Seven-year-old Isaac Bedford competes in the gymkhana event at the PGRA’s Western Weekend

Prince George, BC – The Prince George Rodeo Association is hosting its Western Weekend competition at the Agriplex, with riders and their horses traveling from throughout the region to participate.

PGRA member, Christine Jones, is one of the many people involved in organizing the three-day event and says there are competitors from Williams Lake, Fort St. John, Vanderhoof and McBride, who’ve made the trek to the city.

This morning started out with a family fun event – the gymkhana.  Jones says there are children as young as three competing, and riders in their 60s and 70s.  The entrants compete in the timed event according to their age category – performing tasks like weaving their horse through poles, or riding figure ‘8’s around two stakes. 

Jones’ three-year-old daughter, Nevada, was one of the many youngsters showcasing budding horsemanship skills.  Nevada and her horse followed dad, Darin, through the course…having a good laugh along the way.

"All these events, of course, show horsemanship levels," says Jones.  "Because you have to be able to ride, you have to train your horse to change leads, turn, roll back.  We also do ‘thread the needle’ and a keyhole race, as well."

At left, three-year-old Olivia Heitman got some help from her dad, Sean, and her trainer, Dawn Dreher, during her turn. 

The little lady did not let the competition ‘get to her’ – taking time to blow a kiss to the crowd, much to the delight of onlookers.

The reining event is just getting underway.  Jones says reining, once again, highlights horsemanship as the horses have to change leads, do spins, and perform sliding stops.  She says there will be a number of horse trainers from the area who will be showcasing their talent and their horses’ skills.

The entire weekend is open to the public.  Admission is by donation.  Jones says this is the local rodeo association’s major fundraiser of the year – with all money raised going towards renting out the Agriplex for training and events next winter. 

The Horseman Challenge kicks off at 8am tomorrow, barrel racing is slated to start at 3pm on Easter Sunday.  For a complete schedule of the Western Weekend, go to www.pgra.ca