Newsletter of the
Golden State Versatility Ranch Horse Association
DECEMBER 2021
Dear Golden State Members,
Our show season has ended and what a season it has been! We’ve had 7 California shows from March through September and a heck of a great Western States Finals in October. For all of you who showed in one or all, thank you for your participation and great sportsmanship.
In this issue we will have a look at results from the Fall Classic, a review of the Western States Finals in Las Vegas, a new feature for our web site (hint it will make renewing your membership much easier!), changes in Western States leadership, save the dates-the Annual Members Luncheon & Awards and Intro to Versatility Clinic, and a preview of the shows for next year. Finally, the ‘Quote of the Month.’
Enjoy the down time; show season will be here before we know it!
Dawn Poston
Editor
Send comments, concerns, & ideas to [email protected]
New Fall Classic
San Luis Obispo October Show
The newly established SLO show was a great success. Show Manager and owner Dawn Meinhold has made many improvements to the venue with more to come. There was a very “ranchy” outside trail course that presented numerous challenges to competitors. Dawn hosted a lovely barbeque for all on Saturday night. Very appreciated. This was a wonderful show; one we hope will be repeated.
Membership Renewals Now Online
Golden State Joins the 21st Century!
You can now safely and easily join GSVRHA or renew your membership at our web site gsvrha.org. No more writing checks, licking envelopes, affixing stamps unless you just want to. Thank you to Board Member Meghan Carr for spearheading this effort and to web master Susan Bancroft for making it happen.
Another Success Story
Western States Finals Complete
Among fierce competition, there was a great deal of fun and camaraderie at the recent Western States Finals at Horsemen’s Park in Las Vegas. Weather in the 70’s, a new covered arena, a new cutting pen, fun extra events, good judging and good cattle; all equal a memorable Finals. Awards were given for the two WS shows, the two AQHA shows, circuit winners (overall both shows), and year end winners (best five shows). That’s FIVE sets of awards! Arizona VRH member Cynda Rice provided those amazing awards! For example, year-end division winners received a complete bridle-headstall with championship conchos, a Marsh bit, and rawhide reins! Thank you Cynda! Another Arizona VRH member, Amy Finley, was the extremely efficient and organized show secretary. Thank you Amy! GS member Mike Lund was our cow boss and demonstrated herculean efforts in the cow pen, particularly when he worked it solo. Thank you Mike!
Friday night there was an array of finger foods while the barrel race was held-California cowgirls Heather Bryant (1st) and Kathy Torres (2nd) rocked the house with their runs. Obviously, it was “not their first time at the rodeo.”
Saturday night was taco night and Ranch Riding Freestyle. Jen Harden garnered first riding to “The Sugarplum Fairy.” Jody Smith rode to “I Believe In Love” for second, and Samantha Scanlan/Christian Scanlan & Dawn Poston did a synchronized pattern to “Ghost Riders In The Sky” for third. Wonder Woman (Rebecca Winfield), Elvis (Meghan Carr), and Montana Girl (Sarah Clifford), also had great routines. No one envied the judge.
The candid photos shown here are but a small peek at the 3 days of fun and the awards ceremonies. Enjoy.
Save the Dates
Golden State Members Luncheon and Awards / Intro to Ranch Versatility Clinic
The GS Luncheon/Awards Ceremony will be held January 29, 2022, 11:30-3:00 at Black Horse Bayonet in Seaside, CA. This event will be FREE to members and $30 per person for guests. Watch your email for menu and sign up. Contact Dawn Poston ([email protected] or 831-601-9064) for more information.
“Intro to Ranch Versatility,” a clinic for those new, or newish, to versatility will be held February 19, 2022 at Ember Ridge Ranch Equestrian Center, Moss Beach, CA. Sarah Clifford and Kathy Torres will be the clinicians. Again, an email is forthcoming with more information and/or contact Marty Raynor ([email protected] or 650-722-2115.)
WS Leadership Changes
Sarah Clifford Takes the Helm
Our very own Sarah Clifford is the new president of the Western States Versatility Ranch Horse Association.Debbie Weisheim (NV) is the new Vice President, Kathy Torres is the new Treasurer, and Amy Finley (AZ) is the new Secretary.
Western States Vests
Available for Sale!
A limited number of WS vests are available for purchase for $65. Ladies S & M, Men’s XS, S, L, XL, 2XL. They can be gotten from Sarah Clifford now ([email protected] or 831-747-7545) or at the Golden State Luncheon January 29, 2022. If you are interested in having a vest and your size isn’t listed, more can be ordered. Let Sarah or Kathy Torres know what you need. Our thanks to new GS member Debby King for being our lovely model.
2022 Calendar
Tentative Show Dates
For more information, click here to view the complete calendar in a new window
| Date | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 19-20 | GSVRHA: Cinch Up Productions Clinic & Show | Morgan Hill, CA |
| April 15-17 | GSVRHA: Running T Spring Ranch Roundup Clinic & Show | Ione, CA |
| May 21-22 | GSVRHA, WSVRHA, AQHA: Central Coast Ranch Horse Classic Show | Carmel Valley, CA |
| June 20-25 | AQHA: VRH World Show | Guthrie, OK |
| August 12-14 | GSVRHA: Clifford Horse Training Versatility Challenge | Carmel Valley, CA |
| Sept 3-4 | GSVRHA: Central Coast Fall Classic Clinic & Show | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Sept 30 – Oct 2 | GSVRHA: Running T Fall Ranch Roundup Clinic & Show | Ione, CA |
| Oct 27-30 | WSVRHA: Year End Finals | Las Vegas, NV |
Quote of the Month
attribution here
