| Whether you are new to horseback riding or you | | | | presented obstacles in way that makes it look like it |
| have been trail riding for a millennium and want to try | | | | was the horse's idea, without undue pressure or |
| something different, a competitive trail challenge | | | | interference from the rider. This may sound easy, |
| might be the next step for you. If you're new, | | | | but it requires a great deal of patience, practice, and |
| maybe you don't want to hit the trail with a bunch of | | | | perseverance. The journey can be as much fun as |
| rowdy cowboys (even if they might be your best | | | | the end result, which is a calmer, more obedient, and |
| friends) because they attempt things you may not | | | | well-behaved horse and a pleasant, yet stimulating |
| be ready for or do them at a speed at which you | | | | ride. |
| are uncomfortable. Perhaps you want to ease into | | | | Participating in competitive trail challenges can open |
| the transition from the safety of the round pen, | | | | up a whole new social universe and circle of friends. |
| arena, and ranch in a more organized, structured way. | | | | These events are gaining in popularity and enthusiasts |
| If you're an experienced trail rider, you may be | | | | are beginning to travel long distances to participate in |
| looking for a way to spice up your rides. Competitive | | | | scheduled events. If you are a horse lover, you |
| trail challenges are organized rides of about 6 to 10 | | | | already know that these folks share your number |
| miles long that incorporate obstacles to challenge | | | | one passion: horses. By joining in on a competitive trail |
| both horse and rider and make the trail more | | | | challenge, you'll meet fellow trail riders and have the |
| interesting. Typically, riders can audit the course or | | | | opportunity to share a different kind of trail riding |
| sign up to compete and be judged. The competition | | | | experience and swap stories, tricks, and tips in a |
| isn't based on setting a land speed record, but more | | | | relaxed, fun atmosphere. |
| on maneuvering the obstacles in a safe, controlled | | | | Look for a competitive trail challenge near you and |
| manner. Thus, for riders new to the trail it isn't | | | | give it a try. For trail riding novices, it's a way to ease |
| intimidating, and for experienced trail riders it can add | | | | into trail riding surrounded by like-minded folks. For |
| a new twist to your ride and reinvigorate your love | | | | experienced trail riders, it may add just the new |
| of the trail. | | | | twist you're looking for to reinvigorate or deepen |
| Competitive trail challenges also provide a platform to | | | | your love of trail riding. Getting ready for and |
| begin to hone your horsemanship skills or take them | | | | participating in a ride will prompt you to start to |
| to a new level. Such rides are not merely a route | | | | develop or improve your horsemanship, giving you a |
| from point A to point B and are not based on speed. | | | | sense of pride and accomplishment. While you're at it, |
| Rather, these events require that the rider establish | | | | you can socialize and have fun with those who also |
| and demonstrate control over and a relationship with | | | | delight in the beauty, grace, and athleticism of |
| her horse. She needs to seamlessly communicate to | | | | equines, just like you. |
| the horse so that it obeys and completes the | | | | |