The North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) is one of a number of competitive trail ride organizations in the United States. A competitive trail ride is not a race, but competitors cover a marked course in a given period of time.
The pace for Open Division is about 4 - 6 mph, on a 25 - 35 mile trail for a one-day ride or 50 - 60 miles on a two-day ride or 80 - 90 miles on a three-day ride. The pace for the Novice and Competitive Pleasure (CP) divisions is about 3.5 - 5 mph, on a 20 - 25 mile trail for a one-day ride or 30 - 40 miles on a two-day ride.
Three-day rides are not permitted for the Novice and CP divisions. The horse is judged on condition, soundness and trail ability on natural trail obstacles. The rider is judged on presentation (not showmanship!), grooming (no artificial enhancements, polished hooves, etc.), trail equitation (not prettiness of form), trail safety/courtesy, stabling, etc. |
