BRAVE HORSE

            September 2015

Welcome to the Extreme Cowboy Association   

We are excited about 2015 and the many fun filled and exciting Extreme Cowboy Racing events that are on the schedule. 

The formation of EXCA has been an thrilling and challenging adventure! Many people have worked tirelessly to create an association that you will be proud to tell your friends about.
 

This is the latest issue of your monthly newsletter, The Brave Horse.
 

You will receive it each month electronically around the middle of the month.  The Brave Horse will be full of interesting stories, EXCA event results, point standings, human interest stories about EXCA members and Tips and Tales from our founder, Craig Cameron.  We encourage you to communicate your suggestions for stories and ideas that will make The Brave Horse fun, better and more informative.  The Brave Horse the best newsletter in the equine world.

Please forward your ideas and suggestions to Frank Turben at webmaster@extremecowboyassociation.com

 Most athletes outside of equestrian sports never have to consider a non-human partner in their efforts.

The horse adds a whole other level of complexity to competition!

Confidence, Clarity and Conviction

It is imperative in riding and any competition that one acts with confidence, clarity and conviction for the good of the horse.

Ultimately, this thinking - not tentative, questioning, - will help the rider.

Your horse reacts to clarity, confidence and conviction.  Horses like to be told what to do. They find comfort in it and will try their hardest to do what the rider is asking.

When a horse is being asked to do something half way, or there is indecision or a question mark in the riders mind, the horse is put in a situation where the support is removed-he won't know what to do and will get lost or make the wrong decision

A Level Of Trust

There needs to be a level of trust between horse and rider and mutual understanding in the form of communication., whether through aids while riding or behavior when on the ground. Your horse will look  to you for guidance in training and there must be constant communication going on through body movement riding aids and behavior on the ground.  Learn to listen to your horse they can tell you a lot about their frame of mind and how they feel that day. Get to know your horse so you can tell when something is different, whether mentally of physically.

Have  A Plan

Getting ready for a big event or competition with a course full of obstacles requires a good plan. Having a plan makes all the difference in keeping your focus. You need to feel determined, focused and confident with the plan you have made.  Visualize the ride and stick with your plan, always thinking of your next obstacle and not the one you just crossed.  You need to keep yourself going and not carry what happened before on to another obstacle.

Conquering Fear

It is the rider who usually has the problem with fear, not the horse. Most horses do not have a fear of the obstacle Fear may arise when pushed too quickly, or from missing steps along the way in their training process.  Do not skip steps in your training, there are no short cuts when it comes to training and riding horses.

Horses have different physical abilities and strengths that also must be evaluated and taken into consideration. There are other things that can throw the rider and horse off course, changes in lighting, crowds of people, banners, and signs, different arenas and noise. As horses experience more over time, they start to get accustomed or seasoned to these things while competing.

Remember and be aware of your breathing in order to help with your fear.  This is very important, breathing normally and deeply, not taking short breaths because of nerves. Correct posture and control of your body also are very important so you can ride accurately and send clear messages to your horse.

Ride the Ride You Know Is Right

Just the fact that you are there riding in front of people, proud of your horse, excited to be able to compete at a show that you have prepared all year for should be enough for any rider, but many experience qualms about what other people think, their friends, parents and what if they cannot cross an obstacle and what if their horse will not perform! These are things that can keep riders from performing at their best.

Once you start questioning yourself, it's the beginning of a problem, if not this obstacle the next obstacle. Even though you may have insecurities or a fear of making a mistake, or focusing on the possibility of making a mistake, and all the bad things that can come of it, does not help you ride better.  Even if you pretend you know what you're doing, do it, because that's what's best for you and your horse. It is important for a rider to ride with confidence, even if he or she does not feel this way. Ultimately, this thinking will help not only the rider, but the horse as well.

 You know in your mind the best thing you can do is ride the ride you know is right, and even if you have to force yourself to ride with confidence, clarity, and conviction, things will go well.  

Be prepared for your competition and feel good about it! Be mentally and physically ready! Challenge is healthy for the mind, body and spirit! Start with a good plan, your mind will work past the nerves and stick to the plan!!

 Entry for the EXCA World Championship is open

Here is more information about the 2015 EXCA World Championship.  http://www.extremecowboyassociation.com/world_program.htm

Are you qualified?  http://www.extremecowboyassociation.com/world_qualified.aspx

EXCA & Circle T Resort FAQ: OCTOBER 29-Nov. 1, 2015

Q. Do I need Current Coggins &/or Health Certificate for grounds entry at CTA?

A. Yes, we are requiring horse owners to have these on hand.

Q. When do stall & RV reservations open for our Event?

A. 30 days prior to actual opening day of event, i.e. Tues. Sept 29th. 8-5 M-F

Q. What if I am coming in before Event start date?

A. No problem, we will write arrival date on your reservation. We will need an ETA (estimated time of arrival) to ensure staff is here or you are given your assigned needs.

Q. Do I pay for my stalls and RVs when I make reservation?

A. No, we reserve with a credit card that is not charged until you check in. Cash, check or a credit card in hand must be swiped.

Q. What if I gave my cc number to reserve?

A. If paying by credit card, must have one to swipe upon check in.

Q. Does Circle T Resort keep my credit card on file?

A. No, all information is shredded after each event.

Q. What if I have to cancel my reservations?

A. No problem. We understand horses/humans have life challenges. Call our office  M-F 8-5 254-386-3559 and we will cancel your reservation. You may also contact the

Arena Manager Dell Trailor/254-595-2722

Q. Are there stall/RV refunds if I decide to leave earlier then what I paid for?

A.  No.

Q. What is a VIP RV & VIP stall?

A.  A VIP RV & VIP Stalls are leased together because your trailer hookup and stalls are close together. We do not sell them separately.  This setup would eliminate the need for a tack stall as you can saddle from your trailer.

 *There are 3 sections:

     1. VIP/POOL-by our pool area

     2. VIP/Hill - Opposite end of our main parking lot

     3. New Barn- Open when all other areas are full or for large semi-trucks/trailers. This area was added area behind Arena B up on the small vista between the arena & The Inn. (New name coming)

Q. What is a regular stall or Regular RV?

A.  These stalls are located in Arena A and Barn B.

A.  These RVs are all along the edge of the main parking lot, not including the VIP sections.

A.  We have 30 amp and 50 amp. Electric & water only.  No DUMPING, PLEASE!

Q. Are all stalls the same size?

A. Yes, Priefert stalls are 10x10 stalls, solid on the bottom, rails on top.  Side by side/back to back

Q. Can I bring my own shavings?

A. No, all shavings purchased here, and one bag per stall is required. Even if you lease a tack stall, one bag still required.

Q. Can I bring panels or tie my horse out?

A. No, all horses must have a stall if overnighting.

Q. Do you have hot water at the wash racks?

A. No.

Q. Can I stall 2 horses together?

A. No, the stalls are 10x10 and not big enough for 2 horses. In the event there is a mare/foal/weanling, please discuss these arrangements ahead of time with the Arena Manager.

Q. Who cleans our stalls?

A. You are responsible for cleaning your stall. Our staff DO not enter the stalls w/horses  in them.  Start a pile at the end of your aisle and our stall will come along to remove the manure.  If it piles up too quickly, please contact the Arena Manager, Dell Trailor or Asst. Manager, Casey Finstead.

Q. What do I need to bring for my horses' needs?

A.  Feed/hay (EXCA we will have 50lbs bales of coastal $10)

     * Buckets

     * Muck rake

     * Flashlights

     * Rain gear (wearing layers will be best suited for Texas weather)

     * ATVs/4 wheelers allowed providing handled responsible. They are not allowed anywhere on the grounds outside of your horse/family needs. Thank you.

Q.  Are there horse supplies and tack in Punchy's Western Boutique?

A.  Yes, we carry a limited supply of horse, RV needs/tack.

Circle T Resort Appreciates your cooperation & Business! -CTA Management     (9/18/2015)

 Is Your EXCA Membership Current?

Please check your EXCA membership card to see that you are a current member.  If you are not, your points will not show on the web site until you become current.  You can renew here:  http://www.extremecowboyraces.com/index.html

              This Newsletter Provided  by the Extreme Cowboy Association for it's members.

EXCA
PO Box 50
Bluff Dale TX
76433