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Rough March, Kansas/Oklahoma fire fund, California Chrome, clinics, rough stock schedule

Jan Swan Wood
for Tri-State Livestock News

I’m sure glad March is over. It’s been a tough one for our family and hopefully April will bring in a turn of the tide for happier days. The moisture we’ve gotten should ensure a beautiful, green grass spring and that is pretty encouraging. Calving will be starting on Dry Creek in just a few weeks and those new little calves always make me smile. I’m sure ready for some saddle horse time, bird song, and baby calves.

I’m sure you heard about the terrible fire that burned over 400,000 acres on the Kansas/Oklahoma border recently. The Kansas Livestock foundation (KLF) is taking donations to help ranchers affected by the fire. Funds will go toward fencing supplies, animal health efforts, hay, and other needs and will be administered by the Kansas Livestock Association leaders in Barber and Comanche counties. Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to KLF, 6031 S.W. 37th, Topeka, KS 66614. Specify checks in the memo to go to “disaster relief”. Remember folks, those same ranchers stepped up and helped the folks who were devastated by the Atlas blizzard in 2013, so it’s time to return the blessing to them.

The great California Chrome won the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 26. He set a new track record and is now America’s all time leading money earner. Victor Espinoza rode him to the victory and I’m sure had quite a time doing it as the big horse nearly ran out of his saddle! He was practically flanked by the cinch by the time Victor had him pulled up and turned back to the winner’s circle, but Chrome didn’t seem to mind a bit. Art Sherman, Chrome’s long time trainer, was in tears with the victory. Chrome was high weighted for the race at 132 lbs while the other horses were only carrying 117-117.5 lbs. He’s a class act and I hope he gets to retire and go to stud soon. He’s proven all he needs to.



Stan Weaver, Big Sandy, Mont., was recently elected to the AQHA Executive Committee at the 2016 AQHA Convention. Stan is a lifelong rancher and renowned breeder of real using horses.

This ought to be one of the more exciting clinics you could participate in! There will be a Wild Horse Racing Clinic on April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Eddyville, Neb. arena. There’s a $50 fee for the clinic and if you want more information, call Justin at 308-730-0719 or Tristan at 308-627-0392.



The Badlands Broncs and Bulls Roughstock Series, formerly known as Red Dirt and Roughstock tour, has their 2016 schedule lined up as follows: May 29 is 2nd Annual Badlands Stache Bronc and bull Bash, Interior, S.D.; June 11 Ipswich Trail Days, Ipswich, S.D.; July 3-4 Interior Frontier Days, Interior, S.D.; July 13 and August 3 Western Wednesday, Interior, S.D.,; August 13 Rumble on the Prairie, Leola, S.D.; August 20 Rushmore Roundup at Palmer Gulch, Hill City, S.D.; Sept. 3 Winner, S.D.; and October 15 Series Finals, Rapid City, S.D. For info, call Nate Morrison at 605-515-4313.

There will be a Jaton Lord Colt and Ranch Horse clinic at Dillon, Mont. on June 17-19. Jaton is a NRCHA Open Semi-Finalist and a grandson of Ray Hunt, who he grew up working alongside. It’s three days for $300, audit for $10/day, $20/weekend. Contact Katy Johnson at 406-865-0846 for information.

Well, that’s my slightly shortened circle for the week. Be sure and send me any info you have on upcoming events, fundraisers and suchlike. I’m always glad to help you get the word out.