December Newsletter
Well it has been a fast wonderful 2 years as
President of the Montana Cutting Horse Association.
Can’t believe this is my last newsletter to write.
I do want to thank the MCHA Membership, the MCHA
Board and others for the great support and time
given me as their President. The Association is as
strong as ever and should continue to be that for
years to come.
Also, please do what you can for Todd Banner and
show him that he is a special person to all of us
with the up coming fund raising functions for him
and his family.
May God bless and keep you safe this Holiday Season.
See you down the road.
Todd Wirthlin
President* * *
Twice a month for the last two years Todd Wirthlin,
MCHA President, and I have collaborated on writing
the newsletter. This issue I told Todd he was on his
own, but I just wanted to mention a few things.
Thanks, Todd, for two great years of leading our
association. You have been wonderful to work with. I
have enjoyed getting to know you and Lee. I can
recite your phone number from memory (as I can the
last few MCHA Presidents) and I am sure you can
recite mine because we have communicated a lot.
Jean New has misplaced a special halter. If you
picked it up this summer, please return it to her as
it was a gift and she would appreciate getting it
back. It's a brown leather bronc halter with hair on
noseband. "JAKE" is burned into the leather
underneath the noseband. The halter was left at a
cutting sometime this summer. If anyone found this
halter, please call Jean New at 307-754-3670. She
will reimburse for shipping of halter.
Please review the list of Eastern/Western National
Championship qualifiers and contact me if you have
any questions.
As Todd stated in his newsletter, please support the
benefits that are planned for Todd Banner. A list of
activities is included in this issue and is, also,
available on the Montana CHA website,
www.montanacha.com, along with a current list of
auction items.
All MCHA memberships expire on December 31. The dues
remain the same as last year, $50 for adults and $10
for youth (18 years and younger). A membership form
is included in this issue for your convenience.
Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a
Joyful Holiday Season.
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
November Montana CHA
Newsletter:
Our get-well wishes, thoughts and prayers are with
Todd and Kate Banner and family. On Saturday,
November 7th at about 11:00 am, Todd and Kate were
in their home office doing some bookkeeping. One
minute Todd was fine, laughing and joking, the next
minute he was holding onto the table, unable to
speak clearly and telling Kate he needed help. Todd
was merci-flighted to Great Falls. There he
underwent numerous examinations and it was
determined he had suffered a stroke. To everyone's
amazement Todd went home from the hospital on
Wednesday, November 11th. He is getting better each
day but will need physical therapy and time to heal.
To help with Todd's medical expenses an auction and
benefit cutting/dinner is planned as a fundraiser.
More details will be available soon and will be
posted on the MCHA website, www.montanacha.com.
The MCHA website has a list of items that are being
donated for the benefit auction. If you wish to
donate an item contact: Cindy Garoutte at
406-425-0250 cell, 406-322-8410 home,
bcgaroutte@wildblue.net; Susie Lucchesi at
406-396-7313 cell, 406-273-6333 home,
telesisan80@hotmail.com; Betsy Talermo at
307-690-7211,jhclothiers@hotmail.com;
Audrey O'Keefe, 406-490-7604,
noexcusesarena@hotmail.com or Cindy Stefka,
406-381-1370,
cstefka@yahoo.com.
An all day cutting clinic at the Sapphire Event
Center with Will Nuttall, Zane Davis and Randy
Holman on New Year's eve is planned. The cost is
$150 per person. All proceeds go to the Banner
family. Please contact Cindy Stefka at 406-381-1370
or
cstefka@yahoo.com to reserve your space. The
deadline for signing up for the clinic is December
25 in order to get a cattle count, but latecomers
won't be turned away. A benefit cutting is being
planned for New Year's Day at the Sapphire arena.
Keep watching the MCHA website for more details or
contact Cindy or John Stefka.
An account has been set up for Todd Banner’s medical
expenses at the Russell Country Federal Credit
Union. Anyone wanting to donate should make the
check payable to Todd Banner and in the memo line
put medical donation (which is what the account is
titled). This will go into a savings account in
their name and Kate and Todd will know where and who
the donation is from. Send checks to Russell Country
Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 427, Fairfield, MT
59436. Make sure the check is made out to TODD
BANNER not the credit union.
Congratulations to Lindsey Lee, the 2009 Angela
Bauer Academic Scholarship winner. Lindsey is
attending the University of Montana at Missoula. Way
to go Lindsey.
We have five members that made the top 15 of the
NCHA World Standings and will be recognized at the
NCHA World Finals at the Futurity. Congratulations
to Bambi Gress - $50,000 Amateur, Cody Lee - $15,000
Novice Non-Pro, Will Nuttall - $3,000 Novice Horse,
Vickie Stewart - $10,000 Amateur, and Gayle Weber
$2,000 Limit Rider. This is fantastic for these
riders and Montana.
A note to those of you shopping for health and
accident insurance, the American Quarter Horse
Association has policies at reasonable rates.
Contact the AQHA for all of the details.
Be safe in your travels this holiday season.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
* * *
Montana CHA News:
As the NCHA show season comes to a close our Montana
CHA members are still holding their ground in the
World standings. Congratulations to the following
Montana CHA members who are in the top 20 (results
processed to 10-30-09) of the NCHA World standings.
Open: 20. Docs Stylish Acre owned by Double D Creek
Ranch; $50,000 Amateur: 8. Bambi Gress; $20,000 Non
Pro: 12. Donald Weeding; $10,000 Amateur: 12. Vickie
Stewart; $3,000 Novice Horse: 8. CDS Secret owned by
Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC; $5,000 Novice,
Non-Pro: 17. Scootin Lil Mate owned by John & Cindy
Stefka, 20. Olenas Dually Colorme owned by Mark
Hendrickson; $2,000 Limit Rider: 13. Gayle Weber;
$10,000 Novice Horse: 16. Chipotle Cat owned by
Switchback Cutting Horses, LLC.
MCHA now has a toll free number, so if you need to
talk to Shirley you can call 877-883- MCHA (6242).
It's not too early to join Montana CHA, we already
have some members who have joined for 2010. The dues
remain the same ($50 per adult and $10 per youth –
18 years and younger). Remember both horse owner and
rider must be members of Montana CHA before entering
the show pen in order for earnings to count toward
Montana CHA year-end awards.
We want to remind all of our members that it is FREE
to place a text classified ad on the Montana CHA web
site and just $20 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 Shirley at
info@montanacha.com or check out our web site at
www.montanacha.com.
If you have anything you would like mentioned in the
newsletter, please let Todd or Shirley know or
e-mail info@montanacha.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
Montana CHA News:
Winter may well be just around the corner in our
part of the country, but the aged
events are heating up and in full swing leading up
to the NCHA Futurity. Congratulations to Michelle
VanDyke and Dave Weyer for making the finals at
Southpoint in the Classic/Challenge Amateur and
Randy Holman as a finalist in the 4 year-old Derby
Open. Good luck to all those continuing to compete
in weekend shows with the goal of making the top 15
world standings and a chance to be honored at the
shootout party at NCHA Futurity.
This time of year comes well rewarded and lends a
little rest and relaxation for
members and horses after a long year of weekend
shows that began in February. Renewed energy emerges
from rest and a clear mind and members find the time
to focus on goals for the upcoming show year. Maybe
those plans include a new horse, truck or trailer,
winter series shows, clinics or making a trip to
enjoy the NCHA Futurity or Cowboy Christmas. It is
all part of staying connected and there are plenty
of events coming up that provide something for
everyone and support the horse industry. And let's
not forget the upcoming holiday season to give
thanks for the good fortune we have in our lives and
do a little shopping for family and friends.
Its not too early to think about those early shows
and producers are reminded to submit show dates for
all January – April shows by November 1 to the board
of directors for the next approval meeting.
Congratulations to the newly elected directors, VP
and President for the upcoming 2010 year. They are
as follows:
President:
Theresa Nelson
Vice President:
Will Nuttall
Directors:
Suzanne Nellen
Cody Lee
Bambi Gress
Tom Campbell
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
October Montana CHA News
Montana CHA News:
The 2009 Montana Cutting Horse Association’s show
season finale and year end show was held Oct 2nd and
3rd at Great Falls, MontanaExpo Park.
The final show day was a close finish in several
classes with intense competition. The four winners
of the Never Won A Buckle classes throughout the
MCHA shows rode in the final championship class for
a chance to win a trophy saddle built by Van
Greenwell. Sara Chamberlain won the NWAB trophy
saddle aboard Smokin Tenina. This class was great
watching. The Year End Show included a Friday night
social hour with a tennis ball 50/50 toss and a dog
race that raised over $500 for the MCHA. Thank you
to Scott McWatters and family for donating saddle
blankets to all the participants in the youth class
on Saturday and a big thank you to Scott for
donating his winnings in the ball toss to the MCHA.
The awards banquet held Saturday night had both live
and silent auctions raising over $4600. Thank you to
everyone who donated items and to all that bought.
Thank you, also, to Cody Lee and Drew Stewart for
their expertise as auctioneers and to Dorothy
Seymour and Shirley Williams for clerking the sale
and John Dublin and Dave Weyer, ring men. The
delicious prime rib dinner catered by Clark & Lewies
was enjoyed by approximately 100 members. Thank you
to Gayle Weber and Vickie Stewart for helping with
the banquet and to Audrey O'Keefe and Michelle
Morris for the excellent job collecting items for
the auction and organizing the items. Many thanks to
John and Dorothy Seymour, Michelle VanDyke, Lee
Wirthlin, Theresa Nelson and Sue Thompson for their
work on the auction and banquet. The evening ended
with great music by Tim Tharp of The Sound
Connection. He generously donated part of his fee as
a disc jockey back to MCHA.
Awards were presented after dinner. Congratulations
to Horse of the Year Winners - Cody Lee's, Remanitas
Alegria, and Dave Weyer's, Docs Stylish Acre. The
membership voted on Horse of the Year, which ended
in a tie for these two great horses. This is the
second straight year that Docs Stylish Acre was
voted Horse of the Year. Congratulations to Cody and
Dave. A highlight of the night was awarding the four
saddles to year-end winners and the drawing for the
saddle from all those that competed in the year-end
show. Shauna Cooper was the lucky winner of the
saddle from those competing at the show. Montana has
a unique way of awarding the four saddles to the
year-end winners. All classes are listed on
ping-pong balls and the balls are drawn out of a
hat. All year-end winners come to the front of the
room and as the ball is drawn that person sits down.
The last person standing wins the saddle. Then all
the names are put back in and this is done again,
three more times. The lucky saddle winners are
Donald Weeding, Cody Lee, Gayle Weber and Lindsey
Lee. Congratulations.
A General Membership meeting was held Sunday
morning. The 2010 election results were announced.
The newly elected directors include Cody Lee, Bambi
Gress, Tom Campbell and Suzanne Nellen. The new Vice
President elect is Will Nuttall and Theresa Nelson
will be the new President. Youth Director is
MacKenzie Banner. Thank you to Betty Lou Weeding and
her crew for conducting the election.
A huge thank you to our major year-end sponsor
Maddox Roofing of Great Falls and to Neal Bouma of
Bouma Truck and Equipment Sales for the use of the
tractor, loader and arena drag. Many thanks to all
that helped with the set-up, clean up, cattle
handling, etc. of the cutting. You did an excellent
job and we appreciate it.
Lots of hard work and planning went into making this
another great year-end show and banquet. Thank you
to all the directors, members, corporate and year
end sponsors for making this a great show season.
In appreciation,
Todd Wirthlin
MCHA President
Shirley Williams
MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
September Montana CHA News:
Montana Cutting Horse Association News:
When you read this Newsletter the Montana Cutting
Horse Association’s 2009 show season will have come
to a close. It has been a good year with some great
riders and horses taking year-end awards. The MCHA
will have a new President and Vice President and
elect four new Directors for 2010. Year-end show
results, winners and election results will be in the
next newsletter.
We want to thank all that helped with the year end
show and all the sponsors that have been there
through out the year. You have been the foundation
for this Association.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
Make plans to attend the Montana CHA year-end show
and festivities October 2, 3 and 4 in Great Falls.
The weekend starts with cuttings, Friday, Oct. 2 and
Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Montana ExpoPark. Saturday
will be busy with the cutting starting early at 7
a.m. A no host social hour at the Montana ExpoPark
Trades and Industries Building is at 7 p.m. Dinner
is scheduled for 8 p.m. with awards and auction to
follow. Call Vickie Stewart at 961-4059 or Gayle
Weber at 546-9028 with your banquet plans.
Reservations need to be made by Monday, September
28. The General membership meeting will begin at 9
a.m. at the Montana ExpoPark on Sunday, October 4. A
producer meeting will be held after the General
membership meeting to discuss the 2010 schedule and
other topics. All producers are encouraged to
attend. This meeting is open to anyone.
The auction is the main fundraiser for the MCHA.
Please contact Audrey O'Keefe at 782-4540 or
Michelle Morris at 273-7667 to list your auction
items. We intend to have a list of auction items on
the website. If you are unable to attend the auction
but would like to place a bid you can contact either
Audrey or Michelle for details on how to place a
phone bid. There is always a wide array of fantastic
items to bid on thanks to the generosity of all of
you members.
On Saturday, in addition to the regular weekend
classes, we will be holding the finals for the Never
Won A Buckle Class. The winner of the class will
walk away with a saddle, donated by MCHA. Those
riding for the saddle are Brandon Garoutte, Mitchell
Wagner, Allison Darrow and Sara Chamberlin. Come
cheer for all the contestants.
On Friday, we will once again have dog races and a
calcutta on the races. There will be three
divisions: small (20 pounds and under), medium
(21-35 pounds), and large (36 pounds and over).
Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each
division. Hopefully, the champions from last year
will be there to defend their titles because lots of
dogs are eager to be crowned this year's champions.
The year-end show should be very exciting because
many of the classes are very close and the weekend
will determine the year-end winners. Just a
reminder, a saddle will be awarded in a drawing to
people entering and showing at the year-end show.
Must enter both days to be eligible. Owner and rider
names will be entered in the drawing upon entering
the year-end show. The winner will be drawn at the
MCHA Banquet, Saturday, October 3 at the Montana
ExpoPark in Great Falls. The winner must be present
at the banquet to win the saddle. This year in
addition to the saddle mentioned above, four
year-end winners will, also, receive saddles,
determined by a drawing of the year-end winners.
Contact Todd Wirthlin, Theresa Nelson, Shirley
Williams or any director if you can help with the
year-end show or wish to sponsor a class.
The next to the last of the Sapphire Event Center
saddle series was held in August. It had 103 entries
on Saturday and 92 on Sunday. Their aged event
cutting was held earlier in the week. Thank you to
John and Cindy Stefka for producing the Sapphire
cuttings. Their next cutting will be September 26
and 27 at Corvallis.
The Meadow Vue Ranch cutting at Henry's Lake, Idaho
was very well attended. There were 142 entries in
the first show and 101 entries in the second show.
The NWAB class had 11 entries. Sara Chamberlin won
the class with a score of 72 riding Smoke N Tenina.
Congratulations, Sara. Thank you to Dennis Moedle
for producing this cutting. The great food and music
enhances this cutting and makes this a fun cutting
to attend.
By now you should have received your MCHA election
ballot. Be sure to vote and return your ballot to
Betty Lou Weeding by September 23.
Come join the fun at Great Falls October 2 – 4. This
is one cutting – weekend - you won't want to miss.
It is packed full of fun activities. See you there.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
August Montana CHA News
The Big Sky Aged Event (BSAE) weekend cutting at
Great Falls on August 8 & 9 had a great turnout (139
entries Saturday and 114 Sunday). Thank you to the
BSAE committee for producing this event. The third
Never Won A Buckle (NWAB) Class was held at this
cutting. Congratulations to the winner, Allison
Darrow riding Draw Ya Gun owned by Vickie Stewart.
Allison scored an impressive 73 points. She now
qualifies to ride in the finals at the year-end show
and compete for a saddle that will be given to the
winner compliments of Montana CHA. Brandon Garoutte
and Mitchell Wagner, the other NWAB winners to date,
also will be in the finals. One more spot remains
open for the saddle shoot-out. That will go to the
winner of the NWAB class at the Meadow Vue Ranch
cutting at Henry's Lake, Idaho. So far, we also have
two other cutters that qualify to ride in the finals
because they have participated in all of the NWAB
classes this year.
Congratulations to Dave and Sandy Sabey. They won
the Noble Panels Shelter that was raffled at the
BSAE cutting. Thank you to Noble Panels for donating
the shelter.
Allison Darrow had a great month of cutting. She
competed at the National High School Rodeo
Association finals in Farmington, New Mexico the end
of July. She finished 11th in the nation in cutting.
Montana was well represented with the following MCHA
youth members also competing for the Montana team -
Jesse Pichler, Danielle Staudenmeyer, Jeff Markette
and Duston Stephens. Good job and congratulations to
all these youth.
Mark your calendars -- The MCHA produced year-end
show will be held at Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls
on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. The
Awards Banquet and auction will be Saturday, October
3 at the O'Haire Motor Inn in Great Falls. The
General membership meeting will be Sunday, October 4
at the O'Haire. A meeting involving producers and
the Board to discuss the 2010 show schedule will be
held after the General membership meeting. This
meeting is also open to all members and their input
is welcome. More details will be forthcoming. Anyone
wanting and willing to help with the show, banquet
or auction should contact MCHA President, Todd
Wirthlin, at 406-756-1500.
Again this year -- one saddle will be awarded in a
drawing to people entering and showing at the
year-end show. The name will be drawn at the banquet
and the winner must be present to win the saddle.
The owner and rider names will be entered in the
drawing upon entering the year-end show. Must enter
both days to qualify for the saddle.
Please notify Todd Wirthlin (756-1500), Shirley
Williams (208-542-1144), Audrey O'Keefe (782-4540)
or Michelle Morris (273-7667) as to what you will be
donating to the auction. You can also email - info@montanacha.com.
We want to post a list of auction items on the
website. The MCHA auction is the main fundraiser for
the association and we appreciate all of your
support.
The MCHA ballot will be sent to members the end of
August, so be watching your mailbox. We have a great
selection of candidates offering to serve your
Association. Please contact them with any questions
you have regarding their qualifications, plans for
guiding the association, etc. A list of nominees
with their phone numbers is included in this
newsletter.
Good luck at the last few MCHA approved cuttings.
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
August Montana CHA News:
By the time you read this newsletter, there will be
only two weekend cuttings (Meadow Vue Ranch and
Sapphire) left besides the year-end show. The year
has flown by. These last few cuttings will be very
important in determining year-end winners.
The year-end show is TENTATIVELY set for Friday,
October 2 and Saturday, October 3 in Great Falls
with the General Membership Meeting on Sunday,
October 4 and a producer meeting to follow the
general membership meeting. We anticipate finalizing
details soon and will release more information at
that time.
Please notify Todd Wirthlin or Shirley Williams as
to what you will be donating to the MCHA fundraiser.
We want to post a list on the website. The MCHA
auction is the main fundraiser for the association.
If you are willing to help with the auction, banquet
or any year-end show activities please let Todd or
Shirley know.
Be watching your mailbox for your MCHA election
ballot, which should arrive the first part of
September. Very qualified candidates are vying for
officer and director positions.
In the next newsletter we will list the winner of
the 12' x 12' Noble Shelter valued at over $1600
that was raffled at the Big Sky Aged Event and
Weekend Cutting in Great Falls. Many thanks to Noble
Panels for donating the shelter. Remember TLC Ranch,
LLC – Todd and Lee Wirthlin are authorized Noble
Panel dealers and are MCHA Corporate Sponsors.
Contact them for all of your panel, arena and
shelter needs.
Thank you MCHA Corporate Sponsors - you are the
heart of the MCHA; we appreciate all of you for your
kind donations, and support throughout the year.
Please be sure to patronize the MCHA Sponsors
whenever possible and be sure to thank them.
Good luck at the last few MCHA approved cuttings.
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
July Montana CHA News
Montana
CHA News:
The days have been hot and so has the competition at
the cuttings, thanks to all of you, cutters and
producers.
We still have some great cuttings left this summer.
In addition to the weekend cuttings in August each
is also holding aged event competitions. The Big Sky
Weekend cutting is slated for August 8 and 9 in
Great Falls and the aged competition will be August
10-15. The next week the Sapphire Event Center at
Corvallis will hold an aged event competition August
19-21 with the weekend cutting taking place on
August 22 and 23. Meadow Vue Ranch Aged Event
Cutting at Henry's Lake, Idaho is August 26-28 with
the weekend competition August 28-30.
Congratulations to Will and Wyatt Nuttall. Will
Nuttall, riding CDs Secret, marked a 224 to lead the
first round of the Open Division at the Calgary
Stampede Cutting Horse Competition and also rode
Playin Playgun for second and won the second round
as well! Will made it to the finals on CDs Secret &
Playin Playgun owned by Switchback Cutting Horses
LLC and placed 6th and 7th. Wyatt Nuttall riding
Shortys Royal Blue was a Youth finalist.
Plans are being finalized for the year- end show,
banquet, auction and general membership meeting.
Details will be released soon.
The MCHA auction is the main fundraiser for the
association. Please be thinking of what you would
like to donate or contact a business in your area
for donations. If you would like to help with the
auction, please contact Todd Wirthlin or Shirley
Williams or send an email to info@montanacha.com.
All help is greatly appreciated.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
We are
cruising through the summer with some great
cuttings. The standings for year-end awards are very
close in some of the classes. Thank you to all the
producers for offering a variety of locations to cut
this summer and thank you, cutters, for supporting
these cuttings.
Good luck to all of our high school cutters at the
National High School Rodeo Finals in Farmington, New
Mexico. We are proud of you!
The next Never Won A Buckle class will be held at
the Big Sky Weekend cutting on August 8 at Great
Falls. The last Never Won A Buckle class will be at
the Meadow Vue Ranch Cutting at Henry's Lake, Idaho
on August 29. Don't miss your chance to possibly win
a beautiful belt buckle.
Remember to contact Donald Weeding if you want to
run for a MCHA director/office position. You need to
contact him by July 31 so that the ballot can be
printed and mailed to all MCHA members.
If you want anything listed in the newsletter,
please contact Todd Wirthlin or Shirley Williams.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
June Montana CHA News:
Officially summer begins in a few days. The summer
months of June, July and August have some great
cuttings scheduled. Hopefully you are participating
in the MCHA approved cuttings. Besides a chance at
our awesome year-end awards you will also have the
chance to qualify to show at Western and Eastern
Nationals. Next year the added money is almost
double of what it was this year. Montana members had
a great showing at the Western National
Championships in Ogden this year. Our riders and
horses are top notch and can compete and win
anywhere.
A perk of being a MCHA member is that you can
advertise in the classified section on the MCHA
website for free. Contact Carrie Bruch or Shirley
Williams to place your ad or for more information.
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors. Be sure to
thank them and patronize the businesses whenever
possible. A list of Corporate Sponsors is included
in this newsletter.
See you in the cuttin' pen.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
Montana CHA News:
NCHA Days was held June 5-6 at the Double D Creek
Ranch arena in Columbus, Montana. Thank you to all
participating, especially to our Wyoming friends who
made the trip to Columbus. Circuit awards were given
in each class. Champions received beautiful Tres
Rios belt buckles and reserve champions received
stamped bronc halters. Those competing in a class
all three days and not winning anything received
laser engraved knives. Purina feed certificates were
also distributed.
The second Never Won A Buckle class was held at the
Sapphire Event cutting on June 13. A very excited
Mitchell Wagner won the class. He scored an
impressive 73 points. Congratulations Mitchell.
If you love to cut, as we all do, then July is your
month. It is plumb full with cuttings. Be sure to
check the MCHA website, www.montanacha.com for a
list of special events taking place during the Big
Timber cutting. Please note another show has been
added in July. The ICHA requested Montana approval
for the Riverbend Ranch Show 2009 at Riverbend
Ranch, Idaho Falls, Idaho, July 31- August 1. The
board voted to approve this show.
The directors will be meeting in July to determine
the options for the year-end show, banquet, and
general membership meeting. Be sure to contact your
directors for information and to voice your opinion.
Anyone wanting to run for a MCHA office or director
position needs to contact Donald Weeding or any
director of officer by July 31 so that the ballot
can be printed and mailed to MCHA members.
See you in the cuttin' pen.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
May
Montana CHA News:
Congratulations to all competitors riding for the
Montana Affiliate at the NCHA Western National
Championships at Ogden, Utah. Montana won fourth in
the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate challenge. This is quite an
accomplishment considering the top affiliate had 65
entries and we had 47. The last six years MCHA has
been in the top four of the AQHA/NCHA Affiliate
Challenge. Great horses and great riders, no other
affiliate can say that. Thank you for representing
Montana!
Following is a list of those placing in the finals
at Ogden. $3,000 Novice Horse - Lizzys Lil Player -
6th - owned by Mark & Tamra Hendrickson ridden by
Tom Campbell; Cats Rockin Robin – finalist - owned
by John Bostedt ridden by John L Dublin. $10,000
Novice Horse – Finalist – Cee Zack owned by Theresa
Nelson ridden by John L Dublin, Mr Dualing Olena –
finalist owned by Mark & Tamra Hendrickson ridden by
Tom Campbell. Junior Youth – HR Cat Olena - 8th –
owned by Joe Liss ridden by Macall Banner. $3,000
Novice, Non Pro – Olenas Dually Colorme - 5th -
owned by Mark & Tamra Hendrickson ridden by Mark
Hendrickson. $10,000 Novice Non-Pro – Remanitas
Alegria – tied for 6th - ridden and owned by Cody
Lee; Bayoo Boon – tied for 6th - ridden by Jann
Parker and owned by Parker Horse Company. Non Pro –
Bayoo Boon – tied for 3rd - ridden by Jann Parker
and owned by Parker Horse Company; Wee Little Badger
– 5th - ridden and owned by Bambi Gress; Altair Mate
– 10th - owned by TLC Ranch LLC ridden by Todd
Wirthlin; Sharkbait – 13th – owned by Parker Horse
company and ridden by Jann Parker. $2,000 Limited
Rider – Colonels New Moon – tied for 7th - ridden by
Gayle Weber and owned by Leslie Bellwood; Mates
Lucky Star – 10th – ridden and owned by Debbie Page.
$10,000 Amateur – Scootin Lil Mate – finalist -
ridden and owned by John Stefka. $20,000 Non Pro –
Brinks Quixote – finalist - ridden by Debra Weyer
and owned by Double D Creek Ranch. $50,000 Amateur –
STR Playguns Silver – tied for 9th - ridden by Todd
Wirthlin and owned by TLC Ranch LLC;
Telesisynotaneighty – tied for 13th – ridden and
owned by Dorothy Seymour; Cee Zack – finalist –
ridden and owned by Theresa Nelson. Open – Wee
Little Badger – 9th – ridden by Scott Amos and owned
by Bambi Gress.
When you read this, NCHA Days will be underway at
the Double D Creek Ranch arena in Columbus. Remember
there will be a general membership meeting on
Saturday, June 6.
If you would like to run for an MCHA office or
director position contact Todd Wirthlin. The
nominating committee will be meeting soon and
composing a slate of officers.
Good luck to all of our youth members who will be
competing at the State High School cutting finals in
Bozeman on June 10th. The top four boys and top four
girls will represent Montana at the National High
School Rodeo Finals cutting in July. The Montana CHA
awards bronzes to the boy and to the girl that wins
the Montana High School Rodeo cutting.
June and July are full of cuttings. Thank you to the
producers for giving us the opportunity to compete
and show our great horses.
Good luck at the cuttings.
Contact me if you have anything you want in the
newsletter.
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
Montana CHA News:
As this newsletter is written, Western National
Championships at Ogden, Utah is in full swing.
Montana CHA is doing extremely well. Following are
results (to date) of those members riding for the
Montana affiliate. $3,000 Novice Horse: 6th - Lizzys
Lil Player owned by Mark & Tamra Hendrickson, ridden
by Tom Campbell; Finalist – Cats Rockin Robin owned
by John Bostedt and ridden by John L Dublin. $10,000
Novice Horse: Finalists – Cee Zack owned by Theresa
Nelson and ridden by John L Dublin; Mr Dualing Olena
owned by Mark & Tamra Hendrickson and ridden by Tom
Campbell. Junior Youth: 8th – Macall Banner riding
HR Cat Olena owned by Joe Liss. $3,000 Novice,
Non-Pro: 5th – Olenas Dually Colorme owned by Mark &
Tamra Hendrickson, ridden by Mark Hendrickson; 10th
– Altair Mate owned by TLC Ranch LLC and ridden by
Todd Wirthlin; 13th – Sharkbait owned by Parker
Horse Company and ridden by Jann Parker.
Congratulations to all and good luck to those
members yet to ride.
There will be a general membership meeting on
Saturday, June 6, following the youth class at NCHA
Days at the Double D Creek Ranch arena in Columbus.
All members received a notice regarding the meeting
along with an agenda and the proposed constitutional
changes.
The second Never Won A Buckle class will be held at
Sapphire Event Center cutting at Corvallis on June
13. The winner will qualify for the finals at the
Year-End show, where the top cutter will be awarded
a saddle.
The Double D Creek Ranch cutting scheduled for July
3, 4 and 5 has been cancelled but a cutting on June
26, 27and 28 will take its place.
Once again, congratulations to all MCHA members
competing at Western Nationals, you have
accomplished a lot to earn the opportunity to cut at
Ogden.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
April
Montana CHA News:
Brandon Garoutte riding HB Chulas Champane scored an
impressive 74 points to win the beautiful Tres Rios
belt buckle in the first Never Won A Buckle (NWAB)
class this season at the Double D Creek Ranch
Cutting April 4th. Brandon now qualifies to ride in
the finals at the year-end show. Five other MCHA
members participated in the class. If they ride in
the other three scheduled NWAB events they will earn
a spot in the finals where a saddle is awarded to
the winner. Of course anyone can solidify a place in
the finals by winning any of the remaining NWAB
classes. Prudential Montana Real Estate/Michelle Van
Dyke and Twin Sugars LLC/Suzanne Nellen are sponsors
of the NWAB classes. Anyone wanting to sponsor a
NWAB class for $150 is urged to contact Mike Willey,
Todd Wirthlin or Shirley Williams. NWAB year-end
sponsors are also needed. Congratulations, Brandon,
and many thanks to Michelle and Suzanne.
The first Angela Bauer Scholarship cutting was held
at the $pring Cha-Ching Cutting at the Horse Palace
in Billings on Saturday, April 11. Senior Youth
winning scholarships were Wyatt Nuttall ($200), Eric
White ($150) and Bailey Jo Thompson ($100). Aislynn
Hamann was the lone junior youth competing and she
who won a $200 scholarship. Congratulations to all
of these fine, young cutters.
There will be General Membership meeting on June 5
during NCHA Days at the Double D Creek Ranch arena
at Columbus. The main agenda will be voting on
Proposed Constitutional changes. Be watching your
mail for the meeting notice and the proposed
changes.
Our MCHA schedule slows down during May and June
then swings back into high gear for the rest of the
summer. We only have one weekend of cutting in May
and it is at the Sapphire Event Center in Corvallis.
As you read this, Western Nationals at Ogden, Utah
will be underway. Good luck to all of the Montana
affiliate competitors.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
The Montana Cutting Horse Association 2009 cutting
season is off to an incredible start. We've already
had some fantastic cuttings and more are planned for
April and May all over our great state from Miles
City to Corvallis and points in between.
Western National Championships at Ogden, Utah is
fast approaching. Good luck to everyone competing
and riding for Montana.
Attention all MCHA youth members, the Angela Bauer
Youth Scholarship application deadline has been
extended to May 1, 2009. Be sure to submit your
application to Kathy Foote or contact her if you
have any questions.
Three Pines Productions, LLC announces they are
making room for more footage so events for 2008 are
going to the archives. If you competed or were a
spectator at any of the following events filmed by
Three Pines Productions, LLC, and would like to
purchase the footage, please order now at the
regular price before June 1, 2009. If you order
after June 1st, an archive retrieval and research
fee will be applied. Order today and save by calling
406-578-2321, or email video@threepinesproductions.com
or mail 121 Reservoir Rd, Wilsall, MT 59086. Events
being archived are the March, April, July and
year-end cuttings at Double D Creek Ranch, Columbus;
May, June, July and August cuttings at Sapphire
Event Center, Corvallis; Sun River cutting at Great
Falls, Barb Dahl Memorial cutting at Jackson,
Wyoming; Big Sky Aged event cutting at Great Falls.
A note from MCHA – thank you to Three Pines
Productions, LLC on the professional job you do and
for supporting MCHA.
Be sure to pay your MCHA dues. Remember both horse
owner and rider must be MCHA members before
competing in order for earnings to count toward
year-end awards. Don't delay join today. Presently
we have 164 members. Last year we had 238 members.
You will no longer receive The Wrangler after May 1
if you are not a 2009 MCHA member.
If you have anything you would like in the
newsletter, please contact Todd Wirthlin or Shirley
Williams.
Good luck to everyone at the cuttings.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
March 20th
Spring is here and hopefully Mother
Nature will recognize the fact.
Thank you to Dave and Deb Weyer, Bill and Jann
Parker and John and Cindy Stefka for producing our
March cuttings. The attendance has been good,
considering the weather hasn't cooperated all that
much.
A big thank you to Dr. John Beug for announcing the
Double D Cutting and donating his payment to the
Angela Bauer Youth Scholarship Fund. Thank you,
also, to Sandra Sabey for a very generous donation
to the Youth Scholarship Fund. They recognize the
future of cutting is in our youth and we are all
very appreciative of their donations.
The Angela Bauer $2,000 Youth Scholarship
application deadline is April 15, 2009. Last year
there were two winners, Jessica Bruch and Kelsey Jo
Fraser. Application forms and rules can be
downloaded from the MCHA website, www.montanacha.com.
Applicants need to be 14 -18 years old, Montana
residents and Montana CHA members. Contact Kathy
Foote at 406-222-7800 for more details.
Congratulations are in order to some of our members
who have competed at cuttings outside of Montana.
Jessica Bruch was a senior youth finalist at the
Eastern National Championships in Jackson,
Mississippi. Jessica was riding for Montana. Montana
members did extremely well at the PCCHA Derby and
Classic/Challenge in Paso Robles, California. Kathy
Foote, riding Killer Reys, was the $200,000 Non Pro
Derby Champion, $200,000 Limit Derby Gelding
Champion and $200,000 Non Pro $10,000 Novice
Champion. Russ Miller riding Killer Reys owned by
Kathy and Jonathan Foote, were finalists in the Open
Derby and gelding and $10,000 Novice classes. The
talented Smart N Catty ridden by Randy Holman and
owned by Dave and Sandy Sabey, placed 8th in the
Derby Classic/Challenge. Randy rode Little Cat
Dancer, owned by the Sabey's, to a third place
finish in the Derby Classic gelding class.
Congratulations on your great achievements!
Cuttings and clinics are planned for April
throughout the state. There will be many
opportunities to get tuned-up for Western National
Championships at Ogden, which will be held later
this month. Remember that entries for Ogden are due
to NCHA by April 6, 2009. Make sure on your entry
form you circle Montana as the Affiliate you will be
riding for. When submitting entries, call the NCHA
Show Department to confirm your fax entry and use
delivery conformation if using the postal system.
The Montana CHA has taken second place in the
AQHA/NCHA Affiliate Challenge at Ogden the past two
years. Thanks to all of you riders. We are hopeful
to be just as successful or do even better this year
because of the high caliber of Montana CHA riders
and horses. Congratulations on your achievement of
being selected to attend the Western Nationals and
good luck this year.
Be sure to visit the MCHA web site,
www.montanacha.com for the latest in news, results,
show info and other information.
See you in the cuttin' pen.
Todd Wirthlin, Montana CHA President
Shirley Williams, Montana CHA Secretary/Treasurer
March 6th
It is the First of March spring is just days away
and the Montana Cutting Horse Association shows are
in full swing. Both the months of March and April
each have three full weekends of shows.
By now MCHA members should have received their
invitation to compete at the NCHA Western National
Championships in Ogden, Utah. Members that feel they
are eligible to enter this show, and did not receive
an invitation need to go to www.montanacha.com.
Click on Ogden Qualifiers2008 to make sure of
eligibility.
Also, if you mail or fax your Ogden entry, make sure
it is received by the NCHA. Call the NCHA Show
Department to confirm the fax entry and use delivery
conformation using USPS. Entries are due by April 6,
2009.
Last year one of our members submitted their entry
to the NCHA by USPS and the NCHA had no record of
the entry. It was all most impossible get the entry
honored by the NCHA.
The Ogden show is one of the best shows of the year.
$12,000 added classes for a $500 entry fee is a
great value. At the Ogden Show the Montana Cutting
Horse Association is entered in the AQHA /NCHA
Affiliate Challenge. Montana Cutting Horse
Association has taken second place in the Challenge
the past two years. With the horses and riders that
Montana has first place can be achieved this year.
Make sure on your entry form you circle Montana as
the Affiliate you will be riding for.
See you in the cutting pen.
Todd Wirthlin
President
February
When you read this
article the 2009 show season will have one weekend
of cutting completed and we will be ready for our
March cuttings. Make sure you have paid your MCHA
dues and have your ownership and membership
documents ready to give to show management at the
up-coming MCHA shows.
Congratulations to Montana CHA members riding at the
NCHA World Finals at Fort Worth. As of press
deadline the following classes are completed.
$50,000 Amateur – Finals – 10. Betsy Talermo, 14.
Evan Sutton. World Standings – 2. Evan Sutton, 6.
David Weyer, 23. Betsy Talermo, 26. Kristin Omvig.
$20,000 Non Pro – Finals – 13. Debra Weyer, 14.
Kelly McDonald. World Standings – 7. Kelly McDonald,
10. Debra Weyer, 22. Wyatt Nuttall. $2,000 Limit
Rider – Finals. 5. Kaitlynn Keller, 15. Andrea
Rudkin. World Standings – 1. Andrea Rudkin, 22.
Walter Stewart. $10,000 Amateur – World Standings –
9. Colton Strain, 18. Vickie Stewart, 25. John Beug,
26 Richard Neustaedter, 30. Audrey O'Keefe. Junior
Youth – World Standings – 16. Colton Strain, Senior
Youth – Finals – 10. Evan Sutton, World Standings –
5. Evan Sutton. $3,000 Novice, Non Pro – World
Standings – 22. Altair Mate owned by TLC Ranch, LLC
ridden by Todd Wirthlin.
Never Won A Buckle classes have been scheduled at
the following cuttings. April 4 at Double D Creek
Ranch cutting at Columbus, June 13 at Sapphire Event
Center Buckle Series cutting at Corvallis, August 8
at Big Sky weekend cutting at Great Falls and August
29 at Meadow Vue Ranch cutting at Henry's Lake,
Idaho.
The first Angela Bauer Scholarship cutting will be
held on April 11 at Cow Country $pring Cha-Ching
cutting at Billings. More dates will be published
when they are decided.
Welcome to our newest Corporate Sponsors: Broken Jaw
Ranch - Gene and Michelle Morris, Double D Creek
Ranch – David and Debra Weyer and EquiScope - Mike
Willey. We are glad to have you on board. Other
Corporate Sponsors are Montana Ranch of Bigfork –
Sandra Sabey, Flying Diamond Cutting Horses – Randy
and Vicky Lynn, Ace Hardware - Allen and Ellie Rome,
Switchback Cutting Horses, Johnson Saddlery – John
and Dorothy Seymour, TLC Ranch – Todd and Lee
Wirthlin, Allied Waste Services – Chad Bauer,
Flawless Skin Care – Bambi Gress, Billings Livestock
Commission Horse Sales - Bill and Jann Parker, Joe
Liss Water Wells – Joe Liss and Shauna Cooper, Big
Sky Internet Design - Tom and Carrie Bruch. Michelle
Van Dyke – Prudential Realty is helping sponsor the
Never Won A Buckle classes. For details on becoming
a Never Won A Buckle sponsor please contact Shirley
Williams or Todd Wirthlin. A huge thank you to all
of these sponsors. Please patronize them whenever
possible.
Good luck to everyone at the cuttings.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
Montana CHA News
The 2009 Montana CHA cutting season is upon us. The
first show of the year is this weekend. John and
Cindy Stefka will host the Sapphire event cutting at
Corvallis. This is also the first of their saddle
series. Cutters will have a weekend off then travel
to Columbus for the Double D Creek Ranch cutting,
produced by Dave Weyer, on March 7 and 8. Cow
Country cutting is slated for March 14 and 15 at
Billings. It is produced by Bill and Jann Parker and
is noted for providing fresh cattle in all classes.
The last of the March cuttings will be at the
Sapphire Event Center in Corvallis, March 21 and 22.
We are working on finalizing dates for the Never Won
A Buckle classes and the Youth Scholarship cuttings.
Hopefully, we will have these dates in the next
newsletter. Contact Todd Wirthlin or Shirley
Williams if anyone is interested in helping sponsor
a Never Won A Buckle class.
Remember, cutters who live outside of Area 4, which
is Montana and Wyoming: In order for any earnings
won at Montana and Wyoming cuttings to count toward
Area 4 standings you must notify NCHA that you want
your earnings to count toward Area 4 standings. This
needs to be done before the first cutting. If your
state address is not Montana or Wyoming, contact
NCHA to arrange for your earnings to count in Area
4. If you have any questions contact NCHA or Shirley
Williams.
Be sure every dollar you earn cutting counts– pay
your MCHA dues today. Use the form included in this
newsletter or on the website. One of the benefits of
being a member is receiving The Wrangler. Renew
today so you will continue receiving this magazine.
Consult the MCHA website, www.montanacha.com, for
the complete 2009 cutting schedule. Good luck to
everyone.
See you in the cuttin' pen.
Todd Wirthlin, MCHA President
Shirley Williams, MCHA Secretary/Treasurer
January
Montana CHA News (25 years-old and going strong):
The Montana CHA Board met on January 17, 2009. Some
highlights of the meeting -- show schedule was
approved, cow cutter license plate project was given
approval to proceed, committee assignments made,
rules and regulations amended, Western National
Championships discussed and classes for 2009 were
approved. Never Won A Buckle classes will follow
last year's protocol with a saddle given to the
winner of the NWAB finals. $800 rider and $1,000
Novice Horse classes will be held at MCHA approved
cuttings. MCHA Year-end awards will be given in all
NCHA weekend classes and, also, in the $800 rider
and $1,000 Novice Horse classes. The complete
minutes will be published in the next edition of The
Wrangler and will be published on the web site. We
want to thank last year's directors for a wonderful
year of leading the association and welcome the new
directors.
The first MCHA approved cutting of 2009, Sapphire
Event Cutting, is just a few weeks away. It is
scheduled for Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 at Corvallis.
This, also, is the first of the Sapphire Saddle
series. There are three weekends of cuttings in
March: Double D Creek Ranch Cutting at Columbus,
March 7 and 8, Cow Country Cutting at Billings,
March 14 and 15, and Sapphire Saddle Series Cutting
at Corvallis on March 21 and 22.
We want to inform any cutters who live outside of
Area 4, which is Montana and Wyoming, that in order
for any earnings won at Montana and Wyoming cuttings
to count toward Area 4 standings you must notify
NCHA that you want your earnings to count toward
Area 4 standings. This needs to be done before the
first cutting. So, if your state address isn't
Montana or Wyoming you need to give NCHA a call
today to get this arranged. Contact NCHA or Shirley
if you have questions.
Remember to take a copy of your horse's registration
papers and a copy of your NCHA card to the first
couple cuttings. The show secretary needs to verify
ownership and membership. Since we use more than one
show secretary in Montana you might need to show
these papers at a couple of the cuttings until we
get the information in our data base for this year.
Another reminder (which I am sure you are tired of
reading) in order for your earnings to count toward
MCHA year-end awards and Western National
Championship standings both horse owner and rider
must be MCHA members before showing at approved MCHA
cuttings. Dues remain the same price as the last few
years, $50 per adult and $10 per youth.
Please contact Todd Wirthlin or Shirley Williams or
send us an email at info@montanacha.com if you have
anything you would like published in the newsletter.
Todd Wirthlin, Montana CHA President
Shirley Williams, Montana CHA Secretary/Treasurer
Montana CHA News (25 years-old and going
strong):
By the time you read this our first Montana CHA
approved cutting will be just over one month away.
My how time flies, seems like just yesterday we had
the year-end show.
The first cutting will be February 21 – 22 at the
Sapphire Event center. This will be the first of the
Sapphire saddle series. They will be awarding a
saddle in every (except youth) NCHA approved class
at the end of their series which runs from February
through August.
The Board of Directors will be meeting January 17,
2009 to finalize the MCHA schedule among other
business. If you have anything you want on the
agenda or any concerns, be sure to contact a board
member.
We know you have heard this before, but now is the
time to join Montana CHA. The cost remains the same
as last year, $50 for adults and $10 for youth. Both
horse owner and rider must be members before showing
in order for earnings to count toward year-end
awards and Western National Championships.
We look forward to a bright and happy New Year and
2009 cutting season.
Todd Wirthlin, Montana CHA President
Shirley Williams, Montana CHA Secretary/Treasurer
|
