215. Western Trail

Bridled, Green, Amateur, Youth and Donkey.

1. Trail mules are required to work over, around, or through obstacles in a willing, quiet and alert manner.
   1. Failure to negotiate obstacles in the prescribed order will result in elimination.
   2. Three refusals at each obstacle or 60 seconds only, then move on.
2. Class to include a jog and lope of suitable duration so that the judge may determine the way of going.
   1. If mules worked at all gaits between obstacles, no rail work is needed.
   2. It is suggested that the mules work their rail work between obstacles.
3. Courses should include a minimum of four and a maximum of eight obstacles.
   1. A trail obstacle is defined as an obstacle that can be negotiated independently, obstacles are not to be combined and counted as one obstacle in order to add more than 8 obstacles to a course. Example: jog overs and a bridge are counted as 2 obstacles, multiple sets of jog and lope over poles with a space between them are counted as multiple obstacles, not one.
4. At the judge’s discretion, the following obstacles shall be used:
   1. Logs, gate, wooden bridge, and backing.
   2. Optional obstacles will include performing over any reasonable conditions encountered along the trail.
   3. Unnatural or unsafe obstacles or exotic animals should not be used.
   4. Llamas and alpacas may be used as they are no longer considered exotic since they are commonly used in the mountains as pack animals.
   5. Ground tying is only permitted within a closed arena.
5. Trail shall be judged on the performance of the mule over obstacles, with emphasis on manners, willingness, and response to cues. Gaits are considered part of performance.
6. Practice runs can be offered if show management so deems.
7. Judges suggested scoring and penalty system for each obstacle. Scoring will be on the basis of 0-infinity, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each obstacle will receive an obstacle score that should be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should be subtracted. Each obstacle will be scored on the following basis, ranging from plus 1 1/2 to minus 1 1/2: -1 1/2 extremely poor, -1 very poor, -1/2 poor, 0 correct, +1/2 good, +1 very good, +1 1/2 excellent. Obstacle scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points. Penalties should be assessed per occurrence as follows:
   • One-half (1/2) Point
     • each tick or contact of a log, pole, cone, plant, or any component of an obstacle
   • One (1) Point
     • each hit, bite, or stepping on a log, cone, plant, or any component of the obstacle
     • incorrect or break of gait at walk or jog for two strides or less
     • both front or hind feet in a single-strided slot or space at a walk or jog
     • skipping over or failing to step into the required space
     • split pole in lope-over
     • knocking down an elevated pole, cone, barrel, planet, obstacle, or severely disturbing an obstacle
     • falling or jumping off or out of a bridge or a water box with one foot once the mule has got onto or into that obstacle
     • Stepping outside of the confines of an obstacle with designated boundaries (i.e. back through, 360 box, side pass) with one foot once the horse has entered the obstacle.
     • Missing or evading a pole that is a part of a series of an obstacle with one foot
   • Five (5) Point
     • dropping slicker or object required to be carried on the course
     • first or second cumulative refusal, balk, or evading an obstacle by shying or backing
     • letting go of the gate or dropping the rope gate
     • use of either hand to instill fear or praise
     • falling or jumping off or out of a bridge or a water box with more than one foot once the mule has got onto or into that obstacle
     • Stepping outside of the confines of an obstacle with designated boundaries (i.e. back through, 360 box, side pass) with more than one foot once the mule has entered the obstacle.
     • Missing or evading a pole that is a part of a series of an obstacle with more than one foot
     • blatant disobedience (including kicking out, bucking, rearing, striking)
     • holding saddle with either hand
     • faults, which occur on the line of travel between obstacles, scored according to severity: -head carried too high -head carried too low (tip of ear below the withers) -over-flexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical -excessive nosing out -opening mouth excessively
   • 0 (Zero)- Score
     • performing the obstacle incorrectly or other than in the specified order
     • no attempt to perform an obstacle
     • entering or exiting an obstacle from the incorrect side or direction
     • working obstacle the incorrect direction; including overturns of more than ¼ turn
     • riding outside the designated boundary marker of the arena or course area.
     • third cumulative refusal, balk, or evading an obstacle by shying or backing.
     • failure to ever demonstrate correct gait between obstacles as designated
     • failure to follow the correct line of travel between obstacles
     • excessive schooling, pulling, turning, stepping, or backing anywhere on the course
   • Disqualification
     • use of two hands (except green mules in snaffle bit or hackamore) or changing hands on reins; only one hand may be used on the reins, except that it is permissible to change hands to work an obstacle
     • equipment failure that delays the completion of the pattern