“Life isn’t always candy, cowboy boots, and horses, but should be,” is an old saying that definitely fit the bill at the Kids’ Horsin’ Around Day in early September in Russell. Fun was the theme of the day, attracting youngsters and families who had one thing in common, enjoying the warmth and companionship of a horse, miniature or light.
Trucks pulling various sizes of trailers loaded with one, two or more horses, ventured to the agriculture society grounds. Once the horses were saddled, children sporting western attire and riding helmets versus cowboy hats, reached for the stirrups, some closer to the saddle than the ground. Thanks to the beauty of a four-legged companion that whinnies, laughter and smiles were abound.
For organizer, Kimberly Buchberger of Langenburg, Sask., it was a satisfying day, overjoyed because of the beaming faces of the 29 children, 22 of them being 10 and under, and the encouragement of parents and grandparents.
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“While the idea of the day was mine, I must say the passion my four-year-old daughter Katie has gained for the horses, also spurred on the importance of such a fun, learning day,” Buchberger said. “The fact that kids have been cooped up for the past two years, which is not normal, was also an element.”
Competition may be in Buchberger’s blood, raising and showing Clydesdales, but now having kids of her own, she wants them to have the opportunity to do fun things, touching on passion, mental health, and enjoyment.
Buchberger said her husband Taylor’s side of the family has been in the light horse and rodeo cattle world for quite some time. Her side of the family has been involved in the draft horse industry for a substantial number of years, but all connect some way or the other.
The Saskatchewan horse mom feels that some kids would love to rodeo, with high school now starting at Grade 5, but families are unable to commit multiple weekends and days away from home, so fun competitions are an important step in youngsters’ lives. The Russell Agricultural Society was on board upon lending its panelled riding and rodeo arena.
Chuckles were part of the day. Her daughter, Katie, quipped her well-nourished miniature pony, Mitzi, won’t listen, when the topic of weaving in and out of poles was mentioned. Just before that, ‘whoa’ was the word of choice, as Katie and her miniature pony, headed back to the out gate after a successful barrel racing run, all on her own. For some youngsters, parents held the lead line or trotted in front of the horse, but all in all one is never too grown up to see the magic in simple things in life.
“Ride her like you stole her,” stated Justin Bridgeman of Rafter B Performance Horses & Training of Binscarth, as a youngster from the area enjoyed one of his well-trained horses. He and his wife Leah, along with grandparents, Kevin and Julie Bridgeman, watched as one of their own, Adalie, brought her own smiles, sitting pretty in the saddle.
Members of the Bridgeman family, scattered throughout Manitoba, truly stand behind Buchberger’s comment that every horse deserves to be loved by a little girl or little boy, at least once in their lives.
“Horses have really been my mental health stabilizer. I believe they are our babysitters in life, as they teach to dream, to believe, to love, to triumph,” Buchberger said. “Children and horses connect, I believe, because they know they are pleasing; they know there is love to give.”
With horsemanship at the forefront, events enriching participants’ involvement and learning touched on barrel racing, pole bending, undecorating goats, which took concentration. But the kids and youth also were allowed to kick a little in fun games including the egg spoon race and the toilet paper race.
With Buchberger’s dream coming together nicely, with the assistance of Chantel Senchuk and Vicki Davidson, organizers are aiming to make this an annual summer send-off.
