Check out the information for the NEW NAPHA Trail Horse Test!
NAPHA Trail Horse Test Program
NAPHA is offering a test program to our members for their Peruvian Horses in conjunction with the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA). We are pleased to join our Paso Fino friends in their ongoing successful program which began last year and is open to all breeds.
The Trail Horse Test Program (THTP) provides a way to demonstrate your horse’s ability to perform trail riding skills based on a series of tests that gauges the horse’s natural ability and training against a standard of performance. This is not a competitive trail obstacle course, but a measure of your horse’s abilities to complete the tasks normally performed before, during, and after a trail ride. The elements of the test are what we expect from a well-trained Peruvian pleasure horse.
The program is also a great opportunity for both adult amateurs and juniors to connect with like-minded horse owners in a healthy, non-competitive atmosphere. We want to share the joys of horse ownership and the skills of our pleasure horses.
There are three levels and awards for each level: Junior, Senior, and Master Trail Horse. NAPHA registered Peruvian horses may choose to have the level they pass entered on the horse’s registration certificate.
More information on the Trail Horse Test page HERE
The Basics of the Trail Horse Test Program
Our goal is to provide a structure but fun program that guides you to improve your relationship with your horse and to improve your horse’s skills for the trail or as a pleasure horse.
The horse is tested against standards set at three levels of performance: Junior, Senior, and Master Level. The exercises for the three levels are the same. The horse is expected to show more obedience and fluidity as it advances up the levels.
The exercises are divided into 7 categories. Each category is further divided into test elements that are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. The horse must receive a passing grade before advancing to the next level.
Awards and certificates are presented after completion of each level.
Any NAPHA or PFHA member may request to host a Trail Horse Test. A complete description of the program, its rules, and the application form will be provided on the NAPHA website at the beginning of 2018.
The Objectives of the Trail Horse Test Program
Our objectives are:
- Highlight the pleasure of a trained and responsive trail horse.
- Set non-competitive goals for the horse in an effort to improve both horse and rider.
- Provide a structured method to judge a trial horse.
- Recognize the harmony between horse and rider where there is good communication between them.
- Record the level achieved in the horse’s NAPHA registry. This will assist individuals who are researching Peruvian horses/bloodline that are well suited to the trail.
The Three Levels of Achievement
A Junior Trail Horse is expected to show the disposition and temperament to be a trail horse. The Junior Trail Horse is expected to show reasonable obedience to its rider, to attempt certain tests and to have basic knowledge of normal commands. The Junior Trail Horse is not expected to be a fully trained horse but is a horse that shows willingness to obey the rider and does not endanger the rider.
A Senior Trail Horse is expected to show all the attributes of a Junior Trail Horse plus be willing and consistent. This horse must be able to obey most commands calmly but with reasonable speed. It is a horse that is comfortable in most situations.
A Master Trail Horse is expected to be a finished and experienced trail horse. A Master Trail Horse is expected to show obedience to its rider’s commands and should be able to be trusted in any situation. Master Horses’ fluidness in their trail skills set them apart. The is the horse we would like to own and ride anywhere.
What the Judge Will Be Evaluating
Category 1: Trailer Loading / Unloading
Category 2: Grooming and Tacking the Horse
Category 3: Performing Ground Work Exercises – leading, lunging, turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches
Category 4: Performing Exercises Under Saddle – Walk, transitions to increase speed, leg yields, side pass, turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches
Category 5: Performance on the Trail – Interaction with other horses.
Category 6: Maneuvering through Trail Obstacles – that test the attitude and obedience of the horse.
Category 7: Temperament
Call for Judge Candidates
We are looking for people with some experience in judging trail horses to be student judges in 2018. These judge candidates do not need to be NAPHA carded show judges as they will not be judging gait or conformation. NAPHA will be training trail judges throughout the year at the PFHA and NAPHA two day clinics and test sites. If you are interested in becoming a certified judge please send an email to the contact at the bottom of this page.
Call for Trail Test Hosts
Any NAPHA member in good standing may request to host a NAPHA/PFHA sanctioned trail test. The test must be approved by the JOR Trail Test Coordinator and only NAPHA/ PFHA approved trail judges may be used. The host is responsible for conducting the test according to the rules, for the organization and conduct of the test, and financial management of the test. For more information see the Trail Horse Test Program Rules on the NAPHA website.
Fees
We want the Trail Test to be accessible to many horse owners at a reasonable cost. The Trail Test host will charge fees to cover ground use, stalls, the judge, the judge and marshal’s hotel and travel, etc. NAPHA will assess a small standard fee per test from the host to cover the cost of the program and awards. The owner of the horse may also request a change to the registry certificate for the current fee for such service to CRLS.
Tentative Dates and Locations for Testing in 2018
January – Dunnellon, FL
February 10-11 – Warrenton, VA
March – Richmond, VA
April – Pendleton, SC
May 19-20 – Southwest Region Texas
November- Bryan, TX
A HUGE thank you to Virginia Foster of PFHA for sharing materials and documentation.
For more information:
NAPHA.net Or contact Tina Mewhinney: [email protected]
