The Manitoba Little Buck­aroo (MLB) rodeos are only featured at some of the MHSRA rodeos — the first being held in Oak Lake in September 2016, with the Westman community hosting another one last September. With between 25 to 40 girls and boys, action is found in calf riding, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, goat undecorating, dummy roping, and mechanical bucky riding. For their efforts, the youth are awarded prizes from tack to treats.

Over the 2016-17 year, MLB rodeos were held in four communities — two spring, two fall — including Pierson, Gilbert Plains, Swan River and Oak Lake.

Initially the MLB division started for the siblings of the MHSRA members to see if the interest was there. Soon there was so much outside interest from fellow cowboys and cowgirls, that entry was opened to any youth interested in taking part and promoting the cowboy heritage.

Participation gives these young and talented athletes the spark to become fully involved in the Junior High division of the MHSRA. Focusing on students from Grades 6 to 8, this division came to light within Manitoba in the fall of 2004 at Russell. Much like the MLB program feeding the Junior High, the Junior High has fed the High School division that dates back to 1995 within the province.

A number of Manitoba athletes have represented the province at nationals in the United States and Canadian finals held in the western provinces, and went on to college backed by rodeo scholarships. Today, MHSRA alumni can be found in professional, semi-professional, and amateur rodeo associations.

No matter the division, the MHSRA continues to present the opportunity for contestants to participate and learn about rodeo, encouraging great horsemanship, sportsmanship, and fun, in a family environment.

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Horses educated to carry themselves properly while being ridden are well prepared to reach high levels of performance and remain sound throughout their lifetime. It is important for a rider to be aware of the horse’s body carriage and movement and the implications to the well-being of the horse.

When a young riding horse experiences carrying a rider for the first time, its initial natural reflexes are defensive and protective. In an attempt to stabilize the weight of the rider and its own balance, the inexperienced horse will react by tensing its neck and back while leaning forward. These initial responses seem like a reasonable solution to the horse.

However, if they are not addressed by the rider and are carried forward into their riding program, the horse is placed at a great physical disadvantage. A horse that is leaning forward will be what is known as “on its forehand.”

These horses are disproportionately and heavily loading their front quarters and legs and will be off balance, off centre, and physically awkward. The imbalance is amplified even further if a horse is started before its skeleton is physically mature, as many of these “teenage horses” are struggling with their own sense of balance and change as they grow.

One step off balance is not a big deal for any horse — however, as the number of steps off balance increases the animal’s body begins to suffer. The front legs of the horse were not designed to carry the majority of the horse’s and rider’s weight for extended periods of time.

Horses primarily weighting their forehand violate a number of natural biomechanical principles. The overburdened front legs become subjected to abnormal concussive forces. This burden is further compounded by the stress and strain related to the improper position of the front legs, relative to the rest of the body — the backward stance of the forelegs. Basically, the body does not “line up” properly. The improper stance of the forelimbs also compromises correct positioning of the hindlimbs and places them under functional stress as well.

A specific body co-ordination is fundamental to creating sound and efficient kinematics of both front and hind legs. Therefore repetitive movement whenever the horse is in poor posture places the horse at an increasing risk for lamenesses, which can include navicular disease, pastern, fetlock, carpal, tarsal and stifle arthritidies, and stressed and damaged ligamentous structures, among other risks. Although these problems seem to come out of nowhere, this is not accurate as they develop over time with each step taken in poor form. A series of micro-stresses eventually compound and become visible as an unmistakable lameness.

Horses carrying too much weight on their front legs mimic a wheelbarrow. The horse’s weight is balanced over the “wheel” in front, and the rear end is just “pushing,” not carrying a good share of the weight. This is a problem because the horse is not physically using its body correctly in this position, much like the human who lifts heavy boxes without paying attention to the correct way to do so. Eventually the error of movement becomes painfully evident, as the horse begins to “break down.”

The lack of balance that is a result of leaning becomes increasingly evident as more physically challenging questions and athletic endeavours are asked of the horse. The horse will be unable to stride, transition and bend fluidly. The ride will feel awkward and “off” to the rider. In an attempt to correct the imbalance the rider will take up the reins. This is a reflex reaction on the part of the rider as they have the feeling of falling forward, much like what the horse is experiencing and both seek support. The unstable rider will use the horse’s mouth for balance and support, which teaches the horse to ignore then lean into the bit.

Many riders attempt to remedy the problem moving to a more severe bit. Unfortunately this generally results in the horse “escaping” the bit and worsening the problem as the true cause for the leaning has not been dealt with. Controlling the horse’s head and neck position with the bit is flawed at its very premise, since the head and neck are integral to the horse’s own sense of balance. Without the freedom to choose its own head position the horse can never learn self-carriage and true balance.

The ability to recognize a horse that is travelling on its forehand is of great value to the horse as well as to the rider, since the rider’s own balance is intimately connected to the horse’s balance. In fact many times the root cause of the horse’s imbalance comes from the rider’s own disequilibrium and vice versa. Other root causes contributing to movement on the forehand may include ill-fitting saddles, pain in the mouth, insensitive hands, and rushing the horse beyond its natural cadence. It becomes necessary to address these elements in addition to riding practices to encourage the horse to move properly in correct body carriage.

It takes time and patience for horses to learn to balance and hold themselves in proper carriage while carrying a rider. The horse must develop postural and core muscles which will allow it to develop its balance much like a ballerina or gymnast.

The rider has a job similar to that of a human personal trainer whereby they show and encourage the horse to use its muscles in a manner that develops and strengthens them. As such, riding has the potential to either greatly enhance and develop efficient movement and good health of the horse or it can unfortunately hinder such.

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However, execution of this exercise can be either very beneficial or very detrimental to the horse, depending on “how” it is done. How a horse carries its body as it travels on the circle is of much greater value to developing the horse than is how many times it is circled, how fast it is going or what equipment used.

The design of the circle itself presents the greatest gymnastic challenge for a horse moving around on a circle. The natural tendency of a horse as it moves in a circle is to lean inward and fall onto its inside shoulder. The amount of lean increases as the circle becomes smaller and the horse’s speed increases. As the horse leans, it is placed in an unstable position, a position it would not willingly maintain for many strides under usual circumstances.

Ideally a gentle curvature of the spinal column, mirroring the circle, while the horse holds an upright body carriage is sought. When the horse’s body is in this position, its back preferentially becomes rounded, and its posture improves. This proper body carriage is a powerful gymnastic exercise for the horse as it develops new core muscles through correct, nourishing movement.

A horse does not automatically bend at the end of a longe line. Although it might bend the neck under restraint or side reins, it does not follow that it will correctly bend the remainder of its spinal column and back.

• More ‘Horse Health’ with Carol Shwetz: Reducing risk of injury or sickness when trailering horses

Without proper, gentle schooling most horses will lean inward. Another common fault is the horses that drop their croup and turn their body outwards/opposite to the circle’s line, resisting their handler.

Either way, the kinematics of the limbs are no longer aligned symmetrically with the ground surface and as the “leaning” hooves impact the ground surface, they turn flat, inducing compressive and torquing forces on the surfaces of the articular cartilage, soft tissues, and ligaments.

Travelling in circles in improper posture for any length of time, especially with speed can cause severe damage to the joints and soft tissue of a horse’s leg. Young horses and larger horses are especially vulnerable to injury from improper techniques. Longeing a horse on a small circle for half an hour or more can place enormous stress and strain on tissues, doing irreparable harm, especially to young horses whose legs are not yet fully developed.

Done properly, longeing is a highly advanced and effective tool for developing and educating a horse. Practising proper alignment, correct form and posture, and rhythmic cadence are key elements critical to capturing the value of this practice. Safety for both the horse and handler are inherent in such a practice. The horse learns to organize its body in relation to the handler’s position and body language. Although voice commands, hand gestures, and whips may provide tools to guide the horse, it will ultimately be the human’s body language to which the horse connects and responds.

Since the longeing horse is acquiring physical prowess, much like a dancer, slow movements and careful practice at the horse’s natural cadence are necessary to set muscle patterns and memory. In the beginning, it is best to move the horse on the straight, and on very gentle curves.

Any system restricting or modifying the normal cycle of head and neck movements is going to modify limbs kinematics and vertebral column mechanism. Horses with restricted head and neck movement contract their backs and heavily weight their forehand. In doing so the horse overuses tissues ill prepared for such weighting and is more likely to become unsound over time.

When longed correctly horses become more physically and mentally engaged in this simple exercise, actively participating in their own well-being.

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He has impressed family and friends in becoming an all-around cowboy. As a rough stock competitor he has competed in bull riding, and in timed events — tie-down roping, and team roping. Salmon, who has been riding alone since he was three years old, is hoping to expand into steer wrestling and a new event to high school rodeo — reining cow horse.

Salmon feels the competition from rodeo focuses on the individual rather than other competitors.

“The MHSRA has allowed myself to have lots of lifelong friendships, develop teamwork and sportsmanship, plus being a confidence booster in my ability to get the task at hand completed,” he said. “Involvement has fuelled the fire within to improve on my horsemanship and riding skills — horseback and on the back of a bull — as the only way to be on top is to practise.”

On top of his busy schedule of school, involvement in an apprenticeship program, roping four to five times per week, and training horses for others, Salmon has earned a number of awards over the years.

“I won team roping one year as a header and the next as a heeler in my junior years, and many high-point year-end awards in bull riding, team roping and junior events,” said Salmon, who hopes to continue his apprenticeship studies in heavy-duty mechanics at a rodeo college upon graduating in 2016.

The son of Sandra and Ray Salmon has represented Manitoba at the Canadian Finals since he started in the MHSRA as a Grade 6 student. He has also won the team-roping championship, along with partner Shelby Gillies of Neepawa, at the 2013 Canadian Finals in Alberta.

Competing with horses that Salmon has put the finishing touches on and developing a bond with high-performing mounts, he has been successful in different venues across Manitoba.

This year Salmon and the rest of the MHSRA membership, will be looking forward to again portraying a cowboy — all-around style.

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Excited to be the sole rider to represent Canada, Prue Critchley shared her passion for endurance riding on India soil this year.

Critchley, who lives between Hamiota and Shoal Lake with her husband Andrew, received an official invitation to participate in the Himalayan Endurance Ride competition from the Equestrian Federation of India. “Despite being at very short notice, I made the trip,” said Critchley. “We (myself and crew/groom member, Candace Oakes of Lyalta, Alta.) frantically collected donations for our flights to India, as based on the time frame we didn’t have time to save up.”

Critchley said while all expenses between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3 were kindly covered by the Indian Equestrian Federation — which in itself was a huge bonus to participants — flights weren’t included.

Since becoming involved in endurance riding in 1989, Critchley has competed in a number of events of varying distances. The international championship in India is a 60-km competition — taking in account the loops are a distance of 3×20 km.

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races and the terrain can be varied and challenging. In India, all international riders rode leased horses supplied by the Assam Equestrian Federation.

“The ride was very exciting,” said Critchley. “It was held in the northeast part of the country with a backdrop of the Himalayas! The ride went through tea plantations and along the Brahmaputra River.”

The first edition of the Eastern Himalayan Ride, an International Endurance meet, was flagged off by Dr. T.R. Barbora, principal of Assam Medical College in 2010. Assam is under the aegis of Equestrian Federation of India, with participation from five nations — U.S., Argentina, Switzerland, U.K. and India. The ride was developed to promote equestrian sports in general and endurance riding in particular in the northeast or the eastern Himalayan sub-region of India.

Critchley was one of seven international riders.

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As a veterinarian, my focus is on the health of the horse, yet after years of experience I could not help but observe an interesting relationship between a person and their horse. This relationship becomes even more evident when the person becomes a rider. With time the horse will mirror aspects of the rider’s emotional, mental and physical makeup.

It became interesting to note how on many occasions, owners and their horses seemed to share similar stories of illness or lack of well-being. When a horse carries a rider, his body yields to the misalignments and tensions within the rider’s body. Compensations manifest in various ways depending on the horse’s own patterns and alignment. Physical ailments like arthritis, lower back pain, lamenesses and even injuries may become shared.

Digestive disturbances, thyroid conditions, skin conditions and others may similarly manifest. Emotional relationships such as anxiety, frustration, anger, and unease can also be created. To any individual horse owner, it may seem to be a “coincidence” that they share their horse’s illness and issues, yet within my experience such “sharing” is commonplace. The stronger the bond between the horse and person, the more likely it is that they will share such a relationship.

To the horse, the emotional world of the person, even suppressed emotions, appears to be readily apparent. Besides picking up on a rider’s patterns of muscular tension, the horse also picks up on the rider’s emotional issues. A great deal of information about an individual’s emotional state can be revealed through their breathing patterns. The horse is wired to read this information and responds accordingly. This is why the same horse can have different responses to different individuals.

The medical profession recognizes emotional health to be closely linked to physical health and that many modern diseases are emotionally rooted. So then the emotional health of the horse’s caretaker/rider is crucial to the well-being of the horse itself. Awareness and responsibility of one’s own emotional state prior to interactions with any horse frees the horse from the responsibility of bringing it to the person’s attention.

Happy, healthy people tend to have happy, healthy horses. January is full of New Year’s resolutions. One of the most common resolutions is better care of one’s self. It turns out that following through with that resolution will also bring benefits to the well-being of your equine companion.

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The idea was put forth by Manitoba chapter president, Terry Baker of Newdale, however, it has truly become a board’s project in a way to help others.

The Baker family — Terry and daughter Katelynn (training) and wife/mother Donna (promotions) have lent countless hours to the project. The project focuses on a horse named Regalo (Spanish for “the Gift Horse”), which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the Annual Rocking W Ranch Horse Sale next spring in Brandon.

All proceeds generated from now to the sale date of April 20, 2013 will be donated to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, in support of child health and child health research.

The Fellowship of Christian Cowboys (FCC) is in the process of purchasing Regalo, a five-year-old registered quarter-horse gelding. Training of Regalo is already underway and according to the Bakers he is coming along amazingly, accepting the tasks and challenges with virtually no resistance. While very successful in doing ranch horse work, Regalo is also well collected for the show ring.

“It took us a while to find this special horse, he is papered up well and anyone can ride him,” said Baker. “That’s the type of horse we were looking for, one that was very marketable and a horse you can go anywhere with.”

Regalo will be trained by six or seven of Manitoba’s best Christian Cowboys horse trainers in a variety of disciplines throughout the project, turning him into a well-grounded, solid horse that anyone can ride. Upon going up for auction, 100 per cent of the sale will go directly to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, a special organization for the advancement of knowledge in the field of pediatric medical research. For more information on the foundation visit www.goodbear.mb.ca.

Dr. Goodbear excited

“The Children’s Hospital is very excited about this project,” said Baker. “Dr. Goodbear came out to the ranch in the middle of August to meet Regalo. Regalo didn’t even spook and in no time at all Dr. Goodbear climbed into the saddle and went for a ride.”

It is the FCC’s goal to raise as many funds as we can through this one-of-a-kind project. Well-broke horses are hard to find and worth their weight in gold. It’s a win-win situation for the buyer — you not only get a well-broke horse but also the awesome opportunity to help our sick kids.

The focus of this unique project that has never been done before is to promote our kids in need and not the FCC itself, which is an interdenominational group of Christians seeking to bring to the western and rodeo world support, encouragement and cowboy church services that it conducts at various western events.

The Manitoba chapter was formed in the fall of 1997 with its own board of directors and a small membership. Its membership has grown over the years with some of its original members still sitting on the board.

Public can help

Regalo has been introduced to audiences throughout the summer at a number of local fairs, Heartland Rodeo Finals, and working at the McCreary PFRA pasture, roping and treating cattle. Plans are to showcase Regalo at other horse events.

Sponsors helping with the care of Regalo are onboard including feed and veterinary services, while Rocking W Ranch of Morden is sponsoring the costs associated with the selling of Regalo.

Although some donations have come forth, the general public can help, as you don’t have to purchase the horse to be involved in this special fundraiser.

“We are taking donations towards this project right now! All proceeds after the incurred cost will be forwarded along with the money from the sale of Regalo to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg,” said Baker. “All donations are tax receiptable and can be addressed to FCC-Hoof Beats of HOPE, c/o Terry/Donna Baker, Box 187, Newdale, Man. R0J 1L0.

For more information, photos and updates of Regalo, check out www.canadianchristiancowboys.ca and follow the links or contact the Bakers at (204) 849-2154.

As ranchers, the Bakers know full well that a horse of this nature doesn’t come up for sale too often. The non-profit organization was able to obtain this horse because of what Hoof Beats of HOPE stood for — the need of making a difference in a sick child’s life. All people are being given an opportunity to be a part of this exciting project through donations made to FCC, a charity that keeps families in mind.

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“This is a pretty prestigious award to receive and something we, as a committee, strive for every year to uphold the title,” said president Greg Woychyshyn in the Minnedosa Tribune. Many of the competitors, who voted, commented how our committee put in extra hours to make the grounds dry and safe after a morning rainfall this year.

The awards were presented at the Heartland Rodeo Finals in Carman last month. During the awards’ banquet, attended by Minnedosa Rodeo secretary Amanda Kirkpatrick and Woychyshyn, awards and honours were presented in 22 categories. Onanole’s Justine Cornelsen was recognized as runner-up in both the Ladies Barrel Racing and Goat Tying event categories.

Since a group of dedicated volunteers banded together nine years ago to bring rodeo back to the town of Minnedosa, the dream became a reality in 2005. An estimated 1,000 people, including competitors and spectators took part in that first year of the revamped Minnedosa Rodeo. Over the years, the local committee has continued to build on its dream growing the local rodeo with more sponsorships, greater attendance and more attractions.

The partnership between the Minnedosa Rodeo Committee and the Heartland Rodeo Association has been a successful endeavour with many young cowboys and cowgirls saddling up or settling down on a bucking bull or bronc. There is also muttin’ busting, a petting farm and other children’s activities.

Woychyshyn said the committee is already looking ahead to 2013 and hopes to uphold the title by making the Minnedosa Rodeo bigger and better.

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Nine years ago, Hanna Kristjanson enjoyed the company of her first pony, Miss Kitty, and started leisurely riding at the age of four. Prior to becoming an avid rodeo cowgirl, she could be found on the backs of hunter/jumper horses as a member of the Brandon Pony Club.

Crazy about horses, the 13-year-old daughter of David Kristjanson and Deb Anderson looked at the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association (MHSRA) as a great avenue to make new friends while still having the opportunity to cherish horsemanship. Joining in the fall of 2010, the junior high cowgirl competed solely in pole bending and barrel racing. However, it wasn’t long before she added goat tying and ribbon roping to her competitive skills and is aiming to add breakaway roping in the not too distant future.

“My favourite event is pole bending because I like weaving through the poles at a fast pace and I like the challenge of having to leave six objects standing rather than three in terms of barrels,” said Kristjanson. “Pole bending is also my horse Deuce’s best event, and that just adds to the fun.”

The MHSRA is not all about competition, as prior to a student having that opportunity to compete in various communities across the province, he or she must keep their grade averages up. Students can also be rewarded.

“I am very proud to be named to the Cinch All Star Team,” said Kristjanson. “This means I, along with other team members, had to be in the top 10 in the standings and a grade point average of 86 per cent.”

One of the stipulations of being on Team Cinch is that students must be in good standing in their state/province association and the National High School Rodeo Association. There is only one spot on the all-star team for each event. The academic selection is taken from the top 10 rodeo competitors who must have a minimum average mark of 86 per cent. A committee then looks over the report cards of the eligible students and makes a final selection (one boy, one girl) based on their academic standing.

Along with her parents, Kristjanson is very grateful to MHSRA president Andrea Graham of Carberry for her support in showing her the basics of rodeo and finding a couple great barrel horses in Deuce, a 13-year-old black quarter-horse and Bill, a 20-year-old grade buckskin, who makes for a great backup mount.

Support is one positive step in success. Another is a favourite rodeo competitor, who is a star in the eyes of a young life. For Kristjanson, her top female rodeo athlete is Alberta cowgirl, Sierra Stoney, a five-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier, Calgary Stampede qualifier, and Canadian Professional Rodeo Association season leader in barrel racing. Stoney is a vivacious young woman with an inspiring set of dreams. Starting her barrel-racing career at a young age, her homegrown commitment to her goals has provided the foundation for an exciting, passionate career.

Having her own set of dreams as well, Kristjanson is finding that high school rodeo encourages dedication, teamwork, responsibility, determination and above all positive friendships.

Currently enrolled in Grade 7 at Rivers Collegiate, Kristjanson is active in many different sports and activities, along with rodeo. The avid athlete plays volleyball, basketball, hockey and baseball, as well as playing the piano.

Being involved in sports from a team or individual perspective comes challenges and acceptance. In any sport travelling is all part of the game, however, Kristjanson knows full well that each stretch of the road travelled can lead to bigger and better achievements.

After the first half of the 2011-12 season that wrapped up in October, Kristjanson sat in second place in pole bending, fourth in barrels and sixth in goat tying. With the second half kicking off in April, the Oak River native is aiming for an opportunity to experience Nationals in New Mexico and also the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals, once again being hosted by Manitoba in Virden, this summer.

Giving back to a non-profit organization that gives so much to each male or female student who is passionate about the sport of high school rodeo, Kristjanson and her best friend Baylee Graham of Carberry are there when needed.

“I think it’s important to be an event director, because there are many different jobs to get done at a high school rodeo,” said Kristjanson. “Myself, along with everybody else needs to do their share to present a positive image to hosting committees.”

With the tasks being shared since its incorporation in 1995, the MHSRA has steadily grown over the years, showcasing an avenue of roping and riding of a talented group of student athletes.

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Male students interested in becoming an eight-second cowboy had their opportunity to gain instruction and practice at the Elkhorn Riding Adventure arena at Onanole over February and March.

Starting out on a Little Bucky machine, the students get a feel for what it’s like to sit on the back of a slippery rawhide surface. In encouraging more participation in rodeo rough stock events, participants in the program learn aspects of riding and how an animal will react.

The MHSRA’s Little Bucky machine, valued at $1,500, was made possible through the sponsorship of Brent and Ginny Collins of Arden, and Wim and Peggy Van Meijl and Brittany Marshall of Minnedosa.

Creating a bucking motion with downward pressure on a steel handle, the man-made machine gives youth a warm-up before they settle down in a steel chute aboard a breathing, bucking animal. For the most part, the young cowboys have some rodeo experience, but may be looking at a rough stock event as a new avenue to play cowboy.

Clinicians at the sessions included Gord Adams and his son Colin, a bareback rider and MHSRA alumni from Deloraine, Kevin Larsen of Inglis, Dallas Lockhart of Brandon, Wayne Rowe of Goodlands, Ward Cutler of Virden, and Kelly Millward of Garland.

Participants included determined youth from a number of Manitoba and Saskatchewan communities.

It’s the goal of the MHSRA to see additional numbers at the rough stock end of the arena in the second half of the 2011-12 season and in future years, thanks to the Build a Cowboy program. Membership numbers in the timed events are strong, but that doesn’t hold true from a rough stock perspective at this time.

Throughout its early history, the MHSRA has had the presence of a strong group of bareback, saddle bronc and bull riders whose grit and determination are both inspiring and entertaining. The majority of these members were from the high school division, as the junior high program has only been around since 2004.

By bringing forth the Build a Cowboy program, the MHSRA is aiming to improve upon rough stock numbers by keeping the younger students interested and growing into talented high school rodeo athletes. Bareback riders are being deemed as an endangered species, with a mere five per cent of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) members competing in bareback — a wild eight-second ride on a bucking horse, without a saddle, reins or stirrups!

“With membership down this year at the chute end of the rodeo, we are using the A (stronger) and B side bulls to keep the younger boys in the event,” said Art Cochrane, the MHSRA national director and the current NHSRA president. “The Build a Cowboy program is truly beneficial as it touches on all aspects of the event or events, the youth may be interested in.”

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