4 minute read
Score Your Trail Horse
SCORING DIRECTIONS: The scale below contains 50 items. Score 2 points for each item you check, and then total your horses’ score.
Reactions to the Environment:
Facing Obstacles:
Barn and Barnyard Encounters: Barn and Barnyard Manners:
Riding In A Group:
Rough Terrain:
Trail Safety: Crossing Water:
Disposition:
Conditioning:
TOTAL SCORE:
Doesn’t react to objects coming into contact with body, such as ropes, brush, being slapped by branches. Remains calm when in proximity to roadways with vehicular trafc either approaching from the front or overtaking from behind. Calmly walks in tight spaces and between cars, trees, buildings. On command, will turn and face anything that his rider wants him to inspect. Is not startled over unexpected encounters on or near the trail (e.g., other riders or hikers rounding the bend, ushing a deer, animal darting across the trail). Is not rattled by movement or noise behind his head (e.g., donning a poncho, hollering, clanking equipment).
Not skittish when exposed to unfamiliar trails, new stalls, trailers, etc. Attentive, but not anxious when encountering new objects such as a fallen tree on a familiar trail. Calmly walks on elevated pathways or small bridges, especially those constructed of boards which produce a hollow sound. Calmly approaches manmade objects, such as tarps, satellite dishes, trash receptacles, and gates. Will proceed through a gate or other type of gap without hesitation. Doesn’t brush his rider’s legs against trees, brush, gates and fence posts. Takes natural trail obstacles in stride. Maintains an appropriate gait when navigating logs, boulders, ditches, mud.
Largely ignores dogs in the barn or outside areas. Barking and “charging” dogs don’t uster him. Comfortable around other animals. Not bothered by livestock in pens, mooing cows, squealing pigs. When being groomed or saddled, stands calmly next to other horses, especially if they’re unfamiliar. Tolerates bothersome insects when being groomed or saddled, especially when they land on him.
Not affected by other horses displaying disruptive behavior (e.g., whinnying, jumping around).
Doesn’t resist when being led, doesn’t pull against lead rope, stands calmly in cross ties. Cooperative with grooming and tacking up procedures. Releases hoof and raises leg without resistance for shoe exam and hoof cleaning. Stands calmly when being clipped and bathed. Not bothered by noise of electric clipper or water, especially near head. No excessive reaction when being sprayed, having ointment applied, and receiving injections. Cooperative when being led into a stall. Calm after being left in a stall.
Demonstrates good group riding manners. Does not have to lead, or follow. Is content with his position in line. Does not have a tendency to “tailgate” the horse ahead; will back off on command. Does not “eye” or kick at horse behind him. Can be separated from the group without nervousness or resistance, and is compliant and cooperative when riding away from group. Does not, without command, break into a faster gait in order to catch up with the horse ahead. At the end of the ride, stands quietly while being unsaddled, groomed, sponged, etc.
Sure footed. Places feet selectively and adjusts weight for balance. No excessive sliding or stumbling. Handles slick surfaces such as pavement, pebbles/small stones, mud or icy trails. Slows down and shortens stride naturally, without command. Picks up feet and easily clears deadfalls, brush and other obstacles.
Stops quickly on command, and will stand quietly until he receives a new command. Descending steep slopes, does not stiffen or drag legs. Maintains focus. Ascending deep slopes, maintains gait and direction per command. Backs up slowly and in a straight line. Will side pass and step off trail to let other horses pass. Tolerates additional riders, even with different riding styles. Doesn’t “play games” with novices.
Crosses rivers, creeks, drainage ditches, puddles without hesitation or resistance. Quietly stands in water, without pawing. Will drink (safe water) from creek or river while rider is in the saddle. Smoothly enters and exits the water. Does not bolt up the bank.
Calmly and cooperatively tolerates being tied for extended periods of time. Can be caught easily, even in large paddock or pasture areas. Is calm, cooperative when loading in trailer. Travels well and doesn’t demonstrate nervousness or agitation. Eats normally and will accept water when offered. Cooperative and calm when hobbled, staked or on a picket line.
Demonstrates endurance. Not excessively fatigued or sore at the end of a long ride. Does not lose focus or coordination (doesn’t stumble) on a long ride. Respiration returns to normal within a reasonable time after ascending steep slopes or engaged in a fast gait.
SCORE YOUR HORSE
0-48: Trail Horse Apprentice
He needs more work.
50-78: Capable Trail Horse
Be careful, but saddle up and go.
80-94: Exceptional Trail Horse
Ride this horse just about anywhere with condence.
