Rules
*** The rules listed on this page are a condensed version and may not be the most up-to-date. ***
*** For a complete and most up-to-date copy of the rules for each event format, please follow the links provided. ***
Competitive Trail Rules
UMECRA Competitive Trail Rules – Complete Version
Horse must be at least 48 months old for rides of 35 miles or less, 60 months old for rides of 50 miles.
Mares in foal permitted up to the sixth month.
Divisions:
- Weight divisions with tack: Light Weight (LW)–179 lbs. and under, Heavy Weight (HW)–180 lbs. and over.
- Junior Division –not to be 18 on December 1. JUNIORS MUST WEAR HELMETS. Juniors 12 and under must have a sponsor.
- Novice Division — Can compete as a novice only on 1st or 2nd ride.
P/R Criteria: Pulse — 68; Respiration — 68
A rider may ask for one recheck of a P/R. It must be taken immediately, and the rider must accept the second score.
A horse that has been disqualified must return to base camp by trailer unless permitted by the vet to return on foot.
Completion criteria:
- Pulse of 68 within 20 minutes
- Grade 3 or 4 lameness–mileage only, Grade 5-disqualification
- Has not required or received medication
The same unit (horse, rider and equipment weight) must be maintained throughout the ride. Entrants must follow the prescribed course, do multiple loops in the correct order, and pass all control points. A competitor who fails to do this should be pulled from placing, but may be allowed a completion. However, if the rider wishes to compete for placing, he must go back to the point of departure and must complete the entire trail in its correct order.
Inhumane treatment of horses may be cause for disqualification.
Horses must not be under the influence of drugs, medications or stimulants.
Unruly or unmannerly horses which are a hazard on the trail or to examine may be disqualified. Horses and riders who have not entered the ride may not accompany official competitors.
It is the rider’s responsibility to present himself/herself for P/R’s at precisely the time indicated on the time card.
All rides and mounts must be physically present and accounted for at the start of the ride. Maximum riding speed to average 5.5 to 7 mph.
Any mathematical errors appearing on score sheet must be reported before leaving the grounds.
Riders are required to care for own mounts except having a horse held during a rest break.
If boots, bandages or wraps are used, the horse shall be penalized 2 points per leg.
The horse will be ridden the entire route–no forward motion unless mounted.
Forward motion must be maintained the last two miles.
Natural water only is allowed on the trail. Drinking water only is allowed at rest stops. Horses may be sponged after the final vet check.
No ice, liniments or braces may be used before the final check. No whips will be used in any examination during the ride.
Limited Distance Rules
AERC Limited Distance Rules – Complete Version
Horses must be at least 48 months old to compete.
Rides must be at least 25 miles but not exceeding 50 miles. (Must be under 50 miles)
There are two divisions: Senior and Junior (under the age of 16 as of the first day of the ride season.
Maximum ride time:
- 25 miles: 6 hours
- 30 miles: 7 hours 15 minutes
- 35 miles: 8 hours 30 minutes
Completion criteria:
- Horses must stand for a mandatory post-ride evaluation within 1 hour of the marked finish line.
- Maximum pulse criteria upon completion is 60 beats per minute
- Pulse criteria must be met within 30 minutes of crossing finish line.
The same unit (horse, rider, and equipment weight) must be maintained throughout the ride. Entrants must follow the prescribed course, do multiple loops in the correct order, and pass all control points. A competitor who fails to do this should be pulled from placing but may receive a completion. However if the rider wishes to compete for placing he must go back to the point of departure and complete the course in its proper order.
Inhumane treatment of horses may be cause for disqualification.
Horses must not be under the influence of drugs, medications or stimulants. AERC Drug Appendices
Unruly or unmannerly horses which are a hazard on the trail or to examine may be disqualified. Official competitors may not be accompanied by horses and riders that have not entered the ride.
All riders and mounts must be physically present and accounted for at the start of the ride. Junior division-under the age of 16 as of the first day of the ride season. Must be accompanied at all times by an adult sponsor. Must have written permission of parent or guardian. (See AERC rules for details.) MUST WEAR A HELMET.
Endurance Rules
AERC Endurance Rules – Complete Version
Horse must be at least 60 months old for rides 50 miles or more. For single-day 100 miles rides, horses must be at least 72 months.
Weight divisions with tack: Featherweight (FW) 160 pounds and under, Lightweight (LW)–161 – 185 pounds, Middleweight (MW) 186-210 pounds, Heavyweight (HW)–211 pounds and over.
Junior Division: Under the age of 16 as of the first day of the ride season.
Pulse and respiration criteria for advancement and completion is set by the control vet at the ride.
A horse that has been disqualified must return to base camp by trailer unless permitted by the veterinarian to return on foot.
Maximum ride time:
- 50 miles: 12 hours
- 75 miles: 18 hours
- 100 miles: 24 hours
Completion criteria:
- Rider may present their horse any time during a 1-hour period after finishing
- Horses must meet the pulse set by the control vet and be sound at a trot
- Horse not meeting this criteria shall be disqualified
The same unit (horse, rider, and equipment weight) must be maintained throughout the ride. Entrants must follow the prescribed course, do multiple loops in the correct order, and pass all control points. A competitor who fails to do this should be pulled from placing but may receive a completion. However if the rider wishes to compete for placing he must go back to the point of departure and complete the course in its proper order.
Inhumane treatment of horses may be cause for disqualification.
Horses must not be under the influence of drugs, medications or stimulants. AERC Drug Appendices
Unruly or unmannerly horses which are a hazard on the trail or to examine may be disqualified. Official competitors may not be accompanied by horses and riders that have not entered the ride.
All riders and mounts must be physically present and accounted for at the start of the ride. Junior division-under the age of 16 as of the first day of the ride season. Must be accompanied at all times by an adult sponsor. Must have written permission of parent or guardian. (See AERC rules for details.) MUST WEAR A HELMET.
Gate into a hold – Rider may present his horse for P/R any time within 30 minutes.
A horse may not have required or received medication. Any medication administered on the grounds must be under the supervision of a vet.
