BY CHRIS BRAUER
Advance staff
There is still a slight chill in the air as competitors arrive, tucking into the trees that surround the park. While the morning dew clings to the long grass, the horses exhibit a quiet sense of calm as riders of all ages check their gear and country music is piped out of truck and trailer speakers – songs of trophy buckles and saddle horns. Soon the Canyon Park will be defined by dust and sweat and when the sand is kicked up it will give the arena a mystical haze. As the younger competitors walk their horses towards the arena, an older ranch hand leans over the fence with bent knee, his faded cowboy boot on the lower rung. He dips his dusty black hat in respect. The gymkhana events are soon to begin. The riders are nervous and want to do well, but the day is more about celebrating the relationship of horse and rider than winning ribbons.
On June 10, the Creston Valley Horse Association (CVHA) will be hosting a gymkhana at the Canyon Park Arena. The CVHA is a volunteer-run registered BC not-for-profit society that has been providing educational trail riding and competition opportunities to equine enthusiasts in the Creston Valley since 1977. Gymkhana refers to equestrian events consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses. The events are designed to display precise, controlled actions and tight teamwork between horse and rider. The events are open to all levels and ages of riders and breeds of horses. Gymkhana events often draw sizeable crowds that come to witness the action-packed twists and turns as riders deal with speed and the maneuvering of large animals that sometimes have a different agenda.
Sonja Norgaard, Secretary Treasurer of the CVHA spoke of the camaraderie between competitors. “I grew up in the sport and I’ve had so many great experiences. It’s such a supportive community, and I love to see the older generations passing on their skills. Some people are quite competitive, but it’s really more of a fun, social event,” said Norgaard. “Not only is there such a range of ages and skill level in the riders, but also in the horses. I’ve been riding a long time, but I’m trying out a new horse this year.”
There will be six different courses this year – three standard courses and three the committee have designed. “I think the courses we created will level the playing field. Some experienced riders may be surprised,” said Norgaard, “but we also want to encourage less experienced competitors. There will be all sorts of obstacles and, depending on the level of those that register, we may alter the course to suit the skill level of the competitors.”
Recently arrived from Alberta, Norgaard was genuinely delighted at how supportive the community and sponsors have been to the upcoming event. “So many businesses have been amazingly generous,” said Norgaard. These include Kokanee Ford Sales Ltd., Creston & District Credit Union, Royal Bank of Canada, Veitch Realty, Creston Veterinary Hospital, CIBC Securities Inc, Creston Card and Stationery, Home Hardware Building Centre, Sunset Seed Company.
For CVHA members, the cost for the day is $10 for seniors (19 years and older); $5 for intermediate (13-18 years) and juniors (under 13 years). The cost for non-CVHA members is $15 for seniors and $10 for intermediate and juniors. There is no charge for spectators, so come out and cheer on the competitors as they vie for ribbons and various prizes in each of the events. The Creston Lions Club will be on hand to provide food and refreshments.
The CVHA gymkhana will take place Saturday, June 10, at the Canyon Park Arena. The events begin at 10:00 a.m. Entry forms are available at www.crestonvalleyhorseassociation.org under ‘Events’. Entry deadline is Wednesday, June 7.