Whisper Challenge

by SirKnot

What an Evening

About 2500 - 3000 people watched, as 3 men with 3 different horses put on quite a demonstration of horsemanship. I sat in the center of the bleachers in order to see as much as possible.

The participants were Graig Cameron, Josh Lyons and Pat Parelli.

There were 6 horses provided by local ranches. The first part was the selection of a horse to be worked. Each man was given two horses from which to choose.

Each participant had two hours and 30 minutes to prepare for a ride in an arena and negotiate several obstacles.

Craig had a horse that became his partner quite quickly. After doing lots of leading exercises he began to desensitize the horse with a rod which had a bag attached. Then he used a saddle blanket on him. Within 1 hr that horse was accepting everything. At this point Craig saddled him, then sent him off letting the horse become accustomed to that killer thing on his back. In 1 hr 30 min Craig was riding this horse and teaching him to respond quietly to reining and leg cues. After this he removed the saddle and let the horse take a break.

Josh had a horse that was not going to be handled at first, but soon he put a bridle with a full cheek snaffle on him.

Then began the round pen work and in about 1 hour 45 minutes he placed a saddle on his back. The cinch was to long so Craig loaned Josh a saddle that worked. Josh mounted and rode at this point.

Pat chose a roan horse that was so skeptical it took 2 hrs before some progress was made. Finally after 2 hours and 15 minutes he saddled the horse and got on board. Whew, that horse wanted no part of this at first.

At 2 hours and 30 minutes a break was taken and the horses were put in stalls to rest. The crew made a nice arena from the 3 round pens. After an hour of rest the competition began again.