| 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!
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- 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.
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