Horse Clinics See Good Weather, High Attendance
Now in its eighth year, a spring weekend of Creators Game horsemanship clinics was hosted by Spotted Bull Recovery Resource Center, Native Connections and Volunteers of America at the Poplar Saddle Club May 24-27. The weekend started off with a clinic featuring instructors Emma Gourneau, Clarice Smoker and Jon Eagle Sr. on May 24.
Timed events and a play day were hosted May 25. Young people from around the area attended and were given a chance to familiarize themselves with horses and horse culture, while receiving supervision and instruction on riding in various styles. A kahomani and round dance was held in the evening, emceed by Nakoa HeavyRunner, with Poplar’s Battle Crew performing.
One of the event’s organizers, Carrie Manning, told the Northern Plains Independent that the atmosphere was magical and said it’s been improving annually. “We’ve been having this same event since 2016 and every year it is bigger and better,” she said. “We learn each year about what to do better.”
A bronc riding clinic, ladies ranch clinic and a wild horse clinic were held May 26-27. Instructors included PRCA, INFR and WRBC veterans Phillip Smiley Whiteman, Creighton Curley and Allyssa Spierings, as well as wild horse instructor Dude Jackson.
Plans for upcoming events include horsemanship clinics and events held on the Thrusdays before all powwows hosted on the Fort Peck Reservation. For more information, visit spottedbull. org or check the group’s Facebook page.
