Performing at the 88th Williams Lake Stampede for the first time ever was exciting and an honour for the Wild West Riders.
“We did all five performances,” coach Brenda Phillips said.
“The girls really enjoyed themselves.”
Formed three years ago, the Wild West Riders practice regularly for seven months of the year from March until September.
“I’ve had riders join who are at all levels of riding,” Phillips said.
“It’s so neat to watch them work together.”
To prepare for the Stampede, the riders began learning the “Weave,” which Phillips described as the “hardest” manoeuvre for riders.
Horses and riders come from each end of the arena and ride alongside each other.
All of the horses must turn to the left and there is no room for error.
“If one doesn’t turn left, the whole train will crash,” Phillips said.