NWHA National News March 2019 | Page 41

The Dixie Outlaws EXCA Club invites you to 2019 season series of exciting trail obstacle challenges. This year we are sponsoring a series of five trail obstacle events for riders of all ages and skill levels. Michael and Sherry Garman are co-founders of this Club. They participate in the NWHA Trail Events as well as the TRIP and CHIP Programs offered by NWHA. Michael and Sherry designed the Trail Obstacle Course for the 2018 Nationals held in Cordova, TN. Michael, who is 55, owns a 19 year old Tennessee Walker named Stonewall Siiver Dollar, aka Stoney and Sherry competed with a 14 year old Rocky Mountain – he is now retired. Stoney was inducted into the EXCA Hall of Fame in 2018 for his accomplishments within the organization. There are several riders who compete with Gaited horses in the EXCA and are very successful. Dennis Robinson who is also a founder of the Dixie Outlaws competes with his 19 year old Tennessee Walking Horse, Threats Dark Reflection, aka Cole. Dennis, who is 74, was inducted into the EXCA Hall of Fame in 2018 for all of his and Cole’s accomplishments within the organization. If these old guys can do it, you can too. If you have heard about this sport before and always wanted to try it but were intimidated by the competitors, we have created a NEW DIVISION. It is called the Give It A Try Division or GIAT. This Division is exclusively for newbies to the EXCA and you will only be competing against other newbies. This will give you a chance to dip your toe into the water and see how fun this competition is without the pressure. The series begins with the MEMPHIS SHOWDOWN at the Agricenter in Cordova, Tennessee, outside of Memphis on May 4 & 5, 2019. This trail obstacle challenge features two themed courses: Cinco de Mayo and Barrels of Fun. WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR THE MEMPHIS SHOWDOWN OR ONE OF THESE OTHER EVENTS: June 15 ILLINOIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Double M Campground Junction, IL JuNE 29 & 30 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Horsehead Equestrian Stables and Event Center Hartman, AR July 20 MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Double M Campground Junction, IL September 21 & 22 MISSISSIPPI MADNESS REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Tunica Arena and Event Center Tunica, MS these events have been sanctioned by the NWHA for year end points.