Speed and Skill Shine at Casey Tibbs Riders Gymkhana Buckle Series
The sound of hooves echoed across the Casey Tibbs Arena as riders and their horses dashed through barrels, weaved through poles, and raced against the clock at the second in the Gymkhana Horse Show series put on by the Casey Tibbs Riders.
Gymkhana, often called "games on horseback," brought out the community's best riders, each determined to showcase precision, partnership, and heart in the arena named for rodeo legend Casey Tibbs.
The Gymkhana Buckles series was held on Saturday, October 11. The events included five classes: Speed barrels, keyhole, bi-rangle, poles 2, and barrels. The first event of the three-part buckle series was held on September 13, and the third will be held on November 8.
There was a big turnout, with 32 contestants at this event, says Parsons, Casey Tibbs Riders President. They have a board of 8 people with a combined 20+ years' experience in speed events and horse shows of all forms.
"Casey Tibbs Riders is a newly formed club striving to bring back equestrian events to our amazing hometown of Ramona," says Parsons. "Our events are fun, family-friendly, open to the public, and most importantly, community-engaged and involved."
There are high point winners in each speed division, and the winner will receive a buckle after the series. Those divisions are AAA, AA, A, FC18+, FC17<, LFC, and Leadline.
Parsons says they are working on bringing a full season next year with 10 show dates from March through December. All of the shows will be held on Saturdays to avoid conflicting with other shows. They have 13 dates scheduled, with three designated as rain dates. She says that for many years, Ramona has been home to all sorts of equestrian events. In recent years, these events have become less frequent. So, as a collective, Casey Tibbs Riders have made it their mission to bring back these amazing events for riders of all ages, styles, and abilities.
13-year-old contestant, Cade Wilson, competed in the first gymkhana series in September and has also competed at multiple gymkhana events. She is happy the events are coming back. This show is calm, allowing her to enjoy the race.
"I like that it's universal," says Molly Lincoln. She added that little kids and big kids can come and enjoy the fun.
Savannah Moyers said that she likes that this event is local and is a buckle series.
10-year-old Julia Breen is also a member of the Ramona Vicente Pony Club, and she is so excited to do this series. She enjoys the opportunity to bond with her horse at this event. Her mom, Noelle Breen, a nurse at Scripps Memorial ICU, is really excited to have this series in the community and have positive experiences. She likes that everyone cheers each other on. She is also thankful to have these facilities in the SDCE.
At the end of the event, the winners of the raffle and silent auction were announced, and the winners received awards consisting of ribbons and gift cards to local businesses.
Parsons said they had a lot of local sponsors and family-owned businesses that contributed to the show. She is thankful for the group that helped her put on this event because, without them, none of this would be possible.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler.
