A love of horses and playdays motivated Wessington Springs High School (WSHS) senior Abby Kolousek to take on organizing one of her own, set for October 1, 2023 at the Jerauld County 4-H Grounds in Wessington Springs. Originally scheduled for Sunday, September 24, Kolousek was forced to postpone the event one week due to the Wessington Springs area receiving 3-4 inches of rainfall Friday and Saturday.
Kolousek said that when she witnessed WSHS alumni Keah Munsen organize a playday years ago, she’s been dreaming of putting on a similar event for her senior project.
Riders of all ages, sizes and their horse can compete in barrels, obstacle course and a candy bar race. Junior (ages 9-14) and Open Divisions (15 years old and up) can also compete in the rescue race event.
'My main goals for the event are that one, it is well organized and two, to have 15-20 attendees in each division,” Kolousek said. “I’ve been working on this since school started and thanks to the many volunteers that have signed up to help, I think it’s going to be a successful event and a lot of fun for everyone.”
Challenges Kolousek said she has faced during planning and organizing stages are reaching out and talking to larger businesses and sponsors to solicit cash and prizes for the playday, an important component of hosting a successful event, she explained.
“Larger businesses like Runnings and Tractor Supply have agreed to donate items for prizes with many differentsized businesses such as Moody’s Western Wear donating prizes too,” she explained. “The lure of a play day is the great prizes you can win.”
The event kicks off at 1 p.m. on October 1. Questions can be directed to Kolousek at 605-730-3124.