Big Pink Horse Show brings Sanilac County horse community together to fight cancer

SANILAC COUNTY — Pink was more than a color at this year’s Big Pink Horse Show. It was a symbol of remembrance, hope and support for families whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Held Oct. 3, the annual event brought together horse lovers, 4-H members, families, spectators, donors and volunteers for a full day of competition — all while raising awareness and support for cancer care.

The event, organized through the Sanilac County 4-H Horse Committee, has been held for several years in support of Covenant Cancer Center. This year’s show featured approximately 110 horses and 550 class entries, making it a busy day for one of the area’s largest horse events.

From Cloverbuds and miniature horses to Western, English and ranch trail classes, there was something for riders of all ages and experience levels.

But the competition was only part of what made the day special.

Among the featured events were pink-themed games including the Pink Ring Race, Pink Drink Race and other fun classes, giving riders an opportunity to compete while showing their support for cancer awareness.

One of the most meaningful traditions of the show was the Memory Ride, which gave participants an opportunity to honor people they have lost to cancer.

Names were announced over the loudspeaker as riders participated in the tribute, creating a powerful moment of remembrance for those who could no longer be there.

For many participants, the tribute was personal.

Some riders knew someone who had battled cancer. Others had family members or friends who received care through the organization the show supports. The event also has a special connection to the local 4-H community, with young 4-H members and families whose lives have been touched by cancer taking part.

The result was a day where people who simply love horses and love to ride could come together for something much bigger than a blue ribbon.

The show also included synchronized showmanship, pleasure and discipline classes, equitation, jackpot events, miniature horse and Cloverbud classes, and a variety of gymkhana-style games.

Participants were encouraged to wear pink and decorate their horses in support of the cause.

For the organizers, the success of the event is measured not only by the number of horses or class entries, but by the people who show up year after year to support one another.

The Sanilac County 4-H Horse Committee expressed its appreciation to the riders, donors, volunteers, spectators and everyone who helped make the event possible.

The committee also hopes the horse show will introduce more young people and families to the local 4-H horse program.

Those interested in becoming involved with the Sanilac County 4-H horse community can learn more through Sanilac County Open Horse Shows. The program welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels.

At the Big Pink Horse Show, the horses may have been the stars of the arena, but the people standing beside them showed what a community can accomplish when it comes together for a cause.

For one day, pink ribbons weren’t just decorations. They were reminders of the people being remembered, the families still fighting and the importance of making sure no one faces cancer alone. The Sanilac 4H Horse Committee would like to thank Lucy Brown – 4-H Judge, C & C Equine, Sherri Prusinski, Cass River Logging, LLC, Sliding S Tack, The McKenney Family, American Plumbing Repair and Drain, LLC, Three Daughters Farm, LLC., JL’S Equine & K9 Bodywork, Chrivia Electric, Community First Title Agency, Fyre Storm Miniatures, Brown City Elevator, Julie and Ken Western, Woodridge Ranch and Kennels, Sanilac County Sheriff Posse, Iron Hill Excavation, LLC., September Croel – September Croel Performance Horses, The Roudy Redhead Photography, Talk of The Town and Megan Mason, Chelsie Suess, Cooper Loomis,  Kim Hart,  The Winningham Family  and The Sanilac County 4-H Horse Committee.