Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Saddle association brings games, timed events to the valley

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Jummel Hidrosollo / Special to the Home News

Tianna Hemphill, 10, races the clock with her horse Sedona through the pole bending event during Gymkhana at the Henderson Saddle Association Gymkhana on Nov. 29.

The Henderson Saddle Association's Gymkhana

Mitchel Ostrovsky, 10, a rider with Autism, directs his horse Jazzy during the Gymkhana birangle event at the Henderson Saddle Association on Nov. 29. Launch slideshow »

Henderson resident Robin Roberts-Harrison has vivid memories from her days competing with the Henderson Saddle Association as a child.

The association, located at 6490 Wiesner Way near Boulder Highway and Sunset Road, was a popular spot for equestrian events throughout Roberts' childhood.

When Roberts, 50, saw a drop-off in shows hosted by the association, she took it upon herself bring back the gymkhanas, which are timed horse-riding events.

"It's something I used to do all the time as a kid, so I kind of got the ball rolling in bringing it back," said Roberts, a former association board member. "A lot of the people here had never competed before and they weren't sure if they could or if they wanted to."

The association's gymkhana season concluded Nov. 29 as about 40 competitors vied for the top spots in their points standings.

Men and women competed against each other in barrel racing, pole bending and birangle, a timed event where riders maneuver around four poles.

A traditional gymkhana show has five to six events, but in effort to promote the sport to beginning riders, the association shortened theirs to the three rodeo-style events.

The association, a non-profit organization that oversees the facilities for members, allowed non-members to participate in each of the year's eight shows.

"We feel like this is giving back to our community, even if this is open to everyone in the valley," said Chris Due, an association member. "I think there is a demand for horse related events in general."

The competitions have a more laid-back feel than most rodeos, and the events are most popular with children and new riders.

However, many experienced riders compete in the shows.

Samantha Necas, the daughter of an experienced horse trainer, said the gymkhanas are a good place to hone her skills.

"It's similar to how baseball teams have home games," Samantha, 13, said. "Competing here is our home game."

Silverado Ranch resident Joel Ostrovsky was introduced to the sport through his children Mitch, 10, and Sammi, 9, who took their first lessons five years ago.

"It was a whole lifestyle change for us." Ostrovsky said. "Every kid should start in gymkhana. It teaches them how to ride and everything about horsemanship, but there's definitely a level of healthy competition."

The competitions are especially important for Mitch, who has autism.

Mitch has trouble being around most animals, Ostrovsky said, but has unique connection with horses. Meanwhile, his sister is training to one day compete in the local high school rodeo circuit.

"He's my brother and I compete against him, but I'm still proud of him," Sammi said. "The most important thing is it doesn't matter if you get a ribbon it only matters if you do well riding."

Some members were skeptical if the gymkhana's would be popular, but association President Al Conklin was convinced to make it an annual season after the first show in February drew about 70 people.

The 2008 points champions included Hayley Dalton in 10 and under, Samantha Necas in 11 to 15, Alyssa Newby in 16 to 25, Michelle Callahan in 26 to 45, and Bobbi Scott in 46 and over.

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].

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