In the wake of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6, a local rider decided to do more than chip in a few bucks to the GoFundMe Page.
Something bigger, something exciting, something involving one of mankind’s beloved animals—a benefit horse show.
When Brett Stimson of Eatonia heard of the GoFundMe page for the Humboldt Broncos, she rushed to the site and tried to process her donation. Mysteriously, her card wouldn’t work. “I got frustrated, because all I wanted to do was help a little, and I couldn’t even do that!” Stimson gave up, thinking that her modest contribution wouldn’t even be missed. “Then I got to wishing that I could somehow make a bigger impact than a couple hundred bucks.”
As Stimson mulled the thought over, she idly noted that horse show season wasn’t too far away. A thought began to form and soon grew so persistent in her mind that she posted a quick question on a horse buy and sell Facebook group. Within minutes, private messages and comments came through, yes people were interested, and yes, sponsors were ready and more than willing to donate funds, silent auction items and a facility for the horse show.
Excited, Stimson created a Facebook page and event, her first post on April 10 received 100 shares and a good deal of Facebook attention. “I am incredibly happy to say that due to the incredible support, there is officially going to be a Humboldt Broncos Benefit Horse Show!” The post went on to describe the event, donated prizes for champions and the silent auction; then finished with a few poignant sentences that doubtlessly roused many to respond and share their support.
“Let’s use the love of our sport to support another sport and all the families around it. Hockey players, baseball players, football players, dancers, runners, equestrians — we’re all passionate about our sport, and we’re all proud to be in Saskatchewan, let’s show it. Mark your calendars — We can do it you guys!!”
The horse community did it. “The only way I can describe it is ‘crazy,’” said an amazed Stimson. “Within two days I had all my sponsors, and two judges lined up, I started having to turn down folks who wanted to sponsor and so they instead started giving cash donations.”
At first, the show was not going to be recognized by the SHF (Saskatchewan Horse Federation), due to the short timetable of events. However, even the SHF got caught up in the spirit generated by the page and soon had their paperwork to have riders register under the event so points could be added to their shows throughout the rest of the year.
The event, to be held on May 12th at the Pelmac Stables just outside of Saskatoon, will feature English Flat, Western Flat, Hunters and Jumpers events and will be for riders of all ages, from senior classes to lead line classes.
During the shows, a silent auction of donated items will run online, through Facebook and possibly even over the phone. Details of the auction and the items for sale are listed on the event’s Facebook page “Benefit Horse Show for the Humboldt Broncos.”
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