THE VET JOG
At all International shows the jog is part
of the FEI Vet Check. The purpose of this
check is to properly identify your horse and
be sure that he is sound enough to compete.
When you compete in these competitions your
horse has a passport that includes all of
his identifying marks and an up-to-date
record of your horse’s vaccinations. All
horses are required to jog before a panel of
judges and veterinarians to prove their
soundness and readiness for competition. The
jog is usually held the day before the
competition starts and sometimes again
during the competition.
Don’t worry! At the Youth Dressage Festival
you don’t need a passport, but the jog is
required as an educational activity for all
riders competing Second Level or above.
If you do not attend, there is a 5-point
penalty.
The jogging area is usually on a specially
prepared area where the ground is totally
level and firm, sometimes even paved. There
will be a path about 100 feet long with room
to turn around something like a flower pot
at the end away from the judges. American
Olympic judge Linda Zang says that she loves
the jog, because she can see all of the
beautiful muscling of correctly ridden
Dressage horses. Now you get to make that
“first impression” before you go down the
centerline!
Horses should be spotlessly clean. Although
they are not required to be braided,
braiding does show off the horse better.
Avoid any hoof polish that will cover up the
natural striations of his hoof wall – part
of the “identification” process. The horse
wears nothing but a snaffle bridle with
bridle numbers, although you might want to
put a cooler or fly sheet over him while
waiting to keep him warm and/or clean. Don’t
let him graze. Take a towel and a damp
sponge to the holding area for last minute
touchups, particularly of eyes and nostrils
and a quick de-dusting of the coat.
The rider must be clean and “crisp.” The
thoughtful dedicated rider presents himself
with the same care that he puts into his
horse. Men sometimes wear jackets, ties,
slacks and sometimes a hat. Women often wear
long (not tight) skirts or slacks with a
blouse and a blazer. You should not have
jingly jewelry. Everyone wears running shoes
or at least a shoe they can easily and
safely run in. A shirt and slacks are fine,
but avoid jeans and riding attire, if
possible. If you do wear riding clothes, you
must not wear spurs. But remember, this is
the first impression the judges have, and
presenting oneself as someone who takes
pride in everything you do is not a bad
idea. You also may not carry a whip. The
rider must jog his own horse, unless special
permission is granted before the jog.
Well before the time of the jog, find out
the order of go. It should be published or
at least posted on the scoreboard. Normally
it is either first-come, first-served, or
horses are presented in numerical order. It
takes at least two minutes per horse, so
plan accordingly. It is very important that
the horse not be taken to the jog without
some exercise first. He may be ridden or
lunged earlier. At the very least he should
be hand walked and jogged for 15 minutes, to
insure that he is not at all stiff and he
remembers his manners. It can also be
helpful to watch some riders before you go,
to get a feel for the routine
Another way of demonstrating to judges and
onlookers that you are a rider who doesn’t
pay attention to details is to present a
horse that doesn’t stand well or that will
not willingly trot on the line. For many
horses, a considerable amount of time may be
needed at home to teach him to stay by your
shoulder at all times; to pick up a trot at
soon as you start to run or give him a
cluck; and to stop quietly when you stop.
Practice at home every day before and after
you ride until your horse is reliable. And
even then, do regular tune-ups.
Some horses that are sound do not move well
on the line. You need to practice at home in
front of someone with a good eye. Does the
horse look better jogging a little slower or
a little faster?
As the horse ahead of you is jogging, remove
any covering and do last-minute dust and
nose wipes. Have your passport in hand
(unless it has been turned in earlier). As
soon as your number is called, walk
energetically up to the judges and stop,
look the chief judge in the eye, and state
you number, name, and horse’s name. Stand in
front of your horse with one rein in each
hand. Move slightly to the side as needed to
make sure you are never between the judge
and your horse, as he checks that the
markings on the passport match your horse
and as he looks at the general condition of
the horse.
When told to jog, turn and face the same
direction as your horse and walk forward.
There are different routines for the jog,
but usually you walk the horse half way
toward a marker (often a big flower pot).
Then you pick up a jog. Walk as you get to
the pot, turn the horse to the right around
the pot, and jog back. Make sure you go in a
straight line both ways. You must have the
reins loose. The horse should move out with
energy in a straight line at a rhythmic
trot. The horse should be taught to stop
when you raise your left hand up in front of
you and turn as you move your hand toward,
but not near, his eye. If you hold the reins
too tightly, if the horse is naughty, or if
the judges question his soundness, you may
be asked to go back and do it again.
Hopefully, as you trot back past the judges
you will hear the word, “Accepted.” If
nothing is said, stop slightly away from the
judges and wait for their decision. If the
judges still question his soundness, you may
be asked to wait until the end of the jog to
be re-examined. It is essential while you
are waiting that you keep the horse moving.
As you leave the area, thank the judges.
