Snohomish County 4-H Trail Horse Class In The Field

Welcome to the Snohomish County 4-H Horse Program Trail Horse Class in the Field web site, sponsored by Midnight Riders 4-H Club. This fun event takes place twice a year in two different trail systems around Snohomish and King County. The activity is open to enrolled Snohomish County 4-H Horse Program members and leaders.

  The cost is only $10/person if your entry form is received by the Monday before the event, and $15/person if received after that Monday. Registration will also be available the morning of, but pre-registration is suggested to avoid the morning rush. There will be a small refreshment table selling hot drinks and snacks, but participants should bring lunch, snacks, and water for the trail. 

  All riders are required to attend the mandatory meeting for a safety briefing and trail update.  After the meeting, each rider and horse must pass the pre-ride check before they can start their ride.  Riders can follow the pre-marked trail at their own pace, as long as they do not pass the Trail Master or fall behind the Drag Rider.  Trail length and variety of obstacles may be adjusted for current weather conditions.  Remember, participants will start being judged after the completion of the meeting until they complete the post-ride check 15 minutes after returning from the ride.  After all the riders have returned and scores have been tabulated, there will be a prize giveaway and awards ceremony.

  Be sure to pack appropriate gear for the current weather and trail conditions.  Dressing in layers is a great way to assure you will stay warm in the cooler hours, and allow you to remove layers as the day gets warmer.  All riders, regardless of age, must wear an approved ASTM/SEI helmet and appropriate riding boots.  Required equipment for the trail are a saddle, saddle pad, bridle, halter, and leadrope.  The halter and leadrope may be worn under the bridle or carried on the horse.  Some suggested items are a first aid kit, breast collar, crupper, saddle bags, rain coat, hoof pick, brushes, and protective boots.  Participants are also required to bring a water bucket, manure bucket, and shovel for the parking area. Participants are expected to clean up after themselves, and leave the trails and parking area free of litter and manure.

  Please familiarize yourself with the rules, scoring, basis for judging, and other details taken from the Snohomish County 4-H Youth Horse Program Reference Guide. If you have any questions regarding the event please contact R-A Mazzola at ramazzola@aol.com.