The Eastern Competitive Trail Riding Association (ECTRA) has begun an experimental Very Small Equine (VSE) division for driving in 2025. This is in addition to riders and drivers that are already participating in the sport (https://www.ectra.org/).
Won’t you come and give it a try? If your pony is 39 inches or less in height, you can now compete in this special division. And coincidentally there is a a Vermont drive for you to enter at GMHA on June 7. spring-competitive-trail-ride-drive-endurance-starter-ride-2025
Very Small Equine experimental rules in the 2025 ECTRA rulebook:
- Competition MUST be open to all members of the equine family. This includes horses, ponies, and mules under 39 inches.
1.1 Equines 39 inches and under may compete under the EXPERIMENTAL Very Small Equine (VSE) Rules.
1.2 Ride management may put restrictions on equines less than 11 hands provided these restrictions are identified on the ride entry information
1.3 10-mile: VSE proposed driving time 2:15-2:45 (with extra 30 minutes before and after window)
12.5-mile: VSE proposed driving time 2:45-3:15
15-mile: VSE proposed driving time 3:15 to 3:45. This is allowing for the overlap of CDR time.
Ride management has discretion to adjust time for other mileages.
Evaluation of experimental drive times will be done after the first VSE participates in a drive.
