Rodeo roundup

Matt Dennhardt never lets his nerves get the best of him.

But the 22-year-old veteran chariot racer had to steady his hands for the 120th annual Murillo Fair competition on Sunday.

Dennhardt, a Thunder Bay rancher, started racing horse-drawn chariots about four years ago. Having grown up around horses his entire life, he fully embraced the lifestyle of a racer and worked with fellow competitor and teammate Dwayne Vanlenthe to improve his skills.

The most anticipated competition of the year was held at the annual Murillo Fair. The two-day fair, which started on Saturday, had adults and children of all ages competing in the various competitions from barrel racing to cow roping.

Although, Dennhardt had his eye on the chariot races but despite his previous experience, he said he felt nervous.

“For this competition I’m nervous,” Dennhardt said. “I’m not usually nervous but when I get on the cart, my hands are shaking. This is the big weekend. (Chariot racing) is the best darn rush I’ve ever had in my life.”

Despite the fierce competition, Dennhardt said everyone who participates are friends and in the end just want to have fun and put on a good show for the crowd.

Vanlenthe, 25, has raced chariots for about six years. He said the most important part of racing is taking care of the horses.

“They got to be healthy otherwise you don’t do well out there,” Vanlenthe said. “If your horses are hurt then they aren’t good for anything. You want to keep your horse’s health in mind.”

Candace Ridler, president of the Oliver Agricultural Society, called the weekend festival a success was and expected more than a thousand people to have attended when the fair wrapped up Sunday night.

“This is the only place in the Thunder Bay district that we could hold chariot racing and range rodeo,” Ridler said. “It’s amazing that the fair has had such a long stretch. I sure hope it continues on.”