I am excited for the Ranch Horse Shows that are going to be underway this Saturday, May 30. I have been busy riding our string of horses along with awesome help from Angie Gebhart, a good hand, and a student at South Dakota State. I am glad to have her helping us through the summer!

In past years I have found that I can get nervous taking my horses to a relatively unfamiliar environment. There is a lot going on when you go to a show, and it can be difficult for some horses that haven’t been around so much action. I like to prepare myself, and my horses, for these situations as much as possible before I go.

I think that it behooves me and my horse to practice some patterns that I will be showing in, as well as to set goals. Whether I am showing for fun, or for competition, it is important to have attainable goals. I like to do my arena work and then go down the trail and through the woods to expose them to different places. I try to make sure my horses are in shape so they are not fresh the day of the show.

I keep odd items in the arena to help my horse prepare for versatility courses. I practice walking, trotting and loping down the road at different speeds to help in the pleasure and reining classes. You can set up barrels or poles, and pattern your horse at a trot and lope.  Keep in mind that the Ranch Horse Shows are all about having a versatile ranch horse. Enjoy time with your friends, family, and horse. Stay relaxed, meet new people, have fun, and smile!

I look forward to seeing you at OutWest!

One of the horses we are very proud to be selling is a very nice 11-year-old red dun mare. This mare has been used extensively in a feedlot and has had many miles of outside riding. She is easy on the eyes and easy to ride. Her quiet and unique disposition makes her a joy to ride. If you want to swing a rope off her, sort cows, or take her on a leisurely trail ride, she will do it and will be safe for all ages and all levels of riders -a super family horse!

This is just one example of the kind of horses we will have here at our auction on Saturday. We take pride in our horses and represent them with integrity. So have at ‘em, and mark us on your calendars for the 16th (this Saturday!) The auction will start at 10:30am and horses will sell at approximately 1:00pm.