What is a Gymkhana? “A gymkhana is a fun day event of competitions between horses and riders. The events are all timed and range from barrels and poles to steer riding and team roping” explains Lacey Brott, this year’s organizer of the event that will be held on July 30 at the Fairgrounds. The event, which will start at 9:00am sharp that morning will include three age ranges; Peewee: anyone under 6 years, Junior: anyone 7-11 years, and Senior: anyone 12-17 years. “To enter each event it costs $4.00. We want the kids to be able to enter everything and have fun” says Brott, adding that the early start will be an attempt to beat the summer heat. 

In addition to the early start, this year’s Gymkhana will require pre-registrations, “They are due no later than Wednesday, July 28. The reason for doing this is so we can start on time and get done before it gets too hot out. The entry forms are on our Facebook page. Contestants can just print the form, fill it out, and send that along with their fees to the address on the form” comments Brott. In addition to Brott, Nolan Brott along with Tug and Kyra Coffman will also be assisting with the events, “Tandy Dockery wanted to be done after last year, but she has helped us through this year. As far as running the day smoothly, there are countless community volunteers that will be there to help in the office and in the arena. We wouldn’t be able to do it without all their help. If anyone would like to help, please call or just come to the fairgrounds that day and we will find a job for you”. 

Prizes will be awarded to a boy and girl in each division and, per Brott, will consist of “six beautiful Maynard buckles”, and “six pairs of custom spur straps made by Cow Camp Saddlery here in Lusk for the reserve winners” for which Brott and her team are very appreciative of the donations from donors that made the prizes possible. 

Any further questions can be answered by Brott at 216-0053 or Kyra Coffman at 359-2873. “The Niobrara County Fair Gymkhana has been an ongoing production for many years. We want to encourage all kids to come and attend. We maintain the day is all about having fun with your horse”.