The
course is designed using natural obstacles
and
situations a rider might encounter on
a trail ride. The rider might expect
to be judged on opening a gate, maneuvering
through a creek, executing an up or
downhill. Other obstacles encountered
might be: stepping over logs, backing
up, mounting, and handling a horse in-hand
or encountering a bicyclist on the trail.
Rider/horse teams are judged strictly
on how well they negotiate their horse
through an obstacle with an emphasis
on calmness and safety.
The
riders are divided up into three levels
of difficulty and then into age groups.
All classes ride the same trail at the
same speed. Each rider competes against
other riders of similar experience,
for 1st to 6th place awards. Awards
will be given at the end of the ride
along with the score card. Points accumulate
and year end awards are presented for
NCTHA members. |