Vol 1 No 5

Letter from the Editor

Dear Western States Members,

Recently I had a non-horse fall which resulted in costochondritis (tearing/inflammation of cartilage connecting ribs to sternum). Because it’s so painful, and pain means it’s not healing, I can’t ride. Missed a great clinic and the WOW show. My spirit hurts right along with my body. Being on my horse is another way I am tethered to the divine, hope is clarified, and I’m closer to understanding the love of God. So, while it heals, I go to the barn and walk Fred after he has been worked. It’s a poor substitute. How about you? How does time with your horse enrich your life? Is it purely a physical endeavor or are there spiritual or emotional components for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts . . . after all, I do have time on my hands.

This issue is chock full of good stuff. Read about former youth member Elizabeth Iandoli, meet two Western States board members, check out the WOW results, learn about a special evening hosted by Tony Agredano, get the skinny on eligibility requirements, be reminded of warm up pen etiquette, and learn why the old saying “rank hath its privileges” is still true.

The Carmel Valley Versatility Challenge is May 30-31. A very special presentation by the Lonely Bull Cattle Co. will occur May 29. Read on for all the details and be sure to attend the show.

Happy Spring!

Dawn Poston
Editor

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

WTAMU Wins National Championship

Elizabeth Iandoli is Part of the Team

West Texas A & M University Ranch Horse Team has just won another National Championship, and our own Western States member Elizabeth Iandoli was a big contributor!

Elizabeth and Smartt Phone (Siri) WON Round 1 reining with a 75 and Round 2 ranch riding with a 79. They scored a 72.5 in their round 2 cow work and a 76.5 in their round 2 trail. All of this made them 6th overall, out of 71 riders in their division!

Elizabeth’s parents, Cathy Trifilo and Dean Iandoli, live in Carmel Valley and Elizabeth has trained with Sarah Clifford and Katie Moon. We are all so very proud of her!

Hot Iron Branding Demonstration & Local Wine Social

Carmel Valley Versatility Challenge

This event, presented by Lonely Bull Cattle Company & Carmel Valley Trail & Saddle Club is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, approximately 5:00 pm.

On Saturday evening, the weekend of the Carmel Valley Versatility Challenge, join us to watch as a cattle crew made up of local ranchers and ranch horses demonstrate the centuries old practice of roping and branding calves. You will see the whole process from roping and branding to vaccinations, tagging, and castration and learn about the ‘why’ behind each step.

Carmel Valley has a rich history of cattle ranching, and we are excited to introduce you to some of the ranchers who are working day in and day out to keep these traditions alive and put food on your table.

This special event is brought to you by Carmel Valley Trail and Saddle Club & Lonely Bull Cattle Company to educate the community about local ranching and to showcase the ranch horses, giving real life context to versatility ranch horse competitions.

Grab a glass of local Carmel valley wine and enjoy the branding!

Introducing WSVRHA Board of Directors

Meet Renee Jackson

“I was raised on a family cattle ranch outside Ferndale, CA. I’ve been a ‘horse girl’ as long as I can remember. We all rode growing up & played an active role on the ranch. I started competing at the Cattlemen’s Playday, 4-H, Region #13 shows and the FFA horse judging team. I attended Cal Poly where I met my husband, John. We both rodeoed for Cal Poly, and I did the Reeds & QH Enterprise projects.

We have lived & worked on the YP Ranch in Elko County, Nevada since 1988. We raised 3 kids; Danielle, Jessica & Russ and are more than blessed that they returned home to the ranch to live, work and raise their families here!! My favorite time of the year is branding season & anytime I can join my friends showing at the WSVRHA Shows!!”

Introducing Western States Board Members

Meet Debbie Weisheim

“My name is Debbie Weisheim, and I’ve been married for 37 years and am the proud mom of two boys. I work as a dental hygienist, which allows me the flexibility to enjoy my passion—riding versatility horses.

I live in Las Vegas and show locally as well in Utah and surrounding states. I grew up riding horses and competing in open shows, took a break for a while, and eventually found my way back to the show pen. Over the years I’ve competed in all-around events, but more recently I’ve focused on versatility ranch horse classes.

My favorite part is working with cattle-it’s such a rush and something I truly love.

When I’m not showing, I enjoy spending time at our cabin in Utah and going camping. Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that we fly-we have a plane and love traveling by air whenever we get the chance.”

What Are Ownership Requirements for Amateurs and Youth?

Meet Debbie Weisheim

There have been some questions regarding Amateurs and Youth riding horses not owned by them and/or immediate family members. The following is from the WSVRHA Rulebook. In essence, if not owned by individual or immediate family member, the horse must be leased and there are specific conditions the lease must meet.

Section 11. Eligibility

C. OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for “placings, awards, and program points,” Youth and Amateur rider must own or lease
his/her horse or be an immediate relative of the person owning the horse (spouse, son, son-in-law,
daughter, daughter-in-law, parents, siblings, and grandparents).
Amateurs and youth may also show leased horses subject to the following:

• The Owner (Lessee) must be a member in good standing of WSVRHA
• Prior to the lessee (amateur or youth) showing the leased horse, WSVRHA must have receivedand recorded a showing lease form, and a WSVRHA Horse ID Application must be on file.
• The lessee must be responsible for expenses associated with the care of the horse: boarding,feeding, routine farrier services and routine veterinary services.
• During the term of the showing lease, only the lessee and lessee’s IMMEDIATE FAMILY mayshow the horse. The lessee’s trainer may also show the horse in Open Division classes. Duringthe term of the lease, the horse may be shown by other eligible exhibitors in Open Divisionincluding the lessee’
• The term of the lease must be for a minimum one-year period, and the lease must be to anindividual only. If the lease is terminated for any reason before the minimum one-year period,the horse can only be shown in the Open Division, until one year has passed since the originalstart date of the lease.
• Only one showing lease at a time per horse will be recognized.
• During the term of a showing lease, subsequent changes in ownership will not be recorded untilthe showing lease is terminated.
• If a lessee qualifies the horse for and intends to exhibit the horse at an WSVRHA ChampionshipShow, a showing lease must be in effect and on file with WSVRHA at the time the lessee (a)enters the horse into the Championship Show and (b) exhibits the horse at the ChampionshipShow. Should a showing lease expire prior to the above times, a new showing lease will berequired.

What About Open Riders? What Are Eligibility Requirements for Them?

There also have been questions about membership requirements in the Open Division. In essence, both the Open rider AND the owner must be WSVRHA members. If you are an Open rider, make certain your owner(s) are members as our show secretaries do check.

In the Open division, any horse can be ridden by any rider. There are no Ownership requirements. Both
the owner of the horse and the rider must be members in good standing.

Way Out West Rocks It

Another Great Show in Ceres

As is their custom, Harlee Burtschi and Kelley Engel really hit it out of the park with their April WOW show! The award prizes were over the top wonderful, the welcome party was fun, and it seems that everyone had a very good time. Thank you Harlee and Kelley! More awards photos from the WOW show will be in the June issue of “Winning With Western States.”

WOW Results

Division Winners Presented Buckles from Cinch Up Productions VRH Show

Submitted by WSVRHA Board Member Debbie Weisheim

Because the buckles weren’t ready to present at the Cinch Up Productions show, Tony Agredano planned a lovely awards evening at the Laureles Lodge in Carmel Valley. Good food and drink for everyone, and the excitement of awarding the gorgeous buckles to the division champions. (Youth Champion Colt Rapko, Novice Champion Chris O’Brien and Limited Champion Bev Sparrowk were unable to attend.)

Walk Trot Champion Douglas Carcamo had big news-he had just purchased Mr. Silver Star, the horse he has leased from Gerry Montgomery. There were applause and cheers of approval from everyone. Douglas’s smile lights up every show, every arena, and the Laureles Lodge Restaurant! In his short time of showing, he has made many friends in the versatility community.

After all the awards were done, Tony was surprised by an award given to him by his friends at Clifford Horse Training. It read, “Thank you for being Versatility’s fan and greatest supporter. You are appreciated.” There were a good many teary eyes at his surprised and gracious response.

Warm Up Arena Etiquette

Who Knew?

This editor previously rode jumpers. In the hunter/jumper world there are no rules for direction during warm-up. Canter, trot, walk, both ways. The jumps are across the middle and are jumped in both directions. It’s total fun, and challenging, chaos. When I began in the western world, I was frequently going the wrong way at the wrong gait. I got lots of looks and not a few hollers in my direction. “Oh, there’s a protocol, gotcha.” So, if you just arrived from the h/j world or simply forgot, here’s a reminder!

Rank Has Its Privileges

Preferred Stabling at NRSHA

 
Because trainer Sarah Clifford is a member of the National Ranch and Stock Horse Association Board of Directors, California competitors will get preferred stabling. The Lazy E is a beautiful, but very large venue. Having preferred stabling is a huge benefit particularly when you are stabled “way over here” and your show pen is “way over there.” Good to know that all her hard work results in a generous perk! Thanks Sarah, thanks NRSHA. Good luck to all the California competitors.

WS Online Store is Live

Quality Western States Items Available

Our Western States “swag” was a big hit at the awards event in February-sold like hotcakes! We are thrilled to announce our online store and hope members will buy big and wear branded items proudly. President Kathy Torres and Vice President Dawn Poston each have 1/4 zips and hats, and report them to be excellent!

We would like to extend a special thank you to all of our sponsors. In addtion to the businesses listed above, we are grateful to Jen Harden, Josie Driscoll, Bill and Debbie Sanguinetti and Paula Taylor. For information on becoming a Western States sponsor, please click below:

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.