How to Design a Trail Class for Horses
Trail classes are a standard component of Western and open horse shows. These classes provide an opportunity for riders to showcase their horse's willingness to overcome obstacles that are commonly found on trail rides. A well-designed trail class allows the ring assistants to make minor adjustments for each level of rider. Beginner classes are done at the walk or walk-and-trot speeds, and typically have four basic obstacles spaced on the outside of the ring. More advanced classes will typically have six to eight obstacles and require the use of several gaits.
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Instructions
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Measure and evaluate the location available for the trail class. Check thoroughly for any holes, large rocks or uneven surfaces. Make notes of these challenges so you can design your course around hazardous areas. If the class will take place in an arena, check with the property manager to make sure that there are no restrictions. Some professional arenas do not allow water obstacles.
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Research the experience level of the riders in the class. If there will be several classes geared to different levels of riders, take this into consideration when you design your class to ensure prompt changes can be made between classes.
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Purchase, rent or build the obstacles you will have in your class. Most saddle clubs will loan or rent their obstacles, which may be less expensive than building obstacles from scratch. Common obstacles include bridges for horses to cross; mailboxes to open and close; flags to move from one container to another; ground poles or logs; marked areas that require side-passing or backing to pass; and gates the rider must open, ride through and latch closed.
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Draw the layout of the class, including how the available obstacles will be placed. Proper planning will give you the ability to maximize the arena or field space available. Consider the gaits in which horses will be required to move from one obstacle to the next. Allow ample space between each obstacle--30 feet for jogging and 50 feet for loping is standard.
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Set up your course in advance to be certain all obstacles can be properly placed according to your plans. Check all obstacles for damaged components that could cause an injury to horse or rider.
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Ride your course on horseback before you allow the class to begin. The test-ride should be done in exactly the same order as the class requires. Make any adjustments that need to be made to allow for proper completion of the course.
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Tips & Warnings
When designing trail classes, never use water obstacles that have plastic or metal bottoms. Make sure that bridges are made to support a minimum of 2,000 pounds and do not wobble or shake when crossed on horseback. Safety should always be the primary concern.
References
- Photo Credit horse rider image by Oleg Gribanov from Fotolia.com
