By Pat Hayward
On a very hot August weekend at The Hills Health Ranch, horseback riders gathered for the 2013 Cariboo Plateau Competitive Trail Ride, Aug. 10-11.
This particular equine long-distance riding competition has become known as a “destination event,” and annually attracts competitors from various areas of the Interior, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island.
The beauty of the Cariboo trails, the availability of equine camping facilities at a guest ranch, and a well-organized competition, make it a wonderful experience for the riders and their families.
Joanne Macaluso of Green Lake managed the competition for the fourth year. She is the British Columbia Competitive Trail Riders’ Association vice-president, and is also an avid endurance rider.
Dr. Ross Hawkes, of the Williams Lake Veterinary Hospital, judged the condition of the horses during the event. He is a “local boy,” having graduated from Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School.
Naturally, an event like this would not be possible without the support from a dedicated crew of volunteers and a few businesses – a big thank-you goes to all of those people.
Every year, as a way of giving back to the community, ride organizers choose a local non-profit organization to raise funds for through a silent auction.
This year’s event charity was the 100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society, and the auction raised $840.
The competition top results were as follows:
Level 1 – 17 miles
Lightweight
Elisa Marocchi of 100 Mile House took first place, riding Wildwood Roulette. Christine Heffernan of Vancouver Island finished second, riding Saturn.
Heavyweight
Greda Knuff of Williams Lake captured first place, riding Moonshiner’s Skipper. Fellow Williams Lake resident Jaime Lynn Purdy finished second, riding Tex.
Level 2 – 27.3 miles
None of the riders placed in this event due to lameness issues or going off the route.
Level 3 – 43.7 miles
Lightweight
Joni DeWitt of Salmon Arm took this event, riding Daisy of Cambie. This horse and rider also won the Vet’s Choice
Award, which is based on the horse’s
overall condition throughout the competition, behaviour and presentation.
Heavyweight
Diane Prinsen of Salmon Arm was first, riding Zimfandel Macho Dude.