Competitive Trail Riding is usually known as CTR. It is an equine event where riders cover distances of between 15 and 40 miles a day over rough country. A lot of participators give up after the first day, but others stick fast to it for 3 days. The contest aims to appraise functional coordination between rider and their pony, and to judge 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 subjected to radical physical examination before and on conclusion of the event. As there is an element of risk to riders and their horses, these events stick to high safety standards; there's a panel of vets on the spot and all judges are seasoned veterans.
It is clear that the fittest horse and rider team wins the event. It is easy to presume that all of the tough work is done by the horse, but that assumption would be unfair to the rider, who is also subjected to a large 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 pony 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 achieve success in events like this without totally focused commitment. In all facets 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 tend to see potential danger in a lot of things. So, the more your horse is desensitized to objects around, the better he will behave in the event. This means predicting all possible objects that would spook your pony and getting your horse accustomed to these objects. Obviously, this implies convincing him the objects are in no way harmful to him by exposing him to them continuously and in non-threatening circumstances. All this may be done in a safe setting like an arena;
- you ought to be completely acquainted with your pony and his wants and moods. You should be able to read every nuance of his body language like an open book. You should also be very mindful of old injuries and situations where the horse was frightened. 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 understanding of your horse and everything needed to keep him secure and in the very best of health;
- while the horse's fitness is of supreme concern, you as the rider will also have to face plenty of difficulty and thus you must stay fit. When you're fit and at optimum weight, you are less of a strain for the horse. Ensure you are following regular diet and exercise regimes;
- when at the event, you must make sure you are dressed appropriately and in compliance with relevant rules imposed by the event organizers;
- keeping your horse comfy and free from irritants 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 making sure your horse's perfect health and comfort;
- proper pre-event training is vital. You must work your horse up to the event slowly and with a proper plan. Correct training will keep both your horse and you at the peak of your capabilities. While you do need to train hard and consistently, make sure you don't over exert your horse or yourself. Start by covering 5 to seven miles of increasingly rugged terrain 5 weekdays;
- while training your pony, you need to confirm he can vary his footing as needed and adapt to varying terrain conditions;
- while training, you need to also get your pony used to proximity and constant physical contact with humans. He will be touched and examined constantly while at the event. You wish to make sure that does not trouble him;
- while coaching, you must get your horse accustomed to both running and still water of varying tastes and compositions. Your pony must be given food and water at frequent intervals through the day, and it's essential that he's schooled to ignore horses? Natural unwillingness to drink water from unfamiliar sources.
It is clear that the fittest horse and rider team wins the event. It is easy to presume that all of the tough work is done by the horse, but that assumption would be unfair to the rider, who is also subjected to a large 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 pony 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 achieve success in events like this without totally focused commitment. In all facets 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 tend to see potential danger in a lot of things. So, the more your horse is desensitized to objects around, the better he will behave in the event. This means predicting all possible objects that would spook your pony and getting your horse accustomed to these objects. Obviously, this implies convincing him the objects are in no way harmful to him by exposing him to them continuously and in non-threatening circumstances. All this may be done in a safe setting like an arena;
- you ought to be completely acquainted with your pony and his wants and moods. You should be able to read every nuance of his body language like an open book. You should also be very mindful of old injuries and situations where the horse was frightened. 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 understanding of your horse and everything needed to keep him secure and in the very best of health;
- while the horse's fitness is of supreme concern, you as the rider will also have to face plenty of difficulty and thus you must stay fit. When you're fit and at optimum weight, you are less of a strain for the horse. Ensure you are following regular diet and exercise regimes;
- when at the event, you must make sure you are dressed appropriately and in compliance with relevant rules imposed by the event organizers;
- keeping your horse comfy and free from irritants 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 making sure your horse's perfect health and comfort;
- proper pre-event training is vital. You must work your horse up to the event slowly and with a proper plan. Correct training will keep both your horse and you at the peak of your capabilities. While you do need to train hard and consistently, make sure you don't over exert your horse or yourself. Start by covering 5 to seven miles of increasingly rugged terrain 5 weekdays;
- while training your pony, you need to confirm he can vary his footing as needed and adapt to varying terrain conditions;
- while training, you need to also get your pony used to proximity and constant physical contact with humans. He will be touched and examined constantly while at the event. You wish to make sure that does not trouble him;
- while coaching, you must get your horse accustomed to both running and still water of varying tastes and compositions. Your pony must be given food and water at frequent intervals through the day, and it's essential that he's schooled to ignore horses? Natural unwillingness 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 visit HorseHorses
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers visit HorseHorses
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