Both horses and riders receive score cards at the end of the ride rating their performances by the veterinary and horsemanship judges. Reviewing the score cards to see what the judges were observing helps riders learn to improve their riding and horsemanship skills for the next ride. Awards and ribbons are given for the horses and the riders in all of the divisions. Sweepstake awards are given to the highest horse or horse and rider team with the highest number of points in each division. Breed awards are often given for the highest point breed in a division.
Judges are very approachable.
They are very willing to explain how they scored the horses and riders and what a rider can do to work toward obtaining a perfect score card of 100 with plenty of plus marks on the card. The competition can be fun, but many riders just enjoy the camaraderie of riding with their friends, enjoying new trails, and racking up mileage awards with their favorite trail horse. The North American Trail Ride Conference sanctions rides in it six regions ranging from Hawaii to Maine and from Canada to Mexico.