Mini Mag Mar 16 2021

Even More Opportunities With Horses Despite Industry Transitions, Legendary Horsemen Agree By Frank J. Buchman

Many changes have occurred in the Quarter Horse industry during the past half century. Today people have more opportunities with horses for productive use, recreation, mental wellbeing and profit than ever before. Three legendary Kansas horsemen agreed with that synopsis during their panel discussion at the EquiFest of Kansas in Salina. Moderator was Dr. Justin Janssen, Alma, representing the Kansas Horse Council sponsoring organization for the three-day horse extravaganza at Salina.

Panelists included: Mark Gratny, Leavenworth, trainer of many champion Quarter Horses and exhibitors. Dr. Stan O’Neil, Salina, exhibitor of several world champion rope horses. Jerry Riemann, Dighton, breeder, owner, exhibitor of world champion horses. After a brief introduction of the panelists, Janssen called upon each horseman to expand on their background and experiences. Growing up at Claflin with diverse purebred livestock enterprises, Riemann became a Dighton feedlot manager after graduating from K-State. “We later bought and developed our own farming operation,” he said, “including the Quarter Horse breeding business.” Involvement in the cattle feeding industry has also again been a part of Riemann’s agriculture endeavors.

Dr. Justin Janssen, Alma, moderated the legendary Kansas horsemen panel discussion during EquiFest of Kansas at Salina.