Wednesday Mini Mag

Still the 11-hands, black with white blanket pony called Thunder provides Susie plenty of enjoyment. “I got Thunder as a two-year-old and now he’s 30,” Susie said. “Brandon rode Thunder and helped train him. I’ve given lots of riding lessons on the pony to many kids around the area.”

Diversified Joe has been a top horse for both Don and Susie. “We got Joe as a yearling and trained him ourselves,” Don said. “Joe is one good son of a gun.” Shown in halter, showmanship, pleasure, horsemanship and trail, the big sorrel gelding has won every class at one time or another.

“I honestly can’t count all of the awards Joe has won,” Don attempted tabulating. “He earned us the Northeast Kansas Small Area Group (NEKSAG) highpoint 40 and over award the past two years.” Additionally, Don won the Ray Harrison Highpoint Trophy at Lancaster and NEKSAG yearend pleasure and halter championships two years straight. With more than his share of problems, PR Tiger Bay is Susie’s next show champion, she declared. “Tiger has had severe tears in his front lower digital tendons requiring considerable medical attention and care,” Susie informed. “I’ve worked tediously with Tiger following all of the doctor’s orders for his complete recovery. He really shows a world of promise for me.” Living on their 45-acres farm about 22 years, Don is a retired machinist. “But I still work two days a week which is enough. I still have time for my horses, trap shooting and putting up hay,” he said.