Team Penning, Barrel Racing, Arena Games

“On your marks,” shouts a Wrangler sitting on a big paint horse.  Your eyes narrow as you and your teammates concentrate and strategize over the cluster of cattle at the other end of the arena.  “Get set,” she says as your horse paws the ground in anticipation.  “GO!”

Instantly you have a mission and your team and all the horses spring into action and immediately head for the herd of cattle.  You feel a transformation coming on, all your concerns and thoughts clear out of your mind as you get down to cowboy business. Whoops and whistles synonymous with western cattle drives let loose from within as you start herding and cutting cattle away from the group. “Yip, yip, yip, Get along now!” shouts your someone to your left.  “Get up there cow!” hollers achild from atop his spotted appaloosa pony as you push the steers away from the herd and into a separate pen with your horses.  Victory!  You and your team have successfully separated the three tan steers from the group and penned them up in just... ”One Minute and 10 seconds!” howls the Wrangler, “A new record this week!” 

Team Penning Cattle is an exciting and fun alternative to the wonderful trails SFR as to offer, and it also allows guests to hone their riding skills.  We keep a small herd of black and red Angus, Hereford, and “Baldies” for practicing team penning in our 250’arena.  By focusing on a task such as “cutting” a steer from the herd, riders tend to quickly improve balance and can more efficiently communicate with their horse.

“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.