Thanks to my partners at Ranch Roundup….

My most important partner at Ranch Roundup was Chase (Very Smart Cow Pony), who won this great knife in the Ranch Horse Class.

But special thanks to Kim Donlon, Kathy Torres, Larry Bacon, Christian Scanlan, Jennifer Harden, and Tootie Truesdell, all of whom partnered with  me in various events.

Hey Tootie, that was a pretty nice surprise receiving a fat sorting check in the mail!  Thanks!!

I was most excited about the return to the show pen of Rachel Clifford, who piloted Chase to two VERY credible runs.  Rachel has been so busy going to college that she has not been able to show for almost five years.  But she showed us all that she’s still GOT IT.

Thank you, Susan Bancroft and Crew

Here we are, cattle settled and ready to start the cutting on Saturday morning at the Ranch Roundup.  Each year, I find it daunting to deal with the tremendous amount of work required to put on this event.  Each year, I meet old friends and make new ones.  Each year, the show seems to happen with tremendous success.  Each year, just when I think it might be my last on the committee, I find myself talking about “next year.”  No one works harder to see this through than Susan Bancroft.

Thanks to our own Dawn Poston, who got the wonderful prizes.  Thanks to Bryan Jaeger, and his young helpers, who worked tirelessly in the cattle pens.  Brianna Colliard, you make a fabulous announcer.  Our own Malia Aldrich designed a great trail course.  Louie Ray, I don’t really want anyone else judging the sorting. It would be a mess without you. Blake Cadigan, you are the only cattle numbering guy for me.  Judges Bill Sanguinetti and Ramona Koch, you put in long days and did a wonderful job.  The list goes on……..I know I have left out important names……..but you are ALL so important.

Buckle for Jennifer Harden

I really can’t take credit for this win, but this is the only celebratory picture I had of my good friend Jennifer Harden and her trusty Cheater.  Jennifer and Kathy Torres WON the hotly contested Ranchers’ Choice.  So I am just a fill-in for Kathy, here. This photo actually from my GSVRHA show.

And while I’m on the topic, congratulations to my close friend, competitor, and fellow trainer, Kathy Torres, who CLEANED UP in the all-around.  Kathy has it GOING ON on a variety of great horses.  I believe she won the Ranch Riding, Ranch Horse, Ranchers’ Choice, and Reining, and was second in Trail.

 

 

Who ever wins a buckle in their first competition? Christian Scanlan, that’s who!

I was proud to be a partner for this kid, who rode expertly to a Ranchers’ Choice win.

Christian celebrates with Gigi (Dawn Poston).  Good pic, Mom (Samantha Scanlan).

I would like to say something special about the horse in the middle.  At age 27, Jack is still winning buckles.  He has a big piece of my heart, FOREVER.  Master Colonel Chex.

Congrats too, to Dawn, who stepped up to compete with the big boys in Ranch Horse.  She was third (tied with me).  She also placed high in the cutting and Trail.

Outdated pic, but Ranch Roundup Success!

Congrats, Mei Mei and Rico (Witch is it Chic), for finishing THIRD in the huge buckaroo (boxing) class.  Also congrats on tying for sixth out of 40 in the cutting.

Favorite Cutting Run at Ranch Roundup!

 

I certainly was proud of Amy Dore and young Ronni.  They showed such composure in this run, which made them FOURTH OUT OF FORTY!  They also finished fourth in a Trail class of the same size.  Clearly, this four-year-old is becoming truly versatile.

 

Fandango Success!

Clifford Horse Training made a good little showing at Fandango.  Congrats to Dawn Poston for winning the high point prize of the day.  She also won the Ranch Riding and the Cow Horse class.  Congrats to Larry Bacon and team, who won the sorting.

Of course, congrats to Kensley Hennessey for winning her age group all-around and winning the Trail and the Cow Horse.

We are grateful to The Preserve, Chelsea Edsall,  and the entire hard-working Fandango crew for inviting us and putting on such a wonderful event. And we ate like kings and queens!