How to Win a Competitive Trail Riding Competition
Do you want to know how to win a competitive trail riding competition?
Competitive Trail Riding, or simply CTR, is a sport on horseback where riders cover a marked trail for a distance that is usually between 15 and 40 miles per day. Some riders only compete for one day, while others may run as long as three days. The main goal of the competitive trail riding is to exhibit functional partnership between the rider and his horse. The competition also measures the fitness of the animal and rider as they cover a long distance. Since this competition is physically taxing to the horse and rider, a thorough examination of horses is done before and after the event. The judges and veterinarians in the event are highly qualified as the safety of competitors and the strictness of scoring are held to high measure.
Essentially, the fittest horse and rider team win the competition. It may seem that the competition is all horse, but nothing is farther from the truth because this is a team event. Not only is it exclusive to the rider and the horse but also other people who assist in conditioning and taking care of the nutrition and well being of the animal. The primary goal is to condition the horse to tiptop shape and fitness, both of mind and body. The rider has the vital role of directing the horse which helps the horse to finish the ride with the least possible stress. Proper commitment is essential for success. The team must be functional at the highest level of mental and physical aspects.
Here are some tips on how to win horse trail riding competitions:
- Horses are fearful creatures by nature. Many things can signal danger to a prey animals such as a horse, so the more the horse is worked with and desensitized, the better. You must be able to determine the things that can scare your horse along the marked trail and prepare the animal accordingly. Desensitizing can be done by giving him pleasant experiences in the face of having the object or situation that frightens him. Exposing him to the situations many times so he knows not to fear the unknown is key. Stimulating the animal in safe environment such as an arena may be a good idea.
- Know your horse and be sensitive to his needs. Familiarize yourself with your horse's every move and reaction. You must also be able to take note and consider old injuries or frights. Before the beginning of the ride, point these things out to the judges because it may be penalized at the end if unnoticed in the beginning. It's your job as a rider to know the animal and keep him healthy and safe.
- Although this competition is more about the horse's fitness, you, as the rider, should also be fit so you are carried by the horse more easily. Train yourself how to administer your weight properly and be sure to take pride in your fitness and knowledge of your mount.
- Be sure that you are dressed comfortably and abide by the rules.
- Comfort is everything in this competition. Make sure that your horse is comfortable with all the equipment involved. Keep your tack clean, repaired and functional to provide safely and comfort for you and the animal on the trail.
- Training is the most important factor. You should work your horse up gradually and systematically. Having a set training regime will help both horse and rider to be at the top of their game. Make sure to train hard and consistently, keeping in mind the animal and human's limitations. Riding about five to seven miles about five days a week over varied terrain is a good start.
- In training, you must be able to vary the footing and ride in different kinds of terrain.
- Get your horse used to people and objects as there will be lots of touching and checking the animal. You do not want any extra anxiety for your horse.
- Get your horse used to different tasting drinking water, both still standing and moving. It's very important that he drinks and eats throughout the day, and commonly a horse won't drink from a water source he's unfamiliar with.
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