On Sunday, November 26 approximately twenty people and their horses got together at Long Meadow Farm in Foster, RI, to participate in the American Association for the Progression of Horsemanship (New England chapter) first Wilderness Trail Challenge.  The AAPH_NE Trail Challenge was an opportunity for each horse/handler team to move among three different settings, each with various obstacles.  Each handler could choose to work from the saddle or from the ground and could mount or dismount at will.  The various settings presented quite an assortment of challenges. 

In the first arena alone the 15 obstacles were as diverse as weaving through cones at a walk or trot and walking over plywood with tarps hanging on both sides to roping a dummy calf and sounding noisemakers and flapping umbrellas.  Participants had 15 minutes to explore the various tasks set up there and work with their horse as they wished.  Some people chose to take advantage of each different obstacle; others focused on working with just a few.  Each team had the opportunity to explore whatever fit their needs the best in an environment that was supportive and largely self-paced. 

The second group of tasks were set up in the woods and again allowed teams to focus on areas that were of most benefit to them.  A handler could choose to work on evaluating their horse’s comfort with natural obstacles on the ground, like crossing over a series of logs, or work with man-made articles hanging from trees, like a colorful array of pool noodles.  Here, as in the first arena, the object was to challenge the handler and horse in specific areas and to give the handler an opportunity to evaluate their horse’s readiness for various tasks and to provide support where needed.   

In this second section, the trees and varied terrain (hills, rocks, soft dirt) altered the way various pairs worked.  It was quite interesting to watch how horse/handler teams dealt with the same sort of obstacle in the different settings.  For example, one horse had no problem walking over logs in the woods but was much less comfortable walking over poles in an arena setting.  Others seemed more collected in the arena and somewhat looser in the woods.

 A field held the third group of tasks.  Again, there were some obstacles here that echoed those in other locations, encouraging teams to reinforce their other work.  Others, like cross rails and jumps, were new challenges.  Consistent among all three sections, though, was the opportunity to stretch your skills and those of your equine partner in several areas including walk over challenges, squeeze through obstacles, stop and stand tasks, noise challenges and more.  A guide distributed before the morning demonstration and walk over the course asked participants to think about how each horse would react to things like walking over risky footing or swinging a flag or rope.  Can your horse drag an obstacle and willingly accept he feel of a rope against his body?  Can he carry unfamiliar things?  Cope with the energy of man-made noises?  Back up an incline?

There were a number of interesting questions posed and answered as each group of teams explored each section.  No matter what direction you come at it from, whether it’s “natural” or “true” or “through feel” or from some other corner of the horsemanship compass, as one participant said the Trail Challenge provided “proof positive that this horse whispering stuff really works.  There were some pretty odd obstacles and objects out there, and from what I saw, every horse successfully handled it.  Sure, sometimes the handler had to work at it a bit -- but what a great opportunity to apply that repertoire of skills we have been building for ourselves, and see those skills make it happen.”

Once each team had the chance to go through the course in a timed group, everyone took a break for a potluck lunch.  The food was great and the conversation was lively.  People mingled with old friends and new faces, talking about the various challenges of the morning and sharing tips about what helped them work through various areas with their horses.  Everyone was excited about getting back on the course in the afternoon, where it was a “first come, first served” chance to get back on any part of the course and try things over again.  Many people chose to go through the course unmounted during the morning, then tried it again from the saddle in the afternoon. 

Although this was the first Wilderness Trail Challenge for AAPH_NE, participants hoped it will be followed by many more.  The opportunity to get together, enjoy the company of others who are also working in a progressive way with their horses and then work with your own horse in a new environment that’s both fun and supportive was unparalleled.

AAPH_NE is a group of equine enthusiasts who are dedicated to encouraging a fundamental knowledge of natural equine laws and movements, effective communication between horse and handler, and a solid understanding of the biomechanics between horse and handler.  At AAPH_NE people explore how these laws can be incorporated into horsemanship for any purpose, in any discipline, at any level.  Need a forum to explore, share, and apply the laws of the horse?  Join the fun and the sharing at AAPH_NE.

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More pictures coming soon ...

In the arena ...

In the woods ...

In the field ...