Dirt flew and hooves pounded in Moose Jaw as the Four Lakes Cowhorse show hosted its 5th annual cowhorse competition on July 23rd and 24th.
The show has become one of the largest in Saskatchewan, attracting competitors from neighboring western provinces as well.
As indicated by the show's announcer, Darren Baumgardner, 106 runs or "works" were conducted by competitors in just the first day of the weekend-long event.
In her report, Tracy Brand, the show's organizer, stated that the show was a great success. Brand shared that the show even drew locals to come and check out the action-packed equine event.
The entry-level division of Novice Rein Box had the highest number of competitors of any division at the show, an encouraging sign for organizers and the association as a whole. "It's great to see that so many new people are wanting to get into the sport and that the sport is growing," said Brand.
The event's judge, professional Cowhorse trainer Dale Clearwater, shared that the show in Moose Jaw was a great experience for everyone.
Clearwater, who has judged several events across Canada, commended both the riders and horses at the Four Lakes Cowhorse show for their great level of athleticism and talent.
On Sunday, the crowd enjoyed a sea of pink-clad competitors. Competitors who wore pink had the chance to win one of two beautiful show pads. The majority of competitors participated in this new fun challenge, displaying true comradery and support for the cowhorse association brand shared.
The sport of reined cowhorse has seen a boom in interest over the past two years according to Dale Clearwater, whose training operation is in Hanley, SK. The sport, which is featured throughout the four seasons of the hit show Yellowstone, comprises three events, reining, cutting, and cow work down the fence.
Originally, the sport began in California, with cowboys and vaqueros training their horses to be the best possible ranch help. Their goal was to find a horse that could be handled with finesse while demonstrating speed and grit to work with the most challenging cattle.
Those interested in learning more about the sport and the Four Lakes Cowhorse show can visit www.reinedcowhorse.net/. It has already been announced that the Four Lakes Cowhorse Show will return to Moose Jaw on July 29th and 30th next year.
