News & Events COMPETITIVE TRAIL NEWS IN THE SOUTHWEST
BEST OF SPRING RIDES HAVE ARRIVED
The time of year horse people anticipate through the cold winter months
is finally here with several competitive trail ride options to enjoy. April kicks off with the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) Pole Canyon CTR in Quitaque, Texas. Located on the caprock in the panhandle, and hosted by the Barefields on April 6-7, the event features four divisions this year, including the newly introduced Leisure Division. “We are delighted to once again host the
NATRC competitors,” said Lynne Barefield whose family has owned the ranch since the early 1800s. “The trails are in beautiful condi- tion and the flowers are just beginning to bloom. It will be a very pretty ride.” The dogwoods will also be in bloom at the
next April event at the Pine Grove Giddy-Up in Russelville, Arkansas on the 27th-28th. This ride is the only NATRC event in Arkansas and is a favorite of competitors from Colorado, Ne- braska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas due to its central location. More information on these and other
NATRC CTRs can be found on the organization’s website or Facebook pages or by e-mailing Elaine Swiss on
swissranch@earthlink.net. w
Comfort Zone® Calming Vest “It is such an honor that the Comfort Zone Calming Vest for Dogs has
been selected as a 2019 Product of the Year award winner,” said Scott Lazarczyk, Health & Wellness General Manager at Central Garden & Pet Company. “Much like humans, dogs get stressed in certain situations, es- pecially those they cannot get away from like thunderstorms or fireworks. The swaddling effect of our vest provides a constant, gentle pressure across the dog’s torso and is proven to calm and reduce signs of stress.” Comfort Zone Calming Vest for Dogs features Complete Comfort™
Compression Technology, which provides gentle pressure that mimics swaddling to help reduce stress and make dogs feel safer in stressful situations. The vest features maximum torso coverage, is made with soft and breathable material for a comfortable fit and is lined with reflective piping for the dog’s safety. The vest can be used in stressful sit- uations such as thunderstorms, fire- works, separation anxiety, travel, and veterinary visits. Comfort Zone Calming Vests for Dogs are avail- able at
Amazon.com and
Chewy.com. w
COMPETITIVE TRAIL RIDERS OFF TO A FAST START
With the results of the first three events of the 2019 season already in
the books, NATRC competitors are accumulating points toward annual achievement awards. Fran Muench and Giacomo have earned top honors in the Open Lightweight division at the 7IL Scamper CTR in Cat Spring and Raising the Bar CTR in Valley Mills. Becky Rogers and Vino Que Syrah won the Competitive Division Sweepstakes awards at the same events. Other top competitors are Cynthia Leatherwood and Big Cat in the Novice division and Jonni Jewel and Tezuby in the Open Heavyweight division. Teams are eligible for annual awards at the national and regional level upon successful completion of three events during the year which concludes on November 10. w
PREPARATION KEY TO SUCCESS AT GROUP TRAIL RIDES
Are you and your horse ready to participate in group trail rides? Your
calm and cooperative trail buddy can become a “race-brained” stinker when exposed to a larger group of horses. Horses are herd animals and feel safer when in a group, so it’s common, that if the herd is excited then your horse will be too. Ways to prepare might include riding with a small group first, graduat-
ing to larger groups as you and your horse partner become more accustomed to this environment. As the “new herd” begins to move down the trail, your horse may think it is being left behind. Communicate with the other riders about what you need. Not everyone has to be on the same skill level but it is good to know ahead of time about terrain and speed of the ride. They have all been in your situation and some may be working on the same things with their horse. Check with your veterinarian about riding clubs or potential riding part-
ners. Once a month rides with new people are a great way to get your horse ready for group rides. The Texas Trail Challenge Club (TTCC) is an ex- ample of an organization that allows “buddy “riders to ride along over a 10- obstacle course. The “buddies” do not compete but expose their horse to new situations on an 8-10-mile trail. Be encouraged! The more you expose your horse to groups of horses on a ride, the more comfortable it will be on future rides. Use your imagination, and remember, safety first! w
Halti No-Pull Harness & Double Ended Lead
The Halti No-Pull Harness, as the name im-
plies, is expertly designed to provide the best pos- sible result for pet parents whose dogs are prone to pulling on the leash. The unique design of the Harness includes a
stop-pull lifting feature connected at the back and, in cases of stronger pulling dogs, an optional front chest attachment that provides even more control and stability when used with a dual-clip leash. To learn more on the Halti No-Pull Harness and Dou-
ble Ended Lead, please visit
www.companyofanimals.us.w April 2019 SouthWest Horse Trader
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