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NJTRA Competitive Trail Ride Rules

For a printable version of the Ride Rules, click HERE.
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COMPETITIVE TRAIL RULES

1.  THE EVENT

 

Is designed to stimulate greater interest in the breeding and use of good horses who possess stamina, hardiness and are qualified for trail use.  Also, (a) to demonstrate value of type, soundness, and proper selection of horses for long events, (b) to learn and demonstrate the proper methods of training and conditioning horses, (c) to encourage horsemanship and good sportsmanship in long distance events, (d) to demonstrate the best methods of caring for horses during and after long events without the aid of artificial methods, drugs or stimulants.

 

2. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

 

Entries are open to stallions, mares and geldings of all breeds in accordance with current ECTRA rules.  Multiple day events are a demanding test of both horse and participant.  NJTRA recommends that participants have experience on shorter competitive events before attempting the longer distances.  All entries MUST be made on blanks provided for that purpose with complete answers to all questions, signed release form and payment of required entry fee or deposit.

 

A.             One day events (25 or 30 miles): The full entry fee must be paid at time of registration.  Refunds will be made less a $25.00 processing fee up to 6:00 pm four days prior to the ride. After that time a refund, less processing fee will only be made if the slot can be filled.

B.            Two day events (50 or 60 miles): The full entry fee must be paid at time of registration. Refunds will be made less a $25.00 processing fee up to 6 p.m. four days prior to the ride. After that time a refund, less processing fee will only be made if the slot can be filled.

C.            NJ100 and associated distances......minimum deposit of $75.00 per horse paid at time of registration.  The full entry fee is due by the closing date.  Refunds will be made less a $25.00 processing fee up to 6:00 pm four days prior to the ride.  After that time a refund, less processing fee will only be made if the slot can be filled.

D.            Endurance Ride (30 or 50): A $25 deposit made by the closing date is required for registration.  The balance is payable no later than the ride date. Refunds will be made less a $25.00 processing fee up to 6 p.m. four days prior to the ride. After that time a refund, less processing fee will only be made if the slot can be filled. Riders who do not belong to AERC will have a $15 AERC Day Member fee added to their entry.

 

ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE NEW JERSEY TRAIL RIDE ASSOCIATION, INC. EACH NJTRA RIDE IS ENTERED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS; ENTRY FEES ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY OTHER NJTRA EVENT.  RIDE MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY APPLICATION AT THEIR DISCRETION.

 

3. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

 

It is strongly recommended that all horses be immunized against tetanus, encephalitis, influenza and Potomac horse fever.   All entrants must comply with New Jersey health requirements.   A NEGATIVE COGGINS test for equine infectious anemia DATED AFTER THE FIRST OF THE CURRENT YEAR (Dated in 2008) AND A RABIES CERTIFICATE DATED WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS OF THE RIDE DATE FOR FOR ALL EQUINES ARE REQUIRED and a copy of the each report must be submitted with the entry.  A rabies certificate for all companion animals such as dogs or cats must be available at all competitions.

 

4.  STABLING

A.             One day Competetive Trail: Participants planning to arrive earlier than the day of the event or staying later than after the awards presentation MUST notify the Ride Secretary in advance. (If camping is permitted portable pens or trailer tying may be used for horses arriving the evening before the Ride.)

B.                   Multi-day Competetive Trail & Endurance: Participants are allowed to trailer tie or use a portable pen.  Participants planning to arrive earlier than Friday afternoon or staying later than after the awards presentation on the final day must make special arrangements with the Ride Secretary in advance.

 

5.  SPEED AND TIME

 

A.             25 Mile: The total distance of 25 miles must be covered in no more that 4 hours 40 minutes

nor less than 4 hours 10 minutes.

B.            30 Mile:  The total distance of 30 miles must be covered in no more than 5 and 1/2 hours

nor less than 5 hours. The Pt. To PT 60 Mile Ride will use this time for both days.

                C.            40 Mile: The total distance of 40 miles must be covered in no more than 6 hours 55 minutes nor less than 6 hours 25 minutes (ECTRA approved shortened time).

                D.            100 Mile: On each of the first two days, 40 miles must be covered in no more than 6 hours 55 minutes nor less than 6 hours 25 minutes (ECTRA approved shortened time).  On the third day, 20 miles must be covered in no more than 3 hours nor less than 2 hours 45 minutes.

E.            60 Mile: Will consist of day 2 and day 3 times above.

F.             Endurance rides (30, 50 & 100 miles) will follow all AERC rules.

 

PLEASE NOTE: NJTRA Management reserves the right to lengthen event time if it becomes apparent from weather conditions and upon the Judging Team’s recommendations that to continue at a faster pace would be detrimental to the horse’s safety and well-being.

 

6. DRIVE SAFETY

 

A.             In addition to the required American Driving Association spares, a water bucket must also be carried on the vehicle.

B.            Careful consideration MUST be given that the type of vehicle to be used be suitable for the

sandy terrain.  Racing sulkies and carts with bicycle-type wheels are prohibited for safety reasons.

 

7.  AWARDS

 

Horses finishing the event WILL NOT leave before the awards are made except as allowed by NJTRA management.  A person MUST be designated to receive score sheets and awards as these will not be mailed.

 

8. LIABILITY

The New Jersey Trail Ride Association, Inc. its associates, or any property owner over whose grounds the event may pass, will not be responsible for any accident or death which may occur, from any cause, to any person, or to any animal, or any property, during the period of the event, or during any type of preparation and/or training of the horses for the event.

 

DUE TO INSURANCE REGULATIONS AND FOR YOUR SAFETY, ALL PARTICIPANTS (RIDERS, DRIVERS AND GROOMS) ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A PROPERLY FITTED ASTM/SEI CERTIFIED EQUESTRIAN HELMET MEETING STANDARD F11.63 WITH FASTENED CHIN STRAP AT ALL TIMES WHILE MOUNTED OR ON A CART OR CARRIAGE.

 

9. QUESTIONS

 

                Should a question arise about any rule or a situation that is not provided for in the NJTRA, Inc., ECTRA, or AERC rules, it shall be referred to the event management.  The management will consult with the Rules / Grievance Committee, whose decision shall be final.