uilding a Mountain Trail Course is like a messy art project. It can take on a life of its own. Such was the case while building a new Mountain Trail Course in Bedford, Virginia. When the project is complete we call it “Functional Art”. When things are messy it is hard to see the art, for one only sees the mess which looks like a hurricane just went through it. Since there has been so much rain on the East Coast of the United States East in 2018 construction was a challenge on a site with a sandy clay that turned to slippery ice with the first drops of rain. At one time we had three inches of rain in just 20 minutes. Building the obstacles was not a large challenge since they were built on a concrete slab and then moved into place. Rowan’s site consisted of approximately 2 rolling acres. In order to pull off what we needed I begin to tier the site. This was needed as the site dropped approximately 30 feet from top to bottom. Even though the site is tiered all levels are connected in order to allow for Cantalouping. Since this is not English or Western we don’t lope or canter, we cantaloupe for level III of the discipline. discipline is open to horses and riders of all skill levels. You will see riders in English and Western saddles smiling and having a great time as they participate at each challenge.
Before I even think about tackling obstacles on horseback, I get my horse solid and steady from the ground, and I let him think through those obstacles on his own. To do that, I start with groundwork. Whether the horse is twenty or two, that’s where I start.
In this sport, you need a partner. For success on the trails or in an IMTCA Challenge, you don’t want to be a dictator to your horse, but you also don’t want to let your horse walk all over you. Consider yourself the alpha mare.
be prepared, but that doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. You just need to train on trail obstacles and here’s how you can do it.
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a new Mountain Trail Course in Bedford, Virginia. When the project is complete we call it “Functional Art”. When things are messy it is hard to see the art, for one only sees the mess which looks like a hurricane just went through it. Since there has been so much rain on the East Coast of the United States East in 2018 construction was a challenge on a site with a sandy clay that turned to slippery ice with the first drops of rain. At one time we had three inches of rain in just 20 minutes. Building the obstacles was not a large challenge since they were built on a concrete slab and then moved into place. Rowan’s site consisted of approximately 2 rolling acres. In order to pull off what we needed I begin to tier the site. This was needed as the site dropped approximately 30 feet from top to bottom. Even though the site is tiered all levels are connected in order to allow for Cantalouping. Since this is not English or Western we don’t lope or canter, we cantaloupe for level III of the discipline.
COYOTE CROSSING
CATTLE COMPANY
A New IMTCA Course
Bedford, Virginia
By Mark Bolender
38 / Sport and Trail Magazine
Each course is a training tool incorporating proven techniques of horsemanship and at the same time aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Even though this course is a challenge to the advanced rider it is not intimidating to the beginner or novice rider. Building a Mountain Trail Course on undulating terrain can be a challenge but it is fun to turn a challenge into opportunity for beauty and push the limits for the upper level riders.
With the labor shortage building a course can be a challenge in a short time. It is always less expensive to build the course in a short time for the equipment cost is less and time is money. With this site we had a few logistical challenges to deal with such as getting trucks in and out when it rained. With that said we became very adept at pulling trucks out with a D6 Cat bulldozer. The wet conditions also demanded we use 50% more gravel than projected. Wet conditions also bring safety challenges in operating equipment and just walking in slick mud plus electricity and rain don’t mix well. With all the challenges everyone put in a little more effort so we could finish enough of the course to hold a clinic on the weekend. My son stayed for an extra week to help the Rowans complete the course and finish up the landscaping plus many other little details after holding a clinic. The clinic went off great on the course that was 90% complete.
A New IMTCA Course
Bedford, Virginia
By Mark Bolender
Photography by Angela Rowan