2023 9th Annual Functional Horsemanship Arena Challenge Results

We concluded the 9th Annual Functional Horsemanship Arena Challenge with the smallest number of riders to date with 17 Entries across the four competitive divisions of Stockhorse, Open, Intermediate and Novice. Four people pulled prior   to the competition due to injuries/sickness and five riders did not show. Despite the small turnout, the day went on without a hitch, the higher than normal temperatures for this time of year and solar eclipse weren't much of a factor. When it was all said and done the division winners were: Stockhorse - Debby Hale (pictured above right); Open - LuAnne Benally; Intermediate - Gena Blankenship; and Novice - Mark Schleicher. The Horsemanship Award, which I think is the highest award, voted on by competitors and judges, went to Mikayla Loveland, a first time competitor at this event. That's Mikayla below backing straight through an open gate, and yes, her horse is that big, over 17 hands.

Final placement and scores in each division were:

Stockhorse: Debby Hale 620; Don Carpenter 577; LuAnne Benally 567; Jessica Bailey 537; Mark Schleicher (riding two different horses) scored 463 and 445

Open: LuAnne Benally 601; Erin Weich 587

Intermediate: Gena Blankenship 534; Marianne Bailey 525; and Nikol Endres 446

Novice: Mark Schleicher 277; Dan Bailey 240; Mikalya Loveland 223; Jessica Bailey 219; Edith Deleski 196; and Shelly Clark 161

To keep tasking the riders with new skills, several new requirements were added for this year's challenge in the Stockhorse division including a hip shot, scoop loop and tying knots requirements. The Stockhorse division is heavy with rope skills as the riders also had to throw a head shot, trap shot, rope a barrel and trot around it stacking coils, and trot off pulling a heavy log. The three knots each rider had to tie were a clove hitch with one piece of rope, a bowline with a second piece of rope, then tie both ropes together with a double sheet bend. Jessica Bailey was the only rider to tie all three knots correctly. LuAnne Benally is shown below tying her knots.

The Open division harder tasks were riding the trot in tight circles and a 50 foot serpentine backup. Open, Intermediate and Novice were also tasked with a dismount and remaining in a box while backing their horse up with a soft feel. L shaped and straight side passing, 360 and 180 degree turn on the hocks, navigating a cowboy (rope) curtin, opening and closing gates were some of the other tasks riders and their horses had to perform. Mark Schleicher shown below negotiating the gate.

After the conclusion of the competition, a lunch of street tacos, rice, corn, beans and peach cobbler was served then the awards ceremony. In addition to a plaque and ribbon for each division winner, as well as a trip to the well stocked prize table, the Stockhorse winner received $200 in Starr Western Wear gift cards; the Open winner received a $100 Boot Barn gift card and a sterling silver ribbon pendent with turqiouse and silver necklace made and donated by jewrely maker Tami Rafoul of San Antonio. The Intermediate division winner received a $100 Boot Barn gift card. The Horsemanship Award winner received a Painted Pony statute as well as a $100 Starr Western Wear and $100 Boot Barn gift card. This year we gave Vicky Maly of VCM Equine Services a sterling silver horse head pendant and silver chain, also made and donated by Tami Rafoul, for her lifelong commitment to the greater El Paso horse community.

2023 9th Annual Functional Horsemanship Arena Challenge

Our annual Arena Challenge, the 9th year in a row, will be held 14 October 2023. This event is a little unique in horse competition for non-Pro riders as       we try to blend different facets of multiple disciplines into an event where all riders can ride   and compete be they Cowboys, Dressage riders, Eventers, Team Ropers, Trail riders, and yes even Barrel Racers can compete on an even of a playing field as I can make it. Although the former has to keep their yippy dogs home. Sorry, I kind of always make the joke.  No offense to Barrel Racers!

My objective in this annual event, other than for competitors to have a safe and fun event, is to promote horsemanship and the desire to increase knowledge and abilities. The focus on horsemanship is paramount. I try to design each competitive division (Stockhorse, Open, Intermediate and Novice) course as a safe but doable challenge the horse and rider. Each course is a combination of basic, intermediate or advanced maneuvers and obstacles as appropriate to the competitive division. Common maneuvers and obstacles that have been used in the past and may be used this year include: turn on the hocks; turn on the forehand; backing straight; backing in a serpentine; backing in an L shape; backing in a circle; trot through serpentine cones, move bending through switchback vertical poles; crossing a bridge; trot around a short circle using the Garrocha pole; trotting tight figures 8's; go through a cowboy curtain; retrieve ball from bucket and place on cone; open/close a gate; cross a tarp; retrieve and put on a slicker; dismount/remount; ground tying; backing a horse in hand; trailer loading; crossing ground poles; leg yield; shoulders in; transition from slow walk to fast walk; transition from slow trot to faster trot; canter departures on designated lead; simple lead changes; walk to trot transitions; trot departure to a canter transition; side passing straight; side passing in L shape; and side passing with front feet on platform; and blind folding a horse and leading on ground are just representative of some of the tasks that a competitor may see.

I use some the same tasks over several years in a row to stress certain performance. One year the riders were required to dismount, stand in a box and back their horses using just a feel on their reins or get  down rope, then drop their reins/lead and walk away to demonstrate their horse ground tying. The next  year the same was required and an observer could   see who worked on it and who did not. Another task was draping a towel over their horse's head and leading their horse blindfolded, such as bringing a horse through the smoke of a fire or out of a burning barn.  

Photo at above right is Paola Talamas, who won the Horsemanship Award in the 2022 Challenge trotting her horse over the cloverleaf obstacles on a nice loose rein.  

It can be challenging for a working cowboy to have to cross an arena on a leg yield or a shoulder's in maneuver. Likewise, when a Dressage competitor has to draw a   slicker off the fence and put in on, or, open and close a gate, may be challenging as well. Some may find an 8 foot turn around box hard to do on their horse with forward momentum, and yet others crossing a long narrow bridge difficult. A canter departure on a given lead will be easy for some, while others may find backing their horse in a circle or a serpentine is something they may need to practice.  Photo above is Celeste Hudgens who ran away with the Open division honors.  

In the Stockhorse division rider’s will be required to throw several loops on roping dummies and perform other roping and ranch horse related tasks. Most rider's in this division can throw head shots and heel trap loops - it's their stock in trade for Cowboys and Team Ropers. But I'll ask them to something different like throwing a loop to their off side and pivot their horse underneath the loop facing up on the roping dummy. Stockhorse competitors may al.so have work their horses on a Pro Cutter flag.  Other tasks may include dragging a heavy log; throw a loop around a barrel and trot around the barrel feeding out their slack and wrapping it around the barrel; and, trailer load their horse. Photo above is Don Carpenter, a retired rancher from Arizona and competitive team roper, who has previously won Stockhorse Division in past years.

We like to stress that the rider is really evaluating 

him or herself and not competing. In fact, it's nice 

to see someone complete their run and tell tips to others yet to compete. And in the lead up to the 

Arena Challenge, I'll out on several weekend clinics for registered competitors. These clinics are not practice for the Challenge, but are really problem solving sessions, working on getting horses softer 

and handier. I try to limit entries to this Challenge 

to 28 and usualy have 8-10 people on a list in case 

a competitor drops out at the last moment to open 

up a slot.

We are thankful for the great support in the past from many companies. Notable supporters for past Arena Challenges include the Cashel Company, Covenant Special Projects, Tractor Supply Company, Animal Health International, VCM Equine Management, Starr Western Wear, The Edge Equine Co., Camel-Bak and Hoof Wraps. When the awards ceremony has ended and everyone has been fed lunch and collected awards and prizes, I'd like to think that each and every competitor believes they value for themself and their horse when competing this event. 

2021 Functional Horsemanship Arena Challenge Results

This past Saturday, 2 October 2021, we concluded the 7th Annual Functional Horsemanship Arena Challenge here at the Red Bird and the results were Don Carpenter winning the Stockhorse division (photo of Don below and yes he is a big man capable of one man doctoring on Grizzlys); Robin Lackey winning the Open division; Jessica Bailey won the Intermediate division; and Nikol Endres won Novice.

I won't go into all the tasks and obstacles per competitive division, but in the Stockhorse Division rider's had to open and close a gate; track a Pro Cutter flag and perform roll backs, turn then show they could control the front end of the horse by cutting on the flag as if they were blocking a gate. There were four throws on roping dummies - the obligatory head and heel shots as well as off side head loop and facing up on orse back. I also had them build and throws loops while up against the arena fence to see how good their rope management was. The Stockhorse rider's had to throw a loop over a barrel and trot around the barrel feeding out their loop and coiling it around the barrelthe rider's had to trot forty feet dragging the log. Photo below of Lewis Martin tracking the Pro Cutter flag.

Gena Blankenship won the coveted Horsemanship Award. In addition to his plaque, ribbon and trip to the prize table, Don Carpenter received a $250 Starr Western Wear gift card donated by Tom and Valerie Buchino of Covenant Special Projects, and a custom Horseman's knife and sheath from Cow Camp Supply. Robin Lackey in addition to her plaque, ribbon and prize table trip, received a $50 gift card. Gena Blankenship also received a $50 gift card in addition to her Horsemanship statute (photo of Gena below).

Full results are: Stockhorse - Don Carpenter, Gena Blankenship, Erin Weich, LuAnne Santiago, Jesica Bailey, Travis Reed, Lewis Martin and Mark Schleicher. Open - Robin Lackey and LuAnne Santiago. Intermediate - Jessica Bailey, Gena Blankenship, Marianne Bailey, Eric Weich, Joyce Getrost and Kay Lee. Novice - Nikol Endres, Abigail Means, Mark Schleicher, Dan Bailey and Edith Deleski. And lastly, Dan Bailey won the best mustache contest, but only because Miss Bertha from Tularosa did not enter this year.

Special thanks to Tom and Valerie Buchino of Covenant Special Projects for their generosity in supporting the Stockhorse division and Sara Tyree for being the guest judge again this year. And last but not least thanks to the vendors who support this event - Cashel Company, Eclectic Horseman, Animal Health International and Tractor Supply Company.

2020 6th Annual Functional Horsemanship Arena Challenge

I am putting on our annual Arena Challenge, the 6th year in a row, on 3 October 2020.  I'd like to think this event is a little unique in the horse competition world for non-Pro riders as I try to blend different facets of multiple disciplines into an event where Cowboys, Dressage riders, Eventers, Team Ropers, Trail riders and yes even Barrel Racers can compete on an even playing field. Barrel Racers are asked to leave their yippy dogs at home! Okay you barrel racers - no offense. Those comments are meant for a certain barrel racer and I know she'll get a laugh. 

It's kind of challenging for a working cowboy to have to cross an arena on a leg yield or move their horse on a shoulders in maneuver. Likewise, when a Dressage competitor has to draw a slicker off the fence and put in on, or, open and close a gate, it may be challenging. Some may find a 8 foot turn around box hard to do on their horse with forward momentum, and yet others crossing a long narrow bridge difficult. A canter departure on a given lead will be easy for some, while others may find backing their horse in a circle is something they may need to practice.

My objective in this annual event, other than to have a safe event, is to promote horsemanship and the desire to increase one's knowledge and abilities. I use some the same tasks over several years in a row to stress certain performance. One year the rider's were required to dismount, stand in a box and back their horses using just a feel on their reins or get down rope, then drop their reins/lead and walk away to demonstrate their horse ground tying. The next year the same was required and an observer could see who worked on it and who did not. Another task was draping a towel over their horse's head and leading their horse blindfolded, such as taking a horse through the smoke of a fire in a burning barn.

Additionally, the focus on horsemanship is paramount. I try to design each competitive division course as safely doable yet challenge the horse and rider. Each course is a combination of basic, intermediate or advanced maneuvers and obstacles as appropriate to the competitive division.

Common maneuvers and obstacles that have been used in the past and may be used this year include: turn on the hocks; turn on the forehand; backing straight; backing in a serpentine; backing in an L shape; backing in a circle; trot through serpentine cones, move bending through vertical poles; crossing a bridge; go through a cowboy curtain; retrieve ball from bucket and place on cone; open/close a gate; cross a tarp; retrieve and put on a slicker; dismount/remount; ground tying; backing a horse in hand; trailer loading; crossing ground poles; leg yield; shoulders in; transition from slow walk to fast walk; transition from slow trot to faster trot; canter departures on designated lead; simple lead changes; walk to trot transitions; trot departure to a canter transition; side passing straight; side passing in L shape; and side passing with front feet on platform; and blind fold horse and lead on ground to name some that a competitor may see.

In the Stockhorse division rider’s will be required to throw several loops on roping dummies and perform other roping and ranch horse related tasks. Most rider's in this division can throw head shots and heel trap loops - it's their stock in trade for Cowboys and Team Ropers. But I'll ask them to something different as well such as throw a loop to their off side and pivot their horse underneath the loop. Stockhorse competitors may also work their horses on a Pro Cutter flag; Drag a heavy log; throw a loop around a barrel and trot around the barrel feeding out their slack and wrapping it around the barrel; and, trailer load their horse.

We are thankful for the great support in the past from many companies. Notable supporters for this year's Arena Challenge includes Cashel Company and Starr Western Wear. Eclectic Horseman donated a box of magazines. When the awards ceremony has ended with everyone has been fed lunch, competitors have collected awards and prizes much more than their entry fee thanks to all the supporting vendors which I'll list when I post the results in October.

2019 5th Annual Functional Horsemanship Arena Challenge Results

On 5 October 2019 we finished the 5th Annual Arena Challenge. West Texas had received quite a bit of rain in the weeks and day before the event, but we were blessed with clear skies, a light wind and 85 degree temperatures to see riders compete in the four divisions of Stock Horse, Open, Intermediate and Novice. Riders entered the arena and executed horsemanship tasks and negotiated obstacles while being evaluated by two judges with diverse horsemanship backgrounds - Martha Diaz, a noted Dressage competitor and instructor, who combined with Sara Tyree, a Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA) judge and horse trainer, to evaluate each rider.

My goal for this annual event is to promote horsemanship and motivate competitors to never stop learning, and I try do that by putting some tasks and obstacles together that will challenge them. Such as small box turnarounds, tight switchback turns around upright poles, barrel patterns and other riding that requires the rider to get and maintain a good bend to their horse.

I also intend for this annual competition to allow rider's across disciplines to compete equally, build respect across disciplines and share horsemanship by demonstrating what do they do and how they handle their horses. It is eye opening when a Dressage rider say's "what do you mean when I have to ground tie my horse, or back him up with the reins while standing in a box?" Or when a Pleasure or Trail rider states that they "don't know what leg yield or shoulder's in movement is." And even when a Team Roper say's "Backing in a circle? Why in the world would I want to back my horses in a circle?"

Most years I include tasks from competition the year before that rider's had trouble with as well as trying to introduce new things. This year I had the rider's dismount at the end of their run, blindfold their horse and lead out. I do not have a time limit on tasks or obstacle, as it doesn't do a horse any good to attempt sometime for 60 seconds then have to move on without success. Really just teaching them that they can or should avoid things that initially bother them. Not allowing the time for the horse and rider to sort it out doesn't help them developing their thinking and build their confidence. So we give as much time to the horse and rider as they rider needs.

With the blindfold tasks this paid off as several or even most of the horses had trouble with a shirt being draped over their head blocking their vision, but with the rider letting the horse know they were there and not putting pressure on the horse until they were ready, almost all the horses ended up leading out after just a bit of sacking out. I got onto the blindfold thing when I was stuck in a grazing unit when a hail storm hit. I ended up taking my shirt off and covering my horse's head to minimize the effect of the hail hitting him, until the storm abated. Blindfold's have use when moving horse's through fire and smoke such as a barn on fire or evacuating for a wildlands fire.

One task that I almost always include is lead departures but this year I had the rider's announce what lead they intended on departing on. As they rode to the end of the arena, the turned then executed a shoulder in movement halfway back before transitioning to a leg yield (forward momentum with lateral movement) around a barrel.

This year in the stockhorse division I added a task that required the rider to throw a long, flat loop around and barrel and trot their horse around the barrel feeding out their rope, stopping, reversing and trotting around the barrel while they re-coiled their rope. Sometimes you get a loop on a calf and need to give him slack as he moves, especially if he's moving on his own accord closer to the branding fire or spot where you doctoring the calves. This was the first time many performed a rope management type drill and several told me they were going to practice it as they saw the usefulness of it.

This article wouldn't be complete without mentioning the winners, so when final scores were tallied, the results were:

Stock Horse Division: 1st Place - LuAnne Santiago (Chaparral, NM); 2nd Place - Laurie Esparza (Socorro, TX); and 3rd Place - Jessica Bailey (Chaparral, NM).

Open Division: 1st Place - Robin Lackey (Las Cruces, NM); 2nd Place - Lauie Esparza (Socorro, TX); and 3rd Place - LuAnne Santiago (Chaparral, NM).

Intermediate Division: 1st Place - Marianne Bailey (Chaparral, NM); Kay Lee (Las Cruces, NM); and 3rd Place - Jessica Bailey (Chaparral, NM).

Novice Division: 1st Place - Joyce Getrost (Las Cruces, NM); 2nd Place - Jessica Bailey (Chaparral, NM); and 3rd Place - Mark Schleicher (Carr, CO).

The Horsemanship Award, voted on by the competitors and the judges was won by Debby Hale of Deer Mountain, Texas.



The prize table was again robust and it wouldn't have been so without generous support from our major sponsors: Cashel Company (Cindy Lang); Starr Western Wear (Edie Zuvanich); Spokane Traffic Control (Tammy and Mike Beggs); Animal Health International (Adrian Morales); Tractor Supply Company (Ben Lucas); Linda Seeds Tack and Repair; and VCM Equine Management.

We also thank Claudia Lukason, owner of The Edge Equine Solutions and lifetime barrel racer, who was on hand to donate several Mineral Lick Tubs and provide Magna-Wave treatment on 4 horses and several humans. Claudia has an uncanny ability to find a problem spot on a horse very quickly, let the owner know what she thinks is going on and treating that issue with her Magna-Wave therapeutic unit.