The First All Women East Coast Trainer Challenge Contestants Chosen
Submitted by: Equine Extravaganza
Phone:
Date Added: 8/4/2010
Equine Extravaganza's East Coast Trainer Challenge colt starting competition has become a much anticipated and central theme of the Equine Extravaganza. It returns in 2010, the weekend of October 29th-31st, with a twist; the competition will feature three women trainers for the first All Women Trainer's Challenge.
Caroline Rider, Karen Scholl, and Tara Jones have been selected to compete in this challenging natural horsemanship event. These three outstanding competitors will reveal their own unique approach to colt starting, offering their audience an educational and entertaining experience.
Each contestant will work with an unstarted horse for an hour each day. The trainers will be judged on their effective use of natural horsemanship methods as they prepare the young horse for their first ride. Throughout their training sessions each trainer will be encouraged to explain their techniques, including the whys-and-hows of their approach.
Event organizer, Vicki O'Hara, is excited about adding this new facet to this year's Challenge. "I'm delighted that we're able to hold the first All Women Trainer Challenge," said O'Hara. "It adds a new dimension to an already great competition. It should prove very inspiring to see three accomplished women trainers have the opportunity to showcase their talent in an area that has been traditionally dominated by men."
Throughout the three days of competition the audience will have an opportunity to vote each day for the trainer they believe has shown the best use of natural horsemanship. The culmination of the event occurs on Sunday when each trainer will take their horse through an obstacle course to demonstrate the progress made during the three days of training.
Each of the three trainers has expressed their excitement at being included in this prestigious event. "I feel honored to be invited to participate in the All-Women Trainer Challenge," said Karen Scholl. "Giving a young horse a positive first impression of their interactions with humans is truly one of my favorite experiences! Having a group of fine horse professionals to compete with, an enthusiastic audience, and an environment of mutual respect and support is something I'm looking forward to. This will be quite a memorable event!"
"I am so honored to be one of the three women competing this year at Equine Extravaganza's 1st Women Trainer Challenge! Starting young horses and creating a foundation based upon acceptance, trust and consensual partnership is foremost to our training approach here at Rider Horsemanship, Inc. I am truly honored and excited to be able to present in front of so many people!" said contestant, Caroline Rider.
Contestant, Tara Jones said, "This is an honor to be selected to compete in the all women trainer challenge. This opportunity is amazing. It allows me to showcase what I love to do. This is definitely not going to be an easy challenge, but a challenge that I will be ready for. No matter what the outcome, I have already won just by being able to participate."
The competition will be judged by a talented panel of horse professionals including head judge Colleen Kelly, and previous Trainer Challenge veterans Scott Purdum and Charles Pelham. Kenny Harlow, a member of the original judging panel, has graciously chosen to relinquish his judging position since his assistant trainer, Tara Jones, has been selected for the competition. Kenny will present clinics and demonstrations throughout the weekend and make a guest appearance during the competition on the horse he trained in the 2007 Equine Extravaganza® Trainer Challenge. Tom Seay of Best of America by Horseback will be the event moderator. Horses will once again be provided by Virginia Sport Horses.
The Equine Extravaganza® is an absolute must attend for the horse owner, horse lover, or even the casual horse enthusiast, and now for dog lovers, as well! There is truly something for everyone!
Hours
Friday: 9:00 AM-7:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM-7:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Daily Admissions
Adults: $15, Children 6-11: $5, Children 5 and Under: Free
Special "Giving Back" revenue program for non-profit clubs and associations.
Additional information on Equine Extravaganza® can be obtained at www.equineextravaganza.com or by calling 410.349.9333.
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About Equine Extravaganza
Equine Extravaganza®, a production of Maryland-based Moonlark, Inc., is a comprehensive, all-breed, all-discipline horse and dog expo, and is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. The sixth annual event will be held October 29-31, 2010, at The Meadow Event Park, Doswell, Virginia, and will feature hundreds of the country's top equine vendors, sponsors, clinicians, performers, and professionals.
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