Blaze’s Ride to the Rescue Challenge

Challenge mission The goal of our event is to promote the adoption of rescue horses to the equine- loving public, while raising funds to care for those horses still waiting for their forever homes. We also showcase the talent of local equine professionals, demonstrating that rescued horses can be trained in a variety of disciplines to become the ultimate riding partner. We feature trainers who utilize humane training techniques and the principles of natural horsemanship.

Facility & Venue Criteria: Indoor Arena Budget-Friendly Restrooms Concession Stand Vendor Booth Space Stalls for horses Budget-Friendly Centrally Located

Sponsoring Packages from $250 to $5,000, features include: Vendor booths included Banners in arena Advertising on website VIP Seating Event program advertising Banquet tickets Vendor Booth Space Collection of Items for Silent Auction & Raffle

Selecting Trainers Application Process $100 Entry Fee Reference Check Natural/Humane Method of training Youth Division Ages 12-19 Adult Division Ages 19+

Horse Selection Up to 25 horses selected Halter broke/Broke to Lead Physical Examination Passed 3 years old and up Trainers draw a number and get to choose their horse from the selected group. The trainers have a chance to meet the horses before selection, this ensures the trainers have had a chance to make a connection and the duo will work well together.

Pick-Up Day Each year we host our pick-up day where all the trainers from both youth and adult divisions come together and meet the selected group of horses. We provide lunch and endless entertainment. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your trainers and their families. This is the day the trainers get to pick their horse. We strongly believe in trainers choosing their own horse because of the connection required when it comes to the training these horses.

Spring Trail Ride Every spring our rescue hosts an annual trail ride a month before competition. Our trainers are required to attend and potential adopters are invited out to meet the horses and get a sneak peek of the training. The public brings their horses and we all get together for a mass trail ride with lunch provided. The trainers are introduced and professional pictures are taken of the training teams. By this point, horses have already started to gain a following and potential adopters anticipate seeing the horse.

Competition Desensitizing/Calmness of horse Body Condition Trainers are allotted a 10 minute time frame to perform, they are judged based on the following criteria: Desensitizing/Calmness of horse Willingness to perform (horse) Performance of Trainer Creativity of Exhibit Originality of Exhibit Softness of Trainer One Handed Reining Obstacles Body Condition Mounting/Dismounting Leading at a walk/trot Picking up feet Walk/Trot/Lope while riding Right/Left side pass Flying Lead Change (right/left) Stopping Backing

Adoption The horses are adopted out through a silent auction to the highest pre-approved bidder. Potential adopters must already have an application filled out and contract signed before adoption occurs. Bids are started at $800. The silent auctions begins as the first horse performs. Adopter with Tulsa – Challenge 2014 Adopter with Twister – Challenge 2014 Adopter with Boardwalk – Challenge 2016