Photography by: Coralie Nairn, Connie Ellis and Photos by Jess
Art of the Bridlehorse - Celebrating all stages of developing a bridlehorse
The BC Bridlehorse Heritage Association presents an annual event designed to provide a place for everyone! From the working cowboy to the aspiring student, from the skilled makers of traditional gear to those who just want to watch or shop, we invite ALL to spectate, exhibit, shop, showcase their skills, share their passion, support their comrades and connect with others who share their interest in the art of developing a bridlehorse.
From the team that brought you Skills of the Outfits ~ West of the Rockies 2023 & 2024, we present to you...
Competitors will be asked to showcase their skills in the following three areas:
- Stockhorse
(Sorting designated cattle without disturbing the herd)
- Ranch Horse
(Demonstrating their horse's skills in a ranch horse pattern)
- Ranch Roping
(Either breakaway or hard roping designated cattle with the least disruption to the cattle and the herd)
Art of the Bridlehorse 2025
Sept 20th & 21st
North Thompson Fall Fairgrounds
Barriere, B.C.
Registration Open!!!
Art of the Bridlehorse, a competition held on the third weekend in September each year offers something just a little bit different...
- A friendly competition showcasing all stages of developing a bridlehorse.
- The Makers' Market: A collection of some of the finest hand-made traditional gear being offered for sale by makers from around the province.
- The Saturday evening Fiesta! Dinner & Entertainment.
With the following foundation principles and core values guiding our judges, participants competing in Art of the Bridlehorse will be judged on their abilities to:
- Show smoothness and efficacy over speed
- Prioritize the mental and physical well-being of their horse and the livestock
- Display respect for their horse, the livestock and their teammates/fellow competitors
Photos by Audrey May. To see the rest of her images from Barriere 2024, click here!
All classes will be given a time limit, however points will be awarded for Completion of Task, Smoothness, Teamwork and one's Reflection of Heritage. In other words, we are looking for cowboys/cowgirls riding in traditional bridlehorse style who we would choose to care for our own livestock. More info on what we're looking for and the rules for each of the three areas can be found in our rule book which will be made available when registration for the event is opened.
Riders compete in one of the following divisions:
- Youth - Rider under 18 years old.
- Green Horse - Horses under 10 years old, new to competition, ridden in a bosal or snaffle only. This class is for positive exposure, not recognition.
- Novice - New to this style, never competed at a BCBHA show before.
- Intermediate - Competent but not a professional cowboy/cowgirl who prefers to break-away rope.
- Pro - Experienced in this style, comfortable roping hard. Works as a cowboy/cowgirl professionally.
Awards of 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be given to the winners of the following divisions: Youth, Novice, Intermediate and Pro.
Winners are those who hold the highest combined score of ALL three classes which make up their division.
Acknowledgements will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the Green Horse Division as well as to the rider who holds the highest score for each class (Stockwork, Ranch Roping and Ranch Horse Challenge).
The Makers Market will be available throughout the weekend to shop, sell or just immerse yourself in the tradition and heritage of the Old Californio system as it has evolved north of the border. The Saturday evening Fiesta will be your chance to socialize, support one another, share, let loose and celebrate with your fellow competitors, friends and family as well as others who share a passion for the Art of the Bridlehorse! Join us and come be a part of preserving BC's Bridlehorse Heritage!