What once started out as a small pipe dream, has quickly grown into one of the top barrel racing events in Southwestern Manitoba.
The “It Takes Guts” charity barrel race has raised over $30,000 for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada since its inception five years ago. Neepawa’s Erin Cathcart was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2012, and quickly the life that she had always known was turned upside down. That’s when her sister Michelle had an idea.
“With the ups and downs of trying to figure this disease out and get her healthy she had to put pretty much her entire life on hold including barrel racing and horses,” said the elder Cathcart. “When she became healthy enough to ride we thought what better way to raise awareness and funds for this disease than to host a charity jackpot. We all grew up riding horses and barrel racing, so it was hard for her to sit on the sidelines. When her health returned it just kind of made sense to raise awareness through an event we all love.”
The event has grown leaps and bounds since the inaugural race, and last week it raised just over $7500 for the charity. Since 2013, the racing contingent has increased from 40 - 130. The $50 entry fee per racer is split 50/50. $25 goes to the winner's purse while the other $25 goes to the foundation.
Although it started as a family affair, with all the heavy lifting being done by Michelle, Erin, their sister Jenn and parents Kevin and Lori the community of Neepawa and the tight-knit rodeo family have continued to pull together year after year to make the event bigger and better.
“We have amazing friends and family,” Cathcart added. “The rodeo world is just an extension of this family, and we couldn't do it without everyone involved. The list of volunteers who step in and make this day possible is a mile long, and we thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts.”
For a family that grew up on the farm-loving horses, the event is a perfect fit. For Michelle, combining her love of barrel racing and the love she has for her sister makes it easy to pull off such a big spectacle.
“One of the hardest things to do is watch a loved one go through daily pain and struggles and not be able to make it better. Our family and friends stand behind us with this event, and we couldn't be more appreciative. Our goal is to one day find a cure - every bit counts, and it's definitely a cause that we put our hearts into each year.”
