Bringing real horsepower to the Threshermen’s Reunion

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Published on Friday, July 29, 2016

Photos by Kate Jackman-Atkinson. Sunday morning, a group set out from the Carberry Fairgrounds for their annual ride to the Austin Threshermen’s Reunion.

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

Sunday, under a sunny sky, a group set out to bring some real horse power to the Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede. On July 24, about 20 people driving horses and covered wagons, as well as riding, set out from the Carberry Fairgrounds, headed towards Austin.

Neepawa area resident Art Gibson has been taking part in the annual ride since its first year. He explained that 26 years ago, when the Reunion’s feature was horse power, “A bunch of us got together and decided to ride down.” The ride has grown from one day, to four and Gibson is one of three participants who have gone every year.

Art Gibson and Lori Brooking, of Neepawa, hitch up Bill and Misty for the four day ride.

This year, like in previous years, the group will follow the Fort Ellice Trail and travel through Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The first day is the shortest, with the group covering 12 miles.  On the other days, they will travel between 16 and 18 miles each day, stopping for lunch and camping overnight in the wagons, many which are outfitted as a comfortable home away from home. Additionally, some friends and family will join the group for a day or riding.

Ray Gork, of Neepawa, has been taking part in the ride for about 12 years.

This year’s trip includes nine wagons and Gibson said that in their largest years, they have seen between 12 and 14 wagons participate. Over the last 26 years, he said that they have had many people come and join them and some years, the trip has included participants spanning multiple generations. 

Alex Christison, of Brookdale, has been taking part in the ride since 2001.

The group will arrive in Austin on Thursday, July 28, in time to drive the wagons through the opening parade at 1:30 p.m.  Gibson, like many of the other participants, uses his horses for chores and plowing competitions throughout the year. Throughout the Reunion, many of the horses that took part in the ride will also participate in the demonstrations and competitions and can be seen during the daily parades with various pieces of farm equipment.

Gordon and Bob Nelson, of Austin, wave as they leave the Carberry Fairgrounds.