much time pass
and then I would chicken out
because I would not be prepared. I needed a team of horsemen. I thought long and hard about what this should look like. It came to me in an instant; I should form a drill team. With my husband and I owning a trail riding facility, my weekends are swamped, which means that I needed to practice during the week.
I posted on Facebook that I wanted to start a drill team and PEOPLE SHOWED UP!
To make things even better, the women that showed up were almost all former rodeo queens! I couldn’t believe the line up! We formed the Country Tough Drill Team! Our first practice was absolutely wonderful except for JoJo. We couldn’t trot in a straight line, couldn’t trot all the way around the arena, couldn’t canter around the arena, and our stop took around 15’ to accomplish. Plus, the horses did not know what he was and why he was beside them!
If you are looking for a step by step answer for how to find motivation, there’s not a “catch all” answer. I am a people person and enjoy being on a team. In addition to improving my basic horse/mulemanship skills with the use of the drill team, I also took private lessons, competed in a few obstacle challenges, and even went cattle sorting. The way to feel more confident is to believe in your training. In order to persuade myself to train, I set a goal. It is sometimes easy to set a goal, but not easy to keep yourself from backing out later on. By having the team, I felt like I would be letting them down if I did not show up. Whatever you have to do to keep yourself from backing out; do it. You could prepay for a bundle of lessons, write your training time down in ink on your calendar, and make a promise to yourself to not cancel.
I am now the 2017 Benton County Rodeo Queen. Did I compete on him bridleless? Heck no! But I did ride him bridleless for two laps in the arena the night of the rodeo with one of my drill team teammates by my side and another one guarding the gate.
CONTINUED >
Country Tough Trail Versatility
CT2V-Versatility with a Twist
By Brandy Von Holten
When we say actual trail, we mean actual trail. There will not be any obstacles in the woods, except for the natural terrain with the trail itself being the objective. For example, you might have to back around a tree, walk over logs, go through a ditch crossing, go up a hill, or side pass from one tree to another.
Ranch horsemanship will consist of a pattern, with each division having one or two different patterns to help develop their horsemanship skills. Competitors will have the opportunity to learn and master the patterns prior to the competition.
The obstacle competition will consist of practical well-designed obstacles intended to create a trusting and healthy bond between equine and rider. A list of approved obstacles will be available for the hosts and competitors.
All equines are welcome, and you are allowed to compete on several different equines. Membership dues to CT2V will be waived for 2018. To keep competition affordable for families there will be one low cost for the entire weekend.
CT2V was developed by David and Brandy Von Holten of Von Holten Ranch in Mora, MO in conjunction with a board consisting of six competitors, clinicians, and judges ranging in ages and with a variety of backgrounds. Our goal was to create a solid association the entire family can enjoy and join us as we embark on our exciting new association.
CT2V is currently looking for hosts in your area. There are three competitions scheduled at Von Holten Ranch in July, August, and September. The 2018 National Country Tough Trail Versatility Championship is scheduled for October 12-14, 2018 at Von Holten Ranch. As a new association, you only have to attend one event to qualify or you will have the option to “buy in” if there is not an event hosted at least 150 miles from your home.
least 150 miles from your home.
CT2V divisions include Green Horn, Wrangler, Bronc Buster, Trail Boss, Youth, Futurity, and Buckaroo (Lead Line). There will also be a Schooling Division that is open to all levels of riders. You will receive a score and judge’s comments but will not be eligible for prizes.
For more information on CT2V visit our website:
Or contact Von Holten Ranch
at 660-668-0880 or email [email protected]
event to qualify or you will have the option to “buy in” if there is not an event hosted at least 150 miles from your home.
Karen Peck
Brandy Von Holten
Country Tough Trail Versatility (CT2V) is a new competition association that focuses on the versatility of a solid trail horse that we recognize as a valuable part of our lives. There are three components to CT2V; actual trail, ranch horsemanship, and obstacles.