The weather on Saturday felt more like August, but that was perfectly fine for Rosewood Rodeo riders and their horses. They handled it like champions, having participated in Rosewood Equine Therapy Classes all summer long. The 20th Annual Rosewood Rodeo went off without a hitch on Oct. 5 at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena.

“I was happy to have the heat,” said Rosewood Ranch Manager Eric Hammond. “A cool snap would have given our horses more energy. When they have cool weather, especially in the morning, they tend to be more exuberant. As it turned out, things went really well. The horses did their jobs, and all of our riders and horse handlers did phenomenal and seemed to work in unison. It’s like we’ve been doing this for 20 years.”

Thirty-four equine therapy riders displayed their horsemanship – skills they developed throughout the year by participating in equine therapy at Rosewood Ranch. Located 5 miles north of Pawnee Rock, Rosewood Ranch exists to help people with developmental disabilities. The rodeo is the grand day annually that equine therapy participants get to showcase their abilities to family, friends and community members. 

The riders represented a gamut of experience, from Josh Trimmer recognized for having participated in every Rosewood Rodeo held, to Trace Ritterhouse competing in his very first one. They were joined by fellow participants Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Robin Bethel, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Darren Brown, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jason Ehrentraut, Jonathan Folkerts, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, Johnathan Howe, DJ Johnson, Shaun Ledesma, Tyler Michaelis, John Reynolds, Tori Rose, Andy Schultz, Abbey Stanley, Debbie Wasinger, Jim West and Jim Wonsetler.

In addition to the adult riders, Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Equine Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event at the beginning of the rodeo. At the end of each of their rides, the youth riders received a ribbon for their participation and they were photographed with their award. Youth riders participating in this year’s rodeo were Faith Schneweis-Trickey, Parker Laviolette, Collin Duncan, Landon Titsworth, and Martin Trego, competing in his first rodeo.

Therapy horses participating in this year’s rodeo were Jordan, Harriet, Colonel, and MR. Red. All of them have at least three years of Rosewood Rodeo experience.

20th Anniversary

“Thinking about 20 years of Rodeo, you start to reminisce and remember all the horses and riders we’ve had participate over those years, said Hammond. “All the original horses we started with are no longer with us, and we’ve gone through a couple of sets of horses in some cases, so that provides perspective for how long we’ve been holding this event.” 

This year, Rosewood’s Percheron wagon team of Dixie and Dolly made an appearance during the grand entry. The Honorable Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles provided the invocation during the rodeo grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events. During his invocation, Biles stated, “We come in the spirit of fellowship, family and community, as we support our friends and loved ones in this demonstration of all they have accomplished in their lives. They have worked hard and we recognize that work by being here for them.” 

Other events throughout the day included two performances by the award winning all-female “The American Dream” horse-riding drill team. The Administration Team won a staff competition against the Day Services and Residential Teams. Proceeds from a silent auction of items donated by local businesses will go to Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop also provided items for sale, selling items made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio and retail locations. A photo booth, games and activities entertained children throughout the day. A pulled pork lunch, along with a variety of concession items, was available for purchase.

Immediately following the rodeo, awards were presented. Kaleb Nixon earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Cole Morin was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Trace Ritterouse won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award. 

Ribbons were presented to participants for Trails, along with Barrel and Horsemanship events. The clients competed in three levels, depending on their riding ability: rider with lead and side-walker, rider with lead, and independent rider. 

During the awards ceremony, high point and reserve awards were presented to Horse Show participants. The adult therapy riders were recognized in front of their peers and spectators for earning the most points in their respective categories during Horse Show Days at Rosewood Ranch throughout this year. Sashes were awarded to winners, representing three divisions in the categories of trail and horsemanship. Awards were also presented for showmanship. 

Winners in each respective category were: High Point Trail – Johnathan Howe, Kaleb Nixon, Crystal Alkire; Reserve Trail – John Reynolds, Keith Boyer, Cole Morin; High Point Horsemanship – Tori Rose, Pam Babcock, Shaun Ledesma; Reserve Horsemanship – Vance Cornwell, Jim West, Jim Wonsetler; High Point Showmanship – Shaun Ledesma; and Reserve Showmanship – Josh Trimmer.

This year’s Rodeo was sponsored by 18 businesses. Nearly 50 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by Rodeo chairman Anna Hammond.

“Every Rosewood Rodeo has been special in its own way, but this one, commemorating 20 years of equine therapy for our riders and their families, was extra special,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “You never know what you’ll get from year to year, everything from freezing weather to summer temperatures. But you can always count on amazing volunteers who give up their Saturday to create this remarkable day, from the horse handlers to the volunteers who work the tack shop, concessions, silent auction and children’s activities. We’re so thankful to everyone who contributes in making this day possible, including the riders, along with their family and friends who come out to support our event each year.”

Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com and follow at facebook.com/RosewoodServices/.