Happy rascals
DEVIN WEEKS/Press Bradyn Sefick, 7, of Coeur d’Alene gets a smooch from Mr. Monty the therapy pony at the pony kissing booth Saturday during the Coeur d’Alene Rascal Rodeo at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Monty’s handler, Ronda Smith, left, brings the loveable equine to different events and care facilities so he can bring joy to those who need it. Bradyn, who is completely blind, was an instant fan.
Richard Tritto of Rathdrum can't help but smile as he "milks" a model cow during the Rascal Rodeo at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Saturday morning, assisted by Pend Orielle County Queen Emily Sprague, left, and Miss Tonasket Madyson Clark. About 50 special needs participants enjoyed the Rascal Rodeo, where they interacted with horses, rode barrel bulls and made many new friends. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Madison Brinson, 21, of Hayden, enjoys riding Pistol the horse Saturday morning with the help of Skagit Rein Riders Teri Peth, left, and Jill Isaacson during the Coeur d'Alene Rascal Rodeo at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. The Rascal Rodeo gave people of all ages and disabilities the chance to try some Western activities and have some cowboy fun. "I love horses," Brinson said. "I always wanted to have one of my own." (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Rascal Rodeo volunteer Bonnie Martinelli helps 4-year-old Skylan Burns get saddled up with assistance from volunteers Cinniman Thomas, right, and Melanie Rabelle, 11 (behind Thomas). The fifth annual Coeur d'Alene Rascal Rodeo welcomed about 50 special needs participants to the arena at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, where they rode horses, lassoed small model bulls and engaged in other Western-themed activities. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
COEUR d’ALENE — A little kiss from a little horse brought more than a little joy to 7-year-old Bradyn Sefick.
He laughed when Monty the therapy pony moved in for a smooch at the pony kissing booth.
“This is awesome,” said his grandma and guardian, Lizzy Lawson of Coeur d’Alene. “He’s completely blind, but, I mean, we’re all different. He loves horses, he’s gone to camps and ridden horses. He was just super excited about coming."
"I like riding them," Bradyn said, grinning.
The fifth annual Coeur d'Alene Rascal Rodeo at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds was a happy place for the roughly 50 special needs individuals and their families and guardians who accompanied them Saturday morning.
Jana Tritto of Rathdrum brought four of her special needs kids to the rodeo. Her family consists of 20 kids all together, many of them adopted, and eight special needs who still live at home. This was their third year attending the Rascal Rodeo, something she said they look forward to weeks in advance.
"They sit in the grandstands for the rodeos, every rodeo that comes around," Tritto said. "With this, they're in the arena. We’ve got horses at home, but they want to ride these. They want to experience all this and be with other kids. It’s a great opportunity for them."
She said last year it rained, but none of her kids cared.
"They get a shirt and wear their shirt proudly all year long," she said. "They put on such a wonderful event here."
About 70 volunteers assisted with everything from handing out cowboy hats and sheriff stars to helping participants saddle up for pony rides.
"It's really fun," said Denim and Diamonds 4-H Club member Melanie Rabelle, 11, of Athol, who introduced people to mini-Shetland mix ponies Cream and Kahlua.
Madison Brinson, 21, of Hayden, was a first-time Rascal Rodeo participant. She rode a horse named Pistol with help from members of the Skagit Rein Riders.
"I like it," she said. “I love horses. I always wanted to have one of my own."
Participants lassoed small model steers, rode barrel bulls and made new friends throughout the one-hour event. Even the shyest of them opened up with smiles, hugs and handshakes and said "thank you" in their own ways as they made the rounds to the different stations in the arena.
"There's so much fun and love," said Rascal Rodeo founder and president Ann-Erica Whitemarsh. "We’re there to help the special needs participants feel loved and accepted, but their love and acceptance for all the volunteers and everyone is greater than anything else."
Rascal Rodeo is a Pasco-based nonprofit that travels to towns in Oregon, Washington and Coeur d'Alene, putting on about 15 exceptional rodeos each year.
Info: www.rascalrodeo.org