Extreme Cowboy ChallengeJ comes to Maine

    The Cowboy Heritage Trail Riders and the Extreme Cowboy Association have teamed up to bring  Extreme Cowboy ChallengeJ to Maine!  The Extreme Cowboy Association consists of 14 regions across the United States, each region offering local, state and regional championship competitions that lead to the National Championship competition. Maine’s Cowboy Heritage Trail Riders has joined the Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA) Club membership and has appointed Adam Hutchinson, of Houlton, as their organization’s EXCA representative. Work has commenced on an obstacle course at Rocking S Ranch, in Fort Fairfield, for the very first sanctioned Extreme Cowboy ChallengeJ in Maine and New England!
    What is an Extreme Cowboy Association event? It’s competition designed to invite riders of all levels to participate and  challenges both horse and rider to maneuver through a series of obstacles, demonstrating both horsemanship and speed. The Extreme Cowboy Association is the original and only recognized association for the sport of extreme cowboy competition,  a multi-faceted equestrian sport that requires the contestants to demonstrate both speed and horsemanship.
    The Extreme Cowboy RaceJ was originated by the first AOriginal Extreme Cowboy@, Craig Cameron, who has achieved national recognition as a true cowboy  and  is taking the Extreme Cowboy ChallengeJ across the country, including his weekly RFD TV “Extreme Cowboy Race” television program.
    Extreme Cowboy CompetitionJ follows the official EXCA rulebook to keep the competition safe, fun and consistent for everyone.  All obstacles are constructed with safety for the rider and horse in mind and all competitors are expected to compete within their individual capabilities and the ability and condition of their horse. Good horsemanship is key to a successful competition.
       There are five competition levels: Young Guns for ages 7 to 11, Youth ages 12 to 17, Non-Pro fro ages 12 and over, Pro for those 12 and over, and Ride-Smart for ages 55 and over.  Obstacle courses consist of 13 of the 66 courses described in the EXCA rulebook, therefore, the obstacles, terrain and length of the courses  vary at each  event. Obstacles are assigned a difficulty rating of 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most difficult. There are a maximum of six obstacles for Young Guns, plus a score for Overall Horsemanship and a time score. All other divisions have 13 obstacles per event, plus a score for Overall Horsemanship and total time. Regional Championships  have 14 obstacles, plus Overall Horsemanship  and total time.
     The first Maine- and New England-sanctioned Extreme Cowboy ChallengeJ is scheduled for July 11 at Rocking S Ranch in Fort Fairfield. The event is intended to be a fun competition for all levels of riders. For  information on the Cowboy Heritage Trail Riders’ Extreme Cowboy ChallengesJ, contact Adam Hutchinson at cowboys@cowboyheritagetrailriders.com.