ArizonaRealCountry.com 49 March 2018 You pick your days to compete - one, two or three days!! Boyd Ranch is a 160-acre equestrian center that has developed and continues to develop into a “world class” facility for most anything equestrian from campouts, to large trail ride groups, and is becoming a magnet for hosting mule events. Boyd Ranch has thousands of acres available to ride and yes, the Hassayampa River runs through the property. We are riding the dry washes and high plains. Bethany’s Gait is dedicated to “Rescuing Horses, Restoring Lives”. The programs offered by Bethany’s Gait were created specifically for active duty, reserve and veteran military personnel, first responders and their families. The Wild Rose Horse Obstacle Contests are all about being safe and having fun on the 6-mile trail with 6 obstacles while challenging yourself and improving/developing your skills and the connection with your horse. Wild Rose Horse Obstacle Contests offer an opportunity to show what your horse/pony/mule can accomplish on the trail when they reach an obstacle. Judges will be looking for soft gentle cues, the connection between horse and rider, horsemanship, precision, and a smooth flow through the obstacle as opposed to a quick jerky movement. Both horse and rider will be scored on a 1-10 scale with a maximum of 20 points per obstacle. The course is rated as easy. Shoes or boots recommended due to some rocky spots. There are three levels of difficulty for the obstacle trail contests on Day 2 and Day 3 - you decide which level suits you and your horse partner best. Once you select a level of difficulty - novice, intermediate or advanced - you will ride that level for the day. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Friday, March 16, 1:00 p.m. OBSTACLE RACE AT A WALK: Short course, gnarly, twisting obstacle race, (at a walk only), time added penalties for rule infractions such as breaking gait, off course, complaining about spotters or management. Cash prizes for top 3 place finishers. Limited to 30 riders, sign up now. Saturday, March 17, 8:30 a.m. 6 MILE SLOW AND FUN TRAIL/ OBSTACLE COURSE with 6 obstacles spaced along the scenic trail. Obstacles will be natural trail obstacles with a few kinks to challenge riders. Awards and potluck will follow competitions. Ribbons for 1st through 6th place. Limited to 50 riders, sign up now. Sunday, March 18 8:30 a.m. WE WILL USE THE SAME COURSE AS SATURDAY but a new set of obstacles will be in place to challenge riders. Awards will follow the competition. Limited to 50 riders, sign up now. For horse pens or bunkhouse (bring your own mattress) reservations, call Gary at 928-595-0428 or Carole@ 602-686-2435. Plenty of space for dry camping (no electric) with room for portable panels/electric wire pens. Large, new, clean, hot shower/restroom facility available for everyone. Large ramada with electric, bring a power cord for your crock pot for the St. Paddy’s Day Potluck on Saturday night. $20 cash prize. Pre-registration required on the Bethany’s Gait Ranch for Heroes website, Wild Rose Contests tab. https://www.bethanvsgait.org/ wild-rose-contests. This website lists all AZ rides on the schedule currently, with lots of events scheduled over the next several months. For questions on the trail call Gary @ 928-595-0428 BE SAFE - HAVE FUN - COMPETE. BOYD RANCH WILD ROSE Event Dates: March 16-18, 2018 100% of the proceeds benefit Boyd Ranch in Wickenburg, AZ and Bethany’s Gait in Prescott, AZ both 501©(3) organizations. Horse Obstacle Contests