Some competitions are all about who has the horses to outlast the competition. On Sunday, you just need one horse and after that it's all about the cards that are dealt you.
The Lakes Community Horse Club is leading an easygoing trail ride through some of the area's most beautiful landscapes, and at five checkpoints along the way, playing cards are drawn by the participants. At the end of the ride, the riders packin' the best hands win the best prizes.
The poker ride is a fundraiser for LCHC activities like this summer's Little Britches Rodeo - the only one of its kind in the region. The club's slogan this summer is "It's Better to see our Kids in a barn than in the streets" and both the poker ride and youth rodeo are focused on that goal.
"We have gotten amazing community support for this. The prizes that have been donated and the sponsorship that has come in from the businesses and individuals in the public are really gratifying. They see we are on the right track for young people," said club vice-president Rick Mills.
The first place poker hand gets a saddle worth $1,100, second place is a prize package worth $1,000, third place is 25 ounces of silver, and the winning goes on to 10th place.
In addition to the Little Britches Rodeo coming on Aug. 16 and 17 there are weekly rodeo practices on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the LCHC Arena. There is also a gymkhana on Aug. 30.
The club holds frequent trail rides as well.
"We don't see kids develop into professional rodeo competitors out of the Prince George area like we do from the communities around us, and that's simply a lack of development opportunity," said Mills. "We want to put on a great Little Britches Rodeo and have regular events for the kids, so they can have that opportunity to advance if they wish, or just have a lot of fun with horses, fun in the outdoors, meeting good people, having a great time."
The club's mandate is to develop and promote the interest and enjoyment of horses and horseback riding. They aim their activities at youth and adult newcomers to riding. Most of their members are from the area of Chief Lake, Nukko Lake and Reid Lake but they welcome anyone with the interest.
The poker ride is a great way to both get on a horse for a casual ride, and support the youth programs at the same time, said Mills.
The poker ride happens at 2585 Miworth West Road in the Reid Lake community.
To get there, drive north of the city and turn left onto Chief Lake Road. Follow this until it changes names to Ness Lake Road. Turn left (south) onto Reid Lake Road and continue on past the change of name to Miworth West Road and the transition to gravel.
The destination is across from Roberts Road and will be clearly marked with plenty of parking.
Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., first riders move out at 10 a.m. and last riders out no later than noon. Each poker hand is $25, a lunch option is $10, snack options str also available for $5. Helmets are recommended for any rider, especially those 12 and younger. All are welcome to ride, but only those 19-plus may play equestrian poker.
Call Mills at 250-967-0001 or email lchclbr@gmail.com for more information. The club has a website and Facebook page as well.
