Mountain Trail video, from the rider's perspective

[BayRoan]

Some of you may have heard about the Mountain Trail competitions that occur at the Oregon Horse Center, where the facility owner essentially replicates outdoor trail obstacles inside. Most of classes are scored on how the obstacles are negotiated by the equines and riders. At the championships, there is one class that is both times and judged, where the course is done at speed. My friend, Ali, had a Go Cam on her helmet for her run on her mom’s good mare, Sweets. They won the class, and the very cool video can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzoOcwFuNus&feature=youtu.be

You may notice the fuzzy ears on the horse. It’s something she and her mom do for the pairs class (there are pink feather boas that go with the ears) and just something fun for the less serious classes.

[craz4crtrs]

Excellent job! Obviously this was done at some speed? Love the ears. I love the trail obstacles, but not so sure we are up to trail obstacles on steroids.

[wylde_sage]

That’s one heck of a nicely trained horse! Bravo!

[potteryshop]

Well done, indeed!!

[sunny59]

nice job!

[shalomypony]

I want to do this.How does one get involved or find info on this.Is it done on the East coast as well?:yes:

[GotMyPony]

First, that horse has got a WHOA on it - great job! Second, is that baling twine she’s using as a rein?? Very impressive, the whole thing…

[BayRoan]

The rein is a roping rein or contest rein-- one piece loop, with knots in it for grip. They can be leather or synthetic material. I think the one she is using is a coated rope type of material. Definitely heavier, with more “feel,” than baling twine would have. Roping reins are common for roping and speed events where you don’t want to drop a rein or have a lot of extra rein to deal with.

Oregon Horse Center has a video on Facebook that explains the non-speed competition a little better. It should be here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=443009168729

I’m not familiar with what is happening on the East coast with trail competitions of this sort. I heard that Lynn Palm was building an outdoor course on one of her farms, but I can’t find any information about it online. These competitions are tough for a lot of venues to put on, because of the time, equipment, engineering and disruption to the arena surface. The owner of the Oregon Horse Center originated these competitions, and he can do as he pleases, since it’s his place. If you ever want to come out to Oregon and check it out, it is a friendly group.

[BayRoan]

And that mare does have a good “whoa.” She’s 18 and is also used for team penning and sorting, as well as real mountain trail riding. She’s a cool pony.

[baylady7]

very cool- no jumps though?

[sunny59]

LOL, I got a “bad” notice on my post saying “nice job”. I wondered who I offended, then I saw that all the posts above and below mine that were making positive comments got a bad review from a single poster as well…

Wonder if it was accidental or someone really doesn’t like the horse or ride?

[sunny59]

[QUOTE=BayRoan;6698332]
The rein is a roping rein or contest rein-- one piece loop, with knots in it for grip. They can be leather or synthetic material. I think the one she is using is a coated rope type of material. Definitely heavier, with more “feel,” than baling twine would have. Roping reins are common for roping and speed events where you don’t want to drop a rein or have a lot of extra rein to deal with.

Oregon Horse Center has a video on Facebook that explains the non-speed competition a little better. It should be here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=443009168729

I’m not familiar with what is happening on the East coast with trail competitions of this sort. I heard that Lynn Palm was building an outdoor course on one of her farms, but I can’t find any information about it online. These competitions are tough for a lot of venues to put on, because of the time, equipment, engineering and disruption to the arena surface. The owner of the Oregon Horse Center originated these competitions, and he can do as he pleases, since it’s his place. If you ever want to come out to Oregon and check it out, it is a friendly group. :-)[/QUOTE]

Lynn has had a course for a while. Mark B was down there when she built it. More are starting to pop up all over…

[kookicat]

That looks like fun! Wonderful horse!

[Lindsey-Rider]

Woop woop woop !!! FanTAStic ! I do cowboy challenges - so I know how what we saw in that video is indicative of how solid, good minded and well trained the horse is.

Love it !