Rules
2012 Rules & Definitions (download .pdf)
RULES
HORSES AND TRAIL COURSE
Horses are not allowed on the Trail Course at any time prior to or during the Idaho Mountain Trail Challenge except during that horses’ designated class time. No exceptions!!
SPEED LIMIT
Please adhere to the 15 MPH speed limit while driving on the premises and Fox Lane.
PARKING
Spectators and visitors may park in the designated grassy area by the ditch. Please do not park along the side of the road, in front of the Dog Kennel, or along the white fence.
PRACTICE
Exhibitors WILL NOT be allowed to practice on the competition course. Exhibitors will be given the opportunity to walk the course prior to the start of the competition without your horse. There will be NO exceptions.
RV/CAMPING
There are no septic or water hookups on the grounds. Please pick up after yourself.
DOGS
Dogs are NOT allowed on the trail course. Dogs are to be leashed or securely tied in a safe place away from horses, people, and other dogs at all times. OWNERS MUST CLEAN UP after their dogs and are financially liable for any dog-related incidents.
DISPUTE NOT COVERED BY RULES
Should any question arise not provided for in the rules, the question shall be referred to the show committee whose decision will be final. PERIOD!
DEFINITIONS
KNOCKDOWN
When any portion of an obstacle is displaced from its original position by either the horse or the competitor.
OFF COURSE
Taking an obstacle in the wrong direction; negotiating an obstacle from the wrong side; skipping an obstacle directed by judge, negotiating obstacles in the wrong sequence; not following the correct line of travel either in the drawn pattern or at the judges instruction.
REFUSAL
Any action taken by the horse to avoid performing an obstacle, part of a combination of obstacles or portion of a trail course. These actions may include, but are not limited to the following; balking, evading or running past an obstacle, complete loss of the required gait, and any blatant action by the horse that demonstrates an unwillingness to approach, negotiate and/or complete an obstacle. After three unsuccessful attempts at an obstacle or pre-designated time limit, the judge will instruct the exhibitor to move to the next obstacle.
IN HAND
Handler leads equine through the course using a halter or bridle.
ORDER OF GO/WORKING ORDER
Randomly determined order in which exhibitors in a division compete on the course.
COURSE WALK-THROUGH
Opportunity to navigate the course ON FOOT (without horse) with the judges and /or course designer prior to competition in order to ask questions and become comfortable with the pattern. This is your opportunity to determine the safety and feasibility of each obstacle for you and your individual animal. There will be a second walk thru at the designated time on the show schedule.
BUCKLE AWARDS
Same horse and rider on each event held, class points tracked. Each competitor must enter their core class (Novice 1 or 2, Non pro, or Pro). Juniors will ride in one of those classes but will be considered a Jr. up to and including age 17. Novice 1 and Novice 2 will just be considered a Novice as far as the buckle goes. Points will be tracked on all other classes that you ride in that qualify for the buckle contest, but ONLY the highest 3 class scores will be kept for buckle totals. Example: (Core Class, Mountain Ash, Western, English & Mare Classes) A rider may ride in 5 separate classes but their 3 best scores out of all the classes plus core class will count toward buckle award system. (Combined totals of May & August Shows)
HIGH POINT
Same horse and rider on each event held and must declare points tracked. (Combined totals of May & August Shows)
PRO
Any horseman who receives any type of compensation for services rendered with or for horses (i.e.: trainer, riding instructor, clinician, etc.)
NON-PRO
Any horseman, who shows or not, who does not receive any type of compensation for services rendered with or for horses. Horseman who may or may not have extensive show experience, but are not novice horseman.
NOVICE 2
Horsemen with some trail or show experience but have not won two 1st place awards in any trail show or any other event (breed, open, 4-H, etc.). Not intended for horses OR exhibitors with extensive experience showing or training.
NOVICE 1
Beginning rider, any age & or discipline that are just learning about competing, have never won any class.
INFORMATION
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Anyone who has a horse, mule or pony and enjoys the beauty, adventure and challenge of traversing a trail course is eligible. Whether you choose a single class or several classes, you are in for a treat! There is something for everyone and this is truly a one-of-a kind competition.
TRAIL HORSE
A trail horse or mule is one that can maneuver through a course of obstacles with physical skill, expression and a good mental attitude. It should travel through and between obstacles with inquisitive desire to go forward without compromising its calm, relaxed attitude and way of going. It should approach each obstacle squarely with authority and correct form, with its own style, yet maintaining its willingness to be dictated to completely by the competitor with no apparent resistance. Horse should be neat, clean and well groomed.
ATTIRE
We want you to dress like you would for a day on the trail. Remember though that this is a competition and if it comes to a tie breaker, the cleaner, neater package may make the difference. Cleaner, neater package includes: Long sleeved shirt, starched jeans or pants, proper western hat or riding helmet. Wear attire appropriate to inclement weather conditions. We do require ALL riders wear safe supportive footwear (preferably boots with at least a 1/2inch heel). Youth are encouraged to wear a Helmet.
TACK
You compete with the tack you would use on a trail ride. Make sure it is safe and proper. Silver and/or sparkly show clothes will NEVER matter in this competition! A word about bits: You WILL NOT be disqualified for using 2 hands on a shank bit, however, there could be a penalty. The penalty will be at each judge’s discretion. Riding with two hands is permitted if you are using a snaffle, regardless of the age of the horse.
TRAIL PATTERN
Patterns and order of go for each division will be posted at least one hour before the start of the class. There will be only 2 walk thru each day!
COURSE WALK-THROUGH
All entered exhibitors will be allowed to walk and inspect the course with the judges and with the course designer, if present, prior to the start of the class and at the designated 2nd walk thru time.
SCORING
All horses/mules enter the arena with a score of 5 (average) on each obstacle. The judge will add to or deduct from the average score for each obstacle. At the completion of that division, scores will be totaled and a final score for each exhibitor will be given. Scores for each division will be posted as soon as possible. Scoring will be 1 thru 6th place only. 1st place-6pts, 2nd place-5pts, 3rd place-4pts, 4th place-3pts, 5th place-2pts, 6th place-1pt.
DISQUALIFICATION
Abuses to the animal inside or outside the competition arena and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred are grounds for immediate disqualification. This includes lameness and/or fresh blood in mouth, chin, shoulder, barrel, flank or hip. Disrespect or misconduct by exhibitor will not be tolerated.
BRIDLE OR BRIDLE-LESS
A bridle/headstall is required on ALL classes unless you are exhibiting at which time your number will be turned upside down and you will receive a no score.
