Judging and Obstacles Encountered At Some CTR's
At various points along the trail, judges are posted. Sometimes they observe riders traverse some natural obstacle such as a deep gully or creek, large logs across the trail, or a bridge or boggy place. Other times, they give riders specific instructions, such as to back or sidepass the horse, open and close a gate, or travel at a specified gait such as the trot or canter. Riders may be asked to complete obstacles either in-hand or under saddle.
If riders have to wait their turn, they must keep track of the time from arrival until they are able to be judged and give this time to the judge or his/her secretary. If riders finish the trail late, this time is given back to the competitor.
Other examples of judged obstacles include:
- Emergency stops from trot or canter.
- Back between or around trees, uphill, or in water
- Sidepass up to a tree, over log, or in water
- Mount and Dismount, including offside
- Tie a ribbon on a tree or tree limb.
- Climb or descend a bank, hill or cliff.
- Step or Back over a large log.
Horses and riders need to practice obstacles at home in order to build the trust and teamwork that enables them to be smooth on the trail. Any time riders are asked to do something they consider unsafe, or the horse is not ready to do, it is acceptable to "pass," though the rider will lose points.
Read more about this topic: Competitive Trail Riding, Competition Details
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