Equine victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment will be the stars at the second annual Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge. The Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in College Station, Texas, is hosting the challenge to showcase the talents of its many rescues horses.
"Many people believe rescue horses are used up or somehow damaged," said Jennifer Williams, president and executive director of Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society. "But the fact is there are some amazing horses in our organization. This event gives them the chance to show off what they can do--and hopefully find adopters willing to take them home and give them a chance."
The challenge is a training competition open to anyone willing to become an approved foster home for Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, as well as professional trainers. Contestants will spend three months working with a horse from Bluebonnet and then show off the horse’s skills at the Bluebonnet Horse Expo on Oct. 16 in Austin, Texas. Anyone wishing to participate who isn’t currently an approved foster home can apply to become one at the same time they apply for the challenge.
The challenge includes categories for professional trainers, experienced foster homes, novice foster homes, and youth. Some contestants show off saddle skills, some demonstrate tricks the horses have learned, and others show off the horses' skills in a halter and lead. The handlers will then be asked to take their horses over an obstacle course (either under saddle or in halter).
Each horse/trainer combination will be scored on improvement from initial assessment, condition of horse, obstacle course, and presentation/freestyle. The Grand Champion will be awarded $500 in cash. Each divisional Champion and Reserve will receive non-cash awards.
All horses participating in the Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge will be offered for adoption the day of the challenge.
Applications are available at BluebonnetHorseExpo.com, via e-mail at jenn@bluebonnethorseexpo.com, or by calling 888/542-5163 for more information.
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.