MOOSE JAW — The Golden Mile Arena is set to come alive with hooves, hay, and happy riders as “Yee Ha” ’25 trots into town this July for four days of hands-on equestrian learning and fun.
Running July 10 to 13 at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, the youth-focused event — officially named “YEE HA” (Youth Equestrian Event: Horsing Around) — offers a unique opportunity for young riders from across the Prairies to sharpen their equestrian skills, take part in clinics led by top coaches from Saskatchewan, and test what they’ve learned.
“It’s a youth-only event … basically to try and help the youth advance in their horsemanship skills,” said Mel Burns, office manager with the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company. “It’s open to youth of any age, from any place … It’s designed mostly for fun, so it’s competitive, but not in a way that makes it intimidating.”
The event is hosted by the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company in conjunction with Yee Ha Games. Clinics kick off Friday, July 11, starting at 8 a.m. and are open for public viewing, with no charge for spectators. That means even those without a horse or a clinic spot can stop in and glean some insight from industry professionals.
“We have a very good selection of clinicians — some of the best in the province — and they’re very good judges,” Burns said. “A lot of those clinicians are local to our area … (and they are all) excellent at what they do.”
This year’s lineup includes rodeo veterans Ross Smith and Don Gillespie, international show and training professional Tori Meggison, hunter classic champion Samantha Harland, and longtime Moose Jaw-based rider and judge Garry Giofu, alongside Diane Bolen, Bree Gust, and Sherry and Barry Quam.
The focus, organizers said, is on building confidence, community, and connection — not just earning ribbons. Burns said some of the youth who participate in the event are likely to be experienced riders, but this isn’t a requirement to attend.
“It’s about fun, experience, education, and just promoting the horse industry in Saskatchewan,” she added.
First launched more than a decade ago, Yee Ha had been on hiatus for years until interest in youth equestrian opportunities brought it back to life in 2024. Last year’s event saw around 40 youth participate, with strong interest from riders across the province.
“Affordability is key for us as well … (as equestrian sports) can be very expensive,” she noted. Burns added that much of the connection with the animals — and the fun itself — can be lost when the focus shifts too heavily toward competition and high costs — two aspects the Exhibition Company is looking to help overcome.
“We start out trying to have fun, but it often turns into a lot of competition and expense. So, this is a way to bring the fun back,” she said.
To register, visit , “,” or “” on Facebook. The registration deadline is Friday, July 4, with a late fee applying afterward.
The Golden Mile Arena is located at 250 Thatcher Drive East. For more information, visit .
