The Golden Light Horse Club hosted their first barrel race back from COVID-19, with a two day event that saw people come to the rodeo grounds from across the province, even as far as the Yukon.
Over $20,000 was paid out, plus an additional $3,000 in prize money.
Plenty of locals competed at the event, many hitting the podium.
Local Shelley Black finished in 6th in the Open Barrels 2D event. Ginny Crosby and Chelsea Mitchell also placed in the Open Barrels event on Day 1, in 4th and 6th respectively.
Mitchell additionally made a podium finish on day two in the 4D event, with a third place finish.
Sierra Horn claimed a 4th place finish in the open Barrels 2D event, and a second place finish in the 2D open poles event on both days.
Amanda Jopp finished in 6th in the 3D event as well.
Payton Pufal claimed a second place finish on Day 2 in the Junior Barrels 4d event, finishing in first in the 4D Junior Barrels average. She also earned a second place finish in open poles on day two.
Kiera Wagner also had a first place finish of her own in the Peewee Barrels 1D and 2D events.
She finished off the weekend with a second place average in the Peewee Barrels 1D.
According to President Ron Watson, the club has hosted the event for almost a decade and each year saw its reputation grow.
“We’re seeing a lot of the same girls come back each year, you’re always talking to people at these events and it seems like we’re doing pretty damn good,” said Watson.
He says it’s been good to see so many locals take up the sport and see how it’s grown in the valley, augmenting the level of competition since he first came to town.
“They’re doing really well, coming in second and stuff like that, certain kids are really starting to come up,” said Watson.
The club is also looking at resurrecting the Golden rodeo in a post-COVID world. While it’s off the table for this year, Watson is hopeful for next summer.
Watson says that in order for the club to grow and continue to host events like this, several updates need to be done to the grounds. Through a community initiatives grant, he says they’ve started on updated the electrical at the facilities.
He says that with future funding, they would like to be able to improve their well and improve water services on the grounds.
The club is currently putting on a 50/50 lottery, with over 200 tickets still available and a $5,000 top prize. Those looking to support the club and buy tickets can do so by contacting Watson at 250-344-3208.
