Canadian Cowboy Challenge Association activities are seeing increased interest in the County of Wetaskiwin.
The Lakedell Agricultural Society held a challenge last June and are planning on holding a double-header event on June 11 and 12, 2016.
“We welcome all people,” said Lakedell Agricultural Society challenge co-ordinator Janet Goltz.
The Canadian Cowboy Challenge Association started three years ago and combines trail obstacles with horsemanship to create a bond between horse and rider. “What we’re trying to promote is building trust and partnership with your horse,” said Goltz.
Along with actual scored challenges the Lakedell Agricultural Society held play practice sessions for the participants. “We went all summer,” said Goltz.
“We had a lot of feedback there’s nothing in the winter,” she added.
The Lakedell Agricultural Society indoor arena is now rented once a month for play days where riders can practice in a no pressure environment. Goltz says the riders can get help if they want, if they’re ready. “We find people start to feel pressure before they’re ready.”
News of the play days spread mainly by social media and word of mouth and each session is seeing between 25 and 25 participants. “We get some of the same and we get lots of new people at each one,” said Goltz.
In the summer Goltz says the play days will continue at her and her husband’s house.