The Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze has created the Horseman’s Hall of Fame to honor those who have made an outstanding contribution to the equine industry in this area. This year’s inductees are Cathy Gerrand and Duncan Campbell.
Cathy developed her interest in horses as a youngster competing in 4-H, MGRA and local fairs, mentored and supported by her father Garth . Western pleasure was her specialty in the early years winning many awards including champion western pleasure horse at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, 2 years in a row. Eventually her attention turned to barrel racing and riding Lazer, she won 2 MRCA Ladies Barrel racing championships and a reserve championship as well a Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association championship. She was also a 2 Time CCA Ladies Barrel Racing reserve champion. Cathy won Ladies Barrels here at her home town rodeo where winning at home always seem tougher for most people. In addition to her success in competition Cathy is recognized for her willingness to give back to the sport. She has coached countless young riders in horsemanship and barrel racing and has always been willing to help anyone eager to learn by sharing her knowledge, facilities and occasionally her horses.
Duncan’s contribution to the horse industry has been mainly in the roles of organizer and volunteer. His contribution to this rodeo involved close to 20 years as the person in charge of preparing and maintaining the dirt in the arena to provide safe and consistent footing for all contestants. A lot is it was trial and error at first and he developed it into a science and all without the use of modernized equipment. Duncan was president of the Virden Riding Club for a few years and served on the Virden Ag Society board as well. When the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals were held in Virden, he was involved in the construction of the outdoor arena.
Together Duncan and Cathy own DAC Farms, an equine ranch raising quarter horses and Sport horses. At essentially every barrel race or team roping in south western Manitoba, you will find people mounted on horses raised on their ranch. Their two grown sons, Tyler and Matt are in the carriage with their parents. They are involved in the ranch and are avid team ropers.
Congratulations Cathy and Duncan on being inducted into the Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze Horsemans Hall Of Fame.
Thanks to Virden Flower Attic and Gift shop for donating the corsage and boutonniere. Also thanks to Silver Oak Percherons, the Darcy Strain family for providing the team to bring our guests in this evening and to Darryl Horn for providing the carriage.