12/ MAY 2026 THE RIDER President
2026 OXC Board of Directors John Blodgett
Communications Director Director Director
Fundraising Director Josie Rowling
Karen Montgomery Laikyn West Leianne West
In addition, the Ontario
705-559-9448 647-802-6196 705-741-8210 226-668-1289 519-270-8958
Email:
ontarioxtremecowboy2012@gmail.com
www.OntarioXtremeCowboy.ca
OXC News May 2026 The Ontario Xtreme Cow-
boy Club (OXC) is excited to be collaborating with the Ontario Ranch Horse Association (ORaHA) for the 2026 season. This partnership will bring riders additional opportunities to com- pete, learn, and connect, with several events coordinated to allow participants to experience both Extreme Cowboy and Ranch Horse disciplines. The collaboration is designed to cre- ate a welcoming environment for riders looking to broaden their skills while strengthening the horse community across Ontario. One of the biggest early-sea-
son highlights will be a special clinic, 2x Pointed EXCA-sanc- tioned Race, and Ranch Show featuring David Cowley, travel- ling from Alberta - held along- side the Ontario Ranch Horse Association from May 28 to May 31. All four days of activities will take place at the same location, creating a full weekend of learn- ing, competition, and community. Cowley, a Level 2 EXCA Judge and EXCA World Champion, has been competing since 2014 and judging since 2017. His depth of knowledge and respected horse-
manship make this clinic a valu- able opportunity for riders at every level. Whether participants are brand new to Extreme Cow- boy Racing, preparing for com- petition, or looking to fine-tune advanced techniques, the clinic promises practical instruction and hands-on learning designed to help riders kick off the season strong. OXC is also planning an-
other exciting educational oppor- tunity with a clinic led by Level 2 EXCA Judge, Hannah Howe, travelling from Kentucky, USA.
This event is scheduled for Au- gust 28, 2026, followed by a 3x Pointed EXCA-sanctioned Race! While full details are still to come, this session is expected to give riders another chance to build confidence, improve obsta- cle performance, and continue developing their horsemanship. The announcement reflects the club’s commitment to offering multiple learning opportunities throughout the season. More in- formation on registration and for- mat will be shared soon, giving riders plenty of time to plan.
Ranch Horse Association will also host shows at the Barrie Fairgrounds. These events will feature the Jana Montgomery Ranch Horse Challenge on Au- gust 29,, 2026, including three Challenge classes in Ranch Rid- ing, Ranch Reining, and Ranch Trail, with $500 added to each Challenge. The overall high- point competitor across the three classes will be awarded a buckle, adding extra incentive for riders to compete across multiple disci- plines. The Barrie weekend will
also include a Speed Show on August 28,, 2026, featuring bar- rels, poles, dash for cash, and flag races, along with peewee, senior, and open divisions. Added money will be offered in the 3D barrels for Youth and Open rid- ers, as well as in the Open 2D poles. These speed events pro- vide another exciting opportunity for riders to showcase versatility. Another major highlight for
2026 will be the Xtreme “Chuck Wagon” Race, hosted in partner- ship with Circle 8 Ranch. The Ontario Xtreme Cowboy Club and Circle 8 Ranch are beyond excited to bring this unique event to competitors during the August 1st weekend. The event will proudly wel-
come Level 4 EXCA Judge, Cole Cameron, travelling all the way from Texas, USA. This is an in- credible opportunity for Ontario riders to learn from one of the most respected clinicians, com- petitors, and horsemen in the in- dustry. Cameron is the 2021 Champion and 2023 Reserve Champion of Road to the Horse, as well as a five-time Extreme Cowboy Association World Champion. Known as
a
renowned clinician and perform- ance horse trainer, he travels ex- tensively helping riders elevate their horsemanship and reach new performance goals. Raised working alongside
his father, Craig Cameron, he proudly carries on the Cameron family legacy of excellence in
horsemanship. The Xtreme
“Chuck
Wagon” weekend will feature a special buckle race, camping availability for participants, cattle event, and additional activities still to be announced. Organizers encourage riders and spectators alike to mark their calendars, as more event details and schedul- ing information will be released
that matches their experience. Courses are designed to chal- lenge riders while encouraging safe progression, allowing begin- ners to build confidence while seasoned competitors push their skills further. This tiered structure helps riders develop while main- taining a welcoming and support- ive atmosphere. The club also encourages
soon. The combination of top- level judging and community at- mosphere is expected to make this a memorable event. Beyond these feature events,
the Ontario Xtreme Cowboy Club continues to emphasize in- clusivity and growth. Extreme Cowboy Racing offers divisions for youth, novice, non-pro, and professional riders, ensuring par- ticipants can compete at a level
Straw Incorporation Continued from Page 8
troduce slowly over the course of 7-14 days. Most of the time, when straw is added, I rec- ommend combining it with the hay in a slow feeder.
Safety Considerations As straw is extremely fibrous, it should
not be fed to horses with compromised den- tition as they will not be able to adequately chew it. Additionally, when feeding a very fi- brous ration that incorporates straw, extra care should be taken to ensure the ration is balanced and is providing adequate salt to en- courage hydration as impaction colic is a risk if implemented improperly. Note that free choice access to a salt lick is not adequate. For an average sized horse, about 1-2 tbsp of loose salt is recommended daily.
Take Home Message Easy keepers can be challenging to man-
age and creating a practical nutrition program that does not compromise the horse’s need for forage, friends, and freedom is critical to their welfare. If you have a challenging easy keeper, consider adding straw to their ration as a management tactic to reduce calorie in- take. Note that it is strongly recommended to
participation through its member- ship opportunities, offering riders eligibility for high-point awards and EXCA-sanctioned races. More importantly, membership helps build a strong community where competitors support each other, share knowledge, and cel- ebrate achievements together. Josie Rowling – OXC Com-
munications Director
work with a qualified equine nutritionist for these cases. If you have questions about your individ-
ual horse, please reach out at balancedbaynu-
trition@gmail.com.
References: Mostert, N., Witherow, B., & Williams, K. (2024). A preliminary study on feeding straw to horses and its effects on equine chewing and consumption rates. Dosi, M. C. M., Kirton, R., Hallsworth, S., Keen, J. A., & Morgan, R. A. (2020). Induc- ing weight loss in native ponies: is straw a vi- able alternative to hay?. Veterinary Record, 187(8), e60-e60.
By: Madeline Boast, MSc. Equine Nutri- tion, PAS
About the author: Made-
line Boast completed her master’s in Equine Nutrition at the University of Guelph and started an independent nutrition company known as Balanced Bay. She has worked with a variety of equids – from miniature ponies to competing thoroughbreds. Through Balanced Bay she designs customized balanced nutri- tion plans that prioritize equine well-being. This includes diets for optimal performance as well as solving complex nutritional issues and everything in between. For additional in- formation see
www.balancedbay.ca
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