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RIDE THE WEST - The Ranch Event 2011
en years later & Ride The West is still bringing together horsemen from all over the Pacific Northwest. This past July’s Ranch Event at the Four Mound Prairie Bison Ranch definitely brought the atmosphere of “Home, Home on the Range Where the Buffalo Roam” to life. The weather couldn’t have been better, the Trail Competitions were intense, & as the sun set on the last day of the show we agreed that we would do it all over again given the opportunity! Van Hargis, Ann Kirk, Steve Rother, Julie Jene’ & Ethan Storey gave stellar performances on every topic from cow sorting to reading your horse’s mind. Always a crowd favorite “Spanky” & Francesca did not fail to bring laughter & applause with their now “22 Trick” repertoire. Friday Night with the Stars, highlighting a Memorial to Susan Rae’s Mother Helen Inman included specialty performances by each of the clinicians, Rock N’ Pine Belgians, & McBride’s Quarter Horse Stallion “Jumping Jack Whiz” saluting Susan’s Mom as the riderless horse, lead into the arena by Susan & wearing her Mom’s last pair of cowboy boots backwards in the stirrups as a tribute to the fallen rider. It was a truly emotional moment for the entire family & guests that were in attendance.
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aturday’s ACTHA Ride was a HUGE hit with 23 riders completing the 6 mile natural terrain trail course at the Ranch. In the Open Division, 1st Place went to Buck & Carmen Peone, truly an emotional moment for Carmen as the pinnacle of the work & effort that she has shared with her beloved horse. 2nd went to Linet Shields on “Dandy Lil Chick”, 3rd to Ginger Swisher riding “Caliber”, 4th to Melinda Thomas on “WF Splash of Cash” & 5th place to Terry Conkright on “Bansara”. In the Pleasure Division, 1st Place went to Michael Clark & “Dakota’s Gold”, 2nd place to Amy White on “Krila’s Perfect Skor”, 3rd place to Leeanne Shannon & “Bravo”, 4th Place to Debby Jackson riding “Wendy Daze” 5th Place to Barbara Brim on “Fannie Mae” & 6th Place to Linda Hamilton riding “Zippen & Steppin”. Jr. Division 1st Place went to Teresa Durheim on “Buzzard” & 2nd to Clara Durheim on “Reed” Best Dressed Horsewoman was Carmen Peone & Horseman was Terry Conkright. National Points, Cash & Prizes were donated by ACTHA, Ride the West, EZ-All & Big R Stores. This ride was terrific & we definitely want to bring ACTHA back again in 2012.
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unday’s Fifth Annual XTreme Trail Competition sponsored by Will Rogers Saddlery & judged by Van Hargis, Ann Kirk & Steve Rother once again proved to challenge horses & riders. Lots of action, difficult terrain, & unusual obstacles brought out the best in our competitors. In the Open Division, third time’s the charm for Champion Keith Danielson of Hooper Crossing Ranch riding
“Chili Pepper Fox”. Keith & “Chili” rode to an incredible win & picked up the Championship Silver Buckle donated by Will Rogers Saddlery, Big R Stores Headstall & a cash prize. In case you’re interested, “Chili” is for sale. 2nd Place went to Linet Shields on “Dandy Lil Chick”, 3rd Place to Carmen Peone & Buck, 4th Place to Mark McKinnon & 5th Place to Gerry Cox. Youth Division winners were 1st Place Teresa Durheim, 2nd Place Clara Durheim, & 3rd Place Rayne Roberts. XTreme Trail is an event that we have grown & improved over the years. Look for details of next year’s competition coming after the first of the year. Cash & Prizes were donated by Ride The West, EZ-All & Big R Stores.
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ur photographers for the Event Marcy McBride (mcbrideqh@ gmail.com) & Amy McLean (amygirl75@msn.com) captured some of the best moments of action throughout the weekend. Please contact them for the links to the photo albums that contain these pictures. They are tremendous & you can purchase photos & copies from either of them. What a fantastic job they both did!!
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e had a great new group of vendors that added to the products & information of many returning vendors. We appreciate all of their support over the years as well as that of our Major Sponsors Horse Previews Magazine & The Exchange weekly paper & Helen Boyd. Without their continued support & friendship, Ride The West would not have been able to continue for almost 10 years. To our many volunteers, especially Marie Llewellyn, Amy McLean, Bill Blanck & Anthony Thomas, Jody Clift, Sharon & Kent Ohland, Russell Inman, Jr., Midge Watkins, Jim Hudkins, Lynette Yunker, Jim Kirk, Lynn Wichman, Rich Rothmond, Crysti Gray & the 4-H Kids, Pam Rohr, Caroline Carter, Michele LeVar, Michael, Allen & Evelyn Vandyke, Scott & Karen Wiggens, Back Country Horsemen, Teresa York, Randy & Mo Durheim, Wes & Brian Durheim, & Lavina Long. Their unwavering support & efforts are much appreciated & never forgotten. To our dear friends, Chip & Marcy McBride of McBride’s Quarter Horses goes a heartfelt thank you for their special addition to the Show of their horses & their time. Lastly, to everyone who attended this show & the past shows that we have produced, we want to send our deepest thanks to you for following our progress & supporting our cause. You can continue to follow us at www.RideTheWest.net, on Facebook, or by contacting me at (509) 466-9639 or susanrae@ ridethewest.net. Rick & I truly enjoy producing this show for all of our horse-friends. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
OCTOBER 2011 • HORSE PREVIEWS • PAGE 9
Susan Rae, Event Manager