PO Box 50
Bluff Dale TX
USA 76433
Phone: 254.728.3082
Craig Cameron American Horsemanship All Rights Reserved 2016
The Beginning of the Extreme
Cowboy Association
The culture of Extreme Cowboy Association developed
around the personal energy and beliefs of Craig
Cameron.
Through his processes of teaching clinics at the Bluff Dale, Texas ranch – in the arena and on the
Challenge Trails – his mind was busy thinking of ways to make his teachings more dynamic and the
lessons more meaningful for his students. Clinic attendees practice skills that they may utilize
within and occupational environment or as a hobby. An important goal of Craig Cameron’s is to
create learning opportunities that allow people to improve their horsemanship skills and enhance
communication between horse and rider.
To learn more, visit extremecowboyassociation.com
Craig Cameron is a master teacher who knows that people who strive toward a common goal bond and grow closer through a
shared challenge. As a result, he designed and assembled numerous obstacles that would give people an incremental challenge
test of their skill with their horse partners. Time and again, he set the definition of performance at higher levels. Craig Cameron
is always cognizant that the goal of these obstacle courses was not only to go fast but to go “in perfect unity” as horse and rider
“with one mind.” And so began Extreme Cowboy Racing (EXCA)!
The EXCA, created by Craig Cameron and his wife and partner, Dalene Cameron, was created on the thought to give “weekend” riders the opportunity to compete in
horsemanship at a higher level through designed trails, resembling real life challenge trails, that would test ones knowledge and sets of equestrian skills. The idea
was put to action at Craig Cameron’s horsemanship clinics. Trials showed a high interest among participants and spectators and its popularity began to rise. Through
sponsor and public support, Craig and Dalene Cameron decided to take the idea to the next level.
The EXCA took a symbolic approach to cultural analysis when designing the organization. Craig and Dalene Cameron approached their idea based on personal
appeals to their valued interest and life’s work in the field of horsemanship, which would become a reality in events of the Extreme Cowboy Races. These events
would combine trails that are challenging to a rider on their individual level, while also incorporating proper horsemanship skills as to show their knowledge of the
horse. This reality would be passed on to competitors by competing in the sanctioned events in their individual regions, and would affect riders in a positive manner to
share pride and unity in their new sport. The understanding of the organization that the creators brought to the EXCA allows for easy organizational change to take
place within. The creators are able to have greater attention and moderation of the organization because of the sense of passion that created it.
Craig Cameron televised the first Extreme Race at his ranch in Bluff Dale, Texas. That first race became a starting block for beginning a television show that was all
about Extreme Cowboy Racing. From week to week for five years or seasons he showed people all across the country a multitude of different challenges that could
be performed. Entertaining and educational commentary provided by Craig Cameron for racing participants and viewers alike helped each see what was good
horsemanship and what it was all about. To have visual and auditory reinforcement happening before their very eyes is what helped make Extreme Cowboy Racing’s
success. He added his own sense of fun, entertainment and excitement through his charismatic style of color commentary. From this an idea and leaders emerged.
Those who put on early races became the natural leaders within their area and as the Cameron’s started the EXCA, the identified leaders were pulled together from
across the country to help with the organization of each region within the U.S. Craig and Dalene Cameron worked with the self-selected leadership who were early
race developers and loyal followers and made them members of the National Advisory Board.
These were all people who shared the vision and value of the importance of excellence in horsemanship – no matter the riding discipline or the task at hand. They
also embrace the concept that people have fun when they have clear goals to work toward and a way to recognize where they are improving and what they need to
work on more. Add a bit of competition, a few minor prizes, and the opportunity to come together with others who are all working to be better horsemen – and you
have an emerging culture – organization wide.
Craig Cameron takes pride in the values that have been set in this young, yet promising business. These values are espoused by Craig Cameron in his teaching,
commentaries, the structure of the organization, club development and race rules.
The culture of the EXCA is reinforced by its rules, rewards and the influence within the organization. The EXCA created organizational by-laws in their rulebook by
which all members and contestants must abide in order to remain in competition. These rules govern each event and specify what good horsemanship looks like and
which indicators are a reflection of poor horsemanship. Those most successful in demonstrating the values through good horsemanship are those who experience
success at higher levels in races – frequently resulting in prizes, trophies and financial rewards.
The ability to effectively teach good horsemanship skills results in more students for trainers that translates to added income and professional prestige. Many trainers
have experienced significant growth in their equestrian careers.
One of the most important categories of the EXCA is the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors oversees all events across the U.S., Canada and Europe. The
board stays in contact with its National Advisory Board on a consistent basis to make sure the rules and regulations are followed in each individual state. When a
problem occurs, the board is contacted for a resolution. Each state that sanctions a race must have one or two people on the National Advisory Board. This is an
important job because he or she must oversee all sanctions in their state. It is their job to report to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.
Race organizers continue to be the prime factor in the rising and continued popularity of EXCA. Race organizers must have the knowledge and skill to be able to
organize races and keep them consistent with the “core technology” of the organization. Each year race organizers put together races in their hometowns. This
allows members to compete closer to home rather than having to haul long hours to competitions.
There are many facets that enable the EXCA to be successful. Another important factor of the organization is the race obstacles. Each race is designed with difficult
obstacles that the riders must complete with advanced horsemanship methods while remaining calm and poised with their horse. These obstacles can become
extremely difficult and will separate good horsemen from the great horsemen.
The Extreme Cowboy Race courses are the soul idea that the organization was built around. Rewards, prize money, EXCA trophy buckles are there for the
contestants. Contestants join the organization to compete, but ultimately they join to win. The EXCA is a young organization, however, competition is tough and being
an EXCA World Champion means everything to competitors.
Underlying assumptions help define the goals for the EXCA. The organization is based on good horsemanship and family values. Good horsemanship can be
defined as doing the right thing for the right reasons for horse and rider alike. The EXCA believes that activities that work for the entire family will have the strongest
impact and investment. The goal of the EXCA board of Directors was to create a strong organization that requires balance between the work required to achieve and
the rewards of achievement.
EXCA was created on the ideas and values based in the American Cowboy tradition and the ranch lifestyle. We believe that within the EXCA, western (American)
beliefs and values are preserved and old cowboy traditions are still alive and well. Honesty, integrity, strong work ethic and the state of mind to never quit are a few
beliefs that EXCA was built around! The EXCA is the defender of old cowboy traditions rich with American pride.
EXCA continually works and strives to improve their organization and feels that their members and contestants are the supreme factor to the overall success of
Extreme Cowboy Association!
For more information on the EXCA, please visit ExtremeCowboyAssociation.com
2014 EXCA WORLD FINALS
PO Box 50
Bluff Dale TX
USA 76433
Phone: 254.728.3082
Craig Cameron American Horsemanship All Rights Reserved 2016
The Beginning of the Extreme
Cowboy Association
The culture of Extreme
Cowboy Association
developed around the
personal energy and beliefs of
Craig Cameron.
Through his processes of teaching clinics at
the Bluff Dale, Texas ranch – in the arena
and on the Challenge Trails – his mind was
busy thinking of ways to make his teachings
more dynamic and the lessons more
meaningful for his students. Clinic
attendees practice skills that they may
utilize within and occupational environment
or as a hobby. An important goal of Craig
Cameron’s is to create learning
opportunities that allow people to improve
their horsemanship skills and enhance
communication between horse and rider.
To learn more, visit
extremecowboyassociation.com
Craig Cameron is a master teacher who knows that
people who strive toward a common goal bond and grow
closer through a shared challenge. As a result, he
designed and assembled numerous obstacles that would
give people an incremental challenge test of their skill
with their horse partners. Time and again, he set the
definition of performance at higher levels. Craig
Cameron is always cognizant that the goal of these
obstacle courses was not only to go fast but to go “in
perfect unity” as horse and rider “with one mind.” And so
began Extreme Cowboy Racing (EXCA)!
The EXCA, created by Craig Cameron and his wife and partner, Dalene
Cameron, was created on the thought to give “weekend” riders the
opportunity to compete in horsemanship at a higher level through
designed trails, resembling real life challenge trails, that would test ones
knowledge and sets of equestrian skills. The idea was put to action at
Craig Cameron’s horsemanship clinics. Trials showed a high interest
among participants and spectators and its popularity began to rise.
Through sponsor and public support, Craig and Dalene Cameron
decided to take the idea to the next level.
The EXCA took a symbolic approach to cultural analysis when designing
the organization. Craig and Dalene Cameron approached their idea
based on personal appeals to their valued interest and life’s work in the
field of horsemanship, which would become a reality in events of the
Extreme Cowboy Races. These events would combine trails that are
challenging to a rider on their individual level, while also incorporating
proper horsemanship skills as to show their knowledge of the horse. This
reality would be passed on to competitors by competing in the sanctioned
events in their individual regions, and would affect riders in a positive
manner to share pride and unity in their new sport. The understanding of
the organization that the creators brought to the EXCA allows for easy
organizational change to take place within. The creators are able to have
greater attention and moderation of the organization because of the
sense of passion that created it.
Craig Cameron televised the first Extreme Race at his ranch in Bluff
Dale, Texas. That first race became a starting block for beginning a
television show that was all about Extreme Cowboy Racing. From week
to week for five years or seasons he showed people all across the
country a multitude of different challenges that could be performed.
Entertaining and educational commentary provided by Craig Cameron for
racing participants and viewers alike helped each see what was good
horsemanship and what it was all about. To have visual and auditory
reinforcement happening before their very eyes is what helped make
Extreme Cowboy Racing’s success. He added his own sense of fun,
entertainment and excitement through his charismatic style of color
commentary. From this an idea and leaders emerged.
Those who put on early races became the natural leaders within their
area and as the Cameron’s started the EXCA, the identified leaders were
pulled together from across the country to help with the organization of
each region within the U.S. Craig and Dalene Cameron worked with the
self-selected leadership who were early race developers and loyal
followers and made them members of the National Advisory Board.
These were all people who shared the vision and value of the importance
of excellence in horsemanship – no matter the riding discipline or the
task at hand. They also embrace the concept that people have fun when
they have clear goals to work toward and a way to recognize where they
are improving and what they need to work on more. Add a bit of
competition, a few minor prizes, and the opportunity to come together
with others who are all working to be better horsemen – and you have an
emerging culture – organization wide.
Craig Cameron takes pride in the values that have been set in this
young, yet promising business. These values are espoused by Craig
Cameron in his teaching, commentaries, the structure of the
organization, club development and race rules.
The culture of the EXCA is reinforced by its rules, rewards and the
influence within the organization. The EXCA created organizational by-
laws in their rulebook by which all members and contestants must abide
in order to remain in competition. These rules govern each event and
specify what good horsemanship looks like and which indicators are a
reflection of poor horsemanship. Those most successful in
demonstrating the values through good horsemanship are those who
experience success at higher levels in races – frequently resulting in
prizes, trophies and financial rewards.
The ability to effectively teach good horsemanship skills results in more
students for trainers that translates to added income and professional
prestige. Many trainers have experienced significant growth in their
equestrian careers.
One of the most important categories of the EXCA is the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors oversees all events across the U.S.,
Canada and Europe. The board stays in contact with its National
Advisory Board on a consistent basis to make sure the rules and
regulations are followed in each individual state. When a problem
occurs, the board is contacted for a resolution. Each state that sanctions
a race must have one or two people on the National Advisory Board.
This is an important job because he or she must oversee all sanctions in
their state. It is their job to report to the Board of Directors on a regular
basis.
Race organizers continue to be the prime factor in the rising and
continued popularity of EXCA. Race organizers must have the
knowledge and skill to be able to organize races and keep them
consistent with the “core technology” of the organization. Each year race
organizers put together races in their hometowns. This allows members
to compete closer to home rather than having to haul long hours to
competitions.
There are many facets that enable the EXCA to be successful. Another
important factor of the organization is the race obstacles. Each race is
designed with difficult obstacles that the riders must complete with
advanced horsemanship methods while remaining calm and poised with
their horse. These obstacles can become extremely difficult and will
separate good horsemen from the great horsemen.
The Extreme Cowboy Race courses are the soul idea that the
organization was built around. Rewards, prize money, EXCA trophy
buckles are there for the contestants. Contestants join the organization to
compete, but ultimately they join to win. The EXCA is a young
organization, however, competition is tough and being an EXCA World
Champion means everything to competitors.
Underlying assumptions help define the goals for the EXCA. The
organization is based on good horsemanship and family values. Good
horsemanship can be defined as doing the right thing for the right
reasons for horse and rider alike. The EXCA believes that activities that
work for the entire family will have the strongest impact and investment.
The goal of the EXCA board of Directors was to create a strong
organization that requires balance between the work required to achieve
and the rewards of achievement.
EXCA was created on the ideas and values based in the American
Cowboy tradition and the ranch lifestyle. We believe that within the
EXCA, western (American) beliefs and values are preserved and old
cowboy traditions are still alive and well. Honesty, integrity, strong work
ethic and the state of mind to never quit are a few beliefs that EXCA was
built around! The EXCA is the defender of old cowboy traditions rich with
American pride.
EXCA continually works and strives to improve their organization and
feels that their members and contestants are the supreme factor to the
overall success of Extreme Cowboy Association!
For more information on the EXCA, please visit
ExtremeCowboyAssociation.com
2014 EXCA WORLD FINALS
