NEWS&VIEWS continued...


but believe that discipline has to be proportion- al to the circumstances in each case. T e fi rst step in this ongoing eff ort with


HISA was to get the drugs of human substance abuse in the Banned Substances category to be separately classifi ed and penalized because of the substantial likelihood of contamination. We urged that the practice of Provisional Sus- pensions be eliminated except for egregious violations that present an immediate concern about equine welfare and racing’s integrity. T e results of our eff orts were that HISA agreed to recommend rule modifi cations to the FTC that withheld provisional suspensions in cases involving human substance abuse drugs until the B Sample test results were received, with a maximum penalty of 60 days if the accused horsemen could not present evidence that con- tamination was more likely than not. We have continued our discussions with


HISA and have urged them to: 1. Eliminate Provisional Suspensions except


in egregious cases that present a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the horse or the integrity of racing; 2. Engage with us in a process to review the


Anti-Doping and Enforcement rules as to the Banned Substances to ensure a fairer system of due process that considers the seriousness of the violation; 3. Review the Banned Substances list with the RMTC to determine if certain substances should be separately categorized; and 4. Revisit and, where appropriate, modify the


penalty structure for Banned Substances and allow for objective standards to be used in exer- cising discretion. We are pleased that through our collective


eff orts HISA today has taken a critical fi rst step by moving to restrict the use of Provisional Suspensions so that they are invoked only in cases involving multiple positive tests for the same banned drug, possession of a banned sub- stance, or a violation that presents a substan- tial risk to the health, safety and welfare of the horse or the integrity of our sport, and by lift- ing any current Provisional Suspensions that do not fall within the listed criteria. We continue to engage with HISA on the


above issues and others that are of concern to us. It has been our view since the inception of


HISA that our best approach for horsemen, and the industry-at-large, is to engage with them to fi x the new system where it is fl awed and make recommendations that will cause im- provements. While we have been criticized at times for not appearing to be fi ghting for our horsemen, nothing could be further from the truth. Eff ecting change is sometimes diffi cult and time-consuming, but we have been listen- ing and working every day to do so. We are en- gaged with HISA regularly and can assure you continued...


WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING TIP FROM HOLLY LINZ


T is month's Training Tip comes from Working Equitation rider and trainer Holly Linz. She explains the background behind the Bull Line obstacle and shares her tips on how to navigate this element often seen in the Ease of Handling and Speed rounds of Working Equitation. To learn more about the sport of Working Equitation, read "Newer Sports Gain Popularity in Maryland at: https://equiery.com/maryland-horse-council-member-spotlight/


T e Bull Line T e most iconic obstacle


in a Working Equitation course


is likely the Bull


Line. In this obstacle, the rider picks up a wooden or bamboo pole called a gar- rocha from an open topped barrel. T ey proceed to a “Bull” and attempt to spear the ring off the top of the bull, then return the garro- cha and the ring to another open barrel. T e purpose of this obsta-


cle is to refl ect the tradition of moving cattle on farms in the Iberian peninsula with a garrocha. In practice, this obstacle rewards confi dence, straightness, and a steady tempo from the horse, and seamless handling skills of the rider managing the horse and the garrocha. T e highest marks can only be achieved by a horse and rider pair with a steady approach picking up the garrocha, and a straight line with consistent gait required for their level and a smooth execution retrieving the ring and returning the garrocha to the barrel. Judges grade this obstacle by completion of each required task, quality and tempo of the


Holly Linz and Zamigo executing the Bull Line at the Level 6 NOVAWE April 2024 show, held at Frying Pan Farm Park.


gait, and straightness and balance of the line of travel. Any break in fl uidity will be penalized and striking any of the obstacle will result in a lower mark. Skewering the ring is not nearly as important as the style and fl uidity of the approach, correct bend, lead, and evenness of gait and tempo throughout the execution of the Bull Line. Successfully capturing the ring and returning it to the deposit barrel with the garrocha will take 10 seconds off a speed time round. In Ease of Handling, this obstacle can be walked or trotted at Intro Level, must be trotted at Level 2, and cantered from Levels 3 to 7 (highest level). To begin training for this obstacle, start on the ground with desensitizing your horse to each


part of the obstacle - the barrels, bull, and garrocha. T ey must be comfortable with all parts making noise and moving before you can think about completing the obstacle from the saddle. Once they have accepted each part of the obstacle, then begin working to handle the garrocha


yourself from the ground. Start out standing beside your horse and introduce the end of the gar- rocha in a target training manner. Present it to the front of them while you stand beside them. When they reach out to sniff or see it, lower it and reward them. T ey quickly realize they can get the garrocha to yield to them and become comfortable with it. As soon as they do, you have permission to begin getting them comfortable with being


touched with it. T ey must be ok being touched by the garrocha all over before being ready for the rider to handle it from the saddle. Once the horse has accepted all three items, practice rid- ing alongside the Bull Line, without touching any of the components. Teach the horse how to be confi dent in marching straight along the entire bull line as if they are marching back to the barn from a trail ride. T e next step is practicing carrying the garrocha without accidentally hitting your horse.


Garrochas are between 8-11’ and can be cumbersome, taking a while to fully control. T en the pieces can all come together and horse and rider can begin mastering fi nesse with the garrocha, all while riding one handed!


You spoke and we listened! Based on feedback from the 2024 Maryland Horse Forum requesting more content geared towards training tips for various equestrian sports Maryland has to off er, we now bring to you T e Equiery's newest column "Training Tips."


10 | DECEMBER 2024 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION 800-244-9580 | www.equiery.com


Aster Equine Photography


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