Horse enthusiasts came out in droves last weekend to view the territory’s top riders in action.

The Yukon Horse and Rider Association’s 36th annual Horse Show saw 53 riders participate, including competitors from Haines Junction, Haines, Skagway and Juneau.

Event judge Chris Moore also attended the event from Langley, B.C.

The three-day show saw riders compete in a variety of categories, including gymkhana, hunter and western competitions.

The event was capped with a 4-H drill team demo, dubbed the “Spirit Ride.”

Show manager Sherillynne Himmelsbach said the exercise proved to be a fitting grand finale for the show.

“The precision and music was fascinating and enjoyable to all,” she said. “(It) really was the highlight of Sunday’s event.”

The spectator turnout was nothing short of amazing, she added.

While slews of ribbons were handed out over the weekend, Himmelsbach highlighted the inaugural sportsmanship award, presented by the association.

The Cathy and Allan Stannard Sportsmanship Trophy went to Marina Boularice, whose face sported a wide smile as she guided her horse Medallion over the fences.

The event’s top horse was Roulette Red, named grand halter champion, Yukon-bred halter champion and Yukon-bred grand champion.

Bred by Whitehorse’s Gail Reiderer, the horse is owned by Dara and Whitney Reeves of Juneau.

This is a testament to the good work and expertise in horse husbandry in the territory, Himmelsbach noted.

Angelique Bjork was named extreme cowboy trail champion for her excellent work on the obstacle course.

Other champions were crowned in gymkhana, western, western equitation, English equitation, and hunter categories.

Overall winners are listed below.

Gymkhana (includes gymkhana jig, pole bending, stake race, keyhole and barrel racing): Angelique Bjork (adult); Sarah Diment (Junior A); Paige Stockley (Jr. B).

Western (includes western pleasure, riding and ranch horse pleasure): Maureen Nielsen.

Western equitation (includes stock seat equitation and western horsemanship): Janilyn Kooy, Jauna Doland (adult); Mallory Nelson (Jr. A); Kate Debuse (Jr. B).

English equitation (includes hunt seat equitation over fences, hunt seat equitation flat and English seat equitation): Terri Inglis (adult); Laura Holmes (Jr. A); Elizabeth Inglis-Comeau (Jr. B).

Hunter (includes hunter over fences, under saddle and hack): Elizabeth Inglis-Comeau (2’6); Heidi Neufeld (2’9); Maren Sinclair-Eckert (3’0 and 3’ plus).

The horse show was the second held at the association’s new showgrounds off Burma Road, located north of Whitehorse.