By the time you read this, the NCHA Western National Championships will be complete in Reno, Nevada.  Congratulations to everyone that competed there, especially those of you who “Rode for Idaho”!

Our 3rd Annual ICHA Spring Aged Event & Weekend Show last month was a huge success, and we would like to say Thank You to all of those who supported it.  Our sincere appreciation to our wonderful show staff that worked so diligently to put on a great show— Sue & Vic Marostica, Corey Fagen, John & Lennie Uhrig, Dru Stewart, Kathryn Webb, Kim Whimpey, Betty & John MacPherson, Stephanie Gornichec, Allison Smith, Terry Malarkey, Hitchiker Productions and Dan Wold Photography.  A special thank you to our judges-  Tom Long, Nate Miller and Todd Williamson.  As always, the Idaho Horse Park staff (Rod, Gary, Pat, Sally, Marty and their crew) did a wonderful job for us at their great facility!

We have lots of ICHA-approved shows coming up in the next few months.  The first few of these will be May 26 & 27 (BoiseValleyCHA Weekend Show in Caldwell, Idaho), followed by June 1 – 3 (Area 4 NCHA Weekend hosted by MontanaCHA in Dillon, Montana) and July 13 – 15 (NRC&CHA Weekend Show in Winnemucca, Nevada).  Please check the 2012 Idaho Champion Series Show Schedule in this issue of Horse Sports & on our website www.IdahoCHA.com for more details.

We will once again this year be supporting our youth cutters by raffling a pair of Dave Hack custom chaps (valued at $1,500.00).  100% of the proceeds from this raffle benefits the ICHA/UCHA Youth Scholarship Program.  Tickets are $20.00 each, 5 for $60.00 or 10 for $100.00.  The drawing will be held during the September 2012 ICHA Futurity & Aged Event in Nampa, Idaho (need not be present to win).    Thank You to Dave Hack for his support of our youth cutters, and the ICHA!   *Contact Dave Hack, Sue Marostica or Darcy Skaar to purchase tickets*

Last but not least…  Be sure to mark your calendars for the $103,000 Added ICHA Futurity & Aged Event which will be held August 29th – September 7th at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho.  We will have a three-year old priority fresh cattle practice on Tuesday, August 28th.  We are very excited to once again be hosting a $50,000 Added Open & Non-Pro Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting presented by 3K Ranch during our show on September 1st & 2nd!

Good Luck to each of you and I look forward to seeing each of you down the road soon.
Ray Goffin
ICHA President

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Kassa Hartley, President of Middleton Chamber of Commerce realizes the importance of “Unity within the Community”. Middleton is very rural, and many of the people living there own livestock or horses. For Kassa it felt natural that the Chamber would become involved with the cutting horse events. “It was something of a natural union.” Kassa said. “I knew that so many people in this area would have an affinity. I wanted to reach out to this part of our community.” The response was very successful, and the businesses that joined the chamber during the ICHA Spring Aged and Weekend Show, had a great time promoting the booth and their businesses. Kassa continued “Our future goal in economic development is to bring in more businesses; although challenging because of the rural aspects. I speak for the chamber and want to see everyone working together. Once I did this event, I realized the impact that the equine industry has on our community. I think it is very important to reach out to these events, and for them to know that the city and chambers support them and want them to grow.” Kassa also shared a bit of insight, that perhaps Middleton will see it’s very own outside arena in the future; possible plans for their very own horse park is being discussed. This will be another opportunity for the equine industry to bring families and community together.
On three separate evenings, three High Point Winners were treated to delicious dinners after a long day of cutting. Brian Anderson, won high point on Cat Suep, owned by Frank and Belinda Vandersloot. On the second evening Greg Smith was high point winner on Catsmas owned by Roberta Thompson, and Kenny Pugh won on Cats Chilly Chilly owned by Michele Havens. These superstars were taken out into the community with friends, sometimes by limousine, to enjoy a wonderful evening hosted by TGI Friday’s in Nampa, Darby’s Bar and Grill, located in downtown Nampa, and The Cornerstone Bistro in Middleton, Idaho. Kassa Hartley graciously greeted us at the door of the The Cornerstone Bistro. This little gem is quickly becoming the hidden treasure within the quaint town of Middleton, for this style of cuisine. A beautiful sunset became the back drop for this wonderful evening that left us all talking about the flavors of everything that touched our lips. Chef Ben Thorpe and his staff were gracious hosts, and created cuisines for a king or queen; for this particular evening it would be Kenny and Kay Lynn Pugh. Kassa said, “I was blown away at how many people came out to join us for dinner. I was raised to welcome people, and I wanted them to feel at home when they came to Middleton.” I think she accomplished that in spades.
It was great to see the community come out to the Idaho Horse Park and join us for so many days. It was also amazing to watch these incredible athletes and horses do what they came to do, and naturally do well. Trainers like Greg Smith, Brian Anderson, Kenny Pugh, Scott Martin and many more were amazing to watch, as were their athletic equine friends that accompanied them. These combinations put on presentations that seemed to keep community spectators in their seats waiting for more. I believe that these contestants were thrilled to see so many interested in the sport. Trainers, like Scott Martin, give all they can to this sport, and when others take a real interest it graces their efforts.
Scott has been riding cutting horses for over 30 years. He has been blessed in the industry, and shares some of his thoughts. “I had mentors like Bill Freeman, Shorty Freeman and Terry Riddle” Scott remembers as he continued, “They gave me an opportunity to be “in the family” and I was able to learn so much from their different styles and aspects of teaching. They each had their own way of doing things.” These lessons would grace Scott Martin’s way into a $3 – $6 million dollar industry, and as he admits that money motivates him, it has become so much more in life lessons, commitment, camaraderie, and humble pride. Lessons, that Scott now finds himself mentoring to others.
Currently located at Figge Farms, in beautiful Bellevue, Idaho, Scott will work with 30 to 40 horses at any given time. Scott has the innate ability to read each horse and find their individuality. “Every horse is at a different level; you can’t just group them together and think they are all the same because they’re not.” Scott said. His goal is to make these horses the best they could be and he does it effectively every day. One of these amazing horses is Lil Miss Pepto Smoothie, owned by Gina MacDonald. Lil Miss Pepto Smoothie is affectionately known as Sophia.
Scott is able to continue imparting and doing what he loves best, these days a little easier; with the help of someone he says he can count on. “His name is Dean Autry and he is 21 years old. I told him, I really need to start fast tracking you here.” Scott said. But Dean didn’t mind and spent all the time Scott needed him to spend to learn. It had to be done, as Scott was getting ready to have his appendix taken out and he knew it would lay him up for awhile. “Most kids these days, I have found, have no work ethic… this kid has a huge work ethic.” Dean was raised around cattle, and during Scott’s recovery he started stepping up and learning a lot. Scott said with gratitude, “He had to work everything… I was really proud of him. Most kids don’t have it in them.” He said, “When you work this never ending job…first you have to love it! Trying to get others to achieve the level of excellence that I want, and that they should want for themselves, doesn’t just come around every day.” Reflecting, “Most of the people that come with me stay with me for a number of years. There are some that really want to learn something, and I really want to teach what I have been blessed with.”
Scott and his old partner Tommy Dvorack, years ago, developed detailed articulated methods of teaching based upon what they learned from each other’s differences and it works. Scott still uses those unique methods today to continue providing all he has to help preserve the longevity of the cutting industry. An industry, that has brought Scott Martin, along with many others, incredible personal moments of joy and accomplishment.
When I asked Scott his most memorable moment he passionately said “My greatest moment in cutting was winning the Pacific Coast Futurity on Shorty Lenas Notice, in 1999.” “Tell me, what did that feel like?” I asked. Scott answered, “In 2007 I was inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame for winning over a million in NCHA money. It was a release, which I had accomplished, that I had worked so hard to obtain. But the win in ’99 reminded me of this. Every time I win a big Aged event I feel like, “OH” I finally did what I have been working towards, I’ve met my goal…” Scott continues, “It’s important to me to be as consistent as I possibly can, so there is always a goal to reach… it goes on and on.”
Sounds like a passion that never ends to me; and another reminder of the importance in keeping our western heritage, the art of all horse sports, alive and prospering. It will take all of us as a community to help ensure longevity of the equine industry. That is why Gold Buckle Champion is so passionate about keeping the community involved in cutting and all of these events! If we want to continue to pass on throughout generations all that we have learned then we must stay united. Whether we realize it or not, many play in the dynamics, even if you have never owned an equine friend. Think about it. Let’s take a minute to look at a few sponsors, local business owners, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc. Without the travel to these shows impact to the community could be unhealthy. But with continued support and care for the surety of this industry the impact is diversified and robust. Remember to say thank you to those who support our industry, and remember to invite everyone to become a part of something that will only bring positive influence into all of our environments.
www.FiggeFarms.com scottmartincuttinghorses@hotmail.com
The next Gold Buckle Champion Community Event is scheduled for Las Vegas, Nevada May 25th -27th at the Las Vegas Horse Expo. Special Room Rates at Sams Town are available. Call toll free 877-593-5993 Group code LVHEX12

Congratulations Nampa Fire Department
The Nampa Fire Department, with the help of the ICHA and Thomas Cuisine Management at the Idaho Horse Park, raised $9,400 for the Burn Out and Rescue Fund.
Special thanks to, Bryon Orr, Miss Rodeo Idaho, Caitlyn Thornton, Miss Rodeo Caldwell, Alexis Bennett, BSU Rodeo Team, Chelsi Horton, and all the queens for making this a fun event for the entire family.

Address:
155 E. Riverside Drive
Eagle, ID

Bardenay donates a portion of the proceeds each third Monday night of the month to a local charity. This Monday they are donating to Gold Buckle Champion. Grab all your friends and come on down for a great time and support a great charity.

A Big Thanks to our Board of Directors donating time and money to make this happen.

Special thanks to Scott Martin and Dean Autry of Martin Cutting Horses for donating their time to help everyone out.  Scott is a NCHA Hall of Fame million dollar earner.  Contact him at the Figge Farms barn if you would like some help getting started in cutting.  541-848-7679

Special thanks to our newest board members, Rob Schutte and President, Ray Goffin for their efforts in initiating this clinic.  Rob was able to get the arena donated from Silver Tree Arena, and the cattle at a reduced fee from South Hill Feedlot.  Rob also donated the hamburgers and buns for the fabulous lunch, prepared by the Twin Falls 4H group the Lads & Lassies.  Proceeds from the lunch benefited their 4H program.

Special thanks to our State Director, Show Manager, and President Elect, Denise Shewmaker for her efforts in keeping the sport of Cutting growing.

Meet some of the great representatives of Idaho and Horse Sports.

Chelsi Horton
BSU Rodeo Team
Chelsi Hortin is a a student at Boise State University Majoring in Social Sciences with a Minor in Public Relations. She is the Vice President of the Boise State Rodeo Club as well as trying to create an awareness of the affiliation that the rodeo club shares with the football team.
Chelsi enjoys competing in local rodeos and barrel races as well as supporting the Boise State Rodeo Club in efforts to promote Boise State through the NIRA. She spends a lot of her spare time on horseback, training horses and teaching younger riders how to improve their skills. She is also a HUGE Boise State Football fan, and having this opportunity to represent them on her horse is a dream come true!
Chelsi has always taken the time to help all organizations expose children to the positive attributes of horse sports and the western way of life.

Miss Rodeo Idaho
Caitlin Thornton
Caitlin’s enthusiasm for the sport of rodeo and the state of Idaho played an integral part in earning her the title of Miss Rodeo Idaho 2012. On July 20th, 2011, at the 96th annual Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, Caitlin became the 57th Miss Rodeo Idaho.
Caitlin is the 23-year-old daughter of Dan and Pat Thornton of Meridian, Idaho. She is a Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho native who moved to Twin Falls in 2005. As a part of the Twin Falls High School Rodeo team she competed in Barrel Racing, Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, and Pole Bending. Later she joined the College of Southern Idaho Equestrian team and earned the honor of competing in the English and Western Semi-Finals in 2008 and 2009. Caitlin has also been an active member of the American Quarter Horse Association competing in Reining and Working Cowhorse.
Promoting the sport of rodeo across the state and nation is an exciting prospect for Caitlin; she wants to bring her love of rodeo to others who may not have had a chance to attend one. Working alongside the Snake River Stampede Board affords her the opportunity to reach out to many individuals. As Miss Rodeo Idaho and her partnership with Stampede for the Cure, she helps to make a difference in others lives by promoting breast cancer awareness and the availability of screening programs. You can follow Caitlin’s progress on her Facebook page as well and the Miss Rodeo Idaho website, missrodeoidaho.com.

Miss Rodeo Caldwell
Alexis Bennett
The 2012 Caldwell Night Rodeo Queen, Alexis Bennett of Middleton, Idaho is 21-years-old and attends College of Idaho. The English Literature major with minors in Political Economy and Criminal Justice will graduate in May 2013. Bennett plans to attend Law School and work in the area of Child Advocacy. She currently interns with Borton-Lakey Law in Meridian, tutors students at C of I in the Academic Support Center, and works at Mercado Coffeehouse in Meridian.
Alexis began riding at six years of age. Her early years were spent in Ada County 4-H where she competed in English and Western events. At age nine she fell in love with the sport of rodeo and held her first title as the Elmore County Princess. Alexis has held titles with Jerome County and Hailey Days of the Old West as well as winning overall high point saddles. As a member of the Snake River Reining Alliance and the NRHA she competes as a non-pro in reining events. Alexis found that her primary reining horse enjoys rodeo too and she will begin competing with Chexy in barrel racing at IGRA rodeos this summer.
Since being crowned as the Caldwell Night Rodeo Queen, Alexis has traveled throughout the Northwest in preparation for competition at the Miss Rodeo Idaho Pageant in July. Alexis wishes to express appreciation to all of the many supporters who have helped her in her journey; she is greatly looking forward to the adventures ahead. She would like to extend special thanks to the many sponsors of the Caldwell Night Rodeo and Pageant and the fantastic CNR Board. Thank you to Interstate Batteries for your individual sponsorship as I prepare to compete at Miss Rodeo Idaho.

Any young woman of Idaho, holding a title is welcome to come and represent your event.  Come join in the FUN!

Lecture at the Idaho Horse Park:
On Saturday March 24th we will be discussing conditions such as EHV-1 and 4 (herpes/rhino) and how they have impacted the horse industry.
Prevention, diagnostics and treatment along with biosecurity precautions the average horse owner can use to protect their animals.
Other wellness topics including vaccinations and deworming.

Health care:
After the lecture we will be offering vaccinations and coggins (testing for Equine Infectious Anemia) at a discounted rate. We will be avoiding the cost of farm calls or office visits by completing these procedures at the horse park on this day.

Cost of procedures:

• Coggins: $35.00
• Health Certificate: $25.00
• 5-way vaccination (Eastern, Western, Tetanus, Flu and Rhino): $28.50
• West Nile: $25.50
• Other minor procedures will be available pending time.

Dr. Woodington was born and raised in the Treasure Valley.  He attended Meridian High School and was active in the Meridian FFA Chapter.  He was the Idaho FFA State Vice President in 2003-2004 while he studied Animal Science at the University of Idaho.  He graduated with his DVM Degree from Oklahoma State University in 2009.  In 2009 and 2010 he completed an Equine Medicine and Surgery Internship at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This led him back to Idaho to start Woodington Veterinary, where he purchased Lakeside Veterinary from the living legend, Dr. Charles Lange. It is now Woodington Veterinary in Eagle and serves Eagle and the greater Treasure Valley area.  A large portion of his business is equine, however he also works on dogs, cats, and a small number of cattle.  Most of his large animal clients are based on a farm call system.  He also cares for a large percentage of the race horses at Les Bois Park in Boise.  They are a developing practice that is attempting to get up to date with the newest technology. Their most recent development is purchasing a digital radiograph (x-ray) machine that is 100% portable and can take radiographs on the farm and have instant results on the farm.

In his spare time (which is rare) Dr. Woodington is an avid college football fan, enjoys golfing and riding horses.  Dr. Woodington loves to be in the mountains either on horseback or camping.

Visit www.woodingtonvet.com

The weekend show season is in full swing, and I hope that it finds each of you well.  I encourage you to head to South Jordan, Utah for the ICHA-approved weekend show produced by UCHA on March 2 & 3.

ICHA is very excited about our 3^rd Annual ICHA Spring Aged Event, which will be held March 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho.  We will again be having three separate Aged Event shows like we did last year- one each day- with $6,000 Added in Each Show ($2,000 each in 5/6 Open & Derby Open, and $1,000 each in 5/6 Non-Pro & Derby Non-Pro)!  We hope to see many of you there to join us for a great cutting.

In conjunction with the Spring Aged Event, we will be having our ICHA Spring Weekend Show on Friday & Saturday, March 23^rd and 24^th.  It will be 2 shows over 2 days with $2,500 Added in each show.  We will also be having Youth Scholarship Cuttings both days.  The weekend show has been approved by NCHA, BoiseValleyCHA, MontanaCHA and UtahCHA and we are very appreciative of their support!

Safe travels to each of you and I hope to see you in Nampa.

Ray Goffin
ICHA President