Horses and riders learning to work together
By Pam Deck
For centuries, horses and their riders have learned to work together. It’s both an art and a science. And yes, people who love their horses, not only learn how to care for them physically, but how to “play” with them as well. They learn to understand the subtleties of good communication. They know the difference between calm willingness and stressful resentment. In Equestrian Play, the riders develop skills in moving their horses willingly through often unwilling areas. They learn to “have a good seat” on the animal, to practice correct posture so the horse can trust their moves and become more confident in his/hers. In Trail, you learn fluidity, pattern and how to navigate through difficult areas. In Gymkhana, riders prepare for competitions.
Long-time resident of Gilpin County and horse advocate, Krystal Meyer, set up a competition on Saturday at the County Fairgrounds. There were about 12 participants working with these lovely creatures. They competed in Trail, Equitation, Horsemanship, Poles, Barrels, Keyholes, and Speed Ball. Western Trail sets up obstacles for the horses to maneuver. They had to turn and twist backward, forward and all around. They go over logs, wooden bridges and cones. Krystal said this prepares the horses and their riders for various types of terrain that may be met while riding a trail. They also did Western and English Equitation which demonstrates how the rider sits in the saddle with proper form and stance. They had barrel racing and speedball where the rider has to put a ball in a bucket while they race. All these competitions show agility, balance, and fluidity while riding. The riders appreciated the experience and feedback they received in improving their riding and horsemanship qualities
Krystal Meyer grew up doing rodeo in High School, participated in 4-H and went on to earn a scholarship for college. She said “You never stop learning about horses. It is a lifetime lesson that has many benefits.” Her Equine Classes gave her skills that she loves sharing with others. She gives both private and group lessons, and can be reached at diamondzkequine@gmail.com. Results of the competition below.
Western Equitation
Beginners
1st place: Mariah Colton on BayFriend
2nd place: Sammy Kapke on Tank
3rd place: Raygann Roard on Tank
Intermediate
1st place: Allison Hardt-Zeman on Lucky
2nd place: Eve Colton on Honey
Advanced
1st place: Barbara Hardt-Zeman on Tonto
2nd place: Nancy Billing-Colton on BayFriend
3rd place: Jeff Froth on Shiloh
Western Trail
Beginners
1st place: Sammy on Tanner
2nd place: Mariah on Tonto
3rd place: Raygann on Tanner
Intermediate
1st place: Allison on Lucky
2nd place: Eve on Honey
Advanced
1st place: Jeff on Shiloh
2nd place: Nancy on BayFriend
3rd place Barbara on Tonto
Barrels (gymkhana)
10 and Under age group
1st place: Sammy on Tank
2nd place: Raygann on Tank
11-18 age group
1st place: Allison on Lucky
2nd place: Eve on Honey
19 and up
1st place: Alie Nelson on Lucky
2nd place: Jeff on Peppy
3rd place Nancy on BayFriend
4th place: Heidie Morgan on Shadow
Speed Ball
10 and Under
1st place: Raygann on Tank
11-18
1st place: Allison on Lucky
2nd place: William Seigrest on Sandy
19 and up
1st place: Ali Nelson with 10.4
2nd place: Jeff Fruth with 10.6
3rd place: Nancy with 10.9