Saturday, August 24, 2013

Important Info About the Trail Class in the October Show

We have decided to get our horse show trail class a little more in alignment with what our members may be asked to perform at the district and state 4-H shows. The following are general descriptions of the obstacles meant to inform contestants of skills they can be practicing in preparation for the show. The fall show will include several (6-8) of the following trail obstacles. They will not necessarily be in the order listed, may be combined, and may include gait and directional transitions. There will be two patterns: one for novice/junior and one for senior/adult divisions. At this point in time the course will not require a canter/lope due to footing and space limitations where the course is located. Patterns will be posted on the grounds on the day of the show.

*Back through cones, a
round barrels, through an L or U, or out of a "chute"
*Sack out with a slicker; carry a slicker
*Open, walk through, and close a rope gate
*Enter and complete a 270 or 360 degree turn in a box; walk or trot through a box
*Walk or trot over a series of poles (may be laid straight or in an arc or zig zag)
*Walk over elevated poles no higher than 12" 
*Cross a wooden bridge
*Sidepass left or right over a pole
*Walk to a mailbox, retrieve and replace mail, close mailbox
*Walk or trot a serpentine through cones

We hope you find this information helpful. We want our trail class to be fun, challenging, and educational. If you have any questions about the possible obstacles, please do not hesitate to ask. Happy practicing!

No comments: