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Olympic and World Cup Course Designer Linda Allen with her latest brainchild, a program designed to provide affordable mileage for horses and riders. The inaugural kick-off rally for her Benchmark Program, Sunday, January 9th at El Sueno Equestrian in Somis, California, saw about thirty five people and close to twenty horses come to test their skills.


amateurs and professionals with young horses might pay thousands to test their progress against the finest competition, a Benchmark Rally pro- vides a training opportunity at a much lower cost. It’s a one- day affair where conditions simulate a show, but partic- ipants can school and have the opportunity to “iron things out” as the day progresses. The Rallies run like


this…. horse and rider combinations enter the desired height and pro- ceed over the course which is set to be simi- lar to what they’d find at a show, but designed to be straight forward and inviting in nature. If they complete the course in their initial try, and are registered with the Benchmark Program, their fault score will be added to their Benchmark performance record. If they have difficulty with some ele-


An antidote to huge shows, where


ment of the course, or just wish to improve upon their round, they may jump additional schooling rounds (either at the original height, or later in the day as the course get easier, whatever will assure that the day is a positive learning experience). In their schooling rounds they can jump parts


meters. As the day progressed, the fence heights lowered about every half hour, and the more complex ele- ments of the course were modified as the heights went down. Twelve jumping efforts over nine


numbered obstacles tested competi- tors with all the elements of a rec- ognized show. The course contained a double combi- nation, Liverpool, narrow jump, simple bending lines and finished with a triple combination. The feel of the Rally was


of the course or even devise their own ‘jump-off ’ course if they feel specific practice would be advantageous. The course was initially set at 1.30


with professionals helping each other. Every one came away with good mile- age and knowing more about how prepared they are for a real show.


like a Concours Amite, with a strong group of volun- teers producing it all. Of- ficials and competitors were able to speak with each oth- er throughout the rally en- abling learning and develop- ing camaraderie as a result. This unique format cre- ated a relaxed and fun event,


all it another successful experiment in show jumping for


It’s a one-day affair where conditions simulate a show, but participants can school and have the opportunity to “iron things out” as the day progresses.


More information on the Benchmark Program is available on the web at www.thebenchmarkprogram.com. Above: Laura Santana with organizers Linda Allen and Kevin McGinn.


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