Interest In Horsemanship Clinics Grows In Area

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Spotted Bull Recovery Center and the Fort Peck Community College’s agriculture department, horsemanship clinics have become a favorite summer activity on the Fort Peck Reservation.

Instructor Emma Gourneau said this is the fourth year of the events that are held the Thursday before each powwow throughout the reservation.

“We teach kids how to ride and they learn about horses,” Gourneau explained.

She says the clinics are usually well attended. “On a slow day, it’s probably 70 to 120,” she said of the turnout. During the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede weekend two years ago, the clinic attracted more than 200 youngsters.

“My favorite thing is it gives kids who don’t have the opportunity to ride horses at home the chance to experience riding and the horses,” Gourneau said.

She provided the horses for the clinic in Brockton on Thursday, June 25. Along with two miniature horses, her horse Mae also was available for rides.

Gourneau explained that Mae, who is 7, was purchased in New Town, N.D., and wasn’t halter-broke at that time.

“I put a lot of miles into him,” Gourneau said.

Gourneau, who lives in Wolf Point, grew up on a ranch north of Fort Kipp.

The 29-year-old was taken to her first barrel race when she was 9 years old. “I’ve been doing it ever since,” she laughed. She has earned buckles and cash prizes during barrel racing competitions. She hopes to one day compete in the pro rodeo circuit.

Helping her during the clinic were Fort Peck Community College students along with members of the Nakoda Dakota Youth Council.

“I really enjoy doing this,” Gourneau said. “I love spending time with horses and exposing the kids to them.”

Upcoming horsemanship clinics are scheduled in Wolf Point on July 9, in Wolf Point on Aug. 6, in Poplar on Aug. 13, in Fort Kipp on Aug. 20 and in Poplar on Sept. 3. The clinics run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.