Trail Challenge Obstacle Course
Recreational Competition
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Online registration closes Thursday, May 21, 11:59pm,
This Virtual Buckle Series is open to everyone. If you compete in at least 4 events you'll qualify for the Tournament!
You will be using your own venue for this competition! You can use pasture or an arena, whatever you like to create your course! ETS's Director of Standards, Miranda Holaday will be judging the videos.
Miranda has been ETS's Director of Standards & Rules since its inception. Miranda is a multi-discipline equestrian champion, holding titles in Colt Starting, Extreme Trail, Ranch Sorting, Team Penning, and Versatility Ranch Horse competitions. She's a two-time National Champion Cowboy Mounted Shooter, has trained six mustangs to the finals of the Extreme Mustang Makeover, and is a Reserve Champion with Mustang Magic.
Go to the Next Level & Sign Up for 'Miranda’s Evaluation & Critique'!
Enhance your event experience by adding Miranda’s Evaluation & Critique to your entry!
Miranda will provide a detailed audio review of your video, offering her professional insight on your execution, overall horsemanship, and performance quality. She will explain what judges look for and give you tips to improve your ride.
You’ll have an audio file (included with your scores & comments) that you can listen to while watching your video, allowing you to follow along with her feedback and fully understand where and how to improve.
Take advantage of this opportunity to gain expert guidance and elevate your performance!
Here's How it Works:
Obstacle Course & Filming Structure
16 - Start/Stop markers
10 - Large visible cones or markers
2 - Barrels or platforms approximately same height
2 - Standards or blocks about 2 1/2’ tall
6 - Approximately 8’ poles
1 - 10’ small diameter stick or extension handle/pole
1 - Rope at least 15’ long
Click here to watch a video on How to Pick Your Challenge Level
Points for this event count towards Lifetime Awards but not towards regional or national awards.
Beautiful ribbons for each event will be mailed to:
1st-6th place Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced
1st-3rd place Junior (age 13-17)
1st-3rd place Youngin' (age 7-12)
Cash Award/Prizes - depending on #entries
1st-3rd place Novice
1st-3rd place Intermediate
1st-3rd place Advanced
Overall Youth
Next Level Virtual Tournament - Go for the Buckle!
This Virtual Buckle Series is open to everyone. If you compete in at least 4 events you'll qualify for the Tournament! The tournament score is calculated as the sum of your top 4 WOA (weighted obstacle average) scores within the series.
Click here to watch a video on How to Determine your Bracket in a Tournament
| THURSDAY, MAY 21 | |
| 11:59pm | Online Registration Closes |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 | |
| 11:59pm | Video due Deadline |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 | |
| Results | will be posted |