the
center of the lake and returning thru the water back to land. July 19, 2009
The best way for horse and man to build trust is practice. And that’s exactly what happened Sunday when Batley’s Horse and Rider Challenge took place at Berlin Heights Holiday Park (BHHP) on Route 113. To make the challenge a success, many BHHP campers helped with timing, scoring, resetting obstacles and providing a food concession.
Eight horses and riders participated for points
by choosing from over 50 obstacles and challenges. Many obstacles were simple,
such as stepping over railroad ties, or picking up flags and taking them to
another location. Some were much more difficult including a ride through 8 feet
of water to an island in the
center of the lake and returning thru the water back to land.
Five Lorain County Ohio Horse Council members brought their four legged friends to the field Saturday to get a feel for the course. Sandy Shudy, who rode a Paint named Charz, said she thought the course was “wonderful” and wished she could stay more days. She noted that other challenges she has attended do not have near the quantity of selections for horse and rider to attempt.
In the end, taking first place in the women’s category was Nicole Perry from Ashtabula riding Aurora, a 10 year old Palomino, seen here backing into a stall.
Coming in second in the women’s category was Michelle Joseph riding Tipps, an Appaloosa gelding who towers at 17 hands and is 17 years old. She was one of two riders who were successful in taking their horses thru the 8’ lake water to swim to the island and back.
Third place went to Sandy Shudy riding Charz.
The men’s division had only one rider, Jared Hambly from Florence, riding a
Paint named Chippewa. Awarded first place for Novice was Annie Plienies, who
will be 14 in August and camps with her parents at BHHP. Annie, who has been
riding since she was 8 or 9 years old, seen here doing the Texas three step, 
was
riding a BHHP horse named Sunny.
Others from the Lorain County Ohio Horse Council who participated were Deb Eskut from Grafton riding Buddy, who is a former Metro Parks police horse; Brenda Lang of Wellington, riding Gracie; and Lynne Cagnina riding Sugar. After all competitors had their 15 minutes of challenge, Tim Batley from BHHP gave the course a non-competitive try. He rode Cindy, a BHHP horse, and they were the other team who made it through the 8’ lake swim to the island.
The next Batley Horse and Rider Challenges are scheduled for Aug 15-16 and Sept 19-20. For more information, go to www.riderchallenge.com
One spectator gave the final comment – fun was had by all!
Reported by Linda Berry