Spooktacular Trail Challenge!
October 31 @ 10:00 am - November 1 @ 5:00 pm
$20.00 – $25.00
Saturday, October 31st & Sunday November 1st, 2026; 10:00 am first pattern walk -through with judges. First Riders on course at 10:30am.
COSTUME CONTEST! YOU & YOUR HORSE PUT ON YOUR FUN OR SPOOKY COSTUMES & JOIN OUR COSTUME CONTEST! Judging for costume contest at 3:30pm on Saturday.
Beginner Course – $20 per run, max of 3 runs per rider. Beginner Riders are those with less than 2 years’ experience in obstacle-type competition under saddle.
IN HAND – $20 per run, max of 3 runs per handler. Ok for competitors to enter both IN HAND & Riding classes. Horses may compete with or without saddle & halter (nylon web, or rope halter is acceptable)
Challenge Course – $25 per run with max of 3 runs per rider. Anyone is eligible to compete at this level regardless of experience.
Cash payouts to winners based on our 4D Format.
**The HIGH score of the day = 1D WINNER, -11 points down = 2D WINNER, – 11 pts from 2D is 3D WINNER, -11 pts from 3D = 4D WINNER. CASH PAYOUTS WILL DEPEND ON TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR THAT DAY. **$50 Bonus payouts to winners who also competed in our Spring 4D Trail Challenge.
SCROLL DOWN FOR TIPS FOR SUCCESS & GENERAL RULES FOR TRAIL COMPETITION;
KEYS TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING A COMPETITIVE MOUNTAIN TRAIL COURSE
- Make sure you enter each obstacle centered & straight. Maintain a centered position through the obstacle. Exit obstacle on the center line.
- All obstacles should be ridden with a relaxed rein and soft/subtle cues.
- Strive to keep eyes looking ahead where you are going rather than down at the obstacle, unless the intricacy of the obstacle demands you need to look down (such as a maze) in order to navigate successfully. If you do need to look down, be sure to remain balanced in the saddle.
- Try to maintain forward movement as required by the obstacle unless the course instructions specify a stop.
- Be sure to remain balanced in the saddle as you travel through elevation changes.
- Try to enjoy yourself, relax & ride your ride.
- The horse should appear attentive and engaged while traveling fluidly through the course. A dull horse traveling without expression or the appearance of paying attention through the course is less desirable.
COMPETITIVE MOUNTAIN TRAIL JUDGING STANDARDS
What is the definition of a perfect Mountain Trail Horse/Rider combo? We feel it is a willing, forward moving, loose reined partnership between horse & rider.
In-Hand:
- Touching horse with your hand or a training aid is a major deduction.
- Pulling on or being pulled by horse is a deduct. The horse should travel willingly & respectfully with the handler.
GENERAL RULES (MOUNTED &/OR IN HAND)
- The rider switching from one handed to two handed or vice versa within the obstacle is a deduction. If a rider begins an obstacle riding one handed on the reins, any touching of the rein with the other hand will result in a major deduction for that obstacle. If a rider enters an obstacle riding with 2 hands on the reins & releases one hand it is also a deduction (unless the obstacle requires it, ie… opening a gate, performing a drag, etc..).
- A horse being ridden in a shank bit should ideally be ridden one handed. If a rider rides 2 handed in a shank bit it will be a major deduction and the max score for any obstacle is 9 (no 10s shall be awarded for riding two handed in a shank bit).
- If all four feet of the horse stop moving and it requires a noticeable cue for it to continue before, during, or after an obstacle it is a deduction (unless course or instructions dictate otherwise). A reasonable change of cadence during approach, or throughout an obstacle is not necessarily a deduction if doing so aids in maintaining the horse’s balance.
- Ticking an obstacle by horse or rider will not be a deduction unless it disrupts the natural stride of the horse (ie..a slight grazing of a hoof on a pole vs. a stumble that dislodges or repositions the obstacle).
- A rider removing their hand from the gate constitutes losing control of the gate and is a major deduction. Sliding a hand down the gate is not a deduction, as contact & control is maintained throughout the maneuver. Bumping or hitting the gate panel or post during the open/close maneuver by horse or rider is a minor deduction.
- Any step backwards from an obstacle counts as a refusal, hence a deduction. General etiquette is that after 3 refusals the rider should move on to the next obstacle.
- Starting an obstacle over after partially completing it receives no more than half the maximum allowable score even if the additional attempt(s) is successful.
- If rider dismounts to lead horse over an obstacle, their score is a zero for that obstacle.
- If the rider goes off pattern & skips an obstacle, or performs obstacles out of order, all obstacles involved receive a zero score.
- Tails of reins not being moved away from working side of horse in obstacles such as a gate, drag, or picking up an item is a deduction (for safety reasons).
- Soothing, calming or petting while performing an obstacle is a deduction.
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DEFINITIONS & DISQUALIFICATONS
The following types of bits are not allowed:
*Any bit with a shank longer than 7 inches
*Square twisted mouthpiece bits
*Smooth twisted wire mouthpiece smaller than 5/16”
* Gag bits
*Mechanical Hackamore
Other prohibited equipment:
*Tie downs
* Running/German martingales
*Cavessons
* All other forms of training aids
The well-being of the horse is of utmost concern and horses displaying consistent lameness can be disqualified for the remainder of the event.
Any inhumane or abusive treatment of animals will not be tolerated, nor will poor sportsmanship towards other competitors and/or spectators. Violations will result in immediate disqualification of the offender.
No coaching from the sidelines will be allowed. Violations will result in immediate disqualification of the rider & any others involved.
Unsafe horses will not be tolerated. Repeated rearing, running away, getting loose, bolting, kicking out, etc. will result in disqualification for the remainder of the event.