Friends chat as they warm up at the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana on Sunday, July 14. Riders with young and inexperienced horses came out to a farm in Radisson for a day of fun, practice and a relaxing atmosphere. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Gymkhana

Happy trails: inaugural Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana a relaxed, fun atmosphere

Jul 15, 2024 | 12:51 PM

On a private Radisson farm, equestrians raced to get to the finish line. There was only one catch – they had to hop in potato sacks – while leading their horses back with them.

The centuries-old tradition that unfolded in a riding ring on Sunday that brought out dozens of horse and rider teams was the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana.

“Originally I wanted to get my green mare out where it wasn’t super expensive,” said organizer Jennifer Payne.

Hayley Schmidt and Piper head for home during the barrel race at the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana on Sunday, July 14. Riders with young and inexperienced horses came out to a farm in Radisson for a day of fun, practice and a relaxing atmosphere. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

She explained that similar events often come with various fees and Sunday’s event was the chance to return to basics.

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“We do this because quite often there’s wonderful payouts, there’s prizes, there’s costs, there’s everything but then to organize them, it’s a lot of work.”

Looking at the upcoming calendar, they discovered there was room to host a practice gymkhana for anyone who wished to get some experience and exposure to help prepare them for bigger, more competitive events.

Jennifer Payne and her mount during the flag race at the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana on Sunday, July 14. Riders with young and inexperienced horses came out to a farm in Radisson for a day of fun, practice and a relaxing atmosphere. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“We need to do something, even if it’s small that we can just get my Arab on the road and anyone else that has a green horse,” she said of the reason behind its creation.

It also allowed for other young riders with green horses or who couldn’t afford the fees a chance to work on developing their skills.

According to Merriam Webster, the gymkhana origins date back to India in the 19th century. The event is made up of both timed competitions like pole bending, barrel racing and capture the flag but also has relay games like sack racing, the egg stomp and tire roll.

The competitions were separated by age, and the riders were challenged in their ability, flexibility, fitness and their horse’s quietness.

“Can you get there, get off and hang on to your horse and roll a tire,” said Payne.

“You would never do that in the real world but is your horse gonna put up with it?”

A young girl watches from the rail at the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana on Sunday, July 14. Riders with young and inexperienced horses came out to a farm in Radisson for a day of fun, practice and a relaxing atmosphere. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Participant Hayley Schmidt said she saw the post and was asked by Payne to come and she readily agreed.

“I brought a young mare and I’m trying to get her more into like the rodeos and gymkhanas,’ she said.

“They’re quite fun, I enjoy doing them.”

Schmidt said her favourite is the egg stomp. The event is just as it sounds — the only goal is to get your horse to step on an egg.

Mary Jo Fustukian Houk holds Trixie and Whisky and watches at the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana on Sunday, July 14. Riders with young and inexperienced horses came out to a farm in Radisson for a day of fun, practice and a relaxing atmosphere. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“Me and my sister always practice it at home and it’s just… a good old time.”

Schmidt’s friend Nicole Runge brought two horses along to help expose them to different experiences as both are for sale.

“They were [purchased] to be sold, it’s kind of a start to a training company for myself,” she said.

Family members watch the event at the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana on Sunday, July 14. Riders with young and inexperienced horses came out to a farm in Radisson for a day of fun, practice and a relaxing atmosphere. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“They’re kind of out doing something new, this is their first jackpot and mine,” said Runge, noting it was a trial.

“This is to have fun and Hayley said it was a good old time, so, if it’s a good old time and it’s not stressful then that’s exactly what you want for your first time.”

Nicole Runge and one of the for sale horses compete in an event at the Toonie Jackpot Gymkhana on Sunday, July 14. Riders with young and inexperienced horses came out to a farm in Radisson for a day of fun, practice and a relaxing atmosphere. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

The day brought out 33 eager participants and the cool, breezy weather kept people’s spirits and energy high. As the crowd, made up of friends and family watched and cheered the competitors on, the riders themselves proved to be supportive and encouraging to those who were new or struggling with temperamental mounts.

“Let’s just create an environment where these guys could come, if it takes you four minutes to complete your pattern, that’s fine,” she said.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia..com

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