The next Gymkhana Ohana Fun Day will be staged at the Panaewa Equestrian Center on Sunday, Oct. 20. Folks of all ages are invited to join in the arena activities and/or to watch from the covered bleachers nearby.
As coordinator Joann Hale explains, a gymkhana is a horse event consisting of speed, patterned, timed events and games on horse or without a horse.
Admission is free. The event emphasizes” children and family enjoyment for participants of all levels and ages capable of entering in, from keikis to seniors, beginners to seasoned individuals,” said Hale.
The fun begins with a “cowboy church” from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Gymkhana events begin at 8:30 a.m. at the equestrian center, which is next to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo.
“Gymkhana is an introduction to aspiring young horse lovers who have later developed further interests in high school rodeos or equestrian horsemanship with their early beginnings with our local cowboys and families at these fun events,” said Hale.
What’s on tap: age-level rounds of “goat tying”; “Egg race” with/without horse; “dummy roping”; “goat undecorating”; barrel racing, pole bending, keyhole racing, flag racing, breakaway roping, calf-roping and match barrel racing. All events lead to trophies, ribbons or cash, with sponsorship by local individuals and businesses.
The western-attire fun day promotes a drug-free event, welcoming all to pack lunches, mats, tents, or to sit under the covered bleachers. The food concession will be open all day.
Entry forms can be found at Del’s Farm Supply, Miranda’s Feed Store, Tammy’s in Ka‘u, Convenience Plus in Honokaa. For more information or to register by phone/email, contact Jackie Olivera at 987-6001 or Volivera@gmail.com.
