Even though the weather was on the gloomy side, the atmosphere was cheerful and enthusiasm high at last weekend’s English and Western show days hosted by the Sunshine Coast Equestrian Club.
Seventeen horse and rider pairs competed in jumping, horsemanship, trail classes and games. Judge Tami Hutton from Chilliwack gave encouraging feedback and tips for improvement to both our local riders as well as three junior equestrians who travelled down from Powell River to attend their first ever show.
English Day results:
Senior over fences: High point – Shawn Boyd and Nathan. Reserve – Carol Marlowe and Mr. Tiz.
Novice over fences: High point – Courtney Smith and Velvet. Reserve – Karley Hebden and Kwazii.
Walk/Trot Youth: High point – Reese Charlie Smith and Flynn Ryder. Reserve – Harper Berukoff and Tamika.
Best Turned Out: Makayla Hawkins and Spyder.
Western Day results:
Halter Grand Champion – Streakin In the Moonlight and Lola. Reserve – Spud and Azia Bothma.
High point senior – Shawn Boyd and Nathan.
High point junior – Lilianna Shankar and Mystic Moon.
The last scheduled event of the season is the annual tribute to Ted Bowe, which will be a poker ride and barbecue held on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1436 Largo Rd. For many years the club has hosted the Ted Bowe memorial barrel race, but this year the club board has decided to change things up and plan an event suitable to a wider range of members.
Ted Bowe, a respected horseman from the Williams Lake area, moved to the Coast in the late ’60s bringing with him an enthusiasm for bull riding, “chasing cans” (barrel racing) and wild horse bareback riding. Barbara Bowe, Ted’s daughter, remembered her father saying, “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right!” He was best known for getting everyone out for a good time and it is this spirit that we hope to bring to the event in his memory.
Starting at noon, participants on horseback will ride the trails of Roberts Creek visiting checkpoints along the way where they will draw playing cards. The goal is to have collected the best poker hand at the end of the ride. Non-riders can participate by purchasing a hand to send on the trail with a rider and prizes will be awarded for the winning hand.
Registration and more information can be found on the Sunshine Coast Equestrian Club’s website at bcscec.com.
