greyabbey Estate in Co Down. This Toll Ride is open to membership by BHS Gold Memb ers and provides access to a purpose built trail of 6.5km in length. The cost of annual membership is only £35 plus a £10 deposit for an individually numbered hatband. This trail is open 1st March – 1st October 8.30am -8.30pm (Sundays from noon). The remainder of the year it is open on Sunday afternoons from noon.

The membership form is available on our website, click here to visit bhsireland.com.
Safety
We campaign for and provide information on all things regarding safety.
We provide Riding and Road Safety Tests (as detailed within the Examinations section), we provided information on current hat and body protector standards and have a new accident record website click here to view horseaccidents.org.uk
BHS Approved Establishment Scheme
The aim of the scheme is to give those who ride or who wish to learn the confidence that they are chosing a riding centre that maintains high standards of customer and horse care. Those approved under the scheme enjoy wide-ranging support, advice and promotion of their businesses. The BHS Approval plaque is a recognised standard for quality and care.

An equestrian establishment is welcome to apply BHS Approval. Whether you are a small or large riding centre, stud, showing yard, livery yard, trekking centre or facility centre, we welcome your application.

If you would like to discuss the Approvals Scheme in further details, please contact our Approvals Department on 0044 (0) 2476840509, email approvals@bhs.org.uk or visit our website.

Horses Welcome
Take your horse on holiday
Horses Welcome is the first quality assured accommodation scheme for horses in the UK.

You can relax in these wonderful locations varying from hotels to farmhouses, pubs to B&Bs, safe in the knowledge that each property has been assessed by the BHS to make sure it is of a suitable standard to ensure your horses needs are catered for. We will not promote properties that we would not be happy taking our own horses to. It’s that simple. Click here to visit our website horseswelcome.org.
Our website will help you plan your route and book your holiday.

You will find a detailed description of each property to give you a clear picture of the type of accommodation and facilities to expect for your horse. Enjoy the welcome of like-minded people who know how to look after a tired but contented horse and rider!

British Riding Clubs
The British Riding Club movement is an integral part of the British Horse Society. In Northern Ireland it is known as Northern Ireland Riding Clubs. Further information can be found on www.ridingclubs.org or www.bhs.org.uk. Click here to visit ridingclubs.org, and click here to visit bhs.org.uk

Communication with BHS Ireland Members
Continuous communication on what is happening within the British Horse Society and BHS Ireland is available through the following mediums:-

British Horse Magazine (sent bimonthly to BHS members)
Websites – www.bhs.org.uk and www.bhsireland.com
What’s On BHS Ireland – bimonthly leaflet sent to BHS Ireland members listing events organised, click here to view latest leaflet.
Facebook
Enews – for those that want it.

Membership of the British Horse Society
The British Horse Society (BHS) is the UK’s largest and most influential equestrian charity. (www.bhs.org.uk, www.bhsireland.com)

Gold BHS members receive personal liability insurance cover up to £10 million and personal accident insurance cover up to £15,000 as part of their membership package. This insurance is accompanied by all the information and educational opportunities as outlined above. I hope if you are not already a member you will be soon!!

You can join via our website or contact the membership department on 0044 (0)2476 840506.

BHS Ireland Contact:-
Susan Irwin, BHS Development Officer for Ireland
60 Windmill Road, Hillsborough, Co Down, BT26 6LX
02892683801/07808141079/ s.irwin@bhs.org.uk

Our packed schedules will start with an Annual Easter Camp and Thursday night show jumping league, with an optional training sesion prior to the start of competitions. This is a popular service as it encourages learning and allows our customers to get the most from their competition.

We are also in the process of forming our own pony club which will provide our enthusiastic riders with lots more opporunities to compete and gain certificates in riding and horse care.

We also provide ponies for those who do not yet own thier own, making sure that everyone is included in the fun and education offered at Meadowvale Equestrian Centre.

We have riding and road safety courses which provide valuable training for all ages and also lead on to an exam for those who wish to take it. We aim to provide the option of exams and progression at various levels, however Meadowvale is also a great place to go for those who simply want to spend time in an experienced yard with well schooled horses and ponies, enjoying lessons, activities and meeting new friends with similar interests!

At Meadowvale we also run regular showjumping and dresssage courses and plan to introduce a cross country course. There will be demonstrations from top professional riders aswell as our own John Higgins who will be demonstrating horses from the early stages of thier careers right through to grand prix level this summer. There has been a strong demand for these demonstrations already and we are looking forward to them as much as our regular pony and horse riders at Meadowvale Equestrian Centre.

We have fantastic modern facilities and are ever growing our team of school master horses and ponies. Our aim is to provide horsemanship from the ground up.

We are well equipped with a full size indoor arena and two out door arenas to ensure there is always a safe place to school and have lessons.

We have a large selection of loose boxes with wash bays and heated tack rooms alongside solairums for the horses and a large horse walker. Our yard is based in Magherafelt and with experienced personnell on the premises 24 hours a day we can ensure every horses need is catered for.

Along with our ‘Own a Pony Days’ and abundance of courses, demonstrations, leagues and club activities all listed above, we also offer superb livery facilities with DIY, Part and Full livery on offer.

All arenas are available for hourly hire and our Saturday riding lessons are as popular as ever with private and group lessons available for various ages. (minimum age of 5 years old.)

We keep in touch with our customers via our facebook page which you can visit by simply searching for Meadowvale Equestrian and our yard is based on Luney road, less than 1 mile from magherafelt,just off the desertmartin road.

For further inforamtion and bookings contact:
07708361806
07864313398
07834023504

Then about 5yrs ago I decided to change career path completely and work more with horses. To do this I decided to go down the route of BHS exams as I believe that the correct training is essential in whatever you are working to achieve. I did my Stage 1 and 2 exams in quick succession and then decided to do the PTT exams, incorporating UKCC level 2 and was able to go onto the BHS Register of Instructors. Having completed these I went straight into the Stage 3 doing the Horse Care and Knowledge part last year obtaining the BHS Grooms Certificate. I will do the riding in July of this year at Laurelview Equestrian Ctr. Once this is complete I will be qualified as a BHSAI.

I am busy working at Tullyraine Equine Clinic for Hugh Suffern MVB, MRCVS during the day. My coaching of equine students mainly takes place during evenings and weekends. I have been teaching the juniors at Iveagh Pony Club for over 2 years. I also started volunteering for the Lurgan RDA nearly 5yrs ago and love seeing the joy horse riding brings to the children’s faces. I have helped out on a casual basis as cover for some local riding schools like Ballyknock Riding School, Lodge Equine Stables and Lime Park.

However, most of my time is taken up working with individual clients. I currently teach up to BHS Stage 2 or Pony Club B test. I have clients who want to work towards BHS/Pony Club exams, those who just want to polish up their overall riding, complete beginners and those who compete but have a few issues they want to work on.

I work on the fundamentals of riding and your horse’s way of going. If the foundations are there then you have something to build on. Learning is a work in progress; everyone has something to learn no matter what level you are riding at. I personally have a thirst for knowledge and regularly update my CPD with as many training sessions I can manage to fit in around my schedule.

If you would like to book Elaine for a private lesson and enjoy the benefits of a qualified BHS Instructor who can help you improve your riding through the summer months, or even to introduce Elaine as a new trainer to your riding club or group of friends in a group lesson, you can reach her using the following numbers: 07877 330804, or 028 38820132.

Some comments from people I have been working with:-

Lesley Johnston BHSAI (Lodge Equine Stables)

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Elaine for a few years now and she kindly has helped me out with lessons on occasions. Elaine naturally has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially children and her love for horses also is highlighted in her teaching skills. Elaine has always been willing and punctual and enthusiastic in her work.” Lesley Johnston BHSAI (Lodge Equine Stables).

Jenna Fitzpatrick (Banbridge)

“Elaine has been teaching me for a few years now. She has assisted me with the schooling and development of a young horse and improved my riding with her vast knowledge and guidance”! Jenna Fitzpatrick.

1) Does it make its way into that drawer in the lorry where it will remain until the annual clear out before Tattersalls?
2) Will you disagree profusely with all but positive comments maybe even slipping it into the chip van bin with disregard?
3) Or will you ponder over this new training aid and take constructive comments from your judges’ viewpoint on board aiming to improve your next score?

We spoke to National Irish Dressage Champion, Laragh Hamilton and compiled an A to Z list of dressage judges comments to help you get the most from your dressage score sheet for a more competitive season.

Acceptance: Lack of evasion, resistance or protest – used to describe the horse’s willingness to allow a steady contact or the application of aids.

Balance: Relative distribution of the weight of horse and rider on the fore and hind legs and left and right legs giving longitudinal and lateral balance. / Behind the bit

Contact: The elacticity of the connection between the horse and rider through the reins.

Disunited: Referring to a horse who canters on one lead in front with the other lead behind

Engagement: The push from the hind leg that generates impulsion and lightness

Freedom: The reach, scope and ease of movement of the fore and hind limbs

Holding: When the horse holds a fixed shape in its neck and jaw blocking the riders aids and holding the bit.

Impulsion: the release of energy stored by engagement described by the FEI as the desire to carry itself forward.

Jump: The moment of suspension in the canter

Looseness: The freedom with which the horse travels in a relaxed manner free from tension

Movement: How the horse moves over the ground, judged in part by the rhythm and looseness described above

Nodding: A rhythmic up and down or back and forward motion of the horses head that is not a normal phase of the gait.

Obedience: Willingness demonstrated by the horse to perform the actions requested by the rider.

Pivoting: Avoidance of picking up a foot in the proper rhythm, during walk pirouette movement

Quality: The quality of a gait refers to it’s elasticity, fluency, freedom etc

Relative Straightness: A horse is going straight when the inside leg follows the track of the inside foreleg / Rhythm

Submission: Compliance to the riders aids, and thoroughness. How the horse yields to the riders request within each gait demonstrating confidence and harmony between horse and rider.

Thoroughness: The unblocked flow of energy through the horse allowing the riders aids to reach all parts of the horse.

Uphill: Refers to the horse taking more weight into his hind legs therefore enabling a higher and lighter forehand.

Wide behind: Where the horse travels with hind feed wider apart than the forefeet, most common when evading engagement in lengthening of stride and halt.

X: The Centre point in the arena, generally used for point to halt, accuracy is the key to get higher marks.