Competitive Trail
Riding Overview
Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) is an equestrian sport where riders cover a marked
trail for a distance that is usually between 15 and 40 miles per day. Some
rides are only one day long; others may run as long as three days.
Competitive Trail Riding – Goals: The goal of the competition is to demonstrate
partnership between horse and rider. Unlike in endurance riding, factors other
than speed are considered. If the ride is timed, it is a form of pace race;
else it is a judged trail ride. In a timed ride, horses may not come in under
or over a certain time, and veterinary checks, rider behavior and other
elements play a role placing. The horse is evaluated on performance, manners,
and related criteria. "Pulse and respiration" stops check the horse's
recovery ability and conditioning.
There are many different
organizations which sanction Competitive Trail Rides. Horsemanship may be
considered at some competitions, depending on the sanctioning organization.
Riders are evaluated on how they handle the trail, manage the horse, and
present to the judges and veterinarians throughout the ride. Obstacles are also
set up along the trail and the horse and rider are graded on how well they
perform as a team.
Competitive Trail Riding – Locations: Rides are often held on public lands, such as Forest
Service or BLM lands in the
Similar events exist around
the world, though often with wide variations in rules and distances. In all
cases, the most obvious difference between an endurance ride and a competitive
trail ride is that the winner of an endurance ride is the first horse and rider
team to cross the finish line and pass a vet check that deems the horse
"fit to continue," whereas competitive trail rides usually consider
additional factors and penalize a horse and rider that finish in too little or
to long of a time.
Competitive Trail Riding – Timing: Ride maps are sometimes provided which show distances
between key markers along the trail. Based on this information, riders
calculate what time they should be at each key marker. Miles divided speed
equals the time (hours plus fraction) Riders multiply the fraction by 60 to get
the minutes, add the minutes to the hours and arrive at the time. There are
also mileage conversion charts available for riders who need them.
Competitive Trail Riding – Procedures: Rides usually are weekend activities. For two-day and
three day rides (multi-day), competitors arrive on the first day to set up camp
for themselves and their horse or horses, riders present their horse to the
judges for a physical exam and trot them in hand or longe ("lunge")
them. The pre-ride examinations will be used to determine the Fitness of that
equine to start the ride. Equines showing evidence of contagious disease are
ineligible to compete, and shall be promptly removed from the grounds. Any
blemishes or other pre-existing conditions are noted.
In the evening prior to the
start of the ride, the riders are briefed in a general meeting. Maps are
reviewed and veterinary hold criteria are given. The necessary ride speed is
given, and if the ride is a window type pace race the minimum and maximum times
are given.
Depending on the
organization that sanctions the ride, a CTR may begin with either staggered
starts or one or more mass starts. Rides that involve judged trail obstacles
often use staggered starts to reduce the competitors' waiting time to try the
obstacles. Various organizations offer different divisions, based either on
experience of the horse/rider team, age of the rider, weight of the rider, or
other criteria. The average speed of a CTR usually is set between 3 and 6 miles
per hour, this would depend on the level or division you have entered.
The following morning, the
ride itself begins. Competitors set their own pace and, unless instructed
otherwise, in the gait they prefer. The choice of speed and gait in each segment
of the ride is an important tactic. Competitors are observed by the judges at
various points along the trail. The horse's pulse and respiration ("P&R")
are checked periodically, during mandatory holds/lunch stops. During these
stops/holds which are generally between 10–20 minutes or more depending on ride
management, you may take care of yourself and your mount. Lunch is either
provided by the rider or ride management depending on the CTR. Any feed given
to the horse must be carried by the rider.
When riders reach a certain
mile marker at the end of the day's ride, they must maintain forward motion
into camp, with no further stops allowed. Thus, it is the last opportunity to
make timing adjustments. Riders who are ahead of time may stop at that point
for as long as they like, but once leaving it, may not stop until they get into
camp. The only exception to the rule is if the horse wishes to drink at a creek
crossing, which is permitted in the interest of good horsemanship. However,
riders are not to linger, but simply let the horse drink and move on. Riders
behind schedule need to speed up to get to camp.
At the end of the day, all
horses are again presented to the judges for an exam. The Horsemanship Judge
checks each competitor's trailer and camp for safety and care of the horse. If
the competition is a one-day ride, awards for these horses and riders will be
given. If a two-day or three day ride, there is another ride briefing to recap
the day and announce maps, trail, speed, distance and hold criteria for the
following day.
The ride on next day is
similar to the previous day in terms of routine and rules, but the distance may
be shorter and the ride itself may be on a different trail. There will be a
check of the horses' soundness before competitors are timed out to begin
riding. After arriving back at camp, horses are cleaned up and presented to the
judges one final time. When all the riders have completed the
final check out, scores are tallied, an award ceremony is held and all riders
are given their score cards.
Competitive Trail Riding – Prep: Preparation well in advance of a competitive trail
ride is critical. Competitors must not only have a well-trained horse in good
physical condition, but also must be able to safely and effectively camp out
with their horse, as stabling is not provided at rides.
Competitive Trail Riding – Conditioning: Before embarking on a competitive trail ride the
horse must be up to the task. It takes a number of weeks, and sometimes months,
of careful work to condition a horse to do 15–25 miles of trail in a day.
Conditioning needs to start easy and gradually build until the horse can
physically and mentally handle the stress. Ideally this work should be done on
natural terrain, including hills.
Ideally a conditioning
program needs to get the horse's pulse and respiration levels elevated at least
3 times per week. This can be accomplished with a vigorous 20-min workout, or a
long, slower 4-hr ride. The horse’s pulse and respiration should be monitored
as it is being worked to ensure that the workout creates an appropriate amount
of physical stress, but not too much.
During this phase of
training, the horse’s speed and duration of exercise should allow for steady
state heart rates below 150 to 170 beats per minute, which is the anaerobic
threshold. The horse’s speed increases at these heart rates as the horse
becomes more fit. Also, recovery heart rates will occur faster as the horse
becomes more fit. A horse in good aerobic condition will have recovery heart
rate around 100 beats per minute at two minutes post exercise when exercising
at rates to induce heart rates near the anaerobic threshold. Recovery heart
rates at 10 minutes post exercise should be less than 60 beats per minute.
Riders need to be familiar
with their horses' resting and working heart and respiration rates and know
when an animal is stressed. This is an important part of the conditioning
routine to ensure that a rider is are able to anticipate the results at a P&R
check in competition.
Competitive Trail Riding – Check List: When packing for a competitive trail ride, the
following items need to be included:
1)
Horse supplies:
tack, buckets, brushes.
2)
Horse feed,
such as grain and hay.
3)
Personal
supplies: clock, boots, and clothing, including rain gear.
4)
Camping
supplies: tent, sleeping bag, lantern, tarp, and other equipment.
5)
Food
supplies, cooking utensils, ice chest, camp stove.
6)
Trailer and
supplies.
7)
Fire
extinguisher.
8)
First Aid
Kit.
9)
Spare parts
and repair supplies.
10)
Coggins
test, veterinary certificate, brand inspection, & registration papers.
11)
Maps and
directions.
12)
Trail
supplies: watch, water bottles, hoof pick, knife, lead rope, halter, sponge on
a string.
Competitive Trail Riding – Competition
Details: There are nuances that
allow competitors to obtain better scores throughout the competition that go
beyond having a sound, well-conditioned horse that finishes within the given
time. Horsemanship and horse care are also considered throughout the competition.
Competitive Trail Riding – Check In and
Inspection: Upon arrival at the
ride site, setting up camp competitors report to the Ride Secretary, complete
registration, weigh in the rider and tack, and then provided with a ride
packet. The ride packet contains a penny or number bib for the rider, a
halter/bridle tag for the horse, and a number to be displayed on the horse’s
stable area. Packets may also include an agenda, rider's list, and ride map.
Often there are goodies, such as a piece of candy or gum, or a discount coupon
You are consider entered in
the event after registering, you must wear the number bib assigned you and
display all other required identification at your camp and/or stable/corral.
While presenting your horse to the judges, they may introduce themselves and
answer any questions you might have. Most competitions have two or more judges;
the Horsemanship Judge is looking for a rider who is attentive to the horse and
to the Vet Judge. The Vet Judge assesses the condition of horse to establish a
baseline. The horse that looks as good on the last day as it did on the first
day will score well. Blemishes, scars, and marks are noted. Points are not
taken off for blemishes or minor cuts at check-in and are scored at checkout
only if they are worse. The exception to this is soundness, which can be scored
off at check-in, and if severe, may disqualify the horse from competition. The
judge also notes if the horse will stand quietly for examination and allow its
feet to be picked up, and this behavior is scored under manners on the horse's
score card.
Competitive Trail Riding – In Hand
Presentations: The horse is
trotted out after the veterinary exam. This is both a horsemanship and a
soundness component of the competition. There are two basic methods for in-hand
presentations. The first is to longe, the second is to lead the horse in hand
while at a working trot in a wide circle in opposite directions or figure
eights depending on the vet judge. It is the rider's option on which method to
use. This presentation will be used to determine any lameness by the vet judges
and may be score in horsemanship.
Competitive Trail Riding – Calculating
Speed and Pace: The required
speed for each division (in mph) is announced at the pre-ride briefing.
Competitive Trail Riding – Rate Your
Miles: – CTR - If the terrain
allows, the following is an easy rule of thumb to go by. Trot for six minutes
then walk for three minutes. Keep repeating that, you and your horse will
finish within the time frame (not too fast and not too slow). It also allows for
an even distribution of work and rest. Carry a cheat sheet too (with the
times/mileage). Set your watch at 12:00 when you start and check it when you go
by the mile markers. You should be within the parameters below. If necessary,
adjust your speed up or down.
Competitive Trail Riding – Timing Out: Riders at a most competitions leave camp one at a
time with their departure time recorded. This is not a racing start; horses
need to stay relatively settled and maintain a safe distance between one
another. Each competitor proceeds down the trail at the specified speed for the
division entered. Riders commonly set their watch for 12:00 when they begin
their ride in order to simplify their time calculations.
Competitive Trail Riding – Judging and
Obstacles: At various points
along the trail, judges are posted. Sometimes they observe riders traverse some
natural obstacle such as a deep gully or creek, large logs across the trail, or
a bridge or boggy place. Other times, they give riders specific instructions,
such as to back or sidepass the horse, open and close a gate, or travel at a
specified gait such as the trot or canter. Riders may be asked to complete
obstacles either in-hand or under saddle.
If riders have to wait their
turn, they must keep track of the time from arrival until they are able to be
judged and give this time to the judge or that judge’s secretary. If riders
finish the trail late, this time is given back to the competitor.
Other examples of judged obstacles
include:
Ø
Emergency stops
from trot or canter.
Ø
Back between or
around trees, uphill, or in water
Ø
Sidepass up to a
tree, over log, or in water
Ø
Mount and
Dismount, including offside
Ø
Tie a ribbon on
a tree or tree limb.
Ø
Climb or descend
a bank, hill or cliff.
Ø
Step or Back
over a large log.
Horses and riders need to
practice obstacles at home in order to build the trust and teamwork that
enables them to be smooth on the trail. Any time riders are asked to something
they consider unsafe, or the horse is not ready to do, it is acceptable to "pass,"
though the rider will lose points.
Competitive Trail Riding – Pulse and
Respiration Stops: There are
generally one or two Pulse and Respiration (P&R) holds, 10 to 20 minutes
long each day (although there may be a third at discretion of ride management).
At most ride briefings, the Trail master will indicate verbally or on maps
where the P&R stops will be.
Depending on the mileage of
the competition the first check usually occurs between 7–10 miles after leaving
camp. If there is a second hold it will be another 7–15 miles into the ride. When
riders arrive at the P&R checkpoint, your time will be recorded. After 10
minutes, workers will come and check the horse's pulse and respiration. If the
horse has a pulse OR respiration rate over the criteria given, the horse is
stressed and will be held at the P&R an additional 10 minutes. Holds are
generally scored. If the horse still fails to meet the criteria specified by
the Judge, it is held for a 2nd 10-minute period and lose
more points. If the horse does not recover after a 3rd hold, it is pulled from
competition and arrangements are made to trailer the horse back to camp.
Note that
for each hold, 10 minutes is added to the maximum and minimum times to ensure
that a horse that might be stressed is not stressed further trying to make up
time.
When the P&R time is up
and your organizations requirements are completed, you may proceed with your
ride. It is also good etiquette to wait until any adjoining horses are also
done and ask permission from that rider before leaving.
Competitive Trail Riding – Lunch Stops:
Horses are timed into the
lunch stop, when there is one, and must remain there for the time specified
(generally 45 minutes). If water is available, this is a good time to offer
your horse a drink and wet them down. You may remove tack or just loosen it, at
your discretion. Then you will want to find a place to sit down and eat your
lunch. At the end of the designated time, tighten your tack, mount, and report
back to the timer to be timed back on the trail.
Competitive Trail Riding – Return to
Camp: Coming towards the end of
your ride, most CTR organizations require the rider/mount to "maintain a
forward motion (trot or gait equivalent)" at a certain mile marker before
the finish line. This helps to assure that all horses reach the P&R in a
similar elevated state of exertion.
Upon arriving back at camp,
usually in the mid to late afternoon, all riders report to the timer after
crossing the finish line, the times are noted. Multi-day teams on the first
and/or second day after checking in with the timer, return to their camp,
remove tack, and get the horse ready to present to the vet judge at a preset
time
Single day competitors and
multi-day riders on the last day of the ride, may be subjected to a CRI/PR
(Cardiac Recovery Index) in 10 minutes after crossing the finish line,
depending on the organization. The horse and rider team may then return to
their camp site to take care of their horse and any personal needs. After a
preset time given at the ride brief, generally 60 to 90 minutes from their
finish time, horses are again presented to the Vet Judge for a check similar to
that performed at the Check-in and can be extensive, looking for any
differences in condition and attitude from how the horse looked at the
beginning.
Competitive Trail Riding – Common Scoring
Criteria:
Typically, condition,
soundness, "trail ability" and horsemanship are all scored.
Condition includes:
Ø
P&R Scores
Ø
Mucous Membrane
coloration (MM), noted by Gum Color - The normal color of gums is a light pink.
A whitish, dark pink, reddish-deep pink, or blue gum color is an indication of
a medical issue.
Ø
Muscle Tone (MT)
Ø
Capillary Refill
Time (CRT)
Ø
Hydration (Hyd) - checked by a pinch test done at the base of the neck
close to the shoulder
Ø
Gut Sounds, a
check for colic, overheating, and other forms of distress.
Ø
Movement,
Attitude and Willingness (MAW)
Ø
Chronic
stumbling or forging may be penalized. A horse that develops thumps, colic,
dehydration, or ties up is removed from competition so that immediate medical
attention can be provided.
Soundness includes:
Ø
Gait (Way of
Going)
Ø
Leg or tendon
soreness - Heat and/or pain may be penalized. Blemishes are noted at check-in
and are generally not penalized.
Ø
Withers, Back,
Loin or Girth (WBLG) soreness - often influenced by tack fit rider balance.
Ø
Edema, rubs, or
inflammation at cinch, mouth, chin groove, or legs
Horses in poor physical
condition or who are unsound will be pulled from competition if they fail to
pass veterinary inspections or show distress at any time of the event.
Some symptoms of concern of poor
physical condition include:
Ø
Excessively high
respiration rate: If the horse does not recover appropriately at the P&R it
may be pulled.
Ø
Lameness.
Ø
Dehydration.
Ø
"Tying-up".
Ø
Thumps - When a
horse develops constant, rhythmic ticking in the flanks. In a severe case, the
whole abdomen will have this ticking motion.
Ø
Colic
Competitive Trail Riding – Trail
Ability and Manners includes:
Ø
Standing quietly
for examination and when a rider mounts.
Ø
Attention to
rider, attentiveness to the trail, sure-footed and well controlled at all
times.
Ø
Maneuverability
on obstacles. Horses are to accomplish tasks quietly and be attentive to the
rider.
Ø
Disobedience,
head tossing, buddying, or refusals are penalized.
Ø
Exceeding time
limits for obstacles is penalized.
Horsemanship
criteria includes:
Ø
Horse grooming.
Ø
In-Hand
presentation.
Ø
Saddle and other
tack fit.
Ø
Rider form and
balance, trail safety and courtesy.
Competitive Trail Riding – Awards: Most organizations offer awards, first through sixth
place in each class and/or division as well as Breed Awards. These might come
from the Breed Association, donations, or other. Many times, "First Time
Riders" are given special recognition. And those who had especially hard
luck, or were very lost, might be recognized.
Awards include ribbons,
certificates, plaques, or useful "goodies" such as hoof pick, brush,
or halter. In most CTR organizations, cash prizes are not allowed. Significant
awards, such as bridles, buckles, chairs, and even on occasion, saddles are
given as awards to the High Point Horse, High Point Rider, Mileage, Divisions
and many others, to numerous to list!
Contact: North
American Trail Ride Conference - www.natrc.org