A Big THANK YOU to Tammy Thompson and her family for awarding “Best Dressed at the Montana Circuit Finals.” This award was given in memory of Montana WPRA member Joyce Arms, Tammy’s mother. I will treasure this beautiful headstall and Splash will wear it with pride.
Thank you so much
Twyla Vaira and Splash

A special THANK YOU to Lois Hill and Hill Quarter Horses. Lois donated a gorgeous Montana Silversmiths handbag, for the Sportsmanship award. I was honored to have Lois present this award at the WPRA Circuit Finals breakfast.
Thank you, Twyla Vaira

THANK YOU to Donna Johnson, for donating the “one out of the money” jacket. It was very thoughtful and eased the pain of being in the crying-hole.
Thank you for being so gracious
Twyla Vaira

Dear WPRA members:

I am submitting a list of the great sponsors who are on board for the circuit finals and also to let you know what my responsibilities are as your Circuit Board Director.

We had great attendance this year. Unusually nice weather, improving the ease of ordering tickets, and above all a great event all had a part in making this year bigger and better. Thanks to our members for a great barrel race and for making this such a hot ticket with fast horses and overall class acts.

Calendar sales have been a part of our circuit that helps keep our payout the largest circuit finals payout. This rodeo in itself hit #15 in the PRCA rankings of payout per performance. All Top 12 sold their calendars; great job ladies. Mandy Hamilton sold a whopping 80 calendars and had her fees paid. I believe she was number one in contestants with this number. Other numbers sold include 54, 49, and 35; way to go!

Our rakers were Meghan Gee and Luke Gee Friday and Sunday, Carroll College rodeo team members. Saturday night (Anna, Erica, and Betsy), CMR high school seniors Katie and Rachel helping out on Sunday, and of course Willy Vietor throughout the weekend. My heart is thankful for people who are excited to be part of this event year after year.

Your circuit board meets for 2 full day meetings throughout the year as well as board meetings each day of the circuit finals and various phone conferences when needed. As your event director, I report each day on ground conditions, mark barrels, have worked each year to improve our alleyway and getting a fair start for each contestant. The board was able to purchase its own dirt to make possible the warm up arena and good conditions in the arena. We crunch numbers, provide liaison to rodeo committees mainly through Dave Wagner throughout the year and the committee breakfast during the rodeo. There are many people behind the scenes who believe in professional rodeo in this state. I am proud to deal with our sponsors and this organization. The list below is not all inclusive but is the portion I directly deal with.

Steel Etc. Jacket and saddle sponsor as well as fast time cash bonus each night.
Coors Gusto Dist. Barrel racing event sponsor
Classic Equine full set of front, hind, and bell boots to round winner each night; ESP blanket given as hard luck to Shelley Anzick
Three Forks Saddlery Horse of the Year headstall Theresa Walter
Brown Quarter Horses Horse of the Year breast collar Theresa Walter
Grizzly Saddlery Fast Time breast collar won by Annie Novotney
Town Pump gas card to each round winner
Basin State Bank Stanford, MT 59479 Rookie Buckle Annie Novotney
Willow Creek Construction Breakfast sponsor
Fuddrucker’s gift certificates for the rakers
Thanks to MT WPRA and Dally’O for additional raker gift certificates

The Latin root of compete means “to conspire together.” Let's continue to bring out the best in each other.

Sincerely,

Maria Gee

Dear Equine Owners,

The Montana WPRA would like this opportunity to thank our newest sponsor,  Plains Horizon Equine Insurance.  The great vests from the Circuit Finals were sponsored by Horizon.  Many of us have had insurance with Marvin Tavarez Jr for a number of years and have been extremely satisfied with the coverage.

It really is very reasonable when you think of all the time and money you have invested in your partner.  It is around $97 for $3,000 and $200 for $6,000.…  Once you have lost one of those expensive horses, whether you raised it or not, there is evaluation.  It is a possibility for a lil consolation.  Just some thoughts.

 If you are looking for equine insurance be sure and call Marvin a call 877-569-8960.

Thanks for your support Marvin!

Theresa Walter
Mandy Hamilton
Deena Moeykens
Lana Tibbetts
Jill Miller

You know, sometimes you have very special things in your life and (if you are like me) you may save them for good.... Well that is what I did with my Merrill barrel saddle from Three Forks Saddlery for quite a period of time (4 years or more). Only used it for barrel racing and working my horse on the barrels. Well, this fall when I started a not so small 2 year old and 3 three year old, I decided, Lana “you have two of those saddles, now maybe you need to be using them more” and you are not 25.

Oh, I have always really liked my saddle. But, I’m here to tell you, I fell in LOVE with my Merrill Barrel saddle. It is like many things in life, you can get by with a lot. Although, when you have those situations where “things can really happen,” one needs to feel confident and capable to deal with the task as it may arise.

The Ground seat in the Merrill barrel saddle is what makes this saddle so unique. If you have ever had any riding lessons, you will recall “on your pelvic bone, in front, and behind your pelvic bone.” The Merrill keeps you so very centered and feeling close to your horse, it is amazing. For those of you who have broke colts, you know those first 5 rides can be a bit scary, and you’re not sure which direction you may be headed or stop suddenly. In the Merrill, your feet Never get behind you, which is very rare for most saddles.

If you are looking for a saddle this season, you need to check with Joe Petersen at Three Forks Saddlery (www.threeforkssaddlery.com).  You’ll see many WPRA members are riding these saddles and for several reasons. They aren’t just for great body position running barrels, they are a truly very comfortable saddle for any type of riding.

There is a Confidence that a saddle can give. Believe me, I had never truly realized how much the difference was it until this fall on those colts. If you are looking for a saddle this Christmas Season, check out one of the Merrill’s. You will not be disappointed. But don’t be like I was and save it, use that baby, you will have great confidence for all your types of riding.

Merry Christmas to you all!! Look forward to what you may have to share.

Sincerely, Lana Tibbetts