In early July, horse enthusiasts and equine competitors gathered at Paradise Exhibition Park, off Padgett Road, for the Powell River Working Equitation Classic, hosted by Powell River Trail Riders Club (PRTRC) and Vancouver Island Working Equitation (VIWE).
For those unfamiliar with the world of horse competitions, equestrian field work sports were founded in Italy, Portugal, Spain and France in the mid-90s. Those were the European countries that traditionally used horses for field work, which still serve as the base for the sport's rules.
The event held from July 6 to July 8 was one of four shows in a series VIWE is putting on this year. Earlier competitions took place in Duncan and Comox on Vancouver Island, with an upcoming show in Victoria this August.
PRTRC committee chair for horse clinics/instruction Milan Jackson, who was one of the show's organizers, said there were three phases of competition: dressage; ease of handling; and the speed round.
The first round, called dressage, showcases the animal’s ability to perform walks, trots and pacing, as well as animal trainer communication.
"Ease of handling is going around obstacles judged on your style, then the final round is also going around obstacles but based on speed," explained Jackson. "It [the sport] comes from the traditional style of riding if you were doing field work and moving cattle, in places like Spain and Portugal."
Competitors travel from place to place with their horses and while some competitors at the Powell River Working Equitation Classic were from the qathet region, many came from Vancouver Island.
"The competition was over two days, with 17 adults competing," said Jackson. "There is a winner in each division. Alice Bourassa placed first in level one, and Laura Field placed third in level two."
Jackson said she placed third in level one. All three are from the qathet region.
The show was licensed by Working Equitation Canada (WECan) and participants followed its rules and regulations. The WECan-licensed judge was Diane Bolen from Saskatchewan.
Founded in 1965, PRTRC is the oldest horse-centred organization in the qathet region.
The club was founded to promote horseback riding in the community and educate people about the safe care, handling and riding of horses. It was reported previously by the Peak that the club has played an essential part in the development of the 4H Club and Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association (PRTRA). The club hosts clinics taught by riders from around British Columbia and the club's membership keeps growing.
Trail riding also plays a large part in the club’s activities. Due to the increasing popularity of quadding and dirt-biking, the club has become an advocate for multi-use trails.
PRTRA, which is is accepting new members, hosts multiple horse shows every year, and trail riding events. Facilities are kept up by volunteers and repaired through funding, donations and grants.
On July 26, 27, 28, PRTRA is hosting what it calls a Poker Ride, which is a chance for horseback riders to explore local trails together.
The club is located at 4335 MacLeod Road, Paradise Exhibition Park. For more information, go to powellrivertrailriders.com.
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