GoHorseShow would like to thank AQHA Judge & AQHA World Champion rider Laurel Walker Denton of Skull Valley, Arizona for taking the time to break down the Level 3 Horsemanship 14-18 preliminary pattern for us. As a carded AQHA judge, Denton has had the privilege of judging World Shows and major events all over the world. You may view the pattern displayed below or download it here.
We chose this pattern as it is certainly one of the more challenging at the show. However, those not showing in this class can still benefit as there are many elements from it in the patterns of other classes at the Youth World.
When first reading over the eight maneuvers of this pattern, it is obvious that there are many more parts to it than just the eight score boxes. It will require a constant connection with your horse throughout the entire time, from one transition to another. I would also suggest attending the AQHA Ride the Pattern on Sunday, July 30. This will let you see where the cones are set and give you the opportunity to map out your course. Because of the high level of this pattern, it will take a sure plan of attack and familiarity with the layout. Â The following is how I would break down the different maneuvers:
2. A nice soft stop from an extended trot is achieved by giving your horse a split second to bring his legs together so he can get his hind end under him. Don’t force it, as it will show up in his face. Back 8-10 steps back. Count your steps, 1,2,3….What you don’t want to do is to stop at six steps or keep going back until 12. Both will be obvious to the judges.
3. Soften your hand and body from your back to prepare for the right lead departure. In order to make the pattern flow, it is necessary to lope straight for two strides before starting your arc into the circle. The same when you are completing the circle before the stop, lope two strides straight before your stop.
4. Make sure to complete your stop before initiating your left lead departure, no walk steps into that left lead. This will be the same as the smaller circle; lope straight at least two strides before starting your arc and extension. Make sure that you are able to show some speed difference in the large fast circle. Always show as you practice, don’t go slower or faster in the pen. Be confident in your speed, and ride what is best for your horse.
5. As you ride to the center of your pattern on the left lead, slow to a lope, exactly over your back tracks, preparing for a square corner at the counter canter, be sure your eyes are up, looking for your spot. This is a difficult maneuver and your horse’s hip should go first into the turn as his shoulder follows. Continue loping to your spot to stop.
6. Stop. Completely. It is imperative that your stop, the start of your 360 right, and the finish of the 360 be straight. Not over or under. Be careful to not over school this part, as your horse will initiate the spin before you are ready and make it look rushed.
7. As you finish and leave your right spin, make sure the first two steps are a safe trot before hitting the extension. Look up, find your spot, and remember to give yourself plenty of room for a left spin into cone B. The difficult part of the 1 ½ spin left will be the start and stop. From the extended trot to the stop, don’t rush into the spin.
8. Make sure to finish the spin, don’t rush the lope out, and be straight in line before you lope off. Always be correct first, then add the degree of difficulty. The close proximity to the cone will show your mistake if you are not in the correct alignment. Lope straight and relaxed to your spot to increase your speed at the lope. There is a discrepancy in the written pattern and how it is drawn. Be sure to get your questions answered on the exact location before you compete. It says to gradually increase speed until the center of the pattern, then gradually decrease speed until even with cone A. The key will be to show the judges a definite increase of speed for enough strides to be credit-earning, and the slow down must be gradual, not like a definite line. As you hit your walk, make sure that no trot steps are allowed. Walk a good 5-6 steps before you exit at a trot. The judges need to see enough walk to be judged. It is part of the last maneuver.
9. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!
