Trail Rider Challenge Divisions, Courses, and Types Explained

Trail Rider Challenge offers several types of trail challenges: DIY (Do-it-Yourself), Extreme, Traditional and Out-n-About! We offer a type of obstacle challenge for every setting and situation.

Trail Rider Challenge divisions: Youth, Novice, Green Horse and Open

Trail Rider Challenge Courses: In-Hand Course, Basic Course, Trail Rider Challenge Course, Extreme Trail Challenge Course and a Speed Course.

Explanations below.

TYPES OF TRAIL RIDER CHALLENGES

Trail Rider Challenge DIYDIY

Trail Rider Challenge “DIY” gives groups, clubs, barn owners and individuals the opportunity to host their own Trail Rider Challenge!

TRC supplies you with the support and information you need to hold a successful event.  Riders earn TRC points and year end awards.

You, as the Host, keep the proceeds!

For a only $98 per event (special intro rate for 2016), hosts can hold their own Licensed Trail Rider Challenge event. The Host may pick the format: the divisions, course levels and style. TRC provides the support.

To host a TRC:

  1. Fill out the Host Application form.
  2. Choose a date and location.
  3. Pay the $98 registration fee for your first event. Each additional event is $65.
  4. Receive a packet with what you need to manage and plan your event. The packet will walk you through the rest of the process of holding an event.
  5. We will make your flyer (you can if you wish), post it on this site and on the Facebook group page, and include your event in our email newsletter.

 

Trail Rider ChallengeExtreme

Trail Rider Challenge “Extreme” are often held at fairs and expos and usually are directed by Kelli Paulson, the founder of Trail Rider Challenge. When at fairs and expos there is often music and a little extra flair.

TRC Extreme courses are timed and have time points as part of the score.  The obstacles and course are designed to be more challenging then a Trail Rider course and entertaining while not sacrificing quality horsemanship.

Extreme courses may be in an arena or an open area.

 

Traditional Trail Rider Challenge

Traditional TRCs are held at Kelli’s, Crannell Creek Horse Farm, Tekamah, NE, each summer.  A TRC has all 4 divisions and 4 courses: In-Hand, Basic, Trail Rider and Extreme.

 

Out-and-About Trail Rider Challenge

Riders have a map or instructions of how to get to obstacles located out on a trail. Obstacles are usually in groups of 2-5 obstacles along the way with a judge at each group of obstacles. At least 10 obstacle total are required to make a complete course.

 

Trail Rider Challenge DIVISIONS

Three divisions will have year-end prizes.

    1. ROOKIE DIVISION (Beginner): For beginner horses or riders, who have never competed in Trail Rider Challenges, Trail Challenges or competitive trail events prior to this year. A rider or horse may qualify for this division. Horses started after November 2018 qualify for this class regardless of rider’s level (formerly Green Horse Division). Walk/Trot. No cantering. No Extreme. A horse or rider qualifies for this class one year only.
    2. NOVICE DIVISION: For Beginner to Intermediate amateur riders. Novices have never been paid to ride, train, or give lessons. Novice riders    who are consistently placing 1stand 2ndmust move up to Open the following year. Walk/Trot/Lope.
    3. OPEN DIVISION: Open to all horses and riders. Walk/Trot/Lope

YOUTH riders are welcome! Please choose a division according to your riding level. Parents must sign a waiver.

 

It is recommended that your event have all divisions.  There maybe be exceptions such as an all youth event.  Your event can offer one or more or all of the courses.

 

Trail Rider Challenge COURSE LEVELS

  1. In-Hand Course: Course is in the arena or contained area and consists of 10 or more obstacles to be completed while leading your horse. Suitable for horses of all ages and ponies.
  2. Basic Course: Course is in the arena and obstacles are basic. Suit for all ages of horses and riders. Walk-Trot.
  3. Trail Rider Challenge Course: is scored and has a time limit. 10-14 obstacles  worth 10 points each.  It can be in an arena or an open area, includes loping and challenging obstacles. Open to all ages and skill levels of horse and rider.
  4. Extreme Trail Challenge Course: is scored and timed. 10-15 obstacles are worth 10 points each. Time is worth 10 points. It is in an arena or an open area, includes loping and a higher level of difficulty and skill. This course is for Open riders and  youth riders with permission. Time Limit.

Trail Rider Challenge STYLE/SETTING

Courses maybe in

  1. Arena
  2. Open Area – pasture or field with good footing
  3. Out and About – Riders have a map or instructions of how to get to obstacles located out on a trail. Obstacles are usually in groups of 2-5 obstacles along the way with a judge at each group of obstacles. At least 10 obstacle total are required to make a complete course.

 

Next: Learn about Trail Rider Challenge Obstacles