Starting with the 2019 ride season, the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) now offers the newest ride sanctioning option for the sport of competitive trail riding; . the Leisure Division!
This is another way for trail riders to ride competitively without committing themselves to a long weekend or even camping overnight. Riders can arrive in the morning, compete in a ride and travel home the same day.
What is the Leisure Division? It is a condensed 1-day ride consisting of 8-12 miles, a 3-4.5 mph pace, one pulse and respiration check (P&R) and no more than five (typically two or three) judging observations. Camping and stable checks are not required, and there are no restrictions on hoof or leg protection. An approved judge evaluates the horse and rider as a team. After tallying the scores earned by each team, first through tenth place teams receive awards. Riders receive copies of their scorecards that include the judge’s comments, condition and soundness notes, and P&R results.
Competitors can earn points toward regional year-end awards and accrue mileage credits toward mileage patches and awards. Each Leisure Division ride completed credits 10 miles to the horse and rider individual lifetime mileage records.
NATRC understands that riders have many reasons why they may choose this division. It is a great venue for:
• Those new to competitive trail riding
• Those with limited free time because of work or family obligations
• Those parents or grandparents who want to coach their children or grandchildren in CTR in a low stress but real world environment
• Those starting new horses
• Those who enjoy riding their aged horses in competition again
• Those with limited budgets for pursuing their passion
• Those who desire riding shorter distances but love the opportunity to share the camaraderie with their NATRC family
• Anyone in between who just want to get out and ride!
We invite you to come ride with us, join our family, and see what it’s all about! It is hard to find a friendlier, more welcoming and encouraging bunch of folks than our competitors and members. For more information visit www.natrc.org.
For a sidebar:
Comparison of the Leisure Division with
Open, Novice and Competitive Pleasure Divisions
How it is the Same
• Same trails
• Briefing on trail maps
• Same Rule Book
• Window of time for completing
• Same cumulative mileage awards
How it Differs
• No overnight camping or stable checks
• Unrestricted hoof or leg protection
• One judge evaluating team performance (instead of two – vet and horsemanship)
• One simpler scorecard
• Only one P&R
• Team placings instead of separate horse and horsemanship placings
• Awards through 10th place instead of 6th
• Mileage credit – 10 miles for each completed ride
• Eligible for regional year-end awards only
The NEW
Leisure Division
morning, compete in a ride and travel home the same day.
What is the Leisure Division? It is a condensed 1-day ride consisting of 8-12 miles, a 3-4.5 mph pace, one pulse and respiration check (P&R) and no more than five (typically two or three) judging observations. Camping and stable checks are not required, and there are no restrictions on hoof or leg protection. An approved judge evaluates the horse and rider as a team. After tallying the scores earned by each team, first through tenth place teams receive awards. Riders receive copies of their scorecards that include the judge’s comments, condition and soundness notes, and P&R results.
Competitors can earn points toward regional year-end awards and accrue mileage credits toward mileage patches and awards. Each Leisure Division ride completed credits 10 miles to the horse and rider individual lifetime mileage records.
NATRC understands that riders have many reasons why they may choose this division. It is a great venue for:
• Those new to competitive trail riding
• Those with limited free time because of work or family obligations
• Those parents or grandparents who want to coach their children or grandchildren in CTR in a low stress but real world environment
• Those starting new horses
• Those who enjoy riding their aged horses in competition again
• Those with limited budgets for pursuing their passion
• Those who desire riding shorter distances but love the opportunity to share the camaraderie with their NATRC family
• Anyone in between who just want to get out and ride!
We invite you to come ride with us, join our family, and see what it’s all about! It is hard to find a friendlier, more welcoming and encouraging bunch of folks than our competitors and members. For more information visit www.natrc.org.
For a sidebar:
Comparison of the Leisure Division with
Open, Novice and Competitive Pleasure Divisions
How it is the Same
• Same trails
• Briefing on trail maps
• Same Rule Book
• Window of time for completing
• Same cumulative mileage awards
How it Differs
• No overnight camping or stable checks
• Unrestricted hoof or leg protection
• One judge evaluating team performance (instead of two – vet and horsemanship)
• One simpler scorecard
• Only one P&R
• Team placings instead of separate horse and horsemanship placings
• Awards through 10th place instead of 6th
• Mileage credit – 10 miles for each completed ride
• Eligible for regional year-end awards only
NATRC welcomes riders of any equine breed, including grade, and from any discipline
44 / Sport and Trail Magazine