Safety the focus of Extreme Trail and Obstacle Clinic at Horseshoe Pavilion

Clinician Robert Laye
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek and District Agricultural Society hosted an extreme trail obstacle practice on May 12, 2013 at the Horseshoe Pavilion with Clinician Robert Laye from Lethbridge.  About 10 people attended the clinic, of various degrees of ability and with various goals.

Amy Evano riding M.C.

This was the second clinic Laye has held here.   The clinic focused on safety around horses and inspiring a good confident rapport between rider and horse when encountering unexpected challenges.  "The people here are good folks, and knowledgeable with horses already, allowing us to go more in depth with the program," said Laye.

Heidi Eijgel riding Windy Coulee Piper through a curtain

During the clinic riders and horses learned to face unusual circumstances and things that they may have to do on a ranch.  The benefit was they did it in a safe controlled environment as opposed to out on the trail or without other riders around to help control a situation if it got out of hand.

Learning to pull objects

Some of the challenges included dragging a cart with a hide, backing up through obstacles, walking on uneven and unfamiliar surfaces, bridges, curtains, items to step or jump over, flags, and narrow passages.

The exercises help cement leadership skills for the rider. With the goal of increasing safety, good communication, trust, and confidence between horse and rider, this clinic has been well received by those that are taking it.  "I have been inspired to stick up for the horse more," said Laye.  "We have to listen to them."

Mattress simulates boggy ground 

Flags cause noise and distraction