FEBRUARY 2022 THE RIDER /17 President


2022 OXC Board of Directors Cindy Vyse


Vice President


Secretary/Treasurer Past President


Communications Director Youth Director


Fundraising Director ontarioxtremecowboy.ca


Story by Andrea Dixon, Isaac Dixon and Josie Rowling


In 2018, a friend I re-


ally trust told me about a clinic she thought Isaac and I would enjoy. It was called Introduction to Ex- treme Cowboy Racing. “ARE


YOU CRAZY?!?!?!” I asked


Regional Director - Central Regional Director - Central Regional Director - Central Regional Director - Central Regional Director - West Regional Director - North


Jamie Newton Shelley Newton


Susan Caldwell Frances Fraser Josie Rowling Ashley Rezka John Blodgett Chuck Ornstein Emily Johnson Adrea Dixon


Samantha McFadyen Shelly-Lynne Lendt


416-435-3555 705-930-1631


705-930-1603 (After 6:30pm) 416-529-5425


613-334-9527 289-338-8284 705-559-9448 705-445-3524


416-799-5090 ontarioxtremecowboy2012@gmail.com Tales From an OXC Mom


were more than capable of participating successfully. I was really excited about the opportunity to try something new, but what really sold me on the event was the gut feeling that this would be something to keep a little boy interested in riding. She did say Cowboy after all. I packed up one rather naughty trail


commonly seen at a race. We learned about the rules, how each run is scored, and wrapped up the week- end with a fun race. I couldn’t wait to get home and sign up for an actual OXC race. The first OXC race


we attended was at the Pe- terbough Ex that summer. I was blown away by how


quickly evaporated and I was able to simply enjoy a fun filed day with my son and our horses. By the time we loaded up to go home I felt like we had been adopted into a new horse family and we’ve been with them ever since. The Young Guns Di-


vision (for youth under 12 years old) gave Isaac a fantastic start. An adult is permitted to be in the ring near the child. While the rules state that the adult is technically not permitted to speak to the child or touch the horse, knowing that I could step in and res- cue him if needed made us both feel more comfort- able. Isaac chose to walk his runs at the first few races. Watching the older kids in the Youth division (who are really cool and fast), and being cheered on by other competitors at the rail side, soon had Isaac trotting around and finally cantering across the finish line on his final free ride. The smile I saw on his face as he did this is something I will never forget. As a mother, I really


her. My imagination was running wild and my son was just 10 years old. She assured me that it would be safe and fun. She had attended some of the OXC (Ontario Xtreme Cowboy) races with her horse the year before and had really enjoyed it. She felt Isaac and I - and our mounts -


pony and my “English” horse and set off for the unknown. That weekend set me on the path to where we are today. The clinic was a great


place to start. We had the opportunity to work with our horses and help them gain confidence with the different types of obstacles


friendly and welcoming everyone was. I felt nerv- ous and lost pulling into the fair grounds. Shelly Newton, our incredible Secretary, along with sev- eral other board members and a slew of fellow com- petitors were all so incred- ibly helpful and supportive that my nervousness


appreciate the wonderful role models that the mem- bers of the OXC have been. Issac has gained a lot of confidence, with horses and beyond, as a result of the experiences and oppor- tunities that come with being an OXC member and participant. I credit the OXC experience with


Ontario Reined Cow Horse Association Werner Bohner, President, 519-209-8196


Craig Black, Vice President, 519-874-1294


To promote the reined cow horse in Ontario through education, participation, and mentorship


Or visit us at our website: www.orcha.ca ORCHA Sponsors


launching my son’s inter- est in horses to the next level. On the drive home from each race we talk about what obstacles went well and which ones were difficult. We take the time to asses why something was challenging and we work together with our horses to solve these puz- zles. I am thrilled that this is something my son and I can do together. I am amazed by how much his horsemanship has blos- somed as a result of his


newfound motivation. It’s the people that


make this club really spe- cial. Everyone is welcome and there are a wide vari- ety of divisions to accom- modate all riders. Any horse is welcome, and while OXC is a first career for some horses, it is a new career for many others (with incentives for off the track horses). If you have been wondering what an OXC race is like but have been hesitant, come on out and give it a try. Take


Please check the website, www.orcha.ca, for more information as it becomes available.


RULE CHANGES AND CLARIFICA- TION (Exhibitors are encouraged to read the rule book on our website, for the full description. Below are excerpts to highlight 2022 rule changes and eligibility reminders.)


OPEN & NON PRO– The rider must use one hand with split or romal reins. Riding with two hands is permitted on a 3-5 year old horse if ridden in a snaffle or hackamore.


ORCHA News In exciting news for the 2022 show season,


our show dates have now been picked. We have made a few rule changes that will pro- vide competitors more opportunities to show


in more classes. Also, we have added another class to our show lineup. Plus, back by pop- ular demand, we have a clinic planned for the spring, and potentially one more in the works.


OPEN HERD WORK – The rider must use one hand with split or romal reins. Riding with two hands is permitted on a 3-5 year old horse if ridden in a snaffle or hackamore.


LTD NON PRO – Riders who have previ- ously gone down the fence more than 3 times may resume showing in Ltd. Non Pro after a 2 year period has elapsed where that exhibitor has not shown down the fence in any judged event.


it from me, it’s so much fun. It’s safe. You will be glad you did. Isaac Di Nardo was


the 2019 OXC Young Guns High point Cham- pion and EXCA Eastern Canadian Champion and is now competing in the Youth division. Andrea Dixon Was


the 2019 OXC Novice Di- vision reserve champion and EXCA Eastern Cana- dian Champion and is now competing in the Interme- diate division.


GREEN AS GRASS HERD WORK– Rid- ers in this class may not enter the Open Herd Work class at the same show, riders may use one or two hands with any bridle.


The off season is a good time to read, re-


view and study your rule book. By knowing your rules and regulations, you can eliminate the risk of disqualification, for example: use of illegal equipment. As for your patterns, they are always posted in advance of each show. Don’t try to memorize all of the pat- terns. What works for me, is to study the class pattern for a week or two before the show, and only that pattern. Study the written part of the pattern. Ride that pattern in your mind a few times, then you will know where to stop and what direction to turn and how many times. Don’t give away points from penalties. Take the time to read and study your rule book, it will benefit you when it comes to show day.


Calendar of Events: 2022 Shows May 29, June 26, July 24, August 21, September 11


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