We
thank Laura Cleaves for sending in a report of the Santa Ynez
Valley Equestrian Association’s Battle of the Sexes
This
spring the stirrings of an old rivalry surfaced and for the first time in a
decade cowgirls and cowboys strapped on their spurs, saddled up, and faced off
for a return of The Battle of the Sexes!
It
originated nearly 20 years ago when a small group of enthusiastic local riders
hosted a casual “play day” pitting the cowgirls against the cowboys in several
different riding events. They were reminiscent of the friendly cowboy
competitions that sometimes come together after a round up or a branding. The
only prize, at first, was bragging rights for the year, but horse people hold
their bragging rights dear, and so the competition was tough.
Over
the years the “Battle” grew and soon this annual event had expanded to include
barrel racing, pole bending, and other speed events, as well as team cattle
sorting. An evening BBQ was included and then the high spirits and hi jinks of
the opposing teams spilled over into a series of raucous and entertaining skits
(mostly spoofing the opposite team!). This level of fun and competition
required a higher level of acknowledgement, and soon beautiful belt buckles
were being claimed by each year’s all around cowboy and cowgirl.
Since
the last Battle of the Sexes was held several years ago, the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association has been working hard at
expanding the number and quality of local riding events. The recent Super Cowhorse competition in the new cowhorse
arena is an example. This spring SYVEA board member, David Hunsicker,
suggested the return of the Battle, and the special events committee took up
the Battle cry.
The
Battle is back and better than ever! Once again, it was a three-day event,
benefiting the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian
Association. The location was the beautiful Guerra Ranch, in Drum Canyon. Our
hosts, Sue and Rob Guerra, had thought of everything for the comfort of horse
and rider alike. More than fifty competitors and their horses arrived Friday to
camp out for the weekend. Base camp was a lovely pavilion area, provided
courtesy of the Santa Barbara Trail riders who donated the use of all equipment
including the “adult beverage” wagon, professionally manned by Mike Curry.
Additional competitors and spectators arrived for each day’s activities and
tasty meals, catered by Cowboy Caterin’. Nearly one
hundred people took part in the Saturday night BBQ, silent auction, and
entertainment.
Team
captains Diana Stetson and Bob Mott had their hands full with their eager teams
ready to earn their place in Battle history. New events included a Cowboy Trail
class (which was actually won by the women!) and a wild and wooly Pony Express
Race (won by the men). The many volunteers, who coordinated, set-up, timed and
judged the various events; kept things moving at a brisk pace. Tracy Ward
coordinated all the speed demons and Xtreme riders
for the gymkhana events; Mike and Melinda Klinger and Darlene Drake watched out
for any sneaky tricks on the Cowboy Trail class; Mark Gowing
kept all them “lil doggies movin’
” through the Cattle Sorting; and Jerry Merrell made sure the mail got
delivered in the Pony Express Race.
By
the time the horses were fed on Saturday night, the Battle had come to a
tie…the men had won the Pole Bending, Keyhole, and Pony Express Race, while the
women had claimed victory in the Barrel racing, Team Cattle Sorting and Cowboy
Trail. Excitement ran high as it came down to the final judged event…the skits.
For the first time, the skits and entertainment were to be judged by a
carefully selected and not too easily bribed panel of judges.
Men’s
talent coordinators Paul Magg and Mitch Williams
rallied their fellow thespians, stage hands, and lighting crew and gave it
their best shot with a series of three amusing vignettes involving such
male staples as fishing, pick-up trucks, firewater, and a very hairy chested female impersonator.
As
fun as the men’s performances were, the women’s talent coordinator, Inge Plier, was starting to feel
that victory might be within reach, as she had an impressive line up of female
talent ready to strut their stuff and display their assets! The women delivered
an absolutely hilarious series of three snappy ditties that had tears of
laughter streaming down the faces of virtually everyone there, cowboy and
cowgirl alike.
The
judges’ choice was clear, the women had broken the tie and the battle victory
was theirs! After laboring over the scoring sheets, Diane Stetson had the
individual results. The All Around Cowboy was Jerry Plier,
who was awarded a sterling silver bucket sponsored by the Hunsicker
Ranch; while the All Around Cowgirl was Kelly Gowing-winning
a beautiful buckle sponsored by Jerry and Paula Merrell.
Although
the women had won the Battle and the bragging rights for the next year, the
real winners were all the participants who enjoyed a fun weekend with horses
and camaraderie. And the SYVEA raised approximately $2500.00. With
the support of the Santa Barbara Trail riders, the SYVEA Board, several
corporate and private sponsors, volunteers and participants, it looks like the
Battle will return to be fought again next year!