The Gymkhana with its varied riding events offered the opportunity for much wider direct participation and was therefore a popular social event in the ranch country. The "brandy and soda" race underway in this picture was a novelty contest, the winner being that person first back to the starting point after racing to the table to pour and then "down" a brandy and soda.
The presence of the North West Mounted Police in dress uniform bears witness to their similar attachment to things equestrian.
