IMTCA is an organization that encourages the ideal training and aids in bringing out the best in the horse and rider. In training and competition, we encourage the use of natural obstacles to allow the rider to present their horsemanship skills. All and any man made obstacles are to be constructed in such a manner as to protect the safety of the horse and rider.

IMTCA will use this new sport as a way to build the horse and rider into a partnership that exemplifies great horsemanship where the most difficult mountain trail can be navigated in a safe manner. We want this sport to showcase the ideal Mountain Trail horse, and where a rider of any skill level can enjoy trail riding in a safe manner.

As this sport grows across the globe it is necessary that clear, consistent and unified judging rules apply in all venues. It is a major function of the IMTCA to compile and continually update the rules as needed. We wish to insure that the rules cover form to function, and serve as a practical learning tool for use on the real mountain trail. IMTCA will do everything to encourage proper “trail attire” for participants in Challenges and shows.

IMTCAA here in Australia will support and encourage the same across our country.

History of IMTCA

The sport of Mountain Trail started in 2001 at the Oregon Horse Center as an indoor winter trail show. Even though this was a foundation for bringing back many old style show ideas, it sparked a new level of interest in the horse industry. However, the Oregon Horse Center had not taken this show beyond its doors. Mark Bolender (joined soon after by Lee Bolender) recognized the beauty of this new sport and have since promoted it across the world by:

• Helping to design and build Mountain Trail courses across the USA, Canada,  Australia and Europe

• Writing for magazines and having the first book published promoting the new sport

• Teaching clinics across the world

• Training horses daily for the new sport

• Bringing interns and apprentices from around the world to learn and promote the sports of Mountain Trail and Extreme Mountain Trail

• Helping to establish formal judging guidelines

There have been a number of training courses built over the years but Bolender Horse Park was the first ever facility to be built specifically for full-time training in Mountain Trail and Extreme Mountain Trail on a year round basis.

Unlike many disciplines, every breed of horse and mule can participate in mountain trail. Riders range from Olympic competitors to those who are just starting with their first horse; from youth riders to those in their 80’s – all are having fun. You can see riders in every type of saddle – dressage, jumping, roping, equitation reining and endurance. Participants come from every walk of life, yet when everyone comes together they are one in their passion to learn and in their love for the horse.

We look at how this discipline is growing across the globe and how IMTCA will be a driving force to bring unity to judging and conformity to certain obstacles that are commonly used in the challenges and shows. We have been holding clinics and judging Challenges for the past several years and we continue to see growth and excitement.

We are so eager to see many more Mountain Trail courses being built around the globe. All have a different feel but each one is good for both the horse and the rider’s mind. Every Mountain Trail course we build is considered “functional art” that is both beautiful and has a practical application.

Mountain Trail and Extreme Mountain Trail challenges and shows are fun social events where good horsemanship is practiced. Horses are challenged to navigate through obstacles and riders are challenged to trust their horses in the process. Hence, a true partnership between horse and rider is realized, and every person participating or watching enjoys their journey.