Horsemanship Award

The horsemanship award is determined by a separate judge and is judged in a separate category. The horsemanship award reflects good horsemanship and the contestant's ability in trail riding. The horsemanship judge evaluates how horses and riders handle trail obstacles and trail conditions, and how the contestant rides and cares for the horse before, during and after the ride. The horsemanship judge also evaluates sportsmanship and presentation of horses to the judges.

Conditioning Division participants are not eligible for this award.

The rider is required to totally care for the horse or pony, including all grooming, tacking, care and control. Any undue assistance will result in elimination of the contestant for the horsemanship award. Riders may have someone hold the horse/pony during midpoint and at the end of the ride (one holder only). Time penalties will be considered, except in the event of sickness or injury beyond the rider's control.

Horsemanship will be judged on:

• Equitation, horsemanship
• Neatness and appearance (suitable, safe workmanlike clothing and equipment)
• Grooming
• Tack and equipment, including condition and fit,
• Management and care of horse/pony
• Trail manners and ability to negotiate obstacles
• Sportsmanship
• All presentations to the judges
• Condition and fitness of the horse or pony
• Suitability of horse to rider

This award category is a good test of your horsemanship knowledge and your abilities as a trail rider.