Equine Trail Sports (2024)

FAQs

How do you score a trail class? ›

The trail class is judged on the performance of the horse over obstacles, with emphasis on manners, response to the rider, and quality of movement. Credit will be given to horses that: negotiate the obstacles with style and some degree of speed, provided correctness is not sacrificed. show attentiveness to the ...

A competitive trail ride (CTR) is a timed, judged trail ride. It's not a race in the traditional sense, as the horse finishing in the shortest time doesn't always get the highest score.

At first, allow him a fairly long approach so you can regulate his speed and direction of approach. If his speed isn't consistent, he may stumble over the pole; ask for a steady, even gait. If you cut his approach too close, he won't be balanced and may stop instead of walking on over the pole.

An average score for TMT-A is 29 seconds and a deficient score is greater than 78 seconds. For TMT-B, an average score is 75 seconds and a deficient score is greater than 273 seconds. Norms have been established based on age and education.

The American Quarter is the most popular horse in the US because it's an extremely versatile breed that excels in nearly any discipline. But what makes it a great trail-riding breed? There are many reasons. First, the quarter horse is the perfect size for the average rider.

An intelligent horse with good instincts and ability to navigate new, unfamiliar terrain are best for enjoyable trail riding. Look for a horse that is naturally calm and relaxed. They should be reflexively cooperative with an easy going nature. This speaks to the main issue while out on the trail and that is safety.

Trick riding is one the most challenging sports, in my opinion. Not only are those horses running at a high rate of speed, but the rider is also performing very risky tricks. These riders are hanging off of the sides of the horse, going under them, riding them backwards, all while the horse is moving.

As a general rule, trail riding does demand more of the cardiovascular system so it cannot be considered— physically, at least— an easy or rest day for a horse.

Do horses enjoy trail riding? ›

The change in scenery gives your horse (and you!) a new experience and may make your ride more enjoyable. Many seasoned show horses find trail riding to be a wonderful new adventure.

When you take your horse on his first-ever trail ride, go with a buddy, and don't go far. If he becomes worried, consider ponying him from a seasoned horse first. Start by looping around a field or riding around the pasture.

The ears laid flat against the neck, head raised and the horse may lunge at you, whites of the eyes showing, and their mouth open showing their teeth. You should avoid approaching a horse from behind. If you do, they may warn you if they're angry and want you to stay away or go away.

Approach slowly, pull over, turn off the engine, and remove your helmet. Avoid sudden movements. Wait until the horses have passed, and then ease back onto the trail.

Often called “rise over run,” the “rise” is divided by the “run.” For example, if the vertical rise is 10 feet over a distance of 100 feet, the math reads like this: 10 feet rise is divided by 100 feet run, then multiplied by 100 to create a percentage, which equals a 10% slope.

The Trail Making Test is scored based on how long it takes to complete the test. There are no penalties for mistakes other than they extend the final recorded time. The scores are the number of seconds it takes to complete a test.

Keep it simple. Avoid using elaborate or over-explicit marks. Most of the times you'd want to either point direction with an arrow or affirm direction with a dot, square or other symbol. Do, however, make sure your marks stand out against the trail background and look clearly man-made.

Expressed as a equation: Percent of Grade = Rise/Run x 100 percent.