There's nothing like the outdoor Cochrane Ag Ranchlands Horse Park in Canada.

Last weekend, Extreme Cowboy Alberta (ECA) kicked off their outdoor season after competing indoors earlier this spring.

In Extreme Cowboy, riders and their horses take on several challenges on an obstacle course in a full range of age categories. Each is tailored to age or skill level. The sport that tests the bond between a horse and rider continues to grow in popularity.

"We're averaging 70 runs for the races, so that's an all-time high," says ECA president Rick Wickland.

He says about half of their competitors travel from Northern Alberta, particularly in the Edmonton area, to challenge the course. They also attract some B.C. riders.

The next time they'll be competing here is for the EXCA provincial races on July 23-24. There's a playday a day in advance.

It's free for spectators to attend and there's normally a food concession on site.