The Tabeguache Trail Riders (TTR), the West End’s equestrian club, is getting ready for the spring schedule it released in March. The club will host six gymkhana nights before the San Miguel Basin Rodeo, and adults and youth are welcome to participate — whether or not they will riding in the actual rodeo this summer.
What is gymkhana? Quite simply, it’s competition day.
Happening at the Cal Sanders arena in Nucla, this year’s West End gymkhana dates are June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, July 6 and July 13.
While barrel racing, which is the first event, and pole bending, always the second event, remain the standard for competition, there is a third event, too, that rotates each session. Those this year are keyhole; book n’ hook; run, jump, weave; bowtie jump; trail/obstacle course; and the flag race. The third events can be explained by club members, many of whom are familiar with the terminology and how the third event is run.
Age divisions are 6 and under, 7 through 10, 11-14, 15-18, and 19 and older.
All gymkhanas begin at 6 p.m. and last until all riders have finished.
Dues are $30 and can be paid in advance, and memberships can cover an entire family. Not all family members need to pay the full dues for each person.
For entry fees, it’s $2 per event per rider. For non-members, it’s $5 per event.
All breeds of horses are welcome, and family members and friends are allowed to borrow horses. One not need own their own horse to participate in West End gymkhanas.
At the end of the season, Tabeguache Trail Riders club members are eligible for year-end awards, and many times those are buckles, grooming supplies and other items.
Brandie Richardson, of Nucla, is the Tabeguache Trail Riders club president, and anyone with additional questions should call her. She can be reached at 970428-7137. The public can also contact Tina Barrett, the club’s vice president, at 970-428-2230.
The Wright’s Mesa Gymkhana Club in Norwood is still working on the details for their series.
“Nobody has organized anything yet,” said San Miguel County Fairgrounds Coordinator DeeAnna Burbridge, who attends many of the gyhmkahas and oversees the outdoor arena there, which is the same one used for the big annual rodeo. “We have no dates at this point in time.”
Norwood’s group will announce their club dates soon, however, and their sessions will also lead up to the rodeo. Some horse people in the area ride in both gymkhanas.
The San Miguel Basin Rodeo happens this year is July 29-30. The junior rodeo, held the first day, is considered one of the best in this part of the American West, with competitors coming from New Mexico, Utah and Arizona to participate.
