Assisted by Grace Miller below, Jamie Early and Julia Mergenthal hold up Alisha Armstrong during the trick riding segment of the 7th Annual Wrangell Horse Show on Sunday.
This year's 7th Annual Wrangell Horse Show went off without a hitch, as more than 50 young riders trotted out their skills at the city track.
The nine different events were divided among various skill levels, from beginner to advanced riders.
In the egg-and-spoon race, riders had to keep their "eggs" balanced while driving a pony cart. McKinley Gillen finished the competition with the best time among pony riders, and Elizabeth Armstrong took first in the beginner-level race.
Beginners also competed in the bean bag toss, where riders maneuvered a horse around to a bucket to deposit their sack before returning to the starting point. Armstrong placed the best time in that competition, as well.
Intermediate-level riders competed in the keyhole and flag races, with Kayla Meissner and Jamie Early winning those, respectively.
Advanced riders had three different events, such as the barrel race, won by Marsha McKay. Rider Sam Eilertsen took first place in the other two competitions, pole bending and the cross-country race.
A collection of riders also displayed horsemanship and gymnastic talent during the trick riding section of the show. Prizes for event winners included toy horses, and all competing girls received a pendant.
Started by Ann Schnell in 2008, the annual horse show allows her riding students to demonstrate their skills and engage in a little friendly competition. Financing for the event largely came from First Bank, in the form of a $3,000 grant.
Schnell explained the funds help cover insurance, the biggest cost of the show.
"I don't know how we'd do this without First Bank helping us," she said. The money isn't free, however. As part of the grant, students log 300 hours of community service each year. Through June, they picked up litter, weeded outside of the library and took local seniors on picnics. "We do all kinds of stuff," Schnell said.
Schnell pointed out this was the first year she had applied for a $1,000 American Seafoods grant, which she learned about through an article in the Sentinel. Other assistance comes from Wrangell's riding community, which Schnell explained is small but close.
She came to Wrangell in 2003 with a pair of horses, which at the time were the only ones on the island.
"We've been adding them ever since," she said. "We have eight horses now," though two of these are boarded.
Her most recent addition was Stormy, a dappled stray rescued by some Petersburg hunters, which Schnell acquired last year.
"She looked old as Methuselah," she recalled. But some regular meals and care made a noticeable improvement, and she said Stormy is now as sprightly as ever. In addition to those in her care, there are five other horses and a donkey kept on the island.
Since arriving, Schnell has instructed students each summer in the art of horsemanship. She instructs between 65 and 100 kids each year, including those from Cordova, Juneau, Ketchikan, and even Seattle.
Besides becoming acquainted with horses and learning a skill, Schnell explained the main value of riding is responsibility. Her pupils help out with stabling during their summer break, and some participate as long as April through November.
"A lot of these kids work for their rides," commented Diane O'Brien, whose children are in the program. "This gives them something to work toward all summer."
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