"Road to the Horse" show in Murfreesboro, TN

[scsmith42]

The Doc and I just got back to the farm after spending 3 days at the Road to the Horse competition in Murfreesboro, TN.  WOW - what a spectactular event.

For those that are not familiar with it, the competition takes three internationally known, elite horse trainers and puts them up against each other to see who can do the best job of starting a young colt (2 years old as I recall) that has never been handled other than being halter broke when still a yearling.  These competitors choose a horse out of the remuda, a group of 10 horses, and they begin building a relationship between horse and human. Unlike a horse show, these competitors are judged not only on a final test of skill, but the means to the end result.

The competitors have a total of 3 hours to start the colt (two 1.5 hour training sessions), and then they are judged in a competition that includes an obstacle course.

It was fascinating to watch three very different styles, simultaneously.  Competitors this year were Pat Parelli, Chris Cox (who won it), and Clinton Anderson. 

If you're into starting horses, it is a worthwhile event to attend (or view on the webcast).  You have to move quickly though; tickets typically sell out less than 3 days after they go on sale.