Terrace’s Totem Saddle Club’s June 22, 2014 regular Gymkhana marked a special occasion – the return of the great outdoors.
Events kicked off around 10:30 a.m., with riders competing and displayed in events like keyhole, poles, figure eight and flags – and of course, the ever popular event, barrel racing.
But the highlight was a special ceremony, held just after noon, to thank the club’s supporters for spending the last five years ensuring the outdoor arena was suitable for riding.
Nearly five years ago the club had to shut the outdoor arena because of bad footing.
“It has taken this long to raise the funds and do the work to make it usable again,” said the club’s Elaine Rempel. “It is a great accomplishment and a delight to be back outdoors. We do have the indoor arena but it is smaller and harder to hold some of the events. With the outdoor arena the sky is the limit to events we can hold.”
The ceremony featured four young riders – Jennifer Rempel, Justin Rempel, Dylan Currie and Meghan Glawe – carrying flags and riding their horses to the national anthem. Club member Cathy Jackson then said a few words, followed by Terrace city councillor Brian Downie and regional district representative Ted Ramsey before the ribbon cutting ceremony and a BBQ.
“Everyone had an enjoyable time, both riders and spectators, and the weather could not have been any better for us,” said Rempel.
