When I watched my first Trail Course Challenge at the local arena last fall, I thought, "Hmm, I wonder if I could do that stuff with my horses." It's an obstacle course for horses and riders. You have about 17 obstacles on this large outdoor course, and you're scored on your performance of each one.
Brimir (the Icelandic/The "Shorthorse") and I went up to the stable a couple times last week and practiced on some of the obstacles that were permanently placed on the course...a hanging mailbox, some huge, steep steps, a couple logs that required jumping, a horse teeter totter, and other semi-scary stuff. We did pretty well on everything, so we entered today's competition, paid our $30, and waited our turn to play.
We did very well...so well, in fact, that we took FIRST PLACE in the novice division, and got half our entry money back! I was the only one there wearing riding tights and helmet, and riding a fat little "pony" with an Aussie saddle. (This is quarterhorse country!) But Brimir wasn't self conscious. Not even when everyone wanted to try him out after our run. Too bad I didn't have a few Icelandics to sell out of the back of the trailer. I could have made a fortune!
