In April 2014 Jody learned about an event called Charles Wilhelm’s Ultimate Super Horse Challenge to be held at the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento in June. It encompassed a great deal of obstacle work along with ground work, ranch pleasure, trail equitation, dancing with cows and parade type situations. Jody felt that all she had done to teach her horse Amor Del Dios (Mory) ACTHA skills along with his horseshow background seemed like a perfect fit. Five weeks before the event Jody went to a clinic with Charles to both qualify and prepare for the event which was limited to fifteen competitors. At the clinic Jody learned she would be required to canter, even though up to this point she had never cantered her five year old under saddle, as Peruvians rarely are. Needless to say it began that day.
By the time Jody arrived in Sacramento she had worked cattle only twice, the “flag” (Cow Trac) twice, and had taken three lessons from professional trainer Robin Bond who has extensive experience in these types of events. Much to Jody’s surprise two weeks out from the competition Robin informed Jody that she too decided to compete in the event. Sheepishly she asked Robin if she would coach her a bit at the event and Robin graciously agreed and Jody tells me “I was mindful not to abuse that privilege.”
To say Jody was a bit overwhelmed would be an understatement. Jody said “here I am on my ACTHA horse and out of the fifteen competitors three of them were America’s Favorite Trail Horse alumni. These folks had huge resumes (and belt buckles) from Extreme Cowboy Association, Western Dressage, Rodeo, Mustang Makeover and various cattle related competitive events. Mory was only five and had so much less experience, along with looking like a little pony compared to the stout horses in the competition.”
ACTHA Monthly |February 2015 | 10
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Photo by Lisa Walker Photography