Libby Saddle Club hosts season-ending O-Mok-See event
Libby Saddle Club President Michelle Freese competed in the O-Mok-See event last weekend at J. Neils Memorial Park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby's Barb Crismore competed at the Libby Saddle Club's O-Mok-See event last weekend at J. Neils Memorial Park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Competitors ranged in age from 6 to 86 at the Libby Saddle Club's O-Mok-See event last weekend at J. Neils Memorial Park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Carrie Frick, of Kalispell, was one of the competitors at the Libby Saddle Club's O-Mok-See event last weekend at J. Neils Memorial Park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Danielle Toren-Rich, of Kalispell, was one of 96 competitors at the Libby Saddle Club's O-Mok-See event last weekend at J. Neils Memorial Park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Competitors ranged in age from 6 to 86 at the Libby Saddle Club's O-Mok-See event last weekend at J. Neils Memorial Park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Nearly 100 riders of all ages competed in the Libby Saddle Club’s season-ending O-Mok-See event last weekend at J. Neils Memorial Park.
Founded in the 1950s, the club has provided the opportunity for equine lovers with the desire to compete in horse gaming in Lincoln County.
Current club President Michelle Freese got involved in the club in 2011. She had friends who competed and convinced her to get involved with her children.
“We only have about 10 members, so we’re small, but mighty,” Freese said.
The sport of O-Mok-See began with the Blackfoot Indian Tribe. It means “riding big dance.” It also referred to pattern horse racing.
“We had riders come to this event as young as 6 and our oldest was Bob Jones, who’s 86,” Freese said. “It’s a family event where riders of all skill levels are welcome and spectators are also more than welcome to attend.”
Freese said the Lincoln County business community has been very generous in supporting the club and its events.
“We have several sponsors and we got a big lift from Northwest Motor Sports for loaning an arena drag, to drag the arena and also to Joe Brooks and Gene Rogers for their help with the tractor work,” Freese said.
The sponsors also include Jason and Jen Williams, the Halfway House, Shadow Enterprises, Timberline Auto, Outlaw GIS, Burger Express, Saddle Ridge Services, Silver Spur Restaurant, Lincoln County Credit Union, Dave and Susan Jahn, Karen Anderson, Susie and Melissa Smith, B & M Excavating, Kilroy Cleaning, Bearly Awake Coffee Den, Big Skye Performance Horses, V Lazy J Draft and Quarter Horses, Deb and Gene Rogers and one anonymous donor.
Last weekend’s competition included 96 riders from as far away as Great Falls and Idaho as well as many from all over Montana.
Local performer Elliott Crowe, from Troy, also provided entertainment at the event.
“We put on 101 clinics where we teach the games and also hold playdays,” Freese said. “We do trail rides throughout the season and our main competitions are in Kalispell, Eureka and Columbia Falls.”
Just three years ago, Libby hosted the state O-Mok-See championships at J. Neils on Labor Day weekend.
