Our goal is to provide incentives to horse owners of all levels and disciplines, horses of all breeds and to build partnerships/skills utilizing natural obstacles and trails for competition and also trail riding, while promoting a family – friendly atmosphere for the equine industry. Earn recognition and awards in our Buckle Series for the Obstacle, Riding and Volunteer Challenges. A donation is made from every challenge to an Equine Assisted Service Program! Challenges are open to all breeds of horses, donkeys and mules. 

 

Our Leaving Hoofprints Trail RIDE Challenge Buckle Series begins January 1, 2024! Kick off the New Year in the saddle!   challenges are meant to be fun and relaxing while encouraging participants to ride more and build a deeper partnership with others and their horse! These challenges inspire the adventurer in you to create memories that last a lifetime, go on some amazing adventures, get out and get active, improve your overall health, stay motivated and to spend more time with your horse and in the saddle! 

​

 

Our brand new Orlandini Obstacle Course broke ground in 2023 and will open in the Spring of 2024 with a Leaving Hoofprints Trail OBSTACLE Challenge Buckle Series!  The obstacle course will features over 30 obstacles including a high bridge, balance beams, a trench, several moving bridges, and water obstacles.

The obstacles are built to the Premier Mount N Trail Association (PMT) standards, which require the obstacles to be constructed in such a manner to protect the safety of both the horse and rider of any size. Most obstacles contain 3 levels of difficulty so there is always a challenge for riders of all experience levels!

In partnership with the PMT, HOPE is excited to use the course to build confident horse and rider partnerships which exemplify great horsemanship skills in even the most difficult situations. 

Obstacles are built such that the horse may either be led or rode through each obstacle and there are no limits on breeds, ages, abilities, or disciplines.  Riders are allowed to compete in any type of tack - roping, barrel, jumping, dressage, endurance, etc. - so long as the tack is well fitting and meets the rules set forth by the PMT.
 

Ride for a Reason

HOPE offers three 10 week, 40-hour, youth and adult equine assisted personal growth program focused on building life skills through the study of horse behavior and natural horsemanship per year. Veterans, 1st Responders, their families and Kids in Care participate at NO COST to them!  In addition we offer partial scholarship to other families in need. We are able to do this thanks to the Orlandini Foundation, our Sponsors & Volunteers!  A donation is made from every challenge to help keep these programs FREE to participants!  Thank you for your support! 

​

From mules to minis to drafts, the Leaving Hoofprints Trail Challenges have something for everyone!   
 

The Trail Challenges helps a horse and rider:

• Build a deeper partnership

• Cultivate trust, respect, and confidence

• Increase flexibility and agility

• Develop better communication skills

 

The Trail Challenges inspires the adventurer in you to:

• Create memories that last a lifetime

• Go on some amazing adventures

• Get out and get active

• Improve your overall health

• Connect with others and your horse

• Stay motivated

• Raise money for charity! 

​

There are several types of events offered for the Leaving Hoofprints Trail Challenges and details about each are contained below.

 

Pay-to-Plays

These events may be considered "open-practice" sessions.  For a set fee and time period, the course is open to participants to explore the course and practice obstacles of their choosing.  The events are meant to be fun and relaxing but encourage participants to engage with each other and patiently work with their four-legged partners, building a partnership and conquering challenges together. 

 

Clinics

Clinics are a great way to learn something new and strengthen the bond between you and your horse.  If you would like to learn exactly what the judges are looking for, are struggling with an obstacle, fear, or would just like to spend a fun day outside trying something new, our clinics are for you!  Our EMT Clinicians are very experienced in obstacle training and are incredibly patient and kind.  Classes are typically small, limited to approximately 10-15 people to ensure you get adequate one-on-one time with our clinician. 

 

Trail OBSTACLE Challenges

A horse and rider (or leader) pair will traverse a set pattern of 8-15 obstacles where they will be judged in accordance with standards set forth by PMT.  Points are lost or gained depending on how well the pair traverses the obstacle. Challenges requires horse and rider/handler to navigate trail obstacles with confidence, skill, accuracy, and precision. There are graded levels of difficulty to challenge participants from rookie to seasoned competitor.  Members accumulate points for year-end awards. All Leaving Hoofprints Trail Challenges qualify for Premier Mount N Trail Association year-end awards and/or to qualify for other PMT Challenges around the US for PMT members.
 

Trail RIDE Challenges

A horse and rider (or leader) pair will accumulate ride hours by riding, showing, driving, lunging, or leading your horse.  Any time spent working with or training a horse will count towards the hours.  Stall cleaning, grooming, hauling, feeding, and general caring for your horse WILL NOT count towards trail hours.  Members accumulate hours for year-end awards and Buckle Series. All Leaving Hoofprints Trail Ride Challenges qualify for Premier Mount N Trail Association year-end awards for PMT members.

 

Double Point Pop-Ups

Random pop-up dates allow participants to instantly double their time spent doing qualifying activities! These special point days may be posted on the website, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok!  Random days will be chosen and are meant to inspire you to get out and spend time with your horses, friends and of course to RIDE!

​

Volunteer Challenge

Accumulate volunteer hours by helping with any HOPE activity, event, or challenge.  Any time spent helping at HOPE will count towards volunteer hours.  Our volunteers are the heart of HOPE. Their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment make it possible to serve more people. We are thankful for each and every person!  All hours accumulate for year-end awards and the VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Buckle!