Annual horse show raises funds for Lions Club

AMENIA – There was fun for horse lovers young and old at last weekend’s eighth annual Lions Club charity horse show at the Kildonan School.

According to organizer Pamela Bullymont, 49 riders with 34 horses participated on Saturday, while 30 riders and horses participated on Sunday.

She said that the event was important fundraiser for the club, a volunteer organization which serves the community.

"The event also builds confidence, self-esteem and responsibility in the kids who ride the horses," she said. "The youngest riders we have today are 3 years old, and there is no age limit. We really had a good turn-out today."

Sixteen-year-old Madison Hawks, who was riding in her first show on a horse named Red Baron, said that horses were like companions.

"They all have personalities just like you do, they’re really smart and they understand people," Hawks said. "It takes a while to learn how to ride them, but it’s not too hard if you have the balance."

Manager and trainer Cheryl Ellis from Box Canyon Farm in Amenia said that horses were a passion for her.

"I have been doing this for 13 years, and I love to see how horses make people happy," Ellis said. "Horses are wonderful, and I love how it gives happiness to children."

Spectator Claudia Thompson said that the event was not about competition.

"This is a charity event that is here to bring the kids and community together," Thompson said. "It’s not about winning, placing or ribbons. It’s really about animals and the sport."

The winner of the High Point Award was Lucy Roemer, who rode Top of the Line. The Silver Belt Buckle award went to Charlotte Clement. The Short Stirrup Division was won by Kiersten Munier.