Whistler – Horses and humans mingled happily to the delight of all who attended the two-day Pemberton Equifest 2008 last weekend (Sept. 6 and 7).
The approximately 200 people per day who came to Rohan Stables for this year’s Equifest were treated to jaw-dropping displays of horsemanship, a swathe of fun activities and a spirit of inclusion that welcomed local riders young and old, new and veteran, to try their hands at entertaining games.
“Our demonstrators and performers were really well received. There was a lot of interest,” Equifest organizer Deb Esseltine said. The festival expands knowledge about the equestrian world, inspires many people to try new things and rejuvenates interest in riding of all kinds, she added.
Among the most popular Equifest events were the performances by the Hearts of the West, the Hoof and Woof obstacle course that teamed humans, horses and dogs for races, and the Saturday afternoon children’s activities.
Alberta’s Stewart sisters, who perform as the Hearts of the West, wowed audiences on both Saturday and Sunday with their breathtaking blend of riding and acrobatics. Spectators gasped as the costumed young riders hurled themselves confidently around their horses, performing tricks such as backbends, stands and no-hands riding while their steeds galloped at full speed.
Jack and Jenifer Reynolds, who came early each day to be two of the first people through the admission gate, called the Hearts of the West “magnificent.” They said they absolutely love Equifest, and they think more people should come out to take in the sights.
“This is the best deal in the world,” Jenifer Reynolds said. Hooked by their first Equifest experience last year, the pair came all day, every day, and they “look forward to it all year,” she said.
“We think Whistler should be here,” Jack Reynolds added.
Dogs and horses shared the stage on Sunday afternoon in the popular Hoof and Woof races, where teams of four –—horse and rider plus dog and owner –— took turns tackling an obstacle course set up beside the main area. The horses performed more smoothly than the dogs, causing laughter and applause aplenty as the competitors coaxed their animal friends through the motions.
The children’s activities on Saturday, which included the Solar Power Road Show’s “crazy sustainable energy edu-fun” and the Pemberton Valley Home Hardware crafts table, were a hit with the young participants. The demonstrators were impressed with the kids’ creativity, Esseltine said.
“We’ll certainly expand on the kids’ activities (next year),” she said. Another popular event, Saturday’s show and shine, drew about 30 cars.
Local riders had the chance to strut their stuff in events such as the Gymkhana Series games on Saturday, and the entertaining team sorting competition on Sunday. The gymkhana events tested riders’ control and smoothness in exercises involving jumping circuits and riding around a keyhole shape, barrels and poles. The team sorting event challenged groups of three riders to herd cows one by one from one end of the arena to the other — in numerical order.
Hanne Kruger, grandmother of games riders Miki and Liza Eslake, said she’s impressed by Equifest, and particularly by the event’s inclusive spirit that allows all riders to participate and enjoy themselves.
“It’s a fun atmosphere, the camaraderie among them all,” Kruger said. Esseltine said that positive environment is “one thing we really strive hard for.”
To top it all, Equifest spectators were treated to local culinary creations from Thomas Piekarski during the days, as he and his crew distributed delicacies at the Pemberton Potato Fries booth, and Steve Oodle of Grimm’s Deli, who delighted the approximately 170 people at Saturday’s dinner with his Caribbean-style menu.
For next year, Esseltine said she would like to improve the timing of the events, because some morning sessions were sparsely attended, and the number of attendees overall. Esseltine said she was slightly disappointed by the turnout because of all the hard work by volunteers that went into the event, and because so many were missing out on the fun.
“In terms of the amount of time and money spent on the event, it would be nice to have it better attended,” Esseltine said.
She said organizers might market the event further afield, reaching out to Vancouver and Kamloops, to generate more interest.
Esseltine said she’s grateful for the hard work of a strong cohort of volunteers, especially those who came to attend the event and then stepped up to lend a hand so everything ran smoothly.
As the event continues to grow, more volunteers are always needed – if you’re interested in helping for next year, contact Esseltine at (604) 894-5123.
