Trail

Trail In Hand: Manners, Response, and Trust 

Trail In Hand is a unique class that judges the performance, manners, and willingness of the horse as it navigates a series of common trail obstacles while being led by the handler. This is the ultimate test of the horse's ground training and the trust between the team.

What the Judge Looks For:

The judge's score is based on the horse's performance over the obstacles, with the handler's skill being assessed by how effectively and smoothly the horse performs.

• Horse's Attitude and Response: The horse must approach and negotiate obstacles with confidence, willingness, and a calm attitude. Prompt and subtle responses to the handler's cues are highly rewarded.

• Precision and Caution: The horse must demonstrate the ability to "pick its way" carefully through obstacles, minimizing penalties for stepping on, hitting, or knocking down poles or cones.

• The Handler’s Role: The handler is judged on their quiet, effective leadership. They must guide the horse cleanly through the course, showing control and ensuring the horse completes each task correctly and without unnecessary delay.

Course Challenges (Examples):

Contestants lead their horse over a variety of obstacles that mimic trail encounters, which may include:

• Opening, passing through, and closing a gate.

• Walking over a raised bridge or tarp.

• Walking or jogging over a series of ground poles/logs.

• Backing up through a precise chute or L-shaped pattern.

• Picking up and carrying an object from one station to another.

This class rewards the partnership that shows the most competence, calmness, and practical horsemanship on the ground.

Novice Trail Class: Walk & Jog Foundation 

The Novice Trail Class (Walk and Jog) is the perfect introduction for mounted riders and horses new to navigating obstacles. This division is designed to build confidence by limiting the required gaits to the walk and jog (trot), allowing the team to prioritize accuracy, safety, and proper execution.

What the Judge Looks For:

The judge's score is primarily focused on the horse's willingness, manners, and response to the rider over a series of trail obstacles.

• Horse's Obedience: The horse must remain calm, attentive, and willingly respond to the rider’s cues without resistance or fear. Manners are paramount.

• Accuracy and Caution: The horse must navigate obstacles carefully, especially logs or ground poles, minimizing penalties for stepping on, hitting, or kicking the elements.

• The Rider's Cues: The rider is judged on using quiet, effective aids. Cues should be subtle and appropriate to the Novice level, resulting in smooth transitions and precise maneuvering.

Required Gaits and Maneuvers:

This class eliminates the challenge of the lope/canter, focusing entirely on the slower gaits:

• Gait Requirements: Riders must demonstrate the walk and the jog (trot) between obstacles and over the respective walk-over and jog-over pole patterns.

• Mandatory Obstacles: The course will include fundamental trail challenges, such as:

  • Opening, passing through, and closing a gate while mounted.

  • Riding over at least four logs or poles (at the walk and/or jog).

  • A backing obstacle (such as backing a precise number of steps or backing through an L-shape).

This class is the ideal setting for riders to establish a solid, confident foundation in obstacle work before progressing to the more demanding lope/canter divisions.

Intermediate Trail Class: Precision, Pace, and Power 

The Intermediate Trail Class is the true showcase of a well-trained horse and a highly effective rider. This division includes all three gaits—walk, jog (trot), and lope (canter)—and features a more complex course that demands precision, rhythmic pace, and seamless execution over every obstacle.

What the Judge Looks For:

Scoring is highly critical at this level, penalizing minor faults and rewarding exceptional performance. Emphasis is placed on the horse’s ability to move correctly at speed while remaining maneuverable and calm.

• Three-Gait Mastery: The course requires the lope (canter) between specific obstacles and over designated pole patterns. The horse must maintain a consistent lope rhythm and correctly pick up and hold the proper lead.

• Complex Obstacle Execution: Obstacles are more challenging and may include:

  • Lope-Over Poles: Logs or poles spaced widely apart (often 6 to 7 feet) that must be cleared at a rhythmic lope.

  • Advanced Backing: More intricate backing patterns (e.g., L, V, or curved) that test the horse's ability to move its front and rear ends independently.

  • Side-Passing: Negotiating a pole or other obstacle laterally, requiring precise leg and rein control.

• Style and Speed: Credit is given to the team that negotiates the course with style, grace, and an efficient pace, providing correctness is never sacrificed. The horse should appear attentive, confident, and willingly responsive to the rider's quiet cues.

This class is for the team that has developed a high degree of communication and skill, ready to tackle a technically challenging course with fluidity and finesse.

The Alternative Tack Trail class celebrates the partnership between horse and rider, focusing on skill, communication, and responsiveness while using non-traditional or minimal equipment. This class encourages riders to demonstrate trust and control in a manner that best suits their individual partnership.

Equipment Requirements:

This class is open to all riders utilizing tack outside of the standard Western or English bridle and saddle combination. Acceptable equipment options include:

• Saddlery: Bareback (no saddle), or with a simple bareback pad.

• Headgear: Halter (with lead rope or reins), bridle (standard or bitless), neck strap or bridleless.