Obstacle, Driving

I have never seen the Obstacle, Driving class before watching it on the Internet. It must take a great deal of dedication, practice, and patience to train a driving horse to successfully compete in this event.

I have uploaded an example of the obstacle, driving. I tried adding some music to this one. Hope it works okay. Anyway...watch the obstacle where the cart wheel has to stay in the hula hoop while the cart does a 360, and also the back up throw the parallel bars. Those are just two of the challenges in this course.

If you have the time and want to see another great demostration of what miniatures can do, go to Kateland Farm and watch the Kateland Farm Drill Team!!! 

(scroll down the page on the link below)

http://www.katelandfarm.com/index_files/Page465.htm

Obstacle, Halter

Don't know about you, but I did not get to Nationals (2008) but still found that it was on the web. I managed to watch the Halter Obstacles and Driving Obstacles and was quite impressed. For those of you who are not familar with this class, I did capture some video. Hopefully it will work for you and you can see what is involved.

Obstacle rules are in the AMHR rule book, page 266 and can be found at:
http://www.shetlandminiature.com/downloads/RULE_BOOK_2008.pdf

Direct Excerpt from the Rule Book below:
Part 20 – Obstacle Halter/Driving
A. The obstacle course must be posted at the Show Office not less than two hours prior to the class. Horses must be at least one year old for halter obstacle and three years old for obstacle driving. An exhibitor may not show before a Judge in classes where he/she (the exhibitor) has designed the course in that class. A horse can only be shown by one exhibitor per class. All obstacles must be numbered on the course in order of sequence.
B. Classes will be judged 100% on the manner of horse’s performance through the course.
C. There is a sixty second time limit to complete each obstacle. After time is used, the exhibitor will be directed to the next obstacle. Refusals of three (3) obstacles shall be cause for disqualification.
D. Cantering is penalized in obstacle driving.
E. Obstacle requirements:
1. Must be a minimum of 5 and maximum of 8 obstacles.
2. Tires and stair steps are prohibited.
3. Jumps are prohibited.
F. In shows where more than one obstacle class is offered, at least three of the obstacles must be different or the manner of performance through obstacles must be varied for the class.
G. Edible treats to encourage an animal to perform one of the obstacles are not allowed.
H. All obstacles should be safe for exhibitors as well as for horses.
I. Off course will result in elimination from the class and no points, ribbons or awards will be presented.
Off course is defined as:
1. Taking an obstacle in the wrong direction.
2. Negotiating an obstacle from the wrong side.
3. Skipping an obstacle unless directed by Judge.
4. Negotiating obstacles in the wrong sequence.
5. No physically moving, or coercing the horse by touching. It is to be the Judge’s discretion to disqualify. Attendants 16 years of age and older, may be allowed in the ring during Youth Halter Obstacle for safety purposes only. Attendant must not interfere with or influence individual’s or equine’s performance.
6. Miniature leaving the obstacle course.
J. Driving obstacle horses shall be shown in a suitable two-wheeled cart with basket.