Competitive trail riding is a team sport, a partnership between horse and rider. Together you will become a team by crossing meadows and streams, climbing mountain tops going through shady paths through small wooded areas. Together you will exercise body and brain as you cover the coarse, sharing the adventure and excitement of competition.

During the process of training and conditioning, and in the competition itself, each of you grows in physical fitness and in learning skills. The relationship that develops can reach a high level of harmony as you enjoy the recreation of riding the countryside’s trails closer to nature than likely in everyday life.

A competitive trail ride is a judged event for both horse and rider as they cover a set course of trail miles and obstacles within a specified period of time. KMSH sanctioned veterinary and horsemanship judges score according to the basic guidelines developed for the competition. A competitive trail ride is not a race; there is a minimum as well as a maximum allotted time. Although the pace allows time for viewing the scenery, it is faster than a "pleasure ride" in order to test the horse’s condition and soundness and the rider’s skills.

• Rides may take place on public or private property.

• Competitors may haul their horses to the ride’s headquarters where they can set up camp.

• Riders need to check in with the ride secretary.

• Riders need to present for a preliminary veterinary inspection.

• Riders will be briefed on trails by trail master in a meeting one time where questions will be answered.

• Riders will be timed out at a starting point.

• Riders will have a map of the marked trail and instructions how to approach each obstacle.

• Riders will be required to wear helmets.

• Riders are judged as a team horse and rider.

• Riders will be judged by either a veterinarian or a qualified horseman or woman that is well respected, with horse knowledge, a KMSHA member in good standing with the KMSHA, and is appointed by the trail committee or KMSHA President.

• All horses must be KMSH or SMH for this event.

• KMSH/SMH Papers must be presented to judge.

• Riders must be a member and in good standing to compete in this event.

• Horses are judged on condition, soundness, and also on their manners and the way of going.

• Riders are judged on all phases of horsemanship as it applies to trail equitation and on the care and handling of their horse.

• Separate scorecards are kept for both horse and rider, and competitors receive a copy of their cards following completion of the ride.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. All members are expected to follow the rules and guidelines of the KMSHA. If a member is acting as such, they will be disqualified from the event and ask to leave the property. If the member or members refuse then local law enforcement will assist.

• No alcoholic beverages will be present while or during this event.

NOTE: CHANGES MAY OCCUR WHILE EVENT IS GOING ON BUT EACH AND EVERY RIDER AND HORSE WILL BE TREATED WITH THE SAME FAIRNESS.

The ride is structured for judging to be done under uniform conditions for all horses and riders. All things being equal, who is the best horse and rider? Before the ride starts, riders are informed of the time allowed to complete the course.

The course will be pre-examined, inspected and timed by the trail master or trail stewart and or assistant. Penalty points are assigned for finishing before or after the allotted time. The horse’s condition, soundness, and trail ability and manners are evaluated by the veterinarian several times during the event.

The rider is judged throughout the ride by a horsemanship judge on safety aspects, handling skills, and equitation. Judges may evaluate the horse and rider going down the trail or over an obstacle. Safety is stressed during all phases of the ride. The rider remains on the horse for forward and backwards motion and it is

the riders responsibility for the care of the horse.

If the horse gets injured during the ride it is the responsibility of the rider to seek help from the veterinarian and the trail masters are responsible to make sure the rider is assisted to.

NOVICE Division: First time competitors (FOR THIS FIRST EVENT, EVERYONE WILL BE ENTERED INTO AS NOVICE)

NOVICE Division: Adults 19 and over

NOVICE Juvenile: Age 12 to 18 years old. No stallions will be ridden by a juvenile. Obstacles and timing will be different.

NOTE: More Class divisions will be added in the future per membership of the KMSHA Trail Riders club. KMSHA/SMHA uses time, versatility and stress and not speed as judging criteria.

Source: KMSH News, May/June 2007