Competitive Trail Riding is generally referred to as CTR. It is an equine event where riders cover distances of between 15 and 40 miles a day over rough country. Plenty of participants quit after the 1st day, but others stick fast to it for 3 days. The contest aims to evaluate functional coordination between rider and their pony, and to evaluate the physical fitness of the riders and their horses at the end of the competition. The event can be physically demanding, and riders and their horses are subject to radical physical examination before and on conclusion of the event. Since there is an element of risk to riders and their horses, these events stick to high safety standards; there's a panel of veterinarians on the spot and all judges are seasoned veterans.
It is obvious that the fittest pony and rider team wins the event. It's not hard to assume that all the tough work is done by the horse, but that assumption would be unfair to the rider, who is also the subject of a great amount of strain and wear and tear. Every horse-rider pair is accompanied by a team of trainers, diet gurus, horse handlers and carers and others. They're united in their common goal of maintaining the horse in top condition. The rider's role obviously is mostly directing and controlling and taking the best routes, such as would subject the pony to minimum hardship. You cannot succeed in events like this without fully focused commitment. In every aspect of mental and physical health, the pair must be at the top of their capabilities.
When competing in these events, remember that:
- horses are naturally wary animals. As prey animals, they have an inclination to see potential danger in a lot of things. Therefore, the more your horse is desensitised to objects around, the better he will behave in the event. This suggests anticipating all possible objects that might spook your pony and getting your horse used to these objects. Obviously, this involves convincing him that the objects are in no way harmful to him by exposing him to them gradually and in non threatening circumstances. All this is often done in a safe setting like an arena;
- you should be fully conversant with your pony and his needs and moods. You may be able to read each nuance of his body language like an open book. You should additionally be well aware of old injuries and situations where the horse was scared. Point them out to the judges of the event because if you don't the judges will negatively mark them at the end of the event. You are responsible for intimate knowledge of your pony and everything needed to keep him secure and in the best of health;
- while the horse's fitness is of supreme concern, you as the rider will additionally need to face lots of difficulty and so you need to stay fit. When you are fit and at ideal weight, you are less of a strain for the horse. Ensure you are following regular exercise and diet regimens;
- when at the event, you must ensure you are dressed appropriately and in compliance with relevant rules imposed by the event organizers;
- keeping your pony comfortable and free from irritants is of paramount concern. Give him the best kit and gear available. Maintain all gear and tack in spotless working condition. Leave no stone unturned in terms of making sure your horse's optimal health and comfort;
- proper pre-event training is critical. You need to work your pony up to the event slowly and with a proper plan. Correct training will keep both of your pony and you at the peak of your capabilities. While you do need to train hard and consistently, ensure you don't over exert your pony or yourself. Begin by covering 5 to seven miles of increasingly rugged terrain five weekdays;
- while training your horse, you need to ensure he can change his footing as required and acclimatize to varying terrain conditions;
- while training, you should also get your horse used to proximity and constant physical contact with human beings. He will be touched and examined continually while at the event. You want to ensure that doesn't trouble him;
- while training, you need to get your pony used to both running and still water of diverse tastes and compositions. Your pony must be given food and water at regular intervals through the day, and it is essential that he is schooled to ignore horses? Natural reluctance to drink water from unfamiliar sources.
It is obvious that the fittest pony and rider team wins the event. It's not hard to assume that all the tough work is done by the horse, but that assumption would be unfair to the rider, who is also the subject of a great amount of strain and wear and tear. Every horse-rider pair is accompanied by a team of trainers, diet gurus, horse handlers and carers and others. They're united in their common goal of maintaining the horse in top condition. The rider's role obviously is mostly directing and controlling and taking the best routes, such as would subject the pony to minimum hardship. You cannot succeed in events like this without fully focused commitment. In every aspect of mental and physical health, the pair must be at the top of their capabilities.
When competing in these events, remember that:
- horses are naturally wary animals. As prey animals, they have an inclination to see potential danger in a lot of things. Therefore, the more your horse is desensitised to objects around, the better he will behave in the event. This suggests anticipating all possible objects that might spook your pony and getting your horse used to these objects. Obviously, this involves convincing him that the objects are in no way harmful to him by exposing him to them gradually and in non threatening circumstances. All this is often done in a safe setting like an arena;
- you should be fully conversant with your pony and his needs and moods. You may be able to read each nuance of his body language like an open book. You should additionally be well aware of old injuries and situations where the horse was scared. Point them out to the judges of the event because if you don't the judges will negatively mark them at the end of the event. You are responsible for intimate knowledge of your pony and everything needed to keep him secure and in the best of health;
- while the horse's fitness is of supreme concern, you as the rider will additionally need to face lots of difficulty and so you need to stay fit. When you are fit and at ideal weight, you are less of a strain for the horse. Ensure you are following regular exercise and diet regimens;
- when at the event, you must ensure you are dressed appropriately and in compliance with relevant rules imposed by the event organizers;
- keeping your pony comfortable and free from irritants is of paramount concern. Give him the best kit and gear available. Maintain all gear and tack in spotless working condition. Leave no stone unturned in terms of making sure your horse's optimal health and comfort;
- proper pre-event training is critical. You need to work your pony up to the event slowly and with a proper plan. Correct training will keep both of your pony and you at the peak of your capabilities. While you do need to train hard and consistently, ensure you don't over exert your pony or yourself. Begin by covering 5 to seven miles of increasingly rugged terrain five weekdays;
- while training your horse, you need to ensure he can change his footing as required and acclimatize to varying terrain conditions;
- while training, you should also get your horse used to proximity and constant physical contact with human beings. He will be touched and examined continually while at the event. You want to ensure that doesn't trouble him;
- while training, you need to get your pony used to both running and still water of diverse tastes and compositions. Your pony must be given food and water at regular intervals through the day, and it is essential that he is schooled to ignore horses? Natural reluctance to drink water from unfamiliar sources.
About the Author:
Horses are Heather Toms
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers click here
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