There's a first time for everything

            How many of this world's best ideas have grown out of a casual conversation?

            On July 8^th & 9^th, an event which took place at the Rodeo Grounds in Kennedy, served as a fine example of what can happen when a such a conversation leads to action. Well over 100 riders from communities in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba came to take part in a Barrel Racing Jackpot that actually did come about because of a chat between two friends.

            The event was organized by Hannah Miller, who does Barrel Racing herself. As she explains,

            “It was really my friend Katie Perrin's idea. She mentioned that she thought somebody should organize an event like this in Kennedy. I thought it was a good idea...so I decided to do it!”

            Along with Katie, Hannah credits her friends Cass Roy and Sam Daku as well as her 'team' of family and friends, and the approximately 30 sponsors (including Peak Controls, Heaton's Welding, Roy's Rodeo Apparel, both the Corning Co-op and Hometown Co-op and Killer B's Oilfield Services) who came on board to back the event, for making coming together to turn this good idea into a reality.

            Were there some 'first-time hurdles' that both organizers and riders had to overcome?

            Sure.

            But, as Corrie Hackenschmial (who traveled from Brandon, MB for the event) was quick to point out:

            “This is the first one. Yes, there's some things that they will learn with this one. But, the people that organized this have done a really good job. They thought of a lot of things that have made it easier for the riders taking part. I'm looking forward to the next one!”

            So, are there plans to make this an annual event?

            “Well, the next one is still really in the 'planning stages' yet,” laughs Hannah. “I know that there are a lot of things that we'll do differently. And, there are some things we'll do better. We'll just wait a bit and see how things shape up for next year!”

            The winners of the 2-day event were:

            1D Champion – Christine King

            2D Champion – Lisa Hugnh

            3D Champion – Adrienne Hanson

            4D Champion – Josie Veer

            Christine King also had the fastest time of the weekend with a 15.976 on her horse 'Crimson Memories'.

            The Youth 'Short Go' winners were:

            1D Champion – Cloe Woods

            2D Champion – Sadie Hollingshead on 'Guido'

            3D Champion – Sadie Hollingshead on 'Hank'

            There were 100 Open Runners and 25 Youth Runners who took part in the event.