Just as it sounds, horse agility is very similar to dog agility. It consists of a course of obstacles, ranging from bridges and narrow gaps to jumping through hoops and walking over teeter totters. The lower levels are mostly walk and are done in hand. As the levels progress more work is done with the horse at liberty just as in dog agility. It is an excellent way to help train young horses, getting them used to lots of different things. Equally beneficial for older horses, or those no longer able to be ridden, who still want a job to do. It is open to all, happy hackers to dressage horses and eventers all benefit from horse agility. This is what the website says;
"Horse Agility is great at keeping your horse fit physically and emotionally. As safety is a very large part of the training for Horse Agility it will help you and your horse to build a more confident relationship when working together".
Because of the levels structure of the competitions there is always a new skill to learn and improve. Equines must be at least two years old to compete in the main competitions, there is no upper age limit. Horses must be measured and enter in the correct height category.
However if classes have less than three competitors, classes may be combined to include animals who are in different height categories. Where there are different levels and insufficient entries for each level to hold a class for each then an Open class with obstacles for each level will be run.
Competitors under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult in the competition but the child must be in sole charge of the horse unless deemed otherwise by the judge or the adult. No child under 4 years old may compete.
If you wish your scores to count in the global league and to gain points to move up the levels you must also register to the "International horse agility club" (Competitions run by Isle of Man Horse Agility are run as open level competitions and will have varying degrees of technicality across the course)
Horse agility club website:
https://www.thehorseagilityclub.com/
What is horse agility:
https://www.thehorseagilityclub.com/the-international-club/what-is-horse-agility/
The Horse Agility Club discourages the use of ropes or chains that tighten around any part of the horse’s head (nose, chin, poll) in competitions. This includes sliding bands on "control" headcollars or control halters (fixed, non-tightening rings are fine). You will not be marked down when using them but they should be seen as a short term training aid only and not commonly used.
No equipment other than a head collar or halter, lead rope (at least 10 feet (3m) long) and protective boots and rugs (where necessary), are allowed on the horses.
In led classes, you must continue to hold the rope throughout unless the obstacle criteria instruct you to let go (for ground tying for example). No whips, sticks etc are allowed of any style or description while competing. At all levels the lead rope must be loose between horse and handler without any pulling by either. Any position of the handler is acceptable from just in front of the horse to no further back than the horse’s shoulder. unless otherwise specified on the course plan. The aim is to maintain this leading position. Higher marks are obtained if the leading position is maintained and marks are deducted if the position of the handler changes throughout the exercise.
All handlers must wear hard hats, gloves and suitable footwear in all classes unless competing through video competitions, in which case the handler takes the responsibility.
The Horse Agility Club does not discourage the use of treats but they should not interrupt the movement of the horse as he completes the course. Remember the aim is to use fewer treats as the horse understands what you need him to do so that at the higher levels he can complete the whole course without them.
There are 10 obstacles plus the run/walk section for Starter level (at the course builder’s discretion) and 5 obstacles completed twice in Equagility. The obstacles are laid out in an enclosed area.
There are six levels of on lead-line competition:
Starter – easy obstacles designed to instil confidence and courage into the horse and handler and may include a run/walk (leading test) section.
The following levels DO NOT include the run/walk section:
First Level – As above but more challenging such as faster gaits and more precise instructions on how to complete the obstacles.
Medium Level – As above may be against the clock.
Advanced Level – As above may be against the clock but more challenging.
Advanced One Star Level – As above but more challenging.
Advanced Two Star – As above, but with the horse doing much of the work while the handler directs him.
There are other classes that members may enter when they feel ready:
The handler may not use touch to move the horse around, but may reward/reassure the horse by stroking or touching.
The horse works loose over ten obstacles. Each level has different equipment restrictions.
Bronze level: they may use a headcollar/halter and/or neck rope. The rope is not attached to the head collar/halter but looped around the neck.
Silver level: a neck rope may be used.
Gold Level: no equipment at all at Gold level.
Platinum level: As Gold but the course is much more challenging.
Each obstacle is marked out of 10 with free-flowing movement required between obstacles.
Each obstacle is marked out of 10. This is made up of two parts added together.
Effectiveness: Effectively negotiating the obstacle out of 5 marks. 5 is awarded for no deviation from the criteria thereafter for each deviation from the criteria 2 marks are deducted.
Horsemanship: Style whilst negotiating the obstacle out of five marks. 5 marks are awarded if the obstacle is negotiated as per the criteria with confidence and fluidity in both horse and handler.
Marks may be lost between obstacles, eg: if the rope is seen to be tight.
There is no time limit in the first two levels, Starter and First , however
competitors are expected to spend no longer than 2 minutes at any particular obstacle. Some levels may be competed against the clock.
Stopping or circling between obstacles will lose you marks.
In the "On Lead" line classes (both video and real-time competitions) everyone starts competing at "Starter Level" moving up through the levels as they accumulate league points.
For more information you can also visit: