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Horse riders shine in 14th annual Rosewood Rodeo
rosewood rodeo
Courtesy photo: Rosewood Rodeo participant Gentry Ramsey rides Daisey Duke during youth trails pattern with the support of her team Ashley Romans, Melinda Suppes and Robbie Holmes at the 14th Annual Rosewood Rodeo, held at Great Bend Expo III Arena on Oct. 6. Ramsey was among six youth riders and more than 40 Rosewood Rodeo participants who showcased their abilities during this year’s daylong event.

As a gloomy early autumn day lingered outdoors, dozens of radiant smiles beamed indoors at Great Bend Expo III Arena on Oct. 6. More than 40 equine therapy riders from Rosewood Ranch took the opportunity to show their horsemanship skills and abilities during the 14th Annual Rosewood Rodeo. 

The riders participate in equine therapy throughout the year at Rosewood Ranch, which exists to help people with disabilities, and is located approximately five miles north of Pawnee Rock. The rodeo is the day they get to showcase their abilities to family and friends.

“In 14 years, we have seen sunshine, rain, and even snow, but it hasn’t mattered,” said Rosewood Ranch Manager Eric Hammond. “Rain or shine and even in cold weather, this day has become absolutely the best day of the year for our rodeo participants and their families. It wound up being an amazing day for our riders in the arena. All of them did well.” 

The clients who participated in the 14th Annual Rosewood Rodeo were: Courtnery Adams, Crystal Alkire, Pam B., Kammi Bennett, Robin Bethel, Keith Boyer, Charles Bortz, Darren Brown, Jamie Crone, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jason Ehrentrout, Jonathan Folkerts, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, Ashley Hullett, Jonathan Howe, Shaun Ledesma, Daniel Leroy, Jere McCutchen, Tyler Michaelis,  Mary Minear, Rita Mestas, Samantha Purcell, Angie Rogers, Josh Radar, Tori Rose, Andy Schultz, Dawn Specht, Abbie Stanley, Josh Trimmer, Melissa Trimmer, Debbie Wasinger, Trenton Welsch, and Jim Wonsetler. 

Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Horse Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event. At the end of each of their rides, the youth riders received a participation ribbon and were photographed with their family members. Youth riders participating were: Kanye Cross, Italia DeTello, Ethan Harr, Gentry Ramsey and Landon Titsworth. 

Immediately following the rodeo, awards were presented. Jim Wonsetler earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Codie Hardie was named “Most Improved Rider,” and Darren Brown won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award. Ribbons were also presented to participants for 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 the spring and summer. Sashes were awarded to a dozen winners, representing three divisions in the categories of trail and horsemanship. 

Winners in each respective category were: High Point Horsemanship - Shaun Ledesma, Robin Bethel, Josh Radar;  Reserve Horsemanship - Kammi Bennett, Rita Mestas, Keith Boyer; High Point Showmanship - Chris Devine; Reserve Showmanship - Josh Trimmer; High Point Trail - Mary Minear, Jason Ehrentrout, Tori Rose; Reserve Trail - Charles Bortz, Samantha Purcell, Jere McCutchen.

Other events throughout the day included two performances by the award winning all-female Heartland Twisters riding drill team. The Administration Team won the staff competition against the Residential and Day Services Teams. A silent auction of items donated by local businesses was held to raise money for Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop sold items made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio. There were games and activities for children and a celebration barbecue lunch. Dan Haselhorst provided the invocation during the grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events.

This year’s rodeo was made possible with the help of 15 sponsors. Approximately 50 people helped at the event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by Rodeo chairman Anna Hammond.

“I’m amazed every year at the impact this one day has on our riders, their families and our employees,” said Rosewood Services Executive Director Tammy Hammond. “It takes a tremendous effort from dozens of people to make this event a success, and for 14 years on this one day, we’ve been able to come together to create memories that last a lifetime for people with disabilities and their families. My sincere gratitude goes out to each of our participants, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who played a part in making this year’s rodeo a success.”