Shuswap Chapter has a lot of members! Over 70 in fact! Some are seasoned trail riders and horses, some new to the sport and some have had an incident that has made them or their horses fearful. So as in a Pony Club or 4H fashion we asked our experienced riders to help the other two categories. It worked splendidly.
It is amazing how much a horse actually needs to know to be a good trail horse!
The idea was launched by new members who offered their beautiful ranch at White Lake. Our Chapter Chair Sue helped to plan it and get the word out. The number of participants was limited due to safety, mentors, and parking.
There was a safe enclosed arena to start off in. All participants gathered in a circle with their horses to discuss some guidelines on preparing a horse for a successful trail ride: how a horse thinks and reacts, the herd mentality, the riders working as a team, how to be considerate and stay safe. As a warmup we discussed how to move the four parts of your horses body in six directions, so you have both mind and body working with you when out on the trail.
Then we started with groundwork in hand and progressed to the saddle. BCHBC Shuswap member and facility owner Bob, had built some amazing puzzles (also known as obstacles) to practice on.
We like to use the word “puzzles” because the word obstacles can be seen as an unachievable challenge, whereas a puzzle is something that can be solved. The words we use to describe something can determine the way we approach it emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Calmly navigating the noodles. Photo by Linda Buchanan
The word ‘obstacle” conjures up a mental and emotional concept of something that must be overcome, implying a confrontational approach, and creating the focus on the “obstacle.” The concept of a “puzzle,” however, is non confrontational, and implies a different mental, physical, and emotional approach in the solving process. The focus then is on the relationship between the horse and handler who then attempt to solve the puzzle together rather than the handler ”making ” the horse physically overcome the obstacle.
Our mentors (both on the ground and in the saddle) circulated and offered assistance and demonstration for those that wanted it.
The second step in getting your equine partner comfortable with bikes. Photo Linda Buchanan
There were volunteers to ride a bike so the horses could chase it to gain confidence, and a hiker with a large backpack and fishing pole wandering around the arena.
Our member hosts also offered to cook lunch for all participants. Bonus!
Most BCHBC events include LOTS of good food!
After lunch, back in the saddle. We practiced games in the arena like “Leap Frog,” “Circles” and “Ladders.” Horses and riders got comfortable with being passed and changing positions, leaving the group, and coming back. Those games were then continued out of the arena along a quiet road. Here is where some experienced, quiet trail riders and horses showed their value.
Next time, hopefully, we can advance to practice these things out on the trails through the ranch, where we can also encounter logs, water, mud, and COWS! We were proud of our members that came and stepped out of their comfort zone a little bit to participate. If you never step forward, you will always be in the same place.
Submitted by Rose Schroeder and Shuswap chapter.
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