Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Lakota Ride 2017 stops in Sidney
Four riders of the Lakota Ride 2017 start out from the Lodgepole Saddle Club Friday morning after a day and a half of rest. Their goal was to possibly go as far as Broadwater Friday. The ride is scheduled to conclude at the Pine Ride Indian Reservation Aug. 12. Dave Ventimiglia, founder of Tipi Raisers, is seen leading the ride in the reflective vest.
It is a hot day, another in a series of days in the saddle. But it is okay. This journey has a purpose. The ride takes several days to complete, in any kind of weather. The end result, however, is a better understanding of the Lakota people and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and frequently yourself.
The Lakota Ride 2017 started July 22 in Golden, Colorado. It is a 400-mile horseback ride to Pine Ridge. It is projected to arrive in Pine Ridge on Aug. 12. Native and non-native riders are encouraged to take part in the event. One of this year's participants is new to horseback riding, a first-timer on the Lakota Ride, and new to the native culture. Suzie Henderson of Lawrenceville, Ga., chose to do an alternative and positive spring break, chosing to visit Pine Ridge.
While at Pine Ridge, she visited the one grocery store on the Reservation and experienced the kind of inflation impacting most families there. She recalls meeting a young teen girl who was very experienced with horses. She also recalls how open the land is. What sticks with her, and a motivation for the Lakota Ride 2017, is the economic conditions, sense of dispair coupled with the deep spirituality of the Lakota people.
Subscribe to the Sidney Sun-Telegraph to read the rest of the story.
(308) 254-2818
817 12th Ave. Sidney, NE 69162
http://www.suntelegraph.com/subscribe
Reader Comments(0)