Versatility Challenge Course

The Versatility Challenge Trail Course

We will begin hosting Training Days on Sunday, March 22, 2009 from 1pm to around 5 or 5:30

The series will continue on April 5th and 19th then on May 3rd and 17th at the same times.

Always Call Before You Haul 903-945-3293

There will be a message each week on our machine by 8am whether or not we will be able to ride.

Please do not bring dogs or other pets to Honey Ridge Farm. While some horses accept dogs, others do not and they can represent a significant danger to other riders.

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In Feburary of 2008, we began hosting Training Days here at the farm. This spring we are going to open the course every other Sunday, weather permitting, to give more riders the opportunity to enjoy the course. This in not a clinic, but an opportunity for riders to train and work with thier horse on the obstacle course. Riders are able to concentrate on specific obstacles or they can run the "Circut" and hit all of the challenges the course has to offer. We add to and re-arrange the course regularly, so there is always something new to see and do. At the end of the day, we offer riders the challenge of riding in a judged run over selected obstacles that will test a riders overall riding and horsemanship skills.

We will get started on Sundays at 1:00pm and wind things up about 5:30. The cost is $25.00. Negative Coggins is required and will be checked during registration. You can plan to arrive as early as 12:00 noon to get tacked up and warm up your horse. Consessions are not avaliable, so load up some groceries before you head out. The Training Days often fill quickly and we can only take a limited number of riders, so get your reservation in early and come have some fun.

About the Course

The course has a mix of over 30 different obstalces that test your horse and your horsemanship. We use the course for competitions and as a training tool to expose both horse and rider to situations and obstacles that they may encounter on the trail, working out on the ranch, or in the arena at a horse show (plus a few that you may never see anywhere else). We have elements on the course that will challenge and entertain riders from all equine disciplines and skill levels.

The course can be set up with a varity of different challenges to address the specific interests of a rider or a horse's training needs. We have found the course especially useful in getting horses to be more willing, more confident and less spooky.

Here is a typical course that we may use for general training or competition:

This course setup has elements that allow the horse and rider to really turn it loose and run in some places and others that reqiure precision control and communication. Some of the skills tested in this configuration are:
    * Jumping small jumps
    * Sidepassing
    * Opening and Closing Gates while mounted
    * Water and Bridge crossings
    * Trailer Loading
    * Backing up and Down inclines
    * Negotiating deadfall
    * Ground tying and many others...

This is a really fun way to spend time with your horse in a natural environment and hone some riding skills at the same time.

Come on Out and Ride with Us...

You will have a great time!

Here are a few pictures of some riders out on the course.

The Big Drop Off Water Crossing

Loping over the logs Through the Pond

Weaving the trees 360 degree turn around

Up the Little Drop Off Back down the Little Drop Off

All the Way Down! WoHoo!