The Tabeguache Trail Riders (TTR) held their year-end awards banquet Oct. 26 in Nucla. President of the local horse club John Reed told the Forum he’d like to thank all of the riders that came out this year to join TTR for the 2025 gymkhana season.
Sadly, this year’s weekly events were cut short, due to a respiratory virus in a group of local equines. Those horses received veterinary care and recovered. It was nevertheless disappointing for those wishing to prepare for the San Miguel Basin Rodeo, and for competitors to miss out on gathering, in general, to simply ride.
“Even though it was shorted two days, we still had a lot of fun,” Reed said. “Watching beginners just learning to ride a horse to our more experienced riders gave all who attended an evening of wonderful entertainment.”
The local gymkhana events feature barrel racing, pole bending and also a third event, which is sometimes a flag race, obstacle course or something else. The events can be challenging for horses or riders at times.
“If you’ve ever been astride a horse and wanted them to go one way and they have chosen another, you know what I’m talking about,” Reed said.
Reed said the club thanks all of the sponsors who help make the gymkhana series possible. That includes businesses and individuals from Nucla, Naturita, Redvale and Norwood.
“Without you, this definitely would not have been as fun,” Reed said. “With your support, we were able to offer personalized cups, spurs, hoof picks, halters and blankets.”
For the year-end results, first through fourth place winners were as follows:
For ages 6 and under, Colt Carter was first place, Richard Williams was second, Elizabeth Jones was third and Taylor Bachman was fourth.
The Buckaroo Award went to Annabell Donnellon “for getting tossed and getting right back on again.”
In the 7-10 age group, Lenora Williams was first place, Kelsey Carter was second, Rowdy Short was also second, Brynna Bonaquista was third and Presley Bachman was fourth.
In the 11-14 division, Mya Garvey was first place, Kyndle Weimer was second, Hadley Snyder was third and Kynnlie McCabe was fourth.
For 15-18, Savannah Williams was first place, Josey Tedder was second and Shay Snyder was third.
In the age 19 and up division, Becky Short was first place, Brandie Richarson was second, Sabra Grierson was third and Wendy Williams was fourth.
This year’s high-point winner ended up being a tie between Colt Carter and Savannah Williams, and the club was able to ensure both received a trophy saddle.
Reed said it was important to thank the 4-H Shooting Sports Club for running the concession stand at gymkhana events.
“That freed up the TTR crew to be able to help more with the set-up of the evening's events,” he said. “Thank you to the wonderful people that work with me — Sam Rich, for providing the horses for those not fortunate enough to have their own. Tina, Brandie, Destiny, Michelle and Blaine, thanks for having the patience and willingness to teach me the ropes of this amazing sport.”
Reed said the Tabequache Trail Riders look forward to next year.
“Come and join us in June and July of 2026. Until then, see you around.”
