Shedu Fundamental Training sets represent the various training and practice regiments that you have done with an individual Shedu. Shedus only need to complete a single set of SFTs once in order to receive the benefits for that Discipline. You will need to complete each Discipline for each Shedu you wish to receive the benefits. This training is for your cat, unlike the Shedu Novice Discipline which represents training for your Handler.
To earn the benefits for a Discipline you will need complete all of the prompts within that set and submit them at one time for the entire set. You cannot submit prompts individually. Before completing any of the Discipline-specific SFT sets, you will need to start by completing your Core Training. This basic training set is required for both Official and Street Disciplines. You cannot submit any Discipline sets until your Core Training has been completed and accepted/judged. Core Training in Shedus is similar to gentling/breaking in horses. They are basic skills that all Shedus must learn in order to move on to more complex training.
All the prompts that must be completed for a specific Discipline are numbered, but some prompts may have options for how the prompt is completed. These options will be listed as "A or B". You only need to complete one of the options in order to complete the prompt. In order to receive credit for the Set you will need to pay close attention to the Conditions requirement listed for the set. These conditions apply to the entire set.
In addition to the regular numbered prompts for a given Discipline you may also choose to complete the optional "Know Your Cat" prompts. Completing these prompts will give your Shedu's score a bonus in events within that Discipline when the event matches your Shedu's preferences.
All SFT images or literature pieces earn your Shedu +2 AP per image/piece. Completing an entire Discipline set is a great way to earn a significant amount of bonus AP. SFT images or literature pieces also qualify as "Official Shedu Hosted Events" for the purposes of calculating the 2K AP Achievement, which can put you well on your way to earning that Gold Tier!
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 be of ridable age (2.5-3 yrs)
You can place up to 5 teams of handler and cat in one training picture.
TACK on Shedus is required. Basic tack appropriate to the discipline involved.
IMPORTANT!
Be sure to pay attention to the tack & place requirements for each discipline/type of SFT.
Shedu riding tack set consists of:
bitless bridle/halter with reins or neck rope (depends on the discipline)
saddle (type depends on the discipline)
stirrups
girth
additional elements, such as leg protection or breast collars or crupper etc can be also depicted.
This is general idea of riding tack. The listed elements should be present and clearly visible in your art (if/when requested by the SFT prompt).
For more details read carefully the requirements for each discipline, please. Make common sense/equine tack as inspiration. If unsure about something - feel free to ask your questions in the discord server channel.
AREAS/PLACE OF TRAINING: almost every SFT prompt require some type of fencing or arena to be depicted. There are just a few very special instances when training can be done out in the open.
PLEASE, KEEP THESE REQUIREMENTS IN MIND AND FOLLOW THEM OR YOUR SFT ENTRIES WILL GET DECLINED.
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!
***
Tracking your SFT Progression is Very important. Please use your cats LOG section (MISC or SHOW) to create an "SFT Progression" comment. Reply to this comment with each "Set" and link the images to each set comment. These may also be used as "proof" links when submitting your cat for AP validations.
An example of SFT Progression can be found HERE.
CORE TRAINING
IMPORTANT!
***Whichever discipline you are about to choose for your cat, you will need to complete Core training first.
This part is similar to breaking-in horses.
The set of very basic skills that cats should learn to be able to go any further in any discipline.
Benefit:
Cancel the initial roll for buck off in any discipline
Conditions:
Tasks completion may take place in any setting that fits your plot. Usually it is done at your home training grounds or at the main Elsevier facility or one of their sub-facilities around the World.
TASKS:
( 3 images total; for each number complete option A OR B, not both)
A) Leading/lunging
B) standing tied
A) Accepting saddle and rider
B) Accepting/getting used to fighting tack & gear - ONLY for fighting cats
Trying out moving with rider in saddle at one of three gaits (Walk/Trot/Galop) *
* - not necessary for pure fighting cat
TEAM WORK - KNOW YOUR CAT :
Teamwork KYC is a unique section of SFT where you can train cats together to learn their strengths and weaknesses as teammates.
This KYC set is a necessary step before any further team training within specific discipline.
Before you decide to do pas de deux with your cats or choose to hitch them in a cart as a team, you should first learn how good of a partners they are.
Some cats are loners, others do not like particular cats and some are willing to work with everybody.
Better the disposition of cats to each other - more chances for a success for your future team.
Benefit:
The relationship between cats is rolled by rng:
Hating ; -1 point
Neutral ; +1 point
Friendly ; + 2 points
These bonuses can be implemented into other sections of SFT and add/subtract bonus points to certain shows/competitions.
Note that these bonuses will only apply in places where it is explicitly mentioned.
Some of the following disciplines (but not limited to) where this training can be beneficial:
Pas de Deux
Team Driving
Conditions:
Anywhere really can qualify for these tasks–at home or at Elseviers. The images must include at least two cats and handlers interacting together. There may be at maximum 5 teams depicted in one image together. Every cat is required to be paired with their own handler.
You may choose to either do 1 image or 3 total (1 from each section) If you choose to do just 1 image, the rng will be between all 3 possibilities. If you choose to do all 3 images, the rng will be between Neutral or Friendly. You may only do this section between a pair once - so you may not redo if you dislike the result.
TEAMWORK KYC TASKS:
– Pick one image from each section to complete:
( 1-3 images total)
Introductions:
Depict the cats meeting each other while under supervision by handlers
Allow the cats to interact within a fenced in area
Show cats being fed together
Tandem work:
While being led or under saddle, cats must move at a walk shoulder to shoulder together
Repeat the same process as above but at a trot or canter
Introduce obstacles or jumps to the arena and ride the cats through/over them while moving very closely together.
Building a Bond:
Show handlers carrying out various parts of cats’ routines together:
A - Grooming
B - Bathing
C - Sleeping
SPECIALIZED SFT PROMPTS LIBRARY
