Getting thrown or falling off a horse is all part of learning to ride well.
Twelve-year-old Emily Francois had been thrown just a few days prior, and there she was up on the back of Sugar, with more knowledge about herself and her steed.
On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 14, trucks and trailers began to arrive at Lorne Sampson’s rodeo grounds in Chase, in preparation for the Unity Ride. The four- day trip would cover 100 kilometres in total, stopping at three camps on the way overnight, eventually arriving at Simpcw Secwepemc Gathering near Barriere on Friday, Aug. 17.
In March 2009, Kukpi7 Wayne Christian of Splats’in was one of 17 Secwepemc band chiefs who formed the Chiefs Working Group and signed a protocol agreement establishing an over-arching commitment to work together and develop a nation-based approach to Secwepemc child welfare.
From that, came the plan for a unity ride to provide the opportunity for elders to share traditional knowledge with youth, as they rode along the trail.
Excitement grew as horses came out of the trailers saddled up, riders mounted. Seasoned cowboys showed falling off a horse is always a possibility. One learns to stay on a horse, but also how to fall with minimal injury.
Spirited horses carried their riders around the rodeo grounds, getting used to the other animals and people they’d never met before. Veteran bull rider Lorne Sampson told 10-year-old Lincoln Yarama, his horse Kelly was a good personality match. Yarama calmly encouraged Kelly, noticing her nervousness as he was handed a feathered staff for the trip.
Caring for each other is a key element as thrown riders were checked for injuries, along with equipment checks. As 12-year-old Eleanna Pena posed for a photo on the back of Sany, her auntie says, “That’s the last time you get up on that horse without proper footwear.”
Chief Christian prepared a smudge to bless horses and riders, and everyone prayed for safety on the four- day trip.
Riders from Okanagan, Adams Lake, and Neskonlith Indian bands were among the group – small family reunions evidenced by the hugs and smiles as they met.
Adams Lake Indian Band Chief Nelson Leon prayed, “Look after our children, where our future is. Getting to know each other helps communities work together, out on the land is important too. Have a safe journey.”
As the group of approximately 20 horses and riders came together in the rodeo corral, nerves seemed to calm down somewhat.
The spectators had a good laugh when they thought Leon said something about someone coming from Whitehorse. His comment was actually about “the woman on the white horse.”
In a more relaxed move, the group left the corral and took the road heading north toward the mountain they were about to climb.
It is a trip no one is likely to forget, especially the youth.