5 minute read
Bring on the horses and family fun
Bring on the horses, rodeo and family fun
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by ANNETTE JOYCE
The Oak Ridge Easter Horse Show made a successful comeback last year after an eight-year break that was capped off by a pandemic. The Easter weekend show returns Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, and will take place at Steeple Hill Farms in Summerfield.
The popular weekend event is being produced by Oak Ridge Horse Show Association (ORHSA), a local group of volunteers who have taken on the task of revitalizing the horse show that has been part of the community’s history for over 75 years.
The horse show was initiated by a group of community leaders who were looking for a way to raise money to build Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. When someone suggested a horse show, the idea took root and the show was an immediate hit for horse lovers as well as those who simply wanted to enjoy participating in a community event. All proceeds from the first five shows went to the church building fund.
After that, proceeds were targeted to other community groups and causes, including Oak Ridge Elementary School, Oak Ridge Youth Association, local Scout troops, Northwest Guilford Middle and High schools and summer youth recreation programs.
Helen Isley, vice-president of ORHSA’s board of directors, said the group has been working hard to insure this year’s horse show is bigger, better and brings in even more money to distribute for worthy community causes.
Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge Horse Show Association Oak Ridge Horse Show Association board members have been working to combine popular events of past years with new events that spectators are sure to enjoy. Board members include (front row, L to R) Richard Isley, John McKenzie, Allie Mears, Dan Hylton and Amanda Gritton; (back row, L to R) Jen Southwell, Terri Wellendorf, Michelle Conaway, Helen Isley, Tara Peterson, Amy Page and Mike Doby. Not shown: Hannah Talbot.
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Photo courtesy of Kristie Totten Professional rodeo clown Keith Isley returns to this year’s horse show to entertain the rodeo crowds on Friday and Saturday evenings.
want to go?
Oak Ridge Easter Horse Show Friday and Saturday, April 15 & 16 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Steeple Hill Farms 7000 Belford Road, Summerfield Tickets and more info at www.oakridgehorseshow.org
While Isley helps provide direction, she is quick to point out that putting on this event is a team effort.
Combining the best of the tried and true with the excitement of the new is one of the main things the board has focused on.
During the day, Piedmont Horseman’s Association will host a variety of riding competitions for both youth and adults.
As riders compete for points, youngsters can release pent-up energy in a couple of fun events designed just for them. First, there’s the Mutton Bustin’ contest, where young cowboys and cowgirls attempt to see how long they can stay atop some wild and woolly sheep (parents, don’t be alarmed – these sheep are actually more mild than wild). There’s also a calf scramble, in which young contestants chase a calf and try to be the first to pull a ribbon from its tail. Both events are sure to be as much fun for the spectators as the participants.
One of the new events this year is the mini horse pull. In the past, the show has always featured huge draft horses with massive muscles competing in two classes – heavyweight and lightweight. While these guys are still part of the show, their smaller counterparts will also have a chance to compete for the first time.
“The mini draft horses look like the big horses with all the muscles – like ponies on steroids,” Isley said, noting the atmosphere is different for the two competitions.
“With the big horses, people are supposed to be quiet,” she said. “For the mini horses, they want people to hoot and holler the whole time.”
After the main events of the day wind down, the Southern Rodeo Association (SRA) sanctioned rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. Produced by Double Creek Rodeo Company, this year’s show is a full rodeo with a complete lineup of events including bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping and more.
In the midst of the bucking bulls and rambunctious calves, Keith Isley, a professional rodeo clown and entertainer who has been involved in the rodeo world for nearly 50 years, is certain to give the crowd something to laugh about.
Besides the competitions and contests, there is already a variety of vendors lined up, including horse and tack suppliers, artists and potters, and new exhibitors are being added every day.
And what’s an outdoor event without delicious food? This year’s Food Truck Rodeo includes several food trucks offering BBQ, Mexican cuisine, hamburgers and hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and doughnuts.
“People in the community have really stepped up,” Isley said. “I believe it’s because they know that (the proceeds from) what we’re doing will go back into the community. We are very
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