Coaching and Road Trials
Road Trials are a sport unique to Dalmatians!
A Dalmatian Road Trial is a performance event designed to evaluate the Dalmatian’s ability to coach (to follow horses). Exhibitors compete as handler on horseback or in a horse-drawn cart or carriage, with dog(s) off leash. The Dalmatian Standard of the AKC states that the Dalmatian “should be capable of great endurance, combined with a fair amount of speed” - qualities essential to his successful use as a horse/rider and horse/coach escort. The purpose of the Road Trial is to demonstrate the use of purebred Dalmatians as a companion of Man in the role they were bred to perform.
There are three levels of Road Trial Competition:
Coaching Certificate (CC)
The Coaching Certificate Test evaluates the Dalmatian’s ability to coach.
Road Dog (RD)
The Road Dog Test evaluates coaching and moderate endurance.
Road Dog Excellent (RDX)
The Road Dog Excellent Test evaluates coaching ability and extended road endurance with the ability to behave in public places, such as riding trails, in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of purebred dogs.
The performance of the Dalmatian and his handler over the Road Trial course must be accurate and correct and conform to the requirements of the regulations. It is also essential, however, that the Dalmatian demonstrate willingness and enjoyment of his work throughout.
Road Trials are sport and all participants should be guided by the principles of good sportsmanship at all times. Dalmatian Road Trails are sanctioned by, and titles awarded by, the Dalmatian Club of America.