News & Events COMPETITIVE TRAIL NEWS IN THE SOUTHWEST PLAN NOW FOR COOL
WEATHER COMPETITIONS Summertime and the living is easy. And the time to
plan for fall competitive trail events. The fall season kicks off with the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Unicorn Hunt in Kennard, Texas on Labor Day weekend. The trails are single and double track through the Davy Crockett National Forest, and while it can be hot, there is plenty of water and shade to enjoy. The Texas Trail Challenge Club’s (TTCC) Pony Pi-
lots is September 8 at the Parrie Haynes Ranch West side, and is followed by the North American Trail Ride Con- ference (NATRC) Wayfarer on September 15-16 at the same location. Both these competitions feature new trails of varied lengths through the Texas Hill Country. The camp facility also offers a pool for post-ride enjoyment. The websites and Facebook pages of the organiza-
tions publish the full fall calendars, or call Elaine Swiss for more information on 830-825-3032. w
PINE GROVE CTR BEAUTY PLEASES ALL
Riders and volunteers alike proclaimed the Pine Grove
trails in Leslie, Arkansas as some of the most beautiful and challenging ones they have experienced in the region at NATRC’s Pine Grove Giddy-Up CTR on April 27-29. Competitors traveled from Nebraska, Kansas, Texas,
Louisiana and Oklahoma to enjoy the campground ameni- ties and experience the 50+ miles of marked trail in the event. “We are so pleased to share this part of the country with the NATRC family,” said Kim Murphy, ride man- ager.
Dolly Miller and Carla Jo Bass of Wise County, Texas
took top honors in the Open Division, Amy Martin of Brookshire, Texas won the Competitive Pleasure division and LaVona Swindle of San Angelo, Texas earned first place in the Novice division. w
HELMETS: A MATTER OF SAFETY by Laurie Oehlerking All equestrians, novices and professionals alike, understand the inherent
risks of riding and handling equines. Safety is essential. A recent riding incident caused me to assess my safety protocols and my adherence to them. During an arena schooling session, I was loping along the rail to the left.
We came to the corner and made the turn, and so did my saddle—shifting onto my horse’s right side and dumping me. As we were loping with speed, I had significant momentum as I executed this unplanned dismount. Thankfully, I was wearing my helmet. I confess that I am not a consistent helmet wearer. When I’m on horses
with whom I have a strong partnership, I often forgo the helmet. Why? I have many excuses, but my favorite is that I don’t like the way it looks; my cowboy hat looks way better in pictures. I’ve had friends tell me that they don’t need to wear a helmet because their horse would never do anything stupid. Well, my horse didn’t do anything stupid, and I still ended up unexpectedly flying Equine Air Express. Was I hurt? No, because I was wearing my helmet. The landing wasn’t pretty—more of a three-point bounce-along affair that started with my head. I had an angry headache most of the next day, but that was it. So, lesson learned (and new helmet ordered)! I am now committed to
wearing a helmet every time I mount up…and I’ll remember to check my girth! I encourage all riders to do the same. That cowboy hat may look good, but it won’t protect you in an unplanned dismount. Don’t risk it! w
26 SouthWest Horse Trader June 2018
Optical Harmonics
Optical Harmonics
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