SHEDU FUNDAMENTAL TRAINING
Western Dressage
Unlike regular SFT, Western SFT disciplines come from a place where the philosophy is that a good working animal is comfortable to ride and can control livestock sensibly. Versatility and endurance are prized, as well as a smooth gait that is able to be maintained and is easy to ride over long distances.
Official Western Dressage
Western dressage in shedus is a fusion of classic dressage, reining and basic working trials. Very similar to the classic dressage version, but with western elements. The judge will ask to see an animal that moves smoothly with the handler able to sit the gaits effortlessly. The tack used is also heavier and possibly more cumbersome. Tack may also have a lot more glamor/”bling” added to it.
Some of the tasks described here will seem to double up with Classic Dressage tasks, but due to the need for different tack and Western Dressage’s emphasis on a more relaxed, easy body position, these tasks will need to be done again for this discipline. To be specific, Western Dressage is performed with the head lower than seen in Classic Dressage and the body noticeably more relaxed.
Benefit: Cancel the initial rolls for falls, fatal and serious injuries and refusals in specific dressage competitions. “Know your cat” section will give additional points in some of the dressage competitions.
Conditions: Western Dressage training should take place in some sort of the arena that fits the purpose. It can be outdoors or an indoor arena. Western Dressage elements should not be taught in an open field without any fences or any other hints of proper training ground.
Proper Gear: No classic dressage saddles etc. Western saddle of some type is a must.
All done on loose reins. Saddles should be western/trail types with western / working horse tack in mind.
OFFICIAL WESTERN DRESSAGE TASKS:
(14 images total)
Learning square stop (stand) & salute: (1 images total)
Learning walk: (2 images total)
Learning western pleasure walk
Learning collected walk
Learning trot: (2 images total)
Learning jog - the ideal jog is slower than a typical trot.
Learning extended trot
Sliding stop: (1 images total)
Learning to spin: (2 images total)
On the forehand (Hindquarters move, front stays in center)
On the haunches (Front legs move, hindquarters stay in center)
Learn a “roll back”: (1 images total)
- a 180-degree turn over the hocks executed over a stationary weighted inside leg.
Loping canter: (2 images total)
Learning collected canter
Learning extended canter
Learning half-pass: (2 images total)
Learning half-pass to the right
Learning half-pass to the left
9. Learning to backup: (1 images total)
OFFICIAL WESTERN DRESSAGE - KNOW YOUR CAT TASKS:
(14 images total)
Lead Changes: (3 images total)
(+1 point to final score on Western work performed at a three-beat gait - A canter, gallop, or lope)
Counter-lope: A supple and well-conditioned cat should be able to maintain a working lope no matter which leg they are leading with. A counter-lope works by asking the cat to work with the outside leg leading, helping teach balance and rhythm.
Simple Lead Change: Cat drops from a lope to a walk or trot for 1-3 strides to switch their leading leg.
Flying Lead Change: Cat changes leading stride while remaining in a canter or lope.
Western Natural talents: (3 images total)
(+1 point to final score if depicted preferred gait or movement based on it): Each cat is unique and some things come to them naturally while others are in need of hard work on them. See which gait of your cat is the most smooth and balanced naturally.
>>> Western gaits are typically slower, easier to sit gaits that result in the cat moving with their head lower than would be seen in Classic version.
Pleasure walk: (must be performed in hands/on a lunge line)
Jog: (must be performed in hands/on a lunge line)
Lope: (must be performed in hands/on a lunge line)
Best Skill: Special move: (8 images total)
(+3 point to final score if depicted preferred gait or movement based on it - [C] - based on collected gait; [E] - based on extended gait).
Simple lead change
Flying lead change
Turn on forehand
Turn on haunches
Pivot/Spin from the haunches
Rollback
Sliding Stop
Counter-lope
IMPORTANT!: If the level of the competition allows it, Best Skill, Western Natural Talent & Lead Changes can stack up!
BENEFITS & REQUIREMENTS
These sets of prompts are not mandatory to participate in Shedu events. However, if completed, they will give your cat noticeable benefits:
Each completed set linked to a specific discipline will cancel out the roll for the following hazards of shows in that specific discipline:
Initial roll for buck offs **
Initial roll for falls **
Initial roll for fatal and serious injuries **
Initial roll for refusals **
** Initial roll is the mandatory roll that will take place at an official event. A completed SFT makes sure your team will pass those. However in some competitions or disciplines there are additional rolls for mishaps. SFTs will not protect from those. You will need to acquire special gear and/or make proper choices to avoid those.
MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS
Literature: 450 words per task (In English or Russian language)
Art: Clean coloured sketch/ 50% + body/ Handler (50%+ visible)*/ BG + other elements if required by the particular task.
The shedu anatomy should meet the standard level according to the AP chart to qualify for these prompts.
“Standing tied” prompt - handler is optional
Cats must not be younger than 4 years old!
You can place up to 5 teams of handler and cat in one training picture.
TACK on Shedus is required. Mandatory: Western saddle, Halter or Shedu bridle)
HOW TO SUBMIT COMPLETED TRAININGS
Gather your entries and comment to this LOG :
Don`t forget to link the references of the handler and the Shedu being trained!