Angela M. Bauer was just 29 years old when a drunk driver claimed her life in a car collision in September 2004.

The Florence Montana woman, who loved horses, the outdoors and spending time with relatives and friends, packed a lifetime of living into those three short decades.

Angela grew up in Missoula and graduated with honors from Hellgate High School. She later earned a teaching degree in biology and earth science from the University of Montana. She didn't immediately pursue that career because she found a better paying job that she enjoyed as office manager at Custom Log Homes in Stevensville.

Angela loved to ride in cutting horse competitions. She served on the Montana Cutting Horse Association's Board of Directors, was the Association’s Secretary, and most recently it’s Vice President.

The organization awarded Angela the "Most Inspirational Rider" traveling trophy, presenting and retiring the bronze trophy of a horse and calf to Bauer after her death.

MCHA members remembered Angela for offering words of encouragement to riders after a tough competition. "She'd say, 'If you can find one moment of brilliance in your ride, then it was all worth it.'"

In memorial of this bright talented young woman who was so passionate about cutting, the MCHA Youth Scholarship Program established an Angela M. Bauer Academic Scholarship. The academic scholarship purpose is to reward MCHA youth who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities, excellence in academics, involvement in school, community and church, as well as involvment in the MCHA. The annual scholarship available is $2,000. Applications are due by May 25th. Please follow the link at the bottom for more information and application.

In addition to the academic scholarship, the MCHA also has several Angela Bauer Youth Scholarship cutting events during the year where a youth cutter is awarded scholarships based on their achievements in the cutting pen.

To date, the MCHA has awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to our youth cutters. The scholarship fund has been going strong for over ten years. This is an amazing tribute to an amazing woman. If you are interested in contributing to the Angela Bauer Youth Scholarship Fund, which is a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation, please send your donation to

Jessica Lee
PO Box 42 Hamilton, MT  59840
406-360-4171
[email protected]

 Click here for scholarship application.