Westernaires bring annual spectacle online

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Colorado’s Westernaires describe themselves as the largest precision drill riding group in the world.

The Jefferson County based non-profit was founded in 1949 and currently has 1000 riders, ages 9-19.

The group is usually busy throughout the summer months, performing in front of crowds at rodeos across Colorado and the nation.

This year, their summer schedule of performances and their two-week run at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in January 2021 have been cancelled due to covid-19.

“It’s very different, but we have adapted as best we can,” said Westernaires director Glen Keller.

RMPBS spoke with several of the youth riders, each wearing the organization’s eye-catching red cardigans. The sweaters are covered in pins and patches collected from rodeos and representing the different groups the youth ride in.

“You just learn so many important life skills as a Westernaire” said rider Shawn Murpy. “It’s also a really amazing place to make friends and really build a community.”

“It’s really important to perform in front of people,” Murphy said. “This is what we work towards all year.”

Murphy expressed disappointment about performances and little traditions being canceled this year.

“It’s really important to perform in front of people,” Murphy said. “This is what we work towards all year.”

Another rider described it as heartbreaking.

Like most organizations, the Westernaires are adapting to the new reality. Though they won’t be riding at rodeos anytime soon, they’re looking for new audiences online.

“We’ve had to get creative,” said Westernaires spokesperson Karen Kronauge. “We are now going to broadcast our Horsecapades to basically the entire world.”

For the first time ever, the Westernaires’ biggest fundraising event, the Horsecapades, will be presented virtually.

Kronauge suggests grabbing your slippers, a favorite beverage, and hosting a viewing party from the comfort of your home.

Tickets are $10 to gain access to streaming video of the performance.

The Horsecapades will be broadcast live from the National Western Stock Show Event Center, Saturday, October 24, from 1:40 to 4:00 p.m.

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