The Classic South Equine Association invites the public to “join the fun and win prize money while racing cross country” on Saturday, March 13, at Ricky McCommon’s Ranch located at 1896 Bethany Church Road near Crawfordville. The judged event for all riders is open to the public and spectators are welcome.

Riders will maneuver over trail terrain that will include woods, creek crossings, open fields, large and small hills, and roads. All horses and riders must successfully negotiate each obstacle in order to complete the course and be eligible for the prize money. Riders can choose to compete either on a 10- mile cross country course or on a longer 25-mile endurance ride.

Judges will assess the partnership between horse and rider at each obstacle. Riders will be asked to demonstrate trail-riding skills including leading the horse, riding at various gaits, unaided dismounting and mounting, standing quietly, stepping over a log, crossing a bridge, opening a gate, crossing a creek, and pulling a bag of cans. Each competitive horse and rider team will have to negotiate and overcome each of the obstacle demonstrations along the trail to gather points.

There will be three classes based on ages: youth, adults and seniors. Prize money will be awarded to the top three high pointers in each age division. A number of riders from all over the Classic South have already pre-registered.

Pre-registration is available at www.cshorse.org until Saturday, March 6, 2010. The entry fee is $25.00 per horse and rider team. Trail riders are welcome to complete the obstacle course without being judged but must pay the $25.00 to enter the tail.

Rain date is March 20. The CSEA Cross Country Judged Obstacle Crouse is sponsored by Ricky’s Farm Service & Fence Co., Unlimited Residential, Southern States, Georgia Wood Preserver, Webb Building Supply, Paul Bouldock, Pasture Management, Durham Town Plantation, Strandlee Hay Co., and Art Heating and Air.

Judges for the event will include Morgan Adams, Wynn Copeland, Charles Crumbley, Robert and Many Schneider, Melanie Thurmond, Tim Taylor, Jim Thurmond, and Barbara Bayshore.

Contact Jenny Rocker at jenny@ cshorse.org or Melissa Burden at melburden@comcast.net for more informamtion.