When is the Big Money Coming to Trail?

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178 – January/February, 2017

BY DELORES KUHLWEIN

When you’re finished changing, you’re finished,” said Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. We can still apply his wisdom today, whether we’re talking about our nation, or something as close to our hearts as equine competition.

There’s no doubt that Trail competition has evolved along with the ability of today’s horses. It’s often deemed “pleasure over poles” because of the unmatched grace and athleticism seen on complex courses.

Much like Western Pleasure, the popularity of Trail has exploded as one of the largest disciplines on the breed circuit, which has prompted an industry-wide question: When will Trail follow in the footsteps of Western Pleasure with the opportunity for a big purse?

Read on for the scoop about why Trail is primed for position to be the next money-earning event, what’s being done now at shows across the country, why it would be good for our industry, and what we can do to give this idea a push in the right direction.

Sheer Numbers

“Trail is experiencing huge growth for the all-around horse. It’s one of the largest classes out there, and it has been for quite a few years,” says Deanna Searles, who was recently crowned AQHA World Champion in Senior Trail aboard Suddenly A Good Bar. At the 2016 AQHA World Championship Show, Trail boasted impressive numbers, as provided by Sarah Davisson, AQHA Publicity and Special Events Liaison: Amateur Trail – Level 3: 76; Amateur Trail – Level 2: 63; Junior Trail – Level 3: 56; Senior Trail – Level 3: 108; Junior Trail – Level 2: 61; and Senior Trail – Level 2: 70.

“The numbers are definitely sustainable,” emphasizes Jason Gilliam, winner of the 2016 AQHA Reserve World Championship in Senior Trail aboard So Dang Lazy. “We buy the horses created for the $50,000 Western Pleasure futurities and turn them into Trail horses. We’d like to compete and further their careers as well. I’d like to be able to ride for that money during my lifetime, and the younger guys coming up and the owners would enjoy it. Evolution is inevitable, and everybody likes showing for money.”

NSBA 2016 World Show Trail numbers didn’t disappoint either: Senior Trail: 100; 3 & 4 Year Old Open Trail: 57; Junior Trail: 45; and Amateur Trail: 45.

Click here to read the complete article
178 – January/February, 2017