The best of times with your best friends
The goal of Horse and Dog Trail USA is to give people a way to showcase the connection with their horse and dog partners. Based on the relationship between the cowboy, his horse, and his dog, Horse and Dog Trail USA classes showcase this bond and highlight their connection. This sport spotlights the dog’s ability to be a calm and biddable trail companion while the horse safely and competently completes his part of the trail class pattern.
“No philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses.”
Herman Melville
Saddle Up! Wag those Tails!
The history of the American cowboy would not be complete without the dog. Man’s best friend has played a vital role in settling the west and in running a ranch. From the big Newfoundland dog, who was the only animal to complete all three years of the Lewis and Clark expedition, to the nimble herding dogs, the brave guardian dogs, and the indispensable hunting dogs that made life in the west possible, dogs have been by our side as working companions. The sport of Horse and Dog Trail honors this rich heritage.
Based on the relationship between the cowboy, his horse, and his dog, Horse and Dog Trail classes showcase this bond and highlight their connection. The team of horse, rider, and dog, must complete a course based on AQHA Trail class patterns that have additional obstacles added for the dog. This sport spotlights the dog’s ability to be a calm and biddable trail companion while the horse completes his part of the trail pattern. It also allows the dog to showcase his own obedience skills. Horses are expected to be able to complete an AQHA Trail class pattern. Dogs need to be able to heel, sit, down, stay, and jump as they navigate the course.
Wildly popular in Europe, Horse and Dog Trail is now spreading across America as riders discover they have another way to enjoy their best friends and showcase their talents.
For more information, check out hadtrailusa.com.
Facebook: Horse and Dog Trail
Instagram @hadtusa.
So saddle up, fetch that pooch and come join the fun!
“A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other.”
Simon Sinek
The sport of Horse and Dog Trail has been very popular in Europe and has now come to the United States! Unlock the fun as a horseback rider and a dog complete a set of trail challenge obstacles. With multiple classes of competition, Horse and Dog Trail is a sport that every member of the family can participate in at their skill level.
The goal of Horse and Dog Trail USA is to give people a way to showcase the connection with their horse and dog partners. To do this teams may compete in classes both on leash and off leash, depending upon the skill level of the partners. The team may also compete in multiple classes each day allowing the rider to introduce green horses or dogs to the sport gradually.
Horse and Dog Trail uses course patterns from the American Quarter Horse Association Trail classes that have been modified to include obstacles for the dog as well. The team is judged as a unit. Treats, toys, and verbal encouragement are allowed.
In Horse and Dog Trail competitions, teams need to be able to tackle the following tasks: bridge, sit & stay, serpentine, jumps, gate, backing, sidepass, mailbox, tarp walk, and walk, trot, (lope in open class)
Check your cinch and come along for the ride!
Horse and Dog Trail USA is aligned closely with the European sport thanks to the mentoring efforts of Dutch multi-champion rider and instructor Jaimie Keijzer.
4× Dutch Champion Horse & dog trail
Dutch Champion Ranch Riding
Dutch Champion Horsemanship
WRAN Champion Pleasure (2022 - 2023)
WRAN Champion Horsemanship (2022–2023)
WRAN Champion Horse & dog trail (2024–2025)
WRAN Champion Horse & dog trail (2025 - 2026)
To learn more about Jaime Keijzer and the European sport of Horse and Dog Trail, visit her website at www.dshorsesanddogtraining.nl
Welcome to the party!
Upcoming Events
HADTUSA:
Kimberly Watson: 817-475-9689
South Texas Horse and Dog Trail:
Robin Dodson: 409-423-9074
Mid-South Horse and Dog Trail:
Monica Grove: 727-453-9472
If you are interested in forming a HADTUSA sanctioned organization in your area, contact Kimberly Watson at 817-475-9689.
Clinics are designed to socialize the horse and dog with each other, so they become comfortable partners. Teams start slowly with socialization, heeling and then to obstacles.
Buckle Series shows are three separate shows. Scores are averaged to get highest score for the series. Belt buckles will be awarded to the rider. Dog collar buckle tags will be awarded to the dog.
Buckle Series 2026
Weatherford, TX 817-475-9689
9/26/26
10/24/26
11/21/26
Clinics:
5/30/26 Alvin, TX
409-423-9074
5/9/26 North Zulch, TX
409-423-9074
6/5/26 Caldwell, TX
409-423-9074
6/11/26 Conroe, TX
409-423-9074
7/11/26 San Antonio, TX
409-423-9074
8/15/26 Weatherford, TX
817-475-9689