Barbara Lawlor, Peak to Peak,  You know summer is here when you hear the creak of saddle leather, the hoofbeats in soft arena dirt and every now and then a whoop and a cheer, or a gasp as a horse decides to get uppity. The 2018 Gilpin County Buckle Series began on Saturday, June 23, 2018, with local riders and their steeds showing up to tests their ability, agility and agreeability along with other partners.

Many of the participants have ridden for years under the guidance of Rising Sun Ranch owner Sheila Ranger. Others are testing the horse show waters and one two year old can almost say she was born in the saddle.

The competition is fun, sometimes fierce, sometimes funny and most of all a bonding of like spirits. Horses bring out the best in people, most of the time, and the general aura of companionship moves back and forth among the animal and the people.

The events include general equitation, in which the rider and horse demonstrate the communication between them. The gymkhana events are more robust, involve speed and managing to help the horse balance as it bends around a pole or a barrel.

The high point winners of each age class and category are recorded and after three events will be tallied over the summer, the coveted Belt Buckle will be awarded to the high point riders.

Saturday’s event was blessed with pleasant summer weather except for a few random bucking exhibitions, everyone was safe and happy.

(Originally published in the June 28, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)