TRAIL

The manoeuvrability of a horse through an obstacle course is judged in trail competition. The course is designed with numerous obstacles, testing the skill of the horse to handle certain situations that might occur on an outdoor trail ride. One of the mandatory obstacles is for the rider to open, pass through, and close a gate. Other mandatory obstacles include walking, jogging, loping over a series of logs and backing through logs placed in an L, U or V shaped configuration. Other obstacles may include crossing a wooden bridge, jogging around barrels or markers or backing through an obstacle. Scoring is based on the horse’s willingness, ease and grace in negotiating the course.

Points are deducted for various infringements including hitting or “ticking” logs, loss of control of the gate, refusal, breaking gait etc. Disqualification will result from missing an obstacle or working obstacles in the wrong order and incorrect use of reins among other things. It pays to read the rule book carefully so as to avoid inadvertently disqualifying yourself!

• If your horse refuses or demolishes an obstacle do not persist in trying to get the horse over it – 3 attempts is enough then either move on or excuse yourself – 3 refusals is grounds for a disqualification and some judges will not let you continue past this but at training shows and club shows some judges will let you continue as a practice – but don’t hold the whole show up training your horse!!
• Be ready at the start marker as the horse before you is nearing the end of their pattern.
• Keep your eye on the judge who will nod to you when they are ready for you to start.
• At the finish marker stop and acknowledge the judge again who will usually nod to dismiss you from the arena.