| American Competitive Trail Horse Association CTCs | | | | or step off of an obstacle such as a bridge or ramp. |
| are becoming very popular because they are fun | | | | The horse shouldn't rush through an obstacle, as this |
| events that test your horsemanship and riding skills | | | | indicates fear. If a horse stumbles over an obstacle, |
| by setting forth multiple, judged trail obstacles. If you | | | | the horse will be seriously penalized. He should have a |
| plan to compete, you should know the key things | | | | natural headset (not too low or too high). Neither |
| that the judges will be looking for so that you | | | | should he toss his head or raise it high, another |
| maximize your success and earn the highest points | | | | indicator of fear or lack of willingness. |
| available for you and your horse. In an ACTHA CTC, | | | | The rider---the rider should appear balanced---not like |
| 20 total points can be earned: 10 for the rider and 10 | | | | she is about to fall off. Leaning to the side indicates |
| for the horse. The score starts at 20 and then the | | | | an obvious lack of balance; stay centered in your |
| judge will deduct points for flaws. So what are the | | | | seat. If you go up a hill, come up out of your saddle |
| judges really looking for? What will preserve your | | | | and lean forward, out of consideration for your horse |
| initial points and prevent deductions? | | | | and to demonstrate balance. Do the reverse going |
| In general---there are a few things that will totally | | | | down a hill; lean back into the saddle in proportion to |
| disqualify a rider and horse team and some things | | | | the degree of incline/decline. Make your commands |
| that are outright prohibited. A horse must wear head | | | | to your horse as fluid and graceful as possible, with |
| gear, but cannot wear a tie down or martingale, as | | | | as little movement and obvious coercion as possible. |
| these indicate a lack of control over the horse or bad | | | | Use the reins, seat, and leg aids as little as possible, |
| equine behavior or both. Riders must wear proper | | | | but as much as necessary to get the job done. A |
| attire and won't be allowed to ride in shorts or | | | | rider who can direct her horse through an obstacle |
| without boots. If, during the ride, the horse falls | | | | with slight cues will fare better in scoring than one |
| down (meaning he goes below his knees) or if the | | | | who has to raise her voice or flail about to get the |
| rider falls or is bucked off, that is a total | | | | horse to obey. |
| disqualification and the rider must self-report the | | | | If you outfit yourself and tack up your horse |
| event. | | | | properly, demonstrate a calm obedient horse, and |
| The horse---your horse must be cool, calm, and | | | | show that you are balanced and solidly in command, |
| cooperative. He shouldn't back or shy away from | | | | the judges at an ACTHA CTC should reward you |
| obstacles or dance sideways to avoid them. The | | | | with high point scores. Good luck on your next |
| horse must not step on obstacles like poles or logs | | | | Competitive Trail Challenge. |