Here are a few of the most common questions folks have been asking about the competition. If you do not see yours here, feel free to send it along. We will be adding more as they come up.
Q: Do I use the same horse in my entry video as I do for the competition?
A: No. Your competition horse needs to start at 3 – 6 years old with no more than 10 rides.
Q: Can I use more than one horse in my entry video?
A: Absolutely! As long as it is a horse you primarily trained. The judges are looking for your skills, not perfection.
Q: How do you enforce the ten rides rule?
A: Trust and Honesty. Lying is a sin against Man (and Woman), against your family, and yourself. Plus, all competitors have to sign an affidavit. If you cheat, you’re disqualified and disgraced. Is it really worth it?
Q: Do I get my entry fee back if I do not make it into the competition?
A: No. The entry fee helps pay the preliminary judges, covers administrative costs, and supports the other women who make it into the competition. Entrants are welcome to ask friends, students and family to “make a donation to the cause” to show their support of your talents.
Q: What’s the entry deadline?
A: February 28, 2014
Q: Can we use whips for the Liberty?
A: You can use whatever humane aids you need for your entry video and to train your horse. Be sure it is as a guide, not as a punishment device. You will be scored higher for the use of no physical aids and the softness of your “ask.” Do what you need for the entry video and to train a young horse humanely. For the competition you will want to work towards smaller aids or none at all; other than your body, energy, and connection with your horse.
Q: Can we use treats for Liberty?
A: Treats as a reward are okay as a training tool, but they do not demonstrate a willing connection with your horse. In your entry video, you do not want to walk around, with a carrot in your hand, having the horse follow you. A treat for a job well done is okay. Fair warning though…in the Finals, competitors will be scored higher for no treats. Willingness is the true test of partnership. Appreciation is the most lasting reward.
Q: Can you use a halter or rope for your Liberty?
A: In your entry video, if you need a “security device” to keep your horse from running off, that’s okay. No lead rope though, unless it is thrown over the horse’s back during the task. A string tied around the neck is also an option. You will be scored higher in the Entry judging and the Finals for no security devices.
Q: Do you have to do all the tasks in your entry video without edits ?
A: The rules say that each task within a category can’t be edited. This means you can film each task separately, but we would like to see a task in its entirety, without edit. If you can do all tasks in succession, without edits, wonderful, but it is not required.
Q: Can we use a mule for the competition?
A: Absolutely! Any equid is welcome to show their talents (as long as you can ride it).
Q: I am running longer than 15 minutes on my video, is that okay?
A: That’s okay. We want to see what you can do not how fast you can do it. What horse ever does something as fast as you want it to? Just do not go too much longer as we have allot of videos to review.