Saturday, Aug. 25 marks the day that the Sunshine Coast Equestrian Club (SCEC) pays tribute to local cowboy Ted Bowe. He passed away a number of years ago, so each summer the SCEC remembers Bowe by hosting a barrel racing event in his honour. In the 1970s, Bowe brought traditional rodeo events, such as bull riding, to the Coast, and later on in the 1990s he introduced cattle penning to local events. He was always one to encourage the community to come out and participate in equestrian activities.
For many years, Bowe ran a trail riding business on the Coast, taking tourists and locals alike for trail rides on the local scenic trails. He is also responsible for sparking the love of horses in many a young girl who mucked out horse stalls, in exchange for riding time, over the years.
The Aug. 25 event starts at 10 a.m. with a Calcutta auction, followed by the barrel race – where horse and rider run a clover leaf pattern around a triangle of three barrels. Whoever runs the pattern fastest without knocking over a barrel wins the pot. Riders can enter the following divisions: Pee Wee, Junior and Senior as well as Open, which boasts an additional $500 in the jackpot.
Coastal Cowgirls will also be performing their new 2018 routine, fresh from their performances at the Abbotsford Agrifair. This will be followed by an open pole bending event, where horse and rider weave through eight poles for their chance at the jackpot. Other events happening during the day are a silent auction and the annual chili cook-off with prizes for judge’s pick and crowd favourite. Bring your best chili in a crock-pot for a chance to win one of the great prizes available, and to have a shot at this year’s Butt Blaster Trophy.
– Submitted by Cindy Worrall
