WALKER — The Rocking S Arena will host a large rodeo event for riders of all ages July 20 and 21. The event, titled “Saddle Battle,” features nearly $10,000 in awards and prizes drawing contestants from as far away as Colorado, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

The Saddle Battle is a not-for-profit event funded entirely by donations from dozens of local businesses and individuals. The three largest sponsors are Farmers Insurance – The Ryan Schremmer Agency, 2705 Vine; The Dentist – Dr. Melinda Miner, 1010 Downing; and Clayton and Angela Leiker Custom Concrete LLC, 353 Hartman, Russell, each of whom contributed $1,000. Many other sponsors contributed at the $500 and $250 levels. A complete list of sponsors is posted on the Rocking S Arena and 2019 Saddle Battle Facebook pages.

“As a businessowner, you get asked to sponsor a lot of the same types of youth sports and activities. This was something different that both kids and adults can participate in and I believe strongly in the values of the western culture so I am happy to be able to support that” said Ryan Schremmer, owner of the Ryan Schremmer Agency of Farmers Insurance.

The Saddle Battle is an open event which means any rider of any age can enter. There are four youth age divisions and one adult division. Each age division features a custom Corriente Saddle Company trophy saddle for the division champion, a trophy buckle for the reserve champion, and trophy tack for placings down to seventh Place.

In conjunction with the Saddle Battle competition, there will be a KWHA horse show Friday night at 7 p.m., and an open barrel racing jackpot Saturday at 4 p.m. Additionally, there will be a full concession stand available all day both days and multiple vendors selling a variety of western and equestrian products.