Editing Trail riding (section)

==Equestrian use==
Many [[long-distance trail]]s throughout the world have sections suitable for horse riding, some suitable throughout their length, and some have been developed primarily for horse riding. Within the United States National Trail Classification System,<ref>National Trail Classification System, FSM 2350, and FSH 2309.18, Federal Register: July 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 127), Pages 38021-38052 [http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2006/July/Day-03/i5967.htm online copy on epa.gov] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807143609/http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2006/July/Day-03/i5967.htm |date=2009-08-07 }}</ref> equestrian trails include simple day-use bridle paths and others built to accommodate long strings of [[pack animal]]s on journeys lasting many days. Some trails managed by the [[United States Forest Service|U. S. Forest Service]] and other governmental entities may restrict access of horses, or restrict access during certain times of the year.<ref>http://www.discoverytrail.org {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801112831/http://discoverytrail.org/ |date=2015-08-01 }}></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discoverytrail.org|title=American Discovery Trail Society - the only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail for hiking, biking, riding|website=www.discoverytrail.org|access-date=25 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192728/http://www.discoverytrail.org/|archive-date=1 February 2018}}</ref> Access to trails and pathways on private land is generally left to the discretion of the landowner, subject to the general [[trespass]] laws of each of the 50 states.

===Pleasure riding===
The term [[pleasure riding]] may encompass trail riding. This refers to a form of [[equestrianism]] that encompasses many forms of recreational riding for personal enjoyment, without any element of competition.  Pleasure riding is called "hacking" in [[United Kingdom]], and in parts of the eastern United States and Canada.  In other parts of the United States, particularly the [[American west]], the term trail riding is used interchangeably with pleasure riding when on natural trails or public lands. Many horses are suitable for pleasure riding, including [[grade horse]]s and other animals of ordinary quality and good disposition.  Such horses are sometimes called [[hack (horse)|hacks]], particularly in those areas where pleasure riding is known as hacking.  In recreational trail riding, having fun and enjoying time spent in natures rather than speed and form are the goals.

===Equestrian competition===
There are competitive events that occur on natural trails to test the endurance or trail riding ability of a horse. The level of difficulty varies by distance, trail, and terrain. [[Endurance riding]] encompasses races of varying lengths, usually from {{convert|25|mi}} to {{convert|100|mi}}, where the first horse to cross the finish line and be deemed "fit to continue" by passing a veterinary examination is the winner. [[Competitive trail riding]] is another distance competition that differs from endurance races, as the first horse to cross the line does not necessarily win, but rather the competitors are required to finish within a minimum and a maximum time with their horse in the best condition and with additional scoring for horsemanship and care of the animal.

There are competitive events at [[horse show]]s, called [[Trail (horse show)|trail classes]], which test the horse and rider's ability to handle obstacles resembling those commonly found on trails, such as opening and closing gates, crossing logs, and navigating forward, backward and to the side.  There are also [[judged trail ride]]s, which occur on a natural trail, but assess trail-class-style points based on the ability of the horse and rider to navigate specific natural and man-made obstacles encountered along the trail.