NEWS

Participants mount up for equestrian competition

Phil Drake
pdrake@greatfallstribune.com

Lots of riders with a penchant to ride, tons of horse flesh chomping at the bit and oodles of beaming spectators with cameras in hand gathered Saturday at a riding arena near Great Falls.

Participants mount up Saturday for the equestrian competition at the CMR Spring Games at Montana Sport Horses.

But they all were outnumbered by smiles, plenty of smiles, as the CMR Area Spring Games equestrian event hit the trail. The event is part of the Special Olympics.

About a dozen participants showcased their mastery on the saddle and will trot on to the state competition in Missoula in May.

Jay Kopp stood near the fence of the outdoor arena as daughter Kylie, 18, was among the first to compete.

"She loves it, but you wouldn't know it today, she's a little agitated," he said, noting his daughter is autistic, "But she can't wait to get on a horse."

Stacey Obresly, Great Falls Lions Equestrian coach, has been working with the riders to get them ready for state. Each rider must receive 10 hours of training, which includes lessons on handling horses safely.

"The therapy of being with an animal calms them down and makes them happy," she said. "I know when I have a bad day it makes me happy to hang out with horses.

"I look forward to this every year, these guys make my day," Obresly said.

The event was held at Montana Sport Horses, which donates the use of the facility. Participants rode horses in an inside arena and family members and others watched.

Jason Bailey was there to cheer on daughter, Taylor, 14, who has Down syndrome.

"So far, I love it," he said as he watched her mount up with a riding helmet afixed. "She seems to be happy on a horse."

But added, "She looks nervous, but happy."

Judy Etheridge, a transplant to Great Falls, said through a Mississippi twang that she likes the event because "it's good for the kids."

Her daughter, Destiny, 14, grinned ear to ear as she explained what prompts her to participate.

"It's fun to ride the horses."