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.
