Build Trail Obstacles at Home: Safely, Affordably, & This Weekend

Get the step-by-step system in a physical 74-page book &
the online course with 90+ photos & diagrams.

Ships as a physical book • Instant access to the course today

 Trusted by riders—Kelli has worked with 600+ horses, run 100+ Trail Rider Challenges and 50+ Virtual Trail Rider Challenges

how to build simple trail obstacles

Ships as a physical book • Instant access to the course today

 Trusted by riders—Kelli has worked with 600+ horses, run 100+ Trail Rider Challenges and 50+ Virtual Trail Rider Challenges

So far, I’m impressed! Great detail! Super glad I bought it!” Sue S

 “I went shopping a few days later, and by Saturday I’d made a mailbox, a curtain, and added pool noodles to uprights I already had!” Theresa S

“I trail ride all the time. I do believe that is the best training for my horses. But I love having a trail course set up at home. I ordered my book, it came quickly, it is put together nicely, and it is easy to read and understand. I’m glad I bought it. It’s given me some good, new ideas. I give it a thumbs up!” Eva T

YOU’LL FINALLY EXPERIENCE TRAIL OBSTACLES THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE

Ships as a physical book • Instant access to the course today

 Trusted by riders—Kelli has worked with 600+ horses, run 100+ Trail Rider Challenges and 50+ Virtual Trail Rider Challenges

Instead of guessing, you’ll follow crystal-clear directions — with photos, diagrams, and simple material lists — so you can build obstacles that grow your horse’s understanding, confidence, and responsiveness.

You’ll know how to bring the energy up and down, arrange lines of travel, and vary levels of difficulty… all with easy-to-move, barn-friendly builds.

Right Now, you've got 3 options

horse trail obstacles build

Option 1

Just Wing It:

Scroll social, try to copy a random photo, and hope it’s safe. Maybe it works… maybe your horse (or tack) gets caught or the obstacle breaks.

Option 2

Patchwork Plans:

Grab random instructions from the internet and you often get partial details—missing the full dimensions, cut list, hardware specs, finish/safety guidance, and the why behind the measurements. You can still build something, but you’ll spend time guessing and re-cutting, wasting lumber, and end up with an obstacle that’s less stable and less effective for training

Option 3

Get a Sure Thing:

Use Kelli’s book + course. See every obstacle from multiple angles on paper first, get exact cuts & materials, understand why it’s set up that way, and finish with obstacles that fit perfectly into a thoughtful training course.

Ships as a physical book • Instant access to the course today

 Trusted by riders—Kelli has worked with 600+ horses, run 100+ Trail Rider Challenges and 50+ virtual trail rider challenges

HERE'S WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU ORDER NOW

✅ Physical Book: How to Build Simple Trail Obstacles (74 pages)
Step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams, photos, and building plans.

✅ Full Online Course (lifetime access)
Same content as the book—organized into quick lessons with color images of the diagrams that you can open in the barn or arena.

✅ 90+ Photos & Diagrams Included
See exactly how each obstacle should look and how to arrange your course.

✅ Materials & Tools Lists Included
Know what to buy and what you can substitute before you start.

✅ Safety & “Horse-Proof” Guidelines Included
Kelli’s time-tested recommendations with practical specs and setup so horses and riders stay safe so there are no snag or trap points.

✅ Course Setup & Training Flow Included

Lines of travel, energy up/down, levels of difficulty, and mini course  ideas.

Why Riders Trust Kelli

Kelli Paulson has helped riders turn simple lumber and hardware-store supplies into confidence-building trail courses—without fancy tools or guesswork. She’s worked hands-on with 600+ horses, hosted 100+ Trail Rider Challenges, and held 50+ virtual trail challenges, so she knows exactly what works in real arenas and pastures.

 

What makes Kelli different:

 

Horse-first safety. Every plan is designed with common-sense checks so tack doesn’t snag and horses always have a way out.

 

Beginner-friendly builds. Clear steps, cut lists, and diagrams—no carpentry background required.

 

Use what you have. Affordable materials, portable designs, and alternatives for tight spaces.

 

Train with purpose. Obstacles that build understanding, confidence, and measurable progress for both horse and rider.

 

Kelli’s promise to you:

 

If you’re a trail-obstacle enthusiast, you’ll love this. Read the book, try at least one build, and if it’s not a fit, email me (you’ll find my address on your receipt) and we’ll make it right.

Ships as a physical book • Instant access to the course today

 Trusted by riders—Kelli has worked with 600+ horses, run 100+ Trail Rider Challenges and 50+ Virtual Trail Rider Challenges.

INSIDE THE COURSE / BOOK

inside the book how to build simple trail obstacles

✅ Building Trail Obstacles for Horses — common-sense safety, horse-proofing, and what to avoid

✅ Materials & Tools — lumber, PVC, fasteners, hooks (good vs. bad), finishes, saws & drill tips

✅ Kinds & Groups of Obstacles — crossing, maneuvers, immobility, despooking, advanced

✅ Guidelines for Setting Up Your Course — where to set up, lines between obstacles, variety, series work

✅ Building Plans & Fun Variations —


 • Bridges: sizes, heights, pallets & angled options, “bridges in a line,” L and Z patterns
 • Simple Teeter-Totter: easy add-on method, bigger teeter-totter in the Bridge Building Bundle
 • Tarps: sizes, anchoring, progression
 • Curtains, Push-Throughs, Mailbox, Poles, Corridors, Flags, Spinners, Multiple kinds of Uprights, and more

Limited Bonuses (while they are available)

bridge building bundle. build rocking bridge, rolling bridge, teeter totter

free bonus #1

Bridge building Bundle (pdf)

 Five proven bridge variations with dimensions and training notes.
VALUE: $15

build a pedestal for horses to stand on. horse building plan pedestal

free bonus #2

Pedestal Building Plan (PDF)

A confidence-boosting pedestal you’ll use weekly for control & balance.
VALUE: $7

101 trail obstacle ideas. card pack. printable

free bonus #3

101+ Trail Obstacle Ideas — Printable Cards

Never run out of trail obstacle ideas!

VALUE: $14

what is in kelli's box trail obstacle ideas

free bonus #4

“Trail Obstacle Box” Supplies Checklist

A grab and go list so you have everything you need to add variety and fun to your trail obstacles

 

VALUE: Priceless

You’ll also get access to the Build Trail Obstacles Private Facebook Community for tips, feedback, and ideas.

 Bonuses are delivered digitally with your course access

Ships as a physical book • Instant access to the course today

 Trusted by riders—Kelli has worked with 600+ horses, run 100+ Trail Rider Challenges and 50+ Virtual Trail Rider Challenges.

Over the last 20 years, I have done the trial and error, the testing, the building, the setup, the moving and the hauling of obstacles.

I’ve already tried different dimensions, kinds and styles. 

Now you can learn what works and how to build it in a weekend!

Learn How to Make this Curtain!

I have included everything you need to know to make this curtain and several other curtain variations.

Trail Obstacle Bridge Measurements

Several Diagrams with Dimensions!

You will find numerous obstacle variations with measurements and dimensions.

Make this Obstacle easily this Weekend!

When you have images, know what materials you need, and have instructions, you can easily build trail obstacles!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do I get? Is this a one-time cost?

You’ll receive the physical book (74 pages) in the mail plus lifetime access to the online course with the same content, including 90+ photos & diagrams. One-time payment of $34.95. No recurring fees.

Can I build these on my own?
Yes. The instructions are designed for DIY riders with basic tools. Each plan includes clear materials, measurements, and photos.

How long does it take to build an obstacle?
Most riders build their first obstacle in an hour or two. Larger projects (like bridges) can be a bit longer but still under 2 hours on average, depending on an individual’s experience level.

How professional are the plans?
Kelli has worked with 600+ horses and hosted 100+ Trail Rider Challenges. Every plan comes from what holds up in real practice and keeps horses and riders safe.

What’s the refund policy?

We truly believe you will love it but if you’re unhappy, contact us and we’ll work something out. Books must be returned in new condition.
(You’ll find our email on your receipt.)

Is there a safety disclaimer?
Yes—horses and power tools can be dangerous. Use common sense, follow the safety notes, and seek professional help when needed.

I only do In-Hand Trail. Will this work for me?

Yes. All of these trail obstacles work great for In-Hand Trail.

Do I need a big trail course area for this to work?

No. All of the obstacles are portable and easy to move. You can set up all of your obstacles or just a few.

I board my horse. Will this work for me?

Yes. Most barn owners won’t mind because the obstacles are easy to move. They can be stored in a 3’ x 8’ space. The book will show you how.

Will these obstacles hold up to regular use and horse training?

Yes. These are the same obstacles I use for my horse training and clinics as well as Trail Rider Challenge events.

How much building/construction experience do I need?

If you can cut a straight line with a circular saw, measure and attach two pieces of wood with a screw, you can do this. The plans are simple and straight forward with illustrations. If all else fails, ask a friend for help.

How long does it take to get my book?

You will receive a link and immediate access to the course. Allow up to 10 days for delivery of the physical book.

Do you offer anything else after checkout?
Yes—there are two completely optional add-ons if you want to go deeper:

1. Trail Obstacle Toolkit – $17 one time charge

2. Trail Obstacle Project– $27/month

Ships as a physical book • Instant access to the course today

 Trusted by riders—Kelli has worked with 600+ horses, run 100+ Trail Rider Challenges and 50+ Virtual Trail Rider Challenges.

Kelli Paulson   |  Kelli Horsemanship  |   Build Trail Obstacles  |   The Trail Obstacle Project  |  Virtual Trail Rider Challenge