A western trail competition layout set, and the training/practice method thereof, wherein a set of miniature trail competition obstacles and a miniature animal are provided within a suitably sized portable container, thereby enabling the components to be easily transported and assembled at an actual competition location, wherein upon arrival, registration, and receipt of the two-dimensional representation of the competition course layout, a user may set up a model of the competition course, such an arrangement of poles that must be stepped over, small fences that must be jumped over, gates to be open and shut, lines of poles to be backed up therethrough, and even water to walk through, and wherein the user may utilize the miniature animal to walk through and practice/learn/train the actual layout, repeatedly, in advance of the actual event.