Sports

Competitive Trail Riding with Equi-Trek

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Photo Courtesy of CurDog Productions

 
Looking for something fun and challenging to do with your horse?  Come try out Competitive Trail Riding!   Two years ago, a Central resident, Bridget Hayes, found her passion in competitive trail riding.  After competing for several months and wanting to bring the sport to Louisiana, Hayes began hosting competitive trail rides in April, 2010.  This past May, Hayes formed a new local trail riding organization, Equi-Trek Trail Challenge Association.  Hayes wanted an organization that was more affordable to the average rider, for the whole family and people of different riding disciplines.  Rides are currently held in Central at Frazier’s Homestead on Brown Rd and other local areas including Amite, LA and Zachary, LA, with plans on adding more locations in the near future.
 
What is a competitive trail ride?  It is typically a one-day event with an average of 6 miles of trails and 6 natural challenges.  Judges are posted along the trail to evaluate the equine team on their execution of the challenges.  The equine team is presented with situations they may encounter on a typical trail ride, such as backing, crossing creeks, bridges and ravines.  The horse and rider (equine team) are judged strictly on how well they negotiate through a challenge with an emphasis on calmness and safety.  There are six divisions, Pro, Advanced, Novice and Trail-in-Hand for adults and the Junior and Peewee Divisions for kids.  Ribbons and prizes are awarded to 1st – 6th place per division.  A Companion Division is available for those that want to ride but not compete.  All divisions follow the same marked trail at whatever speed they feel comfortable, keeping safety a consideration.   
 
For more information on Competitive Trail Riding and a ride schedule, please visit www.Equi-Trek.org or contact Bridget Hayes at 225-937-7808
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