The third annual Ranch Horse RoundUp was held July 15 and July 16 at the Kit Carson Riding Club in Black Forest, Colorado. The National Versatility Ranch Horse Association in collaboration with KCRC sponsored the event as a fundraiser to support Pikes Peak region veterans and their families, and to continue the tradition of the working ranch horse.In a June press release from the NVRH, Dan Yopp, a veteran and president of KCRC, said, ìNothing makes us prouder as an equestrian organization than knowing we are giving back to those who have gone through so much for their country and our continued freedom.îThe events began with an opening ceremony that included the national anthem and presentation of the flag of the United States. As the riders entered the arena on horseback, their names were announced along with the name of a veteran they were honoring on their ride.Four clinicians donated their time and knowledge, and riders were able to learn from some of the big names in ranch horse versatility. After a demonstration ride from two members of NVHRA, showing what skilled and well-trained ranch horses can do; participants were divided into four groups and rotated through the four different clinics: cutting, working ranch, ranch trail and ranch riding.A silent auction took place on both days.On the second day, a schooling competition was held and riders were judged on their newly required skills. The day ended with an awards ceremony and distribution of prizes.Although registration was open to all levels of riders, most participants were returning for their third year. Linda Moneymaker, one of the participants, said, ìThis is our third year, and we will be back again next year. It is just such a good cause.îIn past years, the proceeds had been donated to different veteransí groups such as Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center, the YMCAís Camp Corral and the Warrior Wellness Program (now renamed the Remount Foundation). The Remount Foundation and Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center provide equine-facilitated therapeutic activities for military families while Camp Corral offers summer camp experiences for children whose lives have been affected by the death, illness or injury of a military family member.This yearís proceeds were directed toward The Home Front Cares and again to the Remount Foundation. The Home Front Cares is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support to veterans and their families. The programís mission is to provide emergency financial support for housing, utilities and transportation. The program does not offer loans, but rather grants, which are paid directly to the veteranís landlord or utility company. In 2016, the organization provided military families in Colorado with more than $400,000 in direct financial assistance, according to a 2016 financial report posted on the website.The Remount Foundation continues to provide equine-assisted learning to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other service-related issues. More than 1,000 veterans and their families have worked with Remount. The foundation, located at the U.S. Air Force Academy, also collaborates in clinical research efforts with the Temple Grandin Equine Center at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, according to the Remount website.Despite the late arrival of the steers featured in the clinics and an afternoon rain shower, the event was succesful. Mickey Althouse, media liaison for 2017ís Ranch RoundUp, reported that this yearís event raised almost $10,000, all donated to the Remount Foundation and The Home Front Cares. She said she was pleasantly surprised by the amount raised, as they had limited the number of riders for the clinics to 28, compared to last yearís 60 riders. In donations and silent auction bids, Althouse said, ìThe community really stepped up this year.ìLast yearís committee consisted of three people and this year we had 13. We will be handing the reins over to more people.î Organizers for this yearís Ranch RoundUp, Jim Armstrong, member of KCRC, and Dave Currin, NVRHAís representative, plan to continue the ranch horse tradition next year.
