Special Olympics
The S.M.I.L.E. riders entered the equestrian competition at Grand Island, Nebraska, which
consists of two parts; Working Trail and Stock Seat/ Western Pleasure. Riders are judged
on their horsemanship in both arenas. Working Trail involves, weaving through
cones, riding through a log L, stopping their horses to get mail out of
a mailbox and otherchallenges. Stock Seat/Western Pleasure
consists of showing their riding skills as well as their control of
their horse.
Each arena is divided into classes;
A class: must walk, trot, and gallop their horses, as well as turning and back their horses on their own for the judge.
B-Independent class: must perform the same as the A class but they do not Gallop.
B-Support Class: show their skills with the support of one person leading their horse and one
person walking along side.
C class: show with total support of a person leading a horse and a person on each side to hold them up.
This year there was 40 athletes from several therapeutic horseback riding center in Nebraska. 20 of th eathletes were from S.M.I.L.E. Inc.
S.M.I.L.E. Inc. competators came home with 36 medals; 16 gold, 8 silver, and 12 bronze. Congrate to all of our competators and way to go!!
Posted on: Wednesday, February 17, 2016
