Junior Equestrians to Compete in Melville

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Equine enthusiasts from across the province will come together in Melville on August 19 and 20 for the Youth Equestrian Summer Games.

The event features two days of competition, and also includes the Saskatchewan Light Horse Show.

"We'll be taking registrations right up until the day of the games," said Sandy Assman, one of the games'
co-ordinators. "Of course, we would prefer if people registered early."

Youth members from 4-H, Pony Club Quarter Horse, High School Rodeo, Paint, Arabian, Appaloosa, POA Dressage and Hunter/Jumper clubs are all eligible to take part in the event.

Last year's games and show drew nearly 100 youth competitors from all around Saskatchewan, and this year's event could be even larger, Assman said. Competitors are organized by age groups (11 and under, 12-14 and 15-17).

The games are a product of the youth programs offered through the Saskatchewan Horse Federation, the provincial association dedicated to promoting the breeding and raising of better quality horses, as well as organizing equestrian activities, shows and competitions in the province.

Assman said there are many parts of the event that everyone will enjoy, but the best event for a casual observer is the costume class.

"There will be about 25 kids (with their horses) in what are starting to become very elaborate costumes," she noted. "The costume class is choreographed to music, and the kids all dress and choreograph their own rides."

One of Assman's goals when she organized the first summer games in Yorkton five years ago was to make equine competition a fun, friendly time, and to mix the youth into different categories so they could get to know people from outside their class and riding style.

"I wanted to emphasize that we are all human beings riding equines. It doesn't matter what the saddle is," she said.

Youth are randomly split into one of four teams when they arrive, and team members are encouraged to cheer one another on across the many classes of competition and age ranges, regardless of style or skill. A special medal is given to the team with the most points at the conclusion of the games.

Saskatchewan Horse Federation shows and competitions are about teaching and raising the performance standards of the industry, a message Assman said is best taught while riders are young.

The federation also offers classes year-round that emphasize horse care and learning riding styles like English and Western.

Assman said there are features of the event that are appealing to serious riders and equine experts, as well as the general public.

The competitions are free of charge to attend, and will all take place in two rings at the Melville Agricultural Park on the east side of the city.

The games wrap up on Sunday, August 20, with an awards and medal ceremony.

For more information, contact:

Sandy Assman
4-H, Youth Equestrian Summer Games Co-ordinator
Phone: (306) 697-3195
e-mail: rslakequarterhorses@sasktel.net