Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge

Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge 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.

What a wonderful time last weekend. Thank you to our riders for coming out. Saturday was a nice cool weather day for a c...
06/18/2025

What a wonderful time last weekend.
Thank you to our riders for coming out. Saturday was a nice cool weather day for a clinic. Sunday started heating up a bit but we finished before it was too hot.
We introduced some fun new obstacles (even one that plays music)
Looking forward to Fort Bragg July 19th & 20th.
Entry form will be opened on the event page.

Yesterday's clinic went wonderful. Looking forward to some great weather for today's show. You can still sign up this mo...
06/15/2025

Yesterday's clinic went wonderful. Looking forward to some great weather for today's show. You can still sign up this morning.

After a full day of setting up and prepping obstacles for this weekend’s Clinic and Show at Meadowbrook Ranch, Russ and ...
06/13/2025

After a full day of setting up and prepping obstacles for this weekend’s Clinic and Show at Meadowbrook Ranch, Russ and Mackenzie hit the trail for a well-earned ride.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone tomorrow!
Sign-up starts at 9:00 AM
Walk-through kicks off at 10:00 AM

Happy first day of JuneWith warmer weather comes late night riding. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Meadowbrook in...
06/01/2025

Happy first day of June
With warmer weather comes late night riding.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at Meadowbrook in just a few short weeks.

What could we printing up for our 2025 Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge? June is just around the corner. Be sure to sha...
05/15/2025

What could we printing up for our 2025 Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge?
June is just around the corner. Be sure to share the event with your friends and get those registrations in.

Russ and Stacy last weekend judged a show for Back Country Horsemen. We are looking forward to seeing some new faces in ...
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.

Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge is back for its 15th season. We are looking forward to hosting events at both Meadowbr...
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………

Send a message to learn more

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.

Send a message to learn more

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.

Send a message to learn more

Address

Oroville, CA
95965

Telephone

+15304139625

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ranch Hand Trail Course Challenge:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story

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.