ARTICLE 12 - COMPETITIVE TRAIL RIDES (Section A)

ADDITIONAL RULES NOT COVERED BY GENERAL RULES (Page 6)

1. Equines must be a minimum of 4 chronological years of age

2. Protective leg devices will be allowed subject to an automatic penalty of 10 points. Horses doing so must be declared to the judges when vetting and the score card marked. An identifying mark will be placed on the body of the horse. Any competitor using protective leg devices without declaration will be disqualified at the next vet. check. (See Endurance Rules for definition of ‘protective leg devices’)

3. Horses shall not be hosed down, allowed to stand in buckets of water or have artificially cooled water used on their legs or body. Moderate sponging will be allowed at any time during or after the ride, however, contestants must not use water provided for drinking in water troughs or buckets on trail.

4. Riders may not advance on the trail while dismounted except to lead their horses by, through or over a specific obstacle. IF A SHOE IS PULLED A RIDER MAY DISMOUNT AND WALK THE HORSE TO THE CLOSEST AREA WHERE IT CAN BE REPLACED BY THE FARRIER

5. The veterinarian may lengthen but not shorten the time allowed

6. There shall be at least one recovery check on trail Two recovery checks are ideal on a 40 mile ride, but frequency of such checks depends on the prevailing conditions, i.e., speed of ride, roughness of terrain, weather conditions, experience of riders, etc.

7. All judges and recorders must be present for final assessment of horses

8. Any disagreement will be arbitrated by the Head Veterinarian.

TRAIL (See Page 6 - Art. 5)

IN ADDITION:

1. Mileage markers must be large enough to be clearly visible and must be placed every 5 miles.

2. The last five miles must be marked at every mile.

3. Horse and rider must pass all control points and stay on the trail as marked. Should the rider deviate from the trail, he/she must return, on horseback to that point where he/she left the trail and then complete the course as indicated

TIMING

1. The trail master and the ride manager will set the ride time.

2. Competitive Trail Rides will be set at 5 to 7 miles per hour plus 15minutes for each vet check.

3. An allowance of 5 minutes before or after the time set by the ride management will not be penalize

4. 0ne penalty point per minute will be imposed on riders finishing outside these limits.

5. Time shall be scored separately from the veterinary score, but any time penalties shall be added on to the total veterinary points..

6. If there is a delay between the arrival of the competitor at any hold prior to an interim Vet Check and the start of the trot in, a time allowance (to the closest minute) as determined by the Official Time Keeper will be given. The difference will be added to the competitor's set ride time

7. A rider reaching a point designated as a time check point more than one hour late will be disqualified.

OPEN DIVISION - The persons entered in the Open Division will be divided into three equal divisions:

• Lightweight
• Middleweight
• Heavyweight

THE RIDER WILL BE WEIGHED CARRYING ALL TACK AND EQUIPMENT THAT THE HORSE WILL CARRY ON THE RIDE. RIDER AND TACK MAY BE RE-WEIGHED AT THE END OF THE RIDE.

NOVICE DIVISION

1. A NOVICE RIDER is a rider who has participated at the novice level for a maximum of one calendar year from their first competitive ride or has completed five competitive rides whichever is longer. The rider is no longer eligible to participate as a Novice Rider upon completion of the 5 rides or one year as described above or upon entering more than one Open Division and/or Endurance ride. Novices will either ride a shortened course or a longer time will be allowed. Novice riders must check in with The Entries Secretary but do not need to weigh in. A competitor in the Novice Division will not be eligible for Sweepstake or Reserve Sweepstake Awards for the Open Division.

   A NOVICE HORSE , is a horse that has never competed in any long distance ride may be ridden by any rider in the NOVICE Div. for 3 (three) rides. Such horse-rider combination will be required to meet all judging parameters and will pay same entry fee and can accrue mileage, BUT WILL NOT be eligible for placing, awards, or points. At such time as the horse is entered in OPEN Division, he will no longer be eligible in the NOVICE Division, regardless of the number of NOVICE rides he has completed.

SCORING AND VETERINARY JUDGING

1. Each Competitive Trail Ride shall use the same method for judging and evaluating the competing horses. :

   1. Each ride shall have at least one qualified veterinarian or 3 ^rd or 4 ^th year veterinary student or 0CTRA certified lay judge for every 20 horses entered. At least one must be a qualified veterinarian recommended by the OCTRA Board of Directors.

   2. The judges have the RIGHT and DUTY to remove from competition any horse they think is unfit to continue.

   3. Any condition of a horse that does not prevent it from competing is not to be counted against that animal if the condition does not worsen during the ride.

   4. All information which is being written on the score cards must be used for evaluation. DO NOT RELY ON MEMORY.

   5. In all matters concerning judging and the well being of any competing horse, all decisions of the Head Veterinary judge as allowed by the rules of the Association will be final and binding on the riders and the ride management.

   6. Horses not making a satisfactory recovery may be held for further examination and may not continue until allowed to do so by an officiating veterinarian.

   7. Competing horses must be presented for final recovery check within the specified time period 30 minutes after the completion of the ride. Any horse that does not meet the pulse parameters within 30 minutes at any vet check, or the finish, is disqualified.

   8. For consistency in evaluating lameness and general fatigue, all competitors are required to lunge their horses at preliminary and final vet checks. A horse may be excused from lunging at the judges discretion. Lunging at any check other than preliminary and final checks would be at the discretion of the judge to assist in evaluating a lameness or other condition.

   9. Ride managers will make lunge lines available. Whips may be used for directional guidance only. Horses must not be touched by the whip or the whip cracked to encourage forward motion

   10. PULSE AND RESPIRATION

       These readings are to be taken over a 10 second time period and will be taken by the P/R personnel using the "heart rate monitor wands" (The head P/R technician will have a stethoscope in the event of a malfunctioning wand or disputed reading). Readings will be entered on the judging sheet as one minute values. Pulse recovery will be assessed by using a base value of 40 beats per minute (excluding the preliminary reading) . This value is subtracted from both the four minute recovery and thirty minute recovery readings at ALL the Vet Checks.

       Respiration readings will be taken at the same time as the pulse readings over 15 seconds and recorded on the score sheet but will not be scored.

       The respiration readings will be observed by the judges to monitor fatigue. Each pulse reading (4 minute and final) will be compared to a base of 40 beats per minute with penalties of .25 points for each 2 beats assessed.

   11. GENERAL HEALTH, TEMPERATURE, GUT SOUNDS, HEART & LUNGS, THUMPS.

       Space is allotted on score cards to allow recording of findings. These comments are not to be used for determining placings. This area addresses the general health and fatigue of the horse to ensure the horses safety. If at any time the horses safety is in jeopardy these findings may constitute elimination of deemed necessary by the judge.

       No points are allotted for this section but horse may be eliminated

   12. HYDRATION

       Hydration must be recorded at all vet checks. Based on other factors, a judge may remove from competition any horse with a SEVERE dehydration condition. Hydration must be evaluated and penalty points recorded on the card at ALL Vet Checks. (Any changes between preliminary and final vet check will be scored The preliminary reading will not be scored

       The categories and point ranges are:

       A. Normal/slight B. Moderate >1 to C. Severe >3 seconds - showing extreme clinical signs of dehydration.

       • A - will be assessed 0 points

       • B - will be assessed 3 points

       • C - will be assessed 6 points

       At each check the judge will perform the skin response test and record the time taken at the point of the shoulder only.

   13. TUCKING

       Tucking must be evaluated at all vet checks. Based on other factors, a judge may remove from competition any horse with a SEVERE tucking condition.

       Tucking must be evaluated and penalty points recorded on the card at ALL final vet checks (Any changes between preliminary and final vet check will be scored)

       The preliminary reading will not be scored

       • A - NO/SLIGHT TUCKING - 0 points
       • B - MODERATE - 1 point
       • C - SEVERE - 2 points

   14. MUCOUS MEMBRANES - CAPILLARY REFILL TIME

       Mucous membranes and Capillary Refill Time must be checked at all vet checks. Based on other factors, a judge may remove from competition any horse with a "C" mucous membrane or Capillary Refill Time condition. Mucous Membranes and Capillary Refill Time must be evaluated and penalty points recorded on the card at ALL Vet Checks. (Any changes between preliminary and final vet check will be scored)

       The preliminary reading will not be scored

       The categories and point ranges are:

       Mucous Membranes

       • A - Normal - pink - 0 points.

       • B - Pale - 1 point

       • C - Muddy - 2 points

       Capillary Refill Time

       • A - Less than 2 seconds - 0 points

       • B - 2 to 3 seconds - 1 point.

       • C - more than 3 seconds - 2 points.

   15. TACK LESIONS

       Note thoroughly the condition of any lesions at the preliminary check on the diagrams provided on the cards, since, if the horse is allowed to compete and the lesion does not change, no penalty is assessed.

       The categories and point ranges are:

       • scab removed and/or hair removed per site 1 point.
       • swelling and/or scalding per site 3 points.
       • bleeding/tender/painful per site 5 points
       • SEVERE ELIMINATION

       A horse with a raw, bleeding, tender or painful type lesion at the preliminary check should not be allowed to compete unless the judge thinks that the tack which will be used will not aggravate the condition of the horse.

       Each lesion must be indicated on the diagram on the scoring card. A point score must be assigned by the judge and indicated on the score card.

       The total number of penalty points for tack lesions are determined by totalling the points for each new lesion and for lesions aggravated during the course of the ride.

       Heat bumps noted in any one location will be grouped and counted as one lesion.

       Tack Lesions: Lesions caused by any tack or equipment used on the horse during or prior to the ride are considered to be tack lesions.

       Examples: girth and saddle galls, bridle rubs and rope burns

   16. INTERFERENCE AND OVERREACHING

       Preliminary lesions must be noted and scored on the diagrams on the card. Any horse with a severe interference will not be allowed to compete or continue. Penalty points are assessed and totalled as for tack lesions.

       The categories and point ranges are:

       • hair removed or per site 1 point
       • scab removed and/or per site 1 point
       • tender per site 4 points
       • bleeding/lacerated per site 5 pts.
       • SEVERE ELIMINATE

       Interference: Lesions which are self inflicted as a result of the motion of the horse. Cracked heels (scratches) are to be included here.

   17. TRAIL LESIONS

       Trail lesions are any marks, cuts or scratches which are not classified as tack lesions or interference. Trail lesions such as insect bites, animal bites and kicks from other horses are not penalized as lesions.

       Lameness resulting from types of lesions must be considered separately under lameness. Any new trail lesion will be assessed and a penalty point of 1 will be allotted for each site.

   18. LEGS

       Preliminary findings must be noted on the diagrams on the score card. Penalty points are assessed as for tack lesions. The final penalty score is the total of all points assessed against any conditions which are found at the final check or conditions which have been aggravated during the course of the ride.

       The categories and point ranges are:

       • slight fluid swelling per site 1 point
       • moderate fluid swelling per site 2 points
       • severe fluid swelling or per site 4 points
       • heat - joints/tendons or per site 7 points
       • pain - joints/tendons or per site 7 points

   19. LAMENESS

       Lameness must be assessed at the preliminary examination. Any horse with a Grade I lameness will be assessed by the head judge with regards to the suitability to compete. Any horse with a Grade II or III lameness at the preliminary inspection will not be allowed to start. Any competitor, at any point, in the competition will be eliminated if their horse develops Grade III lameness. Lameness is judged at a trot.

       The categories and point ranges are:

       • Grade I - difficult to observe 5 points
       • Grade II - consistent in certain circumstances 14 points
       • Grade III - consistently observable ELIMINATION

   20. MUSCULATURE

       Any horse with a SEVERE musculature pain, muscle tremors, tying up or cramps will not be allowed to compete. Penalty points are assessed as for tack lesions. The final score is the total of all points assessed for muscle conditions at any of the vet checks.

       The categories and point ranges are:

       pain on palpation (other than back)

       • slight per site 2 points
       • moderate per site 5 points
       • SEVERE ELIMINATION

       back pain on palpation

       • slight per site 2 points
       • moderate per site 5 points
       • SEVERE ELIMINATION
       • muscle tremors (fasciculation, not shivering) ELIMINATION
       • tying up or cramps ELIMINATION

   21. MANNERS

       Manners are to be judged separately and only those aspects listed below are considered pertinent to the sport of Competitive Trail riding. The following definition is to be used for judging:

       Manners - is the way in which a horse reacts to people and/or other horses on the day of the ride. The following are specific aspects which should be penalized.

       One penalty point will be given for each box checked per occurrence.

       • will not stand for judging (within reason) 1 point per box

       • bites or attempts to bite 1 point per box
       • kicks at people or horses 1 point per box
       • rears or bucks ELIMINATION

       The manners of a Stallion are expected to be as good as those of a mare or gelding.

   22. GENERAL FATIGUE

       The General Fatigue of the competing horses resulting from the stress of the ride will be assessed by the same judge or judges for all horses. Subjective signs such as a change in general attitude of the horse, its way of going, its willingness to move, as well as more objective signs; such as Pulse and Respiration rates and their character and other factors as deemed necessary are significant in making this assessment. Observations of the horse must be made at the preliminary check, on the trail at least once each day, and at the final check at least 30 minutes after completion of the ride. HANDLING/TROT OUT . Assessed during trot out to evaluate General Fatigue and Lameness - One penalty point will be assessed for each box checked.

   1. The Judges' findings are not secret. Judges should speak LOUDLY enough to be clearly heard by both the recorder and the rider. Should the rider disagree with findings, he/she is entitled to a second opinion (except for P/R's). It is impossible to obtain a second reading of the four minute P/R which would be valid.

   2. Where feasible, use words or phrases indicated on the scoring sheet when making comments on the diagrams. If different comments must be used, indicate the severity of the deficiency with the appropriate letter, A, B, etc., or by ticking the appropriate box next to the comments.

   3. Compulsory trotting commences after the official time has been taken at the end of the ride.

   4. Horses must be adequately stressed prior to incoming P/R readings being taken, e.g., at least a brisk 1/2 mile trot or an equivalent stress.

   5. Horses will be held back prior to trotting in and will be let into P/R checks in groups depending on the number of P/R Teams available.

   6. A four minute recovery check must be used at all vet checks including the final check where a 30 minute recovery check is also used.

   7. The four minute reading will be taken by a P/R team and recorded on the score card.

   8. The recovery period begins upon notification, after the one half mile trot-in.

   9. It is the rider's responsibility to control the horse for the P/R Team.

   10. The rider is responsible for arriving at the P/R area prior to the 4 minute, 30 minute and final readings. A 1 point penalty, per minute, will be assigned if horses are not presented on time

   11. Horses that do not meet the parameter set for the day of competition must be re-presented to the same P/R team in ten minutes. If parameters are not met at that time the horse must be taken to a veterinarian. These should be positioned well removed from the P/R teams.

   12. Horses should be evaluated and points assessed without regard to Weight Division. After all points have been assessed, the horses must be grouped by Divisions and ranked according to total points.

   13. A judge MUST remove from competition any horse judged "NOT FIT TO CONTINUE" . A horse is not fit to continue for any of the following reasons:
       • Temperature over 103 degrees F (39.5C).
       • General health - condition affecting gut, heart/lungs or thumps
       • Tack lesions - severe
       • Interference - severe
       • Grade III lameness
       • Musculature:
         • back pain on palpation - severe
         • pain on palpation (other than back) - severe
         • muscle tremors
         • tying up or cramps
       • manners - when endangering people or other horses

       Also, based on other factors, for any of the following reasons:

       • hydration - severe
       • tucking - severe
       • mucous membrane - abnormal change
       • any other condition judged to be severe enough to prohibit the horse from continuing.

   14. A horse judged "TO BE ELIMINATED " at the end of a ride is not eligible for completion. No points or mileage credit will be awarded.

       THE SAME JUDGE/S WILL EXAMINE A HORSE AT BOTH THE PRE-RIDE AND FINAL CHECK OF THE DAY FOR SOUNDNESS AND LESIONS unless there are extenuating circumstances in the case of an emergency

   15. In the event of a tied score, Judges will re-evaluate each tied Competitor’s score card. The scores on the card will be divided into three sections and sub-totaled. These sections are as follows:
       • SECTION 1 .. METABOLIC/SAFETY (front of the card)
       • SECTION 2 .. WAY OF GOING (Lameness, Musculature, General Fatigue)
       • SECTION 3 .. LESIONS (Trail, Tack, Legs, Interference)

       Section 1 (Metabolic/Safety) will be the first tie-breaking criteria. If a tie still exists then Section 2 will become the deciding parameter followed by Section 3.

   COMPETITIVE AWARDS ( Section B)

   1. Prizes shall be awarded to all horses, ponies or mules placing first in each division.
   2. Ribbons shall be awarded for the first six places in each division and further ribbons may be given at the discretion of the ride committee.
   3. A Sweepstake award and Championship ribbon shall be awarded to the highest placing horse, pony or mule among all weight divisions.
   4. A Reserve Championship ribbon shall be awarded to the second highest placing horse, pony or mule from among all weight divisions

   PROTEST PROCEDURES

   A rider who feels that ride management has made a mechanical error in the calculation of his/her ride points has the option of making a complaint to OCTRA. Mechanical errors are defined as transposition errors, addition errors and/or time miscalculations. The following procedure must be followed:

   • The judging card, along with a letter of complaint, must be sent to the OCTRA Vice-President within two weeks of the receipt of the ride results.
   • A deposit of $10.00 must accompany this complaint. This deposit will be refunded if the complaint is upheld.
   • The complaint will be considered by a committee of three persons headed by the Vice-President. Their verdict will be final.
   • If a complaint is upheld, OCTRA guarantees that the points will be changed for the purpose of Year End points only. It is up to the individual ride management to make a decision concerning the complainant's placing and resultant award.

   AWARDS

   1. All entries are eligible to win ride awards.

   2. Because Competitive, Endurance and Ride’n’Tie rides are amateur events, and in order to discourage unfair practises, no prize monies or expensive equipment (e.g., saddles, trailers, etc.), shall be awarded.
      1. A ride offering any single prize valued in excess of $500.00 with the exception of Futurities and other contributory schemes supported by an organization recognised by OCTRA, shall state the price and value on the sanction application form for approval by the Sanctioning Committee.
      2. A non-endurance ride offering any single prize valued in excess of $1,000.00 with the exception of futurities and other contributory schemes supported by an organization recognised by OCTRA shall engage an OCTRA Steward to monitor the event and shall pay the Steward’s expenses.

         The Steward will be appointed by the Board of Directors. Ride Management may submit nominations for a steward to be considered by the Board of Directors.

      3. For endurance rides the AERC steward requirements govern and the steward is appointed according to AERC rules
   3. A horse's registration papers, or copy, must be sent in with the entry form for that horse to be eligible for any breed awards offered.
   4. Completion certificates shall be awarded to each horse and rider who finish a ride in satisfactory condition.
   5. Horsemanship and similar awards are to be encouraged. These awards are decided by the individual ride management and may be prizes of merchandise, gift certificates, etc.