Cowboy Challenge & Horsemanship Show Presented by Joann Henrickle Horsemanship

The Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship Show consisted of four horsemanship patterns the riders needed to memorize and a cowboy challenge full of obstacles for the riders and their horses. These patterns and obstacles showcased the relationship between horse and rider, who was allowed to ride English or Western. There was an additional lead line pattern for the little cowboys and cowgirls to be towed around by a person on foot.

The goal of the event was to complete the course safely and, of course, have fun. International Equestrian Trainer Joann Henrickle says this event is all about partnership with your horse, and everyone should enjoy that.

Henrickle has trained at the IEC for six years and has been a trainer for a total of 16 years. She focuses on English and Western foundation training. She teaches dressage, jumping, barrel racing, western pleasure, and trail. She loves to teach it all and always makes it fun and positive for her clients. “I discovered a way to be with my horse every day,” says Henrickle. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Heather Smith brought her two kids, Aretta Smith, 4, and Emmett Smith, 5, to participate in the lead line horsemanship class. The family lives in Warner Springs, and Smith says the lead line class is good for the youngsters because it gives them confidence with a parent by their side. “It’s their first show,” she says, adding that her kids watch their cousins do junior rodeo, so they were excited to participate in this horsemanship event.

Georgia Sterlin, 4, confidently said she wanted to win four trophies and a lot of ribbons at the event. She competed in the horsemanship lead line event, riding a horse named Candy.

A raffle was held throughout the day with a variety of baskets. The Kitty’s Kitchen food truck was on site selling BBQ bacon cheeseburgers, bacon-wrapped hotdogs, carne asada, adobada, and chicken nachos and tacos, to name a few. They also sold beverages, which was a great relief to riders and spectators on the sunny spring day.

The event sponsors were Lope Equine Inc., Trim A Brim Hat Co., Salon Ambition, Olde Mission Chiropractic, Dr. Cheryl L. Ricketts-Mulvey, DC, Valley Color Growers, Inc., Matt Parker Hay Co., and Sea Breeze Glass Co.

The judges included Monette L. Dyar and Sabrina Smith, who are both equestrians with extensive equine backgrounds. The show was judged based on the riders’ horsemanship, handling of the horse, control of their direction, and speed of the specific gait while completing a pattern to signify a partnership between horse and rider with maximum effectiveness and minimal effort. There was also an optional extra credit question to test their horse knowledge at the end of the horsemanship pattern(s).

The Cowboy Challenge tested the riders’ skill and control of their horses through challenging courses that included obstacles such as gates, tight spaces, a box of crinkled-up water bottles, an obstacle the horse had to push a ball through with its nose or front legs, and more. It stimulated real-life scenarios, aiming to showcase the control of the horse, as well as its training and trust in its rider.

This show is part of a series. Contestants will be awarded ribbons for the first and second shows and high points for all the shows combined. The high-point winner will be awarded a belt buckle at the end. The next shows will be held on Saturday, July 19, and Saturday, November 22.



The Cowboy Challenge and Horsemanship show had a great turnout. Beyond the competitive aspect, the event carried a strong sense of camaraderie. Riders cheered each other on, exchanging tips and encouragement between classes. The cowboy challenge isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a celebration of the dedication, patience, and passion that define true horsemanship.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler.