Extreme Cowboy Racing was born of Craig’s desire to create an event that would emulate the way cowboys really work – demonstrating the skills necessary to operate a successful ranch. At the most basic level, an Extreme Cowboy Race is an event which challenges both the horse and the rider to complete a timed ranch-themed obstacle course, demonstrating both horsemanship and speed. No two courses are the same and, in fact, the course is changed between each elimination round during an event.
A fast moving, dynamic event, a competitor’s score is a composite of several factors. First, each obstacle is scored taking into consideration difficulty and mastery. Difficulty is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, based on what the competitor is asked to do. Horsemanship skills exhibited for each obstacle are scored on a 1-10 scale. For example, remounting a horse from the ground will score higher than remounting by standing on a bale of hay. In addition, a time limit is imposed on each obstacle. If the obstacle is not completed within the time limit, points are deducted. Next, an overall score is given for horsemanship and finally, a score is awarded for speed. Collectively, these scores provide a run score, with a higher score being better. To be successful, a strong partnership between horse and rider is essential. Horses may be of any age. Western tack and attire is required.
There are many obstacles to choose from when staging a course, such as riding through a “cowboy curtain”, hay ring, hay maze or other challenge, moguls, water crossing, log pulling, ground tying, ponying a second horse, roping, side passing and many, many more. Lightness, balance, and evidence of good control are all rewarded with higher scores. Tight reins, hesitation, spookiness, or rough handling are all cause for point deductions.
Competitors are invited in the Pro, Non-Pro and Youth divisions. Pro riders are those who receive compensation for training or riding. Any non-professional can rider in the Non-Pro division. Those age 12 to 17 are invited to compete in the Youth division. Minimum age for any rider is 12.
Riders will be able to check in for the event on Friday, May 1st, but they will not be permitted to see the course. They will meet Saturday morning, draw for the order of the go and get their first opportunity to see and walk the course - without their horses. They will be told the pattern to follow and how each of the 13 obstacles is to be correctly performed. While the course will be laid out the same for all 3 divisions, the level of difficulty for the Pro riders will be higher than that of the other two divisions.
The two judges score each obstacle on a 1-10 scale, based on horsemanship demonstrated in completing the obstacle. They also provide an overall score for the run as well as a time. Depending on the complexity of the course, times tend to run 5-8 minutes per competitor. After all competitors in all 3 divisions have made their initial run - typically Saturday night -- points are tallied and the Top 8 competitors in each division are announced. These will advance to the second round of the competition.
The course is restructured and Sunday morning these 24 competitors repeat the process - walking the course, before taking their runs. As before, the scores are calculated and the Top 4 in each division are named - normally around lunchtime. These 12 highly qualified riders will compete one last time on the third and most challenging course Sunday afternoon. Complete rules can be found online in the 2009 EXCA Rulebook.
Sunday's final run will select the winner of the top prize in each division. The purse is determined by the total number of entries.
To register or for more information on the Labor Day weekend event, contact Joyce Lewis at Safehorsetraining@yahoo.com. The Extreme Cowboy Association website is www.extremecowboyassociation.com. All photos: Charles Brooks, Brooks Photography / Marilyn Merrick, www.merrickstudios.com
