Kamloops youths will spread holiday cheer on horseback

A Kamloops youth drill team will be decorating themselves, and their horses, to ride through neighbourhoods spreading Christmas cheer this weekend.

"It’s getting quite the buzz, people are so excited," Outlaw Riders coach Anna Martin says. "It’s something to do, people can even just stand in their front window and wave."

The team is comprised of 10 riders aged 10 to 17 who train together to perform choreographed routines on horseback to music, sometimes in the dark.

The riders and their horses will be dressed up with lights to walk through Barnhartvale neighbourhoods Dec. 19.

"These kids worked really hard, and they get to show off plus bring so much joy to our little community," Martin said.

The team has competed in several events across B.C., and last year they rode in the Santa Clause Parade through downtown Kamloops.

They want to make sure that the holiday walk-through is COVID safe, and hope to see locals waving from their front yards or through windows. 

Martin was blown away by how excited people are for such a small event.

"I think people are just wanting something to look forward to this time of year," she said.

"It can be the smallest thing right now that someone can look forward to."

The ride will begin at Pine Tree Riding Club at 5 p.m. They will turn left onto Todd Road, left on Highridge Drive, down Pringle Road, onto Meadowland Crescent, onto Clearview Drive, left onto Lamar Drive, left onto Norland then return to the riding club. 

Anyone driving in the area is asked to drive cautiously and keep a lookout for the team. 

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