Common Errors in Riding a Trail Class

1. Take your time in a trail classes. Work on one obstacle at a time. Don't get flustered.
2. Be careful of things that can get you disqualified. Some of the most common include:
   • Using two hands on the reins with anything but a bosal or snaffle bridle
   • Putting more than one finger between split reins or putting any fingers between closed reins
   • Taking obstacles out of order making you off course
3. Take a deep breath between each obstacle and hesitate where there is a change of motion. (for example: from backing to loping, after checking mail, after closing gate etc.)
4. When riding a tighter course, use a shorter rein to help your horse maneuver.
5. Do not change hands on the reins except on a mail box or gate which calls for the use of your rein hand.
6. Do not skip an obstacle until the judge tells you to do so. If you leave without being waived on, that constitutes an off pattern or disqualification.
7. Do not stop on course where it is not called for in the pattern (for example: on bridge, after bridge etc.) This is fine for schooling your horse at home, but you receive point deductions every time for breaking designated gait.
8. When your horse is scared of an object (water), don't push him too fast. Let him come forward until you start to feel resistance. Then let him look at it. If you push too fast, that may cause him to balk and change direction and that would call for penalties for refusal.

I hope that some of these tips will be of use to you in the future.

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