Team Penning, Barrel Racing, Arena Games"
Six cows stare you down, gathered at the end of the arena. Your horse’s ears are perked, studying the bovines, waiting for your cue.
When the wrangler says, “Go!” you move out at a trot, approaching the cows, moving strategically between them to single out the black baldface steer. Your horse moves almost without your cue, to wherever your gaze is directed. Together, you separate the steer and send him towards the goal. Your teammates fall in on either side, calling to one another: “Block that gap!” “Don’t push him too hard, or he’ll circle back!” “Stay off his right shoulder, let’s move him over.” The whole arena bursts into a cheer as your team chases the cow through the goal. Triumph! You bring your horses down to a walk and turn to slap congratulatory high fives to one another. Just another successful day of steer soccer!Working cattle on horseback involves refined communication, and a true sense of oneness with your horse. Smith Fork Ranch keeps a number of Angus, Hereford, and Corriente-cross cows and steers to further your horseback experience. Working together towards a common goal increases the partnership between yourself and your horse, and often quickly helps to improve your balance and rhythm in the saddle. Our large, 250’ arena is professionally designed to allow a safe lesson environment for both yourself and your horse. Our arena activities are focused on helping bring you to a higher level of skill. Horseback riding, like any sport, is physical, and involves a great deal of coordination and timing to effectively learn to “speak horse.” Among our wranglers, we have several highly-trained lesson instructors, with backgrounds ranging from roping, dressage, hunter-jumper, eventing, and western pleasure. Together with their expert instruction, you will quickly find yourself riding more comfortably and securely than you ever have before.
On Saturdays, we offer a children’s rodeo, focusing on showing off the new skills your kids have gained throughout the week. Games like barrel racing, pole bending, and musical ribbons will showcase their skills in the saddle. Besides their improved balance, confidence at the trot, and refined steering skills, the true reward comes in seeing their huge smiles as they enjoy every competition with their horse. Parents, you’re welcome to practice these games in the arena any time during the week as well!
| "I liked how nicely the trainers and staff treated everybody. They gave us a lot of freedom on and with the horses. All of the horses were really good horses. I learned a lot about horses and got to see them in the pasture."
Max, 12, Minnesota |
Another fun arena sport is Barrel Racing. Whether you are "racing" around the clover leaf barrel pattern, or just taking it at a slow jog or walk, riders improve control and "steering." A learning experience that's fun for all!
Traditionally, on Saturday mornings we have two sets of Gymkhana races. The term "Gymkhana" means a field day, or races exhibiting good horsemanship. Guests participate in teams in Pole bending, egg and spoon, "Partner up," Spilled Sarsaparilla, fruit race, and other races. Gymkhana is a great way to loosen up and have a little fun competing with family or new found friends.
