EASTGATE SADDLE CLUB
SECTION II - RULES
D. Judged Trail Rides
- General Trail Ride Rules… page 1
- Before You Head Out… page 1
a)Preparing Your Horse … page 1
b)Equipment … page 2
c)Clothing … page 2
d)Lunch … page 3
- On The Trail… page 3
- Judging… page 4
- General Trail Ride Rules:
-Trail Boss(es)
oDo not pass the trail boss(s) or lag behind the end trail boss(s). Never leave the trail or the group.
oObey all orders, directions and suggestions of the trail boss(s).
-Sick or lame horses at the start of a ride will be excused.
-Shoeing is optional
-Trail directors will inspect tack for safety.
- Before You Head Out
-new experiences unless the trail ride itself is a planned and controlled lesson.
oBody Language
▪the more familiar you are with horses and their body language, the better you can recognize potential trouble signs such as tensed muscles, pinned ears
a)Equipment{Suggested to bring but not limited too}
oA hoof pick
oA halter and lead rope or romel reins
▪to tie your horse or allow him to graze.
oHelmet
▪Riders 17 years old and younger MUST wear a helmet
▪Riders 18 years old and older are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a helmet
oReins can be split,single or romel
▪Make sure that you understand beyond a shadow of a doubt that the reins in your hands are your steering wheel and brakes.DON’T DROP THEM!
oAn ace bandage
▪for wrapping any cuts.
oA first aid kit: 1for human, AND 1 for the horse
▪is always a good idea, as help can be very far away.
▪Treat minor scrapes, abrasions, strains or bruises of either horse or rider while still minor, left untreated, they could becomeaggravated and result in major injuries.
Before You Head Out
oA flashlight
▪in case it gets dark.
oA pen knife
▪for cutting any leather or rope and baling twine can be very useful for emergency tack repairs
oA cell phone
▪in case you get lost or need help. Keep this on your person in case you and your horse get separated. Thick treefoliage might interfere with reception, so a hill top or open field might have to be found.
oAn old-fashioned map
oA compass
b)Clothing suggested but not limited to
oWear/bring a slicker or waterproof wear
▪for rainy weather. Check the weather and dress accordingly
oGloves
▪If you don’t wear gloves while you ride at least bring them to protect your hands if needed.
oDress in layers
▪you can remove layers or add layers as the weather and altitudechanges.
oExtra socks
▪keep your feet comfortable in case of sweating or anincident at a water crossing.
oBright colored clothes
▪People on the road or that are hiking will know it is a horse coming andmove out of the way or slow down. Bright colored saddle pads and polo wraps work great too.
oWear a sturdy pair of boots with a low heel to protect your feet.
oWear long pants
oHelmets and Cowboy hats (Ball caps are discouraged)
oDo not wear long dangly earrings
- On The Trail
-Walking ONLY. NO loping or galloping
-NO running up hills
-Stay in single file
-Keep one (1) horse length between your horse and the horse in front of you.
oOne (1) horse length means that you should be able to see the back hoofs of the horse in front of you
oYour horse may be kicked or bitten, possibly resulting in an accident.
-Stay with the group on the designated trail.
-All riders must stay between designated front and rear trail boss on designated trails.
-Always be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to odd things that could be a direction marker later if needed.
-Tying your horse
oDo not tie your horse up with the reins, unless it is an emergency.
oDo not tie your horse too close to a strange horse;
oTie your horse outof kicking range of the nearest horse
-Hunting Season
oWhen riding during hunting season, make lots of noise and wear visible clothing such as a fluorescent vest.
oUsing rhythm beads or bellson a horse is a good way to alert hunters that you are NOT a deer.
-Cars
oIf a horse spooks at the noise try to calm him by facing the car as it passes and getting off to stand at its head if needed.
oIf you are walking on the road walk facing the oncoming cars, so that you and your horse can see what is coming toward you.
oIf a vehicle is coming from behind, be aware that some drivers honk thinking it is the best way to let you know they are there.
-All Terrain Vehicles “ATVs”
oIf you are on a narrow trail where four-wheelers, bikes and motorcycles are allowed, be especially cautious.
oWhen somethinggoing faster than you is behind you, move to the side, it is courteous and it may save your horse from running away, becausehe thinks something is chasing him. Call out to other riders behind you of what is ahead.
-Garbage
oBe kind to the environment pick up your garbage, do not damage trees, pull leaves, pick flowers or use live trees for campfire
oLeave the area the same way you found it, as if no one was ever there.
Remember that your trail bosses are there to help you with any situation!
- Judging
-Starting condition of the horse
-Equipment
oSaddles, blanket, bridle or hackamore, slicker, riding boots, and suitable clothing.And Red ribbons in tails of horses who have the potential of kicking.
oIncidentals other than above may be used as a tiebreaker
-Bog Holes or Mud
oRider will lose points if the horse refuses to cross at a bog - should proceed with caution and alertness, and not try to run or lunge through.
oRider can gain points for working their horse calmly and safely to ensure a proper walk through.
oA rider will lose points if he endeavours to ride through where it would seem unsafe
-Bridges
oA rider will lose points
▪if the horse balks, stumbles, or refuses going over a bridge
▪if the horse running onto or over a bridge
▪for over Disciplining (more than 3 hits) or spurring in front of the cinch,
oa rider should not crowd or bunch on bridges remain in single file over the bridges
-Deadfall
oIf a deadfall must be crossed, it must be done so carefully and at a walk
oA rider will lose points
▪If the horse jumps deadfall
▪If it goes over deadfall when there is a way around
-Gate
oOpening and closing of a gate while mounted on your horse
oRider’s hand must remain on the gate at all times
oIf the rider chooses, he/she may dismount, open the gate, lead the horse through, close the gate, and then remount – no points will be awarded for dismounting
-Hills
oUp or down hills – horses travel in a zigzag course, at an angle, or straight up or down, depending on the grade (level of steepness) of the hill
-Horse’s Trail Manners and Way of Going
oRider will be marked on the way his/her horse moves out on the trail
oA rider will lose points:
▪If the horse is unable to get along with other horses (ie. Kicking, biting, crowding, etc.)
-Rider’s Trail Manners and Horsemanship
oA rider will lose points:
▪If the horse crowds other riders in narrow places, corners, single trail in brush, rocky places, bog holes, water crossings, bridges, etc.
▪If the horse appears lame – contestants must check for cause of lameness
oA rider will be disqualified if:
▪The rider is observed, by the Trail Boss(es), disturbing stock, or damaging stock
-Water Crossings
oGo slow on water crossings
oA rider will lose points:
▪If the horse balks, or crowds in the water
-Finish Condition of the Horse
oA rider will lose points:
▪If the horse is showing any signs of stress or lameness
▪If the rider does not loosen the saddle and girth, check the horse’s legs, clean it’s feet, and/or walk the horse around to cool and/or dry, etc.
Any questions, comments, or concerns:
Trail Directors can be reached by email at
Page 1 of 5
2013.05.04