Please be realistic and fair when choosing a division below. We want this competition to be fun and fair for everyone!
Youth Division: This is defined as participants under 18 years old based on age as of January 1st; minimum age to compete will be 6 years old. Youth classes may be separated into multiple age groups. Example: 6 – 13 and 14 – 17. Helmets are required, all youth must wear helmets at IMTCA sanctioned events. A youth cannot exhibit a stallion.
Novice: This is defined as the first year the handler/rider is competing trail obstacles in any organized trail or cowboy race competitions.
Adult Division: This is defined as participants 18 and older based on age as of January 1st.
Open Division: This is defined as all handler/riders. Novice may not show in Open Division. Participation Segments
Trainers train horses and/or riders for remuneration, either monetary or in kind. Trainers shall compete only in Open Classes
*Each handler/rider/horse partnership may compete in two levels at a challenge. Examples: Levels 1 and 2. Levels 2 and 3. Show management may specify other participation parameters.
Levels (Partnership)
Level 1 –This is considered a new Partnership. Obstacles should be easy to explain to the team: basic maneuver or technique needed to complete the obstacle. The course will be at the flat-footed walk.
Level 2 –This is considered an established Partnership. The rider and Horse are familiar with one another, exhibit trust when negotiating obstacles and are conditioned to ride a longer Course. May include some jog, trot, running walk, gait, or intermediate gait up to and between obstacles, forward ground covering is encouraged; 90, 180, 270 or 360 degrees on certain obstacles.
Level 3 –This is considered a Partnership where Horse and rider have established trust, can negotiate difficult obstacles and are conditioned to travel a longer Course. May include some canter or lope up to and between obstacles; 90, 180, 270 or 360 degrees on certain obstacles.