MWHA Trail Trials
A trail trial is a judged obstacle trail ride. The trail is a course that includes several prominent obstacles. There is a judge at each obstacle who evaluates the way you and your horse handle the obstacle. All obstacles are those that you may naturally find on a train or situations that may actually happen on a trail ride.
Gaited Trail Trials have become very popular in other regions, so it is natural for MWHA to hold such an event! At the MWHA trail trials awards are presented, supper is provided, and door prized given!
Trail trial is a new event in the Technical III Division of FOSH Versatility High Point Program. These events have been popular in some areas, but in others, a totally new experience. This is a competition designed to test the trail skills of a horse and rider team. Riders are judged and scored on their skill and ability to guide their horses through a natural obstacle course. Scored are ranked from lowest to highest, with the lowest score denoting the winner. The even is a trail ride, usually between 2 and 3 hours with obstacles along the way. The obstacles usually number between 8 - 12.
A trail trials is not a race. Common sense and safety are of prime importance and it is the rider's response to determine if their horse is capable of competing. The trail is to be clearly marked and the obstacles are not arena style such as back through L, boxes, etc... The obstacle should reflect riding conditions of the local environment with the goal being to maintain the character of an authentic trail ride.
The judge, stationed at each obstacle, will mark the official score of each competitor using a standard scoring system:
0 - perfect, no discernable errors
1 - above average, very minor errors
2 - adequate job, obvious errors
3 - made an effort, skills need improvement
4 - obstacle beyond teams skill level
24 - competitor bypassed obstacle
Notes: Snorting and looking are not refusals. 3 attempts are allowed, with eight points per refusal. Cinch check is required when necessary and stated; failure to execute will be 2 points. Jumping on, into, off of, through, or over any obstacle is a major fault.
Some required skills that may be used to negotiate obstacles include: Whoa - halt cues without argument, stand quietly, execute gaits calmly and as directed, move the horse laterally (side to side), turn on haunches and/or forehand, back the horse in a straight line or around a corner, back either horse's front or back feet over a raised object, emergency dismount - kicking both feet out of the stirrups before landing on the ground while maintaining control of the horse through a contact rein.
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2011 Trail Trials Registration form |
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