Amy Evano takes 1st in Canadian Cowboy Challenge event

Amy Evano and MC during demonstration at 2013 Pincher Creek Cowboy Gathering
Evelyn Horn photo

Toni Lucas

"My grandma Evelyn Horn, taught me everything I need to know about horses since I was little," said Amy Evano. Evano recently took part in a Canadian Cowboy Challenge Event.  "I did a race at the Twin Springs Ranch in Cochrane, Alberta, and in the Junior Division I placed first in the race."  There were about 30 to 40 people total competing in all divisions on August 25.

Amy and MC doing a spin on a platform

"I've been riding since I was a little girl."  The Canadian Cowboy Challenges require the horses and riders to face unusual circumstances and things that they may have to do on a ranch, in a safe controlled environment.  This fosters trust and communication between horse and rider.

At 2013 Pincher Creek Cowboy Gathering
C. Davis photo

"It was really good, and it was good for my horse to see a different place.  The arena was outdoors, and the surroundings were different from what we have in Pincher Creek."

Amy and MC being judged while doing water obstacle in Cochrane
Evelyn Horn photo

"One of them was I had to kick a soccer ball into a net with my horses foot.  I wasn't expecting that, so my horse didn't know what to do, but we finally ended up kicking the soccer ball in."

Evano is 17 years old and recently graduated from Matthew Halton High School.  She is currently taking the EMR-Emergency Medical Responder course to further her goal to become a paramedic.

Amy and MC doing a Free Ride in Cochrane
Evelyn Horn photo

"I always love to be around horses," said Evano, who is very happy that Pincher Creek has an Extreme Cowboy Trail Club. "I want to thank Heidi Eijgel for her mentorship and support."  Evano rode her horse MC  in the challenge and has now taken on Diego, a new colt, to train.  "I want the experience of training my own horse for the challenge."

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