JANUARY 2011 THE RIDER/ 5


“Build A Cowboy” Is Ready To Turn Youngsters into Rodeo Cowboys and Cowgirls


By Kelly Bowers


A new program has been developed by cowboys for cowboys. The program, Build A Cowboy aims to be the most comprehen- sive rodeo school in Ontario designed for the responsible development of Cowboys and Cowgirls with their main focus on safe- ty. Ross Millar of Rodeo Management Groups explains, “Rodeo is a safe sport if done properly. Like many extreme sports, there are proper techniques and ways to reduce the risk involved.” The concept was adopted from Robin Burwash (2 time Cal- gary Stampede Bareback Champion, 11 time NFR qualifier). “Robin started and designed this type of program in Alberta a few years ago and today has over 30 High School Rodeo contestants in the Rough Stock events.”


The program teaches bull riding, sad- dle bronc, bareback and bull fighting. “Build A Cowboy” is made up of several parts with part one being offered starting the end of January.


Healthy Lands Continued from Page 4.


around the property. Not only can com- posted manure help to improve pasture yield, but extra product can be applied to lawn and garden areas prompting some equine establishments to bag and sell their leftovers as a revenue generator. “Every horse farm should look at their manure as a resource,” recommends Jewett. “Even if a properly designed manure stor- age facility is not in the budget, I would encourage people to look at the location of their manure storage and how they can reduce the risk of runoff contaminating local water resources.” Suggestions from the Healthy Lands, Healthy Horses pro- gram include making sure your manure pile is not located “up-hill” from your well or local creek. Based on the best EFP rating, manure storage of any type should be a minimum of 90 metres away from a private well and greater than 300 metres away from any municipal well (numbers vary in the Nutrient Management Act). Installing eaves troughs to divert clean water from building roofs away from the manure pile can help. It may be as simple as putting an extension on an existing downspout. Another option is tarping your manure pile as this will speed up composting and reduce runoff which reduces the nutrient content of your manure. For more informa- tion on how you can better manage your manure, visit the ‘nutrient management’ section on the Ontario Ministry of Agricul- ture, Food and Rural Affairs website (www.omafra.gov.on.ca).


We hope you enjoyed our three part series on Hop Hill Stables. To learn more about stewardship programs, the Environ- mental Farm Plan| process and funding pro- grams available to help you, contact your local Conservation Authority or OSCIA. Not sure which of the 36 Conservation Authorities you should contact, check out the provincial map and contact listing on the Conservation Ontario website at www.Conservation-Ontario.on.ca.


This article has been prepared by the Healthy Lands for Healthy Horses Steering Committee, which is comprised of repre- sentatives from the Horse Facilities Coun- cil, Uxbridge Horseman’s Association, Ontario Trail Riders Association, Equine Guelph, University of Guelph, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario Equestrian Federation and various Conservation Authorities. Funding for events organized by this committee has been provided by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association from the Nutrient Management BMP Demonstration Grant funding project.


For more information please visit: www.equineguelph.ca/healthylands.php


The first part will be divided into 3 sessions. #1 will be an introduction to the program, stationary barrel introduc- tion and strength training. #2 will focus on advanced sta- tionary barrel and drop barrel work. #3 will include a sta- tionary and drop barrel review and a mechanical buck off challenge. All three sessions of part 1 are highly recom- mended for participants to attend prior to participating in part 2, which introduces live animals.


This new program is designed for people of all ages, 8 years and up, who want to be a part of Rodeo and is and will feature many supportive cowboys and cowgirls who will be involved in the instruction. The extensive course is geared to have new cowboys and cowgirls ready to compete in the first rodeo of the year, May 2011.


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