Mountain Trail Horse Competition

An event where a horse and rider are judged as a partnership. The Horse is judged on its
ability to maneuver obstacles either natural or man-made, with physical skill, expression and
good mental attitude. The horse should have the desire to go forward without
compromising calm, relaxed attitude and should have natural way of going. The horse
should be willfully guided. The Rider is judged on their horsemanship and showmanship skills.
The Rider should display leadership while keeping soft hands. The horse and rider will follow
a specific course as indicated by the judge and maintain the appropriate gaits throughout the
course as indicated.

Attire

While there is no specific dress code to compete in the Ontario Mountain Trail Horse
Competition, boots or riding shoes with a heel are mandatory. Helmets are mandatory for all
youth competitors and are recommended for adults however it is optional. Please consider
that you are riding in a judged competition. Your appearance does matter. You should
present yourself and your horse as a neat and clean package with appropriate gear. For
example, a Western rider should wear western hat or approved helmet, shirt with a collar,
short or long-sleeved. If the shirt is long-sleeved, it should be rolled down and buttoned.
Jeans and western boots, chaps are acceptable. An English rider would be acceptable in a
proper English shirt and jacket or a collared shirt, short or long-sleeved, breeches and boots
and an approved helmet. Extra points will not be awarded for silver or show attire.
Tack
Horses will be shown in a bridle or halter depending on the class, serviceable western or
English tack . Bridleless entries will not be allowed to show. Specific bit or reins are the
riders choice, however, if you use a solid mouth piece shank style bit, a get down rope or lead
rope is encouraged. Using one or two hands on a shank is allowed, but if you begin the class
using one hand and switch to two hands, it may result in a lower score. Wearing spurs is
acceptable. No tie downs or mechanical hackamores are allowed. Leg protection/bell
boots are allowed. Be aware obstacles may include water. Any tack or attire (item) the
Master Judge deems to be a risk or unsafe must be removed in order to participate.
Class Definitions
Youth: Youth competitors are 18 years of age and under by the current calendar year. All
Youth must wear helmets.
Rookie Horse/Rider: Horse or rider in their 1st or 2nd year of competing in any Mountain Trail
event.
Novice Horse/Rider: Horse or rider that have not won 5 or more first places in any Mountain
Trail event.
Guided Classes: These classes are for individuals that may need extra support maneuvering
through the course and/or handling their horse. A horse may be lead if necessary in this class.
Any entries in this class will not be permitted to cross enter into any other classes. Guided
youth should be 12 years of age or under.
Junior Horse: Any horse, 5 years and under
Pony: 14.2 hands and Under
Green Horse: In hand class for horses 3 years old and under. Any horses entered in this
class will not be permitted to cross enter into any other classes.
In Hand: Horse to be shown wearing a halter with handler, not being ridden. May be
saddled or unsaddled. Any horses showing in hand will not be permitted to cross enter into
any other under saddle entries. Under saddle classes will have an in hand portion
incorporated into each course.
Non Pro: A rider who competes in events that does not take any form of remuneration for
training, instruction, giving lessons etc to others in any equine activity.
Open: A professional trainer, or instructor. If you receive any kind of remuneration for
training, instruction, giving lessons etc to others in any equine activity you must show in this
class.
Course Walk-Thru
Opportunity to navigate the course on foot prior to the competition in order to become
comfortable with the pattern. During the led walk thru, each judge will lead their section.
Please refrain from talking during the walk thru to allow all competitors to hear the judge.
Questions can be asked at the obstacle but once the judge has proceeded to the next obstacle
no further questions on previous obstacles can be asked.
Order of Go
A running order will be posted prior to the start of the show. If you are not ready when your
name or number is called, you will miss your opportunity to show in that class.
Off Course
Taking an obstacle in the wrong direction; negotiating an obstacle from the wrong side;
skipping an obstacle directed by the judge; negotiating in the wrong sequence; not following
the correct line of travel either in the drawn pattern or at the judges instruction. Off Course
will result in a score of zero for that obstacle. If you add an obstacle not on the course, you will
be off course and disqualified.
Refusal
Any action taken by the horse to avoid performing an obstacle, part of a combination of
obstacles or a portion of a trail course. These actions may include, but not limited to the
following: refusing, evading or running past an obstacle, complete loss of required gait, and
any blatant action by the horse that demonstrates an unwillingness to approach, negotiate,
and/or complete an obstacle. Either, after 3 unsuccessful attempts at an obstacle or 15
seconds of an unsuccessful attempt at an obstacle, the judge will instruct the exhibitor to
move to the next obstacle and the exhibitor will take a score of zero for that obstacle.
Disqualification
Abuse to the animal inside or outside the competition arena will result in disqualification.
This will include but not limited to: lameness, fresh blood in mouth, chin, shoulder, barrel,
flank or hip; disrespect or misconduct by an exhibitor.
Obstacle Score
All horses enter the arena with a score of 0. Each obstacle will be scored on a scale from 0-
10. A score of 0 will be given for a refusal or off course and a score of 10 being perfect.
Scores in between represent the degree to which the judge feels the horse and rider
negotiated each obstacle. At the completion of that division the scores will be totaled and a
final score for each exhibitor will be given. Scores for each division will be posted as soon as
possible.
Obstacles
Examples, but not limited to:
Gates solid or rope Rock Scramble Bridges Elevated Bridge
Balance Beam Teeter Totter Bridge Covered Bridge Stair Steps
Trench/Gully Hills Sand Slides Water Hazards
Logs Saw Buck high and low Back Throughs Switch Backs
Rock Lined tunnel 360 Turn box Mail Box Tires
Animal Hides Ground Tie Dismounting Smoke
Contained Fire Carrying Objects Side Passing
Obstacles should appear natural, they should be what you may encounter in nature or on a
trail ride. Safety is the utmost concern.
OMTHS Membership
Membership is required for all participants in any OMTHS clinic or show. Membership forms
are available on the website www.ontariomountaintrail.weebly.com
Shows
Entry forms for shows will be available at a minimum approx. 30 days prior to the show date
and will be announced on the facebook page and the entry form will be available on the
website. There should be an entry form for each Horse/Rider combination. A horse may be
shown in different divisions if applicable, however that same horse may not be shown in the
same class more than once. Each park may have additional fees should they wish to provide
overnight camping, stalls, hydro or water hookups etc. If so, this information will be provided
on the website and on the Facebook page. All entries should be sent in to
ontariomountaintrail@gmail.com or mailed to:

OMTHS
1688 Division Line
Douro-Dummer, ON K0L 2B0

Entry fees are due upon receipt of entry. Same day entries will be permitted should space
and time permit, however they will be charged an additional $10 for same day entry. There
will be no refunds of entry fees. Shows will proceed rain or shine. For non-members,
entries will not be processed without being accompanied by a membership form and fee.

Points for Series

Points will be calculated on the following sliding scale for each class depending on the number
of entries.
# of Entries 6 or more 5 4 3 2 1

1st Place 6 5 4 3 2 1

2nd Place 5 4 3 2 1

3rd Place 4 3 2 1

4th Place 3 2 1

5th Place 2 1

6th Place 1

Points will kept throughout the season and posted on the website. Once points have been
posted you have 30 days to lodge a dispute in order for the points to be corrected if necessary
or they will be considered as final. In order to be eligible for the National Finals of a Series
you must show in a minimum of two shows. Entries in the National Finals will be offered to
those with the highest number of points in the series and down the ranking until the show is
full.
Disclaimer
While we have attempted to cover all necessary rules and guidelines, inevitably there will be
discussions or questions that will need to be answered. If a concern or a rule dispute or any
issue with an item that is not covered here arises, it will be decided by the OMTHS in
combination with any present qualified judges if it arises on show day and the resulting
decision will be communicated to all members and will apply to all members and entries.