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Training STEP 3


Start your back up through the gate, allowing your hand to slide along the gate or (with a rope gate) hold the rope handle so you’re not stretching. Keep it near to your side, this way you’ll stay in balance and not unintentionally activate your leg or weight aids to make your horse move in the wrong direction.


STEP 4


Once you’ve reached the end of the gate itself, start turning your horse by moving his hind quarters round to the right while closing the gate.


STEP 5


PROBLEMS


The right hand, push away, back through gate combination will test you and there are a few common problems associated with it.


I’ve already mentioned that when you first set your horse up next to the gate at the start of the obstacle not to reach too far forward. You may find that the inside leg counter balances your lean forward and accidently pushes your horse away from the gate.


Many of my students when they first try this are so keen to get on and get through the obstacle that they forget to leave enough room for the horse to swing his quarters through the gap. Bumping into the gate too often may well make your horse nervous of this obstacle so remember, take your time, look behind you and leave enough room.


So the gate is now open and you’re ready to back through it. The next thing to watch out for is backing up too quickly and then over compensating by hauling on those reins. Take it easy and take your time. By going step by step, you’ll make this obstacle a breeze for you and your horse first time, every time.


As you go to close the gate while turning the quarters and side passing, remember to watch out while closing the door. Often riders are so busy moving their horse that they forget to leave enough room for the gate to close and then the horse literally gets it in the neck. Remember to give you and your horse enough space in this manoeuvre.


Incorporate some side pass steps to reach a parallel position next to the gate you’ve just latched closed.


The final position in this obstacle is a parallel stand next to the gate. You’ve backed up, turned your horse’s quarters round and side passed to this final position while leaving enough room to close the gate without striking the horse. But I find that as this obstacle can take a longer time to complete; riders are so keen to finish that at this final, crucial moment they use too much leg and side pass right into it! By slowing your horse down and most importantly slowing your mind down, you’ll finish this obstacle in one piece, in style and no doubt with plus points.


ROPER RANCH


OVER 35 YEARS OF QUALITY TRAINING AND US NATIONAL CHAMPIONS The Roper Ranch Philosophy: When you want a better horse, strive to be a better rider; it’s a team effort!


San Marcos, California +1 760 744 7777  www.roperranch.com 34 May/June 2012


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