Happy 4th of July!!!!

Sharon Gelhaus and JayDee Anderson showing their support during Livingstons Parade! Looking Good!!!

MRHA Fundraser Clinic

Get into gear before the Big Sky Classic! Attend a fundrasing clinic donated by Dane Goeden and Marie Matson.

August 15th
Jeanne Funston's 360 Horse Ranch in Stevensville
Clinicians: Dane Goeden and Marie Matson
Cost: $65
Bring your own lunch
contact: Darra 531-7791 or darra@mt.net for more info and to register

Thank You Ryan & J.R.

Dark and moody skies didn’t prevent reining horse trainers Ryan Anderson and JR Winter from letting the sunshine in for 14 riders who gathered at Sliders Arena in Manhattan on June 20 and 21 for the second MRHA fundraising clinic of the season.

Clinic participants brought green horses, derby horses, futurity horses and seasoned veterans from Missoula, Helena, Gallatin and Park counties, and Cody, Wyo., to take advantage of the opportunity to work with Ryan and JR. In other words, these two trainers had their work cut out for them.

The farm near Manhattan where Sliders Arena is located nestles in rolling grassy hills dotted with dairy and beef cattle herds. Two arenas are available at Sliders, one outdoor and one indoor.

The trainers initially divided the riders into two groups using the highly scientific method of one-two, one-two. Group two worked in the outdoor arena with JR, circling to a chorus of moos from a hundred or so cow-calf pair spectators on the far side of the fence. Group one fenced and stopped in the indoor arena with Ryan.

By Saturday afternoon, rain showers kept both groups indoors and the trainers split the arena in half and each helped his group with turnarounds. For the lead change exercises, the trainers combined the groups. A potluck BBQ that evening gave everyone a chance to go over the day’s events and share a few laughs.

Overnight rain kept both groups in the indoor arena on Sunday. The morning was devoted to stopping and fencing and the afternoon to competition.

The trainers selected pattern 10 and posted the draw. Each rider showed the pattern, the judges scored them, and conferred with them about what went right and what went wrong. Following the completion of the pattern by all the riders, it was time to go back in and school the pattern, based on what went wrong in the “show” run. Following that, of course, all the participants went home with the certain knowledge that they will now plus-one every stop, turnaround and circle. (You know I’m kidding, right?)

In addition to being a great deal of fun, the clinic was a successful fundraiser. Thanks to the donations of the use of Sliders Arena and both clinicians’ time, the clinic made over $2,000 for MRHA. All the funds raised go towards the $26,900 added Big Sky Classic and MRHA Stallion Stakes Futurity, to be held in Kalispell in August. Special thanks from all the participants to JR and Ryan, who gave up Father's Day with their children to spend with us.

Humbly submitted by Chandra Morris

Didn't Get to be at the Show?

Go to www.NRHA.tv

Future shows will also be broadcast on this site.

Thank you Dan and Raindancer Video! This is such a great opportunity for all of us to be able to enjoy if were not able to be at the show or after we get home.

YRHA Slide I

Novice Horse 1 & 2 - Billi Grace Heigh on Count The Numbers

Slidin’ and Spinnin’ in Wilsall, Montana - Yellowstone Slide I Results
Written by Chandra Morris

The season-opening $5,300 Yellowstone Slide I set the dirt a blazin’ at Anderson Training Stables in Wilsall, Mont., with some sizzling runs from open and non pro riders alike.

Summer-like weather graced the three-day event put on by the Yellowstone Reining Horse Association, which started Thursday May 28 with a full slate of club classes followed by two days of NRHA and Ancillary classes. Judge Richard Pokluda of Whitesboro, Tex., presided over the event and riders from Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and the Dakotas strutted their stuff for a chance to win prizes, cash and bronzes – and to stake their claim to places in the standings for the Intermountain Regional Affiliate finals at summer’s end. More than 350 entries kept the judge, scribes and Show Secretary busy. (whole article)