Area horse riders got to showcase skills for free

MABEN, Miss (WCBI)- Christmas is a time of holiday cheer and giving.

Cow Punch arena owners Josh and Annie Wood said they wanted to give back to the community in a different way.

“Just trying to get the word out that we are open, and the rainy season is coming, and if you would like to ride then we are open and available for riding,” said Josh Wood.

“There are a lot of arenas in the area but not a lot of covered arenas specifically in the Golden Triangle, so we wanted to make sure that we had free open riding from 12-8 today so we wanted to make sure people could come use the facility and get a horse ride,” said Annie wood.

Event creator Cody Warner said he wanted to provide local riders with a chance to enhance their skills.

“They got the national rodeo going on in Las Vegas Nevada and people are watching at home and we were trying to do a mock run for everyone to have a chance to win money and trying to be like the big guys, and it is not as easy as it looks and so we are trying to mix it up a little bit,” said Warner.

Horse rider Ryleigh Parker made sure to compete.

“You don’t really get to come to an event like this where you get to do stuff like this, so I was like let’s just do it,” said  Parker.

Parker also had some advice for future riders.

“If you got a dream then chase it, and all glory to God,” said Ryleigh Parker

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