Kelsey Brindle, left, of Rockin K Horsemanship brought a number of her students to compete in the first East Coast Regional Ranch Riding Championships
In 2017, an article appeared in Pennsylvania Equestrian regarding a new association for the growing discipline called Ranch Riding. The East Coast Ranch Riding Association, ECCRA, appeared to be just another outlet for horse lovers. ECRRA was the brainchild of Terry Helder who envisioned an association to meet the needs of equestrians of every age while at the same time, creating a show environment that was versatile, affordable, competitive and fun all at the same time. He teamed up with Chad Moshier and in May, 2017 the first ECRRA show was held.
Things have progressed at an unbelievable pace since 2017. First, Pennsylvania Equestrian has expanded and is now the East Coast Equestrian and ECRRA has taken ranch riding to new levels just as its developers hoped. This year the first-ever East Coast Regional Championship, in conjunction with the Keystone International Livestock Exposition, KILE, took place at the Harrisburg, PA Farm Show Complex with over 1000 entries of all ages.
The association is still in beginning stages yet already has progressed beyond the creators’ imaginations.
In two years ECRRA has spread from three states and 71 members to over 175 members and 240 horses enrolled in the program. Eleven states are now represented, the furthest being Maine. The first year ECRRA held a championship with the Keystone International Livestock Exposition event it was called the Fall Harvest Classic. This year, due to the increase of states, riders compete in three regions: New England and New York; Pennsylvania and Maryland; or New Jersey and Delaware—hence the title change to The East Coast Regional Championship. However, you don’t have to be a member to show.
Imagine non-pro, novice, and amateur riders, adult or child, able to share in the thrill of showing at a facility like the PA Farm Complex, one of the largest in the country. Most riders never thought this possible, especially if they have not shown in prior events. Even more impressive, riders are able to compete in this discipline because judging is based on the horse/rider combination. Trainers are not required.
The ECRRA Regional Championship jump started KILE this year. The show consisted of three days of showing, a total of 43 classes including Lead Line, and 10 divisions. Two judges, Tammy Brahms from western Pennsylvania and John Steeves from New York, presided. Competitors ranged from age 5 to over 70.
The events started Friday night with Round Up, followed by a Saturday morning Halter competition at 9 am. The show lasted until 9:30 that evening and continued on until Sunday afternoon. The show promotes family involvement. And for families, what better activity to spend a weekend with your children and grandchildren than on horseback!
East Coast Regional Champions receive outstanding prizes—awards like custom-made head stalls by Wenger Leatherwork and custom-made saddle racks by Chad Moshier--for every division champion. Evergreen Farms even presented a cash prize of $350 to the highest point award. A highlight was the Ranch Trot Challenge won by Corrine Livengood Schur riding Monkey See Monkey Blue.
Kelsey Brindle, a trainer and owner for Rockin K Horsemanship who specializes in youth, attended the regional with ten of her students. They took home loads of ribbons and two division championships. Kelsey’s highlight was watching all the hard work come together. She said, “Some students own their own horse, some lease, some come three times a week, others once. Of course dedication shows through, but everyone can afford to perform, compete, and enjoy. The kids learn and the more they show up at the barn the better they performed.”
Terry Helder’s theory that a rider learns through competition has proven itself. He affirmed in all his years in the horse industry, this has been the most enthusiastic group of people, who appear to love a challenge. He has observed participants in just two short years educate themselves on the discipline. “They are amazing.” Anaud the spectators at the regional event were even more surprising, encouraging all the riders through their cheers of support.
ECRRA also provides judging seminars and clinics for competitors throughout the year. Terry attests both go hand in hand to improve showing. He knew the program would work but never at this magnitude.
For 2020, dust off your saddle and perform at the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex because ECRRA has been invited back by KILE. The Regional event will be held September 25, 26, and 27, 2020.
If you want to be on top of your ride, showing starts as soon as January at Kris Phelps’ Jack Frost Jubilee Series. Check out the ECRRA website: ecrrassociation.com for more information or previous articles on ECCRA and Ranch Riding by Alicia Stephens Martin.
The list of champions and reserves are:
Open Walk Trot: Nelson Shertzer, Fun Tim Hobby. Reserve Ellen Harnish, Hobby’s Grand Finale
Open Walk Trot Lope: Nelson Shertzer, Fun Tim Hobby. Reserve Ellen Harnish, Hobby’s Grand Finale
Non Pro Walk Trot: Scott Rquhauser, RIP. Reseve Kim Shertzer, Hobbys Designer Jeans
Non Pro Walk Trot Lope: Ellen Harnish, Hobby’s Grand Finale. Reserve Heather Wilson-Labbe, PC Pretty Chick
Youth Walk Trot: Sarah Souhrada, Hobby Dualin Gun. Reserve Gracie Bair, Drippin in Finesse
Youth Walk Trot Lope: Maddie Whitcraft, Hobbys Best Yet. Reserve Emma Smith, Old Dominion
Youth 14-18 Walk Trot: Emma Smith, Old Dominion. Reserve Anne Nealey, Taco Sugar Baby
Novice Walk Trot: Lorrie Chilcoat, Ima Rock Solid Hobby. Reserve, Marianne Gerlach, EF Bell of the Ball
Novice Walk Trot Lope: Jeff Gerlach, A High Dollar Hobby. Reserve, Corinne Livingood-Schner, Monkey See Monkey Blue.
Prime Time Walk Trot: Lorrie Chilcoat, Ima Rock Solid Hobby. Reserve Carl Babendrier, SDP Golden Bullion.
Prime Time Walk Trot Lope: Carl Babendrier, SDP Golden Bullion. Reserve Nancy O’Neill, Blast of Spice.