This is a major step forward for outdoor riding: Mountain Trail has officially joined the International Federation of Equestrian Tourism. This international recognition marks a turning point for a discipline that places horsemanship, safety and technique at the heart of the horse-rider relationship.
The genesis of this new regulatory framework is based on solid foundations and proven field experience. While the founding principles were established by Mark and Lee Bolender, the FITE regulations have been further developed through French and Italian expertise. To enrich this sporting offering, two new tests have been specially created to highlight the technical skill and rapport between horse and rider.
Sébastien Degroote, French national Mountain Trail judge who worked on the international regulations: “Ce travail s’est fait en collaboration étroite avec nos partenaires italiens. Nous avons notamment choisi de reprendre leur système de notation.“
Virginie Moliner, also a French competition official and contributor to the FITE regulations, emphasises the benefits of this approach: “The addition of Mountain Trail to the FITE represents a real opportunity, as it enables us to work in close collaboration with other countries that also practise the discipline. The rule-drafting process was characterized by productive dialogue, as participating countries exchanged their respective practices and outlooks for the sport. The resulting rules, enriched by these diverse contributions, are set to guide Mountain Trail forward, always prioritizing the horse's welfare and fostering a positive partnership with the rider.“
An approach dedicated to equine welfare
Mountain Trail is an exceptional educational tool that goes beyond simply overcoming natural obstacles. It provides a real training ground for fostering a calm horse-rider partnership in an outdoor setting. By emphasizing observation, the discipline allows riders to deepen their knowledge of horses and places equine welfare at the core of their equestrian practice.
“Discovering this discipline has enabled us to help riders get to know, observe and understand horses better. Mountain Trail offers a wealth of opportunities to work with the horse, promoting its well-being, particularly by building confidence and raising awareness off the position ofé each limb, improving straightness, and fostering many other qualities essential to all disciplines. Our club’s horses have become much more composed, and our riders have also learnt to overcome their fears and observe the behaviour of the horses and ponies.” reports Virgine M.
Beyond the technical aspects, Mountain Trail places a strong emphasis on safety. By teaching the horse to assess its surroundings and navigate obstacles calmly, the discipline turns every unexpected situation into a controlled one, ensuring a relaxed riding experience both outdoors and in the arena.
A new dynamic for the discipline
Sébastien D. emphasises: “The inclusion of Mountain Trail in the FITE is a significant advancement for the sport, in my opinion. It expands our scope, establishes Mountain Trail internationally, and creates opportunities for higher-level competition. This recognition is based on a solid, tried-and-tested framework and opens up new opportunities in terms of development, training and visibility for both practitioners and the general public.“
“The main reason I practise and promote Mountain Trail is that it is a discipline which prioritises horsemanship and equine welfare above all else. It is a sport accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of equestrian experience, the rider’s background or the type of horse. Finally, Mountain Trail is fully integrated into equestrian tourism, which I believe represents a way forward for horse riding, respecting the horse, the rider and the countryside alike.“
To learn more about the sport, find out about the obstacles or view the details of the new international regulations, please visit the sports page dedicated to Mountain Trail.
The first international competition to be held under FITE regulations will take place on 3 May 2026 at the Écuries du Pommier d’Argent.
