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.

  1. GATE – Open, pass through and close
  2. CROSSING OBSTACLE – logs, bridge, tetter- totter, water, ditch, or tarp
  3. DRAGGING OBSTACLE – log, tire, pallet
  4. ROPE A STATIONARY STEER – rope provided at obstacle
  5. LOAD INTO A TRAILER
  6. REMOVE, CARRY AND REPLACE AN ITEM
  7. BACK – thru &/or around obstacles or up/down hill
  8. SIDEPASS – over a single pole or poles
  9. JUMP – lope or trot over a jump
  10. MAILBOX
  11. THROUGH – cowboy curtains, tunnels
  12. NATURAL TERRAIN – brush, ravines, hills
  13. MOUNTING – from fence, block, log, or windmill
  14. MAZE or tight fit
  15. PICKING UP HORSES FEET
  16. PONY A HORSE (Extreme division only)
  17. HORSEMANSHIP ELEMENTS – circles, straight lines, lead changes, pivots, rollbacks, stops (see below)
  18. WATER – crossing, sprinkler, carry, creek
  19. DEBRIS

The Rider should Ride with Purpose.

Trail Rider Challenge MazeTrail Rider Challenge Debris

 

HORSEMANSHIP ELEMENTS: These items can be an obstacle of their own or incorporated into other obstacles.

  1. Pivots on hindquarters, forehand, or in combination.
  2. Circles, straight lines, serpentines or other patterns in the line of travel.
  3. Lead changes: may be simple or flying, in a designated location.
  4. Gaits: walk, trot, extended trot, lope both directions
  5. Stops
  6. 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.