Trainer Challenge
The East Coast Trainer
Challenge with a new twist:
Women Only!
Since time immemorial women and
horses have had a special relationship! Women make up the largest
percentage of horse industry participants so doesn't it make sense to highlight
some exceptional women trainers in this prestigious colt starting event?
Well, we've
done just that! This year's challenge includes three extraordinary
women trainers who will
demonstrate their remarkable talent as they gentle 3 young unstated horses in
the 1st All Women Trainer
Challenge.
We are honored to welcome the following exceptional
women trainers:
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Caroline Rider, Karen Scholl,
and Tara Jones
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Prizes for the
Trainer Challenge
are provided by
MOUNTAIN FEATHER ORIGINALS
and CIRCLE Y SADDLES.
Denise Banta of Mountain Feather Originals
will be creating special gifts for each participant. Examples of Denise's
beautiful art and be sure to visit her booth at the event to see more.
Circle Y Saddles will Donate a one of their
new saddles designed especially for Women to the winner of the Challenge. |
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The Trainers |
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Caroline Rider |
Karen Scholl |
Tara Jones |
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Caroline has spent her entire life around
horses, beginning with her first lesson at the age of 4. As a young girl she
showed and worked locally for a riding instructor while taking care of her
beloved, backyard equine Brandy. It was during this time that her view of being,
and working with horses began to shift, motivating her to seek a more harmonious
way in which to be with them and communicate her requests when training and
working. |
With a
background of almost 20 years teaching how to shape the behavior of horses using
equine psychology, Karen Scholl has developed a safe, fun and effective format
that has a special appeal for women. Horsemanship for Women addresses the
three most common issues many people experience when it comes to horses:
Establishing
leadership,
building confidence
and gaining mutual
trust with
horses.
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A native of
Pennsylvania, Tara Jones has ridden horses and ponies since she was a little
girl. In 2005 she graduated from Kenny Harlow’s year long certification program
where upon graduation she was hired as his assistant trainer, and teacher. Now
residing in Virginia. Tara spends her time starting young horses under
saddle, finding solutions for problem horses , and fine tuning upper level
horses. She is also a riding instructor for many different riding disciplines,
and all levels of riders. She is the creator of ‘Pieceful Solutions’ riding and
training system. Her strength lies in finding the missing pieces to the
puzzling aspects of training.
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The Competition
“Natural horsemanship” is a skill and an art and starting young horses is one of
the most effective ways to illustrate the many facets of natural horsemanship.
Join Equine Extravaganza for this exciting trainer challenge in which these
three regional champion trainers demonstrate their natural horsemanship skills
as they work with young horses to get them ready to accept a saddle and rider.
Trainers will be evaluated on their ability to advance the horses as far as the
horses’ individual capabilities will allow while keeping the horse calm,
attentive, and engaged.
See Schedule for times.
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Three Days
Each trainer will have a one-hour
training session with their horse each of the three days of the expo. Trainers
will work simultaneously and will be encouraged to explain the techniques used
and what challenges and changes they see in their horses. Following the third
session, trainers will bring their horses into the open arena for the final
exam. They will have 10 minutes to showcase progress made by taking their mount
through a course of obstacles. Each trainer will have time to discuss their
horse, the process and their techniques along the way.
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Three Untouched Horses
The trainers will work with 3 young, untouched horses
provided by
Virginia Sport Horses. These horses excel in disciplines that require
strength, stamina, athleticism, grace and versatility, making them excellent
choices for virtually any equestrian sport. You will see
Virginia Sport Horses showcased in the breed demos as field hunters,
jumpers, eventers, dressage mounts and general pleasure horses. The trainer
challenge horses will be available for purchase from Virginia Sport Horses.
Visit them in their exhibit booths in the Breed and Stallion Barn! |
The Judges
this year's judging team will be headed up by Colleen
Kelly and will include three previous Trainer Challenge contestants: Charles
Pellham, and Scott Purdum. Kenny Harlow, selected as one of the original judges,
has graciously withdrawn from the panel as his assistant trainer, Tara Jones,
was recently selected as the third participant. Kenny will be making a
guest appearance on the horse he trained in the Equine Extravaganza 2007 Trainer
Challenge.
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You Be the Judge!!
And you can help us decide! The audience is invited to
judge each session by texting their choice of the trainer who they feel
best exemplified the judging criteria. Emphasis is placed on the quality of
training that occurs. The audience and judges will be looking for enduring and
purposeful training skills and steady improvement in the horse.
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