The precision of dressage, the thrill of cross-country and the beauty of show jumping will be showcased at this weekend's Crowfoot Dodge Cochrane Horse Trials at the Cochrane and District Ag Grounds, June 23-24.

One of the highlights of the year for equestrian enthusiasts, participants arrive Friday for the two-day event. There's three dressage rings that begin at 8 a.m. and continue until the mid-afternoon on Saturday. Show Jumping begins about 11 a.m. Both are best to accessed from the lower level of the Ag Grounds via Hwy. 1A just east of Heritage Hills.

The cross-country event fills Sunday and takes place on a breathtaking course on the upper reaches of the grounds you can access from Range Rd. 43 first left (west) off Hwy. 22 after the Hwy. 1A intersection.

Spectators are welcome to come enjoy the 'triathalon' of the equestrian disciplines free of charge. There are bleachers and food vendors on site.

In total, 155 competitors expected, up from last year, from across Alberta and parts of British Columbia to display their prowess in the ultimate test of the partnership between a horse and rider.

There are many vantage points you can enjoy along the cross-country course as long as you stay out of harm's way and listen to officials, but you can also spectate from the general area.

"It's such an open and beautify view up there," says chair Julie Simard. "You can even see a lot from the general area without having to be on the course itself."

Putting together an event of this magnitude takes a tremendous amount of time and a team of about 60 volunteers. By August, they start to put the pieces together for the following year's trials. Simard says there's always room for more local volunteers and it's actually quite enjoyable. During the year they have about 120 structures they need to paint and maintain for the premiere event and then volunteers are essential on the weekend itself.

"Even if they just like to spend time with people, it's easy to volunteer a couple of hours during the show. We surely welcome the people to come and be part of it, even if they don't ride. It's just a nice atmosphere."

They also appreciate the sponsorships and support they receive to host the event.

"We really do try to get close to our community and we hope that it's appreciated and we hope that they come and value the activity we create, too."

Dressage tests the gaits, suppleness and obedience of the horse through a series of prescribed movements. Show jumping demonstrates the speed, precision and agility of the horses as they navigate obstacles. In cross-country event, riders and their horses race the clock around the course while overcoming a variety of obstacles, including jumps, water hazards, banks and ditches.

After two days are competing, points are tabulated and awards are present. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three in each division and ribbons to the top six.

Now in its 22nd year, the Cochrane Horse Trial is one of only six held in Alberta annually and the only one in Southern Alberta. That makes it especially attractive to competitors, who normally compete the entire circuit, sanctioned by the Alberta Horse Trails Assoc.

They have run a one-day event in the fall for the last two years but are instead holding a Maya Black and Leahona Rowland clinic, Aug. 4-5 this year.