Dalmatian Road Trials

During the early 1900's Dalmatian road trials began, testing the ability of the dog to run beneath a coach. Eventually the rules changed to include horseback riders. The road trials are a throwback to the centuries old tradition of Dalmatians and horses working together, testing the skill of the Dalmatian in several exercises while it accompanies either a carriage or horse and rider. The road trials lost popularity around the time of World War Two, but during the last decade have begun a comeback.

The revival of Dalmatian road trials has been in large part due to Dalmatian clubs in the western states and provinces. Unfortunately most local clubs may only hold one road trial before canceling future events due to a shortage of horses. Most Dalmatian owners live in the suburbs where it is difficult, if not expensive, to own a horse. The Dalmatian Club of America holds road trials at its annual specialty, to be held this year in Ventura, California over the Fourth of July weekend. Check out upcoming road trials at the events page in the Dalmatian Club's website http://thedca.org/events.html that also lists a road trial in Florida this November.

The Dalmatian must be extremely obedient to compete in a road trial, and must be trained to stay with its handler under any conditions such as bad weather, loud noises, and around other animals. Dog, horse, and rider must be in good physical condition to complete an endurance ride. There is a veterinary check before the race and at check points throughout the race to ensure that the Dalmatian is in sound condition at all locations. Any horse or dog that is not sound will be excused from completing the race. A handler at a Dalmatian road trial is given three hours to complete 12.5 miles, or six hours for the 25 mile endurance ride. To complete the race in the allotted time most horse/rider/dog teams trot most of the way, meaning that all three must be in good shape.

The Dalmatian is scored out of 100 points in nine different areas for a total high mark of 600 points. The Dalmatian must receive 51-100 points to pass an exercise.

1. Pre-course soundness test (pass or fail, no points scored)

2. Recall

3. Hock

4. Distraction

5. Long Sit or Down

6. Mid-course soundness test (pass or fail, no points scored)

7. Speed

8. After-course soundness (up to 100 points are scored)

9. Finish the course within the time limit

For the Recall exercise the Dalmatian must respond promptly to the handler's command to come. This is executed when the dog has run ahead of the horse, or dropped behind, the handler gives the command to recall the Dalmatian while the horse is moving ahead at a walk. The Dalmatian must immediately trot or run to the front of the horse until the judge gives the order to the handler to release the dog.

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