Issue 6  September 11th 2024

Check Out the MAPFHA PFHA Trail Horse Test Photo Gallery!

MAPFHA hosted the PFHA Trail Horse Clinic on August 30th and the PFHA Trail Horse Test on September 1st at the pristine Bartel Farm in Rochester, MN. The event enjoyed perfect weather—sunny and seasonably cool—creating an ideal atmosphere for both participants and their horses.

The clinic attracted a diverse group of 10 participants. The lineup included:

• Tatia Jostock with Phoenix, a Gypsy/Welsh
• Tanya Altman on Rocky, a Quarter Horse
• Barb Firth with Tokota, a Paint
• Montana Davidson with Sundancers Paxon, a Paso Fino
• Pam Farmer on Echo, a Rocky Mountain Horse
• Oran Clemmensen with Icey, an Icelandic
• Charles Hauser on Coconino JR, a Paso Fino
• Nancy Clemmensen with Reggie, an Icelandic
• Nancy Drumsta riding Chet, a Fox Trotter
• Sue Bartel on Ruby, an Icelandic

Our clinician and judge was Paul Marlow, owner of El Escudero Paso Fino Farm in North Carolina. His expertise guided participants through a range of skills, from fundamental techniques like leading, trailer loading, and tacking up, to more advanced maneuvers such as shoulder and haunches isolation control and sidepassing. This comprehensive approach ensured valuable learning opportunities for riders and horses at all levels.

The clinic featured a variety of engaging obstacles designed to test both trust and control, showcasing the abilities of each horse.

At the conclusion of the clinic, all participants opted to test for Junior Trail Horse certification on Sunday. Out of those, seven horses were awarded the title of Junior Trail Horse.

The event was not only educational but also social, with plenty of food, friends, and lively conversation, making it a truly wonderful experience for everyone involved.

Special thanks to Jim and Sue Bartel for hosting, Sharon Gallagher and Helen Funk for organizing meals, and Judy Roney for capturing the event through photography!