2006 Newsletter
 

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June July August September October November

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Happy Holidays,

Hopefully things have slowed down some and everyone is able to spend precious time with family and friends this holiday season. Behind the scenes at MCHA we are still quite busy. Year-end reports have been sent to NCHA. We are in the process of securing corporate sponsors for 2007, membership dues for 2007 are arriving, and the web site has numerous daily inquiries that need attention. The Board of Directors will meet in January. If there is anything you want discussed, be sure to contact an officer or director to have it placed on the agenda.

Congratulations, again, on a successful 2006 cutting season. Last month I thanked people who were responsible for the year-end show, auction, and banquet. Following is a list of people who donated items to the MCHA auction. Rex and Gina Ternan, Susan Sohr, Walt and Vickie Stewart, Audrey O'Keefe, Tom, Carrie, Jessie and Jake Bruch, Darrell, Sherry, Cody and Lindsey Lee, Jackie Kjos, Jeanne Broveak, Bill and Jann Parker, Laurie McGuane, Todd and Lee Wirthlin, Dave, Deb, and Tyler Weyer, Lowell Peterson, Karla Camp, Jan Girard, David Markette, John Schuler, Kathy Markette, Shirley Williams, Susan Lucchesi, Brynn and Brooke Erb, Theresa Nelson, John and Dorothy Seymour, Michelle Van Dyke, John and Anita Dublin, Kelly Anderson, Harry Bruch, Bambi Gress, and Ellie Rome. Our auction would not be possible without all of the above people or without the buyers. Thank you to both donators and buyers. It is people like you that make this association so wonderful.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Lisa Pickens. Lisa passed away recently. This was Lisa's first year of being involved in the MCHA. Our thoughts are with Lisa's family at this difficult time.

It's not too early to join MCHA. The dues remain the same ($50 per adult and $10 per youth – 18 years and younger) and remember both horse owner and rider must be members of MCHA before entering the show pen in order for earnings to count toward year-end awards. The show secretaries wanted me to remind everyone not to forget their papers. Proof of National Cutting Horse Association membership and a copy of each horse's registration papers must be presented to the show secretary at the time of entry. Beginning with the 2007 point year, show secretaries may levy a fine of $5.00 for each violation. The required documentation can be as simple as a photocopy of your membership card overlaid on the horse's papers. This brings NCHA in line with accepted practices at other major show associations and it will streamline and accelerate the process of show results.

I want to remind all of our members that it is FREE for you to place a text classified ad on the MCHA web site and just $10 to add a picture to your ad. Stallion ads, business ads, and farm and ranch ads are only $25 or advertise in both the business section and farm/ranch section for $40. For more information or to place an ad e-mail me at info@montanacha.com or check out our web site at www.montanacha.com.

For most of you the shoes have been pulled on your horses, they are wormed, and turned out for a while before the 2007 cuttings begin. But there are some MCHA members that are placing high in the NCHA World Standings and are continuing to show. Good luck to them. Hopefully next month I will have great news to report on how they placed in the NCHA World Standings.

A big thank you to Mike Willey for answering my questions for the member profile. Mike and his horses had an awesome year of cutting. Mike is also one of our Corporate Sponsors. Thank you Mike for all you do to support the MCHA. Be sure to read his profile because it is very interesting.

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. See you in 2007.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer

 

November

Congratulations to all the Montana Cutting Horse Association members for making the 2006 cutting season a very successful one. The Double D Creek Ranch arena in Columbus was a wonderful location for the year-end show. This last cutting was one of the biggest all year. The money won at the cutting determined some of the year-end winners. Thank you to Dave and Deb Weyer for offering their facility and all the work they did to help make the cutting successful.

Jessica Bruch and Lenas Spicy N Hot scored a 73 to the crowd's delight to win The Never Won A Buckle Finals and a saddle. Brynn Erb and Seth Holdbrook were close to claiming the saddle with scores of 72 and 71 respectively. Melissa DeYoung, Deb Morris, and Jason Priest were also tough competitors in the class. Thank you to Kelly Heiken, NWAB organizer, and all the NWAB sponsors. This class would not have been possible without them.

Jessica not only won the NWAB saddle she also claimed a saddle as the $2,000 Limited rider winner. Not to be out done, Fallon Nuttall also hauled home two saddles for winning the Senior Youth and the $3,000 Novice Non-Pro classes. It seemed as perhaps the youth would claim all five saddles but Mike Willey came through as the lone adult to win a saddle. Two seemed to be the lucky number for winning a saddle. The saddle winners either won two saddles or had horses that won two classes. Mike's horse, An Oaken Playgun won the $10,000 Novice Horse class and his horse, High Class Dually, won the $1,000 Novice Horse class. Both horses were ridden by John L. Dublin throughout the year. The MCHA has a unique way to award the saddles. All the year-end first place winners are brought to the front of the room. As they stand classes are drawn out of a hat. As the class is drawn the winner of that class sits down. The last one standing receives a saddle. This is done for all four saddles. Be sure to read the article (included in this newsletter) listing all the year-end winners and other award winners.

MCHA is noted for the awesome awards they give to the year-end winners. Once again Montana will be the envy of everyone. Sterling silver Gist belt buckles were given to first place, saddle blankets with corner silver conchos listing the year and class were awarded to second. Third place winners received tooled leather day planners. Laube cordless clippers were presented to fourth place and fifth place received embroidered horse sheets. Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors for sponsoring individual classes. Thank you, also, to the awards committee, John Seymour, Theresa Nelson, Michelle Van Dyke, and Cody Lee for securing such great awards.

The awards banquet was held at the Fairgrounds in Columbus on Saturday evening. 99 people attended and feasted on a main course of prime rib and shrimp. A big thank you to Sherry Lee, Dorothy Seymour, and Deb Weyer for all the work they did on this event.

Theresa Nelson and Carrie Bruch organized the live and silent auction. The MCHA raised over $5,900 thanks to the hard work of Theresa and Carrie. The Youth Scholarship Fund increased their account by more than $4,100. A huge thank you to Mark and Tamra Hendrickson for clerking the auction and to our auctioneers, Cody Lee and Tyler Weyer, and John L. Dublin, ringman. But most of all a huge thank you to the membership for donating all the auction items and buying the items. The MCHA affiliate is the best.

Sunday the General Membership meeting was held at the Double D Creek Ranch Arena. Be sure to read the minutes included in this newsletter. The 2007 Officers and Directors were announced. They are listed below.
President – David Markette
Vice President – Theresa Nelson
Secretary/Treasurer – Shirley Williams
Directors – Darrell Lee (Past President)
Karla Camp
Kathy Foote
Wylie Fraser
Will Nuttall
John Seymour
Youth Director – Fallon Nuttall

MCHA members to continue to be in the top 25 of the NCHA world standings. Good luck to the following as the NCHA point year draws to a close. (Results are based on earnings processed by NCHA to 10/13/06. Note that some cuttings occurring prior to this date have not been processed by NCHA – such as the MCHA year-end show.) Open – 18. Little Jack Smart owned by Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, ridden by Will Nuttall; 24. Flo Motion (DNA), owned by Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, ridden by Will Nuttall; Non-Pro – 20. Bill Parker; $50,000 Amateur – 21. Jann Parker; $20,000 Non Pro – 17. Bambi Gress; 23. David Markette; $10,000 Amateur – 15. Theresa Nelson; $3,000 Novice Horse – 8. Playin Playgun, owned by Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, ridden by Will Nuttall; 9. Dualin Smart Gun owned by Rimrock Livestock, ridden by John L. Dublin; $3,000 Novice, Non-Pro – 6. Zig Zag Cat owned and ridden by Fallon Nuttall; 7. PD Smart Starlight owned by Jonathan & Kathy Foote, ridden by Kathy Foote; 9 Catsonita, owned by Bill & Jann Parker, ridden by Jann Parker; $2,000 Limit Rider – 6. Jessica Bruch, 16. Jacob Bruch; $10,000 Novice Horse – 15. An Oaken Playgun, owned by Mike Willey, ridden by John L. Dublin; $10,000 Novice Non-Pro – 17. Bambi Gress.

Thank you to Bambi Gress for answering my questions for the member profile. Bambi had a fantastic cutting year capping it off by winning the bronze for the non-pro earning the most money in all classes.

If you have anything you would like in the newsletter, please let me know.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Shirley Williams
Secretary/Treasurer

 

October

The cool weather of fall is fast approaching, as is the last cutting of the 2006 show season. The year-end show will be at the Double D Creek Ranch arena in Columbus Sept. 28-30. The banquet, awards presentation, and auction are slated for Sept. 30 at the Stillwater County fairgrounds at Columbus in the "Little Metra" building. The General membership meeting will be Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Double D Creek Ranch arena at Columbus.

The auction is the major fundraiser for MCHA. Please contact Theresa Nelson (406-369-2024) or Carrie Bruch (406-222-0330) to list your auction items. All donations are very much appreciated! Contact Sherry Lee at 406-363-5246 by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29 to make banquet reservations. Be sure to attend the general membership meeting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 1. Everyone was sent an agenda and the proposed changes to the Constitution.

Year-end awards are given to the top five contestants/horses winning the most money in their respective MCHA approved classes. Many winners will be decided from the earnings won at the year-end show. One race that seems to change after each show and definitely will be decided at the year-end show is the junior youth. Lane Ternan and Wyatt Nuttall are presently tied for first with 99 points. This will certainly be an exciting cutting.

Meadow Vue Ranch cutting is held at scenic Henry's Lake, Idaho, Labor Day weekend. Every year there is a large number of contestants from several states. This year proved to be no exception with many of the classes having to run two herds. Thank you Dennis Moedle and the Idaho Cutting Horse Association for producing this great cutting.


MCHA members in the top 25 of the NCHA standings are listed below. Standings are based on earnings processed by NCHA to Sept. 8, 2006. Open – 15. Little Jack Smart, owner/Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC. rider/Will Nuttall, 20. Flo Motion (DNA), owner/Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC. rider/Will Nuttall; Non-Pro – 21 Bill Parker; $20,000 Non-Pro – 15. Bambi Gress, 19. David Markette; $10,000 Amateur – 13. Theresa Nelson; $3,000 Novice Horse – 7. Playin Playgun, owner/Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC, rider/Will Nuttall; 8. Dualin Smart Gun, owner/Rimrock Livestock, rider/John Dublin; $3,000 Novice, Non-Pro – 4. PD Smart Starlight, owners/Jonathan and Kathy Foote, rider/Kathy Foote, 5. Zig Zag Cat, owner/rider Fallon Nuttall, 11. Catsonita, owners/Bill and Jann Parker, rider/Jann Parker; $2,000 Limit Rider – 5. Jessica Bruch, 15. Jacob Bruch; $10,000 Novice Horse – 18. An Oaken Playgun, owner/Mike Willey, rider/John Dublin; $10,000 Novice, Non-Pro – 19. Crosstown Cat, owner/rider Bambi Gress; Junior Youth – 23. Wyatt Nutall.

This month's member profile features Todd Wirthlin. Todd and his wife, Lee, are one of the MCHA Corporate Sponsors. You will find them competing at many of the MCHA cuttings. I think you will enjoy learning about Todd. Thank you Todd for answering my questions and also for sponsoring the $3,000 Novice Horse, Non-Pro class.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
 

September

 Shorter days and cooler nights is a sign fall is approaching.  It also means the MCHA 2006 cutting season is drawing to a close.  The year-end show will be Sept. 28, 29 and 30 at the Double D Creek Ranch arena in Columbus.  The Never Won A Buckle finals will be

 Saturday, September 30.  Come cheer for the contestants.  It should be a great finals and the winner will ride away with a saddle.

 The MCHA auction is the main fundraiser for the association.  It will be held along with the awards dinner on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the fairgrounds in Columbus. Please contact Theresa Nelson at 406-369-2024 or Carrie Bruch at 406-222-0330 to list your auction items and come prepared to bid on your favorite items. A huge thank you to Theresa and Carrie for chairing this event.

 A choice of prime rib or hand-breaded jumbo prawns awaits you at dinner after the cutting on Saturday.  Whitlock's Stillwater Steakhouse will cater the banquet.  Please make reservations with Sherry Lee at 406-363-5246 by Friday, Sept. 29 by 10 am. Twice-baked potatoes, string beans almondine, tossed green salad, dinner rolls and apple cobbler will be served along with the main features.  The cost is $23.00 a person (including gratuity). The fun begins with no-host cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and awards and auction following dinner. 

 The MCHA general membership meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 1, at the Double D Creek Ranch arena.  Plan to attend, as this is your chance to vote on important issues concerning the association.

 Thank you to Tom and Laurie McGuane for producing the Big Timber cutting the middle of July.  They had a "welcome" party at their ranch the evening before the cutting with lots of good food and fun events. The cutting pen at Big Timber had new sand – which delighted the cutters.  The Markette/Schuler families had a nice barbecue for all after the cutting on Saturday.  Thank you to the Weyers for hosting two weekends of cutting the end of July at their arena at Columbus. The cuttings were very well attended and as always very well run.  Thank you to the Parkers for producing a great cutting with fresh cattle in all classes Aug. 12 and 13 at Millers Horse Palace Arena in Billings.  The last of the Never Won A Buckle classes was held July 22 at Columbus.  Jason Priest won the class and will join Jessica Bruch, Brynn Erb, Seth Holdbrook, Deb Morris, and Melissa DeYoung for a chance to win a saddle at the year-end finals. The Angela Bauer Scholarship cutting was held on Aug. 12 at Laurel. Scholarships in the amount of $200, $150, and $100 were awarded to the top three winners in both the senior class and junior class.  Senior scholarship winners are  $200 – Fallon Nuttall, $150 – Lindsey Lee, $100 – Katie Curtis.  Junior scholarship winners are $200 – Wyatt Nuttall, $150 – Lane Ternan, $100 – Riley Dublin. Congratulations to these youth.  I will have highlights from the other August/September MCHA approved cuttings (Sapphire aged event/weekend show and Henry's Lake) in the next newsletter.

 By now you should have received a ballot to vote for 2007 officers/directors.  Be sure to return it so your vote can be counted.  Ballots need to be postmarked by Monday, September 18 and should be returned to Betty Lou Weeding. No late ballots will be accepted.

 Congratulations to Kelsey Fraser.  Kelsey qualified for the short-go (final round) in Girls Cutting at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals at Springfield, Illinois.  She placed 17^th in the championship round and placed 19^th in the year-end standings.  Montana was well represented with Kelsey, Breanna Martin, Ashton Stephens, Jesse Pichler, Clayton Miller, BJ Brown, Seth Holdbrook and Charlie Hollenbeck competing in the cutting.  Congratulations to all of these youth.

 Congratulations to Paul and Molly Taylor on the birth of their baby girl, Halle Hayes Taylor.  The new little cutter was welcomed into the world on Aug. 7.  We are all anxious for Halle to be able to leave the hospital so her proud parents can show her off at the cuttings.

 The MCHA lost a very, very special friend on Saturday, August 12. Barb Dahl passed away.  Barb had such class. She always had a smile on her face and made you smile as well. We extend our sincere condolences to her family.

 MCHA members continue to remain in the top 25 of the NCHA standings.  They are listed below with results based on earnings processed by NCHA to Aug. 7, 2006.  Open – 22. Little Jack Smart, owner/Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC. rider/Will Nuttall; Non-Pro – 22. Bill Parker; $20,000 Non-Pro – 15. David Markette, 22. Bambi Gress; $10,000 Amateur – 16. Theresa Nelson, 26. David Markette; $3,000 Novice Horse – 8. Dualin Smart Gun, owner/Rimrock Livestock, rider/John Dublin, 9. Playin Playgun, owner/Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC, rider/Will Nuttall; $3,000 Novice, Non-Pro – 8. PD Smart Starlight, owners/Jonathan and Kathy Foote, rider/Kathy Foote, 9. Catsonita, owners/Bill and Jann Parker, rider/Jann Parker, 11. Zig Zag Cat, owner/rider Fallon Nuttall; $2,000 Limit Rider – 5. Jessica Bruch, 15. Jacob Bruch; $10,000 Novice Horse – 17. An Oaken Playgun, owner/Mike Willey, rider/John Dublin; $10,000 Novice, Non-Pro – 18. Crosstown Cat, owner/rider Bambi Gress.

 Thank you to Carrie and Tom Bruch of Big Sky Internet Design who maintain our website, www.montanacha.com.  They do a fabulous job on keeping our association connected to the world. 

 Good luck to all the contestants at the year-end show. Remember to make reservations for the banquet and to contact Theresa or Carrie to list your auction items.  See you in Columbus.

 Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer

August

  The weather has been hot and so has the cutting this summer. Some races for year-end awards are extremely close with leaders swapping places after each cutting.

  Thank you to Darrell Lee and family for hosting the Bitterroot Valley Cutting June 16-18 at Hamilton. Many extra activities were held. The team cutting generated $250 for the Angela Bauer Scholarship fund. The Token Y Team consisting of Susie Luchessi, Lisa Hendrickson, Theresa Nelson and their token man, Mark Hendrickson, were the winners and pocketed the same amount of money. The Angela Bauer Scholarship cutting took place on Saturday. Chad Bauer attended and generously donated an extra $100 to the senior and junior winners. Thank you Chad. Senior winners are 1. Jacob Bruch, riding Lenas Spicy N Hot, owner Tom Bruch, 74, $300 scholarship, 2. Fallon Nuttall riding Keep It Short, owner Krista Nuttall, 71.5, $150 scholarship, 3.(tie) Jeff Markette riding Dox Cash Account , owner Schuler-Markette, 71, $100 scholarship and Tyler Weyer, riding Catson, owner Double D Creek Ranch, 71, $100 scholarship. Junior winners are 1. Wyatt Nuttall riding Flo Motion (DNA), owner Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, 73, $300 scholarship, 2. Lane Ternan riding Badgers Danny Dry owner Rex Ternan, 72, $150 scholarship, 3. Macall Banner riding El Wood Badger, owner Brett Williams, 65, $100 scholarship. The next scholarship cutting will be held at Cow Country Cutting in Billings on August 12. Brynn Erb was the winner of the Never Won A Buckle class at Hamilton. Brynn and her horse, Pasos Delight, now have the opportunity to ride for a saddle at the NWAB finals at the year-end show. One more NWAB class will be held at the Double D Creek Ranch Cutting in Columbus on July 29. That winner will join Brynn, Jessica Bruch, Seth Holdbrook, Deb Morris, and Melissa DeYoung in competing for the saddle. The NWAB class was introduced to MCHA four years ago by Kathy Markette and John Schuler. It is one of the most popular classes. John and Kathy have sponsored the class for 4 years as have Clay Christian, John & Alexandra Spizziri, Sr., and Matt and Nancy Crawford. Perry's Trailer Sales have sponsored for three years, Vickie and Walt Stewart for two years, and Lisa Pickens joined our sponsors this year. A huge thank you to all the sponsors and especially to Kelly Heiken for all of her work.

  Thank you to John and Cindy Stefka for producing a cutting at their Sapphire Event Center at Corvallis July 8 and 9. They constantly continue to improve their venue. Circuit awards were given at this cutting as well as at Hamilton. Be sure to read the circuit award winners in the show result section.

  Welcome to our newest Corporate Sponsor – Sport Land Trailer Sales and Service. They have dealerships in Manhattan, Lolo and Kalispell. Be sure to visit with Ken and his crew if you are in the market for a new or used trailer or need service. They are sponsoring the $10,000 Amateur class. Be sure to patronize and thank Sport Land Trailer Sales and Service and, also, our other corporate sponsors – Randy Holman Cutting Horses, Precision Fence, Mission Mountain Tire, BFI Waste Systems, Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sales, Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC, Johnson Saddlery, Rockin W Quarter Horses, and Big Sky Internet Design. Visit the mcha website, www.montanacha.com for more information on all of these businesses.
The MCHA awards banquet and auction is rapidly approaching. The auction is the major fundraiser for the MCHA. Please be thinking of what you would like to donate.

  Congratulations to our MCHA youth members on their performance at the Montana High School Rodeo Association (MHSRA) State Finals. Kelsey Jo Fraser is the champion girls cutter and Clayton Miller is the champion boys cutter. In addition to winning saddles and other awards from MHSRA they also won the MCHA sponsored "bronze" trophies given to the winners of the state high school rodeo cutting. Year-end MHSRA cutting winners (only MCHA members listed) are girls: 1. Kelsey Jo Fraser, 3. Ashton Stephens, 4. Jesse Pichler, 5. Fallon Nuttall, 6. Brynn Erb; Boys: 1. Clayton Miller, 2. Seth Holdbrook. Jesse Pichler also placed 8th in Goat Tying and 7th for Rookie All-Around. Those placing first through fourth represented Montana at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals at Springfield, Illinois July 24 - 30. Fifth through tenth winners represented Montana at the Silver State International Rodeo in Fallon, Nevada July 3 - 8. Hopefully I will have results next month on how they did.
Welcome to our newest MCHA members Jessica Vieth, Grant Setnicka, Betty Lou Weeding and Joe Archuleta. We now have 213 members.

  MCHA members continue to do well in the NCHA World Standings. Following are those in the top 25 based on results processed to July 7 by the NCHA. Open – 25. Little Jack Smart, owner - Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, rider Will Nuttall; $20,000 Non-Pro - 15. David Markette ; $10,000 Amateur - 15. Theresa Nelson; $3,000 Novice - 9. Dualin Smart Gun, owner - Rimrock Livestock, rider - John L. Dublin; 16. Playin Playgun, owner - Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, rider - Will Nuttall; $3,000 Novice/Non-Pro – 7. Catsonita & Jann Parker, 8. PD Smart Starlight & Kathy Foote, 9. Zig Zag Cat & Fallon Nuttall; $2,000 limited rider - 5. Jessica Bruch, 14. Jacob Bruch; $10,000 Novice Horse – 17. An Oaken Playgun, owner - Mike Willey, rider - John L. Dublin.

  This month's member profile features our high school graduate, Alison Markette. Alison is the recipient of the Angela Bauer Memorial Scholarship. She will be attending University of Puget Sound and majoring in International Political Economy. We wish you success and happiness throughout the future.
Please contact me if you would like anything in the newsletter. Enjoy the rest of the summer and good luck at the remaining cuttings.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer

 

July

  The success of MCHA members continues. They fared extremely well at Lucchese/NCHA Days. Thank you to Wyoming CHA for hosting a great weekend of cutting at Casper. Congratulations to the following MCHA members who won circuit awards. Open – Badgers Danny Dry, owner/Rex Ternan, rider/John L. Dublin; Non-Pro – Bill Parker riding Little Smart and Hot; Youth – Lane Ternan riding Badgers Danny Dry; $10,000 Novice Horse, An Oaken Playgun, owner/Rockin W Quarter Horses, rider/ John L Dublin; $3,000 Novice Horse – Dualin Smart Gun, owner/Rimrock Livestock, rider/John L. Dublin; $20,000 Non-Pro – Debra Weyer riding Catson, owner/Double D Creek Ranch; $2,000 Limit Rider – Jessica Bruch riding Shortys Foxy Roxey, owner/Carrie Bruch. The Wyoming CHA writes – Please convey to MCHA a huge Thank You for attending our Area 4 Lucchese/NCHA Days. We are ever so grateful.

  A big thank you to John and Cindy Stefka for producing the Sapphire cutting in May at their Sapphire Arena at Corvallis. Deb Morris riding Get A Quick Peep was the winner of the Never Won A Buckle class. Congratulations, Deb. Thank you to Dave and Debra Weyer for hosting the May cutting at their Double D Creek Ranch Arena in Columbus. Dog races were held at this cutting. They are hysterical to watch. There were 11 entries. Half of the money went to the purse and the other half ($110) went to the Youth Scholarship fund. Results:
1. Tink Nuttall, $55
2. Kapoo Parker, $33
3. Jazz Nuttall, $22
Calcutta: 1. Will Nuttall, $212.50
2. Betsy Talermo, $127.50
3. Carrie Bruch, $85.00

  Mother Nature delayed the start of the Lazy J Cross Cutting at Corvallis in June. The much-needed rain only caused a minor inconvenience in having to move the cutting to the Sapphire Arena. Thank you to Todd Banner for hosting this cutting. Congratulations to Melissa DeYoung and Miss Gunsmoke Pep for winning the Never Won A Buckle Class. The first of the Angela Bauer Scholarship cuttings was held at Corvallis.

  Congratulations to the winners –
Senior Youth: 1. Lindsey Lee & Docs Tari O Lena, $200, 2. Jeff Markette & Playboy Money, $150, 3. Jessica Bruch & Shortys Foxy Roxey, $100.
Junior Youth: 1. Wyatt Nuttall & Keep It Short, $200, 2. Mackenzie Banner & Bob Acre Kute, $150, 3. Riley Dublin & Little Tamarak, $100. Thank you to our MCHA President, Darrell Lee, and family for producing the Bitterroot Valley Cutting at their ranch in Hamilton in June. I will have more on this cutting next month.

  July and August has some great cuttings scheduled. Be sure to read the show information on these cuttings as there are many special things planned. Cutters will head to the beautiful Bitterroot Valley for the Sapphire cutting July 8-9. If you haven’t participated in a cutting at the Sapphire arena you will want to attend and compete at John and Cindy Stefka's wonderful venue. It’s off to Big Timber the next weekend for the Sweet Grass County Cutting. Laurie McGuane has a welcome party planned Friday night 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at their ranch in Big Timber – RSVP to mcguaneranch@yahoo.com. There will be games, barbecue, etc. It should be lots of fun. The MCHA will furnish circuit awards (embroidered jackets) at this cutting. The Double D Creek Ranch at Columbus will host cuttings July 21-23 and July 28-30.
  The Weyers always have well run cuttings and their facility is a great place to cut. The last of the Never Won A Buckle classes will be held July 22 at Columbus. Miller’s Horse Palace Arena in Billings is the place to be August 12-13 for the Cow Country Cutting produced by Bill and Jann Parker. There will be fresh cattle in all classes. This cutting will also feature the Angela Bauer Scholarship Cutting on Saturday, August 12. The young MCHA members will be hoping to have their best run ever as three scholarships will be given in the junior class and three scholarships in the senior class. Please remember both horse owner and rider must be MCHA members in order to win the scholarships.
  Todd Banner will produce the Lazy J Cross Cutting at his arena in Corvallis August 16-19. Aged event classes will be held Wednesday and Thursday with the finals Friday morning. The regular cutting will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday (two shows over three days).
  I mentioned last month that Alison Markette is the first winner of the $2,000 Angela M. Bauer Scholarship. Many MCHA youth applied for this scholarship and Alison was the deserving recipient. Alison writes – Dear MCHA, Thank you, your help is greatly appreciated. The scholarship will be used for tuition or room and board at the University of Puget Sound. Your faith in me will not be wasted. Thank you. Very Truly Yours, Alison Markette
  I am happy to announce we have 207 members, an increase of 24 members from last year. Welcome to new member Melissa DeYoung from Victor. Melissa started with a bang by winning the $800 rider class at the Sapphire in May and the NWAB class at Lazy J Cross cutting at Corvallis in June. Congratulations, Melissa.
  Remember to get your copy of the 2006 membership directory. It is available at the cuttings or by contacting me. The “official” standings are, also, available at the cuttings.
  If you want to nominate someone or if you would like to run for an MCHA officer or director position contact Kathy Markette, John Seymour, Karla Camp or Donald Weeding (nominating committee). The ballots will be distributed in August so contact them soon.
 Congratulations to the following MCHA members in the top 50 in NCHA world Standings (based on results processed by NCHA as of 6/5/06).
$2,000 Limit Rider – 5. Jessica Bruch, 30. Jacob Bruch
$3,000 Novice/Non-Pro – 6. PD Smart Starlight, o/Jonathon & Kathy Foote, r/Kathy Reiser Foote, 9. Catsonita, o/Bill & Jann Parker, r/Jann Parker, 11. Zig Zag Cat, o/rFallon Nuttall, 29. Boonsmal Kandy Man, o/rKelly Anderson
$20,000 Non-Pro – 12. David Markette
$10,000 Amateur – 22. Theresa Nelson, 33. David Markette, 43. Susan Lucchesi
$3,000 Novice – 27. Dualin Smart Gun, o/Rimrock Livestock, r/John Dublin, 36. Playin Playgun, o/Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, r/Will Nuttall
Open – 26. Little Jack Smart, o/Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, r/Will Nuttall, 37. Badgers Danny Dry, o/Rex & Gina Ternan, r/ John L. Dublin
Non-Pro – 31. Bill Parker, 37. Mark Hendrickson
$10,000 Novice – 34. An Oaken Playgun, o/Mike Willey, r/John L. Dublin
$10,000 Novice/Non-Pro – 38. Crosstown Cat, o/rBambi Gress; Jr.Youth – 50. Lane Ternan. Good luck to these members as they continue on the quest for world championships.

  A big thank you to Cindy and Kelsey Jo Fraser for answering questions for this month’s member profiles. They live in Miles City and are tough competitors.
Have a safe and fun 4th of July.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary

June
Wow, what a great showing by Montana Affiliate members at the Western National Championships in Ogden. The Montana Affiliate had three champions; two reserve champions, finalists in every class except one and the highest score of the show. Many MCHA members just missed making the finals. The Montana Affiliate, also, can claim bragging rights as reserve champions in the NCHA/AQHA Affiliate challenge. They racked up an amazing 1600 points just 15 points shy of first place. Zacks Little Lena ridden by John L. Dublin and owned by John and Alexadra Spizziri marked the high score (223.5) of the show. With that honor comes one year's use of a three horse deluxe slant load trailer courtesy of Wayne Hodges Trailers. Congratulations and thank you to all the riders from the Montana Affiliate. Following are results of MCHA affiliate riders in the finals. Junior Youth – Champion – Lane Ternan riding Badgers Danny Dry, 4. Fallon Nuttall riding Fritzies Choice, 11. Riley Dublin riding Justa Swinging, and 13. Wyatt Nuttall riding Keep It Short. Senior Youth – Co-Champion – Lindsey Lee riding Tico Montana. $3,000 Novice Horse – 22. Playin Playgun owned by Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, ridden by Will Nuttall, 25. Fritzies Choice owned by Krista Nuttall and ridden by Will Nuttall. $10,000 Novice Horse – Champion – Zachs Little Lena, owned by John Spizziri, Sr., ridden by John L. Dublin, Reserve Champion – Flo Motion owned by Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC, ridden by Will Nuttall, 9. Staretta Chex, owned by Molly Taylor and ridden by Wylie Fraser. $2,000 Rider, 9. Molly Taylor riding Little Safari Miss, 23. Mike Willey riding Dually Five Speed. $10,000 Amateur – 8. Theresa Nelson riding Shorty Rey Jay, 9. Susan Lucchesi riding Fairlea Hickory Pep, 10. Molly Taylor riding Little Safari Miss. $20,000 Non Pro – 12. Krista Nuttall riding Keep It Short, 21. Tom Bruch riding Lenas Spicy N Hot, 24. Dave Weyer riding Mates Muchacho, 27. Bambi Gress riding Crosstown Cat, 31. Susan Lucchesi riding Fairlea Hickory Pep. $50,000 Amateur – Reserve Champion, - Kathy Markette riding Lil Lena San, 11. Todd Wirthlin riding STR Playguns Silver, 26. Dave Weyer riding Mates Muchacho. Non Pro – 27. (tie) Darrell Lee riding Tico Montana, 27. (tie) Kathy Markette riding Lil Lena San. Open – 17. Little Jack Smart owned by Switchback Cutting Horse, LLC, ridden by Will Nuttall. Congratulations, also, to these Montanans (points not counting for MT affiliate) – Dennis Bacon and Olenas Dually CD wining the championship in the $3,000 Novice Horse and Rio CD owned by Schuler/Markette placing 25th in the $10,000 Novice Horse.

Allison Markette has been selected as the Angela Bauer Scholarship winner for 2006. This scholarship is awarded through an application process. There were many applications and it was a tough decision. Allison plans to attend the University of Puget Sound and major in International Political Economy. Congratulations Allison. We wish you all the best and good luck in your future endeavors.

Angela Bauer Scholarship Cuttings will be held at Lazy J Cross Cutting June 10, Bitterroot Valley Cutting June 17, and at Cow Country Cutting on August 12. The top three junior and top three senior youth will win scholarships. Remember both the youth and horse owner must be MCHA members prior to cutting in order to win these scholarships.

New membership directories are available at the cuttings. Just after publishing the directory, our 200th member joined the MCHA. Welcome to the following new members – Susan and Philip Layne, Dallas Seymour, and Jessie Kirk.

Standings are posted at the cuttings, on the website, and in The Montana Horseman's Journal. Please check the standings and if there is a discrepancy notify me. The race for the year-end awards is very close in some classes and, like in the past, the last cutting will determine the winner.

Congratulations to these MCHA members who are in the top 10 NCHA World Standings based on results processed by NCHA to May 12, 2006. $20,000 Non Pro – 8. David Markette; $3,000 Novice Non Pro – 2. PD Smart Starlight, ridden by Kathy Reiser Foote, 6. Catsonita, ridden by Jann Parker, 11. Zig Zag Cat, ridden by Fallon Nuttall; $2,000 Rider – 7. Jessica Bruch.

We had some great cuttings last month. Thank you to Bill and Jann Parker for hosting Cow Country Cutting over Easter weekend. This cutting was AQHA approved with many taking advantage of this and earning AQHA points, as well as, MCHA points and money. The next weekend Sage Riders Cow Town Cutting was held at Miles City. A big thank you to Caren Coffee, Wes Tibbets and the Sage Riders Club for all of their hard work to produce a remarkable cutting. Seth Holdbrook was the winner of the Never Won A Buckle Class at Miles City. Congratulations to Seth. Never Won A Buckle classes will be held June 10 at Corvallis, June 17 at Hamilton and the last Never Won A Buckle class will be July 22 at Columbus. I will have the winner of the NWAB class from the May Sapphire cutting in next month's newsletter. Thank you to Kelly Heiken for organizing these classes.

The next couple of months will be busy with cuttings. Wyoming will host Lucchese/NCHA Days weekend at Casper June 2-4. You won't want to miss this. The next two weekends will find cutters in the Bitterroot Valley for Lazy J Cross Cutting at Corvallis on June 10-11 and Bitterroot Valley Cutting at Hamilton, June 16-17. Sapphire Events Center at Corvallis will host the first of the July cuttings on July 8-9. Next on the schedule is the Sweet Grass County Cutting July 15-16 at Big Timber. Laurie McGuane has a welcome party planned and says there will be lots of new sand in the arena for the show. Then it's off to Columbus the last two weekends of July for some fantastic cutting at the Double D Creek Ranch arena. Be sure to check the MCHA website, www.montanacha.com, for the cutting schedule and show information.

This month's member profile features Ric Bellwood. Ric was one of the original signers of MCHA's Articles of Incorporation. Thank you Ric for taking the time to answer my questions.

If you have anything you would like in the newsletter, please contact me.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer

 

May

It has been a busy month for cuttings. A huge thank you to all the producers of the cuttings. The MSU Horseman's Club held the first Never Won A Buckle Class. Congratulations to Jessica Bruch riding her great horse, Shorty's Foxy Roxey. Jessica scored 70 points to take home the buckle. Typical spring weather consisting of snow and sun greeted the cutters at Bozeman. The ground was good and circuit awards were given. Bill and Jann Parker produced another great cutting featuring fresh cattle in all classes at the Horse Palace Arena. The Sapphire Event Center was the location for the cutting produced by John and Cindy Stefka. The ground, cattle and attendance were good.

Lots of cuttings are planned for this month. Junior and senior youth please note there are two Angela Bauer Scholarship cuttings scheduled in June. The first will be at Lazy J Cross cutting on June 10 and the other at Bitterroot Valley Cutting on June 17. Remember both youth and horse owner must be MCHA members before showing in order to win the scholarships. The third Never Won A Buckle class will be held at the Sapphire cutting on May 13 in Corvallis. This cutting is approved by the Idaho Cutting Horse Association in addition to the NCHA and MCHA. Be sure to attend the Double D Creek Ranch cutting May 20-21 at Columbus. This is a wonderful venue and Dave and Deb Weyer always have an outstanding cutting. You will want to attend Lucchese/NCHA Days June 2-4 in Casper as the Wyoming Affiliate has a lot planned and will be giving awesome circuit awards. Lazy J Cross Cutting at Corvallis is June 10-11. Specialty classes will include a 4-year-old Open and Non-Pro class, Never Won A Buckle Class, and scholarship cutting. Cutters will return to the scenic Bitterroot Valley the next weekend for The Bitterroot Valley Cutting June 16-18 at Hamilton. In addition to the Never Won A Buckle Class and Angela Bauer Scholarship Cutting, a team cutting will be held on Saturday. This is a lot of fun and some of the proceeds benefit the Angela Bauer Youth Scholarship Fund. In classes without added money you will have the opportunity to win circuit awards. Be sure to read the show flyers for all the information on the cuttings.

I want to stress again that both horse owner and rider must be MCHA members BEFORE entering the show pen in order for earnings to count toward MCHA year-end awards. If you are not sure of membership status the show secretary has a membership list at each cutting. The standings are posted at the cuttings so be sure to review them. Contact me if you have any questions on the standings.

Welcome to our new members – Jason Moulton, Kevin Taysom, Clayton Miller, Rodney Vance, Allison Cederberg, Laura Anderson, Robert and Debra Clary, Don and Sheila Nelson, David Slauson, Tye MacDonald, Brian Rouse, Garl Germann, Duane Leiseth, and Rachel Lohof. There are 185 MCHA members compared to 171 at this time last year.

Some MCHA members are doing extremely well in the NCHA World Standings. Congratulations to the following who are in the top 50 (based on results processed to April 7).
Open - 32. Rio CD, owner Schuler/Markette
Non Pro – 27. Bill Parker
$50,000 Amateur -
31. Mark Hendrickson
37. Jann Parker
$20,000 Non Pro -
11. David Markette
27. Bambi Gress
31. Todd Wirthlin
$10,000 Amateur –
19. David Markette
29. Theresa Nelson
$3,000 Novice Non-Pro –
2. PD Smart Starlight, ridden by Kathy Foote, owned by Jonathan & Kathy Foote
6. Catsonita, owned and ridden by Jann Parker
38. Zig Zag Cat, owned and ridden by Fallon Nuttall
$2,000 Limit Rider -
11. Jessica Bruch
33. Jacob Bruch
48. Norman Schuchard
Jr. Youth – 51. Lane Ternan
Sr. Youth – 35. Tyler Weyer
$10,000 Novice Non Pro – 50. Catson, ridden by Tyler Weyer and owned by Double D Creek Ranch.
Visit the website, www.ncha.com, to view other members in the top 100 NCHA standings.

A belated congratulations to Jann Parker for winning the $3,000 Novice Non Pro at Denver and to Kathy Markette and John Schuler on their horse Rio CD winning the open at Denver. Also, congratulations to Theresa Nelson  & Mark Hendrickson for receiving a top 15 buckle at the World Finals. These were overlooked in earlier newsletters. Please let me know if you have any news about our MCHA members. We are happy to put it in the newsletter and on the website – we just need to know.

Thank you to LJ "Roy" Pezoldt for agreeing to answer the questions for the member profile. I think Roy is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, MCHA member currently showing. In some sports the older you get the harder it is to compete against the "youngsters". But not in cutting. Roy is very competitive and usually draws a check wherever he is showing.

Good luck to everyone as they compete at the cuttings.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary

April

  Hopefully we've traded winter caps for cowboy hats. The worst of winter is behind us and now it's cutting time.

  There was a terrific showing of cutters at the March cuttings. Thank you to Todd Banner for producing the first 2006 MCHA approved cutting. There were 161 entries over the two days. Thank you to Bill and Jann Parker for producing the Cow Country Cutting at the Horse Palace in Laurel. They hosted a high school cutting on Friday with 20 entries. The weekend cutting featured fresh cattle and it sparked the interest of 208 entries over the two days. The Sapphire cutting in Corvallis was the other cutting in March. Press deadline was before this cutting so I will have information and results on it next month. Thank you to John and Cindy Stefka for producing this cutting.

  Welcome to our new Corporate Sponsor, TLC Ranch LLC of Kalispell. Thank you Todd and Lee Wirthlin. TLC Ranch is sponsoring the $3,000 Novice Non Pro Class. We sincerely appreciate your support. Other Corporate Sponsors include Randy Holman Cutting Horses, Precision Fence, Mission Mountain Tire, BFI Waste Systems, Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sales, Switchback Cutting Horses LLC, Johnson Saddlery, and Rockin W Quarter Horses. Please thank these sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor please contact Darrell Lee, MCHA President, or any of the directors or officers.

  We now have 148 members as compared to 153 members last year. Welcome to new members Jim Ellis, Cindy Garoutte, Hess Arabians, Marvin Ley, Pickens Performance Horses, Bradley House, Paje Zervas, Stephanie Shelton, Stephanie Long, Josh Riley, and Julia Riley. We are happy to have you as members.
After the conclusion of the World Finals held in Amarillo, Texas, the following MCHA members finished in the top 25 of the NCHA world standings. $20,000 Non Pro - 7. Mark Hendrickson, 9. Roy Gebhardt, 21. Lane Hutchings, 24. David Weyer; Senior Youth – 17. Tyler Weyer; $10,000 Amateur – 11. Roy Gebhardt, 17. Debra Weyer, 24. Theresa Nelson; $2,000 Rider – 11. Theresa Nelson, 23. David Markette; $10,000 Novice Horse – 17. Zacks Little Lena, owner John and Alexandra Spizziri, rider John L. Dublin; Open – 18. Rio CD, owner John Schuler, rider Lawson Hadlock. Congratulations – you made Montana proud.

  There are some great cuttings planned for April and May. The first Never Won A Buckle Class will be held Saturday at the MSU Horseman's Club Cutting in Bozeman. This cutting is April 1 and 2. The next weekend cutters head off to the beautiful Bitterroot Valley and the Sapphire Events Center in Corvallis for another show produced by John and Cindy Stefka. Bill and Jann Parker will host a cutting with special Easter Sunday church service. This cutting is April 15 and 16 at the Horse Palace in Laurel. It is AQHA approved - you can earn AQHA World Show Qualifying points. There will be fresh cattle in all classes. The Sage Riders Cow Town Cutting will hold their 4 year-old aged event and weekend cutting April 21-23 in Miles City. They will have fresh cattle in all classes. The second NWAB class will be held Sunday at Miles City. Many MCHA members will compete at the NCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah, April 27-May 7. The Stefka's will produce a cutting on May 13 and 14 at the Sapphire Event Center in Corvallis. The third NWAB class will take place on May 13. The Sapphire cutting is also approved by the Idaho CHA. Double D Creek Ranch will hold a cutting at their wonderful facility in Columbus on May 20 and 21. The Kalispell cutting tentatively scheduled for May has been cancelled. Be sure to mark your calendar to attend Lucchese/NCHA Days hosted by the Wyoming CHA in Casper, Wyoming, June 2 through June 4. Wyoming does a fantastic job and has some awesome circuit awards planned.

  You may have noticed last month there were two member profiles in The Montana Horseman's Journal. This month's edition will, also, have two, Theresa Nelson and Shaun Pichler. Theresa hasn't been cutting for very long but she sure has accomplished a lot in her short career. In addition to competing she is also the secretary at some of the MCHA approved cuttings. Most of you know Shaun, as she is the secretary at most of the MCHA approved shows. Before Shaun became a certified show secretary she was involved in cutting. Many of you know her great stallion, Ben to Cowledge. Thank you Shaun and Theresa for answering my questions and for all the work you do for us. We really appreciate both of you!!
Please contact me if you want anything in the newsletter or would like someone featured in the member profile. You can email info@montanacha.com with your ideas or information.
 
  Happy Easter
Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
 

March

It's here - the 2006 cutting season begins with shows in March. The Lazy J Cross Cutting at Corvallis is March 4 and 5. The Cow Country Cutting at Billings is scheduled March 11 and 12 and the Sapphire Events Cutting at Corvallis is March 18 and 19. April will be a busy month as cuttings are scheduled every weekend. The MSU Horseman's Club will hold their annual competition April 1 and 2. Sapphire Events cutting at Corvallis will be the next weekend. Cow Country cutting at the Horse Palace in Billings is slated for Easter weekend. Sage Riders cutting at Miles City is April 21 – 23. The Western National Championships at Ogden, Utah will take place April 27 - May 7. The first Never Won A Buckle class will be Saturday, April 1 at Bozeman. Miles City will hold the NWAB class on Sunday, April 23. The April Billings cutting is an AQHA approved cutting. One can earn AQHA world show qualifying points at this cutting. A high school cutting will be held in Billings on Friday, April 14. Be prepared to show horse's registration papers and NCHA membership cards at all Montana CHA shows.

Now is the time to pay your dues. Dues are $50 per adult and $10 for youth. Both horse owner and rider (including youth) must be members before cutting in order for points to count toward year-end awards. A subscription to the Montana Horseman's Journal is included in your dues. This will be your last Montana Horseman's Journal if you have not paid your dues. Don't delay pay your dues today.

Welcome to our newest MCHA members – Charlotte and Frank Farley, Fred and Lucy Leadbeater, Debby Thorpe and Tamra Hendrickson. Good luck at the upcoming cuttings.

Congratulations to Wylie and Jennifer Fraser on the birth of their baby boy, Ryatt Winn Fraser. The future cutter was welcomed into the world on January 12.

A huge thank you to Sandra Sabey for the very generous donation to the Youth Scholarship Fund. Also, thank you Tom and Laurie McGuane for your liberal donation to the Scholarship fund. The donations are very much appreciated! The Angela Bauer Scholarship Application deadline is April 15. A scholarship application is included in this newsletter for any youth that qualify.

MCHA members are doing extremely well at the NCHA World Finals in Amarillo, Texas. You can view the results on the NCHA website, www.nchacutting.com. I will have complete results next month.

Last month on the list of NCHA Western National Championships qualifiers that I sent to The Montana Horseman's Journal I inadvertently omitted Roy Pezoldt, Matt Crawford, and Charlie Cord from the Non Pro class and the $3,000 Novice Horse list was missing. The lists are included this month. Good luck to all the Montana MCHA members competing at Ogden.

Thank you to Bev Hall for answering my questions for the member profile. If you have anything you would like in the newsletter, please contact me. I'm looking forward to another great year of cutting.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary

February

The 2006 cutting season begins next month - so now is the time to pay your dues. Dues are $50 per adult and $10 per youth (18 and under). Both horse owner and rider must be members before entering the show arena for points to count toward year-end awards. A membership form is included in this newsletter. Don't delay, do it today. Please note that the TENTATIVE (pending approval) show schedule for 2006 is included in this newsletter.

Welcome to our new MCHA Vice-President, Mark Hendrickson, and new Director, David Markette. Also, welcome to Buddy Westphal, new National Director, and Jake Bruch, new Youth National Director. The Directors met the end of January. The minutes will be published in next month's newsletter.
Thank you to all that responded to the MCHA Survey. Results are included in this newsletter.

I want to remind everyone that one of the benefits of their membership is that they are entitled to place text classified ads FREE on the MCHA website. If you want to add a photo it is only $10. Stallion ads, business ads, and ranch ads are only $25.00 for MCHA members. You can advertise in both the business section and ranch section for only $40. For more information or to place an ad e-mail me at info@montanacha.com or call me at 208-542-1144. Check out our website at www.montanacha.com.

Thank you to last year's corporate sponsors :
Randy Holman Cutting Horses
 Precision Fence
Mission Mountain Tire
BFI Waste Systems
Alpine Veterinary Hospital
Billings Livestock Commission Horse Sales
Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC
Johnson Saddlery
Rockin W Quarter Horses

Also thank you to the 2005 Never Won A Buckle Sponsors:
Habanero Cutting Horses, LLC
Stewart Excavating, Inc.
Perry's Trailer Sales, Inc.
Matt and Nancy Crawford
Stewart Title of Missoula
John and Alexandra Spizziri, Sr.
Big Sky Internet Design, Inc
A huge thanks to Kelly Heiken for organizing the NWAB classes. If you or someone you know are interested in being a Corporate Sponsor or NWAB sponsor please contact Darrell Lee, Kelly Heiken, or me. We will be happy to furnish all the benefits and details. Please be sure to patronize and thank the above businesses and individuals for supporting the Montana Cutting Horse Association.
Good luck to MCHA members competing at the World Finals, Feb. 9-20.

The NCHA Western National Championships will be held April 27-May 7 in Ogden, Utah. The list of MCHA qualifiers is included in this newsletter. You should be receiving your invitation and entry forms from NCHA soon. Be sure to circle Montana CHA Affiliate on your entry form and complete that portion of the entry form. Your earnings will then count for Montana in the Affiliate challenge. The last few years Montana riders have done outstanding and won money for the affiliate.

This month's member profile features our new director, David Markette. Thanks, Dave, for answering my questions.

Contact me if you have any ideas or suggestions or would like to contribute to the newsletter.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary


 

January
I hope everyone had a happy holiday season. We are in the midst of winter but the new cutting season will be here soon.

Congratulations to Thomas McGuane, the newest inductee into the National Cutting Horse Association Members Hall of Fame. He is a very successful cutter, author, and rancher from McLeod, Montana. What a great achievement. This year's other inductees are Lindy Burch, Dick Gaines, and George Stout. Tom joins a prestigious group of only 71 people - including last year's inductee, Jonathan Foote, from Livingston - who have been honored in the NCHA Members Hall of Fame. Visit our website, www.montanacha.com for more information.

It is time to pay your 2006 Montana Cutting Horse Association dues. Last year only a few dollars determined the year-end winners so be sure to pay your dues before the first cutting. Remember both horse owner and rider must be MCHA members in order for earnings to count toward year-end awards. Dues are $50 for adults and $10 for youth (18 years and younger). You can complete the membership form found in this issue and send it along with your money to MCHA, c/o Shirley Williams, Secretary/Treasurer, 13696 North 105 East, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.  Click Here for Membership Form

Welcome to our new MCHA Vice-President, Mark Hendrickson, and new Director, David Markette. The Board of Directors will meet later this month. Be sure to contact a director or officer if you have any items for the agenda.

This month's member profile features Michelle Van Dyke. Thank you, Michelle, for answering my questions. Michelle is a past MCHA President and a tough competitor.

If you have anything you would like in the newsletter, please contact me.

Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer