Vol 1 No 3

Letter from the Editor

Dear Western States Members,

I love the rain! It makes the grass and hay grow. But I’m over it now. You? I’m looking forward to putting away the winter blanket and having a nice slick horse again. Probably not in time for he Cinch Up Productions show this month, but typically the weather for that show is good and it’s always a fun show. Don’t miss the great clinicians Jimmy Stickler, Travis Mankins, and Bobby Cotta. What a lineup!

In a totally novel situation, B2B had fair weather. Western States had a good turnout, and the results are in this issue. Also, Golden State wrapped up their tenure as our association with a 2025 awards event.

WSVRHA Director Bev Sparrowk is introduced in this issue. If you don’t know Bev, you’re missing out. Introduce yourself at your next show. Many of us said goodbye to a great horse in February and I’ve been very emotional. When you read about Master Colonel Chex you’ll know why.

It’s not too early to begin thinking about the Western States Finals. Thanks to our sponsors, the payouts are starting to look very lucrative. Any member can attend but read on to learn about how to qualify for the fabulous year-end awards.

Every four years the Olympics provide great TV viewing. Our quote of the month, from a well-known and beloved US competitor, is more of a statement than a quote. It’s powerful. We can all learn from Lindsey Vonn!

Hang on, Spring is coming and Spring means FOALS! Check out our new column “News from the Nursery”.

Dawn Poston
Editor

Send comments, concerns, & ideas to JumperDawn@aol.com

Back 2 Basics

What A Difference A Year Makes!

For the first time in this writer’s memory, it did not rain, storm or have hurricane force winds at the B2B show! While not short sleeve weather, the sky was blue and a vest or light jacket kept one warm. It was delightful. What a difference a year makes, see photos below.

All results for Show #1 and Show #2 the same except where noted:

Many thanks to Stephanie Lewis, Jessica Lawrence, and Harlee Burtschi for shepherding the second Western States sanctioned show of the year! Many thanks to our sponsors which allowed us to give $100 to the champion of each division that had 3 or more competitors showing. We will be providing that award at every show in 2026.

Western States Board of Directors

Meet Bev Sparrowk

My husband, Jack, and I make our living in the cattle industry, so I get to ride horses for work and for fun. My life with horses began when I was around 13 so I have had 70 years of fun including bush racetracks, barrel racing, trick riding, cutting, reined cowhorse, daily ranch work and now ranch versatility. Since we raise horses and use them on the ranch, ranch horse versatility was a natural fit.

I truly enjoy ranch versatility for myself and my horse because of the variety of disciplines involved and the wonderful friends I have made since discovering versatility in 2008. Not only is this a welcoming event for all levels of horses and riders, but I have found the participants to be supportive and welcoming as well.

I hope to get to know our members better and encourage each of them to share their ideas with board members for the continued growth of WSVRHA.

Saying Goodbye to a Great One

Colonel Master Chex

Jack won the Hackamore Classic the first year it was offered at the Stallion Stakes with Jon Roeser in the saddle. Later he was purchased by Sarah Clifford and Robin Sawyer. Both showed him successfully. When Robin stopped riding, Sarah bought her out. Many years ago, Sarah told this editor, “Master Colonel Chex made Sarah Clifford!” He was her first big step into success in the cow horse and versatility worlds. With Jack, Sarah was a major factor everywhere she showed him and in the creation of Golden State Versatility (now Western States Versatility.) Her children Rachel and Jack (the son) showed him. As time went by, Jack became Sarah’s schoolmaster and the list of persons who were introduced to Versatility by riding Jack is as long as your arm. Once when mentioning Jack at a horse show there was a cacophony of comments: “I started with Jack. I rode Jack. I worked my first cow on Jack. I went to my first show on Jack.” Andrea Caudill wrote a piece in the AQHA Ranch publication about Jack the champion schoolmaster. He was so well known, this editor remembers Christian Scanlan’s first versatility show on him Karen Arlin was heard to exclaim “Is that JACK?” He was still showing at 30. He was sound and determined and like a shot out of a gun on those rundowns even at that age! With Jack the rider just tried to make it look like he/she was in charge.

I’m emotional today. Jack (who was related to my Fred and was Fred’s first pasture buddy) got me started in Versatility 11 years ago. First, I was just going to ride him to keep him fit for Sarah, within a week she asked if I wanted to go to a show with him, and despite knowing absolutely nothing about working cattle or versatility I was a big “yes!” Jack inspired me and took care of me and the rest is history.

These great ones mark our hearts and are never forgotten. Jack was one of those. This morning, I spoke for dozens when I patted his beautiful head and said, “thank you Jack.” Great horses go to heaven and heaven is richer today. RIP Jack.

A New Column!

“News from the Nursery”

Is your mare having a blessed event this Spring? Send pictures and pedigree of your 2026 foals to JumperDawn@aol.com and let all of us enjoy them. This month we feature Katie Moon’s new colt, Oskars Spoonful x Scooter Kat. Do you have suggestions for a name for her foal? If you do, submit to above and if Katie chooses your submission, you’ll receive a prize. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a great name for what we all hope is a great horse. Isn’t he a beauty?

Cinch Up Spring Versatility

Great Show, Great Clinicians

Bobby Cotta, Travis Mankins, and Jimmy Stickler as clinicians? Gracious, the clinics are going to be out of this world! And the food, Tony is known for feeding participants well. Then there’s the show! Go to wsvrha.org, click on Calendar of Events to get all the details and an entry form. Do it now, this is going to be a blockbuster!

New Sponsors=Better Payouts!

Why Do You Care?

Please give the businesses your business and thank the individuals when you see them.

• Clifford Horse Training
• Conlin Supply
• Dawn Poston & Steve Bloch
• Debby & Bill Sanguinetti
• Harris Ranch
• Sparrowk Livestock Company
• Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic
• Paula Taylor

Please consider being a sponsor:

Finals Qualifications

What Does It Take?

Golden State VRHA Finishes 2025

Championships Awarded

With tacos, beer and other beverages, Golden States honored the 2025 division winners at the Back 2 Basics Show. President Kathy Torres passed out the lovely awards that were sourced by members Samantha Scanlan and Josie Driscoll. It was a very fun evening as we cheered for the winners and said adios to Golden State, welcome Western States.

Quote of the Month

Learning From a Legend

Many of us watched in horror as Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic comeback dream died within 12 seconds of her leaving the start line. From her hospital bed, her words are valuable for all of us who compete.