Competitive Trail Riding
Wellington Area
Content of this page is under review
Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) is a growing sport in the Wellington region. It caters for a wide range of riders, experienced and inexperienced, competitive and casual. 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 Wellington 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. This is the riding equivalent of an organised fun-run. Some riders are seriously into the sport and go on to national and international competition but for others the main aim is to enjoy the ride and the good company of other riders. In a well organised ride competing and casual riders are both well catered for and 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.
Competitive Rides
A WATRC trail ride follows a marked course of 15 to 35 kilometres, on forest trails and farm lands, 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.
Riders are sent out singly or in groups of two or three, with a set time to finish the course. Riders are required to keep moving forward at all times, they may not stop to rest the horse. Riders may dismount for comfort stops or to lead the horse in hazardous areas or steep downhill sections but otherwise are expected to remain mounted at all times.
At the end of the ride the horse's heart rate is counted immediately on arrival and again 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.
Riders compete in Novice, Intermediate or Open class according to placings at previous rides. 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 meetings 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.
The Wellington Club is affiliated with the New Zealand Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Association, and rides are run in accordance with international (FEI) rules.
Casual Riders
Riders who do not wish to ride competitively are welcome to take part in a ride as a casual entry. Casual riders are subject to the same safety requirements, riding rules and other rules as competitive riders but their horses will not be vet-checked at the end of the ride.
Wellington Area Rides
About twelve rides are held in a season in the Wellington area on farm and forest tracks ranging from Makara in the South to Otaki in the North, Whiteman's Valley in the East to Titahi Bay in the West. They are usually held on Sundays, from October through March.
Some Wellington riders also travel to rides organised by clubs in the Wairarapa and Manawatu.
Qualified riders may compete in the North Island and National Championships held late in the season. Check the NZEF website for the calendar of national events
To qualify for the Championships you must register with the National Association and complete qualifying rides.
Outline of Events on Ride Day
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 Briefing Usually half and hour before first rider out. If you miss the briefing, check with the entries table or the start marshall.
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 optional. Report to the start area 10 minutes before riding out. This is done at the same time as the safety check.
Ride Out Upon the instruction of the start marshall.
On the Trail Follow trail markings. Report to stewards at any check points. Keep moving forward at all times, do not stop to rest. Stay mounted at all times except for hazardous areas or toilet stops or for your horse to have a drink or for someone you are riding with to open or close a gate, or any safety reason. When riding through stock try not to disturb them.
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 60 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!
NOTE
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.
Must Know
Red Ribbon 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.
Colts & Stallions 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.
Advantages to WATRC Membership
- Reduction in entry fees
- Newsletter with directions to rides and publication of results.
- Eligibility to hold club trophies for winning rides or seasonal awards such as Most Improved Rider, and Fittest Horse.
- WATRC is affiliated to the New Zealand Endurance & Competitive Trail Ride Association so our members may register their horses and compete on the national level through WATRC.
Our motto in competitive trail riding is TO COMPLETE IS TO WIN. Participation improves both horse and rider and gives the satisfaction which comes from striving.
What Equipment To Bring On Ride Day
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.
String cord to attach your jacket to your saddle when riding.
A cover for your horse after the ride.
Buckets for drinking and washing water.
Grooming and washing gear Include old towels.
WATRC Competitive Ride Fees
Content of this page is under review
Member Adult $15
Member Junior $10
Non-member Adult $20
Non-member Junior $12
Casual Ride Fee: $5
Overnight Grazing $2
These rates are subject to change without notice. Membership is open to individuals or families or to other groups whose objects are compatible. Membership fees for the 2000-2001 Season are $25 for families, $20 for individuals and $10 for non-riding members. In addition riding members are expected to register with the national association at a cost of $10 per horse and $5 per rider.
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 in Wellington can vary considerably.
In general the style is relaxed and informal, the rides are supposed to be enjoyable as well as safe. Newcomers are always welcome and an effort is made to make them feel so.
The Club publishes a newsletter with information about coming rides and social events, results from previous rides, buy/sell/swap notices and other information which might be interesting or entertaining. If you might be interested in joining the club or receiving the newsletter or simply coming along to the occasional ride on a casual basis.