Washington State Horsemen
For complete rules please see the WSH CTR rulebook which can be downloaded from the WSH website
Competitive trail rides are sponsored primarily to:
Stimulate greater interest in breeding and use of good saddle horses possessed of stamina, hardiness, and quality to make good mounts for trail use.
Demonstrate the value of type and soundness and proper selection of horses.
Encourage horsemanship in distance riding. To provide a family oriented activity.
Train and demonstrate the best methods of caring for horses during and after rides without the use of artificial methods or stimulants.
There is a nation-wide interest in saddle horses. Horsemen everywhere are turning to the hills and back country to enjoy their favorite pastime. Groups of riding horse owners are getting together in friendly competition to compare the abilities of their mounts as working trail horses, improve their horsemanship in distance riding and better their knowledge of what makes a good working saddle horse.
Several states have 100 mile, three day competitions, while others hold 100 mile one day rides. We, here in Washington State, being favored with some of the nation’s finest riding country have been riding judged competitive trail rides since 1952. For a number of years before this, local riding clubs have sponsored competitions from 20 to 30 miles to test trail manners, ability and longer events from 40 to 100 miles to test endurance and condition.
Some rides are held in relatively level, open country where speed is of primary importance. Other events are held in heavily wooded, hilly terrain where agile footwork, climbing ability, and trail hazards complicate the marked trail.
Horses of any type, size or breed are eligible; entry is open to mares, stallions and geldings, with the exception of nursing mares. Riders and all their gear are weighed in the regular division at the beginning of the ride. Gear weighed must include everything the horse will wear or carry on the ride with the exception of lunch for horse or rider and rain gear.
Winners are placed according to performance and condition of the animal at the end of the ride.
NATRC - North American Trail Ride Conference
First of all, Competitive Trail Riding is fun! It is a great way to build partnership with your horse through training, conditioning, and education. You and your horse will build trust and confidence in each other and in yourselves, whether you take home ribbons or not!
Competitive trail riding, or CTR, is NOT a race. It's a timed, judged trail ride. Your ability to work as a team with your horse and be a safe rider and handler are judged by a horsemanship judge, while you horse's condition, soundness and overall health is judged by a veterinary judge.
Judging is accomplished through observations of you and your horse when you check in with the judges; on the trail as you negotiate terrain and are asked to complete tasks such as mounting, backing, sidepassing, etc. (trail skill observations); and your stabling and campsite. Also, your horse is judged on his condition and overall soundness during vet checks and pulse and respiration (P&R) stops.
There are three divisions, Novice, Competitive Pleasure (CP) and Open. You may enter a ride at any level you choose. Novice is for those new to the sport (not necessarily those new to riding) or less experienced riders with horses of any level. Horses must be at least four years old to compete in CP or Novice; riders must be at least ten years old on the day of the ride. Novice riders will ride between 30 and 40 miles over two days at an average speed of 3.5 to 5 miles per hour (a fast walk for most non-gaited horses).
Open division is for experienced competitors and very fit horses. Horses must be at least five years old. Open riders will ride between 50 and 60 miles over two days at an average pace of 4 to 6 miles per hour.
CP division is for experienced riders who prefer the speed and distance of the Novice division. They ride 30 to 40 miles over two days at an average speed of 3.5 to 5 miles per hour.
Novice and Open are divided into three classes: Heavyweight (weight of rider and tack the horse carries--totals 190 lbs. or more), Lightweight (weight of rider and tack the horse carries--totals less than 190 lbs.), and Junior (rider is aged 10 through 17, no weight classifications). Sorry to say, you will get weighed at the ride if you are entered in either Novice or Open! CP doesn't have weight classes.
If you've never done a CTR before, don't be intimidated? if you just tell ride management it's your first ride, you'll be flabbergasted at how helpful everyone will be! All you need to do is ask and you'll get all the help and guidance you can possibly stand--and then some!