Local equestrians win national rider competitions

Nine equestrians from South Whidbey traveled 1,050 miles to Gillette, Wyo., to compete in the 39th annual National Pattern Horse Racing Championships June 20-25. Riders had the opportunity to compete in 15 individual “O-Mok-See” events such as barrel racing, pole bending, flag races and six team events.

The label for this type of horse competition, “O-Mok-See,” comes from the Blackfoot Indian phrase for “big riding dance” which is how they described the Indians playing games on horseback.

Rachel Thomson of Clinton was the winner of the 12-15 year-old-age group. In addition, Holly Fairbrook of Langley was the seventh place finisher in the women’s division and Walt Werner of Freeland won the reserve title in the senior men’s group.

For information on this event and O-Mok-See competition planned for the Island County Fair Aug. 28-29, contact Sam Woodward at 321-4203.

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