About The Venue

Iroquois Park is a 739-acre municipal park in Louisville, KY.  It was designed in the early 1890's by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City. Known in its early days as "Louisville's Yellowstone," it is built on a large knob covered with old growth forest, a variety of rare plants and animals.

At the top of the park is a spectacular overlook area that provides visitors with scenic vistas of downtown Louisville and the Indiana Knobs. The panoramic view from the overlook is widely acknowledged as the best in the area. Other key features and amenities of Iroquois Park include an amphitheater, an 18-hole golf course, playground, archery, basketball, disc golf, fishing, hiking, and equestrian trails. 

Event Details

There will be two (2) ETS events running concurrently. Competitors who participate in both events will complete the Arena Obstacle Course before moving to the Trail Challenge. We will work with you to make sure you have time to do both. You will need to register separately for each event.

• The Arena Obstacle Course will consist of 8 obstacles that will be set up in a large, outdoor arena. The arena course is a great way to start the day!

• The Trail Challenge is a 5-mile mounted event that will wind through the park along the equestrian trail. Riders will encounter 6-8 obstacles along the course. Companion riders are welcome to ride along at a discounted entry fee but are not permitted to attempt the obstacles. 

The obstacles are suitable for all equine--ponies to drafts, donkeys to mules; as well as all competitors--youth to seniors, beginners to advanced.

Riders age 17 or under are required to wear a properly fitted SEI/ASTM approved riding helmet at all ETS events.

If you are not a current ETS member, there is a $10, 1-Day Membership fee (covers both events), or $35 Annual Membership fee in addition to the event entry fee. You can choose between these two memberships when you register for the event. ETS membership is free and event fees are reduced for competitors 22 years and younger.

The Terrain

The Arena Obstacle Challenge will be conducted in a sand-based arena that is mostly level. The footing is soft sand. Shoes or boots are optional.

The Trail Challenge will wind through both wooded and open trails. There are some hills and also some areas with gravel and rock. The equestrian trail crosses park roads in three places and it meanders along the edge of the golf course for a short distance. You know your horse, protect their feet as you see fit.  

Meals

Food will be provided free for all participants.

Continental Breakfast: Donuts, coffee, and water

Lunch: Hamburger or hot dog, chips, and drink.

Awards

Beautiful ETS rosette ribbons will be awarded for:

• 1st-6th place for each level--Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced 
• 1st-3rd place for Juniors (age 13-17) 
• 1st-3rd place for Youngin' (age 7-12)
• 1st place for Newcomer (first time ETS competitor)

Additional Fees

A fee of $10.00 per competitor will be collected onsite to offset a portion of the park's special use fee. Please pay in cash. This fee is waived for all members of Equine Trail Advocates (ETA). Not a member of ETA? No problem, join today or at the event! https://www.equinetrailadvocates.org/eta-membership 

There are no facilities for overnight horse camping in the nearby area.