Horsemanship Challenge takes on Velva Rodeo Grounds

by | Sep 21, 2022 | Horsemanship & Training

Nikki Medalen and Lola [Photo: Branded J Images]

The first Velva Horsemanship Challenge took place this past weekend, September 17 at the Velva Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds.

Ten obstacles, magnificently decorated and built to promote efficiency and team building with horse and rider emerged into a complete course. Young and old horses and riders alike were invited to participate and do something diverse with their horses, other than standard timed event competitions that are widespread across the region.

Veronica Enander, Sawyer, co-event coordinator and business manager of Northern Pines Equine, described the event as more of an extreme trail course for horse and rider and not a timed event.

21 horse and rider teams ventured through the course that was designed by Mary Eaton of Towner. Eaton said she had a vision of an extreme horsemanship challenge with an obstacle course and brought it to life in the community of Velva.

“We had an official 4-H judge on hand judging the event. With ten obstacles and an eight-minute time limit, contestants were able to get comfortable and get through the obstacles yet move the show along. Points were judged out of 100 points, with our highest marked ride being a 90,” explained Enander.

Mary Eaton first approached the Velva Saddle Club about partnering to host and produce the event. What transpired was a collaboration with Velva Saddle Club, North Pines Equine Owner Theresa Duchscherer, and Veronica Enander bringing the concept to life.

(left to right) Teresa Duchscherer, Mary Eaton, Veronica Enander [Photo: Branded J Images]

“Riders loved coming and doing something on a different level with their horses. They didn’t feel rushed, and they had an environment created to promote the essential teamwork with horses,” said Enander.

“This event was a great way to test my horse,” said Nikki Medalen. Riding her horse, KNM Tutu Tango, also known as Lola, the six-year-old mare and Medalen are gearing up for The Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge that is taking place in Nevis, Minn. at the end of September.

“This was a test for my horse’s mind, to put her trust in me and gain ability to recover quickly from a situation that may seem foreign or ‘scary’ to a horse,” added Medalen.

The highest marked score of 90 was made by Allison Nelson, 12, of Columbus. Riding her fourteen-year-old horse, Peach, the youth rider made an impressive 90-point ride.

Allison Nelson and Peaches [Photo: Carrie Marschner]

Allison and her horses aren’t new to the show pen. Between setting up her own obstacles at home and riding through their farm and trees for the past five years, she also participates heavily in 4-H. Partaking in the Burke, Divide, and Mountrail County Fairs on up to the North Dakota State Fair, the cowgirl has a passion for all things horses.

Describing the trail course in Velva, the young cowgirl said she took Peaches through and ‘L’ shaped bridge, a garbage pit that consisted of feedbags, plastic, and water bottles all the way to carrying a flag, opening gates, dragging a sled around a barrel, and answered hippology questions. She said she especially liked side passing over the flower boxes and getting to ride two horses through the course.

Allison is the daughter of Charlie and Jodi Nelson of Columbus, N.D. She was a former Little Miss White Earth Valley Princess and plays volleyball and basketball for Burke Central. She is also on the student council and is part of Future Business Leaders of America.

“It is amazing what horses are teaching the youth without them even knowing. The skills of value, responsibility, and communication, just to name a few,” added Enander.

The Horsemanship Challenge’s future looks prosperous as being another dynamic to the horse industry in the region. Plans are already underway for another challenge in the spring of 2023, as well as the fall of 2023.

Stay tuned for more information.

Allison Nelson (center) 90 point score, Teresa Duchscherer (left) and Veronica Enander (right) [Photo: Branded J Images]

Event Results:

Advanced: (Age 16 and up)

1st Place: Linda Krumweide, Velva (Score of 75 points)

2nd Place: Sarah Hoefs, Minot

3rd Place: Carrie Marschner, Columbus

4th Place: Nikki Medalen, Towner

5th Place: Lonna Jo Browne, Minot

 

Beginner: (Age 15 and below)

1st Place: Allison Nelson, Columbus (Score of 90 points)

2nd Place: Allison Nelson, Columbus

3rd Place: Barrett Myre, Sawyer

4th Place: Barrett Myre, Sawyer

5th Place: Elsa Preskey, Glenburn

 

Share This