GREAT AMERICAN TRAIL HORSE FESTIVAL
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I first saw a horse obstacle competition at a horse expo in Springfield, Mo, a few years ago. I thought it looked so fun, but I had no idea where to even start looking into competitions, let alone getting my horse to do the obstacles. At that same expo, I watched a mini clinic done by a horseman named Tim Brock, which illustrated building confidence and getting through obstacles. A year or so after seeing that obstacle introduction, I decided to attend a weekend clinic with Tim Brock at BC Stables and Training Center. That clinic provided so many horsemanship foundations, that throughout all my years of riding, I had not learned. It might have even been the turning point in my horsemanship attitude. Since then, I have attended another one of his clinics, and enjoyed learning from his mini clinics at horse expos.
I stumbled across Von Holten Ranch on Facebook this past summer, and noticed that they hosted obstacle competitions, and were located just a couple of hours from our house. They just so happened to have a novice trail competition on the upcoming weekend. My oldest son and I rode in the competition, and loved it. After which, I spoke with Brandy Von Holten about how I would love to do more obstacle competitions, but I had no idea where to even start. Brandy pointed me in the direction of ACTHA, and she has been a huge help and guide in getting me started.
I attended my first ACTHA event in October of this year, at Von Holten Ranch, and absolutely loved it. I did surprisingly well, and was hooked. I then, nervously, registered to ride in the Great American Trail Horse Festival in November. I must admit, I was pretty intimidated to attend such a large event, and be on a horse in front of such amazing horsemen, especially in a competition where I am very new. At the awards ceremony on Friday, when placing’s were being called out, I was not expecting anything. In fact, my husband had asked me, “So, what prizes do you have your eye on?” I responded, “Ahh, I don’t expect to be up there.”
Taressa enjoyed meeting 2 Star Parelli Instructor, Nancy Slater and horseman and poet, Guy McLean, during the festival
Taressa May Rankin, Overall High Point Winner of the Great American Trail Horse Festival
More festival stories on page 22
Photo by Rein Photography
Photo by Rein Photography