Vol 5 No 2

Letter from the Editor

Dear Golden State Members,

I began showing in Golden State eight years ago after a five-year long hiatus from riding. I was 65 years old. We all know that I was blessed with Fred, a really good pony, but even with that, I had concerns. After all, I still had to ride him, and I had no experience with working cattle or any of the other events. I was also blessed to have Sarah as my coach. We all know she is an amazing teacher but, still, I was going to be all by my little ol’ lonesome self out in that big arena. Having shown jumpers for 25 years meant I could ride a little and had lots of show ring experience. But again, what did that have to do with a quarter horse, versatility, and working cows? I had some advantages, but there was a huge learning curve in front of me. Then I read the following and all the feelings of being intimidated and of not knowing, fell to the wayside. The possibility of flying was there! I needed to embrace that while still accepting the possibility of failing. The saying has served me well. As we begin our new show season, I offer it to anyone who can use it . . .

“What if I fall? What if I fly?”

As we are able, let’s all fly.

Lots of fun stuff in this issue, enjoy!

Dawn Poston
Editor

Send comments, concerns, & ideas to [email protected]

Good Times

Annual Luncheon, Year End Awards & Membership Meeting

Coll Me Smoke Olena

The Story of the 2023 Junior Horse

By Sherri Coll

At the luncheon we were all moved by Sherri Coll’s reaction to receiving a buckle for “Jr Horse.” With tears in her eyes, she said “our first buckle and with a horse we bred, raised and trained.” This is their story.

After breeding, it was eleven grueling months of waiting, learning, anticipating, and hoping for a healthy foal. Finally, searching for clues of birthing: dropped belly, full udders, discomfort, teat waxing, Magnum’s first baby, the first of five foals, 2018 Coll Me Smoke Olena, was standing on the ground. Within the first day she was bolting around the pasture with crazy spurts of energy, then, just as fast plopping into the lush green grass for a nap. It was breathtaking.

As our first baby, “Lena” was probably handled too much. She was SO adorable. She was stroked, brushed, haltered, lead, trimmed and weaned. She is a particularly well-mannered horse. Most people, (everyone, in fact), suggested we just buy a finished horse. But with guidance along the way from friends and trainers, Chris saddled and started Lena himself, proceeding to learn along the way, as well.

Chris’s first show, GSVRHA horse show was at Running T in Ione, CA, when Lena was 3 yrs. old. As a 5 yr. old, shown by Sherri, she earned the 2023 GSVRHA Junior Horse Champion; 2023 WSVRHA Novice Reserve Champion; 2023 GSVRHA 3rd Place Novice All Around.

Through the trials and tribulations of horse ownership, we are very proud to breed, train and show our own horses. Every year since Lena was born, Chris says, “We are NOT going to have another baby.” And, every year, I say, “Okay, honey…!” Magnum’s progeny now includes five decedents of the great AQHA sire Mr. Gun Smoke. Magnum is a great mare. She gazes from her pasture perch at her remuda of offspring, all at different levels of training.

Thank you, Sherri for sharing a very special story with our members!

From Soft Eyes to Piercing Eyes

Three Tips from Barb Schulte

But then once you’re set on a specific cow, you want your eyes to become more piercing. Say you’re aiming for the throat latch of the cow so you can move in that direction to control the cow, you want to feel like your eyes are like laser beams on that throat latch (or wherever it is that you want to control the cow.) Your horse will follow that.

It will help you guide your horse, but also there is a power and energy in our gaze that impacts a cow. I know that might sound a little crazy, but it absolutely does. It’s just like if you feel like somebody’s staring at you from across the room, all of a sudden you might feel it, even when you don’t see it first. This is the same thing.

These are three ways to powerfully use your eyes. It works!

Many thanks to Barb Schulte for her generous permission to share her tips. Check out what’s happening in 2024 for Barb and partner Sandy Collier at beunstoppable.us

Be Wearin’ The Green

Saint Patrick’s Day Challenge

New Features

Way Out West Spring Classic

Western States Championship Show Dates

Ooops!

Some Changes

2024 Western States Year End Awards

Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah-there are approximately 29 possible shows offered among all the affiliates within Western States. That’s 29 opportunities to earn points.

There is no cap on the amount of shows you attend and accumulate points (last year it was the best five shows). There will be awards to 5th place in each division for the highest number of points received.

At the Western States Championship shows there will be saddles given in every division—the difference from years past is that each competitor will start the shows with a clean slate. Only the points from the two championship shows will count toward the saddles. So, year-end awards AND show specific awards. This is huge, plan to be there!

Loyalty Counts!

Incentive Awards

Have you been a participating member of GSVRHA for six years or more? If so, you will be rewarded for your loyalty with a prize at year end. Also, if you attend six or more GS shows in 2024, you will receive a “super supporter” vest designating you as such. In each case, your Board of Directors wants you to know that your loyalty to Golden State is very much appreciated.

Back 2 Basics

Competitors Survived the Weather!

Results

Show #2

Youth All-Around-Angelo Greco
Novice All-Around Champion-Sara Reynier
Novice All-Around Reserve-Robee Knoch
Limited All-Around Champion-Tammy Burgin-Reitzel
Limited Reserve Champion-Josie Driscoll
Intermediate All-Around Champion-Candice Terry
Intermediate All-Around-Jessamy German
Advanced All-Around Champion-Bryan Jaeger
Advanced All-Around Reserve-Dawn Poston
Open All-Around Champion-Sara Clifford
Open All-Around Reserve-Kathy Torres

Marketplace

Got Extra Stuff?

Remember the Marketplace

Just a reminder about a feature exclusively for Golden State members. If you have something to sell, are in search of something (ISO), or just like to shop, we hope the Marketplace will work for you. A few guidelines:

1. Submit your ad to [email protected]
2. Wording of ad limited to four areas of information. Item, brief description, cost, contact information. Example: Ranch Saddle. Bob’s 16 ½ seat, fully engraved, good condition. $2500. Call Ann at 123-456-7890. Or ISO 2 horse LQ. Slant load with generator. Call Ann at 123-456-7890.
3. You may list anything you like as long as it’s ranchy! Clothing, saddles, chinks, equipment, trailers, ranches, etc. Horses only if they belong to you.
4. Ads will run one month. To continue, must be resubmitted.
5. “In Step With Golden State” retains the right to edit or reject ads that don’t fit the guidelines.

Meme of the Month

Craig Cameron (b 1949) is an American horse trainer. He won the Road to the Horse colt-starting contest in 2010 and has been inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.