Triangle H Farm Trail Obstacle Design Competition
$100 Triangle H Gift Certificate per Category
Categories
• Youth Division: 17 & under
• Adult Division: 18 & over
Open to current Triangle H Farm lesson students and boarders only. Individuals or teams of up to 3 people may enter. Enter as many obstacles as you like.
Purpose
This competition encourages creativity, problem-solving, possible team work and practical horsemanship by designing safe, thoughtful trail obstacles that build confidence, softness, horsemanship, and real-world usefulness for horses and riders.
General Rules (Both Divisions)
1. Obstacle Requirements
Designed to be:
• Built or placed in the Walnut Grove down the trail. If it’s not muddy, you can drive down there.
• Safe for multiple horses
• Suitable for progressive training (different levels)
• Obstacles should reflect realistic trail or arena scenarios including skillsets such as confidence, precision, skill, and horsemanship.
• Name your obstacle and include name in the design
• Create a printed paper giving an explanation of the obstacle, what horsemanship skills are required, and directions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions. Directions should have clear guidelines from the approach through exiting the obstacle.
2. Materials & Construction
Allowed materials include:
• Wood, logs, poles
• Tires, barrels, cones
• Tarps, ropes, gates
• Natural or recycled materials encouraged
Not allowed:
• Exposed nails, screws, staples, wire, or sharp edges
• Glass, metal edges
• Slippery surfaces
Construction standards:
• Obstacle must be sturdy, stable, and tip-resistant
• Maximum step-up or drop-down height: 12 inches
• Width must safely accommodate a full-sized horse
3. Safety & Approval
• All obstacles must be Inspected and approved by Triangle H Farm management before use and before competition deadline
• Farm management reserves the right to:
• Require modifications
• Reposition obstacles
• Remove any obstacle deemed unsafe
• Obstacle must be 10 feet away from other obstacles and trees, etc. This allows mowing and maintenance
Division-Specific Expectations
Youth Division
• Obstacles should emphasize:
• Safety
• Confidence-building
• Clear learning purpose
• Adult assistance with construction is allowed, but youth must be involved in design and explanation
• Simplicity and good horsemanship principles are valued over complexity
Adult Division
• Obstacles may be more complex but must remain:
• Practical
• Horse-first
• Creativity should enhance learning, not increase risk
• Obstacles should be usable across different skill levels
Judging & Scoring
Each obstacle will be scored using the following rubric.
Maximum Score: 50 points
Judging Rubric
1. Safety (0–10 points)
• Stable, secure construction
• Horse-friendly materials
• Low risk of injury
2. Functionality (0–10 points)
• Practical use in training or trail situations
• Encourages correct movement and thinking
• Useful beyond just this competition
3. Creativity (0–10 points)
• Original idea or thoughtful adaptation including the name of the obstacle.
• Colors and decorations
• Effective use of materials
• Problem-solving demonstrated
4. Adaptability (0–10 points)
• Can be adjusted easier/harder
• Works for different horses or rider levels
• Offers progression opportunities
5. Horsemanship Principles (0–10 points)
• Promotes softness, patience, and confidence
• Encourages communication, not force
• Reflects Triangle H Farm’s training philosophy of using feel, timing, and balance.
Bonus Considerations (Tie-Breakers)
• Clear explanation of purpose and use
• Obstacle should realistically be kept for future training
• Encourages calm, willing participation from the horse
Awards
• Youth Division Winner: $100 Gift Certificate to Triangle H Farm
• Adult Division Winner: $100 Gift Certificate to Triangle H Farm
Timeline & Logistics
• Obstacle build and placement in the Walnut Grove deadline March 15
• Judging will be by any and all volunteer boarders, lesson students and Heepke family from March 16 through April 15th. There will be a judging sheet coming out by March 16. This can be turned in to the black box in barn 1 for compilation. A Grand Re-Opening of the Walnut Grove obstacle course, including awards, food, offerings, and a mounted and unmounted obstacle competition will take place on Saturday April 25th. Details to be announced.
Obstacles will remain set up in the Walnut Grove after judging and become property of Triangle H Farm unless otherwise stated.
Liability Statement
Participation is voluntary and free. Participants are responsible for costs and labor of their obstacle. All obstacles are used at the participant’s own risk. Triangle H Farm reserves the right to modify or remove any obstacle at any time for safety reasons.
***Stay tuned for the jump making competition for the playground.
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