EMBARRASS - The first of three competitions in the St. Louis County Summer Series was held at the Timber Hall Event Center horse arena on Saturday, as a total of 31 riders, 17 years-old and younger participated in barrel races, pole bending and keyhole games for cash prizes and ribbons. The event was followed by a barrel race competition open to all ages.
“It’s geared for kids,” Summer Series organizer Karen Pender said. “We want them to get out on their horses and win a little ribbon and some money.”
The Summer Series, which has been around for nearly a decade, gives youth riders in the lead line, pee wee, junior and intermediate categories the opportunity to compete against other riders in their age groups. All proceeds from the Summer Series go to the saddle club hosting the day’s event.
During Saturday’s competition, participants raced around three barrels for the fastest time. In pole bending, also called “poles,” riders maneuvered their horses through a line of six poles.
The keyhole game involved the six poles being in a narrow box pattern, two rows of three poles. Riders rode through the box and suddenly turned their horses to run through the box again.
If any pole or barrel was knocked down during the trials, the rider did not receive a time.
Two-year-old Troy Frazee rode in all three of Saturday’s games. According to his mother Pam – who led Troy and his horse around the arena – Troy has been riding horses since he was born.
“When he was a baby, we put him in a little backpack and he’d ride with us,” Pam said.
Troy rode a 24-year-old horse named Buttercup, which was a gift for his second birthday. When asked if he had fun riding at the events, Troy got right to the point.
“Horsey,” he said.
The next event of the SLC Summer Series will be held on July 6 at the South St. Louis County Fair in Proctor. The grand finale is on Aug. 4 at the St. Louis County fairground in Chisholm. Participants do not need to have attended this event to participate in the next ones. For more information, go to SLC Summer Series on Facebook.