2025 RULES

1. All stud horses must have a signed a contract with Catherine Frye before entering the property. 

2. If asked to leave by any staff member or event coordinator; you will be given 10 minutes to leave (without animal). If asked to leave by any staff member or event coordinator; you will be given 20 minutes to leave (with animal). 

3. Helmets are encouraged but not required.

4. This is open to any discipline and breed(s) of horse.

5. Horse/rider combo may not enter both open and novice. Only one. 

6. Riders must pay a non-refundable entry fee.

7. Points are based on horse/rider combination

8. Equines must be serviceably sound and in good condition as determined by the judge.

9. It is expected that each horse shall always be treated humanely with kindness and respect.

10. The judge always has the option of disqualifying an exhibitor for safety reasons, disrespect or misconduct.

11. Each course will contain seven (7) obstacles.

12. No horses are allowed on course prior to the start of the competition. 

13. A walk-through of each class/course will be completed prior to the start of the event. All competitors have the

option of walking the course with the judges and asking any questions at this time. No equines allowed on the

course during the walk-through.

14. It is the competitor’s responsibility to fully understand the course and rules at the time of entry. Using the pattern

during course is prohibited and will result in a zero (0) for the obstacle.

15. The judge will ask the rider/handler to move on to next obstacle upon the third refusal or after sixty (60) seconds

of not completing an obstacle. The rider MUST move to the next obstacle. Riders who do not move on will receive

a zero (0) for that obstacle.

16. Obstacles are designed with safety in mind. However, if you feel an obstacle is beyond the abilities of you and/or

your horse you may skip that obstacle. You will receive a zero (0) for that obstacle but will still receive a score for

the course.

17. Failure to attempt an obstacle will result in a score of zero (0) for the obstacle. Riders/handlers will still receive a

score for the course.

18. The course must be completed in the designated order. The course is numbered. If the rider completes the

course out of order, the scores from the obstacles not in the correct order will be cut in half. Therefore, you will be

given half the score that you receive on those obstacles.

19. If you choose to lead your horse through an obstacle you must remount before moving to the next obstacle.

20. If you happen to fall off your horse and you can regain control without assistance and remount you may do so. If

your horse leaves the course your turn is over. You will still receive points for the obstacles completed.

21. It is permissible to change rein hand to work with an obstacle. No points will be deducted for this.

22. Riders can use either one hand or two hands with any bit or hackamore.

23. No training devices permitted including martingales, tie downs or stud chains. 

24. Boots with a heel are mandatory. Dress should be appropriate for the weather and the event, neat and functional.

Dress like you would dress practically for the trail and have fun. No shorts allowed.

25. Tack must be safe, humane and in good working condition. If trail committee determines an item to be unsafe or

not humane the exhibitor has five (5) minutes to correct the problem and return to the course.

26. NO coaching while rider is on the course except in the Youth class. Any coaching observed at an obstacle will

result in a 0 for that obstacle for the rider on course.

27. No spectators or trainers on the course during the competition with exception of 10 y/o and under.

28. Score sheets will not be available to participants until all classes have been judged and winners announced.

29. The use of profanity or abusive language by any contestant will result in disqualification from that event and could

result in disqualification from the entire series.

30. Any act of discourtesy or disobedience toward any Research for Rachel staff in and out of the arena, will result in disqualification for the duration of the event. It could also result in

removal from all Research for Rachel events and activities for the remainder of the year.

31. All dogs MUST be leashed at all times.
32. All animal waste MUST be removed. 

33. The object is to have fun and improve your horsemanship. Suggestions are always welcome.

34. Please respect the facility and clean up after yourself.

35. Research For Rachel Trail Challenge has the right to add additional rules if necessary. Rule additions

will be posted at the registration table.