February 2020

Welcome to the Extreme Cowboy Association

The 2020 show season has started! Events for the 2020 have planned all over the world and we are excited for the new year.  

This is the latest issue of your monthly newsletter, The Brave Horse. 

You will receive it each month electronically around the middle of the month. The Brave Horse will be full of interesting stories, EXCA event results, point standings, human interest stories about EXCA members and Tips and Tales from our founder, Craig Cameron. We encourage you to communicate your suggestions for stories and ideas that will make The Brave Horse fun, better and more informative. The Brave Horse: the best newsletter in the equine world.

Please forward your ideas and suggestions to Tracy Pinson at TLPinson@aol.com

Five Things I've Learned From The Horse

Today was a beautiful day at the Double Horn Ranch. In general, unless I am on the road working clinics, I spend my time, 7 days a week here. Every single day I am happy to walk out to work, because I am passionate about what I do. Some days, it can be tiring and a little daunting with all the work that needs to be done, but then I remember that I could be in an office doing paperwork day in and day out. When I think of that, I remember that I am one of the luckiest people in the world. I am fortunate enough to say, that I love my job and am always working on learning more about every aspect of my career.

I can never take what I have for granted. I’ve been blessed with an incredible family and a beautiful place to live. I am surrounded by the people, places and things that I love most. With this privilege, I have learned many lessons from many great teachers, mentors and friends. However, my greatest lessons have not been spoken to me, or written down for me to read, but rather have come from my walk alongside the horse. To condense these lessons down to just five, will not even begin to scratch the surface of what I’ve learned. The horse is constantly teaching me new things every day, if I am willing to learn and my guess is… if you’ll start listening, you’ll learn these things as well.

1.  You get what you give

What I always want to remember, is that a horse is what he is. To me he’s perfect by nature and untouched by man. From the horse’s perspective, I’m introducing a lot of things that are unnatural and scary to him. I have to be aware he is going to do a lot of things I won’t be happy with or want, but that’s part of the learning process. I need to allow him to make those mistakes and be forgiving towards his actions.

When it comes to horsemanship, I’m always trying to make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy for my horses. I have to understand, these animals will come around, they just need to find what they need to do. When they do, I give them rest, relief, relaxation, a pat on the neck or something to let them know they’ve done the right thing.

I need to keep in mind, with horses there will always be good days and there will always be bad days. I will have good moments in training, and also bad ones. Those are the ebbs and tides of horsemanship and of life. I have to learn to roll with that.

2.  Patience and Understanding

As a horseman, the more experienced I have become, the more I realize that it is not me teaching the horse, but rather the horse teaching me the art of horsemanship.

Each day in their presence, I have realized more and more the depth of their being, their mind and their spirit. They amaze me with their awareness and understanding of the world around them.

As I work on my own awareness, I feel I am developing a better understanding of the horse in his way of communicating. Every twitch of an ear, flicker of a tail, gesture of his body, blinking of his eyes, lowering or raising of his head, a snort or a whinny all have meaning. This is their way of talking to other horses and to us. This is how they tell us how they feel and accept or not accept what is going on around them. With this awareness and the desire to understand the horse, his language teaches me to work with him and not against him. When applied correctly, this is truly speaking “horse”. One must slow down and listen to the horse. They must master the feel of the horse and for the horse, to know what you should or should not do.

In my opinion, to achieve true communication and great results you must accept that it is a privilege – and not a chore, or simply just a job – to work with this amazing animal.

3.  Humility

To me, there is so much more to horses than competing and winning, and horses have humbled me because even the smallest of victories seem so sweet. They’ve taught me how much I don’t know and they’ve completely changed my views and goals.

We need to be aware that humility starts with the same letters as human does. Being human is having the ability to make mistakes. We are giving the ability to learn from these mistakes, and we need to extend that grace to the horse. Don’t approach a horse with a cocky or god-like attitude. You are going to have good days and bad days in your training. What you can do is to stay in a learning frame of mind. You are always capable of learning, especially from your mistakes. Your mistakes are what humanize you the most and these are the best learning experiences.

I always come out every morning with a respect for the horse. He is big, strong, fast, and instinctive. In a lot of ways, I am at his mercy. My goal is the golden rule; to do a good job treating my horse the way he would treat me, and to always stay humble and kind.

4.  Peace and Contentment

When I felt like I had nothing else, horses were always my go-to. They were about all I looked forward to every week when I was a kid. Horses have always interested me the most. I’ve always had a “thing” for horses, even as a little kid. I like the way they sound, the way they move and even the way they smell. I still do.

Horses have given me a purpose, they have given me drive. They untimely have led me to what is my career and I am so grateful, because all of the blood, sweat and tears opened so many doors for me and has given me an education that is priceless. Horses have been my life, and I’m still working at it.

5.  To dig a little more

As I grow and mature through the spirit of the horse, I am finding the true spirit of myself. It is in this spirit that the magic of life lives. To find that magic and that privilege, one must be willing to slow down, listen to the horse, and realize that like people, each horse is different. Allow them to learn. Allow them to make mistakes. Allow them to be a horse. And remember, learning takes time — for people and the horse! And this learning process is the privilege. In many ways, that is the gift that the horse gives us.

Don’t just work on a surface level. Don’t just go through the steps, or just do “the method”… dig deeper. Ask more of yourself by not only working physically, but mentally and emotionally. Work from the inside of you to the inside of the horse. These are more than just words. You have to work hard to understand that… to FEEL that. Feel isn’t just physical, it’s much deeper. The ability to feel of the horse and for the horse in mind, body and spirit. That feel for the horse is something that you carry with you all the time, so that you can share that good feeling with all living creatures.

Everything is about uniting with the horse on a deeper level and therein lies the privilege of horsemanship.

Until next time,

Craig Cameron

Craig Cameron Ride Smart Horsemanship You Tube Channel

Through the media of You Tube, Craig Cameron and the Ride Smart Horsemanship Series features all aspects of horsemanship, the cowboy tradition, and the American way. We put a lot of thought, work and effort to bring you originality, entertainment and education in each and every show. We are working hard to give you the type of instruction that you can use on a daily basis, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, advanced or professional horseman.

We have more fun and more horsemanship coming to you down the line on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a show!

https://m.youtube.com/c/CraigCameronRideSmartHorsemanship

We thank you for your input, emails, and continued support.

Ride like a champion!

Craig Cameron

Road to the Horse 2020: A Family Affair for the Camerons

Horseman and clinician Craig Cameron had the honor of announcing his son, Cole Cameron, as a Road to the Horse 2020 Wild Card competitor during Road to the Horse 2019. Beaming with pride, Craig was overjoyed to see his son follow in his footsteps. The 2010 Road to the Horse Champion, Craig Cameron has been a regular character at Road to the Horse and fans have a deep affection for his infectious laugh and charismatic smile.

But his days as a competitor are no longer a thing of the past! Craig has longed to return to Road to the Horse competition for many years. Now, as he celebrates the ten-year anniversary of his championship, he’ll be walking back into the round pen to battle for a second Road to the Horse title on March 19-22, 2020, in Lexington, Kentucky.

“I have been associated with Road to the Horse since the very beginning, as a contestant, a champion, a Horseman’s Host and a commentator. My roots run deep with Road to the Horse, as does my heart,” Craig stated. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to say it is truly an honor to be invited back in 2020. As always, I’ll be coming with both pistols locked and loaded, a big thank you to Road to the Horse and my loyal fans.”

 A veteran competitor, Craig competed in the event in 2005, 2006 and 2010, as well as in the 2012 international team event which saw him partnered with Pat Parelli. It was 2010 when Craig fulfilled a lifelong dream by claiming his Road to the Horse Championship title.

“It’s been ten years since Craig Cameron has walked into Road to the Horse as a competitor but his desire to compete is stronger than ever,” stated Western Horseman Publisher Ernie King. “Craig is a cowboy’s cowboy. He is the epitome of the Western lifestyle, not only in his horsemanship but also in his values of loyalty, hard work, and honor that lie in his heart.

“Can Craig Cameron claim another Championship title exactly ten years after his first title? I can’t wait to watch the story unfold at Road to the Horse 2020.”

Road to the Horse 2020 will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 19-22. Road to the Horse 2020 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Learn more about Road to the Horse at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.

Important!!! Club Organizers, Please Note!

Club organizers, please make sure you submit your 2020 events on the EXCA website!  https://extremecowboyassociation.com/event_application.htm

Also, make sure your 2020 club membership is paid before you enter events for the new year!  The link is:  https://www.extremecowboyraces.com/product5.html

2020 EXCA Events

For details, contact information and event flyers, please check the EXCA website at www.extremecowboyassociation.com.

2/23/20 – EXCA of Western Europe Winterchallenge Finals, Flanders Horse Expo, Gent BE

2/29/20 – EXCA Arizona Desert Racers, Miller Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ

3/8/20 – Blue Sky Extreme Cowboys, Blue Sky Easter Jackpot, Undercover Arena, Sulky, VI

3/8/20 – SMS Ranch Extreme Cowboy, SMS Ranch, Beaver County, AB

3/14/20 - SOCA Florida Extreme Cowboy Race , Darby Oaks Stables, Bushnell, FL

3/14/20 – Tasmanian Extreme Cowboy Association Autumn Show, Valmont Farms, Whitemore, TAS

3/15/20 – Extreme Cowboy Alberta, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

3/22/20 - Southern Cross Xtreme Cowboy Racing Queensland Regional Championships, Hervey Bay Equestrian Centre, Hervey Bay

3/28/20 - Downunder Extreme Cowboys Australian Nationals, Mt Rowan Equestrian Centre, Ballarat, VI

3/28/20 – KenInTen March Race, Rick Carey Farm, Cave City, KY

4/4/20 - Shades of Gold Ranch Cowboy Challenge, Shades of Gold Ranch, Leona Valley, CA

4/4/20 - SOCA South Carolina State Championship, Green River Farms, Gaffney, SC

4/4/20 - Dixie Outlaws Cowboy Classic, Foothills Arena, Clarksville, AR

4/5/20 – Calgary Stampede Aggie Days Race, Nutrien Western Event Centre, Calgary, AB

4/11/20 – Arizona Desert Racers, Miller Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ

4/12/20 – High Country EXCA, Winter is Coming, Yarck Rec Reserve, Yarck, VI

4/18/20 – SMS Ranch Xtreme Cowboy Spring Fling, SMS Ranch, Beaver County, AB

4/18/20 – WGQHA Extreme Cowboys Jackpot, Cannibal Creek Reserve, Garfield, VI

4/19/20 - Extreme Cowboy Alberta, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

5/2/20 - Arizona Desert Racers, Miller Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ

5/2/20 - Shades of Gold Ranch Cowboy Challenge, Shades of Gold Ranch, Leona Valley, CA

5/9/20 - SOCA Alabama State Championship Race ,  The Canyon, Hodges, AL

5/10/20 – Extreme Cowboy Alberta, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

5/16/20 - KenInTen May Race, Rick Carey Farm, Cave City, KY

5/16/20 – Oklahoma EXCA State Championship, Rolling Stone Stables, Shawnee, OK

5/30-31/20 - EXCA National Championships Hosted by SOCA (5X Point Race), Celebration Arena, Decatur, AL

6/13/20 - Shades of Gold Ranch Cowboy Challenge, Shades of Gold Ranch, Leona Valley, CA

6/14/20 – Extreme Cowboy Alberta, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

6/20/20 – KenInTen Kentucky State Championships, Rick Carey Farm, Cave City, KY

7/4/20 – EXCA of Western Europe Cowboy Classic, EC Ranch, Antwerpen, BE

7/6-9/20 – Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge, Nutrien Western Event Centre, Calgary, AB

7/25/20 – Extreme Cowboy Alberta, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

7/26/20 - Extreme Cowboy Alberta, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

8/8/20 - SOCA Georgia State Championship Race , Chicopee Woods Agriculture Center, Gainesville, GA

8/16/20 – EXCA of Western Europe Summerchallenge Stapelheyde, Brecht, BE

8/22/20 – Extreme Cowboy Alberta Cowboy Classic, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

8/22/20 - KenInTen August Race, Rick Carey Farm, Cave City, KY

8/29/20 – EXCA of Western Europe, Summerchallenge Pony Express, Limburg, BE

9/5/20 - Shades of Gold Ranch Cowboy Challenge, Shades of Gold Ranch, Leona Valley, CA

9/5/20 – Extreme Cowboy Alberta Provincial Championship, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

9/12/20 – Australian Extreme Cowgirls True Grit Cowboy Classic, Elmore Equestrian Centre, Elmore, VI

9/19/20 – KenInTen South Central Regional Championship, Rick Carey Farm, Cave City, KY

9/19/20 – EXCA of Western Europe Summerchallenge Finals, Ecurie du Chesnois, Henegouwen, BE

9/25/20 – Extreme Cowboy Alberta 2020 Finals, Cochrane AG, Cochrane, AB

9/26/20 – Oklahoma EXCA Mid Central Championships, Rolling Stone Stables, Shawnee, OK

9/26/20 - SOCA Southeastern Regional Championships, Green River Farms, Gaffney, SC

10/3/20 - Shades of Gold EXCA Regional Championship, Shades of Gold Ranch, Leona Valley, CA

10/10/20 - SOCA Florida Extreme Cowboy Race, Darby Oaks Stables, Bushnell, FL

11/3-8/20 - EXCA World Championship, Somervell Expo Center, Glen Rose, TX

12/15/19 - High Country EXCA Horse Barn Christmas Run

Pro Champion – Elisa Grobe on Lagoona Rockafella

Pro Reserve Champion – Ellie Lorensini on Wally

Non Pro Champion – Elisa Grobe on Lagoona Rockafella

Non Pro Reserve Champion – Charlotte Maywald on Mr. Excitabelle

Intermediate Champion – Sharon Crafter on Radar

Intermediate Reserve Champion – Ellie Lorensini on Wally

Ride Smart Champion – Lyn Grech on Milo

Novice Champion – Kim Peterson on Hot Little Smarty

Novice Reserve Champion – Jodie Piva on Docs Sweet Pickins

Youth Champion – Charlotte Maywald on Mr. Excitabelle

Youth Reserve Champion – Charlotte Delosa on Mytee Intense

Young Guns Champion – Rylan Fox on Lagoona Rockafella

Young Guns Reserve Champion – Bridie Peterson on Hot Little Smarty

12/22/19 – EXCA of Western Europe

Round 1

Pro Champion – Amber Uljee on Prince

Pro Reserve Champion – Mattijs Werbrouck on Diablo

Non Pro Champion – Bram Vandeputte on Flash Me On The Top

Non Pro Reserve Champion – Mattijs Werbrouck on Trigger

Intermediate Champion – Gilles Everaerd on Morning Shine

Intermediate Reserve Champion – Kristien De Cort on Roosters Rebound

Novice Champion – Nele Gysels on Gringo

Novice Reserve Champion – Petra Sallaerts on Nacho

Youth Champion – Kim Dumont on Rumble

Youth Reserve Champion – Zoe Bormans on Prince

Young Guns Champion – Maeva Dierick on Rosie

Round 2

Pro Champion – Vicky Corstiaesen on Oreo

Pro Reserve Champion – Mattijs Werbrouck on Diablo

Non Pro Champion – Mattijs Werbrouck on Trigger

Non Pro Reserve Champion – Bram Vandeputte on Flash Me On The Top

Intermediate Champion – Gilles Everaerd on Morning Shine

Intermediate Reserve Champion – Kristien De Cort on Roosters Rebound

Novice Champion – Nele Gysels on Gringo

Novice Reserve Champion – Petra Sallaerts on Nacho

Youth Champion – Kim Dumont on Rumble

Youth Reserve Champion – Zoe Bormans on Prince

Young Guns Champion – Maeva Dierick on Rosie

1/26/20 – Extreme Team Mavericks

Pro Champion – Shane Woodall on Gunslider

Pro Reserve Champion – John Osboldstone on Vivacious

Non Pro Champion – Charlotte Maywald on Mr. Excitable

Non Pro Reserve Champion – Elisa Grobe on Lagoona Rockafella

Intermediate Champion – Rachel Saunders on Banjo

Intermediate Reserve Champion – Zoe Mullens on Billy Ray

Ride Smart Champion – Graham Nowell on Buster

Ride Smart Reserve Champion – Diane Solomon on RL Special Magic

Novice Champion – Sharon Crafter on Radar

Novice Reserve Champion – Jason Smyth on Silverthorn Musical Sally

Youth Champion – Charlotte Maywald on Mr. Excitable

Youth Reserve Champion – Ryan Nowell on Buster

Young Guns Champion – Rylan Fox on Lagoona Rockafella

2/8/20 – SMS Ranch Xtreme Cowboy

Pro Champion – Jennifer Burgoyne on Soul Ridge Taboo Ziva

Pro Reserve Champion – Jennifer Burgoyne on Glenninguay Upper-Class Aloise

2/8/20 – High Country EXCA

Pro Champion – Elisa Grobe on Lagoona Rockafella

Pro Reserve Champion – Zoe Mullens on Billy Ray

Non Pro Champion – Elisa Grobe on Lagoona Rockafella

Non Pro Reserve Champion – Rachel Saunders on Caohmin Hank

Intermediate Champion – Brett Stanley on Ima Hollywood Cowboy

Intermediate Reserve Champion – Zoe Mullens on Billy Ray

Novice Champion –Kim Delosa on RVQ Smart Sonofalena

Novice Reserve Champion – Kim Delosa on Mytee Intense

Youth Champion – Charlotte Maywald on Mr Excitable

Youth Reserve Champion – Charlotte Delosa on Mytee Intense

Young Guns Champion – Rylan Fox on Lagoona Rockafella