Podium
Practice & Competition
The equine to stand on the podium, front feet only,
show immobility and step back and gently down and off
How do I do this obstacle ?
Halt in front of the obstacle, step onto the podium yourself and turn and face your equine
You, step back and down so you are now facing your equine on the apposite side
Ask you equine to step up, front feet only, show immobility and then step back and gently down
Where do I start
Allow your equine time for plenty of investigation and exploration with his nose and feet
Where the nose goes the feet will generally follow
Show your equine it is a safe place to be by firstly standing on it yourself
Make a bit of noise with your feet to show him to expect a noise, step down to be on the opposite side
This is the optimum place to be to help your equine
Ask him to step up
Relax and allow him to show immobility
With one foot, you, step up onto the podium ( this can help to counter balance it)
Gently ask your equine to step back and down
Construction
A strong, sturdy box with a flat top
A pallet is ideal but it will need reinforcing - beware of sharp edges and nails
As with ALL construction of the obstacles, use screws instead of nails
Think about
Don't rush or hurry your equine
Once he understands the concept you will find he will do it without even being asked !