Social - March 2003

Horsin’ Around

LCHA starts season of competition

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

March 14, 2003 - The thunderous sound of pounding hooves will return to the Ponderosa this weekend.

The Lincoln County Horseman’s Association will kick off their new season with an NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) exhibition at 11 a.m. Saturday.

“It’s fun,” says BeBe Rolland, 13. “It gives me something to be involved in, and it gives me something to strive for.”

BeBe competes in the barrel racing division of competitions. She and her 8-year-old sister, Betsy, join in many of the events at the Ponderosa. Their family is very active in the LCHA events.

“Horses in general are an excellent family activity,” says BeBe and Betsy’s mom, Billye Rolland. “It also is very good responsibility with the girls.”

The family often takes their horses on camping trips when they’re not busy with competitions.

The stone stadium-seating surrounds the arena where competitors, young and old, show what they know. The exhibitions and competitions are held the first Saturday of each month at the Ponderosa on Startown Road.

Ribbons are awarded to first- through sixth-place winners. First, second and third place winners receive cash prizes — of $3 to $5.

Money for ribbons, prizes and electricity for the lights is raised through fund-raisers, concessions and dues to the LCHA.

Thirty-four families are currently members of the LCHA. Dues is $25 per family or $15 for singles.

Missy Gillespie says the money is solely for operational purposes. The Horseman’s Association is a nonprofit organization.

Members of the LCHA meet on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Sagebrush.

Missy’s husband, Bill, is president of the group and her son, Jeremiah, 9, is a repeat competitor. She enjoys watching her son ride through the stadium.

“He’s my cowboy,” she jokes.

Jeremiah often participates in the barrel races — being timed for how fast he and his horse can tear around a barrel.

“He likes the speed,” she says.

While the shows are competitions, Missy and Billye say they root for each other’s children.

The LCHA hosts several events: Western Pleasure, English, Gated and Games competitions.

Betsy, who rides English style, says she likes the age divisions because they allow everyone to participate.

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Events are open to the public for a $1 admission fee.

The schedule for this year is as follows:

March 15 ~ NBHA exhibition at 11 a.m.; show at 2 p.m.

April 5 ~ Open Show at noon

May 3 ~ Open Show at noon

June 7 ~ Open Show at noon

Aug. 2 ~ Open Show at noon

Sept. 6 ~ Annual Open Show, noon and 5 p.m.

Oct. 4 ~ Open Show at noon, End of Year awards at intermission

Oct. 18 ~ NBHA exhibition at 11 a.m.; show at 2 p.m.

Separate entry and stall fees apply for competitors.

For more information, call Terri Stines, 704-276-5772; Zoe Robertson, 828-256-8177; or Missy Gillespie, 704-735-2967.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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