A line of riders cross a bridge during the first LSU AgCenter Master Horseman trail ride held Nov. 6-7 near Cade. The event raised more than $8,000 for the LSU AgCenter Master Horseman program. (Photo by Bruce Schultz. Click on photo for downloadable image.)

A rider allows his horse to run to the barn after an afternoon on the trail during the first LSU AgCenter Master Horseman trail ride held Nov. 6-7 near Cade. Approximately 100 horse enthusiasts attended the event. (Photo by Bruce Schultz. Click on photo for downloadable image.)

2 riders enjoy relaxation around a campfire after the first day of the LSU AgCenter Master Horseman trail ride held Nov. 6-7 near Cade. (Photo by Bruce Schultz. Click on photo for downloadable image.)

News Release Distributed 11/12/10

CADE, La. – Karen Ainsworth of Houma was letting her horse munch on grass as a well-deserved reward for a satisfying day with the first LSU AgCenter Master Horseman trail ride.

“She did things she’s never done before,” said Ainsworth, still excited about her horse’s progress.

She said her horse had never ridden on trails much, and certainly not with the 75 other horses on the afternoon trail ride that negotiated hills, open fields and a water crossing.

Her horse forded the pond confidently, “and she hates water,” Ainsworth said.

The trail ride was part of a two-day event (Nov. 6-7) held on a 700-acre ranch between New Iberia and Lafayette. The goal was to raise money to expand the AgCenter’s Master Horseman program through an entry fee and an auction.

“I think we can safely say we have exceeded our monetary goal,” said Neely Heidorn, LSU AgCenter horse specialist. The event raised more than $8,000, which will go a long way to pay for travel and materials for future Master Horseman classes.

“We already have requests for Master Horseman classes in five more parishes,” she said.

The weather was ideal, and the participants enjoyed themselves, Heidorn said. “I don’t think we could have asked for a better group.”

The trail ride allowed horse owners to become more confident doing new things under helpful supervision, said Howard Cormier, LSU AgCenter regional equine specialist. “This is not just about covering ground.”

Kevin Avery of Lafayette said the weekend was successful because of a combination of “good people, good weather and good horse training.”

“It was a great experience,” said Peter Wolfe of Houma, who attended the event with his wife, Luzmila. He said he hopes the event is held regularly. “We’d be regulars if they did this twice a year.”

Wolfe said he was impressed with the emphasis on safety.

Margaret and Jerry Blalock came from Kilgore, Texas, to ride their cutting horses, and they enjoyed the camaraderie on the trail and in camp. “It was fantastic,” Jerry Blalock said.

Greg Smith of Lafayette said the weekend proved to be another reason why he is a believer in the Master Horseman program. “I took the Master Horseman course two years ago, and it was amazing what I learned and what my horse learned.”

The event included educational demonstrations of roping, reining and whip cracking. The chuck wagon cooking added a western flavor.

Saturday, horse trainer Cory Bourque of Abbeville demonstrated his methods that helped make him the finals of the World Colt Starting Championship. Sunday, participants had the chance to take part in a cattle roundup.

Bruce Schultz