New for 2025: The Trail Challenge Debuts at the TQHA Circuit

New for 2025: The Trail Challenge Debuts at the TQHA Circuit

Presented by Harris Leather and Silverworks + Ryan Cottingim Show Horses

We’re adding something brand new—and seriously fun—to the lineup this year! The Trail Challenge is making its TQHA Circuit debut in 2025, and it’s already generating buzz. With a team format, creative course design, and prizes worth riding for, this class is set to be a highlight of the September show.

Proudly sponsored by Harris Leather and Silverworks and Ryan Cottingim Show Horses, this is your chance to ride for custom silver, jackpot cash, and major bragging rights.

How It Works

Each team pairs a NonPro rider (Youth or Amateur) with a Professional. The Non Pro will ride the first half of the trail pattern, stop at a designated transition point (mounting block provided), and hand off to the Professional to finish the pattern. Stirrup adjustments are allowed—but no equipment changes or schooling during the switch.

Entry + Payout

  • Entry Fee: $50 per team

  • Pre-entry required by the day before the class

  • 75% Jackpotted and paid as follows:
    1st Place – Harris Custom Silver Spurs + 30% of jackpot
    2nd Place – 25% of jackpot
    3rd Place – 20% of jackpot
    4th Place – 15% of jackpot
    5th Place – 10% of jackpot

🔍 Class Rules + Format

  • Professional riders can ride on multiple teams.

  • NonPros must meet AQHA ownership/lease rules for any horse they ride.

  • Pattern will be handed out the day of the class; no schooling or practice allowed.

  • All teams must ride in working order, with accommodations made for multiple-horse riders.

  • Trail scoring will follow standard AQHA trail obstacle scoring, with one cumulative score per team.

  • In case of a tie, a pre-designated judge’s scorecard will be used.

  • This is not an AQHA-sanctioned class—no points, no all-around standings, and no year-end awards.

This fresh addition to the TQHA Circuit is all about teamwork, precision, and a good dose of fun. Whether you're planning to ride or just want a front-row seat, make sure you don't miss the Trail Challenge—new for 2025!

Official Rules – 2025 TQHA Trail Challenge

  1. Entry Fee: $50 per team. Teams must pre-enter by the day prior to the class.

  2. Payout: 75% of all entry fees will be jackpotted and paid out as follows:

    • First Place: Custom Harris Silver Spurs awarded to both team members + 30% of the jackpot

    • Second Place: 25% of the jackpot

    • Third Place: 20% of the jackpot

    • Fourth Place: 15% of the jackpot

    • Fifth Place: 10% of the jackpot

  3. Team Structure: Each team must include one Non Pro rider (Youth or Amateur) and one Professional rider.

  4. A Professional rider may participate on multiple teams.

  5. Non Pro Eligibility: The NonPro must meet AQHA ownership or lease requirements for any horse they ride. A Non Pro may ride multiple horses if they meet these criteria.

  6. Ride Format:

    • The Non Pro rides the first half of the pattern and dismounts at a designated location.

    • A mounting block will be provided.

    • The Professional then mounts and completes the second half of the pattern.

    • Stirrup adjustments are permitted, but no other equipment changes may be made.

    • No schooling is allowed during the rider exchange.

    • Judges will continue to score through the rider change.

  7. Scoring:

    • Standard AQHA trail scoring per obstacle will be used.

    • One cumulative team score will be calculated.

    • In the event of a tie, a designated tiebreaker judge’s score will be used.

  8. Pattern:

    • The pattern will not be released in advance.

    • Teams will be provided the pattern on the day of the class and may walk the course before competition begins.

    • No schooling of the pattern will be allowed.

  9. Working Order:

    • Teams will show in a drawn working order.

    • Any conflicts due to multiple horses will be addressed within the order.

  10. AQHA Status:

    • This is not an AQHA class.

    • No points will be awarded, and this class does not count toward all-around, circuit, or year-end awards.