A Note from the President:
The NCRCHA is alive and well! We had a fun and competitive show season in 2006, with great year end awards. We saw a significant increase in entries at our shows. I’m especially excited to see the growth of our Youth program and our Rookie class.
The year end banquet was a huge success. Donna Schiell did a great job finding a good and affordable place to hold the banquet. The evening began with a Board meeting and the election of the 2007 Board Members and officers. They are: President - Steve Mattson; Vice President - Donna Schiell; Treasurer - Mark Lecy; Secretary - Tammy Sterr; Board Members - Steve Stix, Steve Defrang, Tammy Anderson, Roxanne Scholl, Mark Stites, Mickey Gaines. (See this newsletter for board member contact information).
If you saw me at the banquet, you noticed the “deer in the headlights” look on my face as the enormity of this position began to hit home. It’s OK, I’m better now. Mark Lecy has assured me that he will still remain very active in Board activities, Thank Goodness!!
The 2007 Board Members are dedicated to the continued growth of this quality association. We have in place, what I believe, to be a great board. These people bring experience and a good work ethic to the board, so I’m sure we will all be fine. We will, however, need help from everyone in this association to be successful. There will be many opportunities to volunteer; helping at shows, and to help with sponsors, just to name a couple. Keep in mind that a lot of the money for our great year end awards comes from our sponsors. Please support them throughout the year. Keep in mind we are always looking for new sponsors, large and small. These don’t have to be large corporate sponsors either; families and individuals can become “buckle sponsors”.
We have in place a new show committee for 2007. Its members are Donna Schiell, Mark Lecy, Tammy Anderson, Chris Olmanson, Julie Mattson and myself. The show committee began its work on December 27th. We have started working on show dates, show locations, etc, etc, etc. If you have any ideas or information that might help the show committee, please contact one of us.
I am sorry to report that recently I received a letter of resignation from new board member Mark Stites. The Stites family has been very active in the association and will be missed. They are moving to Rapid City, South Dakota, so hopefully we will see them sometime soon. I also must report that due to Stites’ leaving the area, Tammy Sterr was forced to resign from our board. Tammy was a great asset to association but is unable to commit to board activities. Hopefully we will see Tammy at our shows. Tammy Anderson has agreed to assume the secretary duties. Chris Olmanson has been appointed to the board to serve a one year term and is already hard at work!
This newsletter contains a lot of valuable information. Please take a few minutes to read through everything. The new membership form should be completed and sent in as soon as possible. Please note the request for e-mail addresses on the membership form. The new board is focused on improving communication with our membership. We are in the process of updating the website and will strive to keep the website current.
Looking forward to another fun and competitive season!
Yours Truly,
Steve Mattson
Upcoming Clinics!
The NCRCHA is starting off the year with a Reined Cowhorse clinic with Monty Bruce for current 2007 NCRCHA members. The clinic will be held at Mark Lecy’s place (Summit Ranch, Rushford, MN). Saturday, March 3rd will concentrate on basic reining maneuvers and boxing type work. Cost is $100 for Saturday and will be limited to 15 riders. Sunday, March 4 will be limited to more advanced riders and will focus on advanced cow work. Cost is $150 for Sunday and will be limited to 10 riders. Auditors are welcome at a charge of $20 per day. 2007 NCRCHA memberships can be purchased at the clinic. Please contact Mark Lecy at 507-459-0402 for more information.
The NCRCHA is also organizing a clinic with Ron Ralls, two time NRCHA Worlds Greatest Horseman from Gainesville, Texas, scheduled for April 14 and 15. Location and details are still being worked on – but be sure to put those dates on your calendar! Keep your eye on the website (www.ncrcha.com) or Wrangler for details.
All proceeds from club sponsored clinics go back to the club to sponsor other activities and awards.
2007 Stallion Stakes
The NCRCHA is now accepting applications for our 2007 Stallion Stakes program. Please contact Donna Schiell at 507-332-2879 for more information.
Class Definition & Rule Changes
There have been a few changes to the class definitions. Please read through the definitions carefully. The $500 Amateur Rider is now the $1000 Ltd Amateur Rider. The class remains the same, the earnings have just been raised. There have also been a few rule changes as well, so please read through them carefully. Note that the Rookie rider points will go back to zero if membership lapses for more than one calendar year.
Tenative 2007 Show/Clinic Schedule
The Show Committee is working hard to nail down dates and locations for the 2007 show season. We also want to try to incorporate as many clinics as we can with the shows – similar to what was done last year, having a clinic for members on Saturday, and then the show on Sunday. The club hopes to have the show season run from April through October. Last year we requested that members call ahead for shows to ‘reserve’ cattle. We want to thank everyone that did, as it really helped reduce our overhead costs and keep entry fees to a minimum, as we were able to more accurately order the correct amount of cattle for each show. This is strictly to help the club know how many cattle to order. If you call ahead and aren’t able to make it, you won’t be penalized. And if you decide at the last minute you can come to a show but didn’t call ahead, by all means, PLEASE come! You won’t be charged extra for not calling! Please watch the website (www.ncrcha.com) or check the Wrangler for the show schedule – which should be finalized by mid-February.
Board Members & Contact Information
Steve Mattson President Mattson713@yahoo.com 612-685-5190
Donna Schiell Vice President 507-332-2879
Tammy Anderson Secretary mtanderson@myclearwave.net 507-381-4425
Mark Lecy Treasurer summitranch@ridge-runner.com 507-459-0402
Steve Stix Board Member
Steve DeFrang Board Member 507-358-1080
Mickey Gaines Board Member
Roxanne Scholl Board Member stlkfarm@netins.net
Christine Olmanson Board Member chlloyd@hickorytech.net 507-327-9551