ST CLAIR SADDLE CLUB TRAIL HORSE CHALLENGE

Saturday, October 18, 2008

9 AM Walk Thru / 9:45 Drawing for line up

Pre-Registration Due by October 4

Door Prizes

WHAT IS THE TRAIL HORSE CHALLENGE?

This challenge is open to all breeds of horses, ponies, mules/donkey and will require the horse/rider to navigate through approximately 10 obstacles/challenges. These obstacles are items you may encounter on a trail ride. Confirmation and breeding will not be taken into consideration since the horse/rider will be judged on how well they completed the obstacle.

Competition is open to all ages. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign on the registration form that they consent to them riding in this event.

The event will take place at the St. Clair Horse Arena located in Odenville, Alabama. In addition to having a 120' x 200' covered arena, we also have restrooms, concession stand, wash area and water for the animals.

Cost to participate in this event is $25 per horse/rider. There will also be a $5.00 gate fee per vehicle.

PRIZES

Cash and prizes will be awarded to the Exhibitors with the highest number of points for places 1-5. Prizes will be awarded to places 6-10. Prizes may include feed, tack, gift certificates, gas cards, etc…

Amount of cash awarded is determined by total entries: Example (1st - 25%, 2nd - 20%, 3rd - 15%, 4th - 10% and 5th - 5%; 1st place minimum $250)

In addition to cash the winner of the Trail Horse Challenge will receive an engraved Montana Silver trophy buckle.

Door prizes will be given away the day of the show.

TO REGISTER

Submit forms, copy of negative Coggins and pre-registration fee of $25.00 per horse.

Read and sign the waiver of liability form.

Read and complete registration form.

Mail to St. Clair Saddle Club.

Types of payment accepted will be personal check (with correct information including driver’s license number and state of issue, made out to St. Clair Saddle Club) or money order.

Last day to pre-register is October 4, 2008.

No refunds after October 4, 2008.

Exhibitors may register the day of competition. The fee will be $30.00 and only cash will be accepted.

RULES AND SCORING

Riders are judged on how well they negotiate their horse through an obstacle or complete a challenge, with emphasis on calmness and safety.

Each obstacle will be scored as follows-

5 points - Calm, willing, clean completion of obstacle, no use of spurs or crop.

4 points - Calm, willing, clean completion of obstacle, use of spurs or crop.

3 points - Spooks, runs back, runs to side, but gets through obstacle.

2 points - Gets through but is difficult or ugly.

1 point - Partially completes, bumps or knocks down part of obstacle.

0 points - Refusal, out of time, completely omits obstacle.

Maximum time allowed to complete each obstacle will be two (2) minutes.

In the event there are duplicate scores, the lowest time will determine the place.

Exhibitor will be timed from the start until the final challenge is complete.

The official timer will have the final time decision. There will also be a minimum of one back up timer. Should the primary fail, the back-up timer will be made the official time. The timers’ decision is final and may not be challenged in any way be the Exhibitor. Should all timers fail, the Exhibitor will receive a re-ride at the end of all competitors for the day.

All Exhibitors will have an opportunity to walk through, without horses, and review the course one hour before start time.

Obstacles and course rules are reviewed before the race begins. It is the responsibility of the Exhibitor to fully understand the rules of the course before the race begins. Exhibitors are allowed to ask questions about the rules until such time that the first exhibitor enters the competition course.

The spectators at the event are part of the course and as such, Exhibitor acknowledges that the spectators are on obstacle in and of itself.

If you wish to apply to participate in the race with more than one horse, an entry fee is required for each horse.

No drugs of any kind will be tolerated or administered to a horse.

The judges’ decisions are final.

DISQUALIFICATION

Abuse to the animal inside or outside the competition arena and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred, this includes but is not limited to lameness and/or fresh blood in mouth shin, shoulder, barrel or legs.

Disrespect or misconduct of Exhibitor.

Not competing in order of the official draw.

Should the Exhibitor become dismounted, the Exhibitor’s time will continue to elapse until such time that either their horse leaves the course or the Exhibitor is removed from the course for medical reasons. In either circumstance, the Exhibitor is disqualified. If the Exhibitor becomes dismounted, the Exhibitor may re-mount and continue while time continues to elapse. However, no one may help the Exhibitor to re-gain control of their horse or help them re-mount for any reason. If so, the Exhibitor is disqualified. Should the Exhibitor’s horse need to be restrained by anyone at the course boundary, the Exhibitor is disqualified.

No refunds will be given for disqualified Exhibitors.

TACK AND ATTIRE

Dress as you would for a normal trail ride. Safe, supportive boots with a heel is required. The only requirement for tack is that it be in good repair. All tack should be carefully inspected by rider/handler before competing. Everyone is entitled to wear protective equipment without penalty and St. Clair Saddle Club encourages exhibitors to do so.

OTHER INFORMATION

Camping available Saturday night only, water and restrooms available, no hookups $10.

12' by 12' open panel stalls available $5 each, limited to first come/ first serve as we only have a few.

Full hookup campsite available for the entire weekend in Clanton AL (about one hour from the arena).
Creek Valley Trails call 205-755-8218

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call Michelle Pardue @ 205-602-8484 or e-mail:arenaup@aol.com

Wanda Phillips @ 205-594-5854 or e-mail:wmphillips@windstream.net