Born out of many campfire conversations, dusty rides and a mutual desire to create an inclusive and supportive community here in Canada, while at the same time maintaining and promoting the purity of developing the fine bridled stock horse, a hand-full of close friends know as "The Crew", decided it was time to create a safe place for those who share their passion to gather, challenge each other, test their skills and showcase their achievements.

 

Skills of the Outfits was inspired by the Early Californios Skills of the Ranchos: An event held in Parkfield CA, USA by the Californio Bridlehorse Association to honor, demonstrate and preserve and pass on the values and skills of the early Californios stockmen and bridlemen (and women) of the historic working cattle ranches across North America. 

 

These skill include guiding our horses through the intricate, sophisticated system of balance and signal developed and refined by the Early Californio Stockmen through the Jaquima to Freno (hackamore to bridle), working with and moving through the cattle herd, sorting cattle and roping, all in a way that will maintain the dignity, safety and comfort of the horses, the cattle and the competitors. 

 

Emphasis is placed on showing your horse well with smoothness, quietness and with respect to the livestock, the horses and each other, as well as to and for the outfit you work for.

 

Our mission in creating Skills of the Outfits is:

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To preserve and promote the intricate craft of developing the fine bridled stock horse while creating a competitive event in which rewards are given for smoothness, quietness and respect.

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It is our hope that through this event we might create a place where like minded horsemen and women can come together to share, support, encourage and challenge one another, inspiring each other to continue to grow, learn and improve their horsemanship and their stockmanship.

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This year, as a way to kick things off, we have chosen to do this event as a showcase!  What that means is that our riders have been chosen and invited to ride, as a way of demonstrating what this event is intended to be.  Since nothing like this has been done before in BC, we hope to inspire an interest and create something which in the years to come will be open to all to take part in! 

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For this year, please come watch, learn, dream, grow and ask questions!!!

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Auditing is FREE this year, so take advantage of the opportunity, bring a chair and plenty of water to drink and enjoy the festivities!