TAKING TRAIL ΤΟ THE EXTREME

Extreme mountain trail is an event like no other. But there are some key fundamentals a horse and rider must know so they can better tackle the obstacles they're faced with.

- JIM GOFF, JILLIAN SINCLAIR 

Stemming from the desire for more realistic obstacles in a classic trail class about 20 years ago, came extreme mountain trail. With elaborate man-made landscape and obstacles to maneuver, an extreme mountain trail course consists of log crossings, streams, boulders, bridges, water obstacles, a teeter-totter bridge, and just about anything else you can dream of.

Over the years, I have hosted and participated in many extreme mountain trail competitions and clinics, and I have seen what it takes to be successful. In this article, I'm going to talk about the fundamentals that a good extreme mountain trail horse and rider need to tackle the challenging obstacles put in front of them. But first, I'm going to tell you how to introduce a new horse to the discipline so that you can safely ride your horse over obstacles. Trust me, once you start, you'll never want to stop!

BEGIN WITH BASICS

It's important to understand that extreme mountain trail is different than almost any discipline out there. So, you can't expect your horse to automatically be able to master a course and feel comfortable out on the trail the first time you attempt it. However, that doesn't mean he won't ever be able to do it. Before you begin teaching your horse the fundamentals he needs to do this event, you first need to introduce him to extreme mountain trail obstacles to help set him up for success.

Groundwork in an arena.