The Horse Trail Riding Expo's Trail Rider Challenge

Yes, entries are still open for this event.  

The Horse Trail Riding Expo's Trail Rider Challenge is a popular Expo event and open to all riders.  All the information about registering for this event will be provided on this page.  Please read the information carefully.  

Do you feel like the pandemic has taken away two years of your life?  Our Trail Challenge course will give you an opportunity to experience some of those days you might have missed.  Always a crowd pleaser, our exclusive indoor trail course is designed to be challenging enough for the Open contestants and fun enough for the Amateur!  We offer a Junior class, too.  

The first round will begin late Saturday afternoon.  Winners from each class will be announced following the event on Saturday.  The top 12 scores from ALL classes will advance to the finals which will be held Sunday afternoon.  The final round will not be broken down into classes.  One class; one winner!  

Scroll through this page for information about riding in this event.  If after reading you still have questions, email Elizabeth.  

CLASSES

While this ride is sure to bring out "the best of the best" competitive Trail Challenge participants, it is enjoyed by casual riders as well.  Perhaps even folks who have never competed in an event like this.  Please read carefully so you sign up for the correct class.  

OPEN CLASS: If you fall in any of the categories below, you will register as Open.

• Riders who regularly compete in the Trail Rider Challenge or other trail challenge events, sponsored or non-sponsored, virtual or live.
• Trainers or those who provide riding lessons for other people. 
• Rider who have placed in the finals at this Expo's Trail Rider Challenge in past years.
• This class is based on YOUR experience, not your horse's.  So regardless if you are on a young or seasoned horse, if you are a regular competitor, trainer, teacher, or past finalist, please enter this class.  This includes experienced Junior riders.  Points will be provided to Trail Rider Challenge participants.  

AMATEUR ADULT: Must be 16 years of age or older.

• For the casual rider who rarely competes in the Trail Rider Challenge or other trail challenge events, sponsored or non-sponsored, virtual or live. 
• Rarely is defined as entering less than 3 trail challenge events per year.  
• Must not be a trainer or provide riding lessons (currently or in the past)
• Your entry is based on the honor system and your integrity is worth more than a ribbon!  

AMATEUR JUNIOR: 

• Up to Age 16
• For the casual rider who has not yet turned 16 years old and who rarely competes in the Trail Rider Challenge or other trail challenge events, sponsored or non-sponsored, virtual or live. 
• Must not be a trainer or provide riding lessons (currently or in the past)
• Rarely is defined as entering less than 3 trail challenge events per year.  Your entry is based on the honor system and your integrity is worth more than a ribbon! 

REGISTRATION

Begin your online entry by pressing the button below.  That button will first take you to the Liability Release page.  By agreeing to this waiver, you will then be taken to the registration page.  Those who do not waive liability will not be permitted to ride in this event.  

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This competition is not recommended for new or green horses.  Do not bring a horse that has behavioral issues, including, but not limited to, kicking, bucking or rearing, or if the horse is not use to crowds and other horses. We reserve the right to dismiss any horse from a demo or competition if it is deemed unsafe for its owner or other riders.

No stallions will be allowed to participate in this event. No exceptions.

Do not bring additional horses to this event.

Participants must be on premises 2 hours prior to the Trail Challenge.  Check in at Kelli's booth when you arrive. If you did not purchase a stall for the event, your horse must remain in or tied to your trailer until the scheduled event.

Walk-thru of obstacles will be held within 2 hours of start time.  There will only be one walk-thru so you must get to Kelli's booth to find out times.

All overnight horses must be in purchased stalls.

Horses stalled at the event may arrive Friday evening after 3:00 pm and no later than 8:00 PM.  Horses may arrive on Saturday/Sunday after 8:00 AM.

Stalls are provided first come, first served after 3:00 PM

Please note: There are no wash facilities at this venue, so you will need to bring in a clean horse

Bring your own shavings and clean your own stall and around your trailer at the end of the event.  Otherwise volunteers have to do it and we have already worked the entire weekend for our guests

Payment must accompany entry; no refunds.  You may sell your entry to a friend, if you cannot attend.  Be sure Kelli knows of the name change and any class change, if applicable.  

Wristbands will be provided upon check-in.  Provide your name at the door and tell them you are a Trail Challenge contestant.  Lost, stolen or forgotten wristbands will not be replaced.  No exceptions.

Trailer parking is available west of the arena.  No electrical hook-ups available

Out of state horses must have 30 day health papers and 12 month negative Coggins test

All horses must have current vaccinations, preferably administered 30 days prior to the event

The Nebraska Horse Trails Committee, our expo and volunteers, The Trail Rider Challenge, Chance Ridge Event Center and employees are not responsible for accidents or injuries.  Liability Release Forms must be signed 

DO NOT CALL Chance Ridge for questions.  They lease the arena to us and are not familiar with our event.  You may email Elizabeth with any questions not answered here.