“Cave Barrels” Race at Blackwater Farm

Blackwater Farm on April 20, 2023 hosted the “Cave Barrel” race as part of the “Mule’s Challenge” race series. Set against a backdrop of Douglas firs, the course winds up and down various rock terraces. The course name is earned because one of the barrels is set inside a cave. Eighteen ponies competed in the race. “Blackwater Farm is very happy to host this challenging and fun race,” said Lady Blackwater (winnifred.sweetwater).

The “Mule’s Challenge” series is unique because each competitor is permitted only five runs on race day; however, practice time is virtually unlimited because the course is announced well in advance of the race. “The purpose of the series is to promote diligent practice,” Lady Blackwater explained, sipping a brandy while ponies struggled with the difficult terrain. The challenge series runs bi-weekly on Wednesdays or Thursdays at Blackwater Farm.

The blue ribbon went to Debby (debs.bombastic), who narrowly edged out a crowded field. Also-rans included Yelly and the Blackwater Mule. The top ten racers were separated by a total of only three seconds, evidence of the highly technical nature of the course. “Obviously today’s ponies spent a lot of time practicing to improve,” Lady Blackwater observed. Full results are below:

1	Debs Bombastic	59:08731
2	Yelly1111 Resident	59:37124
3	Lovejoyful Resident	59:51261
4	Mel71201 Resident	59:97073
5	Ralna Payne	60:18022
6	Nathalbox Resident	61:47006
7	Joanmitchel Resident	61:85277
8	Martashiny Resident	61:98577
9	Frisky8100 Resident	62:00467
10	Bea6Love Resident	62:80656
11	Leatherbabe4 Resident	62:81880
12	Winnie Sweetwater	65:95132
13	Katrin Randt	67:25867
14	Subbietiffany Resident	68:54468
15	Zayah Owo	68:71737
16	Bluebury Fall	64:03659
17	Toren Epin	83:21047
18	Maxie Rizzo	86:49495

The next race in the “Mule’s Challenge” series will be in approximately two weeks at Blackwater Farm and will be announced on the farm’s website long prior to the race.