CALEB NICKERSON

CLARENDON

Sept. 15, 2019

On Sunday afternoon, GELAM stables in Clarendon hosted a bit of friendly competition for youth and . . .

adult riders. Ten participants battled it out over numerous classes for bragging rights and some cash prizes.

Owner Ginger Finan said that the level of competition is lower than a region event like the Shawville Fair, and allows the less experience riders get a shot in the ring.

“It gives them a chance to compete in a relaxed, encouraging environment,” she said. “Everyone’s cheering for everyone else … It’s a nice way to end our summer season.”

She said that the last few months have been hectic, with horse camps and lessons for more than 100 students filling her schedule.

“In the summer we’re here 10 hours a day,” she said.

She said that the incentive of prize money adds to the experience for the riders, who range in age from six years old to adults.

“It’s exciting to them,” she said. “They come early to braid their horses.”

The winners were as follows:

Dash for Cash: Open class – Ginger Finan on Juno

Youth – Grace Sally on Esme

Barrels: Open class – 1st Ginger Finan, 2nd Julie Monette

Youth – 1st Nora MacKechnie, 2nd Grace MacKechnie, 3rd Neve Young

Pole Bending: Open class – 1st Ginger Finan, 2nd Julie Monette, 3rd Penny Hobbs

Youth – 1st Nora MacKechnie, 2nd Vidalie Drapeau, 3rd Grace MacKechnie

Circle race: Open class – 1st Ginger Finan, 2nd Julie Monette, 3rd Penny Hobbs

Youth – 1st Vidalie Drapeau, 2nd Grace MacKechnie, 3rd Nora MacKechnie

Keyhole: Open class – 1st Ginger Finan, 2nd Julie Monette

Youth – 1st Grace MacKechnie, 2nd Grace Sally, 3rd Vidalie Drapeau

Flag: Open class – 1st Julie Monette

Youth – 1st Grace Sally, 2nd Neve Young

Open relay – 1st Ginger Finan and Grace Sally, 2nd Grace Sally and Vidalie Drapeau, 3rd Julie Monette and Ginger Finan

Timed jumps – 1st Ginger Finan, 2nd Penny Hobbs

Walk/trot – 1st Nora MacKechnie, 2nd Neve Young

Walk/trot/canter – 1st Penny Hobbs, 2nd Julie Monette, 3rd Vidalie Drapeau.