News
Rosewood Horse Riders Showcase Abilities in 11th Annual Rodeo
Nearly 50 equine therapy riders from Rosewood Ranch had the opportunity to show their horsemanship skills and abilities during the 11th Annual Rosewood Rodeo, held at Great Bend Expo III Arena on Oct. 10. The riders participate in therapy throughout the year at Rosewood Ranch, which is committed to helping people with disabilities, and is located approximately five miles north of Pawnee Rock.
“Our annual rodeo is one of the most exciting days of the year for our riders, their families and friends,” said Rosewood Ranch manager Eric Hammond. “It’s the special day our riders get to show what they’ve learned in horse therapy throughout the year, and they are publicly recognized for their achievements. It’s always a day filled with proud moments for everyone involved, and this year’s rodeo was full of special moments that I’m sure we will remember for years to come.”
Concentrated Effort – Rosewood Rodeo rider Abbie Garrett maneuvers her horse around a barrel during one of three events she performed during the 11th Annual Rosewood Rodeo at Great Bend Expo III Arena on Oct. 10. Leading Garrett’s horse is rodeo volunteer Harold Thorne, along with Rosewood Ranch manager Eric Hammond. 
Immediately following the rodeo, awards were presented. Forest Cinco-Lawson earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Krystal Thorne was named “Most Improved Rider,” and Daniel LeRoy won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award. Ribbons were also presented to participants for Trails, Flags, and Barrel events. The clients competed in three levels, depending on their riding ability: rider with lead and side-walker, rider with lead, and independent rider.
The clients who participated in the 11th Annual Rosewood Rodeo were: Jimmy Wonsetler, Trenton Welsch, LeAnn Wegele, Debbie Wasinger, Melissa Trimmer, Josh Trimmer, Krystal Thorne, Kyle Straub, Dawn Specht, Ivan Smith, Andy Schultz, Haley Schremmer, Angie Rogers, Samantha Purcell, Charles Parker, Mary Minear, Rita Mestas, Cheryl Mendenhall, Jere McCutchen, Daniel LeRoy, Shaun Ledesma, James Johnson, Ashley Hullett, Taylor Hertach, Rae Griffin, Abbie Garrett, Caitlyn Galloway, Jonathan Folkerts, Carol Ekstrom, Jason Ehrentraut, Chris Devine, Jamie Crone, Forest Cinco-Lawson, Darren Brown, Keith Boyer, Charles Bortz, Robin Bethel, and Crystal Alkire.
The crowd was treated to an inspiring horse-riding performance by the Rosewood Drill Team, the only drill team in the State of Kanas featuring riders with developmental disabilities. Performing in its third year, the riders were Charles Bortz, Chris Devine, Rae Griffin, Mary Minear, Krystal Thorne, and Josh Trimmer. They were instructed by Debbie Warren and assisted by Rosewood Ranch instructors Melinda Suppes, Juan Bodine, and Eric Hammond.
A new addition to this year’s rodeo, Rosewood’s youth riders, who participate in the Children’s Horse Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event. At the end of each of their rides, the riders received a blue ribbon for their participation and they were photographed with their family members. Youth riders participating were: Kayne Cross, Italia DeTello, Derek Grabast, Logan Gregg, Ethan Harr, Kameryn Hembree, Weslie Jones, Fabian Montes Jr., Gentry Ramsey, and Landon Titsworth.
Other events throughout the day added to the rodeo experience. They included, the Day Services Team winning the staff competition against the Residential and Administration Teams. A silent auction of nearly 60 donated items raised money, with proceeds going to Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop also provided items for sale, which were made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio. Games and activities entertained children throughout the day. The rodeo concluded with a celebration barbeque.
This year’s rodeo was made possible with the help of 18 sponsors. Major sponsors were: Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball; Alterna Care Home Health; Community Bank of the Midwest; Fuller Industries; Eagle Radio; Great Bend Appliance Furniture & Sleepsource; Great Bend Regional Hospital; Gibbs Electric; Heartland Homecare; Heartland OB/Gyn; Keller Real Estate & Insurance Agency; Kustom Floor Designs; Marmie Motors & Marmie Ford; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; Office Products Inc. (OPI); Straub International, and Walmart – Great Bend. Also contributing was Animal Medical Center.
Nearly 60 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by Rodeo chairman Anna Hammond-Bodine.
“I am so thankful to the dozens of people who stepped up this year to make our rodeo a success,” said Rosewood Services executive director Tammy Hammond. “Without all of them, literally, the show doesn’t go on. From preparing the horses and riders to organizing transportation of our rodeo participants, to coordinating all the activities associated with our big day, along with the support of sponsors and donors, it all takes a tremendous amount of dedication and attention to detail. I’m in awe of the support given to ensure that rodeo day remains so special for our riders and their families.”
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Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com
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For more information, contact Eric Hammond, erich@rosewoodservices.com, 620-786-1693
October 15, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, marketing director, Rosewood Services, 620-603-6502, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com
