Events

Show Jumping & Dressage

The arena has been built to exacting standards using the latest technology in footings; the use of Crumb Rubber in the make up of the surface is both environmentally friendly as well as providing an excellent surface for both training and competition. The product is touted as environmentally friendly, as it is derived from recycled products and does not decompose, so will not leach into the soil and groundwater. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concluded in a report in 1986 that shredded rubber has no harmful effects and passed all the EPA toxicity tests. One of the attractions to horse people is the cushioning effect of rubber. Manufacturers claim that this cushioning effect reduces strains and leg injuries, and it does not pack down with use. Many playgrounds and playing fields use rubber crumb for its "forgiving" properties.

Rocking Horse is ideally situated for the use by local pony Clubs or the forming of a new Pony Club. The Regional District of Nanaimo has selected Nanoose Bay for the development of 2800 new family residential homes. The current population is according to government figures around 7000. A short distance of the Rocking Horse site.

Dressage

Dressage is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada, and indeed the world. It is the gymnastic training of the horse, and forms the basic foundation in all equestrian disciplines. In competition, the horse & rider are required to perform a number of precise movements the training of the horse. The combinations are execution of the movement, the harmony between horse and rider, and the ease and lightness of the movement. In its unique combination of elegance and grace, the sport of dressage is a delight to watch and enjoy.

The Kur (dressage to music) is a dynamic element in dressage competition which always attracts large audiences. It is a freestyle programme where the rider can combine the athletic ability of the horse with artistic interpretation of his or her chosen music. The object of Dressage is the establishment of a harmonious relationship between the rider and his/her mount, which results in the development of the physique and athletic ability of the horse. As a result the horse becomes calm, supple, loose and flexible and attains a confident, attentive and keen understanding of what is required of him. The worldwide sport is administered by the Federation Equestrian International F.E.I.

Polo Crosse  
The Rocking Horse Polo Crosse Club is ideally situated to provide the facilities needed for both local and national team games, as well as a training and practice field for local Polo players from central and north Vancouver island.

Polo Crosse Is a team sport that is played in many different countries. It is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played outside, on a field, on horseback. Each rider uses a stick to which is attached a racquet head with a loose, thread net, in which the ball is carried. The ball is made of sponge rubber and is approximately 4 inches across. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between your opponent's goal posts. Unlike polo, players are allowed only to play one horse, except in the case of injury. There is no restriction on their height, although the ideal should not exceed about 16 hands. Horses of all breeds play polo Crosse. Just use your favorite horse!

A team consists of 6 players, divided into two sections of three who play alternate chukkas of a maximum of 8 minutes each. Six or eight chukkas compromise a full match. The three players in each section play the position of a No. 1 "attack", a No. 2 "centre", or a No. 3 "defense".
The team structure was designed to force players to pass the ball about amongst themselves thereby making it a better skilled, faster and more attractive horse sport. If you can ride a horse you can play polo Crosse. Playing polo Crosse will, in any case, help improve riding skills. All ages and abilities are encouraged to play and the Pony Club have polo Crosse as a recognized horse sport. You are never too old or too young to play the game. You don't need much equipment: just a recognized safety helmet, a racquet and a ball. For the horse you will need leg wraps and coronet boots. This is enough to get you started.

The sport has become so popular that several internationally recognized polo clubs within BC have looked at forming there own Polo-cross teams as a means to encourage younger players from less privileged backgrounds to progress to a sport otherwise out of the reach of the average young person.

Endurance & Competitive Trail Riding.
Situated at the heart of Nanoose Bay lies Rocking Horse. Surrounded by miles of trails that are open to the public all year round, providing a safe environment for horseback riders and the general public to participate ether as a participant or as a spectator.

With the easy access from the Trans Canada Highway just north of Nanaimo and its two ferry terminals linking Nanaimo to the mainland Rocking Horse is ideally situated to cater for local, national & even international competitions of both Endurance and competitive trail riding. These events are normally held over a two day period, overnight parking & camping is provided on site, and the Rocking horse Pub has an excellent old English restaurant as well as a saloon bar.

Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) is one of three Long Distance Riding disciplines, which also include Endurance Riding and Ride & Tie. Endurance riding is actually a race against time with distances of 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles. Ride & Tie is popular in eastern Canada and the US and involves one horse and two runners.

In Competitive Trail Riding, the objective is to work the horses over a well marked course of 20 to 50 miles, involving terrain of varying degrees of difficulty in a pre-determined time. This forms the basis for a fair comparison on which the contestants are judged, along with soundness, condition, behavior and attitude. Although a CTR is not a race, both the timing and pacing of your horse is crucial to succeeding in these events. Pulse, respiration and dehydration are monitored by qualified vets and are important factors used in the final determination of the winning entrants.

Levels of Classification:
Level I: 12-20 miles - maximum average speed of 5.0 mph.
Level II: 20-30 miles - maximum average speed of 6.5 mph.
Level III: 30-50 miles - maximum average speed of 7.0 mph.

The B.C. Competitive Trail Riders Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and improving the rapidly growing sport of Competitive Trail Riding in B.C. It is patterned after NATRC (North American Trail Riding Conference) and operates in conjunction with CaLDRA (Canadian Long Distance Riding Association).

The primary objectives are:
- To stimulate interest in the breeding and use of good horses, possessing stamina and hardiness.
- To demonstrate the value of the type and soundness on the selection of horses.
- To provide instruction in the proper methods of conditioning and training horses for competitive riding.
- To encourage good horsemanship and to demonstrate the best techniques of caring for horses during and after long rides without the aid of artificial methods, stimulants or drugs.

Can anyone participate?
Yes! If you have a suitable horse of any breed and you are desiring a new challenge, then you can enter and compete. Competitors are divided into 3 divisions based on a combination of the rider's weight plus all that the horse will be carrying.

1. Lightweight Division: Rider and Tack 140 - 180 lbs
2. Heavyweight Division: Rider and Tack 180 lbs and over
3. Junior Division: 16 years and under as of January 1st of year competing Note: Juniors 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or senior supervisor.

Note: Juniors 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or senior supervisor.
Note: In order to enter Level I, horses must be a minimum of 4 years of age. All horses entered in Levels II and III must be a minimum of 5 years of age.