By Kristen Hernandez
Pompano Beach – Residents from the northwest section of Pompano received an autumn surprise when local equestrian park, Sand and Spurs, extended an invitation to their first Fall Festival organized to unite the two communities. Horse owner, Nancy Olson, took initiative and worked with Reverend Tim Griff to bring the autumn season to life.
“Sand and Spurs is valuable for the northwest community,” said Olson, during an interview with Villij News. “The park is in close proximity and has a lot to offer. Children can come and get exposure, and anyone who hasn’t had an opportunity to experience the wonder of a horse. It can only bring a smile to their faces.”
Over a thousand people attended the Fall Festival to see the horses “walk, trot and cantor”, horse barrel racing, and the grand finale Dressage Show, or horses performing ballet. There were other treats like “Trunk or Treat”, a monster truck, dogs in costume, a bounce house, and a horse and pony costume contest.
Unfortunately, the Sand and Spurs festival ended with a scare after resident and lupus patient, Toni Lee Klemetsmo, 41, appeared to have been tossed off horse, Whiskey, after she unexpectedly decided to ride him out of the arena. The horseshow abruptly ended and Klemetsmo was taken in an ambulance to Broward North Hospital, leaving many residents concerned for her well-being.
“I have no regrets,” said Klemetsmo, during a post-accident call with Villij News. “Whiskey did an amazing job and actually ended up saving my life.”
Sand and Spurs equines are desensitized, but sudden noises or arm gestures can startle the side-seeing animals. Whiskey appeared uncomfortable. The metal bar, or bit, attached to the reins used for steering, wasn’t secured in his mouth properly. The pain Whiskey felt, combined with a quick, sudden movement from a bystander caused Whiskey to rear.
Yet the horse instinctively slid Klemetsmo off to protect her. Due to a pre-existing condition of vertigo, when Klemetsmo attempted to stand, she fainted instead. As a precaution, she was taken to the hospital.
“When you fall, get back on that saddle,” Klemetsmo said. “I’ll continue to visit Sand and Spurs because being around these incredible creatures is something I cherish.”
Residents in the NW community have long felt excluded from celebrations and events at Sand and Spurs, and some voiced concerns during recent city commission meetings about lack of
access to the park for residents of color. Olson was one of several residents who appeared in front of city commissioners in efforts to save the park from being shut down.
Due to the heavy $400k yearly tax burden, northwest residents said funding could be used for better purposes, such as access to programs for children and better safety measures. All parties seemed to agree that Sand and Spurs has the potential to provide both things to all residents of Pompano Beach.
“Horses just do something for you,” Olson said. “I remember when I lost my son, KJ, I still had to wake up every morning to feed the horses. They were literally the only reason I had to get up out of bed. Exposure to Sand and Spurs can change lives.”
Tundra King, co-owner of Mooreland Academy, helped spark the conversation of new access and program opportunities after writing to Villij News when commissioners considered shutting down the park.
“It was good to see people from my community here today,” said King, during the festival. Mooreland Academy was one of the vendors featured at the park. “If it’s something we’re using tax dollars for, it should be inclusive. It was a good start.”
Pastor Carol McCoy from New Life Fellowship Center attended with a small flock from her congregation. “This is a testimony on bridging the gap between communities,” McCoy said. “It turned out beautiful.”
District 2 city commissioner, Rhonda Eaton, helped prepare the park ahead of the scheduled fun and teamed up with Olson to paint the fences surrounding the grounds. Along with staff from Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation and Reverend Griff, they helped create an autumn atmosphere under the South Florida sun.
“I pitched in with this event because I believe in what Sand and Spurs is offering,” Griff said. “If we can unite the residents of Pompano, it’s God’s work.”
Even with the unfortunate accident that ended the festival, most attendees seemed open to returning. Residents felt a bit of country in a small city, while experiencing the majestic wonder of horses.
