Equine and Canine Competition Combine to Create Horse & Dog Trail
Can your Trail horse do this? Photo courtesy of Jorg Bruckner.
By: Brittany Bevis
It’s no secret that horse-lovers are dog-lovers too, so comes as no surprise that many of our readers tuned in last night to watch the live broadcast of America’s most prestigious canine competition, the 139th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In the end, a sweet Beagle named Miss P shocked a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden by claiming the coveted title of Best In Show.
Just like with championship horses, the most exceptional pedigrees have a way of finding the top spot in the winner’s circle year after year. Miss P is actually the grandniece of Uno, the only other Beagle to win at Westminster. Today, Miss P will be making her rounds around New York City, meeting with Donald Trump, making TV appearances, and having the traditional winner’s lunch at Sardi’s in Manhattan.
But what if your beloved barn mate doesn’t have the bloodlines to compete with the top dogs at Westminster? Your canine companion can still have the chance to win a blue ribbon in a relatively new discipline that’s gaining popularity overseas, Horse & Dog Trail.
For the very first time, the nearly 50,000 visitors that gather annually for Europe’s premier western event, The AMERICANA, will have the opportunity to watch a brand new event, Congress Horse & Dog Trail, which will offer $1,000 in added money. The event will take place on Sunday, September 16th and will be judged by Susa Sauer.
The class will be open to all breeds of horses and dogs. Always on the pulse of what’s new, The Americana recently announced that the 2015 event will also host a $2,000-added Ranch Horse Pleasure World Cup.
What’s Horse & Dog Trail exactly?
Just like in a regular Trail class, the goal is for an exhibitor to effectively maneuver his or her “animal partner” through a series of obstacles. But in Horse & Dog Trail, both equine, canine, and rider have to find their way through a course while exhibiting fluidity, harmony, and precision.
A common obstacle exhibitors might encounter on a typical Horse & Dog Trail course requires the dog to lie calmly in a “box” while waiting for the next command from his handler, who is of course horseback. Another task might require sending a dog across a bridge first, ahead of the horse, and instructing him to lie down at a marked point.
Make no mistake, this isn’t simply a fun class. Proper execution is a must, and there are several reasons why points can be deducted. For example, a dog should remain one side of the horse at all times. It is up to the rider to determine which side. Also, the dog should stay beside the horse’s shoulder and never get in front of the horse, due to safety reasons.
Practically speaking, Horse & Dog Trail has value outside of being a competitive, and entertaining, discipline. Having a dog that immediately obeys commands from a horseback rider is a must when herding cattle or simply accompanying his owner on a trail ride through the country.
If you plan to be in Ausgburg, Germany for the 2015 Americana, Hall 2 will have a special area dedicated to the topic of Horse & Dog competition with presentations, vendors, and breed associations. Spectators and exhibitors will have the chance to browse the latest canine training equipment and book a private session with a professional dog trainer.
Who would like to see Horse & Dog Trail come to an AQHA, APHA, ApHC, or PtHA horse show near you?
