Post by Santi//Flicka on Feb 6, 2007 13:39:19 GMT 10
DRESSAGE tests the gaits, suppleness and obedience of the horse through a series of prescribed movements. While judging, the Dressage Test is based on specific criteria understood in detail only by experienced judges and riders, it is basically an evaluation of beauty of movement and obedience. Anyone can judge these characteristics and the spectator's opinion often agrees with the judges.
The CROSS-COUNTRY test proves the speed, stamina, courage, boldness and jumping ability of the horse and the rider's knowledge of pace and use of the horse across country. Cross-Country is straightforward - the horse and rider either clear the obstacle or they don't. Horses galloping at speed over massive solid obstacles, virtually flying over ditches, leaping up and down banks, and dropping into water prove examples of athletic prowess, and trust between man and animal, that can be seen in no other sporting event. While the rider walks the course beforehand, the horse doesn't see any of the course until it leaves the starting box.
JUMPING in an arena provides the final test of the horse's athletic ability, conditioning and training. The Jumping Test in a stadium arena on the third day is again simply a matter of jumping the obstacles cleanly. Jumping at speed clearly illustrates the horse's willingness to listen to its rider. It must now move at a more sedate pace and not touch the obstacles, which are not solid and will fall down. A single rail knocked down can make the difference between winning and finishing far down in the placings.
The CROSS-COUNTRY test proves the speed, stamina, courage, boldness and jumping ability of the horse and the rider's knowledge of pace and use of the horse across country. Cross-Country is straightforward - the horse and rider either clear the obstacle or they don't. Horses galloping at speed over massive solid obstacles, virtually flying over ditches, leaping up and down banks, and dropping into water prove examples of athletic prowess, and trust between man and animal, that can be seen in no other sporting event. While the rider walks the course beforehand, the horse doesn't see any of the course until it leaves the starting box.
JUMPING in an arena provides the final test of the horse's athletic ability, conditioning and training. The Jumping Test in a stadium arena on the third day is again simply a matter of jumping the obstacles cleanly. Jumping at speed clearly illustrates the horse's willingness to listen to its rider. It must now move at a more sedate pace and not touch the obstacles, which are not solid and will fall down. A single rail knocked down can make the difference between winning and finishing far down in the placings.
