The Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge and Clinics the Mullins Family has been putting on since 2009
Here at the Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge, we are committed to supporting and promoting responsible and compassionate interactions between humans and and their equine companions. As part of our mission, we understand the importance of addressing the desensitization process for horses, particularly through the use of obstacles. Desensitization is a training technique used to familiarize horses
with various stimuli, helping them become more calm, confident, and responsive in different situations. Obstacle training is one effective method utilized by us to achieve these goals. By introducing horses to carefully designed obstacles, we aim to help them overcome their natural flight instincts and develop trust in their rider. These obstacles can include things like bridges, tarps, water pools, flags, and other props that simulate challenging environments and scenarios. It's crucial to emphasize that the desensitization process should always be conducted with the utmost care and consideration for the horse's welfare. At the Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge, we advocate for positive reinforcement techniques, such as reward-based training and patience, to ensure the horse's emotional and physical well-being throughout the process. We encourage horse owners, trainers, and enthusiasts to approach desensitization with knowledge, experience, and respect for the individual horse's needs and limitations. This includes using appropriate equipment, and gradually exposing the horse to increasing levels of challenge based on their progress and comfort. Additionally, it is essential to recognize that desensitization is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires consistency and reinforcement. Each horse is unique, and the pace and approach to desensitization should be tailored to their temperament, previous experiences, and overall readiness. At the Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge, we promote the responsible sharing of information and resources related to the desensitization of horses through obstacles. We believe that open dialogue, education, and collaboration are key to ensuring the well-being of these magnificent animals. By fostering a supportive community where enthusiasts can exchange knowledge, discuss best practices, and share success stories, we aim to contribute to the welfare and positive training experiences for horses worldwide. Together, let's continue to promote ethical horsemanship practices and help horses build confidence, trust, and resilience through the appropriate use of obstacles and desensitization techniques.
04/20/2025
Russ and Stacy last weekend judged a show for Back Country Horsemen. We are looking forward to seeing some new faces in June.
Remember Saturday is a clinic where you can get one on one assistance with obstacles. This is a great learning opportunity whether in hand or in the saddle.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
03/12/2025
June is fast approaching and we are excited to see everyone for a new season.
Here is the form link for preregistration
Remember you can also ride the property after the event.
02/16/2025
Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge is back for its 15th season. We are looking forward to hosting events at both Meadowbrook Ranch in Magalia and over on the coast in Fort Bragg!
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, RHTCC is here to help you and your horse journey with confidence. Let's make this season one to remember!
01/28/2025
Good afternoon we are taking orders for our next set of steers. Once we lock in at least half a steer sold we can set a date in stone for processing.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
01/28/2025
Some Date and Locations So for, keep checking back for details.
June 14 & 15 Meadowbrook Ranch Magalia, CA
July 19 & 20 Shore line Riders Fort Bragg, CA
August 16 & 17 Shore Line Riders Fort Bragg, CA
September 20 &21 Shore Line Riders Fort Bragg, CA
I’m starting to feel like an infomercial: But wait there more………
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01/24/2025
It's that time of year. We will be posting our Clinic and Show dates VERY SOON. Just waiting on some final dates. Check back.
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09/20/2024
Sorry for the short notice but due to a conflict in dates we will not be at Meadowbrook Ranch on September 28 & 29. Keep an eye on our page for any updates.
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09/14/2024
Good Morning Ft. Bragg it's a beautiful day to spend time with your equine. Sign ups at 9am walk through at 10am today is a clinic play day tomorrow is a show off what you practiced. Same day signs are always welcome. Don't forget are last weekend of the season raffle. Thank you again for an amazing costal season, we are already making plans for next year.
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09/12/2024
Once again we are excited to do another raffle of an obstacle at our final Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge show this year in Fort Bragg! We have been putting up obstacles for raffle the past few years and this year is no exception. We are out building something tough and strong that will last.
We will be selling raffle tickets Saturday and Sunday for the chance to win your very own obstacle. Drawing will be held Sunday right before we hand out our awards. Winner must be present. This year it will be a 12 foot Bridge/Teeter Totter.
Remember that this is an open show. We will be awarding daily hi-point prized for the Sunday show. So come on out and have a great time with your horse! Even if you dont have a horse, come on out to watch our riders have a great time!
Happy Butte County Fair, everyone!
This year, Oroville Gentle Dentistry is thrilled to support a local FFA Chapter in Princeton.
Agriculture and youth development are close to our hearts, and we’re proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause. Here’s to celebrating hard work, dedication, and the bright future of our young farmers!
Be sure to tag us in your fair photos showing off your FFA shirts
08/20/2024
Here are some videos we took this weekend at Fort Bragg
08/20/2024
Great time had in Fort Bragg this weekend. Always good to have some new riders come out and enjoy themselves
08/18/2024
Last batch of pictures from July 2024
08/18/2024
Another album of the great time had by the Riders in Fort Bragg with the Shoreline Riders
08/18/2024
Had an awesome time with the riders from Shoreline Riders out in Fort Bragg. We loved the cooler weather
08/15/2024
All packed up and ready to head out to Fort Bragg for an awesome weekend of obstacles! So looking forward to meeting some great people and the cooler weather Fort Bragg has to offer. There is time for you to join us as sign up for the clinic is at 9am with walk through at 10am.
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We started working with horses and obstacles as a way to help desensitize our horses to the environment. This was working with tarps in an arena to being about to navigate through and over objects safe a calmly. Over the years we have evolved our program into helping others become more confident riders with their horses in a safe and controlled environment.
The low keyed clinics we offer help reduce the stress that some riders feel as they themselves are learning to be a calm rider. These clinics also are great for those wanting to get a feel for what various competitions may require of them and their horse, such as Trail Trials or Obstacle Challenges.
We also offer our riders the opportunity to be able to use the skills they have learned in our Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge Events. These Challenges allow riders to navigate around 16-20 different obstacles, both inside and outside of an arena. Riders and their horses will be judged with 5 point for the rider and 5 points for the horse, for a high score of 10 for a perfect run.
Our goal is for our riders to have fun and be safe with their horses. We want you to succeed in this by offering low key shows and clinic to remove some of the pressure riders may feel. We also have a walk through prior to our clinics and shows with the clinicians/judges to allow the riders to ask questions about the obstacles they will be dealing with during the day. We also provide a time for the riders to get together and socialize and share ideas by breaking for lunch, which we normally provide as part of their entry fee.
Those events that take place at Meadowbrook Ranch in Magalia, CA, riders are more than welcome to explore the 10 miles of trails they have to offer, or even swim with your horse. Also we make camping available to our riders who would like to either come in on Friday or stay the weekend.