Competitive Trail Challenge Rules
In 2011 Trails & More will be giving cash prizes
to two divisions: Novice and Advanced. We will have a youth class if we have 6
or more riders in this division, if not then the youth will ride with the
Novice group. Prizes are through 6th place and are a jackpot. The
more riders, the higher the jackpot!!
*All rides begin with a 10:00 am riders meeting and
the first rider out by 10:30. The rides are easy to moderate trails with
difficult and challenging obstacles to negotiate. Most rides will take less
than 2 hours to finish, however the ride is a leisurely pace and not timed. AT
each obstacle, you have one minute or 3 refusals to complete.
*Riders are judged according to how they approach,
negotiate, complete and exit the obstacle. Horses are also judged accordingly.
Each horse/rider team receives a score of 1 though 10 with 10 being the best at
each obstacle.
1. Helmets
are encouraged for all ages but required for riders 17 years of age or younger.
2. Minors must be accompanied by a parent
or guardian while on the trail.
3. Riding boots required for all
participants. Appropriate attire for a long distance
ride should be worn i.e. slicker, long sleeved shirt and long
pants. 4. Rider should have on them the following
items: halter, lead rope, hoof pick, knife,
drinking water and any essentials needed for a long trail ride.
5. All participants need a saddle. English,
Western or Aussie style saddles, as long as the saddle is in good repair. No
bareback pads or riding bareback is allowed.
6. One
horse, one rider, the same horse cannot be ridden by more than one rider.
Although time permitting one rider may do the challenge with another horse as
long as the fees are paid for each horse.
7. Abuse to an animal inside or outside the
competition arena and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred will be
grounds for disqualification. This may include lameness, fresh blood in mouth,
shin, shoulder, barrel, flanks, hips or legs, any disrespect or misconduct of
exhibitor will be grounds for disqualification. Any excessive force or unsportsmanlike conduct is
subject to disqualification.
8. Judges decisions are final. Please do not
approach judges during the ride to question a score.
9. Stallions must have a yellow ribbon tied to
the tail. Horses known to kick must have a red ribbon tied to the tail.
10. You are responsible for any necessary coggins, brand inspections, according to state and local
laws.
11. Fall
of a horse/rider is a disqualification.
12. Horse
must finish with a sound trot.
13. Junior
Rider: 16 years of age or younger
14. Novice
Rider: open to any rider who has not placed in any competitive trail challenge.
15. Advanced
Rider: open class, enter at own risk, riders will be asked to do extra at each
obstacle.
