Fullerton Recreational Riders (FRR) held its 64th year of competitions, proving Fullerton’s horsey heritage is alive and well. On April 27, cowgirls and cowboys of all ages rode horseback around barrels and weighted slalom poles at the Laguna Lake horse arena for best-in-time and all-around fun. Over 50 competitors on almost as many horses competed in Gymkhana, where riders race the clock on four types of obstacle courses.

Gymkhana in Fullerton is a set of four timed courses. It includes the “Cloverleaf” barrel pattern, which is well known to rodeo fans, plus the “Big T,” which adds slaloming through poles, “Skill Barrels,” and “Birangle” variations. Most riders are local to Fullerton, Yorba Linda, and surrounding cities. One participant came from Temecula.

The competition is divided into divisions and subdivided into junior and senior sections (14 and over). The lower-numbered divisions are the most advanced and competitive. Divisions 3, 5, 6, and 7 riders competed at this Gymkhana event. Riders must perform three shows without errors to advance to the Southern California Regionals in Yucaipa. Riders can then advance to the California State Show of Champions in Watsonville.

According to Alison Konrad, mother of two riders, the competition can be dangerous. In the past, Mrs. Konrad’s daughter Tessa got a nasty leg gash from hitting a barrel. The horses themselves can be quite feisty. A young rider, Emily Harris, was bucked off at the end of her ride but was unhurt. Riders under 18 are required to wear helmets, and riders over 18 are allowed to wear cowboy hats. Local craftslady Jo-Anne Pritts makes helmets disguised as cowboy hats, combining style and safety.

“The trick is to take a barrel as tight as possible without knocking it over for a 2-second penalty,” said Konrad.

Versa Harris, owner of V&H Stables on Bastanchury, offers Gymkhana classes. Some of Ms. Harris’s riders don’t own their horses and lease Ms. Harris’s horses.

“A big challenge is keeping your mount under control so it takes the correct path around the poles and barrels,” Harris said, “Being competitive requires commitment just like athletes. A horse needs to be “turned out” (exercised in a ring) four or five times a week. Typically, a rider will have weekly classes.”

According to FRR president and Gymkhana judge Bryan Button, when it celebrates its 65th anniversary next year, FRR plans to hold a community fair with bounce houses and equestrian attractions. FRR holds Gymkhana events once a month on Saturdays. See the schedule and find out more at https://fullertonrecriders.org

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