Popularity of the Extreme Cowboy Association and the American Competitive Trail Horse Association

There has been a fast rise in popularity for the Extreme Cowboy Association (ECA) and the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA).

The ECA, founded by Craig Cameron, is healthy competition centered around all around horsemanship and riders are evaluated on their ability to negotiate obstacles or accomplish tasks associated with working cowboys.

Some of the obstacles or tasks may be opening and closing a gate on horseback; roping and dragging a barrel or just plain dragging a log; loping in a circle and executing lead changes on a figure 8 path; and other similar obstacles. Riders are judged partially on time but I think the focus is on how well the rider rides judging by how well his or her horse responds to subtle cues on loose reins. Some of the harder tasks for some people may be firing a Single Action Army revolver (using blank ammunition of course) at balloons or entering into a round pen and roping a loose horse.

There are categories for different skill levels. Competitions are conducted across the country and sometimes shown on RFD TV. Some of the competitions are conducted in covered arenas and others are ran in open fields or otherwise seemingly take up 5 or so acres of land.

For more information please go to: http://www.extremecowboyassociation.com and you can see some sample obstacles.

Another competition rapidly gaining popularity is the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. I have previously written about it HERE. For more information please go to: http://www.actha.us/

One reason these competitions are gaining popularity are that they have remained focused on the horses, good manners and better riding. As with competitive ventures in other areas of riding, and certainly in activities outside of riding, such as the shooting sports, winning seems to take over the original reason that competition was founded. Competition has the benefit of expanding our knowledge and increasing our ability to perform at higher levels, and, has brought innovation to many activities, however you have to remain vigilant for people who are consumed by winning and who's ethics are often set aside for that purpose. Seen more of my share of people, who call themselves horsemen, who blame their horses for their failures and do not begin to adequately treat their horses with respect.

By far the best result of events like the ECA and ACTHA are that they allow horse people to gather and test the relationship between them and their horses. Trail riding or learning to tackle obstacles and tasks in the ECA competitions make a good horse better be it for Western or English Show riding, Team Penning, Hunter Jumper events, Team Roping and the host of others that a multitude of riders compete in each week....plus it allows us to judge our progress with our horses.

I recommend checking out the websites and exploring the value of competing in such competitions. Safe Journey.