Turkey Trot Trail Pace

This Trail Pace is modeled after a traditional hunter pace and is a low-key competitive yet enjoyable event. Teams of two or three riders follow a trail course laid out over terrain which is meant to simulate the riding conditions encountered during a foxhunt using a combination of gaits that a foxhunter typically uses as a fox's scent is found and followed by hounds through open country and along wooded trails.

It is up to each team to guess what the organizers of the pace have decided is an ideal SAFE time to complete the course and to adjust its progress accordingly. Results are judged against the ideal time decided by a test rider that rides the course before the event. On the day of the event, the team which completes the course in a time closest to the ideal is placed first – but will be penalized if the course is completed in less than the ideal SAFE time. Even though there is a competitive aspect to a trail pace, most riders simply regard it as an enjoyable way to spend a day on the trails with fellow equestrians.

Rules & Guidelines:

• Riders of all disciplines are welcome

• Riders under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on their team

• Individual entries will be matched to make teams

• Teams will be started at 4 minute intervals

• All courses are clearly marked

• Approved protective headgear and boots with heels are required

• Proof of current negative Coggins required

Divisions:

• WILD TURKEYS - Advanced Riders

• GOBBLERS - Intermediate Riders

• JAKES - Novice Riders

• OLD HENS - Senior Riders age 65+