36 / Sport and Trail Magazine
RIDE HOST MARY SUTHERLAND
Photography by Jason Brekke
Veteran ride host, Mary Sutherland, recently held yet another well attended ride at the Patterson Ranch in Star Valley / Payson, AZ.
teaching our horses and put those skills to a purpose. It simply made more sense to ask things of your horse, get him tuned in to you and have some fun and challenges, rather than just going down the trail with him hardly knowing you were up there.
All of us who ride “ETS”, Equine Trail Sports, have seen such huge changes in our horses and our fellow riders and their horses. There is such a variety of obstacles and ways to improve with every horse from picking up and handling things, backing, sidepassing, going forward over, under, or through things like logs, curtains, bridges and hills! Our “TC” Trail Challenges are about 5-8 miles with judged obstacles along the way. Our “OC” Obstacle Challenges can be in an arena or field. ETS has something for everyone! Three levels that you can PICK when you see the obstacle! No time clock ticking over your head, so no need to put additional pressure on your horse to hurry. Even if you don’t trail ride much yet, try an OC it’s a great way to get your horse out having fun and learning! We even have “In-hand” competitions!
When I first saw competitive obstacle events over 10 years ago, I knew it was something that fit right in with what I was doing and what I believed important with horses and their riders. We had always done "playdays" with obstacles, and I used obstacles often in my training program. It was a great way to challenge what we were been
"We were honored to host the Equine Trail Sports association. We were pleased with the training they offered as well as a fun day to compete & network with others in the equine community. This could be an annual event at our equine center!"
"We were honored to host the Equine Trail Sports association. We were pleased with the training they offered as well as a fun day to compete & network with others in the equine community. This could be an annual event at our equine center!"
"We were honored to host the Equine Trail Sports association. We were pleased with the training they offered as well as a fun day to compete & network with others in the equine community. This could be an annual event at our equine center!"
Marilyn Walker
Asbury University Equine Center
Wilmore, Kentucky
Left to right: Katrina Hruska, Fern
Tillman, Sharon Gustafson,
Loralee Wuertz, and Eddie
Christopher