Last Sunday, my horse and I participated in the second annual Maine Quarter Horse Association Trail Trials at Sable Oak Equestrian Center in Brunswick.
After spending most of the summer on a ranch in eastern Oregon, I wasn't sure that the horse I left here in Maine would be ready. I had only been back on him less than a week. I inquired about the competition, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was a "low key" day, where riders could come and participate in a course that would be judged, but not timed.
The primary goal of this event was to get out and expose your horse to new things, challenges, meet others, but most importantly to have FUN!
Well, that is just what Tobasco and I did - we had fun! John and Sherrye Trafton, along with a host of judges, and volunteers greeted us with enthusiasm.
We were given a map of the four different outside course trails, along with a card that told us what color trail to start on first, and when our turn would be in the indoor and outdoor arenas.
The event was great fun - so the primary objective was met.
Tobasco and I discovered some areas that we need a little bit of work on - another goal met. We met new faces and chatted about a common passion - riding horses!
The trails that we rode on were well-maintained. The obstacles and maneuvers that we were asked to do were well-thought out. In adding to the most important goal - to have fun - you didn't lose points if you needed to pass on a maneuver, or an obstacle that your horse refused to try, you just didn't gain any points.
There was nothing negative about the entire day. Tobasco and I really enjoyed working together, even when he wasn't sure what we should be doing, he tried his best, and we worked as a tea
m! I am glad that we participated in the event. I’ll look forward to going again next year - and may even try it on a colt, just for added adventure!