Competitive Trail Riding measures the fitness of a horse or pony as they travel over a marked trail
of 20 to 60 miles. Horses are examined thoroughly before, on trail and after finishing, by qualified
judges and veterinarians. The events are strictly timed and penalties are given for finishing too
early or too late. Horses are judged by how quickly their heart rates drop and other physical and
metabolic measurements. The horses who show the highest level of physical fitness win. Most
events have different divisions for junior riders, and riders of different weights. There is often a
division for novice horses and riders with more time or a shorter distance.
What Is the Goal?
The goal is to condition your horse to the highest level
of fitness and take care of it so that the horse completes
the ride with as little stress as possible.
When you arrive you'll visit the entry desk to get your
rider's package. This will contain your number and score
card and other information. You'll take your horse to the
veterinarians who will give it a thorough examination
noting pulse, respiration, hydration soundness and any
old injuries. All observations will be noted on your score
sheet. You'll be asked to trot your horse on a loose lead
as the vets watch for lameness or stiffness and overall
attitude.
You'll be assigned a time to leave and you'll saddle up
and head out on trail. Junior riders may be required to
ride with an adult. On trail you will have to pace yourself
so you do not finish early or late.
You will want to help your horse stay cool by sponging him down and offering drinking water. In
some events you can have a support crew meet you along the trail and help care for you and the
horse. You will stop along the trail at prescribed points and vets will again examine your horse.
They'll check heart rate, soundness and hydration.
When you arrive at the finish vets check your horse again. After that you'll be given time to cool
your horse out, unsaddle and get him cleaned up before one last thorough check. When all the
horses have completed, the score sheets will be compared and placings awarded according to the
best scores.
The scores are kept on seperate cards, one for the horse and one for the rider. at the end of the
rider awards are given seperately for horse and rider in both light and heavy weight divisions, and
Jr, Novice, and Open classes.
of 20 to 60 miles. Horses are examined thoroughly before, on trail and after finishing, by qualified
judges and veterinarians. The events are strictly timed and penalties are given for finishing too
early or too late. Horses are judged by how quickly their heart rates drop and other physical and
metabolic measurements. The horses who show the highest level of physical fitness win. Most
events have different divisions for junior riders, and riders of different weights. There is often a
division for novice horses and riders with more time or a shorter distance.
What Is the Goal?
The goal is to condition your horse to the highest level
of fitness and take care of it so that the horse completes
the ride with as little stress as possible.
When you arrive you'll visit the entry desk to get your
rider's package. This will contain your number and score
card and other information. You'll take your horse to the
veterinarians who will give it a thorough examination
noting pulse, respiration, hydration soundness and any
old injuries. All observations will be noted on your score
sheet. You'll be asked to trot your horse on a loose lead
as the vets watch for lameness or stiffness and overall
attitude.
You'll be assigned a time to leave and you'll saddle up
and head out on trail. Junior riders may be required to
ride with an adult. On trail you will have to pace yourself
so you do not finish early or late.
You will want to help your horse stay cool by sponging him down and offering drinking water. In
some events you can have a support crew meet you along the trail and help care for you and the
horse. You will stop along the trail at prescribed points and vets will again examine your horse.
They'll check heart rate, soundness and hydration.
When you arrive at the finish vets check your horse again. After that you'll be given time to cool
your horse out, unsaddle and get him cleaned up before one last thorough check. When all the
horses have completed, the score sheets will be compared and placings awarded according to the
best scores.
The scores are kept on seperate cards, one for the horse and one for the rider. at the end of the
rider awards are given seperately for horse and rider in both light and heavy weight divisions, and
Jr, Novice, and Open classes.
Competitive Trail Riding
