The inaugural Brain Bucket Benefit Barrel Racing attracted large crowds and offered some good competition, but it was more than just sport.
The event was held at the Estevan Exhibition’s rodeo arena on Saturday and Sunday. And while there were plenty of entrants in the peewee, youth and open adult categories, with more than 100 people registered, the focus was on fundraising.
Jenn Schaff organized the event as a benefit for his sister, LaRae Wingert, and the STARS Air Ambulance. About $3,000 was raised.
Wingert was seriously injured in a rollover on Highway 18 near Torquay last October, and was airlifted to Regina by STARS. She is currently at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.
Schaff was pleased with how the event went, thanks to the number of entries, the calibre of the competition, and the support for the fundraisers.
“It ran very smoothly, and next year it’s going to happen again,” said Schaff. “I’ve had lots of feedback where they would like to come back, so we will come back next year … with bigger payouts and more prizes.”
The Stock family, who reside west of Estevan, had a petting zoo for children.
Winners were crowned in the adult and youth divisions in 3D, which is the fastest tier, the 2D, which is the mid-ranked times, and 1D, which is for slower riders.
Breanna Fichter of Lampman was the winner in youth 3D aboard Hunter. Lily Francis of Avonhurst was second aboard Jody Oh Talent.
Janna Friess of Esttevan took first in youth 2D on JXL Mia Kilobar. Sierra Sauer of Edenwold was second on Mickey.
In 1D, Emma Hansen of Glen Ewen took first aboard Kit, while Mackenzie Shauf of Davin was first on Sum Kinda Moonshine.
In the adult division, Danyell Hegland of Glen Ewen won the 3D on Indy, while Callie Barbour of Estevan took second on BDB Kirks Fame.
Shasta Bear of Fort Qu’Appelle was first in 2D while riding Anynsleys Eyes, while Schaff was second with Big Time Shay.
Mackenzie Shauf of Davin won the 1D on Lil Sargent Jac, and Jane Claffey of Moose Jaw was second on Razor.
Opening ceremonies were held on Saturday afternoon. Schaff paid tribute to her sister, calling her a strong-willed, stubborn and determined person, which is why she made such strides in her recovery since the accident.
“This girl had to learn to feed herself again, learn to walk again as well as many other things.”
Wingert is in the midst of an 11-week rehab session in which she is at Wascana during the week, and at home for weekends.
Schaff also paid tribute to first responders in Estevan and Torquay, as well as STARS and the medical staff at the Regina General Hospital.
Wingert thanked her family for staying with her when she had no memory of who they were after the accident. She said she hopes the Brain Bucket Benefit can remain a success.
“It’s a very long road for her, and I don’t think people realize that with a brain injury how serious it is, because you can’t physically see it, so people think when they look at her that she’s OK,” said Schaff.
The name Brain Bucket is a nod to a term she uses for the helmet that she wears while riding in barrel racing and other equine events.
“What we decided was we’re going to call it the Brain Bucket, and the name stuck, and nobody has forgotten it. It’s a unique name that you can’t forget.”
She hopes to continue to raise money for STARS, and for another local family, through next year’s challenge.
