The
In-hand phase
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The
Ridden phase
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©FFE / ZG
The Mountain Trail is an equestrian discipline that highlights the qualities of the horse-rider partnership through obstacles inspired by the challenges of natural terrain.
Through a course consisting of various obstacles, the horse and its rider must demonstrate confidence, precision and harmony. The discipline emphasises safety, fluidity and the horse's ability to move at a natural and steady pace.
Mountain Trail differs from some outdoor disciplines that take the form of long-distance events. Instead, it is practiced on a technical course with various obstacles, which serves to evaluate the horse's capabilities and its partnership with the rider.
The Mountain Trail is designed to showcase the desirable traits of outdoor horses: the ability to confidently and calmly navigate the diverse environments encountered during travel in natural settings.
Mountain Trail originated in the United States in the early 2000s, notably at the Oregon Horse Centre.
The discipline developed thanks to the work of Mark and Lee Bolender, who contributed to structuring the initial courses and promoting the sport on an international level. The establishment of specially designed parks for this activity facilitated the gradual expansion of the discipline across several nations.
Today, Mountain Trail continues to grow internationally and is part of the disciplines recognised by the FITE.
The Mountain Trail showcases a confident, balanced and willing horse, capable of performing calmly in a variety of situations.
The discipline is open to all breeds of equines. The horse must demonstrate its ability to analyse obstacles, maintain a natural pace and perform consistently throughout the course.
Through its technical and progressive approach, Mountain Trail also contributes to train and reveal the qualities of the outdoor horse, capable of moving safely in a variety of environments.
The rider must demonstrate precision, calmness and discretion in the use of their aids.
The Mountain Trail emphasises the quality of the relationship between rider and horse.
The discipline values work based on trust, attentiveness and cooperation, enabling the pair to approach the obstacles with ease and safety.
Mountain Trail courses use obstacles inspired by the difficulties encountered in the natural environment.
These may include, for example:
A course generally comprises between 8 and 16 obstacles, permettant d’évaluer la capacité du cheval à évoluer avec calme, précision et régularité dans un environnement varié.
©FFE / ZG
©FFE / ZG
©FFE / ZG
©FFE / ZG
FITE provides you with files allowing you to consult the rules and the list of competition officials.
