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TRAIL
EVENTS OFFER CHALLENGE TO HORSEMEN OF ALL DISCIPLINES
By SUSAN
DUDASIK
Tired of
riding in circles? Bored with just trail riding? Why not try
something different, such as Trail or Obstacle classes. These
events offer something for everyone, from the show ring competitor
to the packer. Regardless of breed, from the Quarter Horse to
miniature horses, ponies, mules and draft horses, all compete
on an equal basis. To successfully compete in trail-type events,
a horse must be consistent at the walk, trot and lope. He must
also be able to back up, sidepass, turn on the haunches and
forehand, stand quietly, and be confident enough in his rider
to take “spookie” obstacles in stride.
The most
commonly known Trail event is the Trail class seen at many horseshows.
This is a standardized event where horse and rider are judged
on how well they maneuver through a pre-designed course of obstacles
often with a gate, bridge, mailbox and walk-over as the foundation.
Then, a variety of other obstacles are added depending on the
creativity of the course designer.
Trail class
has usually been considered a Western event, but there is a
growing trend, especially at schooling and smaller organization
shows, to allow contestants to compete in English attire. This
trend is opening new doors to English riders by allowing those
who, for various reasons, can’t participate in jumping
events to do more than go around the ring in equitation, pleasure
and under saddle classes.
Equines
of any age or size can participate in trail events, even foals
and miniature horses. Leadline Trail classes have been designed
for youngsters up to two-years old and are often split between
foals and yearlings. The obstacles for foals are usually simple,
common sense ones, such as leading from both sides or having
a front hoof picked up. Older stock may be required to back
in hand or stand still while his handler opens and leads him
through a gate.
At Miniature
Horse shows contestants work the same type of obstacles as their
larger counterparts. They are led over bridges, walk and trot-overs,
and back-throughs. They are expected to stand ground tied, jump
a small jump, walk past “spookie” obstacles and stand
while their handlers put on jackets or work mailboxes.
But trail
events aren’t limited to the show arena. AERC (American
Endurance Riding Conference) and NATRC (North American Trail
Riding Conference) have been hosting 25- to 100-mile trail riding
events for years. They are open to any breed of equine 5 years
and over and the type of saddle, tack and attire is up to the
rider. Both events have mandatory vet checks. The basic difference
is that NATRC rides are judged on obstacle work and horsemanship
skills. Riders must also finish within a set time limit, or
they are penalized. AERC rides are not judged and there is no
time penalty. Another event similar to the above is the Ride
& Tie. This involves two riders and one horse. The riders
start with one riding and the other running. The horse is ridden
to a specific spot and tied up, the rider then takes off on
foot and when the runner catches up, he becomes the rider. This
process continues throughout the race.
A more
relaxed and informal type of competition is the Trail Trial,
a cross between an arena class and trail ride. Riders choose
their own tack, attire and pace as they follow a pre-marked
course. Along the route they encounter a variety of natural
or arena style obstacles. A judge is posted at each obstacle
and a score is given on each contestant’s performance.
Obstacles range from water crossings to climbing hills, backing
down a narrow path, or leading a horse down hill, mounting from
both sides, working a gate, and putting on a slicker.
Driving
enthusiasts are also fascinated with obstacle work and have
their own version of Trail class, the Obstacle Course. Here
drivers negotiate bridges, back between two poles, trot through
a series of cones, work a mailbox and drive past by “spookie”
objects. Some drivers even add more challenge to the obstacle
course by entering a Gambler’s Choice class. In this timed
event, there are several obstacles. Each one is given a point
value depending on its difficulty. The driver must first do
all the obstacles, then, depending on the time left, may go
back and redo any obstacles to increase their points.
Even rodeo
contestants are getting in on obstacle events. Little Britches
Rodeo, a national program for youngsters, offers an Obstacle
Course event. This is a 60-second, 100-yard speed class with
five obstacles: a gate, bridge, mailbox, backthrough and a small
jump. The object is to have the fastest time with the least
faults. Contestants gallop between obstacles and even have the
option of running across the bridge or jumping it, but the bridge
is lined with poles and each one knocked down is a time fault.
One usually
pictures a packer as leading his string of pack animals across
a mountain meadow or trail, not weaving his way through an obstacle
course, but at mule shows and packing contests across the country
packers can be seen leading their strings through gates, over
bridges, between raised poles, and across logs. For most obstacle
packing events, a packer has his saddle animal and two to five
fully loaded pack animals. Although the animals are tied together,
the packer has physical control of only his saddle animal and
first pack animal. He must rely on voice command and his string’s
good sense to maneuver the obstacles. He also has to watch that
his packs don’t knock over an obstacle or his load comes
undone. If either happens, points are deducted.
One usually
pictures a packer leading his string of pack animals across
a mountain meadow or trail, not weaving his way through an obstacle
course.
As one
can see, there is more to “Trail” than competing in
a showring or riding down the road. To successfully compete
in any of these events, it takes time and extra training. In
the following weeks, this series will explore the challenges
of trail events, from basic training to creating inexpensive
obstacles and helping riders achieve the ultimate goal, an enjoyable
partnership between horse and rider.
srider@salmoninternet.com
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