Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

BlackJack Saddle Club Honors Highpoint Riders And Presents Special Awards

Yearend banquet of the BlackJack Saddle Club at Leonardville was highlighted by honoring highpoint riders and presenting special awards.

Club president Albert De La Garza and points keeper Stacy Nicholas presented certificates recognizing all show participants throughout the year. Riders must have competed in four of the club’s six shows to receive yearend awards.

Buckles were presented to the highpoint and runner-up riders in each age division of both performance and speed events.

Special working prizes went to those placing third through sixth in each age group again in both the performance and speed categories.

Craig Kennedy of Manhattan was awarded the Volunteer Award for assistance provided at all the club shows this year.

At the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet, Craig Kennedy of Manhattan was awarded the Volunteer Award for assistance provided at all the club shows this year. Parker Kennedy and Fancy were highpoint yearend winner in the seven and under speed events division. (Kayla Bigham photo)

Rylan Mowry, St. George, was presented with the Perseverance Award for his consistent efforts to improve while competing in junior competition.

Vince and Tara Mowry of St. George are with their children Cooper, Jacob, and Rylan at the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet. Rylan received the Perseverance Award for his consistent efforts to improve while competing in junior competition. Cooper placed fourth in his age group’s performance division while Jacob was recognized for show participation. (Kayla Bigham photo)

In memory of Angela Anstaett, the Most Improved Rider Award went to Macy Lyons. Maddie Smith received the Angela Anstaett Sportsmanship Award. Both awards were presented by Madison (Rogers) Howe.

Macy Lyons received the Angela Anstaett Most Improved Rider Award from Madison (Rogers) Howe at the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet. (Kayla Bigham photo)
The Angela Anstaett Sportsmanship Award was presented by Madison (Rogers) Howe to Maddie Smith at the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet. (Kayla Bigham photo)

Performance division winners include:

Eighteen and over: Lyndsey Greenwood and Little Red, highpoint, and Jesslin Lamont and Miss Zandy Reminic, reserve.

Brandon and Lyndse Greenwood of Alma are with their children Brody, Bradyn, and Laynee at the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet. Lyndsey showed Little Red to win the highpoint mare trophy and was the highpoint performance 18 and over rider, while Brody was highpoint eight to 12 performance rider, and Laynee was the highpoint seven and under yearend performance contestant. (Kayla Bigham photo)

Thirteen to 17: Genayla Warnken and Sunny, highpoint, and Makayla Machin and Bough See Fuss, reserve.

Troy and Genaire Warnken of Manhattan are with their children Genayla and Trista at the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet. Genayla was the highpoint 13 to 17 performance rider and Trista was the highpoint eight to 12 performance rider. Incumbent, Troy has been serving as vice president of the saddle club while Genaire is a volunteer at club shows. (Kayla Bigham photo)

Eight to 12: Trista Warnken and Dixie Chicken, highpoint, and Brody Greenwood and Ruby, reserve.

Seven and under: Aubrey Brazzle and Lady, highpoint, and Laynee Greenwood and Grey, reserve

Speed division winners include:

Eighteen and over: Frank Buchman and Cody.

Thirteen to 17: Madison Hammond and Bailey, highpoint, and Ava Asbury and Suzie, reserve.

Danenberg Jewelers at Manhattan sponsored the highpoint 13-17 speed events buckle presented by Jan Danenberg to Madison Hammond at the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet. (Kayla Bigham photo)

Eight to 12: Kathrine De La Garza and Snickers, highpoint, and Mia Herrera and Cowgirls Golden Dream, reserve.

Albert and Kristen De La Garza of Randolph are with two of their children Samuel and Kathrine at the BlackJack Saddle Club yearend banquet. Kathrine was the highpoint eight to 12 speed event rider and Samuel was reserve highpoint seven and under speed event contestant. De La Garza has served several terms as the saddle club president and was given special recognition upon his retirement from that office. (Kayla Bigham photo)

Seven and under: Parker Kennedy and Fancy, highpoint, and Samuel De La Garza and Whiskey, reserve.

Special recognition was given to outgoing president Albert De La Garza for his dedicated service to the BlackJack Saddle Club.

Other 2022 officers include: Troy Warnken and Justine Staten, vice presidents; Myra George, treasurer; Frank Buchman, secretary; Stacy Nicholas and Vicki Smith, points keepers; and Tara Mowry, webmaster/social media.

Justine Staten, executive director of the Kansas Horse Council, has been elected to serve as vice president of the BlackJack Saddle Club for the coming year. (Kayla Bigham photo)

Additional information about the BlackJack Saddle Club is available at www.blackjacksaddleclub.com.

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