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About Us
MISFIT FARM'S TRAIL EQUINE LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM? This is a self-guided, three level, certificate program that provides a challenging, progressive guideline for riders to prepare their equines for a safe, enjoyable, trail and general riding experience. The perfect self-guided program for horse folks and equines of all ages and skill levels. Cost is only $15 per equine for the first six levels, then $5 per level afterwards. Certificates are awarded in the equine's name. There is a $5 discount for all BLM branded equines. There are three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold for in-hand and ridden certificates. To pass each level, an equine must pass all the requirements in that section. The Bronze level is mainly ground work, Silver focuses on basic ridden obstacle skills and the Gold level focuses on more advanced work. All ridden levels include groundwork, lunge line manners and obstacle sections. There are about 30 requirements for each level. Certificates will be awarded when the equine passes each level. A special bridle tag will be awarded when an equine has passed all six levels. The equine should be able to do each requirement in a calm, willing, consistent manner. There is no time limit to complete the levels. Some skills in more advanced levels may be signed off on before finishing the previous level.
Suggestions on working various requirements and obstacles:
Equines should be able to do each requirement in a calm, willing, consistent manner. Use your own judgment as to how you feel your equine has performed the requirement. As each equine is at a different level of training. You want to aim for smoothness and confidence. It doesn't have to be showring perfect. The main goal for this program is for folks to have fun spending time with their equine and to try new challenges.
Types of obstacles: You can use any obstacles as long as they are safe. Not everyone has a variety of obstacles so use what you have, ex. cloth strips or other items can be used in place of the hanging noodles. Be creative but safe.
For In-Hand requirements: Crops, lunge whips, whips with flags and leadrope tails are acceptable for all ground work.
There is a difference between leading and sending. When leading, the handler is next to the equine. When sending, the handler stands still and with hand or whip cues, directs the equine into the obstacle. Both are used for this program.
Bronze Level:
Lead on loose lead: The lead should be held at least 6 inches below the snap with slack in the lead.
Move rump over: Not a turn on forehand, the equine just needs to move rump away.
Sending out on lunge: Equine should start at handler's side then go out on the circle when told to.
Walk through confined space: Any narrow space. Poles on a barrel, a narrow ditch or gate, between a wall and raised barrier, be creative but safe.
Puddle of water: Can be a large puddle, pond or stream with standing or moving water
Silver Level:
Trot in hand: Equine should trot off calmly and not be dragged into a trot.
Raised ground poles: should be at least 8 inches off the ground.
Walk over bridge: Should be at least 6 inches high
Back around 3 markers: Can be barrels, cones, tires, stuffed animals, people, be creative.
Gold Level:
Figure 8 pattern: Put up two markers about 8 to 10 feet apart. Handler stands on one side and sends the equine around the first marker, as the equine comes about half way around the marker, the handler steps back and the equine passes between the marker and the handler. The handler then pushes the equine away toward the outside of the second marker. The equine then circles the second marker, returning to the handler.
Back up small hill: Not everyone has a hill available so any small grade about 2 feet high, enough for the equine to have to take a few uphill steps.
Lead over ditch: Ditch should be wide enough that equine can step over, not jump.
Send into a tight space: Can be between a wall and barrel, a trailer, cones. Turn around space should be at least 4 feet wide and the equine must turn around between the barriers. Equine needs to be sent into the space, not led.
Send over raised bridge: Equine should be sent over bridge, not led. Bridge should be at least 8 inches high.
Trot caveletti: Should be at least 4 poles at least 6 inches high.
Jump small jump: Jump should be at least a foot high.
Lead into ditch: Ditch should be at least a foot deep and a foot wide. A hill side can be used, also.
Drag a brush or log: Should drag the item at least 10 feet
Carry pole around 2 barrels: A pole is placed on barrel A to barrel B. Handler picks up pole from barrel A, leads equine in a circle while carrying pole in a circle and returns it to barrel A. Pole must remain on barrel B.
For Ridden requirements:
For Level one, many of the ground manners and lung line work is like those in the In-Hand Level 1. Level 2 will be mainly ridden work. All mounting may be done from the ground or mounting block.
Bronze Level:
Stand for mounting: Equine should remain still and quit as rider prepares to mount. When mounting. Please hold on to the reins!
Silver Level:
Work a rope gate: This can be done from either side as a push or pull walk through.
Ride through narrow space: Space should be at least 4 feet wide.
Ride through noodles: Can be anything hanging like noodles or a tarp.
Walk past running 4-wheeler: Or any other vehicle like a lawn mower or tractor.
Gold Level:
Drag brush or log: Please do not tie rope to saddle. Should drag item at least 10 feet.
Walking up and down hill and standing halfway: Equine should stand quietly without dancing around or pawing. If you don't have access to a hill to do this, please contact us.
Ride through an outside course: The course should contain at least 5 obstacles. Can be done on a trail ride or in a large open area, not an enclosed arena.
There are thousands of things you can use to make obstacles. They don't have to be extravagant, just safe. Be creative and have fun.
Certificate Recipients
Congratulations to the following equines and their handlers:
