Ranch Trail Obstacle Measurements
Photos credit: Jessica O’Connor Equine Imagery.
Last week, one of our readers asked, “How are the ranch trail measurements different from city trail, and where can we find the ranch measurements?” We set off to investigate the measurements for ranch trail, and found both AQHA and APHA use Stock Horse of Texas guidelines as their basis.
Scroll to see the ranch obstacle measurements for AQHA and APHA from the AQHA rulebook, and further down, you’ll find links to each association’s PDF rule book.
Stay tuned this week as we reshare one of our past articles on “city trail” measurements so you can compare!
Ranch Trail Obstacles & Measurements are in bold below: (from the AQHA official rule book, section SHW422.6)
- Ride over obstacles on the ground (natural logs are required).
Walk, trot or lope may be used but only one gait is required.
– Walk-overs: Walk over no more than four logs no more than 10 inches high. The spacing between successive logs should be 26 – 30 inches. The formation may be straight, curved, zigzagged or raised.
– Trot-overs: Trot over no more than four logs no more than 10 inches high. The spacing between successive logs should be 36-42 inches. The formation can be straight, curved, zigzagged or raised.
– Lope-overs: Lope over no more than three logs no more than 10 inches high. No more than two logs may be used in succession. The spacing between logs should be at least 6 to 7 feet. The formation can be straight, curved, zigzagged or raised.
- Opening, passing through and closing a hinged swinging gate (not a rope gate): Use gate that will not endanger horse or rider and requires minimum side-passing.
- Ride over wooden bridge: Bridge should be sturdy, safe and negotiated at a walk only. Heavy plywood lying flat on the ground is an acceptable simulation of a bridge. Suggested minimum width shall be 36 inches wide and at least 6 feet long.
- Backing obstacles: Backing obstacles are to be spaced at a minimum of 28 inches. If elevated, 30 inch spacing is required.
Back through and around at least three makers. Back through L, V, U or straight or similarly shaped course which may be elevated no more than 24 inches.
- Side-pass obstacle: Any object which is safe and of any length may be used to demonstrate responsiveness of the horse to leg signals. Raised side pass obstacles should not exceed 12 inches.
- Drag an object: For open and amateur classes ONLY. The drag is not to be used in any youth, or Rookie/Level 1 amateur classes. Drag may be a complete figure eight and may begin in either direction. The exhibitor must have the rope dallied on the saddle horn (half or full dally) for the duration of the drag.
SHW422.7 OPTIONAL OBSTACLES.
Optional obstacles may be used provided the obstacles can be found in everyday ranch work. Optional obstacles from which selections can be made include, but are not limited to:
– A jump obstacle whose center height is not less than 14 inches high or more that 25 inches high. Holding the saddle horn is permissible for this obstacle
– Only live or stuffed animals which would normally be encountered in an outdoor setting may be used but not to be used in an attempt to spook a horse.
– Carry object from one part of the arena to another.
– Remove and replace materials from a mailbox.
– Trot through cones spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart.
– Cross natural ditches or ride up embankments.
– Swing rope or throw rope at a dummy steer head.
– Step in and out of obstacle.
– Put on slicker or coat.
– Stand to mount with mounting block.
– Walk through water obstacle.
– Open gate on foot.
– Pick up feet.
– Walk through brush.
– Ground tie (hobbles are allowed).
– Lead at the trot.
2025 Official AQHA Rule Book (click the link below to access the complete rulebook)
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2025 Official APHA Rule Book (click the link below to access the complete rule book)
To quickly find the complete section SC-305. Ranch Trail, use the keys CTRL + F simultaneously and search for the terms.
