Whillock readies horses for competition

Race of Faith Cowboy Challenge at Pea Ridge this weekend is to benefit Special Olympics Arkansas

— When not carrying out her law-enforcement duties as a state trooper, Lori Whillock of Gentry spends a good part of her time working with horses and lately has been preparing two of them for a special Race of Faith Cowboy Challenge to be held in Pea Ridge on Saturday and Sunday.

The Arkansas Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, along with Race of Faith Ministries, will be hosting its first Race of Faith Cowboy Challenge on July 24th and 25th.

Cowboy Challenge is a unique equine sport event modeled after the Extreme Cowboy Races seen on RFD TV. Horse and rider maneuver together through an obstacle course with a variety tasks and situations along the way. Judging is based on speed, control and the ability to complete and/or attempt each obstacle.

Trooper Whillock loves horses and can sometimes be seen riding in town, whether for leisure or just for a quick trip to the store.

She will be riding two horses in the upcoming weekend event - her own horse named Didolena-Badger and a second horse named Candy, owned by Warren Napier.

“In this event, you never know what the obstacles will be ahead of time,” Whillock said, “and the opportunitiesare endless.”

The horse and rider, working as a team, may have to stop and pick up items along the course, back up in an “L” shape or walk sideways, she said.

On Thursday, Whillock was riding Candy along Arkansas Highway 59. Whillock rode totown for her morning cup of coffee, she said. But the ride also gave her opportunity to work with Napier’s mare and get her used to people, traffic and strange noises while preparing the horse for the obstacle course.

While riding, Whillock moved Candy sideways up to a post where she set down her cup of coffee. A little later, she guided her horse back in again to pick it up.

Whillock is looking forward to participating in the Cowboy Challenge and is likely to put up some pretty tough competition. She is also hoping the event will draw other skilled riders into the arena and that many will come out to watch and support the Special Olympics program.

The idea behind the weekend event is to bring together people who enjoy riding and working with horses to exhibit their horsemanship skills in a fun, family-friendly competition and to raise money and awareness for the Arkansas Special Olympics Program.

Special Olympics is a yearround training program that allows people with developmental disabilities to find and realize their potential through various athleticsport events, meeting their level of ability. Many of the athletes do so well, they train and compete in multiple athletic events. The program is completely run by donations and does not cost the athletes or their families anything to train and participate.

This year’s Race of Faith Cowboy Challenge will be hosted by Doug and Rozella McKinney at their beautiful ranch in Pea Ridge. Their Property is located at 1735 Clark St. in Pea Ridge. The McKinneys, along with their sons and family, have beenorganizing Cowboy Challenges for the past three years .

The race is open to 50 contestants. The pre-registration deadline - with a $50 fee - was July 15. Current registrations are $75.00, with late registrations still taken on the morning of the event if there are slots available at 8 a.m.

“We will strictly hold to the 50-contestants rule due to time constraints,” Whillock said. “The top 50 percent of riders will be brought back on Sunday for the Short Go (finals).

“A beautiful roping saddle was graciously provided by Tom and Cynthia Coughlin, of Coughlin’s Ranch in Centerton, as our first place prize,” Whillock said. “A saddle pad and breast collar are second- and third-place prizes, respectively.”

A walk through of the course will be held at 9 a.m.Races will begin at 10 a.m.

A negative Coggin’s test will be required at arrival for all horses.

“There will be lots of family fun at this event, with children’s game competitions for prizes. Party Time Ponies will be there, as well as food vendors - barbecue, hot dogs, homemade ice cream, shaved ice and more,” she said.

“We have received great sponsorships through various businesses in the northwest Arkansas, southwest Missouri and western Oklahoma areas,” Whillock said. “We will have a silent auction, door prizes and raffles for some wonderful items.

“Come join us for a great weekend event with lots of entertainment, and cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls as they compete for a wonderful cause.

For more information, contact Merrill White (479) 586-8406, [email protected]; Doug and Rozella McKinney (479) 451-8098; or Lori Whillock (479) 957-4133, Troopergeorge9407@ yahoo.com.

Family and Friends, Pages 6 on 07/21/2010