Horse Obstacle Training, Clinics, Groups, Clubs and Events
Learn about horse obstacles and challenges that test your horsemanship skills, and find information about training, clinics, groups, clubs, events
The Challenges
A Trail Horse Challenge is a course of obstacles and tests that challenge the horse to be confident, independent and trusting of its rider. The goal is to help the horse become a trustworthy, reliable, willing and safe partner in trail riding.
Most trail horse challenges include obstacles that simulate situations that the rider and horse might encounter on the trail, such as
- crossing bridges
- crossing water
- riding through trees and brush
- stepping over fallen logs
- ascending and descending steep hills
- carrying and/or dragging items
- navigating tight corners and narrow paths
- passing unfamiliar objects (bicycles, flags, etc.)
Trail Horse Challenges vary in type. Some disciplines use only obstacles that replicate real-life situations found on natural trails, while others use obstacles that one would never encounter on the trail. Unnatural obstacles are designed for skills training and/or desensitization, and to provide opportunities for bonding and building trust.
Accomplishments in Competition
In competition, the horse and rider team earns points for each challenge on the course, depending on the level of acceptance and skill. At the end of the event, a grand total of points is tallied for each team. In some cases extra points are given for overall horsemanship skills.
Some organizations offer single-event rewards (cash payouts and prizes), and others tally seasonal scores and hold season-end competitions for competitors who have earned enough points to compete in finals.
Canadian Cowboy Challenge (SK Chapter, 2015)
This challenge is to carry a flag from one location to another, then move on to a different obstacle or challenge on the course.
SPHC Trail Challenge (2017)
Trail’s End Guest Ranch (Aylesbury, SK) and the Saskatchewan Paint Horse Club host an annual trail ride and competition, with natural and unnatural obstacles and challenges.
Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge (2013)
Jim Anderson sends his horse Maverick through an obstacle. (Photo Credit: The Calgary Stampede)
Bolender Horse Park Bridge (2014)
A bridge obstacle on an Extreme Mountain Trail Course in Silver Creek, Washington (Photo Credit: The Bolender Horse Park)
Events
Hosted at various locations and are posted on the Events Calendar.
Hosting Events
Anyone can host a trail horse challenge event. If you would like to host an event, see the Hosting page. Your event will be posted on this web site.