About
About Competitive Trail Riding
Recently published, the Information for Competitors booklet is a brief summary of ride protocols, etiquette, and procedures
Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) is an established sport in the Lower North Island region. It caters for a wide range of riders, experienced and inexperienced, competitive and laid-back. For most the main attraction is the opportunity for an extended ride over forest trails or farmlands in the company of other riders on a regular basis.
Rides are open to anyone who has a moderately fit and sound horse or pony at least four years old, who can stay in the saddle for a couple of hours. If you would like to see new countryside and ride in company over marked trails with some of the most spectacular views in the Lower North Island region, trail riding might be for you.
"Competitive" may be misleading because the aim is not to be the fastest, but to arrive at a set time with the least stressed horse. There is a strong emphasis on safe and considerate riding. Some riders are seriously into the sport and go on to national competition in CTR, others use CTR as training for Endurance riding which also has a national competition structure, but for many the main aim is to enjoy the ride and the good company of other riders. In a well organised ride a good time is had by all, especially the horses.
The Wellington Area Trail Riding Club (WATRC) has been active since 1987. Its objects are to promote and encourage endurance and competitive trail riding on horseback, to assist in organising local endurance or competitive trail rides, to encourage safe and enjoyable outdoor riding , and to provide opportunities for horse riders and their families to interact socially.
WATRC Rides
WATRC plans rides each season including a Championships ride at the end of the season.
A WATRC trail ride follows a marked course, generally of 7 to 40 kilometres on beaches, farmland, and forest trails, at a pace averaging a slow to medium trot for most classes, a little faster for the most experienced riders. Horses are vet-checked before leaving and riders' gear is checked for safety. At selected venues we also run a "tiny tots" class of about 2km lead in hand by a responsible adult.
Riders are sent out singly or in groups of two or three, with a set time to finish the course. Riders may dismount and lead their horses on the course, but must maintain forward motion at all times. You are not permitted to stop to rest the horse. Weaving, zig-zagging or circling on the course is not permitted and can result in elimination.
Generally within 1 km of the finish line there will be a designated "control area", marked with a sign. From this sign, all riders must mount and remain mounted until they cross the finish line, maintaining forward motion at all times.
At the end of the ride the horse's heart rate is counted immediately on arrival and again up to 30 minutes later. Time penalty points are awarded for being earlier or later than the set time (two points per minute early, one point per minute late). Other penalty points may be incurred for horse handling faults or rule infringements. The rider's score is the sum of the two heart rates plus any penalty points collected. The lowest score wins.
Non members may only ride in the Novice or Novice Junior classes. Current financial WATRC members are able to enter any class as long as they meet other entry criteria (horse age/qualification). Riders up to 18 yrs may ride as Juniors. Open class riders ride the longest course at the fastest pace. Other classes ride at a slower pace, often over a shorter course.
Competition is intense at the advanced level and serious riders train hard between events to maintain their horses and themselves at a high level of fitness. But the aim on the day is to arrive at the end with a horse who could take a half hour rest and then do the whole course again. Experienced and inexperienced riders can ride together and take turns at leading and opening gates, without compromising anyone's prospect of a good score at the end of the day.
At all times the welfare of the horse is paramount.
Excessive pressing of a tired horse may incur disqualification. At all times a good standard of sportsmanship and fairness will be required.
Outline of a Ride Day
Before you arrive Please complete an Online Entry Form - see the Calendar for close-off dates for entries
At the Entries Table Sign in, pay, get your bib and competitor card. Note your start time. Synchronise your watch with the official clock. Ride rules are posted.
Ride Briefings Usually at 8:15 am and 9:15 am. If you miss the briefing, check with the entries table or the start marshal.
Pre-Ride Vetting Present your horse in halter or bridle only, hooves picked. Horses must be well behaved. Wear your bib. The vet writer will mark your card.
Groom & Tack Up Prepare for riding out. A safety check is mandatory. Report to the start area 10 minutes before riding out. This is done at the same time as Groom and Turnout.
Groom & Turnout This is an optional class only at specified rides when indicated in the ride poster. Report to the start area 10 minutes before riding out. G&T assessment is done at the same time as the safety check.
Ride Out Upon the instruction of the start marshal.
On the Trail
Follow trail markings, not other riders - if they make a course error, you will too.
Report to stewards at any check points.
Keep moving forward at all times, do not stop to rest.
You are permitted toilet stops and watering stops for your horse or to wait for a ride partner to remount after a gate.
Safety comes first at all times, and if you must wait on a rider in difficulties, that is acceptable.
When riding through stock try not to disturb them.
Except in the designated "control area" prior to the finish line, you are permitted to dismount and lead your horse.
Leave gates as you find them, but if leaving a gate open for a following rider make certain they know they must close it after them.
Once in the "control area" you must remain mounted until you cross the finish line.
Your Bib Number Must be visible at all times on the ride. Don't wear a coat over it.
To Pass Slower Riders Call out ahead as you come up behind them.
Move Aside As soon as you can for faster riders who wish to pass you.
At the Finish Be ready immediately for your horse's heart rate to be counted. Have your card ready for the timekeeper to write in your final vet time. If a vet is not available, stay mounted, remain close to the finish area, and keep your horse moving at the same speed as when you finished, until called.
Un-tack, cool, and calm your horse. You should offer it a drink of water.
After-Ride Care You are responsible for attending to your horse and assisting its recovery.
Final Vet Check Return to the vetting area in good time - the penalty for lateness is elimination. Present your horse in halter or bridle only. Your horse's heart rate must fall to 64 beats per minute or less. The vet's writer will keep your card.
Prize Giving After scores are tallied, ribbons will be awarded in the various classes, completion certificates will be issued and competitor cards returned.
Disappointments Sometimes you get lost, or your horse may go lame or be vetted out. Most experienced competitors have suffered the same so will be sympathetic. The ground help are volunteers who may have given up their ride to officiate at yours, so remember this, and that times like these show your character!
Volunteers Like most amateur sporting bodies, WATRC relies on volunteers to manage the club, organise ride venues, officiate on the day, and generally ensure that everyone is safe and has a good time. People volunteer for many reasons, but whatever the reasons they do volunteer, they don't volunteer to be abused, insulted, or railed at.
If you think things could be done better in any way, your constructive criticism is always welcome, and your volunteered time and energy even more so. To misquote JFK, ask not what your club can do for you, ask what you can do for your club.
Must Know
A Red Ribbon tied in a horse's tail means that it is known to kick. Owners of such horses are asked to keep their horse well clear of others, and others are asked to give such horses a wide berth.
Stallions should be marked with a blue ribbon tied in their tails and must be yarded at all times. The club should be advised in advance if colts or stallions are going to be at a ride. Juniors are not allowed to be in charge of colts or stallions.
No Dogs No dogs are allowed on the farms we ride over. We can lose our privilege of access over this. On some farms dogs are not even allowed to be in your car. These include Battle Hill and Pikarere.
No smoking If you must smoke please do it in your car and use the ashtray.
Quiet around the vet's area While the vet is taking heart rates, listening through the stethoscope is difficult, especially in windy conditions. Talking around the vet ring makes the vet's job even more difficult.
The welfare of the horse is paramount. Arriving back late is better than arriving back horseless! If your horse is becoming overworked, slow down, and if necessary dismount and lead your horse.
Equipment To Bring
Warm clothing, jacket and gloves.
Refreshments. A BBQ is run, but an electrolyte drink is a good idea if it is hot or you are riding longer distances.
A cover for your horse after the ride.
Buckets for drinking and washing water, and please bring your own water for strapping (20 - 50 litres per horse)
Grooming and washing gear - include old towels.
The Club's rides are governed by firm rules which are designed to ensure the safety and well being of horses and riders. Helmets must be worn and shoes with heels (or safety stirrups). Horses and their feet must be in good condition, gear must be in a safe and sound condition. Otherwise there is no dress code, riders are expected to dress sensibly for the conditions which as we all know around the Wellington region can vary considerably.