subject: Competitive Trail Riding Competition Tips [print this page] Secrets to Winning Competitive Trail Riding Events
Do you need to learn how to win a competitive trail riding event?
Competitive Trail Riding, or for short, CTR, is a sport on horseback wherein riders cover a designated path for a spread that is normally in between 15 and 40 miles each day. Some riders opt to only ride for one day, while other competitors might run as long as 3 days. The main objective of competitive trail riding is to show a working relationship between the rider and his horse.
The competition also measures the fitness of the animal and rider as they cover a lengthy distance. Because the event is quite taxing to the horse and rider, a thorough examination of horses is carried out before and immediately following the competition. The judges and veterinarians in the competition are extremely certified as the safety of competitors and the strictness of scoring are held to high measure.
Essentially, the fittest horse and rider team win the event. It may appear that the contest is all horse, but almost nothing is farther from the truth because this is a partnership event. Not only is it about the rider and the horse but additionally other people who help in conditioning and preparaton and assisting in care of the diet and welfare of the horse. The main objective is to condition the horse to tiptop shape and physical fitness, each of mind and body.
The rider has the very important role of guiding the horse which helps the horse to complete the event with the minimum amount of stress. Proper dedication is crucial for success. The team has to be functional at the highest level of psychological and physical aspects.
Here are some recommendations on how to win horse trail riding competitions:
- Horses are easily startled creatures naturally. Quite a few things can signal danger to animals such as a horse, so the more the horse is worked with and desensitized, the better. You need to be able to figure out the issues that can scare your horse along the marked trail and prep the animal accordingly. Desensitizing may be performed by offering him nice experiences when facing the thing or circumstance that frightens him. Exposing him to the circumstances often so he knows not to fear the unknown is key. Stimulating the horse in a protected atmosphere such as an arena may be a excellent idea.
Understand the horse and be sensitive to his needs. Acquaint yourself with your horse's every move and reaction. You must additionally be able to take note and consider old accidents or frights. Prior to the beginning of the ride, point these details out to the judges or it may be penalized at the end if unnoticed in the beginning. Its your job as a rider to know the animal and keep him healthy and balanced and secure.
- Although this events is more about the horse's health, you, as the rider, should also be healthy so you are carried by the horse much more easily. Workout yourself how to administer the weight correctly and ensure to consider extreme pride in your health and fitness and know-how of your mount.
- Ensure that you are dressed comfortably and abide by the rules.
- Comfort is everything in this contest. Ensure that the horse is comfortable with all the equipment involved. Keep your tack clean, mended and functional to supply security and comfort for yourself and the animal while on the path.
- Correct training is the most important factor. You should work the horse up progressively and systematically. Keeping a set training and conditioning routine can help each horse and rider to be at the top of their game. Be sure to train with dediction and with consistency, keeping in thoughts the animal's and riderss limitations. Riding approximately 5 to 7 miles approximately five days a week over diverse terrain is a good start.
- In training and conditioning, you need to be able to vary the footing and ride in different kinds of terrain.
- Get the horse used to people and objects as there will be a lot of touching and examining the animal. You do not want any additional nervousness for the horse.
- Get the horse accustomed to different tasting drinking water, both still standing and moving . It's crucial that he drinks and eats all through the day, and often a horse will not consume from a water source hes unfamiliar with.
