The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) ride held September 26 in Barriere was a resounding success, judging by the feedback supplied to organizers, from all who participated.

The ride saw some 15 riders head out on a drop-dead gorgeous day from the fall fair grounds, into the high country near Leonie Lakes.

Local rider Joe Sabyan ramroded the group in their climb, aptly assisted by area rider Gail Yon.

Amongst the participants, were riders from Lone Butte, Vernon, and Clearwater.

All found their way along old trails to the viewpoint of the North Thompson, and then along the shores of Paradise and Genier Lakes.

Barriere and District Riding Club members Doris and Paula of McLure completed the group, alongside Sherri Hughf.

From my vantage point (trailing this group), I am pleased to report that two of the horses were fresh back from the SCQHA Fall Circuit, held the weekend previously in Armstrong.

They each tallied up not only AQHA points, but both were representative of the well rounded AQHA horse we all seek out, “show to the nine’s one weekend, then shed the tails to crawl the trails the next weekend.”

Thanks to each of these owners for demonstrating once again what we all strive for – the all-round horse – the American Quarter Horse.

Thank you to our sponsor of the AQHA Ride Montana Silver Buckles won by Kelly Charlton of River Run Ranch of Barriere, and Marcie Pace of Kamloops for riding an AQHA horse. Paula Cousins of McLure won the draw for riding an all breed horse.

Sponsor of the wool saddle blankets, presented as runner-up awards, was Barriere’s own  River Bank Quarter Horses owned by Joe Sabyan and Cherie Jardine. The blankets went to Mo Gates for an AQHA horse, and Cherrie Witts of Clearwater for riding an all breed Appaloosa.

 Thanks also go out to local rancher Brian Watt and Jo Baldic, as well as to Gail Yon and spouse Bobby, for taking time out from their busy days to help flag and mark the trails for the ride.

Thank yous also go out to Carmen and Barb Smith and the Ewashina family for allowing riders to cross their property to access these trails.