Competitive Trail Riding
The Horsemanship Judging

Horsemanship judging starts after the competitor is checked in, when the horse is presented for the vet judge. The horsemanship judge will observe the handler with his horse, noting the grooming, in-hand presentation, safety, and control over the horse. Later items that will be judged will include tack and equipment, trail equitation (which is not necessarily ring equitation), trail care, trail safety & courtesy, and stabling area. These are divided into categories for judging on your score card, listed below.

First Section: 20%

1. Grooming: the evaluation shall include, but not be limited to the following:
   • brushing
   • dirt
   • sweat marks
   • foreign matter
   • external parasites
   • feet and shoeing
2. In-Hand Presentation: the evaluation shall include but not be limited to the following:
   • control of horse
   • safety
   • turning
   • lead rope
   • response to directions
   • consideration of others
3. Tack and Equipment: evaluation shall include but not be limited to:
   • cleanliness
   • proper fit
   • adjustment
   • repair
   • trail gear placement and security

Second Section: 50%

1. Trail Equitation: the evaluation of shall include but not be limited to:
   • balance/lightness
   • body and leg position
   • control
   • hands
   • aids to the horse on ascending, descending and level terrain
   • mounting
   • dismounting
   • obstacles
   • control
   • timing

Third section: 30%

1. Trail Care: evaluation shall include but not be limited to:
   • cinch, saddle, blanket and pad
   • feet
   • tie and safety
   • water stops
   • rating of horse
   • cooling out
2. Trail Safety and Courtesy
   • crowding
   • riding in a bunch
   • response to directions
   • consideration of others
   • potential danger to horse, self or others
3. Stabling:
   • feed and water
   • container security
   • blanket (fit and safety)
   • tie (height, length, quick release knot, security)
   • safety, choice of location, tack and gear placement
   • horse care
4. General Comments

Disqualifications

1. Riders who abuse their horse
2. riders who drug their horse, use prohibited medications or refuse drug testing
3. Riders who engage in conduct unbecoming a competitor
4. Major violation of the rules
5. Completing the day's ride in more than 30 minutes before minimum time
6. Any competitor excessively early or late so as to interfere with judging or operation of the ride
7. Openly abusive language or behaviour toward management, judges, ride personel other competitors during or after competition, by the competitor or any person associated with the competitor (may be penalized or disqualified as the case warrants)

One of the horsemanship judges giving instructions to a rider and watching a handicapped rider do a judged mount.