FAQs

Journey Challenge Timing

In 2021, virtual challenges will be three to four months in duration with mileage goals of 150 miles. In 2022 and beyond, we may tweak the mileage & event length based on any feedback and data we get this first year. The duration and mileage parameters should challenge participants, but not be so difficult that reaching the goal is unattainable. 

If you enter a virtual challenge after the initial start date yet have recorded activities within the event time frame you may post those activities. For example, you want to join the “Snowbird 15 Virtual Challenge”  which began January 1, 2021 and ends April 30, 2021 and you enter the challenge on February 1, 2021. If you logged any activities from January 1 through January 31, you are allowed to post those tracks after you join the challenge.

Click to find out how Top Trail Horse Basic and Premium members post activities to Top Trail Journeys

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You can enter your activity tracks as frequently as you wish: immediately after recorded, weekly in batches, random batches, or sit down and enter all at the same time after you’ve reached the challenge mileage. We’re flexible.

How do I see my progress?
Your “My Journey” page will show your challenge progress in miles and percent complete. 

Can I interact with other challenge participants?
Yes! After the challenge you’re enrolled in is active, you can check the “Results” page to see activities posted by your fellow journeyers listed chronologically on the left, and on the right all challenge participants are listed alphabetically showing their individual progress. “Virtual high fives” can be given to encourage each other along the way.

Another way to interact is within the Journeys Facebook group. We encourage sharing photos from your “journey” activities and you can get timely updates within the group as well. Please join!

What type of activities are eligible?

Our primary trackers are equestrians. However, equestrians do more than ride — some of us hike, walk, jog, bicycle, swim. Sometimes we hand-walk our horse or take our dogs for a walk. Many of us have a spouse or friend who may not ride but this is a fun social activity so we include them in our journey. With that in mind, horseback riding & driving, walking/hiking, jogging, biking, swimming— if involves legs & feet but no motors—if it’s part of your journey we encourage you to track those activities.

Will this format allow cheating?

It’s possible, but because it’s not really a competition — it’s a PERSONAL challenge so, if someone decides to cheat, they’re only cheating themselves. Let’s do this to challenge ourselves and our friends and finish with integrity!

When can I register for a Journey event?

If it’s listed on the “Challenges” page with a “Join” button, you can register. Watch for new Journey events as the year progresses. 

When do Journey events close?

Event entries will close at the virtual challenge timeframe midpoint. So if it’s four months long, entries will be taken for two months. If it’s 3 months in duration, entries will be taken for 1-½ months.

When will I get my Award Tag?

After entries are closed for each Virtual Challenge, we’ll order award tags (which are small, attractive, and can be worn on a ball chain or attached to your saddle d-ring) and get them out to you ASAP. You won’t want to file them away in your lingerie drawer.