It is our intent to make this an exciting and fun experience for both staff and participants. Everyone should be attentive to the announcements given over the PA system. The chronological order of riding the course will be by categorical group; Lead Line first, then beginner, intermediate and finally advanced. Individuals within the group will ride in the order decided by the staff and judges.

​An individual can only ride the course once for competition purposes i.e. to have their score used for winning a ribbon. For each category first to fourth place ribbons will be awarded to the 14 and younger age group and then to the 15 and older age group. We also will have an overall highest score winner for each age group

Beginner (other equivalent terms: Novice, Tenderfoot)

1. The beginner has never won first or second place in any obstacle course.
2. The beginner’s skills are elementary and performed on mostly undemanding terrain and in calm environments.
3. The rider and horse may not have established trust or are unsure about one another’s ability to negotiate obstacles
4. The Novice rider has basic horsemanship skills but lacks the confidence and knowledge of a more advanced horseman. (ACHA)

 
Intermediate (other equivalent terms: Amateur, Pathfinder, Maverick, Pleasure, Scout)

1. The horse and rider have an established partnership, they are familiar with each other, exhibit trust when negotiating obstacles.
2. This category is for individuals with limited riding and showing experience, who wish to learn more about showing in Mountain Trail Challenges. (Smoky Mtn)
3. A person is considered an amateur when he/she has not trained, or assisted in training a horse for remuneration, either directly or indirectly, nor received compensation for instructing another person in riding, training, or showing a horse in competition.(ACHA)

 
Advanced (other equivalent terms: Expert, Trail boss, Open)

1. The horse and rider have established trust, can negotiate difficult obstacles with a higher level of cooperation and exhibited skill between horse and rider (from AQHA & Smoky Mtn)
2. Participants should expect a more intricate course layout and obstacles designed for horses and riders ready to hit the trail. The obstacles require a higher degree of training and handling, knowledge of the maneuvers or techniques needed to complete the obstacle.(Smoky Mtn)
3. This division is open to all riders, regardless of experience, or status, even those who have professionally trained others for compensation.

The Challenge consists of challenging and educational obstacles based on the skills needed for trail riding. Questions about scoring will be answered during the participants  initial walk through of the course.

trail_obstacle_challenge_poster_2025.pdf
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A check to Portneuf River Back Country Horsemen can also be mailed to our treasurer, Stephen Hurley 9737 W Pocatello Creek Rd, Pocatello ID 83201. In addition to the check, either fill out the form below or include a note with your phone number, email and the names of those enrolling in the each catoagory.

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