The 2012 British Columbia Competitive Trail Ride Association riders mounted up and rode the scenic trails of the Cariboo Plateau recently.
They started at The Hills Health Ranch campground and rode the trails that meandered to the surrounding lakes.
Co-ordinator Joanne Macaluso explains the main objective of a competitive trail ride (CTR) is to work the horses on well-marked trails in a specific period of time, which provides a basis of fair comparison for determining the horse’s soundness, behaviour and attitude.
A CTR is not a race, and judgment in timing and pacing is the key to success. The winner is usually the one who rode his or her horse at a consistent pace throughout the ride.
There are three levels of competition. Level 1 is 19-32 kilometres in length, level 2 is 32-48 km and level three is 48-80 km. This year’s ride offered distances of 31.5 km, 47.5 km and 64 km.
The 26 riders and their mounts completed their distances and were judged by Williams Lake veterinarian Ross Hawkes.
Level 1
Lightweight: first, Elaine Harris, Surrey; second, Christine Heffernan, Nanaimo; and third, Becky Dent, Hope.
Heavyweight: first, Greg Healey, Surrey, (High Point First Timer Award); second, Darla Dickenson, Hope; and third, Rhonda Hittinger, Duncan.
Level 2
Lightweight: first, June Melhuish, Lillooet.
Heavyweight: First, Madeline Bateman, Kamloops (Vet’s Choice Award and Overall High Point Award); second, Heidi deWit, Sicamous; and third, Denise Pascucci, Hope.
Level 3
Lightweight: first, Tammy Mercer, Fanny Bay; second, Cheryl Dzida, Kamloops; and third, Brittany Bewza, Chase.
Heavyweight: first, Fred Dzida, Kamloops; and second, Bianca Mackenzie, Kelowna.
A silent auction was held and the proceeds of more than $600 are being donated to the 100 Mile & District General Hospital Auxiliary for distribution to Fischer Place and Mill Site Lodge, says Macaluso.
The tireless volunteers and local supporters, sponsors and businesses of the Cariboo Plateau have once again made this event a success, she adds.
