QUESTION: I have practiced and practiced my center line. At the show I overshoot the center as I make my final turn. Do I continue in a straight line, obviously missing the center, but maintaining a good straight line? Or, do I correct it by cutting a diagonal back to the midline, or by leg yielding over, to eventually end up in the middle?
Answer submitted by Sue Huges:
If you still are missing the center line after practicing, ask yourself a couple of questions. First, do you turn your head and start looking for C, the judge, or some very specific spot immediately after coming around the corner? It sounds as tho you are not looking soon enough. Second can you ride a 10 meter circle? If you can, then last turn should be just half of one. So start your bending aids, going into that last corner, keep them going rhythmically, and then switch to the outside straightening aids just before arriving on the center line. Do not look at A through any of this or you surly will overshoot or turn too soon. Another hint is to "steer from the withers". That is close to being over the center of balance of the horse and will bring the whole horse around the two curves with correct (not just neck) bending. Then keep your own focus and body on the line.
If this does not work, acknowledge it to yourself. The judge already knows :) So either a diagonal line or a leg yield to get back to the centerline will do the job. Just get there before X or G - where ever that test requires you to halt. You will look more credible to the judge than just hoping she will not notice.
Sue
Answer submitted by Jane Kelly:
Well tough question. Obviously the best answer is to turn correctly and end up exactly on the c-line!
Practice at home to decide which direction is best for your horse to turn. Mark the c-line: drag it or use lime so you know where you need to turn. Try different approaches. One that might work, is go to A, line yourself up with the c-line at the walk then trot straight in.
At the show, scope out the best approach. Check the footing at A: puddles, deep footing, A aligned correctly, etc. If you do find yourself overshooting the c-line don't cut a diagonal or leg yield, just stay straight. Drifting, leg yielding, woobling on c-line will lower your score and most likely you will have a crooked halt. Focus on C, stay straight, halt square and focus on your next movement.
An excellent reference book for riding tests: The Competitive Edge by Max Gahwyler
Thanks, Jane kelly
Answer submitted by Kerry Petty:
First as you round the final corner - that is when you eye the center line - well before the turn. (don't try to turn at A). Think of the turn as more like starting a 10m circle nto the center line. The judge does not expect you to perform a 90 degree turn. Then you slowly put yourself onto the centerline. If you overshoot , yes come back to the centerline in the most balanced way you can as you have already not accomplished the 'straightness on centerline' you still can stop at X if you have come back to the centerline. Otherwise your halt also will have to be marked down as you were not at the marker.
Another way to practice it is create a curved line to ride with cones from your turn half way between the center of the corner and A. Ride this line until it is very comfortable. ALso ride 1 m circles so the horse is more comfortable with this turning. Also your looking at X as you enter the corner is key as your brain will lock into that sport, then ride the corner and then look and ride to X leaving the track half way between the center of the corner and A. GOOD LUCK