Canadian Cowboy Challenge Update

We are well into spring and the Challenge season is fast approaching. There have been two more Challenges confirmed and will be held at the YKnott Double Header on July 15 and 16. The Yknott North is located in County of Lac Ste Anne, Alberta. There are a few tentative Saskatchewan Challenge possibilities but no dates have been confirmed as of this writing.

I think this would be a good time to review some of the CCC Rules. “The Canadian Cowboy Challenge is based on horsemanship skills used in ranch and trail riding based activities. Challenge riders will demonstrate skills used on the ranch and/or trail.” The Mission Statement of the CCC states “To support a safe and encouraging environment where riders can develop a soft feel, fluid movement, speed and courage along with a willingness to move forward in a true partnership between horse and rider.” The mission statement is supported by Rule 6.1 which states “The Canadian Cowboy Challenge is a western event. Western tack and attire is required, including,

Vintage Riders… for the love of horses!

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By Kendra Kowalski

Welcome Shedding season – otherwise known as Spring! In spite of all the extra grooming work, we look forward to warmer weather, drier trails and more opportunities to get our horses – and ourselves - back into some version of fitness.

Intrepid Vintage Riders braved the cold weather and enjoyed two days of dressage lessons with Brianna Frewin and two days of Working Equitation with Sandy Lang. Being a multi-discipline club, all of our clinics are open to whatever style of tack our participants prefer. Crosstraining in a variety of disciplines is a great way to keep our horses sharp and interested in their job. After all, if what we do is not fun for our equine partners, how can it possibly be fun for us?

We were very pleased to find, during the Covid years, that our membership actually increased. We have continued to gain new members, and with this, new converts to all the fun we have and the

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By Hans Kollewyn

western saddle with a fixed horn, long sleeved collared shirt, jeans, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat or riding helmet must be worn for the ride. All tack must be serviceable and in good condition.” As well, Rule 2.1 states that “All members of the CCC must ride to their own personal capabilities, or those capabilities determined by their parent/ guardian.”

Each division, as stated in Rule 4.4, “A maximum time of six minutes is allowed to complete the course. Each ride will be timed and there will be a 1 minute warning. Should a rider not complete the course in the time limit they will be scored only to the obstacle completed. The time limit may be extended where longer courses warrant at the discretion of the judges and course designer.” As stated in Rule 7.1, “Each division has a different ability level and the course design will reflect that.”

Riding equipment used in a CCC challenge has some restrictions. As stated in Rule 6.5 “None of the following equipment shall be used: a. Martingale (running or German) skills we learn. Recently on our Facebook page, a new member asked “So what is a pole clinic?” Answers included “So much fun!” “It’s what I miss the most” (from a member who moved away), “It’s one of my favourite clinics to attend because it is SO much fun” and “The poles help us to help our horses be accountable for their feet. Ground pole work is a fun exercise to help create rhythm, cadence, extension and collection in your horse, all while having fun and building rider confidence.”

We have been doing annual, and sometimes semi-annual, pole clinics with Jessie Blackmon for about 10 years now. Jessie is engaging, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable! No matter how many times we do these clinics, they are always full! Jessie always manages to come up with new challenges for us whether we’re attending our first clinic or our 10th! Our in-house team of Icelandic horses has become quite proficient at these exercises, looking like a mini drill team! Coming soon, the 2023 version of Poles with Jessie! Can’t wait!

Our Valentines/Galentines Day ride was well-attended, with plenty of red décor and chocolate! Weather permitting, you’ll see us