Rocking Heart Ranch Colt Starting Challenge and Sale Information
It is the belief of our family that we must do what we can to endorse agriculture and the equine way of life for the next generation. The Colt Starting Challenge is the vehicle that continues to allow us to accomplish this just as Joshua Garner would have expected in 1905 when he began a family farm/ranch for the next generation of Garner’s near Red Pheasant, SK.
The event is focused on promoting our youth, educating the public on the importance of engraining training fundamentals on young horses, and showcasing the top notch horse training talent that we are so fortunate to have right here in Canada.
After several months of fielding trainer applications from across Western Canada, our family sits down at the ranch table (kitchen table to most) and decides on 10 ‘Up and Coming’ trainers. They are then informed of their success in becoming a showcase trainer for the ranch and a common date is set for them to pick up their horse at the ranch. Horse trainer pickup day is exciting for all as everyone gets to meet each other. Each trainer randomly selects his or her horse from an old cowboy hat by a random draw. The horse training starts right then because they collect and load their horse in their horse trailer and then take their new ‘project horse’ back to their ranch or training facility for 60+ days of basic training.
A one day show and sale date is set where each trainer will have a set time to showcase the basic and extra training accomplished on each horse. A panel of well-respected industry leading judges selects winners for the event. Fundamental training like bridle manners, gait control, picking up feet, loading in a trailer, sacking out, and of course the extra training are all part of this unique event.
At the end of the challenge, all horses are sold by public auction to the highest bidder.
4-H is involved in that 30-50 young members mock judge the event so that they may hone their judging skills. For their efforts Rocking Heart Ranch puts up a brand new saddle and other various prizes in a ‘4-H only’ raffle.
The event is focused on promoting our youth, educating the public on the importance of engraining training fundamentals on young horses, and showcasing the top notch horse training talent that we are so fortunate to have right here in Canada.
After several months of fielding trainer applications from across Western Canada, our family sits down at the ranch table (kitchen table to most) and decides on 10 ‘Up and Coming’ trainers. They are then informed of their success in becoming a showcase trainer for the ranch and a common date is set for them to pick up their horse at the ranch. Horse trainer pickup day is exciting for all as everyone gets to meet each other. Each trainer randomly selects his or her horse from an old cowboy hat by a random draw. The horse training starts right then because they collect and load their horse in their horse trailer and then take their new ‘project horse’ back to their ranch or training facility for 60+ days of basic training.
A one day show and sale date is set where each trainer will have a set time to showcase the basic and extra training accomplished on each horse. A panel of well-respected industry leading judges selects winners for the event. Fundamental training like bridle manners, gait control, picking up feet, loading in a trailer, sacking out, and of course the extra training are all part of this unique event.
At the end of the challenge, all horses are sold by public auction to the highest bidder.
4-H is involved in that 30-50 young members mock judge the event so that they may hone their judging skills. For their efforts Rocking Heart Ranch puts up a brand new saddle and other various prizes in a ‘4-H only’ raffle.
