How to Set Up Competitive Trail Ride Courses

The equestrian sport of competitive trail riding (CTR) is a judged event that tests the conditioning of horse, the horsemanship skills of the rider and the working relationship between the two. The course ranges from 20 miles during a one-day novice ride, to 60 miles for an advanced two-day ride. As a ride manager, you may be responsible for setting up a CTR course, a task that begins with taking advantage of the trail’s natural obstacles and designing a route that combines challenge with fun.

Things You'll Need

  • GPS device
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • First aid
  • Water and buckets
  • Towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ride the course on your own horse, using a GPS device to gauge accurate distance. A one-day novice course might involve six point-to-point segments totaling 20 miles.

    • 2

      Establish a base time for each segment of the course. A ride manager might typically set a 4-mile-per-hour time for a 20-mile course. In addition, two veterinary checkpoints – called “P&R” (for pulse and respiration) – take 15 minutes each. Mark a base time of 5.5 hours for the ride.

    • 3

      Draw the course on paper. Begin with “Camp,” the starting line, then trace out the shape of the course until it returns to camp. Mark the major segments as “A,” “B,” “C” and so on. Draw a figure indicating each P&R stop. Write in the base time.

    • 4

      Arrange for a ride briefing. The day before the ride, assemble the riders and distribute copies of the mapped course the day before the event. Distribute the bib numbers, halter tags and trailer identification card. Be prepared to answer questions about the course.

    • 5

      Set up a check-in point at camp. This is where two judges – a veterinarian and a horsemanship expert – assess each horse’s conditioning before the rider begins the competitive ride. Set up a table, chairs, water, longe lines and other equipment as requested by the judges.

    • 6

      Set up the P&R stations on the course. Post flags on the course sidelines to draw the riders’ attention to the station. Set up tables and chairs for the veterinarians. Supply buckets of water, towels and first aid equipment for riders and horses as needed.

    • 7

      Put up a lunch stop at around the three-hour point if the ride’s base time exceeds six hours. Set out tables and chairs and place PVC poles or flags to guide riders into areas where they can rest their horses. Let the riders know that the timer stops during the lunch break.