$28,000 Purse Set For 2014 American Horsewoman’s Challenge

Entrants for The American Horsewoman’s Challenge will now have until March 23, 2014 to apply. The unusually brutal weather across the country has made it difficult for many trainers to safely work their horses and prepare their entry videos. “We do not want to see any horses or humans injured or anyone unable to enter due to the snow and cold,” said Jim “Hutch” Hutchins, event producer.

The Challenge is a six-month contest to train a young horse for a cross-discipline tournament to be held October 2014 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The competition combines the equestrian skills of Dressage, Ranch/Trail Versatility and Liberty. The top ten finishers split a purse worth $28,000.

“We have been hearing from horsewomen from Florida to the Yukon how the weather is really limiting their time to adequately prepare their entry videos,” said Mr. Hutchins. “With the harsh winter conditions affecting most of the country, it wouldn’t be right to judge entry videos if they didn’t fully demonstrate the ability of these women.”

Applicants from across America and Canada will now have three extra weeks to prepare their 10 – 15 minute entry video, in which they must demonstrate a variety of tasks with their horses. The video should demonstrate the training ability of the entrant, while showing how well they handle the horse.

From all of the applicants, the top 50 will be chosen and have up to six months to train a “green broke” horse between the age of three and six years-old at the time of the Finals. Each competitor will be asked to demonstrate their and their horse’s skill over three days in three different events. The Challenge Finals will culminate with an exciting Freestyle event demonstrating the horse-human partnership, lightness, music interpretation and creativity. A panel of celebrity judges will critique and score the freestyle performances in front of the live audience.

Fans of each competitor can follow their favorite trainer’s challenges and progress throughout the training process by joining the American Horsewoman’s Challenge Remuda Club, which sends updates to fans and also offers prizes, discounts, and more. People will also be able to follow trainers on social media and personal blogs. Plans call for a Webcast of the Finals event for those who cannot get away from family or job obligations.

An Advisory Board of internationally-recognized clinicians has joined the Challenge to help guide its direction. It includes Debbie and Eitan Beth Halachmy of Cowboy Dressage, Grande Liberte performer Sylvia Zerbini and husband/manager Richie Waite, Extreme Cowgirl and Cowboy Dalene and Craig Cameron and Liberty clinician Carolyn Resnick.

Interested competitors and horse enthusiasts can learn more about the American Horsewoman’s Challenge and enter by visiting: http://HorsewomansChallenge.com. Social media fans can also “Like” American Horsewoman’s Challenge on Facebook to receive news and updates.

The Finals event will include an exposition of equestrian products and services by vendors from across the country. Companies interested in participating as a sponsor or vendor can learn more at: http://HorsewomansChallenge.com/Sponsors.