Friday, September 12, 2008

Stampede to thunder into Sagebrush

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Abraham Krahn of Fairfield and Grant Swindle of Hailey practice Western equitation for the upcoming Sagebrush Stampede.Photo by Kristy Pigeon

For anyone who loves horses, kids, riding, the outdoors, touching stories or any combination of those, a horseshow and rodeo is a great event.

The Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped will host an inaugural event, the Sagebrush Stampede Horseshow and Rodeo, for adults and children who have physical or cognitive disabilities, on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Sagebrush Arena in Hailey is home to the Equine Training Center, also known as SETCH, a nonprofit corporation that serves children and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities by providing a unique form of therapy and recreation through use of the horse.

The event is free to both participants and spectators and is "open to anybody with a variety of challenges," said Kristy Pigeon, executive director of the Sagebrush Equine Training Center.

There will be between 80 and 100 participants, including 25 from Blaine County.

Classes will be held in Western and English equitation, team sorting with cows, pole bending, barrel pattern, trail course, ribbon race and team paint branding. The Sagebrush Arena will provide board for horses overnight. As well, a barbecue and dance for participants, coaches and volunteers will follow.

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Pigeon said her organization decided to hold the event after the Idaho Special Olympics eliminated equestrian competition. Because of that, the Idaho Falls Special Olympics team will be traveling here for the Sagebrush Stampede.

For more information, entry forms or to volunteer, call therapeutic riding instructor Lindsey Jameson at 578-9111 ext. 106 or e-mail sagebrusharena@yahoo.com.