Trail & Obstacles Events


The various trail and obstacles events and associations have several common elements. To be successful and safe in these events, the rider strives for:


The Trails and Obstacles Program at Barnes Ranch offers opportunities for riders and horses of all ages, breeds, skill levels, and disciplines to improve their horsemanship and partnership with their horses by using good balance and appropriate cues to best maneuver obstacles and ride various terrains. Our program accomplishes this by focusing on performance riding for both the rider and horse, using foundation maneuvers for suppleness and control, and practice with different types of obstacles.

This program is helpful for:

Gerrie Barnes has promoted her “8 Foundations Maneuvers” for years – specifically within the Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) event. VRH requires one horse and rider to perform 5 western classes with skill sub-sets including arena pattern work, arena trail and obstacles, reining, and cattle work including cutting, boxing, and fencework. The foundation maneuvers control the separate parts of the horse making the horse more willing, supple, and able to make specific movements with mental and physical softness and responsiveness. Gerrie is a CHA-Certified Level 4 Western riding instructor.

Barnes Ranch has developed a 2012 program for Trail & Obstacle Events:

Check out the Trail & Obstacle Calendar for more info. Private, semi-private, and small group outdoor trail practice sessions can be arranged with an emphasis on safety and practice on varied terrain and natural obstacles.