Welcome to Judge's Corner!
This is your opportunity to learn directly from our Region 1 judges.
Here we explain mystery rules, answer questions you forgot to ask at
rides, discuss concerns about current horse and horsemanship trends,
offer praise, and generally share expertise to help you better care
for your mount and improve your skills.
Have a question for our judges? Send it to
R1leadline@gmail.com
Understanding Maneuvering Trail/Behavior Scoring
By Region 1 Judges | Updated for 2025 Rules
One of the most common questions we receive is about how the
Maneuvering Trail/Behavior (MT/B) category is scored. With the 2025
rule changes, we want to clarify how this works.
What is MT/B?
Maneuvering Trail/Behavior evaluates your horse's disposition,
response to the rider, and general behavior on the trail. This
includes (but is not limited to):
- Kicking or threatening to kick
- Head tossing or resistance
- Prancing or excessive energy
- Standing quietly for examination and mounting
- Buddying up (excessive attachment to other horses)
- Trail sense and willingness
💡 Judge's Tip
The new scoring guidelines focus more on actual behavior rather than
stacked deductions for multi-part obstacles. Riders are seeing more
reasonable scores that better reflect their horse's overall
demeanor.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Buddy-Sour Horse
If your horse becomes anxious when separated from other horses, this
will be noted. The severity of the deduction depends on the extent of
the behavior - mild calling vs. dangerous behavior.
Scenario 2: Head Tossing
Occasional head tossing due to flies is normal and won't be penalized.
Persistent head tossing indicating resistance or discomfort will
result in deductions.
Scenario 3: Spooking
A horse that spooks but quickly recovers and continues calmly will
receive minimal deductions. A horse that spooks repeatedly or
dangerously will lose more points.
How to Improve Your MT/B Score
-
Desensitization training - Expose your horse to
various obstacles at home
-
Confidence building - Work on independence from
other horses
-
Consistent handling - Maintain the same
expectations on and off the trail
-
Proper conditioning - A well-conditioned horse is a
calmer horse
-
Stay calm yourself - Your horse reads your emotions
📋 Common Questions Answered
Q: Why was my horse marked down for soundness when I didn't notice
any lameness?
A: Judges are trained to detect subtle gait irregularities that
riders often miss, especially when aboard the horse. These early
indicators help prevent more serious injuries. Ask the judge for
specific feedback - they're happy to explain what they observed and
how to address it.
Q: Can I ask judges questions during the ride?
A: Absolutely! While judges can't give you specific scoring
information during competition, they're happy to answer general
questions about technique, obstacles, or horse care. Save detailed
discussion of your scores for after the ride when judges can review
your scorecard with you.
Q: How can I learn more about what judges are looking for?
A: Attend a NATRC clinic! These hands-on events let you work
directly with judges, practice obstacles, and get immediate
feedback. Also review the judging criteria in the NATRC Rule Book
and consider volunteering as a judge's secretary to see the process
firsthand.
Q: What should I do if I disagree with my score?
A: First, review your scorecard carefully and note the specific
comments. Then approach the judge calmly and ask for clarification.
Most "disagreements" are simply misunderstandings that judges are
happy to explain. Remember, judges want you to succeed and improve!
Q: How are obstacles judged differently across divisions?
A: Open division horses are expected to handle obstacles smoothly
with minimal guidance. Novice horses are given more leeway for
hesitation or requiring more direction. Leisure division doesn't
focus on obstacles in the same way. The key is improvement over time
- judges love seeing progression!
Proper Hydration and Electrolytes
By Dr. Carol Ormond, Region 1 Veterinary Judge
With summer riding season approaching, let's discuss one of the most
important aspects of horse care: hydration and electrolyte management.
The Basics: Horses lose significant amounts of water
and electrolytes through sweat during exercise. On a typical CTR ride,
especially in warm weather, your horse needs to replace these losses
to maintain optimal performance and health.
💡 Judge's Observation
We often see horses at vet checks that are mildly dehydrated because
riders didn't offer water frequently enough or the horse is a picky
drinker. Prevention is key!
Hydration Tips:
- Offer water at every opportunity during the ride
-
Train your horse to drink from various sources (buckets, streams,
troughs)
-
Consider adding a flavoring agent your horse likes to unfamiliar
water
- Monitor skin tenting and gum moisture at rest stops
- Allow adequate time for drinking - don't rush
Electrolyte Guidelines:
-
Consult with your veterinarian about appropriate products and dosing
-
Start supplementing during training rides, not just at competitions
- Most horses benefit from electrolytes on rides over 2 hours
-
Timing matters - offer after the horse has had a chance to drink
-
Watch for signs of imbalance: muscle twitching, excessive fatigue,
or "thumps"
Remember: Every horse is different. What works for one may not work
for another. Pay attention to your individual horse's needs and
consult with your veterinarian and experienced riders.
📧 Submit Your Questions
Have a judging question you'd like answered in a future Judge's Corner
article? We'd love to hear from you!
Send your questions to:
R1leadline@gmail.com
Questions may be edited for clarity and will be answered in upcoming
issues or on this page.