Winners at the Omoxsee, l to r: Ruthie Boyce, Julian Demontiney, Taylor Beatty, Parker Vielleux, and Wyatt Boyce.
If you have never been to an Omoxsee, you are missing something fun!! August 30 is the last meet for the season, but read this article, and you will be raring to attend next year. O-Mok-See comes from the Blackfeet word meaning "riding big dance." At the time, it was basically connected with war when horses would be painted, and all the warriors would race into the camp riding a prescribed pattern. Today, it's a time for people of all ages to gather and compete in different events. You see three-year-olds hanging onto the saddle horn with concentration, all the way up to the over 40's who are old hands at riding. Everywhere there is laughter and encouragement. That's what struck me the first time I attended one. GOOD JOB--is yelled at all the kids, no matter if they're your child or how they do. You overhear one young rider to another--" You did amazing!" People are encouraged, not criticized, and everyone's horse is admired.
You have families, which are the backbone of Omoxsee meets, where four family members might be riding the same horse for the different events. Sometimes this requires a saddle change or at the least a stirrup adjustment! Last-minute advice is given--"Don't forget Stormy slows at the turn--keep him going!" Then there are the families where each member has a horse!
I attended the final meet on August 30. Each meet has different events. The windup meet events were poles, key race, polo turn, figure-eight barrels, flag, and cloverleaf. Riders are divided into lead liners; Under 5; 5-11;12 to 15;16 to 39; and 40 and older.
Omoxsees are so affordable! For a family for a year, Saddle Club membership's cost is forty dollars or twenty per individual over 15. Each event you enter is two dollars! How inexpensive for a day of fun with friends and family! There are bleachers for those who want to watch. There are tables and chairs under an awning at the snack shop for those desiring shade. Did I say snack shop? You bet I did! Of course, you can bring your lunch, but the Saddle Club members operate a little store that provides hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and ice cream and chips. All at affordable prices!!
If you love horses, this is the place to go. It is so much fun watching all the budding riders. The first person I came across was Cayden Chapman. She was riding her horse Sandy, a sweet palomino. I admired Cayden's huge belt buckle (almost as big as her!), which she told me she won for high points in 2018. Cayden likes the flag event the best. When asked why she likes Omoxsees, she said it's so much fun, and a person learns to ride by participating.
I next spotted, amongst all the horses, Bailey Leeds leading around a small, pretty little goat. I later learned Rachel Bartlette owns this goat. The goat is a Silky Fainting goat. Also present were some plump little puppies the younger set was thoroughly enjoying!
Tearing myself away from the goat, I ran into Quinn Rodewald riding Chumblie. Such a good- looking paint! Quinn told me that his horse was borrowed. Family friends, Ron and Gay Pearson very kindly lend Chumblie out. What a wonderful thing to do! I am sure other boys and girls would love to ride but have no horse. Maybe some horse people could step up and offer one of their Steady Eddies to a responsible child to ride. It's an idea! I asked Quinn what he liked best about the Omoxsees, and he quickly said, all the friendly people!
Next, I heard someone being called Grandma, so I headed over there. It turns out it is another Rodewald, Tina, and the "other Grandma," Sharon Staves. They were watching grandkids and yelling encouragement in the chilly breeze and dust. Just when I thought I'd met most of the Rodewalds, I discovered that
Tracy Rodewald is not only the person that keeps the grounds cut but the manager of the concession!! I asked her how she got to be so lucky. She laughed and said she's a hound for punishment. They had kids involved, and a concession person was needed so up she stepped. The person announcing and talking the kids through the patterns at times is Kyle Rodewald. What an example of a family pulling together! I mentioned how impressed I always am with the children at the Omoxsees, and they agreed it's the families being there and supporting the kids. Good families usually make good kids.
One of the fondest pictures in my mind in a past Omoxsee is watching a group of young girls, all on their horses, riding together and sauntering through the grounds deep in conversation. One has braided her horse's mane and tail; another has added colored leg wraps. They don't know it, but what fond memories they are creating. What lucky girls!!! There are also groups of young boys equally enthralled with their buddies and horses. Everywhere I have seen children being supportive of their friends. Priceless!!!
Each meet ends with ribbons for winners, and this meet, being the end of the 2020 season, had a windup potluck and the presentation of awards for those in each group who won first to sixth (totaling all the years' points). Prizes such as saddle blankets are given, or maybe a lovely buckle.
Next year, watch for the schedule of the 2021 meets. Big Sandy Saddle Club has a Facebook page, and it will be up there. Taking your children to participate or even watch is a real gift. Those who watch pay nothing.
The winners of the 2020 meets are: UNDER EIGHT: 1. Wyatt Boyce 2. Tenly Vielleux 3. Taylor Beatty 4. Julian Demontiney 5. Parker Vielleux 6. Ruthie Boyce; EIGHT TO ELEVEN: 1. Hedy Spencer 2.Kolton Vielleux 3. Cassidy Leeds 4. Quinn Rodewald 5. Kayden Chapman 6. Katie Williams; TWELVE TO FIFTEEN: 1. Kayla Rodewald 2. Skyla Gilead 3. Cassie Gibson 4. Holli Williams 5. Kaya Demontiney 6. Jayden Harrig; SIXTEEN TO THIRTY-FIVE: 1. Talia Houston 2. Lindsay Boyce 3. Katie Miller 4. Katie Vielleux 5. Kevin Miller 6. Cassidy Pursley; FORTY AND OVER: 1. Shannon 2. Kelly Owen 3. Christa Beatty 4. Jay Howland 5. Diane McLean 6. Cathy Jones. Congratulations all!
Next weekend is the State Omoxsee meet, which will be held in Libby Montana. People from Big Sandy will be there, including people from all over the state.
Goodbye to Big Sandy Omoxsees for another year. Everyone is hoping to see you and yours to watch or participate next year in this excellent family pastime!
