2024 Rocky Mountain Horse Edition

STORIES OF THE AMERICAN WEST

Powell native Laurie Lee uses paintbrush and palette to capture stories of the West

Raised by a mother who was a self-proclaimed artist, Professional Oil Painter Laurie Lee of Powell has been immersed in the colorful world of art since she was born.

Laurie shares, “My mom was an artist – not professionally – but she was always painting and creating things so I grew up around it. I started drawing as soon as I was able to hold a pencil.”

In kindergarten, young Laurie’s fire was further fueled after winning an art contest hosted by a TV station in Billings, Mont.

“I had drawn the house across the street while looking out the window of our house, and I won the contest in my age group. It was a pat on the back, and I was so happy because I got to choose the prize which was my own flavor of ice cream,” she laughs.

Since then, Laurie has spent over 40 years working as a fulltime professional artist, making stories of the West come alive using nothing more than a paintbrush and a palette.

Artistic journey

In the years between her first contest win as a kindergartner and becoming a professional artist, art has remained at the center of Laurie’s world.

“I never stopped making art. I did it all of the time,” she says.

A true lover of the arts, Laurie also dabbles in music and notes she graduated from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. with a double major in music education and art. Shortly after graduation, Laurie married and moved to Frannie, where her husband ran a well-established business.

It was here Laurie began her stint as a watercolorist.

“The way I painted with watercolor looked like an oil painting,” she explains. “I have always worked realistically so they were very realistic watercolor paintings, and I would spray them with varnish so they were finished like an oil painting.”

Because of this, Laurie switched from using watercolor to oil paint, a medium she still enjoys to this day.

Western inspiration

Laurie continues using oil paint to tell stories of the traditional

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“Oil is my favorite medium,” she shares. “I like the buttery texture of the paint and how it goes on so smooth. In my world, from my perspective, oil is a little more respected than watercolor.” She continues, “Even though I was selling my watercolors just fine, because oil goes on faster and smoother, I can do more painting and get more done with oils.”

Dramatic contrast – Laurie Lee’s paintings are characterized by her dramatic use of light and color. This painting is titled “Highway To The Sun.” Courtesy photo. Cover art titled “Time to Move” by Laurie Lee

Colorful portraits – One body of Laurie Lee’s work includes colorful portraits of Native American children she photographs at the Crow Fair in Montana. She notes she enjoys these portraits because she has fun painting their bright costuming and regalia. This painting is titled “Dark Eyed Beauty.” Courtesy photo

American West, drawing inspiration from the local, Western way of life she leads every day.

From candid ranch scenes and dark starry nights to portraits of Native American children and wildlife, Laurie uses her own reference photos as her subject matter.

“I would describe my style as traditional realism – traditional meaning my subject matter is pretty traditional,” she states. “In fact, I was just out this morning photographing a branding in my area.”

Laurie notes over 99 percent of her paintings reference photographs she has taken herself, using her imagination and years of painting experience to fill in some details.

“Through the years, having painted so many mountains and trees, you get an idea and can do it without looking at a photograph,” she chuckles.

Laurie shares her favorite things to paint are people, animals and water, many of which can be found in her work.

Horses are a particular favorite of the Wyoming artist.

“I grew up loving to draw horses. I always had a fascination with them, but being a town girl, we didn’t have our own horses,” Laurie says. “After I was married and moved to Frannie, we ended up buying some horses so I could paint them.”

Laurie explains she used her own horses to learn more about tack and basic anatomy. She also helped her neighbors brand calves and push cattle to summer range.

“I paint what is around me, and I like to tell stories through my paintings,” she says.

Successful career

Today, Laurie’s paintings, characterized by her distinct use of

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dramatic color and light, can be found in some of the most prestigious gallery and museum shows across the West.

For the past several decades, she has shown her work in the Buffalo Bill Art Show at the Center of the West Museum in Cody, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show in Cheyenne and the Cow Girl Up Show in Wickenburg, Ariz.

Her paintings have also made an appearance in several national art shows including the National Watercolor Society’s Art Exhibition in Los Angeles; the Charlie Russell Art Museum’s Western Art Auction in Great Falls, Mont; the Montana Watercolor Society’s Art Show in Butte, Mont; the Mountain Oyster Club Art Show in Tucson, Ariz. and the Western Vision Show in Jackson.

Over the years, Laurie has also earned a long list of welldeserved awards, including the Peter Fillerup Award at the Buffalo Bill Art Show in 2019, the Award of Excellence for the Best Body of Work at the Cow Girl Up Show in 2012 and the Best Watermedia Acrylic Painting at the 24th Phippen Western Art Show in Prescott, Ariz., just to name a few.

One of the most notable honors she has received in recent years, however, was being named the Honored Artist at the 2016 Buffalo Bill Art Show.

“It was really special,” she says with a smile. “There are some fantastic top artists in the show, so it was a huge honor.”

Another highlight of her career occurred in 2021 when her painting “Long Day in the Saddle,” valued at $8,000, sold in the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale for $22,500.

“The awards I have earned through the years have been really nice honors, and I get a lot of commissions which is a feather in my hat and a pat on my back,” she adds. “It is a big honor to have someone trust me and like my work enough to commission me.”

Despite all of these honors, for Laurie, the most rewarding part of making art is watching a story come to life on the blank canvas in front of her.

“It is so gratifying and so much fun to see things come alive before me,” she concludes.

For more information on Laurie Lee Fine Art, visit laurieleeart.com .

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Local inspiration – Over 99 percent of Laurie Lee’s paintings reference photographs she has taken herself while helping local cowboys brand their calves or trail their cattle to summer pasture. This painting is titled “Gettin’ The Count.” Courtesy photo

THE YEAR OF THE COWGIRL

Cheyenne Frontier Days highlights the spirit of Western women

The Daddy Of ʼEm All has been kicking up dust since 1897, and this year marks the 128th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) which will be held July 19-28 in Cheyenne.

CFD bills itself as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration” and draws nearly 200,000 individuals annually to showcase the spirt of the West.

CFD encompasses Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo action and behind-the-chutes tours, trick riding and a wildhorse race.

Spectators can also visit the Native American Village and the Old Frontier Town, while enjoying a chuck wagon cook-off, pancake breakfast and a frontier-themed art show.

Rounding out the celebration is the carnival midway, an air show, top-name entertainment, professional bull riding and several parades including antique carriages and automobiles.

Women

in history

Women of the West carved a path to independence, resilience and success through grit and grace.

Riding alongside men, managing homesteads and building thriving ranches, pioneer women lived in harsh environments across the wild frontier, reshaping history through pragmatism and perseverance.

This year, CFD is recognizing the strong women of the West who have been trailblazers over the years, dedicating the 2024 cel-

ebration as the “Year of the Cowgirl.”

CFD Public Relations Chairman Shellie Hardsocg states, “CFD has always honored women who have been impactful in our state and our Western celebration. This year, it seemed appropriate to honor those strong women who have come before us and who are making rodeo so exciting to watch.”

One of the trailblazers CFD recognizes is Esther Hobart Morris, who made history in 1870 as the first female justice of peace in

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Leading the way – Cheyenne Frontier Days featured breakaway roping for the first time in 2019, showcasing talented cowgirls across the country. Courtesy photo

the U.S. Despite no formal legal training, she excelled in her role and settled disputes while advocating for women’s suffrage.

“Morris was the first woman to hold a judicial office in the modern world and was considered the ‘Mother of Women’s Suffrage’ and the mother of Colonel E.A. Slack, who was one of the founders of CFD,” Shellie explains. “Another example is Louisa Ann Swain, who was the first woman in the U.S. to vote in a general election.”

Swain made history in September 1870, at the age of 70, as a trailblazer who courageously stepped up to the ballot box in Laramie and became the first women in the U.S. to legally cast a vote in a general election since 1807.

Another female Wyoming pioneer is Therese Jenkins, who fearlessly led the charge of change, cofounding the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

Her passions placed her at the center of two of the most powerful reforms moving through American politics at the time – votes for women and temperance.

Jenkins traveled throughout the West speaking on Wyoming’s stand for women’s suffrage, and many referred to her as a “champion of women’s rights.”

Western flare

CFD is highlighting the spirit and strength of Western women throughout history, as their stories have shaped the lives of others and those who will follow in their footsteps, both in the arena and out in the world.

“Cowgirls come in all shapes and sizes. Some train horses, some ranch, some stay at home and wrangle babes – others work in an office and wrangle clients – whatever the brand of cowgirl is, be authentic, unapologetic and do it unequivocally,” reads the CFD website.

CFD will be placing a new life size and half bronze sculpture this year, which will be added to Frontier Park in honor of the cowgirl spirit.

Shellie continues, “Our 2024 rodeo will present women’s barrel racing, women’s breakaway roping and the Ladies’ Ranch Bronc Riding Finals. These cowgirls bring a new excitement to the show, and our crowds love them.”

“Cowgirls in the arena are amazing to watch, but this year we hope to highlight all women who make Wyoming unique. CFD is one of the most popular events around,” she adds. “Our young farm and ranch girls, FFA and 4-H girls, rodeo royalty and any women who embrace the Western way of life are part of this year’s celebration.”

Miss Jean Nimmo Dubois was named CFD’s first Miss Frontier in 1931, and the first official competition for women came in 1904 with a relay race sponsored by The Denver Post

The same year, Bertha Kaepernick was the first female bronc rider at CFD, leading to the excitement of women in rodeo, attracting crowds to watch women perform on horseback.

“Kaepernick demonstrated her riding skills during the event and showed up some cowboys who had been grumbling about having to compete in bad weather,” Shellie states. “It was an unusual and exhilarating sight to see women riding horses like the men. CFD recognized this and wanted to let women shine, dedicating the 2024 CFD to women and honoring it as the ‘Year of the Cowgirl.’”

For more information on Cheyenne Frontier Days, visit cfdrodeo.com

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Clover-leaf pattern – Barrel racing has a long and fascinating history dating back to the early 1900s, evolving from relay races in Old Wild West shows. Courtesy photo

Wyo Rowdy Hayes (Grulla)

Rowdy Boy Rhett YZ (Blue Roan)

Roi Reuel YZ (Blue Roan - HZ Black and HZ Roan)

THE ART OF STALLION HANDLING

Rising C Stallion Station provides state-of-the-art breeding services

A native of Afton, Dr. Candice Carden returned home to the Cowboy State in 2011 to start a veterinary practice based in Kaycee and Sheridan – the Powder River Veterinary Hospital.

Candice received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming in 2001 and completed veterinary school at Colorado State University in 2005, before starting her career in Texas after graduation.

Shortly after returning to Wyoming, due to the high demand of breeding for horse racing, Candice opened the doors to the Rising C Stallion Station. In 2018, she built a state-of-the-art breeding facility.

Candice has an experienced team at the stallion station, including Manager and Technician Michelle Phelps, Facility Manager Olivo Verstegui and Marketing Manager Alana Bratz.

“I am thrilled to announce Rising C has hired another veterinarian who will be joining the team in June,” Candice says.

Breeding program

Recently, Rising C announced they are committed to giving back to the Wyoming racing community and are waiving stud fees for all Wyoming-bred, enrolled broodmares in 2024. For the past six years, a Rising C stallion has held the title of top Wyoming-bred stallion.

Rocking Horse Therapy Rocking Horse Therapy

“Our focus is to have quality over quantity so we can devote the time needed to each of our patients and their owner,” Candice states.

Stallions managed by Rising C – resident stallions and those that are hauled in – represent a collection of the industry’s

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Exceptional stallion services – Rising C Stallion Station provides quality stallion management. Courtesy photo

finest performance horses, and Candice’s team strives to provide the highest quality in performance, pedigree and production through advancing superior genetics.

Rising C is a full-service stallion management facility and is proud to offer quality stallions, a full semen laboratory, cooled and frozen semen shipments, frozen semen banking and stallion training.

“In previous years, mare owners could utilize our on-site mare management,” Candice notes. “We are not currently offering on-site breeding this year, however we hope to again in the future based on our staffing ability.”

Breeding season starts early for the team at Rising C. Beginning in late March through the end of June, they collect thousands of straws of semen to be shipped for clients each year.

“Breeding season is a very busy time for us, so planning ahead is my best advice for owners looking to breed,” Candice says. “We collect semen three days a week for cooled shipments.”

Rising C also provides stallion training in the fall and winter months, where their experienced team trains stallions to collect off phantom using an artificial vagina (AV).

“We want stallions to be trained properly for life, not just for a job,” she states. “Training sessions can vary but are usually one week in length.”

Training stallions to use a phantom and AV for semen collection reduces the risk of injury to the stallion and allows for semen to be collected, cooled or frozen for the future while eliminating the need for stallions to perform stud duties along with competition during spring and summer months.

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ZT QUARTER CIRCLE

The Rising C – Veterinarian and Owner Dr. Candice Carden is passionate for reproductive science, and with her multidisciplinary team, provides quality equine care. Courtesy photo

2024 stallion lineup

Rising C has a stunning selection of 16 stallions in their 2024 lineup, ranging from successful racing horses to sound ranch and rodeo pedigrees. They also offer semen collection for other stallions on an as-needed, haul-in basis.

Brindis Por Cayenne, a 2003 sorrel, was the leading Wyoming-bred stallion for six years running, and his total Wyoming-bred breeder and owner progeny earnings from 201420 exceed $1 million. He provides elite speed and athleticism with the quality mind of a working ranch horse.

Another station favorite is Wind Her Up Nic, a 2009 bay stallion out of the number one National Reined Cow Horse Association producer Wind Her Up Chic, one of the best producing mares around.

Other stallions at the station include Haugen-Hill Supreme Royalty (Royal), a 2011 black shire stallion who has multiple All-North American titles.

Royal is a proven draft stallion who has sired multiple champions who are friendly, strong and quick learners.

A few other station gems include Cats Emoji, Guapo Gato, Cassanova 37, Rey Jay Boon and Slick Like Puddin.

“The staff is always available to answer questions, and we work very closely with clients and their veterinarians to make sure they are getting quality results,” Candice concludes. “If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an e-mail. We are always happy to help.”

For more information on the Rising C Stallion Station, visit risingcstallionstation.com

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

FLAT BROKE PERFORMANCE HORSES

Sarah Rose Barton unlocks potential through mindful horsemanship

Raised on a beef cattle ranch in northeastern Wyoming, Sarah Rose Barton spent hours exploring magical places on the family ranch horseback as a young girl.

Sarah recalls, “All of the farm animals were my friends, companions and confidants, but my horse gave me the greatest freedom, allowing me to run faster, jump higher, swim farther and simply be more than I could ever be on my own.”

Over the years, Sarah’s horsemanship grew, and with relationship-based training, she founded Flat Broke Performance Horses in 2008 while living in Upton.

She then expanded the teaching and coaching component of her business in 2021, when her and her family moved to Carlile where she has an indoor arena.

“As we got established in our new location, I became certified with the International Horsemanship Foundation (IHF), formerly known as the International Horsemanship Association (IHA), providing riding lessons for all ages and skill levels, clinics and training, a youth summer program and equine assisted mini horse therapy program,ˮ she says.

Sarah’s horsemanship skills encompass a variety of techniques, from work with ranch horses, classical dressage or enjoying a family wilderness pack trip with her husband Tony and their two children Colt and Zinnia.

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Theraponies –Gumdrop, handled by Zinnia Barton, brings joy and smiles as he visits the Crook County Medical Services District LongTerm Care Facility, where Flat Broke Performance Horses provides equine therapy. Alana Greiner photo

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“The common thread throughout my life has been horses. The healing power and transformative nature of my equine partners has guided and shaped the person I have become, pointing me in the direction of who I want to be,” Sarah states. Power of positivity

At an early age, Sarah was introduced to natural horsemanship methods based on natural horse behavior, hands-on experience and intuition, and from that day forward, she became a lifelong learner of the power of positivity when engaging with animals.

“I began to apply my newly-learned skills with my horses and scoured the library for more information on natural horsemanship. I started attending clinics with my mom to learn more,” she adds. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to know.”

She continues, “Training our minds and bodies is just as crucial as training our horses, as our thoughts and feelings drive our actions.”

Sarah has teamed up with IHF/IHA to teach others how to embrace the moving meditation aspects of horsemanship and yoga.

“Utilizing mindfulness and breath and body awareness in the way I teach, train and live cultivates the highest and best aspects of myself, my students and my horses,” she says.

Sarah quickly became immersed with equine-centered healing and became a certified Horse Boy (HB).

The HB Method was developed to specifically target neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism, anxiety, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, learning disabilities and anything

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Mindful connections – Sarah Barton is the trainer and owner of Flat Broke Performance Horses. Alana Greiner photo

affecting the nervous system and the brain.

She says, “Developing the horse physically and mentally is key to this method, and I was able to get educated in a classical dressage system in training an equine partner.”

As Sarah’s skills have developed over the years, she has added many tools to her teaching and training toolbox, from traditional methods to science-based, positive reinforcement clicker training.

“What matters is to learn how to be effective and efficient when training horses to avoid damaging the relationship and not to confuse the horse with mixed messages, which cause miscommunication,” she says.

An important element of horse training and equine behavior is communication, and Sarah utilizes science-based clicker training and reinforcement training techniques in a positive manner.

Sarah explains, “Using a clicker will improve a horse’s success rate, minimize frustration, shorten the time it takes to learn a new behavior and improve the relationship between horse and rider.”

Passionate activities

After Sarah and her family moved to the new location in Carlile, she was able to expand the services Flat Broke Performance Horses offers.

From yoga and horsemanship to classical riding lessons, Sarah is always striving to be the best and unlock the potential between a rider and their horse through mindful horsemanship.

“Nothing gives me more joy than helping horses and their humans make this wonderful connection,” she remarks.

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If Sarah is not in the arena or out on the range, she can be found at the local senior center providing equine assisted therapy.

Seniors don’t necessarily have to ride a horse to attain the benefits Sarah’s theraponies, Gumdrop and Cat, provide –simply being around horses can help.

Many seniors can feel a sense of isolation or battle depression and anxiety but can benefit from the equine therapy.

“Many seniors in this part of Wyoming grew up with horses and being able to bring the theraponies to the facility brings back cherished memories for them,” Sarah says. “If seniors are around the same horse often enough, the two will eventually build a connection, decreasing feelings of loneliness.”

Flat Broke Performance Horses hosts a series of events for students of all ages, ranging from youth summer camp to spring tune-up clinics and even virtual lessons with Sarah.

She also hosts a six-week summer youth program which offers lessons for all age and skill levels.

“During the six-week program students attend two days a week, and we end the program with a fun day, showcasing the skills students learned,” she concludes. “We couldn’t host this camp if it was not for all of our sponsors, and we are always looking for additional support to provide scholarships for students to attend the camp.”

“I am so grateful for all of the support I have received –none of what I do would be possible without the support of my amazing family and community” she adds.

For more information on Flat Broke Performance Horses and how to help support a student scholarship, visit wymindfulhorsemanship.com

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

ALL STAR TEAM – Each state will pick 5 contestants to represent their state. The team with the most points will win a cash price of $1,500.

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A FAMILY TRADI TION

Dona Vold Larsen carries on legendary rodeo tradition

Those who have been to a rodeo in the last 50 years, have probably heard the name Vold.

Steeped in Western tradition, the Vold family is four generations deep of stock contractors and rodeo performers. Dona Vold Larsen was raised on a ranch south of Calgary, Alberta, Canada as one of five children. All five of those children went on to be professional stock contractors.

Learning the ropes

Dona’s father Harry instilled his love of rodeo and the Western lifestyle into his children from a young age. With a smile in her voice, Dona recounts riding her horse to school with her older brother Wayne when she was in the first grade, which was much preferable to the school bus that was put into service the following year.

“ I love the bulls and the bucking horses, and I love raising them. From starting them to feeding them, I love everything about them.”

Dona Vold Larsen

She fondly remembers a childhood filled with rodeos and riding Hunter Jumper horses. After graduating from high school, Dona moved south to the U.S. to start helping her dad with rodeos.

“In our early 20s we were pressed into service when dad had too many rodeos on one date, and you just did what needed done,” says Dona.

She continues, “We learned all about production from our father. We learned to start on time, even if it was pouring rain. There were no shortcuts on production. We still had our red lipstick and best clothes on, and sometimes we looked like drowned

rats but he didn’t pay any attention to the weather.”

At various points in time, all five siblings were in business with their father. He contracted bucking stock and produced rodeos across Canada and the U.S. Harry passed away in 2017, but his children have continued the legacy.

Throughout the years, Dona and/or her siblings have produced world-renowned rodeos like the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Snowmass Village Rodeo, Steamboat Springs and many others.

“Dad shuffled us around like cards between different rodeos over the years. I was part of the Cody Nite Rodeo, which is

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Rodeo 101,” Dona shares. “It includes a rodeo performance every night at 8:30 p.m. for 90 nights, come rain or shine.”

“From there, I was shuffled to the Snowmass Village Rodeo in Aspen, Colo., then on to Steamboat Springs, Colo.,” she adds. “I had Steamboat for six years. It is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association series, with two performances a weekend for two and a half months. So we’ve rodeoed in the most beautiful areas in the country.”

Equal opportunity rodeo family

Dona grew up in what she describes as “an equal opportunity rodeo family.” Harry knew his daughters were just as capable as any man at the rodeo, and this respect opened many doors for women in the industry.

“We were never told we can’t do things because we’re girls. If you are the boss, you start running the rodeo. He never babied us,” Dona explains.

Dona’s daughter Tami Vold Larsen can be found helping and running the chutes at rodeos. Between Dona, her sisters, her daughter and her nieces, the Vold women have made as much of a name for themselves in the rodeo industry as their male relatives.

To this day, Dona and her husband Bill continue the legacy of raising quality bucking stock and putting on rodeos across the West.

“We love the rodeo business. We love the Western way of life. We bleed rodeo. I am very grateful to have grown up in the family we grew up in, to be able to fulfill our dreams – all five of us,” says Dona. “We are all just so happy to be part of the Western landscape. I love the bulls and the bucking horses, and I love raising them. From starting them to feeding them, I love everything about them.”

Tressa Lawrence is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

WYOMING HORSEMANSHIP ACADEMY

Meredith Zajac offers a variety of equine services in Cody

Meredith Zajac, founder and owner of Wyoming Horsemanship Academy (WHA) in Cody, grew up in Ohio but is a native of the Cowboy State, born in Torrington.

“I always say I am Wyoming born and bred but Ohio fed,” Meredith shares.

Bit with the horse bug at a young age, Meredith grew up determined to be the only person in her family to learn how to ride.

“My mom enrolled me in lessons, and together we helped facilitate the 4-H club Cinch N Saddle, which is still active today, almost two decades later,” she says.

Meredith was heavily involved in 4-H and was a member of the Delaware County Junior Fair Board for all of her youth, as well as the Ohio State Junior Fair Board.

In addition to horses, she showed goats and pigs and helped her friends show their steers and sheep.

However, horses quickly consumed her life, and she spent numerous weekends at local horse shows.

Meredith states, “Eventually, I was showing and winning at the national level. I won the All-American Youth Horse Show in 2007-08 and showed at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in the all-around event.”

Due to Meredith’s involvement in 4-H and countless other volunteer opportunities, she was awarded the Community Ser-

Study time – Students at the Wyoming Horsemanship Academy are provided education on how to care for a horse properly. Courtesy photo

vant Scholarship at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and graduated from the university in 2013, majoring in hydrogeology and communications.

She says, “Each summer I interned with a horse trainer. I would start horses and teach lessons to pay for my books each semester.”

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The next chapter

Meredith decided to venture West in May 2016 with the dream of teaching outdoor education and providing personal guiding.

“Due to its proximity to Yellowstone, I landed in Cody, and with the support of my very understanding husband Sam Zajac, I spent every six months returning to Cody,” she shares.

During her time in Cody for the “on season,” she led private tours through Yellowstone and taught and codirected for the local Science Kids chapter, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide north-central Wyoming youth with unparalleled outdoor science education.

She says, “I wrangled for local outfitters and lead backpacking trips for a local nonprofit as well.”

In April of 2020, Meredith decided to make Cody her home and share her passion for horses with the community.

“I saw a need in Cody for a structured horsemanship program and figured it would marry my favorite worlds – teaching outside and horses,” she says. “And in the winter of 2020-21, I started WHA.”

WHA provides lessons which are designed to teach the foundations of safety and animal welfare so students have the knowledge to continue with their horse endeavors wherever they might take them.

Meredith explains, “Lessons are tailored to meet the goals and interests of each student, which creates a comfortable, hands-on atmosphere for all.”

“As much as I enjoyed running WHA, there was something missing. From my experience in 4-H and in the close-knit horse community I had grown up in, I realized WHA wouldn’t be

worth running if I was not sharing it with other deserving, hardworking horse folks,” she adds.

As WHA grew, Meredith was able to hire full-time Assistant Manager Rielly Osborne, who began her career at WHA as a high school student in a work study program. After graduation, she became a full-time employee.

Meredith says, “She is my absolute rock, my left and right hand and my constant source of positivity.”

WHA has been able to attract enough students and hire another instructor, Abby Graves.

“Abby’s passion for the horse industry matched mine, and she has become one of my best and closest friends,” Meredith adds.

WHA has built a scaffold for others who are passionate about horses, and the WHA team teaches anywhere from 50 to 100 students a week, depending on the season.

PLATTE rIVER RODEO

June 21-22, 2024 / 7:00 PM

Buck Springs Arena / Saratoga, WY

WRA sanctioned rodeo events plus amateur, ranch saddle bronc and kid events

$6,000 ADDED MONEY

Adults: $7

Kids ages 12 and under: FREE

For more information call Randy Arnold: 307-329-5769 or Cathy Cox: 307-710-7208

More than a source of financing, we are a source of expertise and guidance, with money-saving tools and time-saving services.

Learn more by calling the Casper office at 307.577.4700.

1401 Wilkins Circle Casper, Wyoming

REINDL QUARTER HORSES IS RETIRING

Equine programs

In four years, WHA has grown immensely, and its biggest challenge has been growing pains, Meredith explains.

“It is a wonderful problem to have, but going from 20 students to over 100, with four to 10 horses in training a month and serving clients who are rodeo royalty and drill team members, our involvement in the community continues to expand and grow,” she reiterates.

As a trainer/instructor, Meredith is constantly learning and takes weekly lessons to learn more about new disciplines of riding by having her own horses in training with other trainers and mentors.

“WHA provides a variety of training options including colt starting, tune-ups and specialty training. We tailor colt training to the horse’s experience level, personality and learnability,” she states.

Meredith has taken her passion to the next level and has become a certified equine and canine massage therapist. When she is not teaching or training, she is providing TTouch massage services, combining the Tellington TTouch approach with Equissage techniques to meet the needs of horses and dogs.

“Tellington helps relieve tension, fear of contact, soreness or discomfort and transforms nervous, spooky or resistant horses while improving attitude and behavior,” she says. “The horse enjoys learning and cooperates willingly, and the technique has been used to speed up the healing process in an injured and ill horse or animal.”

Summer event

Erin Roop, a student of WHA, helped Meredith create the

Saddle up – Meredith Zajac prepares a student for a riding lesson. Courtesy photo

nonprofit branch of WHA, utilizing funds to host the Wyoming Horsemanship Summer Series at the Boot N Bottle in Cody.

“We were experiencing a need for more open shows during the summer to support local 4-H students, and with growing excitement for open horse shows, our summer show series was born,” she says.

Miranda McLean, who hosts the All-Around Acre Horse Shows, has helped WHA get their summer show series off the ground.

“Our summer show series is a great way for people to expand their personal goals with their horses and show off all they have been learning with their horse outside of the show ring,” she mentions. “We have a great sponsor who helps us put on the event, but we are always looking for others to help support the program.”

Dates for the 2024 Wyoming Horsemanship Summer Series are June 15, July 13 and Aug. 10.

“A special thanks to Gary Cooper, as I got back into competing at the Versatility Ranch Horse Competitions, which has brought out the best in my colt Curtis,” Meredith says. “And, I absolutely would not have gotten where I am today without my mom Elaine who has always fed my passion for horses.”

Meredith concludes, “With the love, healing and constant encouragement from Mitch and Suzi Shelhamer, Wes and Melissa Allen, Rielly and Abby – my dream team – and the amazing group of clients who became friends, we have turned into family through WHA.”

For more information on Wyoming Horsemanship Academy, visit wyominghorsemanshipacademy.com

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

FINDING CENTER OF BAL ANCE

New tool helps farriers and horse owners balance feet

Ross Smith, a farrier in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, has been shoeing horses for 40 years – a career which led him to develop an innovative and useful tool for properly balancing a horse’s hoof when trimming and shoeing.

“First and foremost, I am a cowboy,” states Ross. “I was born in Southern Saskatchewan, grew up on a ranch and worked as a cowboy on government pastures. I have been around horses all of my life. Working with horses is the only thing I’ve ever done.”

Ross started shoeing horses out of necessity at the age of 16, then attended the Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School in Oklahoma City, graduating in March of 1988.

He has been making a living shoeing horses ever since and became intrigued with lameness issues and how farriers can make a difference in a horse’s life.

Listening to the horse

With this, Ross has spent his career searching for a better way to shoe horses, even if it meant going against the grain.

“I was doing some things that were considered a big no-no in traditional shoeing, but I did it anyway because it worked,” he states.

Under the guidance of Bruce Langevin of Minneapolis, Bruce was also taught to shoe gaited horses. Bruce taught Ross a great deal about horseshoeing and how horses move.

“But the most important thing he taught me was to listen to the horse,” says Ross. “He said, ‘If you listen to the horse, he will tell you

everything you need to know about how to shoe him.’”

“I’ve spent 30-plus years trying to get better at listening to horses,” Ross adds. “This led me to find out where breakover should be and eventually, to create the Center of Balance Indicating Tool (COBIT).”

Finding inspiration

Ross explains in the spring of 2016, a friend of his had an eightyear-old horse named Henry who was so crippled with navicular she was going to put him down. Ross convinced her not to put the horse down and was prompted to create the first version of his new tool.

“She asked me what I was going to do, and I told her I had no idea but to give me a few weeks to try,” he shares. “I worked with my vet to X-ray Henry’s feet to determine exactly where his breakover

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The COBIT – Pictured is the Center of Balance Indicating Tool (COBIT), created by Ross Smith of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Courtesy photo

should be. I looked at the coffin bone in relation to the hoof wall, and it was terribly different. The hoof wall was really far forward, even though it had no flare.”

He notes some veterinarians and farriers believe the breakover should be at the point where they draw a line up from the tip of the coffin bone to where it intersects with the sole of the foot.

“I used this as my reference point, and I measured were the spot should be – nearly an inch and a half behind the white line,” Ross says. “Everyone said we couldn’t go that far back, but what did we have to lose? I gradually kept filing the toe away, confirming with the X-rays and eventually went right to the mark without hitting soft tissue or bleeding.”

Two years later, Henry was back in competition and won two national titles.

“His back pain disappeared after his feet became more normal,” Ross explains. “At first, his back was so bad if you touched him, he’d kick you, then lie down because he was in so much pain. Today, however, you can walk up to him and pound your fist on his back, and he just looks at you with no pain at all. I realized back pain was a byproduct of improper center of balance.”

Creating the COBIT

Ross continued working with other lame horses alongside Veterinarian Dr. Terry Goslin, with good results, but their work required taking multiple X-rays and measurements.

“I wanted to come up with a way of finding breakover without repeatedly X-raying the horse, so I created early prototypes of the COBIT to find a balance point,” Ross says.

He tested horses of all sizes, breeds and disciplines and was able to find breakover using his tool, so he set out to make it more functional and easier to use.

“We went on a mission to X-ray more horses,” Ross says. “ If someone brought me five or six horses to trim or shoe, Terry would stop by and we’d X-ray them all at no charge to the owner. We did the good-footed horses as well as the bad-footed ones, the lame ones, the sound ones, etc. because we wanted to determine where a foot should be on a sound horse.”

“This is how we developed the COBIT – with slots where you can put your pencil mark to tell you where breakover should be and how far back the heel should be,” Ross adds.

Ross explains the COBIT is a circular plate with a pivot point on the bottom – if it is too far forward, the foot tips backward, and if it is too far back, the foot tips forward. It can be used by any skilled farrier or horse owner to help take the guesswork out of finding the breakover.

“We spent 30 years guessing through trial and error to figure

Founder?

• Stops the pain quickly

• Painless application

• Works with or without shoeing

• Easy to apply

• Realigns the hoofwall to the coffin bone

Continued from previous page

things out,” he says. “With the COBIT there is no guessing. It is accurate within a quarter of an inch to find center of balance. If you are patient and take your time, it is accurate within an eighth of an inch.”

“You just move the pivot point back and forth until the horse can stand and balance on it when you have the opposite limb picked up,” he adds.

Gaining traction

Ross humbly notes he never had any intention of selling the COBIT or traveling the world to promote it.

“I was simply making it for myself,” he states. “Living isolated out here in the hills, we had to be innovative. My dad is a mechanic, and growing up, if we didn’t have the right tool to fix something, we would just make the tool. We had to improvise.”

He continues, “I needed a tool to help me do a better job of shoeing horses, so I made one. I never thought about selling it.”

However, after working with some veterinarians in the area, Ross was invited to show off his invention to veterinary students at the University of Saskatchewan. While packing up to leave, the head equine veterinarian at the university introduced herself and encouraged Ross to share the COBIT with the world.

To do this, he first had to file for a patent, which can make for an expensive investment.

“This was a $15,000 investment, so I had to do some soul-searching and decide whether to continue out here in the hills doing my thing or try to patent it,” Ross shares. “I eventually decided to patent it, and now I go anywhere anyone invites me. I’ve been giving demonstrations and teaching clinics all the way from Ontario and Alberta, Canada to Arizona.”

Ross’ passion to help horses lead better lives spurs him to keep learning. The COBIT and his horseshoeing methods can now be

Finding center of balance –The Center of Balance Indicating Tool takes the guesswork out of finding breakover. A farrier or horse owner simply moves the pivot point back and forth until the horse can stand and balance on it while holding up the opposite limb. Courtesy photo

included in the arsenal of tools available to horse owners, veterinarians and farriers to help horses perform at their best and be comfortable doing it.

For more information on the COBIT or to contact Ross, visit rosssmith.ca, e-mail rosssmithcobit@gmail.com or call 306-630-8542.

Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

WyomingRANCH RODEO FINALS

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Wyoming State Fair Grounds  Douglas, Wyoming 6:30

1st Buckles - donated by First Northern Bank  2nd Wool Saddle Blankets - donated by Huckfeldt Trk. (Jodie Booth)  3rd Back Cinch Buckles - Bomgaars

4th Mohair Cinches - Allure Boutique

Top Hand Buckle - Bolln Minerals

Top Horse Spurs - Clark & Assoc.

Top Bronc Halter - Newman Realty

Wyoming Ranch Rodeo winners qualify Qualifying year runs from Aug. 15, 2023 through Aug. 7, 2024 $3,000 added money

FLYING V QUARTER HORSES

Decades of hard work built legacy of today

Long before the Flaming Gorge Dam was built, cowboys across the West would go out and gather wild horses, swim them across the river and trail them just south of the Wyoming border to sell in Manila, Utah.

And this is exactly how Virgil Peterson of Flying V Quarter Horses in Mountain View got his start with horses.

“My grandfather ran wild horses for a living, and as a young man, I used to stay with him. This is when there were still a lot of wild horses – back in the 40s and 50s,” shares Virgil. “He ran sheep, but he ran wild horses on the side. He would take them down to Manila, Utah once a year and sell a dozen or so once he had them broke.”

Virgil has always known hard work. He grew up herding sheep solo at a young age, and he worked at the Green River railroad stockyard shipping livestock before and after school.

Throughout college, Virgil rode saddle bronc and was a founding member of the Weber State University Rodeo Team. He even qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in the saddle bronc riding in the 60s.

His passion for rodeo continues to this day, still being involved in the Pioneer Days Rodeo and even participating in Pony Express reenactments.

The beginning of a legacy

When Virgil settled down with his wife Peggy, she bought him a registered Quarter Horse as an engagement gift.

“She bought him from a guy named Burt Powers who had a horse called Great Question. It was Triple A horse, and she went and bought one of his colts and gave it to me just before our wedding,” says Virgil. “We’ve been married for 61 years now.”

This horse was the beginning of the legacy that is now Flying V Quarter Horses.

Over the last six decades, the Petersons have developed good-sized horses with a lot of bone and a strong Hancock influence. They like cowy horses that are good, with a lot of success in the show ring and can still make the leaderboard in team sorting or roping.

A testament to this is their room filled with American Quarter Horse Association trophies and the 166 trophy belt buckles won over the years.

The heart behind the herd

Through the decades, the size of Virgil and Peggy’s herd has ebbed and flowed. Once boasting over 80 brood mares, the operation is a bit smaller these days, but they still offer their signature roan colts for sale through private treaty.

Virgil and Peggy are not only known for the quality of horses they raise, but for their generosity and kindness to others. Over the years they opened their indoor arena for everyone in the area to use, hosting clinics, calf ropings and team sortings.

“They’re amazingly remarkable and generous people,” said Thayne Peterson, Virgil and Peggy’s son. “They have been to

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events where they saw a young person lose a horse, and they gave them a horse from their own herd. My mom has always been incredibly supportive – she grew up in all of this – but none of us love the animals as much as my dad does.”

Both Virgil and Peggy have long family histories in Bridger Valley and the surrounding area, and their children are the sixth generation in the valley.

They have worked hard to build Flying V Quarter Horses from the ground up. They paid market value for the land they are on now from Peggy’s family and saved up to buy the foundational horses for the herd they have developed today.

Their stallion Sharp Kid laid the groundwork for the horses one will see today with the Flying V brand.

The legacy Virgil and Peggy started together over 60 years ago is continuing for future generations. The Flying V arena hosts monthly team sortings throughout winter months, with people coming from near and far to participate.

For more information on horses available for purchase, as well as upcoming events, follow @FlyingVQuarterHorses

on Facebook.

Tressa Lawrence is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

When you build with Morton, you build something that lasts. A Morton stands the test of time—we’ve been at this for more than 110 years after all. What got us here is simple: our materials, our people and a warranty that beats all others.

CROWD PLEASERS

Powder River Percherons bring the wow factor with dapple grey hitch

Smiles brighten faces and cheers erupt from the crowd as Mike Cushman, lines in hand, expertly maneuvers his flashy dapple grey hitch. Proudly perched beside him is his shotgun rider and wife Julie.

The teamsters and their horses, known as Powder River Percherons, have become widely known, well liked and a highly-anticipated feature of many events across the state of Wyoming and beyond.

Building a brand

As lifelong teamsters, Mike and Julie historically owned teams of horses off and on, using them to feed their cattle and for various other ranch work.

However, in 2002, after moving from Glendo to Kaycee and settling on the bank of the Powder River, the couple decided to build a brand, buying dapple grey Percherons for their athleticism and eye appeal.

“We were trying to create something with higher resale value, so we bought our first pair of grey horses back in 2002,” shares Mike. “We started calling it Powder River Percherons and never looked back. We’ve expanded over the years, but we stayed with dapple grey horses.”

Mike notes they chose Percherons because they are generally more athletic and smarter than other draft horses and dapple greys for their flash.

“We would buy them when they were fairly young and started, then we would put them to work, take them to town and put them on

Powder River Percherons have A full summer schedule

Powder River Percherons can be seen at events all across the state this summer and over the coming year.

In June, the hitch will make an appearance at the Lehi Roundup Rodeo in Lehi, Utah; then in Lander, Dubois and Chris Ledoux Days in Kaycee. In July, Mike and Julie will show at Don King Days in Sheridan and Days of 76 in Deadwood, S.D.

Later in the summer, Powder River Percherons will be in the University of Wyoming Homecoming Parade. In January, the team will show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, and in February, they will make the trip south to Tucson, Ariz. for the Tucson Rodeo Parade.

Mike and Julie also offer teamster clinics to individuals interested in learning how to drive and maintain a team of horses.

the hitch,” he explains. “If they are good horses, we own them for about six to 10 years. Then when they are around 10 to 13 years old, we sell them to carriage companies as well-broke, seasoned horses.”

“We use them when they have good, dark color, and the carriage companies like them white to use for weddings and carriage rides, so it works out well for us,” he adds.

Making public appearances

Primarily, Powder River Percherons makes public appearances, leading off parades, hauling high-ranking dignitaries or performing “halftime shows.”

“We are not competitively natured, so we don’t do draft horse shows,” Mike points out. “But, we have come to be known as attention getters in bigger parades and rodeos.”

He notes prior to COVID-19, their hitch would make 25 to 30 appearances a year. However, the pandemic put the brakes on a lot of events, which still haven’t fully recovered.

Despite this, Mike and Julie stay busy, hauling their team across the Western states of Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Arizona and Utah.

Mike notes over the past 20 years, they have made an appearance in almost every town in the state of Wyoming, frequenting Jackson, Dubois, Lander, Wheatland, Sheridan, Casper, Cody and Kaycee, just to name a few.

Powder River Percherons have wowed crowds at Chris Ledoux Days, Don King Days, the Cody Stampede, West Fest, University of Wyoming’s Homecoming celebration and the Wyoming State Fair, as well as outside of state at the Days of 76 in Deadwood, S.D.; the National Western Stock Show in Denver and the Tucson Rodeo Parade in Tucson, Ariz., which boasts the world’s largest non-motorized parade.

Mike, Julie and their dapple grey hitch have welcomed several big names on their wagon over the years as well, including Gov. Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon; World Champion Cowboys Donny Gay, Dan Mortensen, Larry Mahan, Deb Greenough, Ote Berry, Rich Reinhardt, Butch Kirby, Bill Smith and KC Jones; Hollywood Actors Red Steagall, Robert Taylor and Cole Hauser and several U.S. senators, as well as countless local heroes and dignified war Veterans.

Bringing the wow factor

Mike notes each event they attend is fun and unique in its own way so it is hard to choose a favorite, but the best part of driving the

“It is just a novice deal – we take a couple of teams and wagons and let people get their hands on the horses and learn how to drive,” says Mike. “If somebody is interested they can come to us and we can put something together depending on what they want.” Continued on next page

HORSE EDITION RockyMountain

DIRECTORY

Agri-Best Feeds Page 19

Barnyards & Backyards Page 18

Blevins Manufacturing Company Inc. Page 4

BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program ................................. Page 34

Cain, Mike.......................................................................... Page 32

Casteel Auction and Real Estate ....................................... Page 23

Clark & Associates Land Brokers Page 5

COBIT Tool Page 22

Cooper, Paula Inside Front Cover

Covolo Auto-Farm Service Page 29

Custom Rawhide Braiding by Vince Donley Page 12

Farm Credit Services of America Page 23

First Northern Bank Page 25

Hayburner Tack and Leather Page 8

Heartland Kubota, LLC Page 20

Hells Canyon Mule Days ................................................... Page 28

Hochstrat Braiding ............................................................. Page 10

Hoof Cinch, LLC ................................................................ Page 27

Huskerland Horse Sale Extravaganza Page 12

Jordan Xtreme Bronc Match Page 6

Laramie Jubilee Days Page 9

Lauing Mill Iron L Ranch Page 30

Lowry Star Performance Horses Page 15

Martin Trudeau Insurance Agency Page 21

Montana Horse Progress Days Page 19

Morton Buildings Page 31

The NILE ........................................................................... Page 12

hitch is the crowd’s reaction.

“When we get good crowd reactions, it helps a bunch,” he says. “People really enjoy seeing these guys come down the street. They really ooh and aah.”

Although driving big, powerful and pretty horses down the street is enough to get a reaction, Mike explains a lot of thought and preparation goes into each showing.

“The way we come up with the configuration of our hitches is for a change of pace,” he explains. “Sometimes, it depends on the amount of crew members we have. If we have a full crew, we will do a six- or seven-horse hitch. It takes five to seven people and two hours prior to every exhibition to put this thing together.”

Mike and Julie are known for driving some pretty uncommon hitches, including four abreast and a seven-up hitch, with four horses at the tongue and another three in front.

“One of my considerations for driving four abreast is we want people to see something they don’t normally see. Everybody knows about the Budweiser Clydesdales’ eight-horse configuration, but the four abreast is something people don’t see on TV,” he says.

“When we are four abreast, we are 14 feet wide, so there is a lot

Noland Feed

Page 11

Open Box Rafter Ranch Quarter Horses Page 13

Oteco Manufacturing Page 8

Pine Ridge Knife Company Page 31

Plain Jan’s Page 25

Platte River Rodeo Page 23

Proffit Ranch Quarter Horses Back Cover

Red Bluff Buckles Page 17

Reindl Quarter Horses Page 24

Rocking Horse Therapy Page 10

Rocky Mountain Breeders Association ................................ Page 7

RodeoWest Page 14

Shippen, Grant .................................................................. Page 25

Silver State International Rodeo Page 16

Specialty Tool & Attachment .............................................. Page 24

Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA Rodeo Page 27

Three Crown Petroleum ...................................................... Page 3

Van Norman and Friends Production Sale Page 22

VAP Construction Page 26

Western Land Sales Page 20

Wheatland Country Store Page 14

Working Ranch Cowboys Association Inside Back Cover

Wyoming Mediation Page 16

Wyoming Ranch Rodeo Page 29

YZ Quarter Horses Page 9

ZT Quarter Circle Performance Horses Page 11

Four abreast –Powder River Percherons bring the wow factor with their big, flashy dapple grey horses, driving uncommon hitches many people have never seen before, including four abreast and a seven-up hitch.

photo

of wow factor and people sure get a kick out of it,” he adds. “We also do a seven-up hitch where we put four abreast on the tongue next to the wagon and three in front of them in an abreast position. When people see this coming at them, it is big and wide and really catches attention.”

For more information on Powder River Percherons, follow @PowderRiverPercherons on Facebook or Instagram.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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Courtesy