Trail Classes

[dotsanddashes]

I have just received a schedule for a show, and they have a 'have a go trail class - in hand or ridden'......I would love to have a go - can someone tell me what I need to do to prepare for such a class - what obstacles will I need to be familar with and some ideas for training - we will be inhand.

Thanks.:)

[Catbaloo]

Trail:RIDDEN
This class requires horse and rider to negotiate a series of obstacles placed on the arena surface. The horse is marked on its attitude on approaching and dealing with each element of the course. Obstacles include a gate, walking, jogging or loping over poles and backing between poles or around cones. Other obstacles can be four poles forming a square of between 5 and 6ft in which the horse must turn 360 degrees, sidepassing over, in front of, or between poles in both directions, and carrying an object from one point to another.

[Bacharel]

to add to the list small bridges and/or platforms, and soemtimes crossing water:)

[Jessey]

Yep, pretty much as above, most associations (in the uk) have a bridge and gate in every course, so make sure he is happy to be led over a wooden bridge and wait patiently while you do a gate. We also often see poles, but not nicely spaced out ones ;) more likely to be a pile of 4 or 5 a bit jumbled up, they really have to think and pick their way through them. You are also likely to see a shape made of poles which you back them through (no touching now ;)) and maybe one to sode pass along. I doubt real water will be involved if its inhand, but walking over a tarp may be :eek:. You could also be required to put on and take off a slicker (you know those long rain coats) which shouldn't spook your horse at all. There may also be a ground tie involved.

For training, get as much of the stuff as you can, then set up a bit of a course in the field (if you can), take him round, let him look and sniff at it (actually looking carefully can gain you more points in a class) and gradually ask him to step up/over/on/through/round until he is totally chilled with it, you can then add flappy plastic bags and stuff just to make it more challanging so on the day in the ring it will be dead easy for him :D

J x