The Tabeguache Trail Riders (TTR) had their awards ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 8, in the West End. The group celebrated the high-point winners in the different age divisions for the gymkhana series it produced this summer. Riders enjoyed a barbecue dinner at the Nucla Fire Hall.
To be eligible for awards, competitors had to join the club and pay dues — an important part of supporting the Tabeguache Trail Riders and keeping it going.
In the 6 and user division, which is a lead-line class, supported by a parent or volunteer on the ground, Taylor Bachman was first place with 96 points, and Sawyer Quigley was second with 80 points.
In the 7 to 10 age group, Presley Bachman was first place with 62 points, and Brenna Bonacquista was second with 56. Emma Herland was third with 51 points, Kyndle Weimer was fourth with 40, Norah Herland was fifth with 37 points and Emma Smithey was sixth with 31.
In the 11 to 14 division, Josey Tedder was first with 75 points, Savannah Norris was second with 71, Niki Daniels was third with 28, Danika Stone was fourth with 18, Mya Garvey was fifth with 16, Josey Herland was sixth with 12 and Kynnlie McCabe was seventh with 6.
For the 15 to 18s, Sabra Grierson was first with 97 points, Haylee Smith was second with 55, Kyra Redd was third with 38 and also David Quigley was fourth with 36.
For ages 19 and older, Brandie Richardson was first place with 95 points, Britta Harris was second with 77, Sam Rich came in third with 57 points, Darcy Weimer was fourth with 19 and Kim Sawtell was fifth with 11.
First place winners were presented trophy belt buckles, and second place winners got breast collars. For third place, winners got horn bags, and for fourth they were gifted roping/barrel racing reins. Anyone who participated also got a medicine bag with grooming supplies inside.
Richardson, the winner of the adult division who is also the president of the club, said it was a great gymkhana season. She said the competition evenings saw good numbers for participation, and others came to simply spectate.
“Everything went fantastic,” she said. “We are looking forward to next year's season.”
Richardson said she especially thanks John and Destiny Reed for the “wonderful job” they did with running concessions. And, she knows it takes a lot to run a gymhkana, so she’s grateful for all of the support.
“I am very thankful for all the help everyone provided,” she said.
Now, members of Tabeguache Trail Riders will be holding fundraisers and asking for donations for the purchase of a new timer/eye for the events. She said the cost is approximately $1,000.
At this point, the group doesn’t really have any trail rides planned; however, Richardson said she will post those on the TTR Facebook page as the dates are established.
“We do know that we will be doing our annual Christmas caroling this year,” she said. “More information will be posted as it gets closer.”
