Trail obstacles

Question
Hi,
My gelding Sledge and I are going to our first WP and trail show, he just turned 4, so from what I understand I can still ride in a snaffle. Is that correct? I ride with a full cheek snaffle. The other question I have is when comes to opening the gate. I know you side pass along side the gate, open it, but then I forget how they maneuver the rest, they open it towards them move the horse around it and sidepass until the gate is shut and then latch it? or am I doing it wrong? Sledge has not perfected side passes yet so I'm not expecting to do perfect but I wanted to make sure I was at least trying to do them the correct way. I'm just very excited and although I don't expect any ribbons I do plan on being blows away by my horse, he does it every time we go out on trail...in the pasture yeah he's a turkey LOL!
Thanks for the help!!!!

Answer
Hi Sara!

Is it an AQHA show?  Check with the association you are riding with.  Most all use January 1 as the universal birthday for horses and it depends on if they consider a junior horse 4 or 5 years old.

Most western headstalls don't make keepers for full cheek snaffles.  How do you keep yours in place?  I like a nice D-Ring or an eggbutt snaffle bit.  There is nothing to get hung up on, no keepers to worry about and the mouthpieces are all the same.  The full cheek is more difficult to pull through the horses mouth, but with good hands and a chin strap, this is never really a problem.  

As for the gate, it depends on the pattern.  Sometimes you will be asked to back through the gate as well.  The most important issue here is not letting go of the gate.  Your horse has to be willing to stay close to the moving gate and not step away so that you have to lean out of the saddle or let go.  Leaning or letting go will get you a minus on the obstacle.  

Sara, you are excited and your are getting out and getting things done!  Cool for you!  You have the kind of attitude I love!  No expectations, just getting out and getting some experience for yourself and your horse.  You are a winner already in my book!  Remember, be consistent, keep your great attitude and the wins will come.

You know what you need to work on and that is getting your horse to free up in the feet and follow your releases of pressure.  When you ask him to side pass or move off your leg, if he gets a bit sticky, or dull,  boot him!  Let him know you are not kidding when you ask him politely to move over.  Don't grind you heel into his side, just give him a little bump.  If you get no response, kick an air hole in him.  Buck says to  kick a fart out of him...LOL!  The instant he makes a try to move off your leg, get soft and quiet.  Let him know he found the answer.  Then ask him to move off again.  Ask him with respect and softness, if he is dull again, kick another fart out of him.  Pretty soon when you come in with your leg you will be able to keep your requests soft, and respectful, he will be moving.  Don't kick him to scare him and don't kick out of anger, just let him know that when you ask him for something you will offer him the best deal in the world and you hope he takes it.  If he chooses to be dull and not take the good deal, come in with enough pressure to get the change.  Horses are smart.  I'm guessing it won't take long before he starts looking up the good deal.

Have a BLAST!  Let me know how you did.  Share, share, share!    

Smiles!  Denise