Trail Certification

One of the great things about the HEC is the trail system. Trail riding offers a great opportunity (for both rider AND horse) to get out of the arena and spice things up a bit. If you are a competent, safe, Sr. Rider who would like to go on unsupervised trail rides, get trail certified.

Trail rider certification

You must have senior rider certification for at least one semester, and be checked out on at least three Hoofer horses to become certified. Additionally, you must:

• Take a closed book written exam. You should be well-versed on Hoofer rules and safety/emergency procedures, as well as general horse knowledge. You will also have to prove that you have a working knowledge of the trail system. (A good way to get familiar with the trails is to go on as many trail rides as you can!) You must score at least 90% on this exam to pass.
• Pass a riding test out on the trail. In addition to showing that you are a safe, competant rider, you will be asked questions regarding trail safety, and what to do in case of the unexpected. (You may be questioned about how to ride during deer hunting season; what kinds of wildlife can you expect to see and when; and cold versus hot weather considerations, etc.)

Once you've passed the Trail Certification written and riding test, you will be allowed to go on trail rides on any horse that you've been checked out on (subject to that horse's availablity) with at least one other person. You must have a riding partner - for safety, you will never be allowed to trail ride alone on any Hoofer horse. This is a great opportunity to get to know the HEC boarders, as you may ride with them as your partners.

Contact the Senior and Ring/Trail Rides coordinator for more information about Trail Certification.

Trip Leader Certification

Get to know other club members and ride for free whenever you lead group trail rides. Become a trip leader in 4 steps:

1. Pass the Senior Rider test on all current club horses.
2. Gain more experience on the trail by taking a trail certification clinic culminating in a test-out ride or skip the clinic and do a test-out ride only.
3. Pass a closed-book, written test on basic trail riding safety. This test is specifically geared toward your responsibility for each horse and rider that you are leading. Contact the Senior and Ring/Trail Rides coordinator to arrange a time to take the test.
4. Lead two trail rides under the supervision of two different trip leaders.