Horse Agility Clinic at U of M this weekend!

Palargo, owned by Sheri Pederson competing in Horse Agility

Have you ever heard of Horse Agility?  It is an unmounted series of challenges for horses and their handlers. It is like a combination of Dog Agility and desensitization training and is perfect for horse lovers who can't ride, horses who can't be ridden, or anyone who wants to deepen their bond of trust with their horse!  

Horse Agility, according to the International Horse Agility Club, "is a discipline and internationally competitive sport in which horse and handler, both on foot, navigate a course of obstacles while focusing on clear communication and positive horsemanship." The IHAC tracks competition results, members, events, and more. There are 5 levels: Starter, First, Medium, Advanced, and Advanced *. Each test has 10 obstacles and for each obstacle, 5 points are awarded based on completion of the task (i.e. going through a tunnel or weaving among cones) and 5 points are awarded for good horsemanship.  Horse handlers can submit videos of their courses for grading by qualified judges via monthly On Line Competitions (OHLA).

This Saturday and Sunday July 18-19 from 9 am to 5 pm, instructor Denise Anthony will be offering a clinic at the U of M Equine Center for those interested in learning more about Horse Agility. Denise Anthony and her daughter Adriana (who will be co-teaching the clinic) are rated among the top 100 in the country in the OLHA video league for Horse Agility competitors.  For more details about the event, email the organizer Sheri Pederson (who is ranked 40th!) or go to the Facebook event page.  Auditing is $15 and you might even get to try it out!

Can't attend the clinic but want to learn more?  Check out the website of the International Horse Agility Club and consider investing in their official handbook.

Looking for a hobby farm of your own where you can play with your own horses?  Browse horse properties and acreage for sale at www.donavin.com.