Perfect early-fall weather, confident participants, and dedicated volunteers made for a successful day and helped capture an abundance of memorable moments during the 22nd Annual Rosewood Rodeo, held at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena on Oct. 3.
Twenty-six equine therapy participants displayed their horsemanship skills at this year’s rodeo. They showcased the skills they developed throughout the year from participating in equine therapy at Rosewood Ranch. Located five miles north of Pawnee Rock, Rosewood Ranch exists to help people with developmental disabilities. The Rodeo is the grand day annually that equine therapy participants get to showcase their abilities to family, friends and community members.
The autumn temperatures provided ideal conditions for participants and horses alike. The pleasant weather was especially welcome after three days of heavy rains earlier in the week created challenges for horse handlers working to keep the horses clean, comfortable, and ready to compete.
"Our therapy horses had to stay outside for periods of time, so we had to prevent them from taking mud baths in order to keep them looking good when they entered the arena” explained Rosewood Ranch Manger Eric Hammond. “But with the weather turning out so nice on rodeo day, that really was a big help to us. Mild weather was the icing on the cake that helped our rodeo participants and the horses. It seemed like the excitement was up a notch for our participants this year."
Months of equine therapy preparation paid off as participants entered the arena ready to perform in front of an audience, competing in Trail Pattern in the morning and Barrel Racing in the afternoon. Hammond said that participants spent significant time ahead of the rodeo practicing patterns and they arrived prepared for the day's events.
One standout example Hammond pointed toward was participant Shawn Minor, who began riding only last year. After competing in the youth division last year, Minor stepped up to compete in the adult division for the first time.
"He's made big steps from one level to the next," said Hammond. "The veteran riders took him under their wing, and he was confidently participating right alongside of them."
New equine therapy rider Sarah Burrill also delivered an impressive performance, said Hammond.
“She was full of nerves as the rodeo drew closer,” Hammond said. “But she didn’t show it when she entered the arena in front of the crowd. She had an amazing rodeo.”
Also experiencing Rosewood Rodeo as an adult rider for the first time was Weslie Jones, who rode a few times several years ago in the youth division. Hammond said it was great to have Jones back in the saddle competing again at Rosewood Rodeo.
Joining the novice adult riders were rodeo teammates Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Robin Bethel, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jonathan Folkerts, Logan Gregg, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, DJ Johnson, Shaun Ledesma, Tyler Michaelis, Kaleb Nixon, Cierra Roberts, Tori Rose, Landon Titsworth, Jim West, and Jim Wonsetler.
In addition to the adult riders, Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Equine Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event at the beginning of the rodeo. At the end of each of their rides, the youth riders received a ribbon for their participation and they were photographed with their award. Youth riders participating in this year’s rodeo were Vada, Karl, and Kyler.
Therapy horses participating in this year’s rodeo were Jordan, Harriet, Colonel, and MR. Red. All of them have at least five years of Rosewood Rodeo experience.
Rosewood’s Percheron wagon team of Dixie and Dolly made their appearance during the grand entry. The Honorable Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles provided the invocation during the rodeo grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events.
Other events throughout the day added to the rodeo experience. They included two performances by the all-female horse-riding drill team, “The American Freedom Riders,” participating in their second consecutive Rosewood Rodeo. Day Services Team won a staff competition for the second consecutive year against the Residential Services and Administration Teams. A silent auction of items donated by local businesses was held to raise money, with proceeds from the auction going to Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop also provided items for sale, selling items made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio and other Rosewood Retail locations. Games and activities entertained children throughout the day. A pulled pork lunch, along with a variety of concession items, was available for purchase during the rodeo.
Immediately following the rodeo, awards were presented. Robin Bethel earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Sarah Burrill was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Jonathan Folkerts won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award.
Ribbons were presented to participants for Trails, along with Barrel and Horsemanship events. The clients competed in three levels, depending on their riding ability: rider with lead and side-walker, rider with lead, and independent rider.
During the awards ceremony, high point and reserve awards were presented to Horse Show participants. The adult therapy riders were recognized in front of their peers and spectators for earning the most points in their respective categories during Horse Show Days at Rosewood Ranch throughout this year. Sashes were awarded to winners, representing three divisions in the categories of Trail and Horsemanship. Awards were also presented for Showmanship.
Winners in each respective category were: High Point Trail – Sarah Burrill, Debbie Wasinger, Crystal Alkire; Reserve Trail – Cierra Roberts, Pam Babcock, Jim Wonsetler; High Point Horsemanship – Tori Rose, Keith Boyer, Shaun Ledesma; Reserve Horsemanship – Tyler Michaelis, Jim West, Jim Wonsetler; High Point Showmanship – Chris Devine; and Reserve Showmanship – Shaun Ledesma.
This year’s rodeo was sponsored by 20 businesses. Sponsors were: Great Bend Appliance Furniture & Sleep Source; Great Bend Tribune; Heartland Homecare Services/Tarrytown Expo Care; Kustom Floor Designs; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; Office Products Inc.; Rosencrantz-Bemis Enterprises; Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAS; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; Marmie Auto Group; Miller Lawns; MPIRE Properties; Peoples Bank & Trust; Stone Sand Co.; University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; and Price & Sons Construction.
Approximately 50 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by Rodeo Chairman Anna Hammond. It also included longtime Rosewood Rodeo announcer Rob Emery, who kept information about the participants and Rosewood Services flowing throughout the day. Rodeo judges this year were Joel Jackson and Melonie Myers. Jackson has served as a judge for many years, while Myers took on a new role as a judge this year.
“Rosewood Rodeo is truly a labor of love for so many people,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “Over the years, incredible relationships have been built through a shared commitment to making this event a success. From our riders and volunteers to families, friends, supporters, donors, and sponsors, each person and business plays an important role in celebrating the individuals in Rosewood’s award-winning equine therapy program.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s rodeo possible. Because of your generosity, dedication, and belief in our mission, participants, their families and friends, along with our staff have created new wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.”