O-Mok-See nationals to be staged in Kalispell

Roughly 400 riders and possibly 2,000 spectators are expected July 25-30 for the 45th Annual National O-Mok-See competition at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

The Smith Valley Saddle Club petitioned the National Saddle Clubs Association to host 2010 nationals starting back in 2008.

The event was awarded to the club after national officials reviewed the proposal.

“Nationals is a very big event,” said Smith Valley Saddle Club President Mike McGilvary, who added that it has been years since the national competition has been held in Montana.

“You have a lot of people coming in,” he said. “There’s a lot of time and money that go into organizing this to make sure it’s smooth and successful ... It’s also going to bring some revenue into the valley that vendors and shopkeepers are going to appreciate.”

Laurel Gates, the saddle club’s treasurer, said participants and their families will come  from multiple western states.

“It’s very family oriented. It’s a lot of fun,” Gates said.

The 2,000-spectator estimate includes many family members who may be competing at some point during the week, said McGilvary, who will ride in events along with his wife and two daughters.

The national organization’s

website lists 18 different speed events for riders and their horses.

“It’s basically horse games,” Gates said. “They are all timed events, so you’re always running against the clock as well as your competitors.”

O-Mok-See events typically attract riders of all ages, from an 8- to 11-year-old age group all the way up to senior citizen divisions, Gates said, noting that a man over 80 is expected to compete in the upcoming nationals.

Two or three events will be held each day of the five-day competition, starting early in the morning and working up through different age divisions until the races are done, Gates said.

Riders will compete for top-end saddles, belt buckles and other awards. In the end, prizes will go out to about 70 riders, McGilvary said.

There is no admission charge and the public is welcome to show up at any time, said McGilvary, noting that there will be concession stands, food, raffles and other attractions.

“It is a whirlwind week,” he said. “These games are fast and furious.”

The O-Mok-See is one of two big equine events in the Flathead Valley next week. The annual Event at Rebecca Farm, a world-class equestrian triathlon, will be held July 22-24 west of Kalispell.

On the Web:

www.svscomoksee.com/2010-NATIONAL-O-MOK-SEE.html