BONNIE HOESLY MEMORIAL CTR

Nanoose Bay BC June 23, 2002

On June 23rd, 2002 BCCTRA was proud to sanction the second Annual Bonnie Hoesly Memorial CTR.

The Ride which was located back onto Bonnie’s old stomping grounds was held at ‘The Raunch’, previously owned by Bonnie’s good friend Chuck Chestnut. Gary Eaves, the current owner of the property was kind enough to let the Ride use his place as Base Camp.
Bonnie came on board BCCTRA in the mid 1990’s and was an asset to the club in many, many areas. This girl would do anything to promote the sport on the Island. She wore many hats from being an avid competitor to a competent Ride Manager.

When not planning Rides, she was frequently seen pulling in ribbons on her white Arabian gelding Zilver Zentury, known to all his friends as ‘Zee-Zee’. Loving the sport of CTR to the max, Bonnie & Zee-Zee heading to the 1996 Canadian Competitive Trail Riding Championships that were held at Ram River in Alberta. Bonnie competed in completed the Novice Ride with a respectable 22nd place finish.

It was not long after this time Bonnie was diagnosed with cancer. Undaunted by the bad news, and not being a woman to give in, she perservered on with her life. Anyone whoever met Bonnie would know this fact. She was tough and would not back down from any challenge! Unfortunately Bonnie lost her brave fight in the early winter of 1997. She did however manage to co-manage one last time the Nanoose Bay CTR in July 1997 with her pal Chuck Chestnut.

In 1998 the Bonnie Hoesly Memorial CTR was formed and managed by many of Bonnie’s friends.

Unfortunately it would take until 2002 to see the second one held in her memory.

A memorial table was on display with fresh flowers in her honour and to show people who she was that she is still with us in our hearts. We were so pleased to have her sister Fran Graham on the day who helped out wherever she could and presented the award ribbons to the riders on behalf on Bonnie. Her brother-in-law Don Graham also helped out with picture taking.

In conclusion, we miss you girl, and we did this for you and the sport you loved so much. We know that you were watching, and we could feel that fabulous smile of yours beaming down on us all.

Ride Manager Linda Warnock from Qualicum Beach took over the Ride Manager duties in early April and pulled together a great ride that started 26 horses from Vancouver Island with 10 being BCCTRA members. There was a great turnout from the Victoria area that included some seasoned CTR riders and some new to the sport. The weather was hot, but with an Island breeze that helped to cool down some hot horses. Vetting was headed up by Dr. Doug Quesnel and was thorough and accurate.

Riders were awarded BCCTRA rozettes to 6th place and the recipients of the Breed Awards were presented with etched glass mugs. The Bonnie Hoesly Memorial Award for Best Conditioned Horse, was chosen by Dr. Quesnel and presented by Fran Graham to Level 3 rider Kim Mowatt of Salt Spring Island for Remington. Remington is an 18 year old half Thoroughbred gelding. BCCTRA saw Kim return to the sport in 2001 after a lengthy break. Congtatulations Kim & Remington.

RIDE RESULTS