Equine Poker Run could be lucrative

ROYAL CITY – Soon it will be time for horse owners to saddle up and ride – for cash.

The Royal City SummerFest Equine Poker Ride is set for Sunday, July13, at 10 a.m. Registration, at the Royal Golf Course, will start at 9 a.m.

The winner – the best poker hand – will take half of the pot created by the entry fees. The other half will go to the benefit of the Royal High School FFA.

There will be prizes for the second through fourth best hands. The lowest hand will win a prize. So will best dressed rider (western attire).

There will be a lot more prizes and surprise winners. The length of the ride, at a walk, should be 2-3 hours.

The pot will be created from $12 and $15 entry fees. Riders who sign up by July 7 will get in for $12. Registrations received after July 7 will cost $15 per rider.

Either registration charge will cover one poker hand. You can purchase additional hands for $5 each.

To fully participate, riders must be 18 years of age or older. Youths under 17 can ride for $5, but they can't participate in the poker. They must sign a release form, and they will receive a ticket for door prizes.

Rules will be: All riders must sign a liability release, any one 12 or younger must be accompanied by an adult, one rider per horse, be courteous when passing other horses and no littering.