This competition is both an obstacle course and a race. Contestants must finish the race with in a certain time (to be determined) and will also be judged at each obstacle. Every one that completes the course in time, will then be placed by their score. (If there are not enough people that make it with in the time to fill the placings, then everyone else will be placed by score, regardless of their time.) If there is a tie of scores, then the placing will be determined by the fastest time. The obstacles are judged on a 0 to 10 point system. Average being 5. If the obstacle is not completed as instructed, you will receive a 0 for that obstacle. "Showing off" is encouraged! Anything that you can do to show your horsemanship, and how broke your horse is, may add extra points to your score. (For example, on the "drag the tire" obstacle you may want to show that your horse can pull it going forward and backward, or that you can get on or off on the off side, etc.) Judges will be looking for a horse that is calm and under control. Keep in mind that spectators will be allowed on the course, so that may be an extra challenge for your horse.
The course -
1. Open and close gate. Extra points may be added if your hand never leaves the gate. Points will be taken away if the gate is not completely latched after closed.
2. Ride over tarp.
3. Move cattle from one pen into another. Points may be taken away if the rider noticeably upsets or scares the cattle. Gate work is not required, but extra points may be added if the rider chooses to close the gate on horseback.
4. Ride through round bale hay feeder. (Set up on end.)
5. Cross creek. Points may be added if the horse walks calmly through the creek (does not jump it).
6. Back-up a hill.
7. Drag tire. Rope will be on the ground, so you may get off your horse to pick it up.
8. Place bucket from one barrel on to another. Judges will be looking for a horse that can sprint (run) under control, and then stop quickly.
9. Cross bridge.
10. Jump barrels. Points may be taken away if all 4 of the horse's feet do not go over the barrels. Points may be added if the horse clears the barrels smoothly, and does not hit the barrels with it's feet.
11. Side pass over a log.
No horse is allowed on the course before the race begins!!
One rider may enter and compete on up to 2 horses only. Please fill out separate entry forms for each horse. If the horse entered is unable to compete, you may replace the horse if you let us know before the show starts.
The same horse (with different riders) may not compete twice.
Entries and entry fee must be in by April 30th!!!! Entry fee is $45 per horse and is non-refundable!
First contestant rides at 1:00 sharp! Contestants - Be here by 12:30! We will walk (on foot) through the course, so you know how to ride it. We will draw for order. If you miss your turn, we will call your name again at the very end, but if you miss it again, you are disqualified, and your entry fee will not be returned.
Talking with the judges is permitted. They can tell you where to go next, or how to do an obstacle if you forget. Our judges this year (08) are Jim Wilkins & Heather Probasco.
The judge has the right to tell a contestant to go on to the next obstacle and to mark a 0 for that obstacle, if the contestant takes too long (for example, over a minute) to start the task, or if the horse is getting out of control. (Note - The judges do not have a stop watch, "too long" will be determined by their judgment.)
There is no dress code, or tack regulations, but remember, severe tack or sloppy appearance will not impress the judges, and may lower your score. Unless there is a big storm, the competition will go on, even if it is raining.
If the horse falls, or at any time the rider comes off the horse, the rider may catch his/her horse, remount (un-assisted) and continue competing, if they wish to. The rider must catch their horse with in 2 minutes, and no other person can touch the animal. Competitors, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to let people know that you do not want them to touch your horse. If they can't hear you, or just don't listen, that's too bad, you will be disqualified from the race........so don't fall off your horse! :)
Anyone may practice their horse after the competition is all over, for $10 per horse. You must also fill out an entry form!
Prize money and prizes -
$25 of every entry fee will go in the jackpot, and pay-out will be 1 for every 4 entries and part there of. We also have $50 added money to put in the jackpot!
There will be a prize for the male and female rider that completes the course in the fastest time, and for the rider that is just out of the money. There will also be a prize for the youth (under 18yrs) with the best score.