Trail Riding “American Idol” Style, continued...
prior, when I had to lead him across. My faith in Riley was justifi ed, and with encouragement he went across and I stayed mounted. Now, I just had to hope that the fi lm editors would highlight Riley’s growth over the two days.
Once In a Lifetime
T e ride was a once in a lifetime experience for someone who began riding only seven years ago. At times, I felt overwhelmed with at least 50% of the competitors being profes- sional horse people who compete at national level events. Some had spon- sors, others were clinicians and even others hoped to use this competition for name recognition in the horse world. If it were a riding competition, I would lose because every- one was a better rider than I, but it’s not about the rider, it’s about the horse. Riley is just as good as every horse there. Riley may not be America’s Perfect Trail
Horse; we’ve never placed fi rst at a competi- tive trail ride but Four Socks Riley could be
America’s Favorite Trail Horse. I believe that as a team, we epitomized ACHTA’s goal for this event–to get folks in the saddle and encourage riders to rescue horses in need of a home to use on our nation’s trails. Riley has already won in my book.
Next, Bridget
On the third day, competitors were able to show off their horse’s strengths in a “free- style” class. Here, Bridget and Riley sidepass over a ground pole.
plans to continue to grow and im- prove as a rider along with Riley. Although they pri- marily compete in judged pleasure rides, Bridget and Riley do take dres- sage lessons every now and then and Bridget has plans to learn more about cow penning. “My current trainer tries to talk me into
hunter/jumper shows but I keep telling her that if I can’t wear jeans, I’m not doing it,” Bridget con- cluded.
Interested in other trail competitions?
There are many to choose from right here in Maryland!
Trail Obstacle Course Judged Trail Ride Extreme Cowboy Race Endurance Race Competitive Trail Riding Ribbon Chase Hunter Pace
To fi nd one of these rides in your area, go to “Coming Events” in this issue or on
equiery.com.
To read more about each type of competition, go to The Equiery’s Archives and click on “More Than Just a Trail Ride” under “Trails.”
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