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Santa Cruz County Horsemen's Association SCCHA
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Krista and Dave were Obstacle Judges At Obstacle #13 (the LAST) |
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Jo riding Spotted Saddle Horse, Misty Syd riding Mustang, Mystic Donna riding Sunny isn't shown All rode in the Senior Novice Division |
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Classes included: Divisions were: The day started out cool and gray: perfect for a long ride in the woods. |
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The course of 13 Obstacles had been laid out and approved by the CSHA. Before any competitors reach each obstacle, the Ride Manager and Senior Judge make one last tour of the course, checking flags, answering any judges' questions, and generally insuring that the course is as clear as possible. This event provides a couple of unusual
Classes, for reduced fees: |
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Jo riding Misty approaching Obstacle
#13 Beamer is as quiet as could be while Carrie signs the clipboard at Obstacle #13.
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Syd riding Mystic at Obstacle #13: Mystic seems pretty unperturbed by the hanging clipboard. |
The Obstacles At the Novice and Intermediate levels,
Obstacle #13 involves approaching a low-hanging clipboard in the path.
The rider must approach the clipboard, At the Advanced level, the clipboard is swinging in the 'wind'. Judging considers how quietly the horse approaches the obstacle and allows the rider to pick up the clipboard and sign their name to it. All four From Start to Foundation horses were able to trust their riders' instruction and approach quietly. |
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This years event included opening the arena gate, walking past a menagerie of monster animals, crossing and re-crossing the river, dismounting onto a log and leading your horse around it, tying a prescribed slip knot and picking out a foot, and approaching, opening, and closing a cooler, riding through a swarm of 'bees', backing up and turning, riding down hill, riding thought a group of 'pedestrians', dealing with a slicker, and taking your horse's pulse and respiration. All obstacles are meant to be something you might actually come across on a trail ride, and no totally artificial obstacles are allowed. The horses must overcome their fears, but safety is a primary concern, and riders can always pass on any given obstacle. |
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River Crossing |
Wild Animals |
Open and Close Gate |
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Some of the many Volunteers |
Debra, Trail Trials Chair |
Mardi, Scoring |
| Krista@FromStartToFoundation.com |
831-588-6214
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1425
San Marcos Rd. Paso Robles, CA 93446
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