Trail Rider Challenge Obstacles
The following lists should help you to know what to expect and how to prepare for a Trail Rider Challenge. Trail Rider Challenge obstacles are listed below.
TYPICAL OBSTACLES: Most obstacles will come from this list. Show management has the right to be creative as long has safety considerations are kept.
- GATE – Open, pass through and close
- CROSSING OBSTACLE – logs, bridge, tetter- totter, water, ditch, or tarp
- DRAGGING OBSTACLE – log, tire, pallet
- ROPE A STATIONARY STEER – rope provided at obstacle
- LOAD INTO A TRAILER
- REMOVE, CARRY AND REPLACE AN ITEM
- BACK – thru &/or around obstacles or up/down hill
- SIDEPASS – over a single pole or poles
- JUMP – lope or trot over a jump
- MAILBOX
- THROUGH – cowboy curtains, tunnels
- NATURAL TERRAIN – brush, ravines, hills
- MOUNTING – from fence, block, log, or windmill
- MAZE or tight fit
- PICKING UP HORSES FEET
- PONY A HORSE (Extreme division only)
- HORSEMANSHIP ELEMENTS – circles, straight lines, lead changes, pivots, rollbacks, stops (see below)
- WATER – crossing, sprinkler, carry, creek
- DEBRIS
The Rider should Ride with Purpose.
HORSEMANSHIP ELEMENTS: These items can be an obstacle of their own or incorporated into other obstacles.
- Pivots on hindquarters, forehand, or in combination.
- Circles, straight lines, serpentines or other patterns in the line of travel.
- Lead changes: may be simple or flying, in a designated location.
- Gaits: walk, trot, extended trot, lope both directions
- Stops
- Backing: straight, in a circle or in a pattern
COURSE DESIGN:
- Natural obstacles are encouraged.
- At least 10 obstacles or maneuvers are required for each course.
- Keep in mind different sizes of horses.
- Most courses should take 3 – 6 minutes to complete.
- Obstacles should test and display a good trail horse.
- Obstacles should not be overly difficult or impossible.
- Safety is number one over thrills.