Trail Class


	Rally Trail Class This year the rally committee has been working hard to bring you something new and challenging for this year's trail class. Instead of 8 or 9 static 'obstacles' for you to negotiate, this year you will perform a pattern which will incorporate changing gaits, following a pattern through these gaits as well as several tasks one might encounter on the trail. Paramount in our process here we want to avoid long delay as each rider negotiates their turn. This class historically has taken very much time. Please carefully read the rules and judging criteria below. Click HERE for course details Trail courses are typically posted one hour before the class, however, since this is our Rally we will be posting them here approximately one week before the Rally for you to study and practice if you wish. If you have any questions please contact Cindie Willoughby @ c.willoughby@comcast.net. Rules and Judging Criteria Rally 2008 - Trail Class 1- There will be no schooling on the trail class in the morning. 2- There will be no schooling while in the trail class. 3- After the trail class’s are finished you may school in the trail ring all afternoon. 4- Gaited horses speed for trot and canter described as a slow gait equivalent to trot and faster gait equivalent to canter as breed standard dictates. For those in the advanced class show a slower gait for a trot and a faster gait for the canter. 5- At the locations of the halt/task credit is given as to how quiet the horse stands while you perform these functions 6-This class will be judged on the performance of the horse over and around obstacles, with emphasis on manners, calmness, response to the exhibitor and a willing attitude. 7-The Judge will grade each obstacle/section- subtracting points for faults ( refusals, tick or move of log or cone, break gait, break obstacle, unwilling behavior) A point system of 0, 1, 2, etc. will be used with 0 being the worst and10 being the best. 8-Credit will be given to those horses negotiating the obstacles with ease, grace, and some degree of speed, providing carefulness is not sacrificed. 9-Credit will be given to a horse showing capability of picking their own way through course when obstacles warrant it and willing response to exhibitor’s cues on more difficult obstacles. 10- Credit will be given for following the pattern as posted without assistance. If a rider forgets the pattern, she/he may ask the judge (not the onlookers as they may not know either!) A one time 5 point penalty will be given for asking for assistance. (You can ask as many times as you like and only 5 points are deducted!) 11 Three refusals or going past the maximum time allowed for the obstacle (one minute per obstacle) will result in a 0 score for that obstacle. The judges assistant will prompt you with a ‘Thank-you’ and you can proceed to the next obstacle. 12 If there is any element you feel you can not do safely, please pass to the next. If your horse will not stand quietly while being mounted, ask for assistance to hold him. 13- Score cards will be available after winners are announced. Judge’s decisions are final. 14. You are being given the pattern in advance so you can study and practice if you wish. If you have any questions contact Cindie Willoughby (Trail Class Engineer!) c.Willoughby@comcast.net.

Site Map