This weekend has been designed so you can attend both days, or just one. The choice is yours!

Start time for both days is 9:30 am. Finish will depend on the number of participants but expect around 3:00 pm.

The aim of the Workshop is primarily to prepare you and your horse for the Obstacle Ribbon Day - and the aim of the Ribbon Day is to give you a chance to ride the obstacles in a sequence, while putting what you've learned in the Workshop into practice.

Most of all - we want you to have fun, gain confidence and connect with your horse and other like-minded horse-folk. :)

Suitable for all levels - whether you want to participant unmounted or ridden - walk only, or walk/trot/canter.

Ideal for riders who want to add interest to their training, expose their horse to novel items, and challenge themselves without the stress of a formal competition environment.

Saturday 14th March - Obstacle Workshop

During this workshop, you will introduce your horse to a variety of obstacles. We will coach you through the process of negotiating them calmly, smoothly, and successfully.

You will receive two coached group lessons, working with participants at a similar level. Maximum of 6 combinations per group.

Lesson Focus
Maneuverability (with Liz Brown)
These sessions focus on the movements required to negotiate obstacles smoothly, including:
• Transitions and adjustability
• Horse and rider(or handler) posture and biomechanics
• Clear yet subtle communication/aids
• Maintaining relaxation and balance

Versatility / Obstacles (with Sarah Blackburn)
These sessions focus on riding a variety of obstacles appropriate to your level, including:
• Introducing and riding obstacles safely
• Linking obstacles together in a sequence
• Riding lines, turns and transitions
• Tips for riding a course and what judges look for

Levels:
Led Horse/In-hand (unmounted - walk only)
Introductory & Preparatory (Ridden - walk only & walk/trot only)
Preliminary (Ridden - walk/trot/canter, rein-back and some lateral work)

Your Coaches:
Liz Brown (from Nelson)
Liz brings over half a century of experience as a trainer, competitor, coach and judge! She has successfully competed across multiple disciplines and continues to ride her homebred, home-trained 19-year-old horse. Liz coaches with empathy and clarity, promoting training based on correct human and equine biomechanics to ensure horses remain relaxed, comfortable and willing.

Sarah Blackburn
Sarah has been coaching for over 20 years and was one of the driving forces behind establishing Working Equitation in New Zealand. She is a certified Equitation Science International Practitioner, EEBW Bodyworker and Trauma-Informed Coach. Sarah is passionate about fostering horse–human relationships based on confidence, communication, compassion and connection.

WORKSHOP COST - $150 for the day (including arena fees)

Sunday 15 March – Obstacle Training Ribbon Day

The Ribbon Day gives you the opportunity to ride an obstacle course in a supportive, training-focused environment.

There will be a course walk on the day, giving you the opportunity to ask questions.
Course maps and schedule will be emailed a few days prior to the event.

Obstacles may include a bridge, slalom, switch cup, bell corridor, curtain, gate, carrying an object, etc. Preliminary riders may be required to rein-back and side-pass.

You may enter one unmounted class and one ridden class.

Levels/Classes & Entry Fees
• Led Horse / In-hand (unmounted - walk)
- Style only | $40
• Introductory (Ridden - walk)
- Style only | $40
• Preparatory (Ridden - walk/trot)
- Style & Speed | $70
• Preliminary – (Ridden - walk/trot/canter, rein-back and some lateral work)
- Style & Speed | $70

Style Course
The Style course is judged on how harmonious the horse and rider (or handler) appear, and how effortlessly they negotiate the obstacle course.

Each obstacle is given a score by the judge and comments will be given on a scoresheet.

Judges will be looking for:
• Smooth transitions
• Regular, balanced gaits
• Flowing lines between obstacles
• Calm, confident and willing horses
• Subtle, sympathetic aids

Callers are permitted for the Style course.

Speed Course
(Preparatory & Preliminary only)

You may ride the obstacles in the same order as the Style course, or choose your own line. All obstacles on course must be included, but the order is up to you.

If you miss an obstacle out, the judge will notify you once you pass through the finish flags. The clock will keep running while you perform the missed obstacle, and will be stopped as you pass through the finish flags the second time.

Obstacles must be approached in the same direction as per the Style course.

The time taken to complete the course will be recorded. Certain obstacles will present the opportunity to take seconds off your final time.

Harmony and quality of execution are rewarded with time deductions for obstacles performed with imperceptible aids — so this phase is not simply about speed.

Rules & Conditions
• Each combination may enter one unmounted class and one ridden class.

• Only bits without leverage are permitted.
– Bit mouthpieces must have no more than two joints.
– Bitless bridles or hackamores must have no leverage.

• If worn, nosebands must be loose enough to easily allow two fingers placed vertically between the noseband and the frontal nasal plane.
– Straps below the bit (e.g. flash or drop nosebands) are not permitted.

• Led / In-hand horses may wear a halter and lead rope, neck rope, cavesson, or a bridle with reins.

• Dressage whips are permitted but may be used as a light aid only.

• Positive reinforcement (e.g. clicker and treats) is permitted.

• A neck rope may be used to guide the horse, however for safety the horse must also wear a bridle with reins.

• No martingales.
• No spurs.

• There will be no disqualification for course errors.
– However, the judge may eliminate a combination if there are concerns regarding the safety or welfare of horse or rider.

• Tidy riding attire is perfectly acceptable.
• Helmets must be worn whenever mounted.

• Minimum horse ages:
– Led / In-hand: 2 years
– Introductory: 4 years
– Preliminary: 6 years

• A “buddy” horse and human may be permitted in the arena for nervous horses or riders.

• Please leave dogs at home.

YARDS
Covered yards are available to hire from the RDA. To book, please contact Jess, RDA Arena Coordinator, on 022 675 7755 or email arenaassistant@chchrda.org.nz

QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions please email me:
mail@blackburnequitation.nz
or text:
022 455 6263 

Acknowledgment of Risk and Release of Liability

I, the undersigned participant (or parent/guardian if under 18), acknowledge that equestrian activities, including but not limited to training, competition, handling, and riding of horses, involve inherent risks that may result in serious injury, property damage, or death.

These risks include, but are not limited to, unpredictable behavior of horses regardless of training or past performance, collisions with obstacles or other riders, falling, and environmental hazards.

In consideration of being permitted to participate in any event or training session organised by Blackburn Equitation, I agree to the following:

1. Voluntary Participation:
I confirm that I am voluntarily participating in this event and understand the inherent risks involved.

2. Assumption of Risk:
I assume all risks associated with equine activities, whether foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown.

3. Release and Waiver:
I release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Blackburn Equitation, its owners, instructors, staff, volunteers, agents, representatives, and any affiliated landowners or organisers from any and all claims, liability, damages, or causes of action arising from injury or loss that may occur during or as a result of my participation, including but not limited to injury, death, or damage to personal property.

4. Indemnity:
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Blackburn Equitation and all parties mentioned above against any and all claims brought by or on behalf of myself or any third party.

5. Medical Consent:
In the event of an emergency, I consent to receive medical treatment deemed necessary by medical personnel. I understand I am responsible for all medical expenses incurred.

6. Protective Equipment:
I agree to wear a helmet that meets current safety standards whenever mounted and to use appropriate footwear and tack for my own safety. I acknowledge that I may be refused participation if I fail to meet these requirements.

7. Fitness to Participate:
I affirm that both my horse and I are physically and mentally fit for participation and that I have disclosed any relevant medical conditions or limitations that may affect safety.