Competitive trail riding is an activity where the horse and rider complete a prescribed course within a set amount of time. Competitive trail riding is not a race; the first one to finish is not necessarily the winner. The horse and rider team are judged not only on completing the course within the set time, but also on the physical condition of the horse, horsemanship skills, the manners of the horse, and the ability of the horse and rider to negotiate obstacles on the trail. There are many different divisions of competitive trail, based on the physical fitness and the experience of the horse and rider. For more information, check out the North American Trail Ride Conference.
Interested in learning more about horses and horse activities? Check out the HorseQuest Learning Lesson: Introduction to Horses and Horse Activities.
