TRAIL OBSTACLE COMPETITION RULES VERSION 6-2017
TRUHAVEN RANCH TRAIL OBSTACLE COMPETITION RULES Description: The Trail Obstacle Competition (TOC) is a unique event that encourages you and your horse to develop a trail partnership based on trust and measure your horsemanship skills. You partnership is then scored on an obstacle course designed to challenge your skills at all levels and encourage good horsemanship. Purpose: This event will give you the opportunity to set goals, measure your progress, gain confidence, expose your horse to new things, and compete. The TOC is about having fun, building confidence, promoting good horsemanship and challenging you and your horse to new levels. Courses: *** 2016 Rule change -Time limit applies for all rides. All classes will be scored on your ride with time being the tie breaker. Horsemanship and teamwork is more important than speed. 1. In-Hand Course: Course consists of 6-8 obstacles to be completed while leading your horse. Suitable for horses of all ages and minis. Time limit applies. Scored only, no time points. Obstacles are worth 10 points each. 2. Basic Course: Course is suitable for all ages of horses and riders. 8-10 obstacles, no water, no jumping (except in-hand). Walk-Trot only, time limit applies. Scored only, no time points. Obstacles are worth 10 points each. 3. Trail Rider Course: is scored and timed. 10-12 obstacles are worth 10 points each. Time is worth up to 10 points. It is in an open area, includes loping and more challenging obstacles. Open to all ages and skill levels of horse and rider. Time limit applies. Scored only, no time points 4. Extreme Challenge Course: is scored and timed. 10-16 obstacles are worth 10 points each. Time is worth up to 10 points. It is in an open area, includes loping and a higher level of difficulty and skill. Open riders over 14 and your riders with permission. Time limit applies. Scored only, no time points. Divisions 1. In Hand 2. Youth: Riders 13 and under as of January 1. 3. Intermediate: 14-44 4. Senior: 45+ 5. Novice Division: For beginner riders. Novices have not placed 1-3 in a Trail Class or a similar event prior to this year. Novices have never been paid to ride, train or give lessons. 6. Green Horse: For horses who have been under saddle less than 1 year prior to the start of the season or horses who have not placed 1-3 in a trail competition prior to this year. 7. Open Division: Open to all horses and riders. Prizes and Awards: Ribbon 1st - 4th in all classes. How to enter: NEW 2017 Rule! A Basic fee is charged for each horse and rider combination. $50 pre-entered by deadline includes office fee and 2 classes. This fee is $65 on the day of the event. Each added class is $20 Classes are limited to 15 entrants. To pre-enter, go to www.truhavenranch.org and use the donate button to pay for your Basic fee. Note what event date your entry is for. You may add classes at the event for $20 each. NOTE: This account will take any credit card as well as a check. Look to lower left for instructions. Registrations accepted at the event, Basic fee $65 per horse and rider combination NEW for 2017: We do not refund or credit for bad weather, or other unforeseen events outside of our control. We are not responsible for accidents to humans, animals, or property, including acts of God. Your entry is considered a donation to Truhaven Ranch.
Horse Eligibility: Horses may enter each class only once in Trail Rider and Extreme Classes. Open to any breed and riding discipline. Exhibitor Order will be determined by show management. Accommodations are made for exhibitors with multiple horses. Trail Rider Challenge OBSTACLES Most obstacles will come from this list. Show management has the right to be creative. Typical Obstacles: 1. Gate: Opening, passing through and closing the gate. 2. Crossing Obstacle: poles, logs, bridge, water, ditch, or tarp 3. Dragging Obstacle: Log, tire, tarp, pallet, etc. 4. Loading into a trailer 5. Remove, carry and replace an item: slicker, bucket, ball, flag, saddlebag, etc. 6. Back or ride thru and around obstacles or up and down a hill 7. Side pass over a single pole or poles 8. Jump: Lope over a small jump (log or small barrel). Youth may trot. 9. Mailbox: Approaching the object and handling and item 10. Through: Cowboy curtains, tunnels 11. Natural Terrain: brush, sticks, downfall areas, ravines, hill, debris 12. Mounting: From fence, block, log, windmill 13. Circles or straight line: trot, lope, lead changes, slow, fast 14. Smoke: campfire 15. Loud noises 16. Maze or tight fit 17. Picking up horses feet 18. Pony a horse (Extreme division) 19. Maneuvers: Pivots, rollbacks, stops, weaving or pattern 20. Water: crossing, sprinkler, carry, creek NOTE: A course walk through for competitors will be held prior to each division. It is the competitor's responsibility to fully understand the course and rules at this time. Obstacles must be completed in the designated order. It is acceptable to ask the judges where to go next or have someone call for you. SAFETY: Obstacles are designed with safety in mind. However, if you feel an obstacle is beyond the abilities of you and/or your horse you may skip that obstacle. You will receive a zero for that obstacle but will still receive a score for the course. Helmets are required for age 17 and under. For adults, Helmets are encouraged. Competitors and parent/legal guardians of youth assume all responsibility when on the grounds and participating in the event.
RULES: 1. Open to any discipline of riding and breed(s) of horse. 2. Horse can go through each course only once in the Trail Rider and Extreme classes. A rider may exhibit multiple horses. 3. All rider must sign a release form. Riders 17 years of age and under must have parent/guardian signature on release form. 4. Entry Fees are non-refundable unless class is cancelled by management. 5. Riders may not consume alcoholic beverages before or during their ride. A rider will be disqualified if it appears that the rider is using drugs or alcohol. 6. Equines must be serviceably sound and in good condition as determined by the judge. 7. Horses may be shown in any division if they and/or the rider is eligible for the division. 8. It is expected that each horse shall be treated humanely with kindness and respect at all times. Horses should have the opportunity to display their great natural ability not hindered by drugs, surgical alterations or inhumane treatment. Our position is to hold the highest standard of integrity in treatment and care of the horse. 9. The judge always has the option of disqualifying an exhibitor for safety reasons, disrespect or misconduct. 10. No whining, moaning, or complaining. The object is to have fun and to better our horsemanship. Suggestions are welcome. 11. No horses on the course before their turn. 12. If you choose to lead your horse through and obstacle you must remount before moving toward the next obstacle. 13. If you happen to fall off your horse and you can regain control without assistance and remount you may do so. If you horse leaves the course you are disqualified. 14. The judge will blow whistle and ask the contestant to move on to next obstacle upon the third refusal or after 30 seconds of not completing an obstacle. The rider MUST move on to the next obstacle. Riders who do not move on will be disqualified. 15. Failure to complete and obstacle results in zero for that obstacle, not a disqualification. 16. It is permissible to change rein hand to work with an obstacle. 17. Please respect the facility, treat it well and clean up after yourself. 18. Show management has the right to add additional rules if necessary. Rule additions will be posted at registration table. 19. NEW 2017: Horses may participate in a practice hour prior to the event beginning. Fee $10 per horse. TACK AND ATTIRE Attire: Boots with a heel are mandatory. Dress should be appropriate for the weather and the event, neat and functional. Show clothing is not required. Helmets are required for age 17 and under. For adults, helmets are encouraged. Tack: Must be safe, humane and in good working condition. If show management determines an item to be unsafe or not humane the exhibitor has 10 minutes to correct the problem and return to the course. Snaffle Bits and Bosals: Any horse may be shown 2 handed using a snaffle or bosal. Change for 2017: Horses that are shown in bit with a shank should be ridden one-handed when possible. Use of two-hands on some obstacles will not be penalized. Discouraged Equipment: Mechanical hackamores, tie-downs, draw reins, martingales, and wire chinstraps strongly discouraged.
JUDGING Each contestant will perform the required trail pattern individually. The best trail horse will be willfully guided with no apparent resistance. Any movement made by the horse on it's own or deviation from the pattern must be considered a lack of control. Credit will be given for horsemanship, smoothness, calmness, finesse, forward motion, control, attitude, quickness and authority in performing the various obstacles while using controlled speed. This event is intended to display the versatile working ability of a horse. A good horseman will never endanger themselves or their horse. A good working relationship between horse and rider should be rewarded. Riders will abide by the ruling of the judge. All judges' decisions are final. **NOTE: If you can accomplish this at a fast pace, that is even more points. However, sacrificing horsemanship for speed will not give you a better score. SCORING Each obstacle will be worth 10 points. Points can be given in 0.5 increments. Bonus point or.5 may be added for any obstacle. Scoring System: 0- Not attempted 1- Attempt made, uncooperative horse, 3 refusals 2- Attempt made, uncooperative horse, 2 refusals 3- Attempt made, uncooperative horse, 1 refusal 4- Obstacle compete with hesitation, rough but done 5- Obstacle completed with slight deviation or hesitation 6- Obstacle completed as expected 7- Obstacle completed smoothly and willingly 8- Obstacle completed willingly with finesse 9- Obstacle completed willingly with a higher degree of difficulty 10- Obstacle completed willingly with a higher degree of difficulty and extreme finesse Time The competition time keeper/time clock will record the entry/competitors time. The official timer will have the final time decision and may not be challenged. Time limit for all divisions as announced at walk through. Usually 3 minutes with extreme at 4 minutes. In the event of a tie score in any division, the fastest time will win.
Truhaven Ranch Trail Rider Challenge Entry Form Name Horse s Name Address City, State Zip Phone Email Age, if under 18 (Must wear an approved helmet and must have parent/guardian signature.) Date of Competition you are entering Office Fee $10 (Must pay office fee and enter at least 1 class @ $25 to be pre-entered Classes @ $35 Classes @ $25 Total Class # $ Please send check to: Truhaven Ranch 23677 Cable Ave Winsted, MN 55395 You may add classes when you get there for $25 once you are entered.) To pay with a credit card, go to www.truhavenranch.org, use the donate button and just note what it s for. You do not need a PayPal account, you may use any credit card or your checking account. Information: Read the rules found on the website, www.truhavenranch.org then call Candy at 320-224-5454 if you still have questions Truhaven Ranch Liability Release Form I understand that I am participating in an event, which contains dangers, and risks may arise, including but not limited to, accidental injury, the forces of nature and illness. In consideration for the right to participate in these events and the services provided for me by Truhaven Ranch, Inc. and its agents, I have and do hereby assume the risks associated with such events. The participant shall at his own expense, defend the Truhaven Ranch management and/or all sponsors, their members, or employees from any and all such claims and indemnify, from any and all liability, damage and costs arising from injuries to person or property occasioned by any act or omission of the participant, participant s minor children or participant s property. I am not prohibited by law to use or handle firearms. I have read and understand all the Rules and policies associated with this event. Participant s Name Signature Date Parent's Signature if under age 18 Name Address City State Zip E-mail Address PHOTO RELEASE Signing this document also gives consent to and authorizes the use and reproduction by Truhaven Ranch, Inc. of any and all photographs and any other audio/visual materials taken of me/my child for promotional material, educational activities, exhibitions or for any other use for the benefit of THR.