Representatives from Tabeguache Trail Riders told the San Miguel Basin Forum over the weekend that the club’s gymkhana series — western riding events, rodeo-style, and usually done with speed — will be starting back up at the Nucla arena on Thursday nights beginning at 6 p.m. Entry forms will be available at 5 p.m. on gymkhana nights, and riders are encouraged to come early to get their paperwork done. The first gymkhana of the season is June 6, and the dates continue with June 13, June 20, June 27, July 11 and July 18.
Held at what’s been known as the Cal Sanders Arena in Nucla, people from the West End and Norwood, as well as surrounding areas, are invited to participate. As always, the gymkhanas will feature barrel racing, pole bending and a third event, the latter of which changes each week but is also timed.
This year’s third events, in the order that they’ll be run, are “bleeding heart,” the “big T,” speed barrels, the bowtie jump, the trail/obstacle course, and finally, the flag race.
Brandie Richardson, president of Tabeguache Trail Riders, told the Forum that club membership fees are $30 for a household. And, entry fees for gymkhana events are $2 for members, and $5 for non-members.
“We hope to see everyone there, and we are looking forward to another great season,” Richardson said Saturday.
This year, John Reed is vice president of the club, and Destiny Reed is secretary. The greater board consists of Tina Barrett, Blaine Tedder, Michelle Zunich and Sam Rich.
The gymkhana series tracks points for the season, and riders and their horses are eligible for prizes at the annual awards banquet. Divisions are as follows: ages 6 and under, ages 7-10, ages 11-14, ages 15-18 and ages 19 and up.
Recently, the horse club had a barbecue event to get people thinking about the summer gymkhana season. There, on May 17, folks came out and rode their horses in a type of “play day” — essentially gymkhana practice. Barbecue was served for a fundraiser, and Richardson said the May event went well for the club.
“The barbecue and practice was good,” she said. “I am glad that we were able to do it, because we ran into a bit of a kink with some equipment that we use, and this gives us a little time to get that all worked out.”
Club dues help the Tabeguache Trail Riders help pay for what it takes to produce the gymkhana series. That includes insurance, facility rental, the technology and more.
Last year, concessions were available at all of the gymkhana evenings, and Richardson said the Tabeguache Trail Riders are planning to do the same this year.
She said all in the community are welcome to come to the arena, whether they’re horse people or not. She said all are invited to spectate, cheer on friends and family and grab dinner.
Anyone with questions, or who’d like to know more about the club should find Richardson on Facebook and like the club’s Facebook page.
