Young Bell riders continue to excel at Saddle Club competitions

From left, Ben Bell, 11, rides Holly, Luke Bell, seven, rides Harley, and Hailey Bell, nine, rides Comet during Sunday's Stratford and District Saddle Club show. The Bell siblings are regular competitors in the club's summer show series. Gary West photo

By Gary West

The Bell family of North Easthope once again enjoyed a successful day of competition at the recent Stratford and District Saddle Club show.

According to club president Martin Ritsma, one of the most rewarding aspects of the club's summer show season is watching young riders develop their horsemanship and riding skills year after year.

"It seems almost unbelievable how much they improve," Ritsma said of the young competitors who participate in monthly shows throughout the summer and fall at the Schlotzhauer riding facility on Line 37 (Vivian Street), east of Stratford.

The Bell family, who live near Shakespeare, have been regular participants in the Saddle Club's competitions since the children were old enough to ride. At Sunday's show, the family once again earned several strong results, highlighted by a collection of red ribbons.

The oldest of the three siblings, 11-year-old Ben Bell, has earned two championship belt buckles over the past three years as the club's top points rider.

His younger sister, Hailey, and younger brother, Luke, are also familiar faces at the shows. While all three enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport, they are equally quick to congratulate fellow riders on their accomplishments.

The Bell family rides a variety of horses, including Quarter Horses, Paints and Palominos. The family's mares also raise colts on the farm.

Parents Brianne and Dan Bell, who were both raised around horses as well as dairy and beef cattle, continue to support their children's involvement in the sport. They believe competition helps build confidence, sportsmanship and character while allowing the children to enjoy time with their horses.

The family stays busy beyond the show ring. From their home farm on the Third Concession of North Easthope Township, north of Shakespeare, they grow corn, wheat, soybeans, barley and hay, while also operating a sizeable custom-farming business.

Following another successful day at the Saddle Club show, the Bell family was off to support another favourite activity – a softball game in Tavistock.