| Horses are N. Shore no exception to popularity of country music, dance easy to get attached to From page 32 job to do." There is a_ waiting list’ for boarders at the stables, which ‘Alexander attributes to the success of the teaching program. “As they progress they tend to upgrade their horses,’ he says and compares moving from a school horse to private ownership to the difference between driving a Volkswagon and a Ferrari. Most riders begin by taking lessons on a school horse and then --move on to a shared lease of a privately owned horse stabled at NSEC... “Private practice time that you get with leasing. allows you to analyse your own riding,’’ says Heather Ferguson. _ Ferguson is 16 and finishing schdol via a correspondence “course, She is also working full- - time to save the money for the ‘equine sciences program at Olds College. ; Kicked out of school for skipp- ing classes, Ferguson says she: is ““more motivated now and getting Straight B’s."* “Horses are easy things to get attached to. They’re so full of character, so honest. It’s like having a kid. You work so hard -with them, you put so much THE ACHY Breaky has made way for the Electric Slide. — By Surj Rattan News Reporter But the Tush Push is gaining in popularity, These may sound like foreign terms to some, but more and more people are becoming familiar with these names, and moves, as the popularity of country music keeps increasing. North Shore folks seem to be flocking to events like the country music dancing now being offered by. the North Vancouver recreation commission. The popularity of country music, and country line dancing in particular, has taken off all across North America and Shore is no exception. Trish Logan teaches country dancing on the North Shore and said the most popular type of country line dancing right now is the Electric Slide. “A lot of people are signing up for classes, While there are a lot of young people wno are taking an interest in Jearning how to line dance, there are a few older peo- ple becoming involved as well,”’ said Logan. The popularity of country dan- cing has also proved to be big business. Those excercise videos made popular by the likes of Jane Fonda and Racquel Welch have now made way for videos that teach you how to do the latest country dances. Country line dancing was made the North Rodeo celebrates western heritage ALL THE excitement of our western heritage returns to the Pacific Nationa} Exhibition (PINE) with the Skoal Inc. Pru Rodeo Tour finals, Thursday’ through Sunday, Aug. 26-29, Rodeo originated as a contest between a ranch cowboy and an animal. These first events were based on real-life efforts to ride unruly horses, while roping classes owe their start to a cowboy’s at- tempt to brand a calf or restrain it for treatment of illness or injury. The popular rodeo, sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, represents the As well, this year the PNE’ has added exciting ladies’ barrel racing to the lineup. : Of course, the rodeo will also feature the popular clowns, who provide both hilarious interludes between events and a_ safety backup for the rodeo riders during their performances. All rodeo animals have been specifically trained for rodeo events and every precaution is taken to protect the welfare and safety of both human and animal. Eliminations will! take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday in the PNE popular by dances that were styled for songs like Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart. Now there is a variety of dif- ferent country dances people are doing with names like the Tush Push, the Electric Stide and Romeo. Logan said the popularity of country dancing began to increase about two years ago. “) attribute it (the popularity) to the increased popularity of country music and the whole country scene in general. It’s not just country music which has captured people’s attention but everything associated with country music,”’ said Logan. She added that most of the popular country line dances are easy to learn and consist of ‘‘easy step-by-step”’ moves. And, added Logan, country dancing is not only for the young, but also for the young at heart. “I've taught country dancing to people in their mid-50s. It’s not just the people in their 20s who ate getting out on the country dance floor, it’s really hit people of all ages.”” 929-5610 Ef Come an down to the } ff 70° annual “Farm Fair’ | hon Saturday, Sept. 11” | \and Sunday, Sept, 12"! money into them.” “It isn’t called the sport of Alexander won’t generalize ‘about the cost of boarding a horse “at NSEC but admits that, with the =: ost of board, feed, vet bills, ' -. « Shoes and tack, keeping horses is ‘an expensive hobby. ‘kings for nothing,”’ he concludes. culmination of the Skoal Inc. Pro Agrodome, with the Pro Rodeo Rodeo Tour, as top competitors in finals to be held beginning at 7 each category vie for the cham- pionship. ; Events include bull riding, _ bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer roping and calf rop- ing. p.m., Sunday, Aug. 29. Adding a spectacular touch of | pageantry to the opening of Thursday’s rodeo will be the Lord Strathcona _ Horses Drill Team, while the colorful Skagit Rein Riders will add their elegance to ° Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Tues - Sun "Labour Day Weekend Special!" Pony rides available Sunday, Sept. 5“ an Monday, Sept..6* rap