2024 National Mountain Trail Championships

GENERAL SHOW INFORMATION - FAQ SECTION HAS BEEN ADDED! SCROLL DOWN!

Information page only. Please email ohcentries@gmail.com with questions. Please be patient with us, more information coming soon.

LEVEL / DIVISION INFORMATION

Level: GREENIE

WHO can compete at this level? Both the HORSE (equine) and RIDER (handler) may have NEVER shown in any Mountain Trail show at OHC to the current year (2024).

Divisions offered:

-Greenie in-hand YOUTH - Handler is under 18 as of 1/1/2024, this is not a ridden class).

-Greenie in-hand ADULT - Handler is 18 or over as of 1/1/2024, this is not a ridden class).

-Greenie under saddle YOUTH. - Handler is under 18 as of 1/1/2024, this is a ridden class).

-Greenie under saddle ADULT. - Handler is 18 or over as of 1/1/2024, this is a ridden class).

Level: EXPLORER

WHO is this level for? The HORSE (equine) or RIDER (handler) has never placed top 3 (champion, reserve champion, runner up) in any mountain trail NATIONALS competition PRIOR to 2024. This includes any 1st place day class wins at any prior National Mountain Trail competition.

Divisions offered:

-Explorer in-hand - Handler is of any age, open to anyone eligible for this level. This is not a ridden class.

-Explorer OPEN - Open to any rider eligible for this level. This IS a ridden class.

-Explorer Select - Open to any rider eligible for this level who is 50 or older as of 1/1/2024. This IS a ridden class.

-Explorer Youth - Open to any eligible for this level and UNDER 18 as of 1/1/2024. This IS a ridden class.

-Explorer Amateur - Open to anyone eligible for this level 18 and over as of 1/1/2024 and not a professional and has not been one for at least 3 years. This is defined by anyone paid for lessons, riding or other training related equine services in any equine discipline. This IS a ridden class.

Level: NOVICE

WHO is this level for? The HORSE (equine) or RIDER (handler) has not placed top 3 (champion, reserve champion, runner up) more than 5 times in any mountain trail NATIONALS competition PRIOR to 2024.

Divisions offered:

-Novice in-hand - Handler is of any age, open to anyone eligible for this level. This is not a ridden class.

-Novice OPEN - Open to any rider eligible for this level. This IS a ridden class.

-Novice Select - Open to any rider eligible for this level who is 50 or older as of 1/1/2024. This IS a ridden class.

-Novice Youth - Open to any eligible for this level and UNDER 18 as of 1/1/2024. This IS a ridden class.

-Novice Amateur - Open to anyone eligible for this level 18 and over as of 1/1/2024 and not a professional and has not been one for at least 3 years. This is defined by anyone paid for lessons, riding or other training related equine services in any equine discipline. This IS a ridden class.

Level: ADVANCED

WHO is this level for? The HORSE (equine) or RIDER (handler) has placed top 3 (champion, reserve champion, runner up) more than 5 times in any mountain trail NATIONALS competition PRIOR to 2024.

Divisions offered:

-Advanced in-hand - Handler is of any age, open to anyone eligible for this level. This is not a ridden class.

-Advanced OPEN - Open to any rider eligible for this level. This IS a ridden class.

-Advanced Select - Open to any rider eligible for this level who is 50 or older as of 1/1/2024. This IS a ridden class.

-Advanced Youth - Open to any eligible for this level and UNDER 18 as of 1/1/2024. This IS a ridden class.

-Advanced Amateur - Open to anyone eligible for this level 18 and over as of 1/1/2024 and not a professional and has not been one for at least 3 years. This is defined by anyone paid for lessons, riding or other training related equine services in any equine discipline. This IS a ridden class.

CLASS SCHEDULE

rules

This section will be updated a couple times prior to the competition - please check back for updates over the next couple weeks.

WHO CAN COMPETE IN THIS SHOW?

Who is eligible to compete at the National Mountain Trail Championship? Anyone who has a horse, mule, pony or mini and wants to! We have two courses, the Silverado (the larger course) and the Logan (the smaller course). There are ridden and in-hand classes offered at every level in both arenas, all four days. There are also 2-3 fun classes offered at the end of the day all four days of competition. The competition days are Wednesday - Saturday with Sunday being the awards presentation in the Silverado arena and prize pick-up afterwards. To be eligible for over-all awards you must compete all four days. 

WHAT IS THE JUDGE LOOKING FOR IN A TRAIL HORSE?

The judges are looking for a trail horse that can maneuver through a course with physical skill, an interested expression and a good attitude. The horse should move willingly forward and toward the next obstacle on the course with a calm attitude. The horse should approach each obstacle squarely with confidence in its own style while maintaining its willingness to be guided by the rider/handler. They should present as a team that communicates well and trusts each other. The overall picture should be one of a cohesive, safe and experienced team ready to tackle any obstacle in a thoughtful and smart way.

WHAT ARE THE TACK AND ATTIRE REQUIREMENTS?

Attire should be what you would wear on the trail whether that is western, english, endurance or some other “style”. The scores are not based on attire although a cleaner look may add to the overall perception of the pair’s suitability and their readiness to tackle the trail. We do require that all riders wear safe, appropriate footwear; in-hand competitors should also wear appropriate foot wear, this will often include waders or tall mud boots. Silver on tack will never matter or be awarded. Regarding bits; using two hands on a shank bit will NOT cause you to be disqualified. However, there will be a penalty - this is up to the judges discretion. Things they will take into consideration will be why/how you went to two hands. You may ride a horse in any bit that your horse goes well in regardless of age. Bitless bridles and hackamores are allowed for any age horse as well. You may not ride in a halter with reins. You may not have any muzzle type piece of equipment on your horse that stops it from grabbing trees, grass or other things.

SCORING:

All horses enter the arena with a score of 0 and add to it with each obstacle. The scoring is on a scale of 0-10*. A zero will ONLY be awarded when there is absolutely no attempt (for example, the rider chooses to skip an obstacle or forgets it completely). In general the scoring ranges are interpreted as follows:
0 = no attempt
1-4 = major faults

5-7 = average

8-10 = outstanding

*Scores will sometimes be given in ½ point increments. 

Prior to the start of the day, the judges pick their top 3 tie breaker obstacles, these will NOT be shared with the competitors until after the day is complete.


DISQUALIFICATION:

Abuse to the animal inside or outside the competition arena and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred will result in disqualification. This includes lameness, fresh blood in mouth, chin, shoulder, barrel, flank or hip. Disrespect or misconduct by the exhibitor can be grounds for disqualification. Show management has the right ro ask any exhibitor or guest to leave the premises immediately for any reason at any time. Anyone caught cheating will be subject to immediate ejection from the competition with no refund. You may not take your horse into the Logan or Silverado arenas for ANY REASON at ANY TIME unless it is during competition and it is your turn to go on course. This include the area between the Logan and Silverado arenas. 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

-STARTING MONDAY OF THE SHOW WEEK schooling obstacles will be available in the 100x300 Emerald arena. Please be courteous to others when using this space / the obstacles.

-Both courses will have water obstacles. 

-There will be a Judges Q&A at the start of each level, competitors may ask the judges and course designer questions at this time only. 

-You are allowed 3 attempts at an obstacle while on course. You MUST move on after this. There is no schooling allowed on the course during the competition. If you do not follow this rule the judge will ask you to move on personally.

PRIZES / AWARDS (RIBBONS) - SUNDAY 10AM - SILVERADO ARENA

• Daily Logan 1st-6th will be awarded for Logan Arena daily placings (cups, towels, ribbon or vet wrap)

• Overall LOGAN (1st - 6th) prizes and ribbons (per level/division, eg: Explorer Youth etc).

• Overall SILVERADO (1st - 6th) prizes and ribbons (per level/division, eg: Explorer Youth etc).

• TEAM CHALLENGE WINNERS (1ST-3RD) WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE END

• MYSTERY PRIZES WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER THE TEAM CHALLENGE WINNERS

FAQ’S - still didn’t find an answer? Email ohcentries@gmail.com

Q: This is my first Mountain Trail Show - Can I show in advanced?

A: You can, however advanced may be harder than you think. We recommend most people that have never shown at NMTC start with Novice if they feel Greenie/Explorer won’t be a good fit.

Q: This is my first Mountain Trail Show, but my horse is very experienced - what classes can I go in?
A: Sounds like the “Explorer” level would be perfect for you. 

Q: I have been showing Mountain Trail for 10+ years and have won a lot but I have a new 4 year old horse, what class(s) are for me?

A: You can go in Explorer Classes - but not Greenie.

Q: What is the difference between the Logan and Silverado Arena?

A: Logan is a smaller arena that is more inviting to first time horses and riders, however there are still plenty of obstacles and we find lots of ways to challenge the upper level horse(s)/riders!

Q: When will the patterns for the show come out?

A: The patterns will be out by 7pm every day. They are never released prior to the show. They are designed each day so we can react to horses/riders that we have at this event.

Q: What if the show is really big, will start times be adjusted?

A: Yes, start times may be adjusted. We will announce that via facebook and our website if that is the case.

Q: Can I add or scratch classes?
A: Yes! However, ALL adds and scratches must be done the day prior to the classes running. This is so we can keep things running in a timely manner for all the competitors. For example, if we have 15 people add to Logan classes, that arena will now run around an hour longer than expected. We have heard from you that you don’t want to show late into the night, bringing this policy back will help ensure that does not happen.

Q: How do I qualify for overall awards?

A: You will need to go in the same classes in your chosen Level/Division in Silverado. You can enter multiple classes but NOT multiple levels unless it's on a different horse. For example: Entering Silverado(arena) Explorer(level) Open(division) on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will mean you are eligible for the Explorer Open Overall Awards.

Q: Can I enter Silverado classes for only one day?
A: No, Silverado classes are “4 day classes” - by signing up for a class you are signing up for all 4 days. If you have to/choose to miss a day, there is no partial refund of the class fee.

Q: Can I enter with the same horse in multiple levels?

A: No, the same horse can not be entered in multiple levels - even if it is with a different rider. There may be exceptions for children 10 and under (siblings sharing a horse). Please speak with the show manager about this.

Q: What does “open gate” mean?

A: Open “open gate” means that the people in this class can go in any order! You simply go up to your gate person to check-in and let them know you’re ready to go. They will then add your name to the list of riders that are ready to go. Stay close so you can hear them when they call for you. If you miss their call you have until the end of the LEVEL to return and ride. If you miss your level completely you will be counted a “no show”, there are no refunds for this.

Q: What does “order of go” mean?

A: Order of go means there is a set order the riders will go in. These will be posted the morning the show starts. If you miss your go, you will be marked as a “no show”. There is no refund for a no show.

Q: I want to arrive Saturday before the show, what can I expect?
A: You will need to notify the office if you plan to arrive prior to Tuesday, 10/29. The SHOW SECRETARY will not be available for check-in until Tuesday morning. Prior to Tuesday morning, you will not be able to enter/add/scratch/change your entry in any way. You WILL be able to get into your stall, RV space and purchase additional shavings if needed.