The Verona Horse Expo and Explosive Growth of the Sport in Italy by Mark Bolender In 2013 we had our first guest from Italy travel to Bolender Horse Park to evaluate and see firsthand what mountain trail was all about. They spent their time immersed in the sport, attending … Read More
8 Catchy Tunes for Remembering the Basics by Robert Eversole Whether we like it or not, Old Man Winter has settled in for the season. A good way to keep him at bay is to put a little thought into preparing for the inclement weather on the way. To … Read More
Age Shines on the Obstacle Course by Mark Bolender The discipline of mountain trail goes quite naturally with an aged horse. While an older horse may struggle at the most demanding level of the sport, it can still be quite good for them. Recently I watched a healthy, yet … Read More
Building an International Sport by Mark Bolender YOU DON’T OFTEN FIND the western horse next to an English style horse in the same competition. This also goes for seeing multiple breeds competing together — Arabians, Peruvians, Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, minis, warm bloods and even mules. Mountain trail is different. … Read More
Lessons on Re-growing a Forest after Wildfire by Robert Eversole The summer of 2015 was a rough one in the Pacific Northwest. The 2014/15 winter “that wasn’t” conspired with an even drier spring to fuel the wildfires that have scorched our region. From the Pasayten’s Newby Lake fire to … Read More
Master these Basic Skills to Improve Safety and Scores by Mark Bolender To improve their mountain trail scores it’s important to master nine basic skills. These skills can also be returned to, again and again, to master the variety of obstacles found on course. Ability to move the shoulders … Read More
A simple, safe and cost effective way to use a high line The last weekend in August found me at Firemountain Trail Course in Sedro Woolley, WA. I love this place and Marilyn is a perfect hostess. She rides, trains and promotes trail safety at her place. She hosts many … Read More
How to Communicate with Color on the Trail by Robert Eversole Ribbons are for more than wrapping gifts. These colorful pieces of fabric can be purely decorative, utterly functional, or a combination of both. In the equine world, ribbons can go far beyond the cerulean hued that signifies a … Read More
Why Obstacle Training is Good for Every Horse by Mark Bolender Your horse’s mind is an amazing place, but understanding the basics is an absolute necessity in order to effectively train it. The reality is I want to change the horse’s natural instinct, reaction, and teach it to think … Read More
Six Reasons You Need a Map on the Trail by Robert Eversole There are many tools that are commonly used to help find your way happily down the trail. While the single most important element in your equine travel toolbox is you, a map of where you’re riding is … Read More
