.::Movements & Patterns::.
Thread The Needle
A simple thread the needle across the diagonal
Thread The Needle is a spectator favorite and is fairly easy to complete. Two lines (ex. Horse 1, 3 and 5 and Horse 2, 4, and 6) set up this trick by traveling along the rail in opposite directions. The lines typically pass each other on the short side of the arena before trotting across the diagonal of the ring from the second corner on the short side. The lines meet up in the center of the ring appearing like they are going to crash. Instead, Horse 2 passes between 1 & 3, 3 passes between 2 & 4 and so on.
Pass Through
The team completes their pass through across a diagonal
A Pass Through can be done either across the center of the arena from the two long sides, or across the center of the ring on a diagonal. Again we take two lines (see above description) to complete this movement. In this pattern, however, the horses turn facing each other. Horse 2 passes between 1 & 3, 3 passes between 2 & 4, and so on. To do this, each horse must turn separately - NOT in a single file line like Thread the Needle. The goal of the pattern is that at one point in time, every single horse is completely straight with one another even though every other horse is traveling a different direction. This means that if the pass through is done by each horse turning towards each other at E and B (therefore meeting up on centerline), the judge at C can only see one horse while the lines are on centerline.
Pinwheel
Riders complete the pinwheel with the buckskin as the focal point , and the black pony making the widest circle
The pinwheel is typically completed at the lower levels at the walk. It can be done with one line of three or more or with the whole team, however the width of the arena may limit your number. Imaging halting each horse next to each other facing the same direction. The outside horse moves forward to make a 15-20 meter circle, while the inside most horse stays in either a walk pirouette or a <8 meter volte (small circle). Every horse in between the two must move on their own circle in order to keep the line straight all the way around the circle.
Individual 8 Meter Circles Towards or Apart
Haley and Kylie begin in pairs on centerline
Circles apart are set up by turning onto Centerline in pairs. When the middle pair is around X, each rider makes an 8 meter circle towards the rail away from their partner. They meet up again on centerline. Circles towards each other begin on opposite long sides. Both lines travel in different directions. When the middle horses get to E and B, each rider makes an 8 meter circle towards centerline, meeting up for a second with the opposite horse before circling back to the rail.
Concentric Circles
Concentric circles completed at a walk
Concentric circles are formed when one line travels on a small circle in one direction while the other line travels in a larger circle around them in the opposite direction. This movement, typically done at the walk, is simply, yet interesting to watch.
Figure Eight
One of many more complex patterns, the figure eight requires complete mastery of thread the needle. Horse # 1 completes a basic figure eight in the middle of the arena, with circles as small as 10 meters on each side. Horse #2 follows in line, coming between horse #1 and #3. The rest of the horses follow the same pattern.
Hint: Keep a straight line (on centerline for instance) for a few steps before changing direction. It is neccessary with multiple horses.
Hint: Keep a straight line (on centerline for instance) for a few steps before changing direction. It is neccessary with multiple horses.