Ridge Riders take on expanded agenda
More events call for more member, participation
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Last updated 1/19/2012 at 6:32pm
George Kohout, president of the Ridge Riders, is near the chutes where plenty of action is planned for this year. The Ridge Riders’ first event is a riding clinic March 31 - April 3.
There’s a new twist to the Ridge Riders this year.
The hallmark event put on by the local horse riding club, the Colorama Rodeo, will be held as usual on Mother’s Day weekend in May.
But that’s where the similarity ends and some new beginnings begin.
First new thing out of the chutes this year will be a riding clinic, staged over four days, March 31 - April 3. The event is for riders of all skills, even beginners. People can sign up for one of the days or all four days, getting a break if they participate all days.
Immediately after the Colorama Rodeo, which is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, will be the Cletis Lacy Memorial Bull Riding event set for Sunday, May 13.
The late Lacy, famous in and around the rodeo circuit, has been honored by numerous groups this past year. The bull riding event is fitting here locally because Lacy lived here in Grand Coulee and was a strong supporter of rodeo events throughout the region.
Some of the more exciting events, Ridge Rider President George Kohout stated, are the “ranch rodeos,” tentatively scheduled for June 30 and Sept. 22.
The ranch rodeos will see teams from the various ranches in the area compete in events such as ranch-style saddle bronc riding.
Teams will be made up of three cowboys and a cowgirl from each of the competing ranches.
Kohout said that ranches as far away as Tonasket could compete.
Another standout program sponsored by the Ridge Riders is the “Queen” program.
This year’s Ridge Rider Queen Caelan Pitts will appear in at least seven parades outside the area and officially reign at events locally.
Kohout said the Ridge Riders are working on a special banquet-auction event, and, if the membership goes ahead with it, a date will be announced later.
Kohout said Ridge Rider events take a large number of volunteers to put on, and he encourages those who would like to see more local events to take part.
“Our events bring a lot of people to the area, and it helps all our businesses,” Kohout said.
The Ridge Riders have 25 members and are hoping to add more as people see the expanded program planned for the year.
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