Competitive Trail Riding is mostly referred to as CTR. It is an equine event where riders cover distances of between 15 and 40 miles a day over rough country. Lots of participants quit after the first day, but others stick hard 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 comprehensive physical examination prior to and on finishing of the event. As there is a factor of risk to riders and their horses, these events adhere to high safety standards; there is a panel of veterinarians on the spot and all judges are experienced hands.

It is obvious that the fittest pony and rider team wins the event. It isn’t hard to say that all the hard work is performed by the pony, but that presumption would be unfair to the rider, who is also the subject of a large amount of strain and wear and tear. Each horse-rider pair is accompanied by a team of trainers, nutritionists, pony handlers and carers and others. They’re united in their common goal of maintaining the pony in top condition. The rider’s role obviously is mostly directing and controlling and taking the easiest routes, that would subject the pony to minimum hardship. You can’t succeed in events like this without totally focused commitment. In every aspect of mental and physical health, the pair must be at the peak of their capabilities.

When competing in these events, remember that:

– horses are naturally scared animals. As prey animals, they tend to see potential danger in lots of things. Thus, the more your horse is desensitized to objects around, the better he will behave during the event. This means predicting all possible objects that might spook your pony and getting your pony used to these objects. Obviously, this means convincing him that the objects are in no way harmful to him by exposing him to them continuously and in non threatening circumstances. All this is often done in a secure setting like an arena;

– you should be completely acquainted with your pony and his wants and moods. You may be able to read every nuance of his body language like an open book. You also should be very mindful of old injuries and situations where the pony 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 very best of health;

– while the horse’s fitness is of ultimate concern, you as the rider will additionally need to face lots of hardship and so you need to stay fit. When you are fit and at perfect weight, you are less of a strain for the pony. Make sure 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 comfy and free from irritations is of paramount concern. Give him the best equipment and gear available. Maintain all gear and tack in spotless working condition. Leave no stone unturned in terms of guaranteeing your horse’s ideal health and comfort;

– proper pre-event training is critical. You should work your horse up to the event slowly and with a correct plan. Correct training will keep both your horse and you at the peak of your abilities. While you do have to train hard and regularly, make sure you don’t over exert your horse or yourself. Start by covering five to seven miles of increasingly rough terrain 5 week days;

– while training your horse, you need to make sure he is able to change his footing as required and acclimatize to varying terrain conditions;

– while training, you need to also get your horse used to vicinity and continuous physical contact with human beings. He will be touched and inspected constantly while at the event. You wish to make sure that does not distress him;

– while training, you must get your pony accustomed to both running and still water of diverse tastes and compositions. Your horse will need to be given food and water at regular intervals thru the day, and it's essential that he is schooled to ignore horses? Natural reluctance to drink water from unfamiliar sources.

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