The Oval

An oval track is between 200 and 250m riding distance on which Icelandic horses are ridden in all gaits (walk, trot, tölt, canter and pace), for both exercise and competition purposes.

The Scottish Open would be classed as a Sport competition due to the classes we run. So remember next time you say you can not 'do' a sport competition......you already have!

Sports competitions are performed on an oval track the Scottish Open has one Judge, who judges the horse and rider combination, other competitions have three judges. Points are awarded on a scale between 0.0-10.0, where 0 means that the horse and rider combination have not shown the correct gait or had another sort of issue and, 10 is the most perfect possible test.

Preparing For Your Class:

It would be very easy to pace into the oval track class explanation however, there is a bit before that, you know the tacking up bit and getting ready.

Work backwards from your class time, for example:

• Your class is at 10:00 AM, your horse needs half an hour (your horse could need more or less time) to settle in warm up. 
• So that's 9:30 AM to be in the warm up area.
• Your horse may have been stabled over night, so grooming is needed give yourself at least half an hour for this including tacking up.
• At the latest 9:00 AM to start tackling a possible stable stained horse.
• If your horse has hard feed in the morning you need to factor in time for this, including time for breakfast to 'go down'.
• You need to be ready too, if you are someone who can stay clean whilst doing everything else go ahead and get yourself ready first, if on the other hand you are someone who attracts filth as soon as you but on your 'show stuff' add some time in before going to the warm up area to get ready.

Working backwards from your class time will always ensure that you wont be late and you will have no need to rush yourself or your horse.

Into The Warm Up Area:

Warm up areas can be hectic places, with other horses that have had a bucket full of oats, riders who have had too much coffee or that one horse that can not keep it's hooves on the ground because it's a 'bit fresh'.

• Find a space: this is difficult to do as some warm up areas are on the small side and you have other horses and riders to contend with, keep riding to a space.
• Opposite reins: remember pass left to left if you are riding head on to another rider.
• Give way: if another rider is completing a circle (or other school movement) they have right of way, you should either slow down or stop to allow them to finish the movement.
• The fast lane: if you are in a slower gait than those around you, move to the 'inner track' allowing those in the faster gait to keep the current gait.
• Give space: although Icelandic horses are not known to kick out at each other, it is good practice to leave a sufficient gap when passing each other or when behind another rider leave a Shire horse gap so you don't impact on each others horses.
• Whips: if you ride with a whip be aware of where it is, it should lay across your thigh but, sometimes they have a life of their own, ensure you don't accidentally tap another horse or rider with your whip. 
• Halt: if you need to stop do so in the middle of the area, so you are in a relatively 'safe space' where other riders can see what you are doing.
• Chatting: some people are in 'the zone' and don't wish to chat while in the warm up area, others are happy to chat just be aware of each other.

Collecting Ring:

Some Icelandic horse shows have a collecting ring, this is a small area where riders are called to wait just before their class.

If you are in a group class this is where you will be given your 'arm band' or similar identifier. 

The Scottish Open is lucky to have hand crafted armbands, complete with tölting horses.

For group classes you have a 'start list' giving the order you will enter the track and what rein you should be starting your test on.

Almost Onto The Track:

Enter the track in the gait you should be staring your test, this is usually tölt, so prepare to move off from the collecting ring to the track in tölt keep a steady even tempo.

Keep the tölt going around the track while others enter.

There is 200 - 250 meters of track and never more than six horses, give yourself space, one way to do this is imagining the track has school markers, if for example the 'entrance' is between 'F and B' wait until the rider in front  of you is almost at 'C' before you enter.

An individual test is slightly different, you maybe starting your test in walk, you do not start your test until the middle of the short side, where you give a clear nod of your head to indicate you are starting your test.

On The Track (finally):

Keep to the outside of the track, this allows speed demons to pass on the inside.

If you need to pass the horse in front, let the rider know with a call out, "coming past" is a good one to use, "oh poop" not so useful.

You will be fully focused on completing your test but, you also need to listen to the instructions from the speaker.

In a group class at some point you will need to change the rein, do NOT do this until the speaker has told you to do so.

Using the width of the track is the cleanest and easiest way to do this, remember if you step out of the track will lead to disqualification.

This is a good time to ensure there is enough space around you to 'strut your stuff' if however, you find you are too close to the horse in front do NOT make a circle to give more space, this will lead to disqualification. The exemption to this is if the speaker has asked you to do so directly.

An individual test may also require a change of rein, this should be done in the middle of the short side or just before the start of the long side. 

Tempo Changes:

Some tests require tempo changes, or a specific point where you need to be in another gait, for example slow tölt to one round of fast tölt, there will be indicators at the side of the track. For a gait change it could be going into pace at the start of the long side.

Each venue could be a different indicator from horse eating plant pots to spook worthy ribbon, so it's always best to check with the event organiser, stewards or someone 'in the know'.

These indicators mark the the end and beginning of the short and long sides of the track, keep in your mind the school markers as this will also help you 'mark' certain 'key' spots around the track.

The End Of Your Test:

You and your horse have successfully danced your way around the oval track!

If you are in a group test the speaker will ask you to return to walk and proceed to the gate however, if you have just passed the gate do NOT turn round unless the speaker has asked you to do so.

If you are finishing your individual test, you will need to indicate this in the middle of the short side with a clear nod, maintaining the gate you are in, you can then return to walk, this must be done before the middle of the long side, or you will be disqualified.

Ensure you make you way to the exit, once you are in a suitable area dismount and make a fuss of your horse. Do NOT dismount on the track.

Congratulations you have completed your test, now you just need to do it all over again for finals.

Remember we all perform differently when we are under pressure but, you always take the best horse home with you.