Equine Trail Challenge Competition
Trail Challenge competitions are judged events held on natural trails, spanning several miles (generally 3-8 miles) depending on the location. They test the real-world trail skills, calmness, ability, and partnership between horse and rider by navigating a series of 8-12 natural or natural “simulated” obstacles encountered along a trail ride. Events will be held in forests, on private property, parks and urban locations so obstacles natural to those environments may be encountered.
Trail Challenge competitions are judged events held on natural trails, spanning several miles (generally 3-8 miles) depending on the location. They test the real-world trail skills, calmness, ability, and partnership between horse and rider by navigating a series of 8-12 natural or natural “simulated” obstacles encountered along a trail ride. Events will be held in forests, on private property, parks and urban locations so obstacles natural to those environments may be encountered.
The program is open to all breeds and riding disciplines. The best part is riding as a group with your friends, proceeding at your own pace. This is not a timed event.
Obstacles simulate common challenges found in trail riding, such as but not limited to:
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Crossing water (streams, rivers and ponds)
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Navigating bridges
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Steep inclines/declines
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Gate opening/closing
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Backing in tight spaces
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Negotiating brush, downed trees, or uneven terrain
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Dragging logs/brush
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Maneuvering your equine with side passing, backing, pivoting on forehand/haunches.
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Mounting/Dismounting
A judge is stationed at each obstacle scoring the horse and rider individually based on criteria like willingness, attentiveness, smoothness, safety, and minimal resistance or spooking. Emphasis is placed on a calm, responsive horse.
There is seldom only one way to resolve a challenge on the trail so don’t expect events to be cookie cutter. The ride managers use their ingenuity to recreate “trials” on the trail and accomplishing those challenges is our task. The obstacle judges are all volunteers at every event, so precise judging is and always will be impossible. The goal is to judge everyone consistently following the rules and guidelines they have been given. “Trail riding is not a precise sport and neither is Trail Trials” (Judy Meeks, 2004).
Divisions separate riders by experience plus age categories making it accessible and family-friendly. The goal is to demonstrate a well-mannered, trail-safe equine partnership capable of handling diverse outdoor conditions confidently.