State 4-H Competitive Trail Ride Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

• The ride is open to all 4-H horse and pony members in Pennsylvania.
• A Leader/ Adult Division is also included. Open to screened volunteers only!
• All riders are strongly encouraged to participate in a judged competitive trail ride or trail ride clinic prior to registration for this ride.
• Please refer to the 4-H Competitive Trail Riding Reference Book for information about preparing for the ride.
• All 4-H Members must complete and maintain the 4-H Competitive Trail Riding Annual Record and complete any applicable county requirements.
• 50 riders will be accepted on this ride. Registration is on a first come basis. No refunds on registrations.
• The Ride Management reserves the right to cancel or postpone the ride due to insufficient enrollment, inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
• A 4-H member may use any member of the equine family as a project animal.
• All horses must be 4 years of age or older. Only mares and geldings are permitted. Nursing mares, horses that are not serviceably sound and animals that have been nerved are ineligible.
• All horses and ponies (including "sweep rider mounts") must submit proof of negative EIA status (any federal or Pennsylvania state recognized test results for EIA will be accepted) and current rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian with ride registration documents
• It is strongly recommended that all horses be shod and wear breast collars. A farrier will be available before the ride and at the mid-point of the ride. (Any services shall be at the rider's expense.)
• Positively no drugs, medicines or stimulants may be administered by injection, ingestion before and during the ride. If any traces of drugs are found in any animal, that animal will be disqualified. External medication may be used but only with the ride veterinary judge's knowledge and permission. Any animal showing any evidence of contagious disease is ineligible to compete and will be asked to promptly leave the ride grounds.
• Any medication or treatment done by the veterinary judge will be at the rider's expense.
• Use of blankets, grooming tools and sponging is permitted but external medication, compresses, bandages, artificially heated or cooled water, and hosing are forbidden.
• The judges have the authority to withdraw any horse at the pre-ride check or if the animals health becomes endangered at any time during the ride. This is to protect both the horse and rider. All riders in sight of a vet check station must proceed forward.
• Riders must remain in the saddle while horse is moving over the course. Dismounting and resting of horse and rider is permitted providing they do not advance forward.
• When competitor is in sight of the finish line, rider and mount may not stop and must continue forward. Riders who leave the trail intentionally or otherwise must return to that same point to continue the ride.
• Mileage markers will be placed every 5 miles and every mile for the last 5 miles to assist in timing. No smoking or littering allowed on the trail. Removal of the trail markers is also prohibited. Violation of these rules will result in disqualification.
• At the mid point check station the in time will be recorded and in 10 minutes the rider and mount will be called for a P&R check.
• Riders are responsible for knowledge of all rules involved with the ride.
• The judges' decisions are final.
• Protective headgear must be worn by all riders when mounted. Please see the 2020 PA 4-H Horse Show Rule Book. Riders must wear boots or shoes that have a definite heel as viewed from the side while riding.
• No pets of any kind will be permitted on the ride grounds. NO dogs - Please