ESTEVAN - The relationships people have with their horses or dogs were put to the test Sunday at the Estevan Exhibition Association's (EEA) grounds.
The EEA hosted its second annual obstacle course event. Not only did they have a horse-and-rider competition for the first time, but there was also a canine obstacle course.
Stacey Holtz, one of the event's organizers, said the competitions had an excellent turnout and she thought the show was enjoyed by the horses, dogs, entrants and spectators. The canine competition, with on-leash and off-leash divisions, was held inside one of the barns at the exhibition grounds at the start of the day. Fifteen entries were received.
"For our first time, it was very well attended," said Holtz.
Anna Beatty finished first in the canine off-leash event with Penny, while Trina Battersby and Thor were first among on-leash entries.
The equine competition had about 70 entries, with 36 riders in nine different classes, so some riders competed more than once.
"The biggest entry [group] was the jackpot at the end, and it was the most competitive because it was a timed event. It was fun to watch. People were moving really quickly and completing the obstacles, and they all did an excellent job," said Holtz.
The other divisions were decided by judges based on the horse-and-rider tandem's ability to navigate the obstacles.
The obstacles for the horses were diverse. Holtz said the one the organizers were most excited about was the suspension bridge. A water obstacle was "very challenging" for the horses to pass through, Holtz said. They crossed a teeter-totter bridge, walked through a merry-go-round for horses and passed through a gate. They had to walk backwards and side-to-side in addition to forward.
"A lot of them can be very tricky," said Holtz. "Our goal is to replicate what they would maybe see when they're out on the trails or going through the wilderness, going over logs or maneuvering over different obstacles that you might see out on the trail," said Holtz.
It emphasizes communication and trust between horse and rider.
"They need to trust you and they need to trust that where you're sending them is going to be safe."
There were a lot of great riders who successfully navigated the obstacles, Holtz said.
The winner of the jackpot event was Adi McKenzie. Rhonda Gillespie was second, Amber Martinson was third and Darcie Ward finished fourth.
Winners of the different divisions were Barb Kerslake (open), Lindsay Collins (adult and classic), Briella Mack (peewee), Eden Lanoir (youth), Rhonda Gillespie (novice horse), Emma McKersie (novice rider) and Angie Stelnicki (in-hand).
Holtz was pleased with the number of spectators who showed up to watch, and she viewed the day as a chance to show off the exhibition association's grounds.
