by Rose Johnson
Imagine this. You and “Trigger” are in the middle of a tricky trail class. You’ve struggled through a nasty gate and pole combination and loped awkwardly (with at least three rubs) through a serpentine and fan.
Forget about backing into the chute; Trigger is having no part of that. And now, as you approach the box, you’re desperately trying to remember if that 360-degree turn is to the right or left.
Who could possibly have designed such a devious course? If the event is world class, chances are good that the mastermind is none other than the “Guru of Trail” Tim “The Trail Man” Kimura.
This dynamic and entertaining individual was among 17 clinicians featured at The Mane Event in Red Deer, AB, the weekend of April 27 to 29. Judging from the enthusiastic crowds attending his clinics he has more than earned his title “The Master of Trail.”
Hailing from Reedley, California, Kimura designed his first trail course while still in college. He discovered that designing came to him as easily as writing music is for musicians or painting is for artists. But his first passion was the reined cow horse events.
In the mornings he’d compete, and in the afternoons he’d lay out courses to pay his expenses. By age 22 the demand for his talents was so great that he was designing full time. He now travels throughout the US, Canada, and Europe instructing over 40 clinics a year and designing courses for all the major shows.
Competitive trail continues to grow in popularity. What is its appeal? As Kimura explains, trail may be slower than some equine sports, but it has a bite to it.
It’s edgy enough to keep spectators interested and riders coming back for more. Not to mention that on any given day any horse can win and any horse can get beat. Trail is 15 per cent physical and 85 per cent mental. People like trail because it’s all about strategy.
“Trail enthusiasts are all about perfection,” says Kimura. “Getting that lope over just right or turning in the box faster and tighter. They can hardly wait to try again.”
Kimura’s objective is not to beat his riders, but to challenge them. Give them a good opportunity to show and have fun. Competitive trail is about practice, precision, and the subtle communication between horse and rider.
Here are just a few of the many tips Kimura shared with spectators at The Mane Event:
• Know your pattern. If you don’t have your runway memorized the results and your score will be, in Kimura’s words, “tragic.” Highlighting your pattern with different colours for different gaits is one of the easiest methods to help you with this.
• If you look at wood, you’re going to hit wood! In other words, don’t look at the rails! Focus on the take-off point about 4 inches before each rail, and 4 inches beyond, where you want your horse’s feet to land. Your horse will step where you look.
• Focus on the process, not the result. If you make a mistake, move on. It’s hard to show well if you keep re-thinking what went wrong at the gate. Concentrate on your next obstacle.
• Take the time to review your score sheet! Understand where you were faulted and where you can improve.
What does Kimura look for in a trail horse? He must be a soldier. He must wait for your commands. Stop when you ask. Move when you ask. The better a soldier he is, the better he’ll perform in trail. Kimura also likes a horse to be “looky”; that is not scared. but concerned, with eyes and ears moving and very aware of where he’s stepping.
Your job as the rider is to be a good pilot and confident leader. You have to know where to ask your horse to place his feet. Trail takes focus and concentration.
Kimura’s first horse? A sorrel mustang nicknamed “High Combustion.” I didn’t ask how he got that nickname … but I can guess.
Kimura’ss motto? Make it happen!
One of Kimura’s greatest rewards? Watching students who don’t think they can succeed and helping them make it possible.
One of my greatest rewards? Meeting “The Master of Trail.”
Tim, it was a pleasure!
