2015 IDAHO IDAHO QUARTER LIFE Q UARTER LIFE HORSE

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7 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE TABLE OF CONTENTS PUBLISHER PROFILES Idaho Life Magazines GRAND PERFORMANCE 16 MANAGING EDITOR 26 LEATHER, LACE, AND OLD- Donna Bush FASHIONED CHARM

36 CARRYING ON IDAHO CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRADITION Jeanette Vieira

44 PROGRESS GETS PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER 70 SWEET PEPPER RANCH Tracey Bish 76 STANDING THE TEST OF TIME CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 82 TRACEY BISH PHOTOGRAPHY Marri Champié Dalia Griffith 92 R.C. BEAN SADDLERY Hailey Malepeai 98 NEW DUDS FROM THE OLD WEST SPECIAL THANKS 102 A WESTERN TRUCK FOR Joyce Parker WESTERN PEOPLE Maddy and Alex 108 SERVICE AT THE HEART Idaho Quarter Horse Life is published by 112 YOUR TICKET TO FUN 92 IDAHO LIFE MAGAZINES 114 IDAHO QUARTER HORSE [email protected] ASSOCIATION ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES [email protected]

ONLINE DIGITAL COPY www.idaholifemagazines.com

Cover photo taken by Tracey Bish

Idaho Life Magazines, LLC, 2015. This issue of Idaho Quarter Horse Life is copyrighted under the laws of the United States of America. All rights 16 reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. For permission to use any portion of this publication email: [email protected]. All editorial and photographic submissions are accepted explicitly without risk to the publisher for loss or damage. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy in the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, 94 changes or omissions. 8 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE FEATURES 18 OH, BABY! 22 THAT HEAL 28 RISING STARS, AND STARS ALREADY MADE 32 SETTING KIDS UP FOR SUCCESS 40 STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH 46 ART FOR THE GREATER GOOD 50 TRAINING IT FORWARD 38 62 OVERCOMING OBSTACLES 66 AN IDAHO RACING LEGEND 84 STEP BACK IN TIME 88 UP 22 104 TIPS FROM THE TOP

CONTENTS 66 14 QUEEN OF DIAMONDS 38 FEET FIRST 72 HEALTHY AS A HORSE 74 THE POWER OF TOUCH 78 OUT & ABOUT 80 PUT A LID ON IT 94 WHY I LOVE THE IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE

96 FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION 100 A PASSION FOR (COWBOY) POETRY 110 BUILT FOR SPEED 28 9 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE Photograph By Tracey Bish Welcome to our first annual Idaho Quarter Horse Life magazine. This yearly magazine will highlight the Quarter Horse industry in the State of Idaho. Whether you own a reiner, cutter, work- ing cow, roper, breeder, showing, trainer or you are merely a backyard enthusiast, our goal is to cover ALL the disciplines the Quarter Horse has to offer. With the new enthusiastic and active Board of Directors in place, our year has been a busy one! Our 2014 fundraiser was three days, two nights, and two

©Beattie Photography tickets to the National Finals in Las Vegas, NV, with lodg- ing and travel money included. The winning ticket was drawn on September 24 at our regular monthly board meeting and the winners were Matt and Erin Henderson of Albany, Oregon. This fundraiser was​ a huge success!v IQHA sponsored a booth at the Horse Expo in April. We renewed old acquain- tances and made many new ones with Quarter Horse lovers! “The Black Tie Affair” AQHA Ride Program, in conjunction with Idaho Quar- ter Horse & Western Riding Club, hosted a poker run with a fine dinner following. Prime rib and salmon, along with all the trimmings, were served. We had 65 riders and served dinner to 79. We hope to be even bigger and better in 2015! Our show season was a positive one, with all the disciplines represented. Idaho was well represented at the October 2014 Novice Championship show. We had the largest number of Novice Championship Qualifiers ever. Your membership into the Idaho Quarter Horse Association will benefit you! Our “Membership Value” is growing every year. We want to thank all the merchants that have joined our list of partnerships. They understand how important it is to support the family of the American Quarter Horse. Our goal this year is to grow our Association membership and to include the Alliance that has partnerships with the American Quarter Horse Association. Your membership fee helps to “PROMOTE THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE“ in the State of Idaho. Please watch our new website for all the current information regarding the Association activities. www.idahoqha.com Many thanks go out to the professional publishing staff for this beautiful first issue. We are looking forward to many more wonderful years of affiliation with Idaho Life magazines.

Claudia Halden Your 2015 President

“PROMOTING THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE”

11 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE Photograph By Tracey Bish

12 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE Representing the Idaho Horse Industry

The Idaho Horse Council has, for 40 years, worked to protect and promote the horse industry. Up to 26 different clubs have belonged to the IHC over the years to further the common interest of the horse industry. The IHC serves as spokesman of the industry to governmental and regulating bodies. We have worked with horsemen, veterinarians and the Department of Agriculture to develop rules for the potentially devastating disease of EVA, which was diagnosed in the Twin Falls area recently. Our committee member’s travel at their own expense often times taking off of work or sacrificing vacation plans. The IHC encourages its Directors and members to attend planning and zoning meet- ings all over the state to protect property rights with regard to horses. We testified to keep trails open to horses in Eagle Island State Park. In one of the last proposed plans, horses were phased out. After the Horse Councils testimony, horses and horse trails are alive and well at Eagle Island State Park. We maintain a permanent office and staff all to answer questions and supply an informa- tional resource to horsemen, business's and governmental agencies. We have put on, through largely volunteer effort, one of the largest equine "Expo's" in the northwest.... introducing horsemen and non-horsemen to the latest clinicians, events and related gear, etc. All of the monies go back into the horse industry for promotion and protection. We affect legislation on a state and national level as it relates to equine health, promotion (creation of the Idaho Horse Board) and protection of trails, racing and a multitude of horse related issues. We have supported the funding of a horse census, which is vital informational resource for legislative bodies, businesses and promotional events. We helped pass the Equine Activity Immunity Act in Idaho, helping to mitigate the liability of horse owners and users. The Idaho Horse Council provides 3 - $1,500.00 scholarships to three Idaho students who have been active within some area of the equine industry. We constantly work for your "right to ride"... The IHC is always alarmed about the decline of open spaces in which to keep and enjoy our horses in light of rapid urbanization in Idaho. We, and all of our members, recognize that we must protect our historical heritage and tradi- tions. We believe horses enhance the quality of life in our communities and we believe horses contribute to our state's scenic beauty as well as its economy.

Steve Taylor Idaho Horse Council President

16114 Idaho Center Blvd.#5, Nampa, Idaho 83687 p: (208) 465-5477 f: (208) 465-5480 e: [email protected] www.idahohorsecouncil.com

13 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE .

Marri Champié By

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WILKINS, WAS AHEAD OF HER TIME WAS WILKINS,

Queen LEGENDARY HORSE QUEEN OF IDAHO, KITTIE HORSE QUEEN OF IDAHO, LEGENDARY ...... - - - - She also loved to tell a good story. to tell a good story. She also loved was ahead of Wilkins Although In 1885, the family established a established In 1885, the family nesswoman, Kittie cleverly marketed marketed cleverly nesswoman, Kittie was a her own image as a “brand.” It gimmick,brilliant and helped estab- as the horse capital of the lish Idaho at the time. States United she recounted In an 1887 interview, the horse business. entered how she’d gold of $20 pair a received she two, At he purchased when later, Years pieces. her father a band of horses in Oregon, her $40 and made a deal on an took Fran the San Wilkins told As $80 filly. the increase, “From cisco Examiner, come.” bands have (horse) all my fi her time, she never married—her She in a gun battle. ancé was killed in Vic dressed automobiles, loathed side rode and torian riding dresses Wilkins Kittie life. her entire saddle been tough in business, but have may was a lady Queen of Idaho the Horse . to the core. send Kittie to school in Utah, and San in Utah, to school send Kittie purchased he’d 1880, By Francisco. and Idaho, range land in Bruneau, grazing and cattle of horses herds had there. Hot Murphy near station ranching and in 1887, Wilkins and Springs, of two carloads took her brothers An as- market. horses to the Omaha and a sharp busi tute horse breeder - - - - - IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE QUARTER IDAHO

| Born Katherine Caroline Wilkins, Wilkins, Born Katherine Caroline The only female horse trader in female The only

15 horse dealer sent 8,000 of her horses sent horse dealer - In the Victo Wars. Boer to the British Wilkins Kittie heydays, horse Era rian of horses each shipped six boxcars along yards week to the livestock sale line. She Railroad Pacific the Union until 1887 from traded successfully the I, when War the end of World disbanded the cavalryArmy and auto- preferred became America’s mobiles mode of transportation. Oregon, Medford, in 15, 1857, May on moving years 20 first her spent Kittie ter and states western six between pany, Bruneau Diamond Ranch on Diamond Ranch Bruneau pany, world renown She was their shoulder. title Queen of Idaho—a as the Horse Exam Francisco bestowed by the San to a Kansas sale iner in 1887. A single from gravitated family Her ritories. to Placerville, Califor Boise, Idaho, - Territo nia, back to the Washington of town mining the to then and ries, father her where Nevada, Tuscarora, was an en Wilkins a hotel. John built to the catered soul who trepreneurial rush towns: in gold of people floods him to his business acumen allowed n a world where even men went broke broke even men went where n a world Wilkins Kittie business, horse the in was unique. 1880s, her horses the world in the with the diamond branded were Com Horse brand of the Wilkins

THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD LINE. RAILROAD THE UNION PACIFIC I KITTIE WILKINS SHIPPED SIX BOXCARS OF HORSES SIX BOXCARS KITTIE WILKINS SHIPPED EACH WEEK TO THE LIVESTOCK SALE YARDS ALONG ALONG SALE YARDS LIVESTOCK THE WEEK TO EACH . By Dalia Griffith RAND Photography By Tracey Bish PERFORMANCE

G heir facility may be nestled on 16 serene acres in Star, but Redtail Ranch Performance Horses is building a presence in the Idaho Quarter Horse world that’s anything but low-key. “Our goal is to have the best Quarter Horse bloodlines and the best foals for sale in Idaho,” explains Loren Macey, who owns the ranch with her husband, James Baker. “We breed our mares with an aim toward the performance horse mar- ket: Cow Horse, , and .” And their top-tier selection of stallions is a virtual guar- antee that Redtail Ranch will achieve their goals and then some. Judge Boon, for example, the ranch’s stunning blue roan stallion, has an impressive lifetime earnings of over $54,000 in National Reined Cow Horse Association and Na- tional Cutting Horse Association earnings. Still showing as a bridle horse in the NRCHA major events by Jon Roeser, including the bridle spectaculars and the World’s Greatest T Horseman, this stallion’s unique coloring, serious talent,

16 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE and willing disposition make him a standout in the arena, while also ensuring he offers the total package as a sire. And the proof is already on the ground: his oldest foals turned three years old in 2014 and include a lovely homozy- gous blue roan mare, Blue By The Judge, who is in training with Redtail’s resident trainer, Jeremy Meador. Next up is the gifted Moms Stilish Cat, a gorgeous and supremely athletic chestnut Cutting stallion with a lifetime earnings of over $215,000 (including major championships and top ten finishes). “It is incredible to watch him work a cow,” says Loren of their prized REDTAIL RANCH PERFOMANCE chestnut stud who, in conjunction with HORSES BREEDS TO WIN Judge Boon, is a cor- nerstone of Redtail’s enviable performance horse breeding program. The Redtail team is anxiously awaiting Moms Stilish Cat’s first round of foals due in 2015. Other sires bred to Redtail mares for 2015 foals include Blue One Time, I’m Counting Checks, Nabisco Roan, and Once A Von A Time. Of course, no program is complete without a premium selection of mares, and Redtail Ranch has them in spades, including daughters of High Brow Cat, Smart Chic Olena, TR Dual Rey, Smart Mate, Dual Jazz, Rey Dual, There Comes A Time, and Nitro Dual Doc daughter, Pink Nitro Glycer- ine, who has been awarded the Supreme Reined Cow Horse Award by the NRCHA. So if you’re in the market for a Cutting, Reining or Cow Horse with the pedigree to take you both to newfound heights, then Redtail Ranch Performance Horses has a must-see roster of weanlings, yearlings, and young horses currently available. .

For more information, visit redtailranch-performancehorses.com or the Redtail Ranch Performance Horses Facebook page.

17 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE H, By Dalia Griffith O Photography by Tracey Bish BREEDING FOALS FOR PERFORMANCE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS BABY!

18 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE if possible, their respective offspring. “Hopefully both the sire and the dam either have personal earnings or have produce earnings, meaning that the offspring are already old enough to perform,” says Loren. “Also, it’s im- portant to know if the sire has been able to produce offspring that really have the same kind of talent and body confirmation that he has. You know, if you can find a stallion like that, you’re half way there.” But don’t forget Mama! She’s ev- ery bit as important and brings her own set of attributes to the table. And determining the right dam for your foal follows the same set of rules explains Loren Macey, who along as finding the best possible stallion. with her husband, James Baker, owns Explains Loren, “On the broodmare ll foals are pre- Redtail Ranch Performance Horses in side, has her dam performed and pro- cious, of that Star. The two purchased their ranch in duced? And has the particular mare there is no 2009 and set out to make their mark that you’re breeding performed and doubt. But when in the Quarter Horse industry by pro- earned money?” An even better in- A you’re breeding ducing exceptional foals with limitless dicator is whether or not the mare performance horses, there’s a very potential in the highly competitive you’re hoping to breed already has specific formula involved that elevates performance horse market. offspring old enough to compete and equine reproduction to an undisput- So how do budding breeders rake in earnings of their own, thus ed artform. “One of the components know if they even have the right ge- proving in the flesh her merit as a of breeding a performance horse is netics at their disposal? Name recog- dam. “That’s the kind of quality peo- making sure that you have the right nition is key, as are the accomplish- ple are looking for,” Loren points out. genetics and the right bloodlines,” ments of both the sire and dam, and All of that is important, of course,

19 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE That isn’t to say there aren’t signs here and “there indicating a foal’s potential for performance.

20 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE You do not ride them as hard or as long at two, and you give them some time for their bones to mature. But they’re certainly started in training so that they can get the mental matu- rity to understand the cow, and start working it out as far as patterns.” Finally, no matter what direc- tion your foal is headed, whether it be performance riding or recreational fun, it’s critical to start gently work- ing with him right away so he’s used to being handled. “We start handling from the first day,” says Loren. “If we have to administer medicine or some- thing, they need to be able to stand still.” They also need to start getting used to work, respecting their Sometimes as yearlings, they’re still high in the hind end and gangly. but the true test starts when the foal potential for performance. “Some- handlers’ personal space, loading and is born and begins to develop. How- times“ you’ll just see them do some- riding in the trailer, and becoming ever, much like people, even the most thing out in the pasture or coming in, comfortable with having their feet talented youngsters of the bunch go like running down and doing a sliding picked up, so they develop solid be- through an awkward phase. “There stop, and you think, wow! That little havioral habits early on, ensuring an are times in their life when they’re baby can stop,” says Loren. “Or you’re easier life for both the horse and who- not very good looking,” Loren laughs. trying to catch them and they’re mak- ever handles him down the line and “Sometimes as yearlings, they’re still ing such fast moves that you know throughout his life. high in the hind end and gangly.” In- they’ll be quick on a cow. If they can Breeders all around the world terestingly enough, however, many show those quick moves, that shows have been perfecting the art of pro- times, that gangly phase is when per- that ability.” ducing outstanding foals since, well, formance prospects are sold. “That’s And then there’s training. Even forever, and proof of their successes is often when these horse are auctioned though Quarter Horses don’t reach evident in every breed and every disci- off,” Loren explains. “But sometimes full maturity until five or six years of pline. From Olympic mounts to horses it’s the hardest time to figure out their age, they’re capable of working under used purely for recreational purposes, abilities because they are right in the saddle much earlier (provided they’re a solid pedigree, quality training, and middle of that period where they may trained accordingly). “People are good manners learned early on can not be completely balanced.” showing them in the three-year-old make all the difference. . That isn’t to say there aren’t signs futurities,” Loren points out. “And so here and there indicating a foal’s they’re mature enough to ride at two.

21 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE horses that HEAL SWIFTSURE RANCH CHANGES LIVES THROUGH EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY

22 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE By Dalia Griffith Photography By Tracey Bish

very horse lover horse and have them walk side by side, understands the and see it.” So for someone with par- therapeutic value of simply spend- tial paralysis, riding can help stave off Eing time in the presence of these re- muscle atrophy and even trigger signs markable animals. A sense of calm in of voluntary motion. Cheryl says, an otherwise chaotic life is a virtual “Even if you can’t physically move your certainty. But the people at Swiftsure legs, your body’s still getting some of Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center those same messages from your brain in Bellevue, Idaho, take this phenome- when you’re on the horse. And we’ve non to the next level by harnessing the had people who have actually had vol- healing power of the horse and using untary leg movement.” it to reach disabled people of all ages. Perhaps even more incredible “We provide equine-assisted are the empowering psychological ef- therapies for individuals with disabili- fects of therapeutic riding. “If you’re ties,” explains Swiftsure Ranch Execu- tive Director and lifelong equestrian, Cheryl Bennett. “And we classify dis- Our ability as physical, mental, social, or developmental. Our youngest rider is youngest two and our oldest is 84.” The benefits of therapeutic rid- rider is two ing have been acknowledged for de- cades, but to those looking from the and our outside in, the oldest is 84. hows and whys “ might not be so in a wheelchair and everyone’s always obvious. For ex- physically looking down on you, just ample, a horse’s the impact of being on a horse and natural motion looking down on everyone else is this at the walk per- entire difference that can happen to fectly mirrors somebody,” Cheryl points out. “You that of a hu- can’t make your own body move, but man being. “It’s you can make a 1,200-pound animal actually been move. You can say, ‘Walk, Henry’ and documented,” Henry walks for you.” explains Cher- Cheryl remembers one time yl. “You can put in particular when a female vet- tape on a hu- eran made an especially intense man and put bond with a horse, effectively sum- tape on the ming up Swiftsure’s efforts in one same part of a

23 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE The horses realize very quickly what we don’t. incredible moment. “She was groom- PATH International,” Cheryl explains. And with breeds ranging from ing the horse, and it was so intimate, “And we have a certified instructor in Quarter Horses to Norwegian Fjords you almost didn’t want to watch. Be- each lesson, and then they’re backed in the Swiftsure stable, the instruc- cause she was just so in tune with the up with a team of volunteers.” Each tors and staff take great care to part- horse, and that’s stuff you can’t even rider’s individual needs are accom- ner each rider with the horse best quantify“ when you see it because it’s modated to ensure he or she is able to suited to meet his or her specific dis- just so special,” she recalls. participate, even if it requires multiple ability. “If somebody has very low The programs offered are all people to make it happen. “We had muscle tone, we would put them on a completely cost-free to participants one woman who took up to six peo- horse that’s smooth and takes off very and the instructors are trained spe- ple to have a safe lesson,” says Cheryl. slowly,” explains Cheryl. “But if we cifically to work with disabled riders. “She had an oxygen tank and some- have a child who has ADD, we might “All of our instructors are certified body had to carry it, so it really just put him on a really choppy horse be- therapeutic riding instructors through depends on the rider and their ability.” cause the child’s body inherently, out

24 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE of self-preservation, pays attention to riders are really tight, so having their mental health professional specially that and then his mind opens up to legs hanging down is just too painful. trained to work with a patient using learning.” So the bolster helps their legs go out equine-assisted methods. While that Swiftsure Ranch has also ven- instead of straight down. We basi- may seem unorthodox, it makes per- tured into equipment design to bet- cally just take each rider’s needs into fect sense given a horse’s innate abil- ter help their students. For example, consideration and if we require some- ity to read human emotion. “Horses they’ve had therapeutic made thing, we just have it made.” pick it up,” Cheryl points out. “And with handlebars in place of the tradi- Swiftsure Ranch also offers that’s the whole thing about the psy- tional horn. “Our instructors are very Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) chotherapy. The horses realize very innovative,” says Cheryl. “We’ve had and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy quickly what we don’t.” a bolster made, because some of our (EFP), the latter involving a licensed Switftsure Ranch relies solely on grants, donations, and fundraisers to finance their life-changing work. And if there’s one benefit of that work that everyone involved, from the riders to those watching from the sidelines, ex- periences in full, it’s a renewed spirit. Or as Swiftsure’s mission statement points out, their aim is “for everyone to walk away feeling better than when they came.” And after learning more about their efforts, that goal seems like a sure thing. .

www.swiftsureranch.org Leather, & Lace, Fashioned Old Charm@

By Marri Champié YOU CAN FIND ANYTHING YOU WANT Photography By Tracey Bish AT HAP TALLMAN’S STOCKMAN’S SUPPLY

ou don’t have to be in the market for a beautiful pair of custom-made chaps to visit Hap Tallman’s Stockman’s Supply on Overland Road in Boise, because the store is jammed to the rafters with everything western that you could possibly imagine. If it is chaps you’re looking for, Carol Tallman will create for you a stunning piece of wearable leather art. And the best part? It takes about a month to get a custom order, depend- ing on the time of year, which in the realm of custom-order western-wear is almost unheard of. That’s the only thing unheard of at Hap Tallman’s. Everything else is either on a shelf, hanging from a Yrack, wall or ceiling, available by custom order at the in-store leath- er-bench, or within a computer finger tap or phone call. When I walked into the store, the smell of leather assailed me and my eyes didn’t know where to land. The displays of silver and leather, beadwork and sequins were right out of childhood memo- ries of the stores where I got my boots and shirts each year. This atmosphere is exactly what Carol Tallman aims for. “I just want people to think of us as the little, old-time western

26 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE store they went to as a kid,” she says. “We still do things the old fashioned way.” You might have to look sharp to find the store amongst the cityscape that has grown up around the shop, but as Carol says, “It’s worth the look. You can find stuff here you can’t find anywhere else.” When the shop opened 50 years ago, Overland was a dirt road and customers tied their horses out front. Carol began working there 42 years ago, (two I just want people to think of us as the little, old-time western“ store they went to as a kid... years before she became Hap Tallman’s daughter-in- law), as the leather person in the shop; she’s still at it. The pair of custom chinks on the hanger behind the desk is a testimony to her skill—they are made the old way, -laced so the wearer steps into them instead of zipping them up. Repairs and custom leather items keep her and employee, Shawna Haney, busy. Shawna has worked at Tallman’s 11 years, and Cait- lin Thornton a year and a half. They know their stuff. Caitlin was Miss Rodeo Idaho in 2012, and until she be- came an employee, was among the many regular rodeo and Country Fair customers. “But you don’t have to be a cowboy to come here,” Carol says. “We have something for everyone.” .

Hap Tallman Stockman’s Supply 208-344-787 4410 Overland Rd., Boise, ID

27 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE = Rising & STARS S ALREADYtars MADE, IDAHO'S YOUNG RIDERS MAKE A BIG IMPRESSION

By Dalia Griffith Photography By Tracey Bish f a sport's success can best be measured by the quality of its youth athletes, then equestrian athletics in Idaho are nothing short of exceptional. From cutting to sort- ing cows on an eventing horse (yes, you read that right), these kids are making their presence known in a big way. Here are three shining examples of the integrity and commitment that are essential to the equine world in Idaho and beyond.

SADEE SMITH, 18 I Her father, Greg Smith, earned determination to succeed, especially a spot in the National Cutting Horse when times are tough. Association (NCHA) Hall of Fame, "One bad run isn't necessarily go- but that didn't stop Idaho's Sadee ing to stop you," Sadee points out. "At Smith from making her own im- Nationals, I ended up having a really pressive mark on the cutting world. bad Short Go run, but somehow I was In 2014, she won the National High able to pull out the win. So I always School Rodeo Association Cutting Fi- had to keep up hope that I would nal after a lifetime in the saddle and sneak into the finals even if I had a bad an early start in the show pen. run the first go around." "I've just always grown up with it," says Sadee, who started her first semester at Blinn College in fall 2014 with plans to transfer to Texas A&M. "When I was little, I started riding and then slowly I got to work a horse. My first time to show by myself, I was eight, and then progressively I just got more and more interested." So what advice does a rider with Sadee's experience have for up-and- coming competitors? Don't lose your

Don't lose your determination to succeed...

“ 29 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE ANNIE MILLER, 11 A great example of Idaho's bounty of budding champions, Marsing's An- nie Miller has been riding all her life. These days, though, the 4-H member focuses on reining and working cow, among other disciplines, with her Quarter Horse, Barney. "He's 12-years-old and has lots of energy," says Annie. "So you have to ride him a lot. I call him 'the little boy with a curl in the middle of his fore- head' because when he’s good, he’s ab- solutely amazing. But then when he’s bad, he’s horrible." Most riders can un- doubtedly relate. Annie rides with Matt Livengood and Alayne Blickle of Sweet Pepper Ranch in Nampa, and competes in a variety of events, including showman- ship, western , and bareback equitation. "We usually show locally," explains Annie. "We do the Owyhee County Fair, and then go to an open show every year called the Saddle Tramps, put on by the Saddle Tramps 4-H club." With all of Annie's equestrian areas of interest, not to mention her dedication to hard work, she's sure to have many exciting years ahead of her, in and out of the show ring.

...focuses on reining and working cow, among other disciplines, with her Quarter Horse, Barney. =

30 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE ALI MCCLINTICK, 17 Often times, English and west- ern riders keep to their own areas of interest and avoid venturing over to the "other side." But Boise three-day- eventer, Ali McClintick, has broken down that barrier in a bold and unique way. She and her Off the Track Thor- oughbred (OTTB), Silver Wildcat (or Wiley) are learning to sort cows at 3K Ranch in addition to their regular training. Explains Ali, "Eventers are known for being kind of the rogues of the equestrian world, so I thought cow sorting might be a fun change of pace." Ali, who competes both locally and nationally with the United States Eventing Association (USEA), follows a very regimented training schedule with her coach, Erin Storey of the Boise Pony Club. Cow sorting gives her a chance to explore something new while also helping to build up her eventing skills with Wiley. "I think just getting horses out and exposed to I thought cow sorting something new is really important," Ali points out. "That's something in might be a fun change of pace. eventing that we have to to do for the cross-country element. I think it's about leaving your comfort zone. Taking an OTTB into a herd of cows “ is a little bit intimidating, so you have to trust your horse, trust your riding abilities, and trust your relationship with your horse to go into something totally new and ask him to do a job." people have been divided for so long," Idaho has always been a hotbed So how did Wiley take to sorting she explains. "And it's cool that we're for exceptional horsemanship and cows his first time out? "Well, there finally starting to come together. I've these young riders prove that beyond are a lot of cows and they're making gained a lot of respect for western rid- a doubt. They're hardworking, cool noises and being rambunctious," says ing." Given Ali's obvious enthusiasm under pressure, and willing to explore Ali. "But once you get the horses in for her new equine endeavor, that re- creative ways to better themselves and the pen with the cows, the horses start spect surely goes both ways. the relationship they have with their feeling it out." horses. Now that's a winning combi- . = Above all, Ali stresses how much nation. she enjoys exploring a traditionally- western sport and learning from the experience. "The English and western

31 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE SETTING KIDS UP By Donna Bush FOR SUCCESS Photography By Tracey Bish THE WORKING RANCH HORSE PROJECT HELPS CREATE TOMORROW’S LEADERS

32 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE or many Idaho- ans, cattle ranch- Fing is a way of life. Since the early days of Idaho’s statehood, younger genera- tions have been raised to follow in the muddy booted-footsteps of their par- ents and grandparents, proudly carry- ing on the values and traditions of the cattle ranching culture. But as urban sprawl encroaches and other indus- tries lure youth away from their fam- ily homesteads, the Working Ranch Horse Project seeks to keep that cul- ture thriving. Tass Heim has been a 4-H horse leader for 38 years. She’s “been around the block a time or two,” as she puts it. When she learned about the Working Ranch Horse (WRH) Project in 2004, she couldn’t wait to jump in. And she wasn’t the only one. At the first clinic, held in New Plymouth at the Payette County Fairgrounds, 88 kids showed up. That was a much higher number than she was expecting, but fortunate- ly, she had a lot of help. “From the very first day, we have had adults step up,” she says. “And it continues to happen. So many people are willing to help and put in time. It’s amazing how people can be so giving. And they are savvy. I would pit the quality of our instruc- tors against anyone.” The WRH Project is a part of the Idaho Youth Horse Council and is supervised by University of Idaho Extension. It includes seven monthly clinics, held on Sunday afternoons from October through May, with De- cember off. The clinics incorporate

33 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE courses, horsemanship, safe and low stress cattle handling, education on the beef and horse industries, and roping, as well as sorting and branding work. The three-hour clinics are run in stations, with each group of kids, ages 8 to 18, divided and rotating from one area to the next. The vast major- ity of learning occurs in the saddle, al- though they may do some dry runs on the ground using a roping dummy be- fore working with live animals. Chil- dren are taught how to handle cattle on foot, before the instructors intro- duce the novices to cattle handling a horseback. “Safety is paramount,” Tass em- phasizes. She adds that the clinics are not intended for honing rodeo skills. “This is about low stress cattle handling, with a focus on horseman- ship. We don’t want kids rammin’ and jammin’.” The program is open to youth who are currently enrolled in a 4-H Horse Project, FFA chapter, Youth Breed Association or Riding Organi- zation. It’s a great experience for kids who want to explore ranching but may not have the opportunity to do so otherwise. Although there is a project book to follow, the hands-on experi- ence is invaluable. “We put them in as many real situations as possible, Tass says. “Every kid gets in the cow pen every time. When we do branding in May, every kid gets to put a hot iron on an animal, or on a hide.” Each monthly clinic is a little dif- ferent, but there is always an educa- tion station. These provide practical knowledge about ranch equipment and terminology, branding methods and practices, brand inspections and regulation, cattle diseases, vaccina- tions, breeds, and ranch etiquette, just to name a few topics.

34 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE participants. Tass says, “These kids learn to help each other and become friends, because that’s modeled to them by all of the adults in the program. It’s an unintended consequence, but it’s so ... EVERY KID GETS fun to see it come to fruition.” Anoth- er unintended consequence is the op- TO PUT A HOT IRON ON AN portunity to educate some of the par- ents who don’t have an understanding of ranch life. ANIMAL, OR ON A HIDE. Many of the program’s gradu- ates go on to run ranches or ride for Other stations may include trail cow will be gone. This program gives trainers. It can open up a whole new riding, the“ cow pen, horsemanship, them situational awareness.” The kids world for them that wouldn’t have roping, and anything else the facility are encouraged to ride as much as been available otherwise. Even the will allow. Venues can include ranch- they can, outside of the program, and kids who decide that ranching isn’t es, fairgrounds, feed lots, training fa- take the initiative to practice at home. for them still come away with valuable cilities, and any other area willing to In addition to the clinics, there is life skills, centered on responsibility, accommodate the group. One recent a year-end event, and the possibility respect, and a confidence in their abil- excursion involved trailing a herd of of other cattle working opportunities. ity to try new things. Those skills are cattle from Ola to High Valley. The idea is to prepare both horse and paramount to success, in cattle ranch- Every experience for the young rider for any work they may encoun- ing, and beyond. . riders builds on previous experiences, ter on a ranch, and at brandings. and sets the foundation for further Kids are required to complete at education. Tass says, “These kids learn least five of the seven monthly clin- horsemanship, awareness of the feet, ics before they can qualify for the www.idahohorsecouncil.com how to be soft, how to move a horse year-end event, called The Gather- over. They have to learn skills like rope ing. They may have the opportunity handling in the saddle, because if you to camp with their horses, and it pro- look down to work your rope, your vides a wonderful fellowship for the

35 | IDAHO QUARTER HORSE LIFE