Ranch trail has quickly become one of the most popular and talked-about classes in Western horse shows—and for good reason. This event showcases a horse’s real-world skills, navigating obstacles you’d find on the ranch with precision, confidence, and teamwork. But how well do you really know the rules, gaits, and obstacle requirements? Take our quiz to find out if you’re truly ranch trail ready, or if it’s time to head back to the practice pen.
1. What’s the maximum height for logs in a walk-, trot-, or lope-over obstacle?
a) 6 inches
b) 10 inches
c) 12 inches
d) Doesn’t matter—go big or go home
2. In a back-through obstacle, what’s the minimum spacing required between objects?
a) 18 inches
b) 24 inches
c) 28 inches
d) 36 inches
3. What’s one key thing to avoid when practicing the gate obstacle at home?
a) Letting your horse stand still
b) Using different gates
c) Practicing with a rope gate
d) Using both hands
4. True or False: You can be asked to lope over perfectly painted poles in a ranch trail class.
a) True
b) False
5. What is the only gait allowed when going over a bridge in ranch trail?
a) Any gait
b) Trot
c) Lope
d) Walk
6. Which riders are typically allowed to do a drag obstacle in ranch trail?
a) All riders
b) Youth and rookie only
c) Open and amateur only
d) Only trainers
Check Your Answers!
1. What’s the maximum height for logs in a walk-, trot-, or lope-over obstacle?
Correct Answer: b) 10 inches
Ranch trail logs must be natural and can be up to 10 inches high. The number of logs and distance between them depends on the gait, but the height limit is the same across all.
2. In a back-through obstacle, what’s the minimum spacing required between objects?
Correct Answer: c) 28 inches
Backing obstacles must be spaced at least 28 inches apart on the ground (30 inches if elevated). Precision and control are key to navigating them cleanly.
3. What’s one key thing to avoid when practicing the gate obstacle at home?
Correct Answer: c) Practicing with a rope gate
Rope gates are not allowed in ranch trail. All gates must be sturdy, swinging, and safe. Practice with real gates so you and your horse are prepared for variety.
4. True or False: You can be asked to lope over perfectly painted poles in a ranch trail class.
Correct Answer: b) False
Ranch trail emphasizes realism. You’ll only encounter natural logs, not brightly painted poles like in traditional trail classes.
5. What is the only gait allowed when going over a bridge in ranch trail?
Correct Answer: d) Walk
Bridges must be crossed at a walk only.
6. Which riders are typically allowed to do a drag obstacle in ranch trail?
Correct Answer: c) Open and amateur only
Drag obstacles are considered advanced and are not included in youth or rookie patterns. They simulate tasks like pulling a log or dummy steer.
