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SMOKY MOUNTAIN TRAIL

CHALLENGE
INTRODUCTION:
The Smoky Mountain Challenge is a judged event designed to show the willingness,
training, and athletic ability of a trail horse in the confines of the arena. The trail challenge
should test the horse’s ability to cope with situations encountered while being ridden
through a pattern of obstacles generally found while riding in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The horse/rider or horse/handler team is judged on the correctness, efficiency and pattern
accuracy with which the obstacles are negotiated, and the attitude and mannerisms
exhibited by the horse. Speed is not important. Judging emphasis is on identifying the well
broke, responsive and well-mannered horse which can correctly navigate and negotiate the
course.

When riding in the Smokies, as you want to take in the scenic views and breath-taking vistas
while safely guiding and negotiating the many obstacles found on the trail. An equine will
receive credit for showing attentiveness to negotiating the obstacles and/or path. A horse
will be rewarded with higher maneuver score for performing gaits correctly with quality of
movement and an alert attitude. While on the line of travel between obstacles, the horse
shall be balanced, carrying his head in a relaxed, NATURAL position. For example, stock
type breeds should carry the head in a relaxed, natural position, with the poll level with of
slightly above the withers. Gaited breeds carry the head and neck above the withers. An
equine should approach each obstacle in a consistent forward motion, acknowledge the
obstacle and remain calm and confident with a willing attitude.

The Smoky Mountain Trail Challenge is open to ALL equine breeds (horses, mules and
donkeys). The format and design of this competition follows the guidelines, rules and
purpose established by the Intermountain Trail Challenge Association with some
modifications. To watch a video from the Oregon Horse Center Mountain Trail Challenge
(Please note: we will not have this extensive course) to see an extreme example of what
Mountain Tail Competitions are all about click here. Our First Annual Smoky Mountain
Trail Challenge will test your ability, we hope to build it in future years.

CLASS LEVELS:
Level 1 –Entry level course layout and obstacles for the Explore and Green broke divisions.
The rider and horse may not have established trust or are unsure about each team member’s
ability to negotiate simple obstacles. Obstacles should be easy to explain to the team: basic
maneuver or technique needed to complete the obstacle. The course will be at the flat footed
walk.

Level 2 –Youth and Amateur classes. The rider and horse are expected to be familiar with
one another, exhibit trust when negotiating obstacles and are conditioned to ride a longer
Course. May include some jog, trot, running walk, gait, or intermediate gait up to and
between obstacles, forward ground covering is encouraged; 180, 270 or 360 degree on
certain obstacles.

Level 3 –Open Division. This is considered a partnership where horse and rider have
established trust, can negotiate difficult obstacles and are conditioned to travel a longer
Course. May include some canter, lope, or gait up to and between obstacles; 180, 270 or 360
degree on certain obstacles.

CLASSES DIVISIONS:
Lead Line: This is defined as anybody requiring a lead line from an adult by their side (e.g.,
a child under 10 or equestrian with disabilities). Rider is not eligible to compete in other
divisions.

Green broke: This is for horses born in 2015 or later. Horses may be started under saddle
but have less than 60 days of riding and/or has not been shown in a riding class. Horses in
division may show in the In-hand division only.

Explorer Horse: This is defined as horses with limited exposure to trail riding, has not won
a showing (breed, open, 4H, gymkhanas/contest, and/or trail competitions), or less than
being ridden for 2 years. Horse may be shown in other divisions (i.e. Youth, Amateur or
Open). Level 1 courses.

Explorer Rider: This division is reserved for individuals with limited riding and showing
experience (breed, open, 4H, gymkhanas/contest, and/or trail competitions), or less than 2
years of riding experience who wish to learn more about showing in Mountain Train
Challenges. Helmets are recommended for riders in the Explorer Rider class. No Stallions in
this division. Level 1 courses.

Youth Division: This is defined as participants under 18 years old based on age as of
January 1st; minimum age to compete will be 6 years old. All youth must wear helmets
while showing in riding classes. A youth cannot exhibit a stallion. This division compete on
Level 2 courses.

Amateur Division: This is defined as participants 18 and older. An exhibitor/competitor

who has received remuneration for training, instructions, giving lessons in the past 5 years.
This division compete on Level 2 courses.

Open Division: This is defined as trainers and all riders. This division compete on Level 3
courses.

For a full description of the Rules and Guidelines, Click Here.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN TRAIL CHALLENGE REGISTRATION FORM

Name *

Address * Please enter your mailing address

Street Address

Apt, Suite, Bldg. (optional)

City State / Province / Region

United States of America

Postal / Zip Code Country

Phone *

Email *

You will be contacted following your registration about stalling and RV details.

Check which Please select which class(es) you are entering. Horses may compete in
division(s) you both In-hand and Mounted classes. You may also show in more than one

are interested in * division (examples: Explorer can also show in Amateur; or Youth can
show in Open). Mounted classes are $50; In hand classes are $25. Lead
line and Green broke may only show in that class. Must enter by February
18, 2018. Entries after 2/18/18 will be charged additional $25.
Lead line Green Broke
Explorer Horse-Ridden Explorer Horse-In hand
Explorer Rider-Ridden Explorer Rider-In hand
Youth-Ridden Youth-In hand
Amateur-Ridden Amateur-In hand
Open-Ridden Open-In hand

Breed of Horse * Quarter Horse Paint

Appaloosa Tennessee Walking Horse
Spotted Saddle Horse Warmblood
Morgan Arabian
Arabian-cross Saddlebred
Mule Draft
Not Registered-Grade Other

Age of Horse *

Please list the age of your horse

Number of Stalls
*
Stalls are $25/night

Number of Stall Day Stall

Nights *
Indicate whether you need a single day stall for $20 or indicate how many over night stalls you will need at
$25/night. All horses must be stalled. No horses are to be tied to trailers.

Total Stall Costs *

Enter the total cost for the stalls. Day stalls are $20/day. Over night stalls are $25/stall/night. Enter number below
without $

Number of N/A
Shavings *
If you are stalling, you must have at least 2 bags of shavings. You may bring your own. Pre order shavings at $7.50/
bag. Shavings are available for purchase on site for $8.00/bag

Number of RV N/A
nights *
Please select the number of nights reserved for RV hook up.

RV Reservations * Not camping over night

RV hook-ups are available on-site. RV hook-up costs are $40/night for 30 amp and $45/night for 50 amp hook-
up. Reserve your hook-up today and pay at the show.

RV costs

Enter the total RV costs. Multiple number of nights x type of hook up. Enter the total cost for your RVreservation
below without the $

Total Cost

Please enter the total amount due. Payment is due upon arrival at the Southern Equine Expo. Add entry fee(s),
stall costs, shavings and RV. Enter the number below without the $

Questions or
comments

Currency

VERIFICATION

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two digits *

Example: 12

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