As the spring show season nears, I greet it with a great sense of optimism tempered only by memories of last year’s devastating outbreak of EHV-1 at the Ogden cutting show that caused so much disruption of horse events as well at the loss of some phenomenal equine athletes. While enduring that outbreak I found myself hoping that some good would come out of it–that it would raise awareness in general of the risk of infectious disease that exists any time that you mix horses in a stressful situation. I hoped that people learned that common sense and some basic biosecurity are the best defenses against having another serious outbreak. Infectious disease will always exist in the equine population, and EHV-1 is not the only foe that we need to be cautious of–Influenza, strangles (Strep. equi), and EVA can have huge economic ramifications even if they do not have the high mortality experienced with the EHV-1 outbreak last year. EHV-1 is not gone–there are still clusters of cases being reported in California and elsewhere. Once a horse becomes infected with the virus they carry it for life and can start to shed it again when they become stressed—so we need to continue to remain vigilant.
Basic show biosecurity is the first step in keeping yourself safe when you travel:
• Bring your own water buckets and feed bags.
• When you fill your buckets do not dip the hose in the water.
• Do not tie your horse where it will have nose-to-nose contact with other horses.
• Do not pet another horse and then your horse without washing your hands.
• Sharing tack is an easy way to spread disease-both respiratory disease and skin disease.
• If a horse becomes sick-isolate it from the other horses at the show as quickly as possible. Feed and care for this horse after you have attended to your other animals. Wearing gloves or washing your hands carefully after handling the horse is a MINIMAL precaution–wearing a barrier gown or separate clothes when working with this horse is preferable. Use separate equipment to clean the stall or disinfect the equipment after cleaning the sick horses stall. Do not use water buckets or tack from the sick horse for any other horses without cleaning and disinfecting them.
• When possible use stalls with good ventilation that are set away from areas of high horse traffic.

The second step to preventing disease transmission is dependent on the responsible actions of all the horse owners at the show: DO NOT show your horse if they are sick. The economic ramifications of missing a show pale in comparison to the lost revenue and loss of animal life that occurred last year. It is up to all of us to be responsible stewards of our animals and in turn the horse industry. Signs that your horse is not feeling well are variable but it is good idea to have your horse evaluated by a veterinarian if:
• Your horse has a fever (over 101.5 degrees F).
• Your horse has any nasal discharge-particularly if it is thick or discolored.
• Your horse has a cough.
• Your horse has diarrhea.
• Your horse has any swollen lymph nodes-usually under their jaw.
• Your horse is more lethargic than normal.
• Your horse is not eating normally.
• Your horse is not urinating normally-either not urinating or dribbling urine.
• Your horse is uncoordinated in any way.
I believe that the events in Ogden were a wake-up call to horse owners everywhere. I do believe that the shows must go on and we should not live in terror-but that we should move on a little wiser and more vigilant, for if we do that the horses we lost will not have died in vain.

Dr. Robin Knight, DVM, husband Dr. Peter Knox DVM, and son Caleb

Our ICHA Year-End Awards Banquet in Ketchum was a really great event, and I would like to thank each of you who came and enjoyed the evening with us.  A big thank you goes out from the ICHA to Jim and Sandy Figge for hosting it for us, and a very special thanks to Sandy Figge & Darcy Skaar for all of their hard work in putting together the event.  Thanks also to Darcy Skaar & Sue Marostica for doing a great job on all of the fantastic awards that we presented.

I think we are all looking forward to spring and getting our horses ready to show.

The first ICHA-approved show of the 2012 season will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 16-19, 2012.  This show approved by NCHA, AZCHA, ICHA, PCCHA & UCHA.  The ICHA Board of Directors have also approved the Utah CHA cutting in South Jordan, Utah on March 2 & 3.  The ICHA Spring Aged Event and Weekend Cutting will be held March 20-24 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho.  There will be an ICHA Youth Scholarship Cutting during the weekend show on March 23 & 24.  Look for more details about all of the 2012 ICHA-approved shows in this issue of Horse Sports, and on our website at www.idahocha.com.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming shows.

Ray Goffin
ICHA President

I would like to introduce myself—I am Ray Goffin and I am the new President of the Idaho Cutting Horse Association for 2012 & 2013.  I am originally from Utah; but moved to southern Idaho thirty years ago.  I have been a general contractor for thirty years.  I have been on the board of directors for many civic organizations through the years and was just recently the president of the Grass Root Cutters. I look forward to working with the ICHA.  I have enjoyed working with horses for many years, including several years of 4-H with my daughters. Cutting has been something that both of my daughters and I have enjoyed doing together.  My other hobbies include tournament bass fishing and upland bird hunting.  I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the members of the ICHA better.

During ICHA’s September show, I spent quite a bit of time talking with our visitors, including Phil Rapp, Austin Shepard, Gary Gonsalves and others who were participating in the Mercuria NCHA World Series of Cutting circuit.  Of all of the shows that these great riders participated in, they remarked about the excellence of the cattle, the show production and the friendliness of our people.  The job that Preston, Darcy, Sue and the entire ICHA board has done to move Idaho into the forefront of the cutting horse industry has been amazing.  The Idaho trainers and riders are respected throughout the entire industry.

I hope to see many of you at our Annual ICHA General Membership Meeting & ICHA Year-End Awards Party, will be held on Saturday, January 7^th, 2012 in beautiful Ketchum, Idaho at Jim & Sandy Figge’s Party Barn.  A big THANK YOU to Jim & Sandy Figge for their gracious hospitality of once again hosting this event for the ICHA members!

*All ICHA members (12 years and older) are invited to attend*

5:30pm   General Membership Meeting

6pm   Hosted Beer/Wine Social, followed by Dinner at 6:30pm

* Awards will be presented at 7:30pm *

Live DJ & Dancing until Midnight

There will be DOOR PRIZES (including an entry to Western Nationals!) given away throughout the evening.  Please plan to come and join us as we kick off the 2012 year!

Please mark your calendars for the first ICHA-approved show of the 2012 season, which will be held by Las Vegas Cutting Horse Association at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 16-19, 2012.  This show is also approved by NCHA, AZCHA, PCCHA & UCHA.

Looking forward to a great year,
Ray Goffin

Women are diverse in many applications of life.   I believe that when we are in alignment with who we are, we will choose the things in life that we love.  We will be able to find pride in what we accomplish, because it is within direct association of that which defines us.  Careers are then joyful, hobbies bring about satisfaction, and life is peaceful and strengthened with love.  By choosing what we love, we are able to stay within the moment, and the outcomes become that which we cannot measure, for they are matters that fill space within the heart.  Gifted with the ability to love without condition, teach as we speak, listen without bias, lead with purpose, and encourage despite our own struggles.  I am continually honored to meet these women throughout this incredible journey.

Bonnie Martin, of Las Vegas, Nevada is one of these amazing women.  A feeling of peacefulness overcomes me upon arriving at her serene, exquisite, and breathtaking ranch. Immediately greeted by equine friends grazing nearby, I am drawn to a sign warning me to drive slowly, due to deaf dogs and children playing, which immediately brings me into present time, aware I have stepped into a life,  although the scenery depicts a Norman Rockwell painting.

Bonnie’s story didn’t begin here, although she has lived the better part of her life building this ranch, along side of her husband of 43 years, Frank Martin, and raising her two boys Guy and Jerrod.  Bonnie’s passion for horses and God’s vision for her life is what her heart followed.  Bonnie said, “God gives you the vision, there are so many people to touch out there, and this is such a spirit filled sport, until God gives me a passion for something else this is where I need to be.”   Bonnie remembers the very first time she started loving horses, and it never let up.  Bonnie said, “I didn’t have a horse when I was young, my parents couldn’t afford it, and so I would clean corrals just so I could ride horses.”   Her parents did all they could to get her interested in “ANYTHING” else.  When she first began riding a horse, her mother, Doris Bryan, was pretty serious when she said, “Don’t ask to join any clubs…”  Bonnie remembers this with a heart filled smile. “My mom said she thought I was born in the wrong era.  They even tried to buy me a dog, if I would just stop wanting a horse.”  Chuckling, Bonnie told me “I agreed, I was a young girl and thought, alright I will get Rin Tin Tin!”  However, Christmas morning came and a tiny basket in the corner of the tree held a little fluff of a Pomeranian.  Not quite what Bonnie had in mind.  So back to her true passion went her heart.   Bonnie found out later that horses are in her genes and decided…don’t fight it.   Her grandfather, Elijah Broadhead, broke horses for the army back in the late 1800’s.  While we shared a moment of her grandfathers old photos hanging proudly in the hall; she said, “This was a time when soldiers rode horses and the world traveled in covered wagons.”  We realized that although it was some time ago, it wasn’t that distant after all. Reminding us of the important jobs these amazing horses had carrying our soldiers, and how we depended on their steadiness and honesty.

After continually begging, at 14 Bonnie was gifted with her first horse named Dotty.  Her dad was a painter and he was painting a school in Alamo, Nevada.   Every time he headed home there was this little Paint Mustang in a pasture of a house he passed by.  One day he stopped in and said, “I notice you have a horse, would you like to sell it?” The owner wanted $75.  Her dad said, “I don’t have an extra $75 but I do have some paint left over…  I’ll paint your house for the horse.’    Bonnie now had her horse, and her first bareback pad was an old toilet seat cover.  She entered gymkhana events and taught Dotty tricks.  A couple years later when Bonnie was 16 her dad sat her down again!  “This time my dad said, “if you sell your horse I will buy you a car”.  He even gave her a choice of the newest Ford Mustang, or Ford Falcon.” Bonnie laughed “I didn’t want to give up my horse, but my dad said sleep on it.”  Well, we can all figure out that there was no need to sleep on it.  Bonnie was keeping her horse.  “So I would clean the pool, mow the lawns, clean my two older brothers rooms earning an allowance to keep my horse. “  She said.
The horse world continued from there for Bonnie.  She got great at running barrels and met and began dating Frank Martin, her husband, through a 4H group they were both involved in.  “We would have found each other eventually, but it happened through the horses.  This is something we always have had in common.” Bonnie stated affectionately.  They were married right out of high school.   .

Frank found a love for Cutting and Bonnie went into Rodeo.  But, this arrangement kept them apart much too long.  So Bonnie decided to try Cutting.  And first time out, she thought “I can do this!”  Although, she didn’t quite realize the commitment it was going to take to excel at this sport, she knew it was the right choice because it meant they could do it together.  “There is a lot more to this than meets the eye. “  Bonnie said.  “We started cutting without a trainer, and found out quickly that it was more than just getting out there in the herd…  They have been training since the mid 70’s with trainers like Troy Davis, Scott Weis, and currently with Phil Hansen.   Bonnie said “We found out many things along the way; it costs as much to feed a mediocre horse… as it does, to feed a show horse.   We learned to practice on a “Practice Horse” and show on your “Show Horse”.  “
A great trainer can see the big picture.  Bonnie said that Scott Weis was a great coach.  He could coach you during your run quickly, because he was so talented that he could read your moves, while knowing what the cow was doing; he could see the big picture with the ability to coach you through it.   Phil Hansen is great because he knows our weaknesses, and he watches. “You have to remain coachable.” said Bonnie.

All of that training has paid off, as Bonnie was inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame in 2010.  Frank and Bonnie were also inducted into the PCHA Hall of Fame that same year.  “This isn’t something you go into expecting this outcome.  I feel blessed for this honor and even more blessed to have made a second family.”  Bonnie says you create special bonds with the people you spend time with in this industry.  “You cry when they cry, you laugh when they laugh, you genuinely care.”  She remembers, while being inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame, she was so excited to introduce her children and their families to her second family of Cutters.   Unlike historical days, when these families would only get together during ranch sorting, with current technology everyone gets to stay in touch all year long.

Bonnie loves this sport because she can travel with her husband.  She loves the even playing field, and the individuality.  “I am completely in the moment, trying to master the sport.   When I go to the herd,  I cut the cow I want  and then  I just want to beat the cow…” she continued “ It’s not about winning or doing better than someone else.  If I do my job then the scores take care of themselves.  The last thing on your mind shouldn’t be your score, when you go into that herd.   It should be your run. “
Bonnie followed God’s plan and realized her dream.  She raised her boys on her now 17 acre ranch.  All of which comes together through dedication and hard work on everyone’s part.  Her boys would go to school, 25 plus miles away, and then come home to do chores and cut.  Her youngest, Jerrod, was in high school rodeo, and made state and national finals two years in a row.   Bonnie’s daily routine is to tend to 30 to 90 head of cattle and work the two year olds.  Then in the middle of the day, maybe she has to switch hats and get ready to be by her husband’s side for an important business dinner.  So she dusts her boots off, and gets ready.   Her biggest high, is to watch new life come in during foaling season.  Bonnie said “There is nothing better than to watch these babies born.  This is my dream, when these babies look up at you and take that first breath of air.  This is coolness.” The rewards are endless with now with two daughters-in-law, Trish and Sara, and five grandchildren.  The kids come out to play on the ranch.  She is proud of each of them and their passions.  Makena, a softball star; Garrett, the Karate champ, Travis loves roller hockey, and Ryann is very active in the school band.  Olivia, may hold those Broadhead genes true as she is grandma’s little cow girl.  She is over the top with compassion for animals and a natural around the ranch.

Frank and Bonnie are very active with Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, Nevada.  “My Uncle Lavelle had some challenges in life, and around the time Frank started his own business, my Uncle would come in and fly his paycheck proudly.  It might have been very small, but the sense of pride was huge.  Someone counted on him and it gave him purpose, he felt needed.  This has always made such an impression on Frank.  This began the zeal for this charity.  The Martin’s were very instrumental in getting the new campus built in the Las Vegas area.  Each year they hold a fund-raiser at their ranch.  Bonnie says “It’s a way to share a little bit of our life with others.”  She continued “People enjoy coming out to the ranch, they enjoy supporting a great cause.  We put on some demonstrations with the horses and they just love it.”  It happens to be right around Rancho Murieta, but thanks to dedicated efforts, and the great little airport in Murieta, she makes it happen.

I asked Bonnie her most memorable moment in the industry.  She replied “The few years that I showed Kittens.   Riding her was awesome, and you remember that, when you have been overly blessed in a few short years.”   I asked, “What made Kittens so unique?”  She replied, “Her style, the way she dre w a cow to her and completely mesmerized the cow. She loved her job and people would come to watch her because she had such style.”  Kittens, now an eight year old, remains a part of the ranch family, they now have seven Pepto Boonsmal babies from her. She is currently Bonnie’s most memorable horse.  Bonnie shared her greatest experience with me, “I won the summer spectacular in March 2010 in Fort Worth with Ruby’s Royal CD; when you win at Fort Worth you feel like you have accomplished something and it’s just two and a half minutes of everything coming together.  But, it sticks with you.”

Bonnie sees a lot of upcoming talent in the Cutting Industry within our youth.  She would say to those getting started in the industry; “Understand the financial commitment, find a trainer that you know is very successful right now today.  Styles in the industry continually evolve.  Make sure your trainer has some successful non pros.  You have to be coachable and your trainer has to be able to train in the middle of your performance.”  Bonnie would also say to follow God’s plan and have faith in that plan.  She left me with a powerful scripture from Hebrews 6:10.  A delightful woman, who is definitely following God’s plan for her life, while touching  so many others around her.

I think, now as we begin the year 2012, and reflect on these women filled with grace and strength.  We can gather hope and power as we approach our goals and visions by remembering to “Follow God’s plan” allowing the true vision of our lives to play!  I believe it will be beautiful.

It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is almost here already.  Time sure does fly!  It has been a really great year and I would like to personally wish each and every one of you a very safe and happy holiday season.

With 2011 coming quickly to a close, re-organization of the ICHA Officers & Board of Directors is once again upon us.  That being said, my term as ICHA President has now come to an end and although I have enjoyed my time serving as the ICHA President, I am very happy and confident to turn the reins over to Ray Goffin as of January 1, 2012.  I feel that Ray will do a great job in leading our organization, and I will continue to serve as the ICHA Ex-Officio for a 2-year term.  I would also like to welcome a new addition to our ICHA Board, Robert Schutte, who will graciously serve a 2-year term with us.  The rest of the current members of the ICHA Board have all been re-elected for additional terms starting in 2012, and I am excited to continue to serve with them.  I would like to say Thank You to each of them for graciously volunteering to stay on for another term. I appreciate the time and effort that each member of our team puts in on behalf of the ICHA to make great contributions on so many levels.  Please be sure to take the opportunity to tell them each thank you!

I invite each of you to join us for a PARTY!  Our Annual ICHA General Membership Meeting, along with our ICHA Year-End Awards Party, will be held on Saturday, January 7^th, 2012 in beautiful Ketchum, Idaho at Jim & Sandy Figge’s Party Barn.  A big THANK YOU to Jim & Sandy Figge for their gracious hospitality of once again hosting this event for the ICHA members!

*All ICHA members (12 years and older) are invited to attend*

5:30pm   General Membership Meeting

6pm   Hosted Beer/Wine Social,
followed by Dinner at 6:30pm

Awards will be presented at 7:30pm,
with Dancing & a Live Band to follow.

There will be DOOR PRIZES (including an entry to Western Nationals!) given away throughout the evening.

Please plan to come and join us as we kick off the 2012 year!
Happy Holidays to all!

Preston Skaar
ICHA President

Children… they are the beginning.  When they are brought into this world they are a fresh slate, a pure, untainted human being ready to learn, grow and explore all that is around them.   Believing in them and knowing that they can be the best of us and then allowing them to take that to their own greater level is empowerment.  The youth of today, are our opportunities to help shape the future we want; by building stronger foundations in them that do not shake.  If we want foundations that are built with courage, politeness, knowledge, respect, and a steady realization that hard work does not go un-rewarded, then we must be the examples of that for them.  This continuing cycle shapes who we are and continues to build our character, while guiding our children, the ones who will lead us into the future.  These children will grow up and make a difference in our society.  I believe that most of us realize we live in critical times, where often children are not afforded opportunities to work hard, to find out who they are; often going unnoticed, unable to find self confidence, feeling defeated all along living with a sense of entitlement.  That is why it is such a privilege to be a part of a community of people who have built an entire industry based on core values that have been handed down throughout generations.  The old adage that it takes a village to raise a child is not far from truth.  That is why the village is so important, for it leaves impressions, helping to shape who we will become, giving us a conviction of strength that we can stand on our own.

Sadde Smith and Playin in the Reyn

Sadee  Smith is 16 years old and in the 10th   grade.  She is the youngest daughter of Greg and Chris Smith. Sadee has been cutting her whole life, and at just 8 years old Sadee showed for the first time and loved it.  Sadee is not a stranger to hard work.  While she is a full time student, making straight A’s, she works full time helping her dad.  When asked about a typical day, Sadee said “I take care of the horses every day, I also help with the turn back horses.   When we are at shows my dad is super busy and we take about 7 horses; he is so busy he can’t help me at all, so I help him.  I feed, do the chores and it’s a full day of work.”  She continued “There is no time for school or anything, just getting the work done.” In the past two months they have been to 6 or 7 aged events.   Sadee works through an on-line home schooling program. She gets straight A’s which means she has to hammer it when she is at home.  And obviously she does just that.

When asked what she loves best about all of this she replied, “I love the people; they are all my friends at the show.”  Being home schooled her mom kids around that she may not be socialized.  Sadee said “It is a little joke we have going, because I have so many friends.”  When you ask Sadee about her family, she says “We are really close and travel to all these shows together; sometimes we just can’t wait to get home and relax together.”   The most valuable lesson she has learned that will carry her throughout her life she told me is “Responsibility”   Sadee thoughtfully said “Just taking care of all these horses, some of them are worth a lot of money, it is a lot of responsibility for a girl my age to take care of them.  I think it has helped me to be mature.”

Sadee’s dad, Greg Smith, is also her trainer.  I asked her, “Is he tough on you?”  She instantly said, “No, not at all he lets me do it… Instead of him telling me, he just lets me learn from my own mistakes and doing it myself.” Sadee spends about 5 hours daily in training; she gets up pretty early… especially in the summer.  Comes home and does her school work.   When I asked her what she does for fun, she said with a little giggle and spunk, “This is fun… especially now that I get to show a lot.  I am so happy; I just barely bought a horse of my own.   I always borrowed horses, or rode horses that my dad was training in the youth events” Six year old, Playin in the Reyn, is now affectionately her “Randy”.   Together they have made the finals in every showing, except for Idaho.   “But it was the toughest one we showed at, there was more money added, tougher people from California and Texas…  I’ve shown him in approximately 5 aged events, and weekend youth events…  The first time I showed him in an aged event was at the Montana futurity and our first win was at UCHA.”  This being Sadee’s most memorable moment in the cutting industry.

Greg Smith, recently moved his family to Star, Idaho; where you can find him and Sadee working horses at 3K Ranch.   Sadee said “I like it; it’s definitely my favorite place to live. I’ve lived in Texas and Utah but Idaho is home.” She isn’t sure if it’s the people who are just so friendly or the country style life she finds that makes it just perfect.  She has plans for college, although she isn’t sure what she wants to do yet.  Sadee jokingly said “I am the very last kid; I’m the baby of the family so I have to wean my parents and go to BSU before I think of moving on.”  But that won’t be hard, because Sadee is a definite BSU fan!
When I asked her who inspired her in the industry?  Sadee humbly replied “Anyone who succeeds in this sport, it takes a lot of dedication.   It is a lot of work.   You have to put forth effort but it’s a lot of fun and worth it once you do.”   Sadee’s goals are to show as much as she can, to keep having a good horse that she can compete on, “My goal is for that horse to be good every time I show it. Not necessarily to win; but, for that horse to be good…  Well, that just means I did my job.  That is the most important thing.”  Well said from 16 year old Sadee Smith.  I certainly wish her all of the best in her future endeavors.

Alexa Dahl on Woody Jazz

It isn’t hard to find amazing kids, in the equine world.   This next young lady has seen what it takes to get there, she is willing to do the work, and wants to make a difference in this world because of what she has been blessed to be a part of.
Alexa Dahl is 15 years old and in the 10th grade.  When I asked her how she found herself attracted to the sport of Cutting she told me that she had loved horses her whole life.  When she was about ten years old her (family) went out to look for a totally dead broke horse.  They found Sunburn Lady Legs, who was already trained in cutting. Alexa reflected, “This horse was trained for cutting already and I tried her out on a buffalo, it was then that I fell in love with cutting.”  She said.    Alexa showed on her for about a year and a half and would also show on her mother, Sue Dahl’s, horse Peppys Royal Flash from time to time.  A few years later the beginning of her real joy would come.   She found herself blessed with Dan and Karen Hansen’s horse Woody Jazz.   “Jazz has made this sport so amazing for me and I am so blessed to be able to do it.” Alexa heartfully spoke.

This blessing only comes with dedication and hard work.   She trained with Greg Smith for 2 years.  Alexa said “He taught me showman ship and where to put my body and my legs.”   Greg, who was already familiar with this horse, would teach Alexa a very important lesson, which she says will stay with her for life.  “The most important thing that he taught me was when I first got Jazz.  It was what he said to me ‘You will always have different horses, and you need to learn how to feel your way into that horse; learn what they are like and not get frustrated’  I listened and I hold onto that.” Alexa stated.

Just getting to her trainers takes dedication for young Alexa.  She is now training with Thoni Davis and Joe Jones; she must travel a little over 3 hours one way just to get there.    “It really is quite hard sometimes, but Joe is always there for us, and so is Thoni” says Alexa;  “I need to do my school work, then travel 3 ½  hours with the horse trailer every other weekend.”   She is given some dry work, to take home, and then when she comes back they continue to work on what she needs to.   Alexa maintains high grades in school.  Works with her horse, and shows on average 2 to 3 times a month.   Jazz and Alexa have won three buckles last year in the area youth leaders.   They participated in their first aged event at the ICHA Futurity in 2010 making the finals with a score of 212.
When asked about her future goals?  She answered “I want to train a baby that I can take to the Texas Futurity and show; one that I personally trained.”  But most importantly and what inspired me is what she said next, very matter of factly, “I want to be one of those people in the NCHA that is inspirational; someone that people can talk to easily, someone who helps everyone.  I want to be like Dan.”  Alexa was referring to none other than World Champion, Dan Hansen.  She went on to tell me that Dan and Karen Hansen having done so much for the NCHA, and being the kindest people no matter where they go, make her want to be more.  “They could be in France, at one of the biggest shows, and they will help other competitors pick out cows.  It’s never just about them, it’s about team work, and I totally respect that.”   She doesn’t have to look very far, to find more of those same traits she wants to encompass when she speaks of her mother, Sue Dahl.   “My mother works so hard so that I can do what I love every day.  She never misses a show, she is always right there by my side.  She has 3 kids and she is by each and every one of us. She is amazing!” exclaimed Alexa.

Memorable moments that Alexa reflected on went like this.  “To me personally, was my first bridleless cutting on Jazz in Montana.  It meant so much to me because it was for breast cancer. I did it because it was something I wanted to do for my grandma.”  Alexa’s grandma, Mary Lou Dahl, is a survivor of breast cancer.  “I called her on the phone and told her what I had done and she was so happy.   I only got a 210, but Dru Stewart made me feel like a star, Greg (Smith), Dan (Hansen), and Ron (Crouch), they were all there; and it was the most perfect day.”  Alexa stated happily.

Alexa recently saw another memorable moment that will stick with her forever she says, “We were in Idaho this year at the 2011 Mercuria National Cutting, and we got to watch Phil Rapp make history and that was the most amazing thing I had ever seen!  It was incredible, and we were sitting front row and saw it all, I will never forget that!  She said excitedly.

I don’t know if we really think about all the lives we touch, just by getting out there and doing what comes naturally to us.  Just by doing what we love.  The examples we become, and the impressions that resonate inside these young people, shaping and guiding them along to be better more accomplished individuals.  Alexa, is part of that village, she told me how this industry changed her.   “To be totally honest with you, I was raised with everything handed to me; I was a bit of a spoiled brat. And then I met people who worked for everything they got, they are humble and have the most genuine kindest personalities.”  She went on, “I realized that I wanted to be like that. I wanted to feel accomplished because I earned it.”  Alexa said “I want to work for what I get!  I want to know that everything I am and do, I have earned.  I’ve learned boundaries, I’ve learned to receive and give compliments.   I feel I am lucky because it rounds me as a person.  I see what I have, instead of just wanting more.”

All of this from the mouth of 15 year old, lessons that I know takes some a lifetime to encompass.
Other women in cutting have inspired Alexa to be more.  Karen Hansen is one of her biggest inspirations in this industry as a woman… “Karen pops in my head first, because I didn’t really know Karen, and I saw this little, tiny woman on this giant horse, and she worked that horse like she owned the world and she melted herself into him.  When I saw her in front of that cow, I thought ‘she is a woman and doing better than some of the men I have seen cut’, it inspired me.  I felt like gender would never matter, it gave me a sense of strength as a girl.”   Lyndy Burch also comes to Alexa’s mind.  “As a young girl I was so amazed with her skill, and then I met her;  she was so kind and humble, and so nice to me.  It made a difference to me, about everything.”  Another woman to amaze Alexa is Mary Ann Rapp.  “She is amazing to watch.”  And by watching…Alexa learns, and it helps her to get stronger.

Alexa says that this sport is the best sport out there, “There are people in this sport whether they are losing to you or winning to you; they are still there to give you advice.”  To all the young girls looking to get into this sport “Take the advice.  Be humble, and realize this sport is their life, be respectful.  It is beautiful, the way everyone is there for everyone; I think that every little girl should try this sport because it makes them great people.”

This is a very powerful ending statement from 15 year old Alexa Dahl.  Reminding us all why the ICHA, and Sponsors like Figge Farms, Hansen-Rice, 3K Ranch, The Idaho Center, and Tin Haul;  believe in programs like Gold Buckle Champion who are passionate about introducing this sport to kids of all ages, while preserving our western heritage, and continuing to engage our children with core values that lead them into the future, with powerful skills.  Because they will grow up, and we want them to make a positive and powerful difference in our communities and this world we all share!
As we approach the Christmas season, I am blessed to know that the spirit of Christmas continues with its truest meaning.  Giving and receiving, sharing bits of who we are with all of God’s Children; this makes my heart smile.  Merry Christmas to everyone!

  Montana 

www.BigSkyAgedEvent.com
Kalispell
August 11-12, 2012 Big Sky Weekend Show
August 13-18, 2012 Big Sky Aged Event
$35,500 Added Money 

Idaho

www.MeadowVueRanch.com
Henrys Lake
August 22-24, 2012  Meadow Vue Ranch LAE
$10,000 Added Money
August 25-26, 2012   Meadow Vue Ranch Weekend Show

www.IdahoCHA.com
Nampa
Idaho Horse Park
March 20-22, 2012 ICHA Spring Aged Event
$18,000 Added
March 23-24, 2012 ICHA Weekend Show
$5,000 Added
September 2-11   ICHA Futurity & LAE
$100,000 Added
Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting
presented by 3K Ranch
Open & Non-Pro $50,000 Added
www.IdahoCHA.com   www.3KRanch.com

Oregon  

www.OregonCHA.com
Madras
TKC LAE Aged Event March 9-11 2012
$9,000 Added
TKC LAE Aged Event  April 19-20 2012
$6,000 Added
California    

www.ElRanchoFuturity.com
Rancho Murieta
September TBA  El Rancho Futurity & Foothill Fiesta
$130,000 Added
Mercuria/NCHA World Series Cutting Open & Non Pro
$50,000 Added

While you are there, you can also sign up for our raffle to win a Gold Buckle, etched, double magnum of fine wine.  Just include your name and addresses for a chance to win.

You can also bid on a double magnum in our silent auction.  Proceeds from Gold Buckle Champion go to promoting cutting events in your local area.  Projects like Western Nationals can be promoted by Gold Buckle Champion.

Gold Buckle would like to thank Jim & Sandy Figge, of Figge Cellars for donating 5,000 bottles of wine to promote cutting events.  This wine would be an excellent gift choice for the holidays, for family, friends, and business acquaintances.   Click on the link below to order your wine to help promote cutting in your area.
Sign up to have yours delivered to your doorstep or pick it up at the next show.  Proceeds from the sale of this wine will go to promote cutting horse events.

Figge Cellars 2007 Syrah

Stop by our booth to find out how your donations can help keep the sport of cutting alive for the next generation!

As we approach the final few months of this year, I would like to say thank you to each and every one of you who has helped make 2011 another very successful year for the ICHA.

Congratulations to each of you that placed in the top four of each class of the 2011 Idaho Champion Series!  The final standings are listed in this issue of Horse Sports, as well as on our website
http://www.idahocha.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ICHA_Standings_20114.pdf   We look forward to presenting those awards at our ICHA Awards Party, which will be held in conjunction with our annual ICHA Board & General Membership Meetings in early January 2012.  Jim & Sandy Figge have once again graciously offered to host our party at their home in Ketchum, Idaho.  We greatly appreciate their support of the ICHA.  We will have the finalized details of this event soon—please plan to join us!  All ICHA members are invited to attend.

The ICHA continues to be committed to producing quality shows and providing great venues for you to show your horses.  As we make plans for the 2012 show season, I would encourage any of you who are interested in helping to please let myself or one of the ICHA Directors know.  We welcome your thoughts, ideas and assistance!

The final 2011 ICHA/UCHA Youth Scholarship Auction will be held in conjunction with the UCHA Futurity & Aged Event, November 1-5, at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington, Utah.  Please show your support of our youth cutters by donating items or bidding on the fantastic items that will be available at the auction.

Safe travels to all,

Preston Skaar
ICHA President

Throughout history women have played extraordinary roles within our communities, families, and culture. Women have overcome adversities in times past; challenging themselves through each generation to become leaders, queens, warriors, prime ministers, and first ladies. Legendary women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Marie Curie, and beloved Mother Theresa, come to mind when I think of extraordinary women. Women that have created a change, a movement within the world we now live in. Women who have gone before us to show future generations that we can do it… that with courage and determination all things are possible. Women have earned a reverence within themselves, and those looking on.
In sports, women have shown a spirit to take their place. They have shown great determination and will, with a competitive nature and a whole lot of training and hard work. In most sports, women compete against themselves. Understandably so, I don’t know many women who want to take the chance of getting hit by a fast ball off of Aroldis Chapman throwing 106mph for the Cincinnati Reds; and fewer who want to be tackled, by 250 pound Baltimore Raven’s Middle Linebacker Ray Lewis, on the football field. There are few physical sports where the playing field is level for both men and women. And the Sport of Cutting is one of the few. When you are on the back of a horse, inside the arena, it becomes individual, between you and your horse. The helpers, that are often the same individuals you are competing against, become your best allies. A respect is developed and maintained, and it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman.

What I find to be unique in this physical sport are men and women competing in the same class. There is no separation and as we have seen “women win” and they do it often! I say this with complete respect for both men and women. The sport of cutting started out between ranches, and because the sport demands such physical endurance, at one time it was considered a cowboys sport. In the next few issues we will meet some of these dynamic ladies in cutting, who manage to balance their roles as women and the sport extraordinarily well. Women are layers of many different roles: mothers, daughters, friends, wives, sisters, teachers and nurturers. A very strong balance must be in place, to support and encourage others to be all they can be, while finding time to be true to our own passions.

[[Show as slideshow]]Our first dynamic lady in the cutting industry is Gina MacDonald, her true passion for this sport, her family, and her horses are clear. Gina has been in the industry for 30 years. She has been an Idaho Director for over 25 years. She owned a cattle ranch in the 70’s in Canada; working with horses and the cattle; being around the cowboys and this way of life became her passion. “The culture… it attracted me and I liked it so much”, Gina reflected. “When we moved out here we bought a farm. I got involved in the sport to bring me back to that ranching culture, to the people, to where I wanted to be; where I needed to be.” Gina’s heart and her spirit are evident; you can feel it just by being around her for five minutes. You get it. When asking Gina about the sport itself, she said “It feels really good to be able to equally compete with man or woman.”

Gina continued explaining a little of the history that means so much to her. “Back in the 1800’s women were strong, they had to do the same chores that men did; they took care of the ranch while their men were away. This “spirit” of strength is what I believe in. It is what I know we are really made of.” Gina has had her share of obstacles and heart breaks. She rejoices in the positive outcomes, and has drawn her sense of balance from the back of a horse. “During the hardest times of my life, while my husband was going through cancer recovery and then a stroke; I don’t know what I would have done without my horses.” Gina said. She knows firsthand that the spirit of the horse is powerful. Opening her mind to her horse she feels a silent communication. “I really feel that my horses have helped me with my own recovery from stress in my life. I don’t know what else I could have been doing that would have kept me from being depressed and crazy except for with my horses.” Gina said passionately. She believes that horses are great therapy for all of us. I believe she is right, we can see firsthand the affects of horses around the globe with different therapeutic groups. Where horses do the healing!
“The spirit of the horse is amazing; take a high spirited horse then put a child on his back and in many cases the horse will know the difference. Somehow they calm down, these horses take such care of these kids, as if they have an egg on their backs that could shatter… they just know. That is why we use them.” Gina said.

She loves this sport for the family ethic. Cutting brings entire families together. She said “I have watched so many kids grow up here, some are training some are competing. They are all great kids. They take care of the horses first, which is work ethic; we all support each other, which is community ethic; I’m not sure what makes it all work, I just know it does.”

[[Show as slideshow]]Another lady in cutting that understands the passion of this industry and how it works is Julie Sandford. Julie originally rode Western Pleasure, and she began cutting in 1995. She was competing at the world show in Western Pleasure and felt ready for a new challenge and thought this would be something fun.
Julie is from Orange County and said that she was attracted to this sport because it is very individual. “You are in there alone and not with a group of other riders. It’s you and the horse, I admire the horses so much, because they are athletic, smart, and have a lot of cow sense.” Julie said, “They want to be out there, they like their job.” Julie has a new horse to ride, Smooth Knitty Kitty affectionately known as Knitty, Dam is Crochet and is Sire Smooth as a Cat. 5 year old Knitty has been owned by Julie for just three months. Julie’s trainer Tim Smith told her that Knitty is a really good match for her. Proven true, with a really fast win in the Classic Challenge Amateur $50,000 with a score of 219. First time Aged Event on this horse at the South Point, in Las Vegas. Julie said, “This is a great place to win, the money and prizes are good. Belt buckles, silver key chain, knives, a jacket and a dinner at Michaels. I’m happy.”
Julie passionately recalled her most memorable moment in 1998. She said, “I was NCHA Reserved World Champion for $10,000 Amateur. Pacific Coast Champion $10,000 Amateur and Reserved $20,000 Non Pro Champion. I did this with my parents and family traveling with me.” Julie is a proud mother of two: her daughter Megan, 19 and son Jimmy, 22 both who are now in college. Megan rides cutting horses like her mom and plays competitive tennis. Megan hauled in ‘04,’05 and ‘06 while being home schooled. “It was a great time and it worked for my family” said Julie. Balance was essential in order to maintain this life style. It worked because there was a happy medium, Megan could train for tennis, keeping in shape in between riding her horse. With her husband, Marks support, their son Jimmy could stay home with dad and focus on baseball. “Mark was very supportive and patient. He kept our business running as an Orange County Real Estate Developer. Stayed with our son, and coached his baseball team.” There is a little family joke that goes something like this. Julie is in the NCHA, Megan is in the USTA, Jimmy is now in the PGA, and dad pays for it all. Julie affectionately said, “Mark also is a hunter and has his own passions, he has hunting dogs and I like cutting horses. He is in the NRA!”

Julie knows the hard work that goes in keeping fit for these competitions. She rides every day, and takes lessons about two to three times a week. Trainer, Tim Smith, instills a good work ethic and confidence. Julie agreed that in order to compete and win, both were extremely necessary. “Nothing is free, it is earned, and nothing comes to those that sit at home.” Julie added “I like the role model that I can give to my kids; if you work hard you can and will succeed.”
She watches her children as young adults, she watches them work hard for the dreams and goals they have intended for themselves, and this makes her very proud. “My son is very competitive with his education, he wants to get straight A’s and he works for it.” Julie grew up around horses her entire life; her parents have traveled with her everywhere. Recently, she lost her father; and this was the first year of traveling without him. She is thankful for what she learned as a child growing up around animals. She knows that her children love animals and have learned responsibility in caring for them.
Looking forward, you will see Julie at the Aged Events. She really enjoys the 5 year olds. She is thankful that she has been able to maintain a balance following her dreams and passion while doing what is most important to her. “Being there for my children and my husband, I can meet all of my obligations; Family first, I can be there for everything!”

[[Show as slideshow]]This is definitely a family sport, and no one knows that better than Katie Banuelos, with 20 horses in tow, 4 dogs, her husband, and now new baby, Maria Isabella. Family is what it is all about.
Cutting is what she does! Katie, 33 has been cutting since she was 12. Although she took time out a couple of times to try other things, once as a senior in high school and then again in college, to join the UNLV Rodeo Team and try barrel racing. Her heart and spirit has always been on the back of a cutting horse.
Katie graduated with honors from UNLV, majoring in Hotel Management with an emphasis in gaming. She was barrel racing and still riding cutting horses but a bit mediocre on both. Her trainer at the time, Greg Welch told her to do one or the other. “I needed to focus on one sport, so I could be my best at either one.” Katie said. “My mom loves cutting and had some great cutting horses. She gave me a choice between two of her horses. I rode Peps Southern Lena and one of her studs; and I bonded with Peps Southern Lena.” Katie said with a big smile. “That was it, I was back to cutting and haven’t looked backed since.
“Greg Welch gave me the hardest work ethic when it came to cutting horses, by far” reflected Katie. “It’s a lot of work and it takes a huge commitment”. Katie married trainer, Cookie Banuelos, which works out perfectly for her, because they both get it. “Its early mornings and you gotta love it and be dedicated. We take care of the horses first; they eat and drink before we do.” Katie said. “It’s hard sometimes but it is our life and what we do.”
Katie took a small break while she was pregnant. But not before her and Isabella won a few championships. Katie, 5months pregnant showed at NCHA Western Nationals in Ogden. It was her last chance to show Bettin With Chex. She won Reserved World Champion on him in the$15,000 Novice Non Pro. Ending on a good note, she took her break to fulfill her new role as a mommy.
Isabella is now a year old and Katie finds that it was a lot harder to come back after taking such a big break. Isabella means everything to her and she doesn’t want any help at home with the baby. “She is only a baby once and I don’t want to miss anything.” Said Katie. At shows Katie has her family help with Isabella and that works out perfectly. Katie enthusiastically said “I just wing it right now. I do what I know.” And that is what she knows, running the Rocking K Ranch in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband. She loves being around the horses and so does Isabella. “All she wants to do is ride the turn back horse with her dad… she already has that natural ability.”
Some of Katie’s most memorable moments were when she was a kid, with her mom and Mrs. B. They rode cutting horses and took Katie, then 12, with them, teaching her all they knew. Katie said, “They would get lost everywhere they would go. I would help them find their way. We had so much fun. It was a family sport so we were always together” Katie remembers.
Katie will continue showing and she says more babies are coming. Cookie is the youngest of 14 and Katie has three older brothers. A big family is what they want. Having three older brothers is where young Katie figured out that there wasn’t too much they could do that she couldn’t. It helped to balance her as a girl, knowing that in male dominated activities you can be right there with them. She also knows humility. “Just about the time you think you’ve got it together, a wreck could be around the corner. It helps to keep you humble.” She smiled.
The best part of this business is the family. Everyone becomes a family. Trainer Tim Smith has been working with Katie since she was a kid. “He is family. And the best thing is even our horses are family.” Katie added. “90% of our horses are second or third generation” I rode them, I rode their mother, and I rode their mothers’ mother…. I was there the day most of them were born, and 3 or 4 years later I’m showing on them.” Pep Southern Lena was a baby, from her moms horse Pep Southernthunder. Another brood mare Smart Whittle Wena now 26 carries baby Isabella on her back. Chexy Pep N Remedy is another brood mare on the ranch. The majority of all the horses on the ranch go back to these three mares. Katie showed all three of those mares as a kid. “I love that!” Katie said with heart!
Look for more incredible athletes in issues to follow. Women who will inspire you, who know how hard it is to “do it all” but do it anyways. Women who follow their dreams, and because they do, they often empower others to do the same.