Braces can run from 15 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the type of brace. National Champion trials often run up to one week in length. The trial season is spring and fall in the temperate areas of the USA, with winter trials not being uncommon in the southern states and California. It is too hot in most states to hold summer trials. Now you have a very basic idea of what dog events use horses and how they work.
Gaited Horses are the exclusive choice of field trialers and hunting test judges.
No one wants to ride a breed that trots, nor do they like hard pacers. Most commonly and traditionally the TWH is used, but all gaited breeds are represented. Paso Fino, Spotted Saddle Horses and rocky Mountain Horses are currently very popular. Most gaited breeds can be seen at the trails, including gaited mules and grade crosses. Field trial horses need to be very fit as they are ridden many miles, often over rough terrain and in inclement weather, in the training and running of dogs.