People, horses, and the open trail were found out at Saskairie camping, for the first weekend of June. The club enjoyed three days of fellowship and fun as they enjoyed a family friendly outing.
This year the Moose Mountain Trail Riders saw 42 register for the ride of all ages, including a six-year-old to an 86-year old.
The ride was initially created as a way to bring families together with their horses in the natural beauty of the Moose Mountains. This was 27 years ago, which in these first rides the 86-year-old, Merle Coleman was younger but had attended only having returned last year again.
Coleman says that over the years the ride has smoothed out the kinks it once had in the early years.
In fact, Coleman has quite the story having fallen from a horse a number of years ago. She took the first airplane ride from Redvers to the Regina hospital, and was told she would likely never walk again. Although her balance is a little off now, she is able to walk and still enjoys riding her horse, Thomas.
"This is the only way to see the prairies," Coleman explained. "You can drive through or fly over them, but going through the prairies at this time of year on horseback is the only time to see it."
Young rider, Miranda Hepner of Bengough, explained that the ride is a lot of fun, but that it also provides a good way to train horses on different terrain.
The relaxed atmosphere means the trail ride, led by trail boss Doug Ilchuck, goes at a leisurely pace which allows the riders and horses to enjoy themselves.
The evening meals were once again provided by Shelley and David Slykhuis, which were enjoyed as always.
The evenings also saw bonfires and tall tales told around them, with much laughter had by all according to Nora Weightman who says she usually shuts down the fire around midnight, but found the visiting and fun to be had around the fire lasting until 2 a.m.
A silent auction and fundraiser was also held by the club along with a poker derby. The poker derby had 60 percent of the money go to the winning player, while 40 percent was kept by the club. This money is used for ensuring youth under 12 are able to ride for free during the weekend including meals, while the club also recently purchased a new tent to use as the mess hall during the ride.
