Milton Clegg … Legendary
In 1942, upon arrival to the Treasure Valley, Milton Clegg began riding horses to pass his free time during off-hours at Gowen Field where he served as a member of the United States Air force. Riding was an activity that he originally did as a form of entertainment. Over time, he not only grew to love riding, but also the fellowship that came with it.
After World War II, Milton chose to live in Boise and continued pursuing his love of riding. He first was involved in calf roping, where he and a fellow student, Dean Oliver, practiced for hours. Realizing he was not the greatest calf roper, Milton hoped to find a different equestrian outlet where he could be more successful but still stay connected to the joy of riding.
He first experienced cutting horses at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds in the late 1940’s. He told his wife at the time that this was something he really wanted to try. After his first ride on a cutting horse, he was hooked, as it was the most exciting thing he had ever done. Over the years it became his greatest pleasure.
In the early 1950’s, he and seven other individuals, formed the Boise Valley Cutting Horse Club. Over the years, he served the club in several different leadership positions, including President. This organization was the first of its kind since cutting horses were so unique during the 1950’s – very few people had experienced riding or even seeing a cutting horse competition.
In the 1960’s, the club continued to grow from the original seven members. Other area clubs also developed, including the Idaho Cutting Horse Association. Milton continued to be a member through the 1980’s, until he was unable to ride because of physical limitations.
During the 1970’s, Milton became a certified judge and worked for the American Cutting Horse Association serving as a judge in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
His love of horses continued to expand beyond cutting, as he became interested in draft horse competitions such as driving and pulling contests. In 1983, the Western Idaho Fair appointed him as the director of Draft Horse Competitions.
In 1985 Milton was appointed the first Director of all live stock exhibits for the Western Idaho Fair and served in that position from 1985 to 1993.
Milton’s great love of horses has brought him immense pleasure throughout his adult years, including his closest friends and a lifetime of happiness.