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Training an OTTB for the Sport of Mountain Trail by Mark Bolender Off the Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) are retired race horses that have been given a new purpose in life. Recently, I had the good fortune to train one named Dakota for mountain trail riding. As it turns out, …
Create a Magnificent Performance with These Specific Exercises by Mark Bolender While judging a trail challenge for the AQHA at the Region 1 show, I watched a horse and rider walk onto a teeter-totter, turn 180 degrees, then back off in one smooth, seamless motion. It was magnificent to …
How to Successfully Navigate a Troubling Obstacle by Mark Bolender I once overheard a spectator sitting next to the water box obstacle at a Bolender Mountain Trail Challenge mutter, “The evil water box wins again!” The horse was doing great, but then refused to step into the water box. …
Dress for Success on Show Day by Mark Bolender The new discipline of mountain trail displays what is to be the ideal mountain trail horse. This horse should show good forward movement which is confident, bold, and safe. The horse also should give the impression that it can cover …
Eight Helpful Tips to Ensure Success by Mark Bolender No matter how hard you prepare for a show, a little nervousness is normal. And that’s if things are going well. If not, like when your horse becomes unruly, the anxiety can escalate and cause the entire situation to go …
Build a Confident Horse with this Challenging Obstacle by Mark Bolender Being proficient at negotiating a suspension bridge – or merely a bridge that’s swinging – with your horse is one of the biggest challenges of the mountain trail rider. Yet, mastering this obstacle is relatively easy if the …
Teach Your Horse Speed Control with this Common Obstacle by Mark Bolender There are a number of important tools we can use to train a horse for Mountain Trail and Extreme Trail competition. Those same tools can also be used to create a great partnership between you and your …
Help Your Horse (Safely) Confront His Fear of Water by Mark Bolender Nearly every equestrian has experienced a horse with water issues. Often I’m told by owners that no matter what they try their horse will refuse to enter water, or else it will leap the smallest stream or …
Why Your Trail Horse Needs this Skill by Mark Bolender The exciting sports of Mountain Trail and Trail Challenges have their basis in real-life situations found on the trail or working on the ranch. Certain obstacles simulate these situations and can be used to train for these sports. One …
Tips for Teaching this Mountain Trail Horse Skill by Mark Bolender Whether out on a trail or in a show, watching an accomplished Mountain Trail horse moving through a difficult log obstacle makes it look easy. The horse navigates the logs while going forward boldly and confidently, and always …