CLEVELAND — A family-friendly event is riding back into northeast Ohio after a year off due to the pandemic.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is taking visitors back in time to the wild west for this year’s HorseFest.
“This is Rowdy. He’s a 12-year-old mustang,” said Jake Lundahl, sitting atop the horse. “He’s our main lesson horse right now.”
Lundahl adopted Rowdy as a wild mustang and trained him to overcome obstacles like teeter-totters and others on display at Farmpark.
“I love the competitive aspect where you’re basically collaborating with another animal that has a mind of its own and developing that relationship there,” Lundahl said.
He’ll be showing off his skills during the weekend event.
“This is old hat for him,” Lundahl said, referring to Rowdy. “He’s been through this many times.”
Things like going up to a mailbox and walking over a tarp aren’t easy for the animals.
“Horses are a flight animal. So kind of their instinct is to rely on their feet and legs to evade any danger,” Lundahl said.
In addition to the demonstrations, Farmpark Assistant Administrator Steve Ohmes said HorseFest is an opportunity to see various breeds and take part in some Old West traditions.
“You don’t get to see a lot of this in this area,” he said. “So, it’s just kind of fun for people to come out and experience it.”
Folks can experience the importance of the animals first-hand.
“Nowadays, we have them more as a pet or a hobby,” Ohmes said. “It’s kind of nice to remember originally how useful they were to us. I mean, initially, they were a part of everyday life at one point in history.”
To bring the history to life, Annie Oakley and Wyatt Earp impersonators will be on hand to help “serve and protect” the Farmpark.
“It’s awesome,” said Kellie Rettinger, who plays Oakley. “It’s such an amazing part of history and something that’s shaped who we are today.”
“I’m gonna be delegating a little bit of the law because I hear the Clampetts are gonna be out and we’ve got a little bit of gold that we’re gonna have on this stagecoach,” said Robert White as Earp.
They also plan on deputizing kids to help with that “law enforcement.”
“It’s kind of funny,” White said. “The kids love it but the adults really get into it too, and that’s good because it gives them something to enjoy besides working all the time.”
The real-life father/daughter acting duo loves sharing the history and bringing a little fun to the wild west.
“Because of the smiles on people’s faces,” White said. “And when they can get involved with it, too. Because everyone has a little cowboy or cowgirl in them. You just gotta let it out.”
Horsefest will be held Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Special events and activities are scheduled all weekend.
