SHW557. RANCH TRAIL - The ranch trail class contains a course with a minimum of six obstacles and is designed to show a horse's ability and willingness to perform several tasks that might be asked of him during the course of a normal day's ranch work. Whenever possible, realistic or natural obstacles are encouraged. Also, the course is encouraged to be set outside of an arena using the natural terrain of the land whenever possible. The horse will be judged on three gaits - walk, trot and lope - performed between six obstacles to be determined when the judge chooses the pattern. A horse will be rewarded with higher credit for performing these gaits on the correct lead and with an alert attitude.
SHW557.1 Horses to be shown at a ground-covering walk, working trot and lope. The horse should perform with a reasonably loose rein that maintains contact with the horse. A distance of at least 30 feet or more is mandatory between obstacles to evaluate the horse's way of going at each gait.
SHW557.2 Six or more obstacles may be used. Of the number used, three are mandatory and ten are optional. Combinations of two or more obstacles are permissible. If three combinations of two obstacles are used, there must be sufficient distance between one of the combinations to allow the horse to perform two gaits. All obstacles must meet the approval of the judge.
SHW557.3 The judge may walk the course and has the right and duty to alter the course in any manner. The judge may remove or change any obstacle he deems unsafe or unreasonable. If at any time a trail obstacle is deemed to be unsafe by the judge, it shall be repaired or removed from the course. If it cannot be repaired and horses have completed the course, the score for that obstacle shall be deducted from all previous works for that class.
SHW557.4 Judges should use the suggested scoring system for TRAIL. A judge has the right and duty to alter the course in any manner or remove any obstacle deemed unsafe.
SHW557.5 All courses and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to eliminate any possible accidents.
SHW557.6 It is permissible to change rein hand to work an obstacle.
SHW557.7 An exhibitor who does not perform an obstacle or performs an obstacle incorrectly is assessed a 10 point penalty and cannot place over another exhibitor that performs the course correctly.