Entering its 19th year, the Rosewood Rodeo understandably featured a lot of seasoned horse riders. But the day also featured several novice riders, who were experiencing their first rodeo. That gamut of experiences made for a fun and interesting day for the riders and audience alike, during the event held at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena on Oct. 7.
Thirty equine therapy riders displayed their horsemanship skills at this year’s rodeo; skills they developed throughout the year by participating in equine therapy at Rosewood Ranch. Located five miles north of Pawnee Rock, Rosewood Ranch exists to help people with developmental disabilities. The rodeo is a chance for equine therapy participants to showcase their abilities to family, friends and community members.
John Reynolds joined Jim West, Caitlyn Stinger, Kaleb Nixon, and Cole Morin as first-year rodeo riders. Kanye Cross participated in the Youth Division previously, but this was his first year participating as an adult rider.
On the other end of the spectrum, competing in their 17th Rodeos, were Robin Bethel, Shaun Ledesma, Mary Minear, and Josh Trimmer. The seasoned and novice riders were joined by fellow participants Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Darren Brown, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jonathan Folkerts, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, Johnathan Howe, DJ Johnson, Tyler Michaelis, Tori Rose, Andy Schultz, Dawn Specht, Abbey Stanley, Debbie Wasinger, and Jim Wonsetler.
In addition to the adult riders, Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Horse Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event at the beginning of the rodeo. At the end of each of their rides, the youth riders received a ribbon for their participation and they were photographed with their award. Youth riders participating in this year’s Rodeo were Faith Schneweis, Ely Kocher, Parker Laviolette, Collin Duncan and Landon Titsworth.
Therapy horses participating in this year’s rodeo were veteran rodeo horses Jordan and Harriet, along with Colonel and Mr. Red, making just their second Rodeo appearance. Rosewood’s Percheron wagon team of Dixie and Dolly made an appearance during the grand entry. The Honorable Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles provided the invocation during the rodeo grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events.
Other events included two performances by the award winning all-female “The American Dream” horse-riding drill team. The Residential Team won a staff competition against the Day Services and Administrative Teams. A silent auction of items donated by local businesses was held to raise money, with proceeds from the auction going to Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop also provided items for sale, selling items made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio. Games and activities entertained children throughout the day. A pulled pork lunch, along with a variety of concession items, was available for purchase during the rodeo.
Cole Morin earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” John Reynolds was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Jim West won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award.
Ribbons were presented to participants for Trails, along with Barrel and Horsemanship events. The clients competed in three levels, depending on their riding ability: rider with lead and side-walker, rider with lead, and independent rider.
During the awards ceremony, high point and reserve awards were presented to Horse Show participants. The adult therapy riders were recognized in front of their peers and spectators for earning the most points in their respective categories during Horse Show Days at Rosewood Ranch throughout this year. Sashes were awarded to winners, representing three divisions in the categories of trail and horsemanship. Awards were also presented for showmanship.
Winners in each respective category were: High Point Trail – Jim West, Cole Morin, Mary Minear; Reserve Trail – Tori Rose, Debbie Wasinger, Crystal Alkire; High Point Horsemanship – Johnathan Howe, Cole Morin, Shwan Ledesma; Reserve Horsemanship – Rita Mestas, Keith Boyer, Chris Devine; High Point Showmanship – Mary Minear; and Reserve Showmanship – Crystal Alkire.
Nearly 50 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by rodeo chairman Anna Hammond.
