Pattern 49: Breed Show Amateur/Youth

I had heard "rumors" this year about how "hot" the coneless patterns were going to be. This is the first time our barn has run into them. My clients enjoyed them, but found them quite challenging. So here's my take and the difficulties we encountered.

Findings:

• A few of my students had a difficult time figuring out where to break to the walk from the trot, most were about 2 steps too far (you should be even with the judge). Also make sure you are transitioning that trot to walk and NOT trot stop walk...
• Make sure you walk far enough "north" before you start turning on your circle, if not, you'll encounter backing problems later in your pattern.
• You should begin your trot as you cross your walk path.
• Stop with your hip at the judge and pivot 1 3/4's.
• Now depending on how close you are to the judge you'll need to back...but save yourself some room to perform the 180 and the set up... which proved to be problematic in the class too many...

Have fun practicing...