“RENDEZVOUS 2023” with The Back Country Horsemen of BC

Submitted by Juanita Gibney on behalf of the organizing committee (Thank you to the members for the photos)

SUCCESS!

After months of organizing the annual gathering of The Back Country Horsemen, it was gratifying to watch the endless stream of trucks and trailers as they rolled up to the registration gate.

Over the course of the May 26-28 weekend more than 240 members made the trek to the Nicola Valley Rodeo facilities in Merritt for what would become the greatest show on earth! They came from across the province including a great turnout from Vancouver Island. The facilities were able to accommodate the huge number of camping units and the more than 100 horses and mules that members had brought with them. Old friends re-acquainted and new friends were made over the 3 days of activities.

Under sunny skies, Richard Jackson, elder of the Lower Nicola Indian Band, opened the event Friday morning with First Nation prayer and a blessing ceremony.

Friday afternoon, under the guidance of Ross Walker, the coals were prepared and the Dutch ovens were put to work in preparation for the potluck dinner. Several ovens were dedicated to cooking the 115 lbs of beef brisket. The Dutch ovens numbered 24 and the competition portion included a junior team, with their creativity producing not only a great dessert, but won them a prize as well.

Friday evening entertainment included some interesting and hilarious acts in the “just for fun” Lip-Sync/Airband event with several chapters putting forth their talents. Valhalla Vikings (Shuswap), Dolly Parton (Okanagan) and Johnny Cash (Aldergrove) wannabees, the perfectly choreographed team (Yarrow) paying homage to distilleries, breweries and wineries in song and Pancho Villa (North Thompson) presenting the only “one word” singalong song we know of. Both evenings were finished off with BCHBC members joining together and playing instruments around the well-attended firepit.

Vendor Alley was a busy feature of RV, attracting lots of attention with several product and information stations including BC Horse Council and the Invasive Species Council of BC. Other offerings included presentations and information on Saddle Mapping with Dana Johnson of Equifusion, First Aid on the Trail, The history of the Certified Horsemanship Program with Jim McCrae, Knot Tying, Mounted Search and Rescue with Marion Weisskopff and more.

Throughout the weekend hands-on offerings were endless and free participation was the key. Mounted games attracted many, particularly the many juniors attending. There was the Mountain Trail Obstacle Intro, keeping organizers Kelly Allen and Ron Stolp very busy. Attendees were able to work with their own horses on the obstacles throughout the weekend and it was an extremely popular event.

Led by Richard Christensen, the packing workshop and competition was not only informative but fun too! Once again, our junior members shone, and along with more seasoned packers garnered two of the four awards given. First place was Robson chapter’s Wes Phillips and Yarrow chapter’s Kirsten Hawes. Another fun competition was offered by BCHBC founding member Jim McCrae where participants could win a highly coveted and rare t-shirt if they could throw a double diamond packing hitch in under one minute. And yes, there were a few winners. Impressive!

The Ernie Buckle Cowboy Poetry competition drew a large crowd that listened attentively to poems, many of which drew an emotional blanket across the audience. It was difficult for the judges, as the poems were all very good. The winner was long-time member Arnie Rath, reciting his poem “Cowboy Friends.”

Following the catered dinner on Saturday evening, awards were presented to Arnie Rath for his poetry and to Scott Walker who was recognized as BCHBC’s John Gardner Volunteer of the Year for 2022. This award was implemented in John’s memory in 2017.

On Saturday evening BCHBC was fortunate in having Andy Bales, of Salmon, Idaho, make the long trek north to bring the old west alive with his music and songs. No stranger to attending and performing at Rendezvous gathering in the western USA, Andy also threw his shoulder into quickly becoming our “Sound man” and helping wherever he was needed.

Saturday evening concert

The annual silent auction was a great success under the guidance of Brenda Bach and many donated treasures were on display to bid on. The live auction was popular and animated, and the 3 items on offer garnered a lot of interest. Many thanks to Julia Smith and Blue Sky Ranch for the feature offering of a 2-night stay for 7 people and horses at their lovely cabin.

BCHBC appreciates the financial support of so many institutions, companies and individuals that enabled us to create an event of this calibre. Sixteen sponsors recognized value in supporting BCHBC and what we do. We can’t thank them enough.

The 110 volunteers from across the 19 chapters helped in every way to make Rendezvous 2023 a reality. Without them it could never have soared to the success that was enjoyed by all.

Watch our website for information on Rendezvous 2024 at www. bchorsemen.org.

See you next year!

Opening ceremonies featured Richard Jackson of the Lower Similkameen Indian

Friday night entertainment included several lipsync airbands including Vikings from Shuswap chapter... Rose Schroeder, Ivan Matthews and Linda Buchanan

Dutch ovens in action preparing 115 lbs of beef brisket for dinner

Six riders made the 108 km trek over 4 days from Tulameen to Merritt to participate in RV. L-R: Mandy Blais, Kim Davidson Hensens, Sheila Sowerby, Stephanie Tottenham, Cole Barker and Sherrie Wilcox.

a working bridled stockhorse showcase & competition

Sept 22 - Miles Kingdon Demo Workshop

Participate in or observe the skills of the outfits in this special, one day only demo workshop designed to provide riders with a taste of what’s to come!

Sept 23 & 24 - Skills of the Outfits

A friendly competition with others who share your passion for the skills of the working cowboys who built this industry. Special rewards given to those demonstrating an understanding and affinity for the traditional vaquero gear and methods.

Contact Jasmine Bedford to register: jazzbedford@gmail.com or visit www.CanadianBridleHorse.com for more info