V3 – Four-gait

V3 – Four-Gait

This test is performed preferably on the oval track.

Eligible horses

Combinations participating in this test are excluded from other Four-Gait and Five-Gait tests at the same event.

Preliminary Round

The test is ridden groups of up to three riders preferably on the oval track. The horses show the four gaits as instructed by the speaker as described in S2.3.2. They ride on the rein as set in the starting list.

Sections:

  1. slow speed tölt
  2. slow to medium speed trot
  3. medium walk
  4. slow to medium speed canter
  5. medium to fast tölt

Final Round

The finalists show the required sections as instructed by the speaker as described in S2.3.2.

 

Finals and preliminary rounds with more than one horse on the track

The horses must enter the oval track at the speaker’s command on the rein on which the first section is begun (see S2.4). The riders spread themselves evenly around the oval track. The beginning and the end of each section is directed by the speaker.

During the intervals when the marks are being shown, the horses may only be ridden at walk. In order to spread out, the riders can circle at the request of the speaker, under supervision of the chief judge.

Exit via the oval track.

Left rein and right rein groups

In preliminary rounds with more than one horse on the track the riders may choose their starting rein when they enter the competition. Starting groups will be created based on the riders’ choice of rein.  When no preference is indicated, left rein is assumed to be the preference. Riders will start the preliminary on the rein specified in the starting order.

In finals, the majority of the riders determine the rein on which the first section is begun. In the event of a tie the vote of the preliminary round’s winner is doubled. If this does not break the tie, the decision is made by coin toss.

References in the text refer to the current version of the FEIF Rules and Regulations. Check the complete document for further details.