Bullard, Tx — Young East Texas riders saddled their steeds, as they competed for a brand new Billy Cook saddle at the mount selman arena in Bullard Saturday.

But one local charity was the  real big winner .

The Children's Village, a group that works to make the lives of troubled kids just a little bit better.

And earlier that morning, some of those kids even got a chance to take a ride on the horses as well.

For thirty years, the Tyler Saddle Club has been raising money for Children's Village in this event.

Every summer, local young riders compete in challenges ranging from elegantly showing their horses riding stature, to seeing who can make it through an obstacle course as fast as possible.

The highest point girl and highest point boy wins a special belt buckle, but the overall points leader gets the beautiful new saddle, branded with Children's Village, and the date.

A reminder that the competition wasn't only about what happened in the arena.

Last year, the event raised six-thousand dollars for Children's Village, but Saturday, they were able to bring in close to ten-thousand dollars.  All of which will go to help local kids have a better upbringing.