OklahomaHorses Magazine May 2022

20 OklahomaHorses • May/June 2022 Overcoming Obstacles Competitions Boost Bond of Hors and Rider by Leigh Ann Matthews O bstacles have always been part of the trail-riding experience, from fallen logs and water crossings to rocky drop-offs and steep climbs. But in recent years, man-made obstacle courses and competitions have emerged and are growing in popularity among horse enthu- siasts from all disciplines. Considered the forerunner of obstacle competitions, the North America Trail Ride Conference recently celebrated 60 years of competitive distance trail-riding events featuring judged natural obstacles and trail observations. NATRC rides are usually held during two days, averaging 25 to 30 total miles for novice and competitive pleasure divisions and as many as 50 to 60 total miles for the open division. Riders negotiate well-marked mapped trails with natural obstacles in divisions based on horse-and-rider experience, distance, and the degree of difficulty of the obstacles. Two judges officiate for each ride. One evaluates the rider’s horsemanship, the horse’s responsiveness, abilities on the trail and through obstacles, and the partnership between horse and rider. The other judge is a licensed veterinarian who evaluates the horse’s physical conditioning during the ride based on baseline data recorded before the start and during the competition. Although the rides are not considered en- durance rides and are not timed races, pulse and respiration checks for horse and rider are mandatory during the ride, and both must pass certain criteria to continue. The organization recently introduced a new division, ideal for less experienced horse-and-rider teams and those new to the sport or without the time to condition and train for the more difficult rides. In this new “leisure” division, horse-and-rider teams are judged together rather than sep- arately and compete in one-day rides that average eight to 12 total miles. NATRC events are held throughout the United States and are divided into regions. Oklahoma is part of Region 4, along with Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. For more information, visit https://www.natrc.org or contact the Region 4 president, LeeAnn Dreadfulwater, at tenkiller7@gmail.com. New Challenge Events Emerge In more recent years, well-known trainer Craig Cameron of Texas pioneered the Extreme Cowboy Race, originally featur- ing natural and man-made obstacles in an outdoor setting. Indoor competitions also developed, with both settings challenging horses and riders to maneuver through a series of obstacles demonstrating horse- manship and speed. The Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA) offers classes for kids At a competition sponsored by the American Horsemen Challenge Association, Jennifer Welch of Columbus, Kansas, drives Richard, a 21-year-old draft horse, over a teeter-totter bridge. Photo by Leigh Ann Matthews.