The sun shone, the black clouds that occasionally passed over held their water, the breeze was light and the temps were perfect for a fabulous day of Trail Horse fun & GLAD Hearts Cowboy Games 2.0. Those who had to leave early did so with much regret, and some, who wanted to only stay a short time, remained for the entire show.
Everyone was there: from pony clubbers to experienced seniors, new and mature equines. Yes, English riders wore their saddles, breeches and boots. Gone was the formality of the “proper” style, replaced by GLAD Hearts t-shirts. Some enjoyed so much, they added a class after they thought they were done.
Everyone mentioned how beautiful the arena looked. The theme was Heart & Stroke (lots of red hearts & florals) and, of course, honouring Greg. The bridge gnomes, the fish on the gate, the Christmas trees with trail marking ribbons, the “AIR MAIL” mail box, the hard hat on Windsor, and yes, pool noodles, all represented things that represented Greg to Bri. Even the drag – a toboggan with Olaf & Sven - was part of the cartoons they enjoyed together.
Bri Dales put together such an excellent event that some people were asking if she would do it again next year. Bri did it ALL. From designing the posters & t-shirts, getting sponsors, designing all the obstacles, (with help) laying out the patterns, and promoting it all year, Bri did it. And then she got to show off her speed trail abilities at the last class of the day. Now THAT was a ride!
Special mentions: The best ring crew ever. Jackie F & Justin R dashed into the arena after every competitor to reset & adjust the obstacles…I know Heather C kept everyone in order at the gate…. Jeff T and Tyrone W in the booth kept everything under control. Ty was also the usual wonderful secretary for the Games….the spectators cheered for everyone. The magic word was Sportsmanship….So looking forward to the pictures from Chris C…. The local Lions clubs for the running the Food Booth (yum, yum)….to all the people (competitors, ring crew and spectators) who swarmed into the ring after the last ribbon presentation and cleared it all out in a matter of ten minutes! Talk about Fellowship....Linda Liddle was the treasurer again and kept track of $$$$’s both in and out. That task can be frustrating….A VERY special THANK YOU to our judge Don Stauffer for another great job, and to his scribe, Leah E, who said she learned a LOT. Maybe Leah may add Open Trail to her roster next year?....And to the sponsors: Thank you for supporting our efforts and this event.
Noted: I learned to say “Ask Bri”. Even if I knew the answer, I referred them to her for final word. Yes, I did make suggestions, but final say was always hers….Has Barb K has found her trail horse in Blue? Looking forward to next year….Brenda S had so much fun, even though she was new to Pepper’s western gear and cues… As many know, Jeff T finishes off the show with a song, usually from Mickey Mouse club. This show, the song was “Happy Trails”. Most appropriate for the day….I think Bri’s ear to ear grin, only faded when everyone was gone and exhaustion set in….
I will leave the final word to Bri: Thank you to everyone who entered, spectated, and donated to the fundraiser page. Every single entry, every dollar raised, and every person who showed up today made a difference. We were not just remembering my dad; we were supporting countless others who have been touched by heart and stroke.
Today was a huge success and I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out and making it possible!!
Thank our amazing sponsors. Goetz Construction, Drexler’s Construction, Anne Dales, Torvan Medical, Tielman, Window to Paris Antique Furniture, and Sweet Grass Farm - your generosity gave us the foundation to build this event, as well JJ Reining and Lana English for donating all of the prizes here today for the competitors to win. And thank you to Magna-care PEMF Therapy for giving up your time to give demos and watch!

And the word of the day: HOORAH LADS!
Anne Dales

RESULTS:
16 & Under:

1. Avery Binnendyk – Sadie
2. Evelyn Peart – Pippin
3. Sommer Burrows – Cooper
4. Nova Azzopardi – Cookies and Cream

Novice:

1. Barb Kelly – Out of the Blue
2. Norm Eygenraam – Rocky
3. Sandra Radcliffe – Edward
4. Avery Binnendyk – Sadie
5. Evelyn Peart – Pippin
6. Heather Baulk-Smith – Muffin

Pick Your Speed:

1. Sandra Radcliffe – Edward
2. Norm Eygenraam – Rocky
3. Stephanie Beveridge – Merida
4. Evelyn Peart – Pippin
5. Avery Binnendyk – Sadie
6. Sommer Burrows – Cooper

55+:

1. Norm Eygenraam – Rocky
2. Avery Binnendyk – Sadie
3. Barb Kelly – Out of the Blue
4. Annette Lewis-Copeland – K C Smoker
5. Heather Baulk-Smith – Muffin

Braveheart:

1. Barb Kelly – Out of the Blue
2. Sandra Radcliffe – Edward
3. Norm Eygenraam – Rocky

Cowboy Level:

1. Bri Dales – Dreamin Tonight
2. Stephanie Beveridge – Merida
3. Monica Gagliardi – Cookies and Cream