Announcements
PROSPECTOR PARK CLEANUP
FEBRUARY 27TH - 9 AM
MEET AT P&M ARENA AT THE EAST SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT JUST OFF OF MERIDIAN
BRING HAT, GLOVES, WATER, CLOSED TOE GOOD SHOES
CONTACT CHRIS BY TEXT - 480-273-5460 OR EMAIL EZONUP@Q.COM
GUIDELINES FOR OBSTACLE TRAIL CHALLENGE
SAFETY/RIDER GUIDELINES
- Helmets are encouraged for adults. Youth riders (less that 18 years old) are required to wear helmets.
- Proper riding attire should be worn including boots (or sturdy shoes with a 1/2" heal), and long pants. Sun protection is recommended (hats, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen, etc.)
- Horses must be ridden with a saddle, proper bridle, hackamore, side pull, or bosal. Bareback pads are not proper saddle, halters and lead ropes are not acceptable as head gear for riding in the competition.
- Riders may use one hand or two, regardless of the bit used.
- Tie downs, martingales, cavessons, are not permitted.
- It is recommended that unshod horses be equipped with boots.
- Riders should carry essentials such as water & medications.
- Check your cinches at least once during a ride and before riding up or down hills.
- There must be at least two riders per group and not more than four riders per group unless given an exception by the ride chairman.
- Companion (non-competing) riders will be allowed. Companion riders should not expect to perform obstacles.
- All riders going out on the trail for a competition are required to attend a rider's meeting prior to the event. At this meeting the riders will be given their course information and obstacle guidelines.
- Dogs and stallions are not permitted on trail competition rides.
- Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using recreational drugs on a horse is not permitted on trail competition rides.
- Disqualification- Any rider may be disqualified for any unsafe or unsportsmanlike conduct. Falling off a horse, or a horse falls, results in the team being disqualified.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE
- No Tailgating - To avoid being kicked, keep at least one-horse length between riders.
- Don't lag too far behind. Since horses tend to be herd bound, too much space between them can cause them to be anxious.
- If your horse kicks, tie a red ribbon on its tail and be sure to bring it to the attention of the rider behind you.
- The pace of the ride should b geared to the terrain and the abilities of the least experienced rider.
- If you want to pass another rider or switch places, communicate with that rider then pick a safe and wide place on the trail to pass.
- Keep to designated horse trails and avoid injuring the environment.
- If you pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave trash behind.
- Leave gates the way you found them - open or closed or obey signage.
- Be polite and friendly to others using the trails. Always ride at a walk past anyone met on the trail. Riders have the right of way before pedestrians and bicycles. However, it may be a good idea to allow bikes and faster moving pedestrians (joggers) going the same direction as you to pass.
- When starting or stopping, make sure all the riders in your group are mounted and ready before moving off.
- Communicate with each other. If someone needs to stop, everyone should stop and wait. Never take off away from your group without notice.
- Problems with jigging or anxiety on the trail can sometimes be alleviated by changing the group dynamic. For instance, put an anxious horse in the lead for a few minutes, or change the lineup so that two horses that aren't getting along are not by each other.
- Try to maintain a walk when moving up or down hills.
(adapted from Certified Horsemanship Assoc. Trail Guide Manual.)
