J.D. POTIÉ
QUYON Oct. 26, 2019
A small group of local equestrians gathered at a . . .
horse stable on Chemin Wilson in Quyon for the Pontiac Equestrian Association’s first ever horseback poker run.
According to the association’s treasurer Andrea Goffort, the event was an opportunity for local equestrians to celebrate Halloween while getting a view of a breathtaking trail in the Gatineau Hills on horseback.
“It gets everybody together to enjoy the trail, which is really an important aspect… and this time of year is the best time of year to ride the trail because it’s the most beautiful and there are no bugs.”
The event consisted of a 24 km (12 both ways) trek through the Gatineau Hills.
The trail started at the end corner of chemin Wilson and chemin Steele and included checkpoints on the Eardley-Masham road and chemin Pilon among others.
Riders had to stop at five checkpoints located throughout the trail before returning to their starting location.
Volunteers posted at the stops gave each rider an envelope with a playing card inside it. After picking up their cards, riders wrote their results on a score sheet and the rider with the best overall hand after the five stops ended up as the lucky winner.
The event was one that the association had been wanting to organize for quite some time since it combines halloween costumes and the colours of nature during the fall season, Goffort said.
To keep any of the participants from going hungry or thirsty and to raise money for the association, volunteers sold coffee, pastries and other treats at the stable.
When it was all over Maddy Lelbel ended up as the champion with the best hand, followed by Sandy Draper in second place and Pam Johnston in third.
As for the prize for best costume, Mackenzie Johnston-Juarez won the prize with her combination of Mother Nature and her Unicorn.
The event raised around $300 for the Pontiac Equestrian Association and will most likely come back for a second edition next year, Goffort said.
