Young, old, or prime, difficult to know who was most excited as they reaped rewards for the year’s horse campaigning.
Two dozen buckles were claimed by division winners climaxing the South Central Stock Horse Association (SCSHA) yearend awards banquet at Pratt, according Steve Johnson, Arkansas City, president of the horse show group.
Unlike calling a “working order” for rider event participation at shows, impossible to “correctly” put in order most prestigious honorees to recognize.
So, the little ones first, those with more challenges next, the older riders and the rest of the horse enthusiasts.
Savana Richmeier was SCSHA highpoint walk trot nine-and-under rider, while Talen Barry came in reserve.
Nine-and-under open rider champion was Faith Beesley, and Ransom Tiffany collected the runner-up buckle.
Ben Johnson was the smiling repeat winner of the Equestrian With Disabilities (EWD) champion, and Ryan Wetzel took home the reserve champion buckle.
“Select” is the congenial way some identify the more mature campaigners, while it’s really the 50-and-over division. No shortness of try for certain, as John Rose accepted the highpoint buckle, and Karen Russell was the runner-up winner.
Shaelyn Richmeier was highpoint in open walk-whoa, and Jax Johnson reserve.
Walk trot 10-to-18 yearend buckle went to Kaitlyn Simons, and Courtney Bowie accepted the reserve award.
In walk trot 19-and-over, Kellea Kay Smith received the highpoint buckle, while the runner-up award went to Trudi Temple.
Grace Winer was champion, and Katie Ewy reserve in the novice 18-and-under category. Novice 19-and-over yearend buckle went to Janice Stockdale, and Lindsey Friesen collected the reserve award.
Regan Wetzel topped all 10-to-13 riders, followed by Brady Papay. In the 14-to-18 age division, Jaci Turner won the champion buckle, and Taylor Weidenhaft had runner-up honor point tabulations.
Nineteen-and-over highpoint yearend recognition went to Megan Milch, while Michlynn St John accepted the runner-up buckle.
“The South Central Stock Horse Association was incorporated on April 12, 1990, in Sedgwick County, as a nonprofit horseshow organization to promote sportsmanship, competition, and a family atmosphere,” according to Johnson.
“The association was formed for the surrounding communities to provide a better environment for the family and individuals who own performance horses,” Johnson explained.
Other officers include Rose of Mullinville, vice president; Vickie Dave, Sterling, secretary; Vicky Newlon, Hugoton, treasurer; Tina Sells, WaKeeney, points keeper; and Janice Buxton Stockdale, Wichita, stalls manager.
Additional members of the SCSHA board of directors are Judy Collins, Derby; Jerrit Colwell, Galva; Kate Howland, Palco; Kent Muncy, Wright; and Kenneth Papay, Meade.
Schedule of SCSHA shows for 2017 include April 29-30, Hutchinson; May 13-14, Kingman; June 3-4, Kingman; June 24-25, Lyons; July 29-30, Hutchinson; and August 12-13, Hutchinson.
Information about the association and participation next year to collect yearend trophy buckles is available at www.scshahorseshow.com.
