TRAIL
CLASSES OFFER NEW CHALLENGE FOR ENGLISH RIDERS
By SUSAN
DUDASIK
Walk, trot,
canter, back-up, stop at X, or maybe pop over a few fences.
As an English-style rider, are you getting bored with the same
old showring routine? Are you looking for something a bit different
and more challenging, but don’t want to change riding disciplines?
Well rejoice, there is such an event, Trail class. Once considered
a Western event, today huntseat, saddleseat and even dressage
riders are trying their hand at this fun and challenging class
and more shows are opening the class to English riders. And
why not? The English saddle was used for “trail riding”
long before the Western saddle was developed and many of today’s
distance riders use variations of the English saddle.
Trail is
perfect for all disciplines as it requires horse and rider to
maneuver around, over or through a variety of obstacles. It’s
a test of communication and basic training and is great for
all equines regardless of age or breeding. It’s perfect
for older horses that can’t take the rigors of jumping,
those who have soured out on competing or are recuperating from
an injury, or youngsters just starting out. It also offers riders
uninterested in jumping more variety than the same old “circle
the arena” equitation, pleasure and under saddle classes.
Today,
Trail events range from In-Hand classes generally for weanlings
through two year-olds, to those offered for the novice rider
or horse, clear to Trail Challenge classes held at various locations.
For the In-Hand Trail class, the youngster is led through a
variety of simple obstacles, like walking over a bridge, backing
between two poles or going through a gate. The Trail Challenge
class is often held in conjunction with an equine expo or major
show. And while most Trail classes are held in an arena, there
are others, like Trail Trials, which actually take place on
a pre-marked trail. Various obstacles are placed along the route
and judges are set at each spot.
When competing
in Trail, horses are asked to maneuver a variety of obstacles
such as crossing a bridge, backing through poles, standing ground
tied, working a mailbox, dragging a log or trotting over poles.
To accomplish such tasks, a horse needs to be calm, willing
and well-schooled. He must also be able to walk, trot, and canter
as well as turn on the forehand and haunches, side-pass, back-up
and, most importantly, stand quietly.
Showing
in a Trail class in English attire is about the same as showing
Western. The biggest difference is that the English rider uses
two hands and usually posts the trot between obstacles and either
posts or uses a two-point seat when trotting over ground poles.
When working specific obstacles, there are a few things that
may be done differently. If there’s a ground-tie obstacle,
undo the center buckle on the reins and run up the stirrups
before leaving your horse. If you need to drag something, hold
the reins in one hand and grab a chunk of mane and the drag
rope with the other. This will help stabilize you since there’s
no horn to dally the rope around. Though I’ve shown Trail
in English attire for over ten years, it’s still a fairly
new trend and I haven’t seen any definitive rules on what
is expected, so the best advice is to ask the judge prior to
entering the ring.
While Trail
class looks like a simple event, to truly succeed takes lots
of training, planning and precision. It’s just as demanding
as jumping a course or doing a dressage test. Successful riders
plan every step of their ride. As in jumping, they know how
many strides will be needed between each obstacle and use as
much of the arena as necessary to make nice smooth turns and
straight approaches. Like a dressage rider, they plan their
transitions and halts to be exactly on the mark
If the
directions say to trot to the mailbox and halt, plan on stopping
with your knee right at the mailbox, not two feet forward or
behind it. Precision is the key word to Trail class success.
Whether
it's your first or twentieth show, there are a few things you
can do to refine your performance. A successful ride begins
prior to entering the arena so take time to study the course.
If you don't understand how to do something ask the judge or
ring steward. It's your responsibility to know the course.
If possible,
watch a few other riders. Note how they approach each obstacle
and where they have problems. One of the biggest mistakes Trail
exhibitors make is to follow exactly in the hoofprints of those
before them. Observe others, but ride your own course. Just
because they short-cut the trot poles doesn't mean you have
to. Also pay attention to the directions. If it says back five
steps, don’t assume you can back seven.
When it's
your turn, wait for permission to start. Often many contestants
are in such a hurry, they're headed toward the second obstacle
before the judge is finished scoring his last rider. You must
have the judge's full attention before starting your first obstacle.
At a show
even the simplest obstacle can seem intimidating. A bridge with
a tarp and plastic swans is still a bridge. Don't let the ring
crew's attempts to liven it up unnerve you. During your pre-ride
observations, break each obstacle into its simplest steps. If
you mess up, stop, take a deep breath, settle for a few seconds,
then try again. If you're having a major problem, stop, settle
your horse, then move on to the next obstacle. You’ve already
lost points and this isn’t the time for a fight or schooling.
Usually you’re allowed three attempts before the judge
asks you to pass. If this happens, don't worry. Just because
you blew one obstacle, don't let it affect how you work the
rest of the class. Approach each obstacle as if it were the
only one. Most judges assign a point value to each obstacle
and it's possible to mess up one and still place.
Remember,
Trail is not speed event. Take a few seconds to settle your
horse and yourself before and after working an obstacle. When
you finish the mailbox, stand about five seconds, take a deep
breath, then go on and trot over the poles. Most judges don't
mind if you take a few seconds between obstacles as long as
you move along smoothly.
If a remount
obstacle is included, check your girth before getting on and
tighten it if it's loose. It’s better to tighten it than
to have to readjust the saddle because it slid off as you were
getting on. It's also a wise idea to check your girth before
entering the arena.
Competing
in Trail in English attire can be a challenging and fun activity
as long as you practice a variety of obstacles, allow plenty
of time to learn your course, observe other riders, break each
obstacle down to its basic steps, and most of all, have fun!
archives
Susan Dudasik
Shadow Rider Equine News
srider@salmoninternet.com
Member: Idaho Press Club
North American Saddle Mule Association
