Mike Major rested Yellowhouse Canyon (aka. Yellowhouse) on his return from Road to the Horse 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. After the event in March, the colt had a dental appointment and settled into his new surroundings in Bowie, Texas.

Mike Major has grown fond of the colt and has been working on softening the colt on the ground and under saddle, working on maneuvers such as hip control, lead changes, and spins. Mike is looking forward to a strong future together, as he feels the colt has an abundance of natural athleticism and talent.

While on location, Yellowhouse Canyon decided to enjoy his time in the pond, taking Mike down with him after he unexpectedly rolled in the water to cool off! Some great photographs were captured of the moment and you can find the entire scene on Road to the Horse Facebook.

In addition, Road to the Horse partnered with YETI coolers to present Mike with a new YETI cooler, after his was unfortunately stolen from the back of his truck on his return from Road to the Horse. Thank you to our friends at YETI for their generous donation.

Follow Mike Major and Yellowhouse Canyon on Facebook at Mike Major Horsemanship.

The post At Home with Mike Major and Yellowhouse Canyon appeared first on Road To The Horse.

The purpose of Road to the Horse is to identify the superior colt starter who accumulates the highest score, across three days, during the competition. Judging focuses on the competitors and the effectiveness of their horsemanship methods as they communicate, educate and build a partnership with their colt. The world-class colt starting competition also strives to keep the long-term respect of the horse at the forefront of its mission. Inspiring horse owners to reach a higher level of horsemanship and develop unity with a horse based on trust, not fear. The first priority is always the horse.

RTTH competitors battle through two rounds and complete an obstacle course and rail work requirements on the last day. RTTH is a leader in the industry, and in 2022 will debut a renewed system of scoring. Built with the intentions of reflecting the evolution of the industry, while providing a fair advantage to competitors and horses the new scoring system will keep RTTH on the cutting edge of the industry, according to Road to the Horse Director of Operations, Tammy Sronce.

“With the evolving talent of the clinicians—look how far they’ve come over the years—the system has to evolve,” Sronce says. “Just like the colts do and the clinicians do and the industry does.”

RTTH is the onset of a colt’s education, therefore the simple act of a judge scoring maneuvers rather than the process in which a trainer interacts and build’s a colt’s confidence did not purely reflect the values of RTTH.

“Road to the Horse wanted a scoring system that directly reflects our message, and this is one which focuses on building the colt’s confidence and trust through the entire journey,” Sronce says. “To us, it’s about creating a solid foundation, rather than just being primarily centered on the obstacle course.”

This new system works on a basis of 0 to 5 points, which increase in half-point increments. With the 0 to 5 scoring scale, judges will mark a competitor on individual scoring elements throughout the rounds based on 0 being the lowest level of difficulty and 5 being the highest. Those scores for each individual scoring element will then be tallied and totaled at the end of each round of competition. At the end of competition, the competitor with the highest composite score will be crowned the champion.

Milestone markers have been added to the scoring system. Now, the new system reflects changes in scoring components based on how the colts’ education grows in the rounds.

In Round 1 competitors will be judged on 20 categories: catching and haltering, saddling preparation, saddling, introduction of rider, obstacle preparation, groundwork, general interaction, timing-reward and release, forward motion, willingness to guide/steer, progression of colt’s softness-yields to pressure, clarity of message, overall horsemanship—reading of colt, clinician’s conduct/demeanor, clinician’s confidence and understanding, clinician’s ability to build confidence in colt, clinician’s ability to adjust to the colt’s needs, clinicians ability to build a solid foundation, appropriate use of pen wrangler, and colt’s demeanor at end of session.

When competitors move to Round 2, all the same categories will be judged as in Round 1 with one replacement: obstacle preparation is replaced with use of obstacles.

The final round—which is comprised of four components: saddling pen, rail work, obstacle course and overall riding—also received updated scoring components broken down into more concise categories reflective of the process.

RTTH test-drove the new scoring system at the 2021 Days of ’47 RTTH Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge in Salt Lake City, Utah, with great success.

“It directly mirrored what we were watching in the round pen, and the scores reflected that,” Sronce says.

The scoring system has been continually adjusted since the event’s inception, however Sronce says key modifications were necessary to stay current with the times and talents of horsemen and – women.

“The critical evaluations is the colt’s demeanor at the end of the session. When the competitor walks out of the round pen, did they leave a better horse? To me, the new scoring system focuses heavily on the progression of the partnership between the competitor and colt, across all the rounds,” Sronce says. “It’s the establishment of confidence and the building of the colt. That was the most important key for us. It’s not so much, ‘Did you get over the tarp at Road to the Horse?’ It’s, ‘Did you build the colt’s confidence enough to get that done?’ The focus is on the journey rather than the destination.”

Sronce says ultimately the new system provides a more even allocation of points throughout the event, making the objectives clearer and the scoring reflective of the entire process of starting a colt with checks and balances along the way.

“There used to be a heavy allocation of points in the final round,” Sronce says. “We have now changed to more even allocation of points throughout the entire competition. Road to the Horse is not solely about the obstacle course.

“We are here to watch a colt build his confidence through the entire competition,” she adds. “We are about building horses here, and want a scoring system that reflects that.”

At the end of the day it’s a strategy born from a desire to provide the best opportunities available to both clinician and horse to build relationships together based on genuine trust.

“When we ask a clinician to put their reputation on the line, we need to have a solid foundation to judge them appropriately,” Sronce explains, “and they need to be confident in how they’re going to be judged.”

THE EVOLUTION OF HORSEMANSHIP

Horsemanship is ever-evolving, and RTTH strives to be on the cutting edge of those evolutions. Thus was the decision to create a new scoring system, but beyond that Sronce says the growth of the industry as a whole has always been the driving force behind what RTTH works to represent, for both trainers and horses.

“Everyone’s horsemanship methodology is different,” Sronce says. “There’s such diversity in horsemanship, and we want to display that, celebrate that, and educate people. The vision of Road to the Horse is about communicating with that horse, building trust and taking the time to do it right. We focus on a competitor and the effectiveness of their horsemanship methodology to communicate and build a partnership based on trust.”

The post Scoring A Solid Foundation appeared first on Road To The Horse.

“Every moment was magical,” stated Texas horseman Mike Major. Major let his horsemanship take priority throughout the competition. “I let the horse lead me to where we’re going. It gets easy, when you listen to the horse and let that horse tell you exactly what you need to do next. Road to the Horse is such a great production and this win means a lot to me.”

Mike Major claimed both Round 1 and Round 2 victories receiving a $5,000 bonus for each round win. Canadian horseman Glenn Stewart displayed a strong finish on Championship Sunday, adding a $5,000 Round 3 bonus check to his earnings. In total, Mike Major finished the event with $85,000 in earnings. Glenn Stewart finished in second place, adding $20,000 to his $5,000 Round 3 winning, for a $25,000 total payout. Pat Parelli was awarded $10,000 for his third-place finish and Brandi Lyons, $5,000 for her fourth-place finish.

The Road to the Horse 2022 Remuda from the 6666 Ranch featured eleven three-year-old colts, representing the world’s best AQHA bloodlines. Brandi Lyons selected the red roan gelding GUTHRIE MAYOR (#3), Pat Parelli picked NATURAL STYLISH (#11), and Glenn Stewart selected METALLIC WRAPPER (#2).

Additionally, Dr. Glenn Blodgett was tasked with the honor of selecting the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award Winner, in memory of the late legend Jack Brainard. Dr. Glenn Blodgett selected Mike Major of the recipient of this inaugural award for his outstanding ability to observe, analyze and apply horsemanship methods that best suited his colt.

“Road to the Horse 2022 was packed with talent. From our Championship Competitors, to our entertainers and guest clinicians, fans were treated to world-class horsemanship from start to finish,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “It was a privilege to watch each horseman and woman perform. The event was an amazing reflection of everyone’s unyielding love of the horse.”

Complete Road to the Horse 2022 scores are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Road to the Horse 2023 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 23-26, 2023. Tickets are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.

Combined Totals: 

MIKE MAJOR

Colt: #8 Yellowhouse Canyon (Jesses Topaz x Last Call for Gin)

RTTH 2022 Earnings:

• Round 1 Winner: $5,000
• Round 2 Winner: $5,000
• Overall World Champion: $75,000

GLENN STEWART

Colt: #2 Metallic Wrapper (Metallic Masterpiece x Mink Wrapper)

RTTH 2022 Earnings:

• Round 3 Winner: $5,000
• Overall: Reserve World Champion $20,000

PAT PARELLI

Colt: #11 Natural Stylish (Natural Bottom x Stylish Kittie)

RTTH 2022 Earnings:

• Overall: 3^rd Place – $10,000

BRANDI LYONS

Colt: #3 Guthrie Mayor (Guthrie City Limits x Whiskey And Quail)

RTTH 2022 Earnings:

• Overall: 4^th Place – $5,000

The post Results: Mike Major Takes Top Honors at Road to the Horse 2022 appeared first on Road To The Horse.

Judge 1- Jeff Williams, Judge 2 – Richard Winters, Judge 3 – Jesse Westall, Judge 4 – Punk Carter, Judge 5 – Barbra Schulte

Judged Criteria:

Catching & Haltering | Saddling Preparation | Saddling | Introduction of Rider | Obstacle Preparation | Groundwork | General Interaction | Timing – Reward & Release | Forward Motion | Willingness to Guide/Steer | Progression of Colt’s Softness -Yields to Pressure | Clarity of the Message | Overall Horsemanship – Reading of Colt | Clinician’s Conduct / Demeanor | Clinician’s Confidence & Understanding | Clinician’s Ability to Build Confidence in Colt | Clinician’s Ability to Adjust to the Colt’s Needs | Clinician’s Ability to Build a Solid Foundation | Appropriate Use of Pen Wrangler | Colt’s Demeanor at End of Session

How it works:

Scores for each criterion are judged from 0-5 in half point increments. Scores are accumulative across all arounds, and the hgh and low score are discarded for each round

Round One:

Round Two:

Round Three:

Combined Totals:

The post Road to the Horse 2022 Scores appeared first on Road To The Horse.

Domestic Viewers: Download the Pluto TV app on your smart TV or favorite device to watch Road to the Horse 2022, or click on the link here to go directly to the LIVE PBR RIDEPASS Channel 720 on Pluto TV. Drop In. Watch Free. Each day will be available to watch on-demand on PlutoTV within 24-48 hours.

For International Viewers and to view the Instant On-Demand, click here.

Estimated live-streaming times (in EST):

• Thursday, March 24: 1:30 pm – 6 pm
• Friday, March 25: 11 am – 4 pm
• Saturday, March 26: 9:15 pm to 4 pm
• Sunday, March 27: 9:30 am to 3:45 pm

The post Watch the RTTH 2022 Livestream appeared first on Road To The Horse.

“It is my honor to have accepted the invitation as a Championship Competitor for Road To The Horse 2022. I am proud to be part of an event that recognizes and awards good horsemanship—The practice I have so passionately dedicated my life to. To have another opportunity to demonstrate and share what has been shared with me by my mentors, is always appreciated and never taken for granted. Thank you to everyone involved in making this special event a reality. See you in the arena. And, until then, may the horse be with you.” -Pat Parelli

The post Championship Competitor – Pat Parelli appeared first on Road To The Horse.

“After much consideration, I have made the decision to voluntarily withdraw from the competition due to a private, family matter. I wish the championship competitors the best of luck” stated Cole Cameron.

A fan favorite, Pat Parelli has inspired horse lovers around the world and displayed his colt starting talent as a competitor at Road to the Horse in 2011 and 2012. There isn’t a more fitting time for Pat Parelli to enter the Road to the Horse round pen, than on the tenth anniversary of his last appearance.

“As a natural horsemanship icon, we’re excited to welcome Pat Parelli to the championship lineup in 2022,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “As a veteran competitor, Pat has the talent and event experience to step straight into the Championship Competition and compete at the highest level. We’re honored to have him join us.”

Pat Parelli began creating a natural horsemanship program to improve the relationship between humans and horses. Pat promoted the concept of love, language and leadership. Pat’s desire to spread this knowledge to the world rose up in him after watching his mentors Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt work with horses. In 1982, Pat began teaching clinics, and in 1991, he coined the name Natural Horsemanship. Natural Horsemanship has become a viable and important aspect of the international horse industry and continues to expand and influence the way in which horses are trained. Pat provides amazing talent for both training horses and teaching people.

Today, Parelli Natural Horsemanship and the program has spread to 76 countries, over a million people and has improved the lives of horses around the world. Road to the Horse 2022 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 24-27, 2022.

Tickets are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information. For more information about Pat Parelli and Parelli Natural Horsemanship, please visit Parelli.com.

The post Pat Parelli Joins the 2022 Championship Competition Lineup appeared first on Road To The Horse.

Road to the Horse 2022 includes guest clinicians such as Pat Parelli, Wylene Wilson and Craig Cameron. Entertainers include Jessica Blair Fowlkes, Dan James, Young Guns Equestrian Drill Team, and Whispery Pines Percherons.

Road to the Horse 2022 celebrities on hand include Mary Kitzmiller and Booger Brown.

We can’t wait to see everyone back at Road to the Horse 2022 on March 24-27 in Lexington, Kentucky!

Meet the entire entertainment lineup here.

The post You’ll Love Our Entertainer Lineup appeared first on Road To The Horse.

Most lifelong horse enthusiasts cannot remember a time when Natural Horsemanship didn’t exist. The simple systems of equine partnership helped shape the way that equestrians approach their relationship with their horse in every riding discipline imaginable. 

The Parelli Method has since reached 76 countries, over a million people, countless horses, and is now accessible to every horse owner at every budget through online membership all the way up to in-person courses. 

Parelli Natural Horsemanship is thrilled to announce that Pat Parelli will be returning to Road to the Horse as a Guest Clinician on Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 3:45-4:30 PM. See the yearling successor to Pat’s SuperHorse (Magic), Magic’s Mirror, and Pat’s tried-and-true horse, Slider. The presentation will be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. This is a free event—no ticket is required for entry. 

Pat Parelli will also be participating in the Invitational Freestyle Horsemanship Challenge on Saturday, March 26, during the Road to the Horse event weekend. This competition will showcase the versality of talent of the Road to the Horse celebrities in a freestyle performance which displays their unique horsemanship talent. 

Tickets are required for admission to the Road to the Horse Event Friday – Sunday & Invitational Freestyle Horsemanship Challenge on Saturday. Event tickets are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com

“We’re honored to welcome Pat Parelli as a Guest Clinician at Road to the Horse 2022. Pat Parelli has been a lifelong ambassador of the horse, and has dedicated his career to helping equestrians build stronger relationships with their horses. It’s been ten years since Pat has educated fans at Road to the Horse and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back!” – Road to the Horse Director of Operations, Tammy Sronce.

For more information about Pat Parelli and Parelli Natural Horsemanship, please visit Parelli.com. 

The post Pat Parelli Returns to RTTH as Guest Clinician and Horsemanship Challenge Competitor appeared first on Road To The Horse.

There’s an exciting new addition to this year’s Road to the Horse 2022 World Championship weekend! On Saturday March 26^th right after our opening ceremonies we hosted an Invitational Freestyle Horsemanship Challenge that featured performances from our Road to the Horse celebrities. This will be a great chance for 2022 competitors, pen wranglers, entertainers and guest clinicians to deliver a creative performance that showcases the confidence, trust, and harmony between them and their horse.

The objective of the competition is to showcase the versatility of talent of the Road to the Horse celebrities.

Competitors

Competitors included fan favorites such as:

• Pat Parelli
• Mary Kitzmiller
• Brandi Lyons
• Mike Major
• Dan James

Rules & Regulations:

Each freestyle routine shall:

• Be between 3 minutes and 6 minutes, which includes any introductions. The time will begin when the horse enters the arena and will end when the music stops. 
• Each routine must consist of, but is not limited, to the following required riding maneuvers. The following required maneuvers must be performed in the first two minutes of the routine:
  * (2) Full circles to the right at the lope
  * (2) Full circles to the left at the lope
  * (2) Lead changes, from either direction (L-R or R-L )
  * (2) Consecutive spins to the right
  * (2) Consecutive spins to the left
  * (2) Stops – From a lope to a complete stop
  * Failure to display any of the above elements will result in a score of 0 for that maneuver
• Competitors have the option to use ground working tools, snaffle bits, bosals, or any shank bit of their choice. All equipment must be humane, non -abusive to the horse and follow the humane principles of Road to the Horse. 
•  Competitors have the option to utilize one or more additional riders in their routine. Additional riders may only be introduced into the routine after the first two minutes has elapsed.
• Competitors have the option to utilize more than one horse in their routine. Additional horses may be used at any time during the span of the routine and may be used mounted or at liberty. 

Scoring:

• Required Riding Maneuvers will receive a technical score from 0-5. (Max score 30)
• Creativity/Horsemanship will receive a technical score from 0-10. (Max score 50)
• Awards will be give to the Top 5 plus Fan Favorite

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