Main Sections

Vermont Quarter Horse Association and Addison County Fair & Field Days Pair Up to Sponsor Gymkhana

Tuesday August 23, 2011

By Cookie Steponaitis

    On Tuesday, August 9th the Vermont Quarter Horse Association (VQHS) and Addison County Fair & Field Days (ACFFD) joined forces to hold the first Gymkhana at Addison County Field and Farm featuring events that included tunnel vision, pole bending, barrel, streaking flags and scramble. The goal for Lori Brown, Vice President of the VQHA and Kathy Nisun, Board of Directors of Horse Arena at ACFFD was to “…bring together people of all ages and riding levels to ride and have fun with their horses, family and friends.” Riders came from Milton, Westford, Townsend, Fairfax, Castleton, Rutland, Bristol, Brandon and even New York State to be a part of the new event.

     Originally developed in ancient times as a way to train horses and soldiers to complete different maneuvers for battle, the gymkhanas of today are more “games on horseback.” Riders at the VQHA Gymkhana were timed in order to test a horse and riders’ speed, agility and control through a series of obstacles, barrels and poles. The riders with the fastest times were rewarded. The top three riders in each event were awarded cash prizes this year ranging from under ten dollars to just over sixty dollars. While both groups were delighted with the turnout of 35 riders, they are already hard at work planning the event for next year as well.

    The VQHA hosts many other events throughout the year including Shows, Ranch Horse Competitions, Trail Rides, Gymkhanas, and Clinics for all disciplines and VQHA Vice President Lori Brown feels that the gymkhana could become a yearly event with an ever increasing circle of horses and participants. “Following the mission of the VQHA,” shared Lori Brown, “we are dedicated to bringing together Quarter Horse enthusiasts from all over Vermont. Our members do everything from showing, dressage, and trail riding to barrel racing and team penning. We invite all horse people to check out our website, talk to our members and join us at one of our events. I think Gymkhanas help reach this goal,” she concluded, “because Quarter Horses were originally bred for speed and agility. Gymkhanas test both of these skills.  The VQHA would also like to see more people getting out and riding their horses and having fun.  Gymkhanas allow people of all ages, riding levels and horses of all breeds to compete together. They are one of the very few horse competitions that bring us all together!  The VQHA is a non-profit organization. Our club does promote the American Quarter Horse; however our Gymkhanas are open to all breeds.”

    One unique event of the evening was the Prairie Schooner, a team event for the senior open riders. A rider rode in, picked up a rope attached to a tire in which their partner sat and then raced back to the finish line!  The event paid back $200 to the winners which were generously sponsored this year by Kevin Brown of Mountain’s Edge Excavation in Middlebury.  The winning team was Tom & Lisa Bove of North Ferrisburgh.

   While many who live in Vermont can attest to the special bond between horses and people, for many they go beyond that of pet to friend, confidant, teacher, and share a lifetime of loyalty, passion and exuberance when faced with new and exciting rides and challenges. Each new experience brings horse and rider closer together. For those interested about learning more about the VQHA, they can be reached at to www.vtqha.com.

Winners from the August 9th Gymkhana:
LITTLE WRANGLERS
Champion = Emma Brown on Magic, of Middlebury, VT
Reserve = Payton Vincent on Trigger, of Bristol, VT
PEEWEE
Champion = Madison Cummings on Missy, of Brandon, VT
Reserve = Makaila Cota on Little Bit, of Bristol, VT
JUNIOR
Champion = Morgan Preston on Jet, of Charlotte, VT
Reserve = Ashley Rae on H.D., of Westford, VT
SENIOR WALK/TROT
Champion = Bobbi Jo Benson on Taylor, of Milton, VT
Reserve = Ashley Datnoff on BlackJack, of Milton, VT
SENIOR
Champion = Lisa Bove on Harley, of North Ferrisburgh, VT
Reserve = Lori Brown on Brothers Chance, of Middlebury, VT

Printer Friendly

Top

Advertisements

Search our Archives