Trainers Selected for Virginia Equine Extravaganza® Trainer Challenge
Equestrian News Release
July 12, 2006, Richmond, VA -- The excitement is mounting now that three trainers have been chosen for the East Coast Trainer Challenge to be held at the third annual Virginia Equine Extravaganza®, October 27-29, at the Richmond Raceway Complex in Richmond. New to this year’s Extravaganza is a three-day colt starting competition featuring three top Virginia trainers. Randy Abernathy, Tommy Garland, and Charles Pellham have been selected for the inaugural event.
The three trainers were selected based on their reputation and skill and because they are Virginians. "We wanted this year's challenge to represent the incredibly talented pool of Virginia trainers," said Vicki O'Hara, Extravaganza president. When the expo opens October 27th, these three trainers will begin a three-day process to prepare a young, unstarted horse for saddle and rider. Working with their horse for one hour each day, each trainer will have the opportunity to demonstrate their unique skills and techniques in colt starting, as they share the experience with their audience.
As part of the general admission to the expo, attendees are invited to watch each day as the trainers progress with their individual horses in this demonstration of natural horsemanship. The event will culminate on Sunday as the trainers are judged on their efforts in preparing their horse to be ridden.
"The Challenge is both a competition and demonstration of the patience and skill required," Ms. O'Hara explained. "This event will offer fascinating insight for those who have never seen what the colt starting process entails. It will be more comprehensive than a single demonstration, offering a greater appreciation for the unique techniques of each trainer. Ultimately, the challenge is about education and bringing to our audience an appreciation of the subtleties of gentling a young horse using natural horsemanship techniques."
The trainers themselves bring varied experiences to the challenge.
Randy Abernathy grew up on a family farm in McKenney, with cattle and horses. He has been riding since he was ten and training horses for more than 20 years. He has had the opportunity to study with top trainers in the United States and Canada and has developed his own unique style for helping riders with their horses.
He now operates Randy Abernathy Horsemanship, LLC, on his family farm and gives riding clinics along the East Coast. Randy enjoys teaching people how to communicate with their horses in a way that the horse understands.
Charles Pellham, of Cornerstone Horsemanship in Rixeyville, believes "to get to their hearts, you must go through their minds," as he says.
Pellham was raised on a cattle ranch and has trained horses across the country in disciplines ranging from cutting to English pleasure. He specializes in cutting horses, starting horses under saddle, and working with problem horses.
Tommy Garland, of nearby Powhatan, has spent years as a trainer for some of the top Arabian show and breeding farms in the country. His specialty is Western Pleasure.
It takes great finesse to make a top western horse, and Tommy says the secret lies in making something so hard look easy. "I want Garland-trained horses to look soft and relaxed and to enjoy what they're doing," he said in explaining his philosophy.
The Challenge will be judged by a panel of training experts and the top prize awarded to the trainer who is able to make the most progress with his horse in the three days. Expo-goers will have the opportunity to participate in selecting the trainer who achieves the most success with his horse.
Although each trainer has an individual approach, the overall objective is to achieve what renowned animal behaviorist Lucy Rees describes as a partnership. "The horse lends you his strength, speed, and grace, which are greater than yours. For your part, you give him your guidance, intelligence and understanding, which are greater than his. Together you can achieve a richness that alone neither can."
Ms. O'Hara promises a dynamic competition, one which she hopes will become an annual "must see" for East Coast equestrians.
"We hope this year's winner will return next year to defend his title against trainers from beyond Virginia's borders," she said.
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