Calgary Stampede 2010 Extreme Cowboy champion Glenn Stewart brought his Extreme Horsemanship Challenge back to Smithers over the Labour Day weekend, with clinics running the previous week. The Challenge involves both the horse and rider testing their abilities, manoeuvring through a series of timed obstacles and tasks.
Local organizer Anika Gattiker said she was pleased with both the turnout of participants, and of the crowd that came out to watch the events.
“On the whole, it was a really interesting six days of natural horsemanship,” she said.
In the Advanced division, Tom Ryan of McBride finished in first place, winning a buckle and $150. Second place and $125 went to Dave Tissington of Grand Prairie, with Judy Carter of Fraser Lake in third, winning $75.
Keily Stewart from Baldonnel won $150 and a buckle for first place in the Novice division. Don Carter of Fraser Lake finished second, winning $125. Ruth Hamblin of Houston finished third, taking home $75.
Gattiker said another round of clinics is scheduled for April, and the Challenge will happen again next fall.
“I think it’ll be something that will continue to build,” she said.
For information on the clinics, call Anika at 250-846-5494.