With its roots planted firmly in the concept of horsemanship and partnership, Canadian Cowboy Challenge participants will be taking to the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds for a day of competition.
Slated to take over the grounds Sept. 14 at 10 a.m., local and visiting challengers will test their skills over a series of obstacles. The goal: to seamless negotiate through the challenge from atop their steed.
“Cochrane has been a home base for us and we wanted to showcase the great developing riders to the town,” said Danita Phelan, founder of the Canadian Cowboy Challenge and president of the association. “It’s our way of thanking Cochrane for the support.”
The obstacle course will consist of either eight or 13 tasks, ranging from crossing bridges and branding duties, to negotiating water obstacles and opening gates.
Essentially, Phelan said riders and horses are expected to complete the course seamlessly — the track should appear to be fun and the rider completely in control. As the divisions advance — there will be seven categories competing at the event — maintaining control as the riding speed increases will be tricky, she added.
“Everybody can do it, you don’t need a fancy horse,” said MacKenzie. “You just need a horse you have a rapport with.”
Entries will remain open until the start of the event and can be accessed online at canadiancowboychallenge.com. However, riders do need to be a member of the Canadian Cowboy Challenge. “It’s supposed to be based on trail riding and ranching activities, but speed is a factor,” said Judy MacKenzie, who will be competing in the event with her ranch horse, Casey. “But horsemanship is much more important.”
