Davidson Knoll Farm will be hosting its fifth annual Trail Trial on Sunday, June 7th, 2009. All proceeds will benefit the EquiCenter, a therapeutic equestrian center for people with disabilities and at-risk youth located in Mendon, NY.

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Riding a horse on a trail has always been one big obstacle course. Davidson Knoll Farm has taken this fact one step further and is hosting its fourth Trail Trial. During this event riders are judged on their skills and abilities to guide their horses through a natural obstacle course. A Trail Trial consists of a ride with approximately 10-12 judged natural obstacles that appear along a trail of several miles.

A Trail Trial takes place out of the arena along a specifically marked trail which usually takes one to two hours to complete. There are various obstacles along the way with a judge positioned at each, so you will be scored by several different judges, each with their own judging style. The judge compares the way the horse and rider meet the obstacle with a standard. There are no time requirements and the participant is only judged while negotiating obstacles. The pace of the trail ride is the choice of the rider.

The program is open to all breeds from Icelandic ponies to Warmbloods, as well as all riding disciplines. Any type of tack is acceptable. Boots and helmets are required for safety. Current Coggins and Rabies papers are required. All youth age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Riders will be given a time limit to ride through a particular obstacle so that riders behind them are not held back. Riders are judged individually and strictly on how well they negotiated their horse through an obstacle with an emphasis on calmness and safety.

Come join us on June 7th for a beautiful trail ride in the rolling Bristol Hills and put your trail experience to work while supporting the EquiCenter. Sign up early as the Trail Trial will be limited to the first hundred entries!