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The International Mountain Trail Challenge Association

August 22, 2018 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

There are so many sports within the equestrian world, it seems! There was a recent reference to the IMTCA and an arena set up for horse riding on Facebook.  It had me inquiring about the acronym. This apparently stands for the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association.

There are so many equine associations, it’s a joy to learn about a new one! In my mind, where there’s an association for a particular horse sport, vocation or study, it means there’s a body of supporters of this. And so rules and regulations, standards and also contacts are accumulated.  This is to help inform others.

A search online wielded the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association website. It states:

“Mountain Trail Challenge is an international equestrian “extreme sport” which is fun and exciting to watch and participate in. This discipline is open to horses and riders of all skill levels. You will see riders in English and Western saddles smiling and having a great time as they participate at each challenge.”

International Mountain Trail Challenge Association | Equus Education
International Mountain Trail Challenge Association | Equus Education

The association was set up under the laws of the State of Washington in the United States. However, the IMTCA has gained exposure in Australia and other countries as well. The mission statement involves promoting and encouraging the development of this sport, as well as public interest in it. It is also dedicated to professionalism and excellence in trail riding. This is on top of establishing – and maintaining – standards of performance and judging that are suitable, professional and fun-filled for families.

The International Mountain Trail Challenge Association

Recognised as a sport, skills within this type of trail riding focus on excellent horsemanship as well as trail riding. There are challenges that are held to test horses and their riders. A challenge – or show – focuses on testing horse and rider and their ability to navigate natural as well as man-made obstacles.  This is to be done in a safe manner. Technical skills that demonstrate excellent horsemanship will also be required. Three different levels of shows are on offer to riders at various challenges.

Love trail riding but want to take your horsemanship skills to the next level? Why not see if there is an IMTCA setup in your local area? If there isn’t, perhaps you’re in the position to establish one!

Filed Under: Competition, Education, Horseriding

Eventing Scholarship

October 1, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Do you know about the Mark Todd Bridging the Gap Scholarship?  I’m sure if you’re a mad keen eventer who dreams of taking on the world at a high equestrian level, you do!  But if not, why not look into it?

For anyone who dreams of making use of a scholarship to further their equine career, knowing terms and conditions is vital. Take a look at the terms for this year’s scholarship that has already been awarded – it may benefit you for future chances to enter.

“Three-day eventing… gruelling test of elegance, skill, and endurance that makes both horse and rider appreciate the fourth day!” – Author unknown

Filed Under: Career, Competition, Horseriding

Profile On: Stacey Sikorski, Professional Show Groom

July 14, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
A good 50% is related to horses probably more.

What is it exactly that you do?
At my “real job” I do chart review, marketing and other duties at a major veterinary hospital. This includes horses as well as small animals (cats/dogs).

Some of Stacey’s Handiwork

My other jobs include:

  • Working one day a week conditioning and clipping show horses for an Arabian trainer.
  • Running a boarding facility for 9 horses at my home.
  • Running a clipping service for horses – I body clip and show clip.
  • On my “vacations” I work as a professional show groom.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes but it is not easy.  Most people do not want to work 80+ hours a week or be away from home as often as this type of work requires.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
In my case I just started letting people know I was available again. I got my start by working for people who had known me when I was a full time professional groom. They knew I was hard working, knew I could clip, braid, longe etc. They knew I could handle mares, stallions and young stock and drive a truck and trailer or tractor.

When I first started out I was lucky enough to find someone willing to give me a chance. People for some reason did not think I would stick to it. My first big show as a groom was the Scottsdale Arabian Show. I lived in a portable stall while there. It rained non-stop the entire show. My stall was flooded but it didn’t deter me at all. At the end of the show one of the trainers asked “What do you think?” I replied “This is what I want to do”. I worked there until the farm was downsized in a divorce.

Most importantly you need to be willing to work hard and LEARN. If my work was unacceptable I was told to do it again until I got it right and instead of being offended I got better and better. Learning to braid I practiced on all of our breeding stallions. You have to want to be the best and keep at it until you are.

A Horse Braided by Stacey

Favourite horse memory?
There are many but galloping *Enrilo in the 100 acre field ranks way up there. I was fortunate enough to work with some very famous horses and groomed more National Winners than I can count. Watching my friend and head trainer ride horses I had prepped to National Championships is another big one.

Future goals?
To make enough to be able to quit my day job and work for myself – I’m closing in on that goal. And to be known again as one of the best show grooms in the country. I’m competitive – being good is not enough. It feels great to hear one of my veterinarians say “I can tell a horse you have body clipped by sight”. Huge compliment!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The feel of family. Even after my 10 year “retirement” when I came back to the industry they all still knew me. I knew them and honestly I felt like I had gone home. No one questioned me, no one yelled at me and best of all I didn’t have to worry I might do something wrong. They were all happy I was there to see to it that everything was how it was supposed to be.

“Don’t count your ribbons before the show starts.” – Author unknown

Filed Under: Competition, Profile On, Travel

Equestrian Short Story Competition

May 19, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Here’s one for the budding writers out there.  Haynet is hosting a short story competition in conjunction with Lavender and White Equestrian Publishing!

Some things to note:

  • Open to anyone around the world 16 years of age and over
  • Entries due in by 5pm, August 11, 2014
  • No more than 6,000 words
  • Story must be equestrian themed (not just feature horses)

For more details, be sure to check the above link!

 

Filed Under: Competition

FEI Photography Contest

May 10, 2014 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Do You Express Your Love of Horses via Photography?

Ok you (budding) photographers, here’s a contest I think is really worth paying attention to!  The International Equestrian Federation is launching an equestrian photography contest, ‘World Photo Grand Prix‘.

As it states on their website:

EI Solidarity and Reuters are on a quest to uncover new photographic talent – both amateur and professional – with the World Photo Grand Prix competition. Submit your entry to win a masterclass from an Action Images photographer at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ later this year in Normandy…

There are 9 categories:

  1. Professional Photographers
  2. Amateurs & Enthusiasts
  3. Abstract
  4. Photography Students
  5. Under 16
  6. Horse Portrait
  7. Athletes
  8. Equestrian Venue
  9. Instagram

It looks like there’s a category for every photographer!  Check out the website for other prizes and to find out about the 9 judges.  If your desire is to be known for equine photography, this competition could really get your name out there.

” A large and liquid eye. . . the swirl of dust around pounding hooves. . .these, then, are the images that move us.” – Author unknown

Filed Under: Career, Competition

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