OREGON HORSE CENTER
MOUNTAIN TRAIL JUDGES GUIDELINE VERSION 1.1
These classes contain a minimum of 10 to 18 obstacles depending on division levels and show. These
classes are designed to showcase the equine’s ability to negotiate and maneuver through and around
obstacles. The equine will be asked to perform multiple task that range from tradition trail obstacles to
maneuvering over hills, ditches, ponds, rocks, and half logs. In addition, an equine may be asked to back
out of obstacles, side pass over obstacles, complete pivots and move at various gaits. A rider may be
asked to dismount, mount, drag or move obstacles, sending the horse through obstacles while
dismounted. The imagination of the mountains allows us (OHC) to come up with new, different and
creative obstacles every day. OHC has the unique opportunity to redesign the mountain trail course for
each event. A rider will never get bored on our trails, because there’s something new and different at
each event.
The classes will be judged on the equine’s ability to maneuver over obstacles, with attention to
manners, response to the rider and quality of movement. In addition, a rider/handler will be judged on
horsemanship while preforming each obstacle. An equine will receive credit for showing attentiveness
to negotiating the obstacle and/or path; if the path is not specified, the equine’s ability to negotiate and
pick his own path through the course. A horse will be rewarded with higher maneuver scores for
performing gaits correctly with an alert attitude. While on the line of travel between obstacles, the
horse shall be balanced, carrying his head and neck in a relaxed, NATURAL position. (Example: Stock
breed: Carrying the head and neck in a relaxed, natural position, with the poll level with or slightly above
the withers. Gaited Breed: Carrying head and neck high above the poll and withers.) An equine should
approach each obstacle in a consistent forward motion. The equine should acknowledge each obstacle
while keeping a forward motion and remain calm and confident with a willing attitude.
Mountain Trail is created for every breed. The judges are expected to have knowledge of all breeds and
are instructed to judge each horse accordingly. Each judge is required to be consistent in his scoring for
all equines, without playing favoritism to any specific breed.
Judging obstacles:
The judges will judge each obstacle as three parts. An entrance, middle and exit, with an emphasis on
the middle section. You will be judged on your equine’s approach to an obstacle, how accurately and
willingly your equine maneuvers through the obstacle and departures from each obstacle. Each
rider/handler shall help the equine approach and align his body as approaching each obstacle. A
rider/handler’s horsemanship will be judged throughout the entire course.
The Oregon Horse Center (OHC) uses a 0-10 point scoring system. The scoring system is designed to be
positive, encouraging and straight forward to the exhibitors. A zero will only be applied when an
obstacle is not attempted, refusals (see refusals), or off course (see off course) resulting with a zero for
only that obstacle. A perfect score on an obstacle is a 10 (no measurable mistakes). Example of our
scoring scale: 1-4 Major faults, 5-7 Average quality, 8-9 High quality, 10 Perfect.
To earn a perfect score, the horse shall approach the obstacle squarely and in a straight manner. They
should enter the path with confidence and attention, never losing their forward motion. As they
continue through the obstacle, they should move with caution and cadence with little to no guidance
from the rider. They should exhibit forward motion while acknowledging and adjusting to each section
of the obstacle. A willing attitude while carefully completing each obstacle with no measurable mistakes.
Minor deductions (.5-2.5 pts) in score(s) may result from, but not limited to: Hitting or stepping on a log,
plant or a component of an obstacle, incorrect or break of gait, step(s) taken while ground tying,
approaching an obstacle off centered, loss of forward motion, rushing, one-two step(s) off, or out of an
obstacle.
Average deductions (3-5.5 pts) in score(s) may result from, but not limited to: dropping or letting go of
the gate or object, or equine taking more than 3 steps at ground tie, tight reins, minor disobedience, loss
of focus.
Major deductions (6-9 pts) in score(s) may result from, but not limited to: Refusal(s), balk, or evading an
obstacle, Blatant disobedience (including kicking out, bucking, rearing, striking), using hand to instill fear,
missed pattern.
Misuse of tack: Misuse of tack will result in at least two (2) point deduction. The points deducted will be
determined on severity on the misuse of tack… i.e. using your Romel to install fear will result in more
than 2 points loss. This will be left up to the judge’s discretion on amount of points loss.
Note: These are only examples of point deductions; the judge is instructed to judge each obstacle at his
discretion. We understand that not all equines are created equal and each score shall reflect this.
Example: A miniature horse is not expected to step over a large log without hitting it or possibly jumping
the log, just as, a draft horse may hit a component of the obstacles because it is too large to avoid it.
Deductions in points shall not be reflected in these situations.
Refusals: Any action taken by the horse to avoid performing an obstacle, part of a combination of
obstacles or portion of a trial course. These actions may include, but are not limited to the following:
refusing, evading or running past an obstacle, complete loss of the required gait, and any blatant action
by the horse that demonstrates an unwillingness to approach, negotiate and/or complete an obstacle.
Either, after 3 unsuccessful attempts at an obstacle or 15 seconds of an unsuccessful attempt at an
obstacle, the judge will instruct the exhibitor to move the next obstacle and the exhibitor will take a
score of zero for that obstacle.
Off Course: Skipping an obstacle directed by course map and the judge, negotiating obstacles in the
wrong sequence; not following the correct line of travel either in the drawn pattern or at the judges’
instruction. Off Course will result in a score of zero for that obstacle.
Tack and Attire: Although proper “show attire” is not required, riders should strive to present
themselves as clean, well put together and safe. Specific attire is not required, however western tack
warrants western attire and english tack warrants english attire. Heels are required on all shoes for
safety. Helmets are optional. If a snaffle bit is used on the headstall, the rider may use two hands. If a
shank bit is used, the rider is to use one hand. A rider may use two hands with a curb bit but it will result
in a lower score. A halter and lead or a get down rope are allowed and preferred while you dismount or
mount. Training devices may be used but will result in a lower score.
Obstacle Definitions:
Leading: Leading can be done with either a bridle or halter and lead. The horse should lead willingly, not
crowding or lagging which will result in a lower score. Coiling a rope around the leader’s hand shall
result in a lower score.
Mounting/Dismounting: Rider may be asked to mount or dismount from either side. Rider should hold
reins in their hands at all times. Horse should stand quietly and securely. Any movement by the equine
will result in a lower score. A mounting block will be provided.
Hoof Check: Equine should pick up leg willing and not move around. Rider should keep control of equine
at all time, whether the horse is tied, ground tied or in hand.
Gate: Rider may be asked to open gate from either direction, pulling or pushing. Rider should have
control of gate at all times. Equine should follow direction from rider to stay close to gate and minimize
movement.
Stop and Pause: Rider may be asked to stop and pause at any time in the pattern. Equine should stop
quietly and stand without any anxious movement until Rider is ready to move forward.
Uphill/Downhill: Rider should maintain center of balance at all times, to help horse manipulate
obstacle.
Water Crossing/Ponds: Equine should enter water obstacle without hesitation and continue in a
forward motion.
Dragging/Pulling: Rider may hold the rope or dally and never allow the rope to entangle the equine or
rider. Equine should stand quietly and not react to the rope or object being pulled or dragged.
Bridges: Equine should approach obstacle squarely and move over bridge in a forward motion with
cadence. Entering, crossing and exiting the bridge shall be on a straight path.
Step Over: Equine should move over without hitting the obstacle. Smaller equines or ponies will not be
penalized for hopping taller step overs.
Backing: Backing shall be completed in a straight motion without weaving side to side. Backward motion
shall continue at a consistent pace. Equine will be penalized for hitting obstacle while backing.
Side passing: Rider may be asked to side pass equine. Equine shall side pass keeping body perpendicular
with obstacle without moving forward and back. Equine will be penalized for hitting obstacle while side
passing.
Manner Definitions:
Forward Motion: Throughout each pattern an equine and rider should continue in a forward motion
unless the pattern asks for a stop and pause. The equine’s pace should stay consistent and not change
unless the rider asks for a different gait or movement.
Balance: To smoothly negotiate an obstacle equine and rider must be balanced, both individually and as
a team. Rider shall maintain proper horsemanship at all times.
Horsemanship: The rider’s ability to perform and execute in performance with their equine. The rider
shall present poise and confidence while maintaining balance and fundamental body position, helping
your equine being properly aligned. Equine and rider perform each obstacle with subtle cues.
Rider/Handler shall refrain from instilling fear, jerking on bit, excessive use of crop or spurs; if such acts
are performed a ride will risk point deductions.
Control: Rider must maintain control of equine at all times whether mounted or leading.
Rider Awareness: A rider should be paying attention to the direction of the pattern, setting up their
equine to approach each obstacle correctly and squarely. Rider should evaluate each obstacle and
proceed carefully with awareness.
Overall Awareness: Equine should respond to rider without any hesitation or resistance. Equine should
have an alert, obedient and willing disposition. Gaits should be consistent and comfortable.
Attempts: See Refusals.
Pattern: It is important that a horse and rider stay on course. Going off pattern will result in a score of
zero.
Example of a pattern:
