August Spotlight On the News

Let The Games, Good Times And Family Fun Begin at the 29th Annual Mule Days!

Hells Canyon Mule Days will be celebrating mules and mule skinners on the weekend after Labor Day, September 11th, 12th, 13th. From its humble beginnings in 1981 it has progressed steadily and is the fastest growing mule show in the Northwest. This annual event draws mule and donkey owners, and spectators intrigued by the long-eared equine, from all over the West. Hells Canyon Mule Days has been selected, for the fourth consecutive year, by American Cowboy Magazine as one of the 101 Great Western Events.

This year’s show will be three full days of events with classes for every age group and skill level. Highlights include the Classic Jump Off Challenge, which is always a crowd pleaser, and fast action events include pole bending, barrel racing, mule and donkey races, wild cow milking and the Fast Ass Express. During the Saturday afternoon show there will also be a contest for the oldest spectator and the spectator who has traveled the most miles to attend the show.

Be sure to make HCMD part of your summer plans and come celebrate with us a Wallowa County tradition of mules and mule skinners. For more information visit www.hellscanyonmuledays.com.

***

Bob Avila Spur Collection – AVSO-200

Product review by Karen Pickering

The spur model I tested was the AVSP-200. Specifications: 1" band, 2" shank, 10 point rowel. The spurs come in antique brown with engraved silver.

A versatile spur for any western discipline, this is a very pretty spur with a nice floral design on the outer portion. The medium shank worked well for me with my short legs. It was easy to roll the spur up the side of the horse, offsetting my tendency to gouge instead of rolling the spur properly against her sides. I’m sure my mare appreciated it! I would recommend this spur to anyone. It is affordable, very functional, and nicely designed. For more information, see www.profchoice.com.

***

VisionWorks Wireless Camera from Smucker

Smucker Manufacturing is pleased to release new digital wireless technology to the Ag industry. The VisionWorks Wireless system retails for just $299. This product allows farmers and ranchers to monitor livestock, fuel tanks, equipment sheds, front entry gates, and other farm buildings wirelessly.

Unlike analog, this digital wireless technology has no interference with Wifi, microwave, or cordless telephones. The need to protect your investments on the farm is on the rise, and this affordable system offers the latest features and benefits, such as:

* Interference-Free, Secure Wireless

* Monitor via the Internet

* Monitor on your TV or Computer

* Battery or 110v Operated

* Audio Microphone Built into Camera

* Digital Pan/Tilt/Zoom

* Infrared Night Vision

* Very easy to install

Learn more at www.smucker.net.

***

Two Top Announcers to Work the Ellensburg Rodeo this Summer

Father- and Son-in-Law Excited to Work Together in Ellensburg

Randy Corley and Hadley Barrett are scheduled to work the Ellensburg Rodeo this summer — a first for the father- and son-in-law. Corley and Barrett have announced together at other rodeos, but never in Ellensburg. The two are known for their skill at understanding and entertaining a crowd.

Barrett has been an announcer for more than 40 years, working rodeos throughout the west. Corley, a Silverdale, WA. resident, has been awarded the PRCA's Announcer of the Year 11 times, the most in professional rodeo history. Both have been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

The Ellensburg Rodeo was founded in 1923. Held every Labor Day weekend, it is one of the top 20 professional rodeos worldwide. It features more than 500 competitors and a purse of over $250,000. Learn more at www.ellensburgrodeo.com.

***

Founder of the American Riding Instructors Association Receives Eighth Annual Equine Industry Vision Award

Pfizer Animal Health and American Horse Publications (AHP) presented Charlotte Brailey Kneeland with the eighth annual Equine Industry Vision Award at a ceremonial breakfast held during the AHP 2009 Free Rein in the Big Easy seminar in New Orleans, LA. Established in 2002, the Equine Industry Vision Award was the first of its kind to showcase innovation and recognize ingenuity and service across the entire equine market.

Charlotte earned this honor for her vision to promote and certify riding instructors across the United States. Best known as the founder and director of the American Riding Instructors Association, Charlotte is a true leader who has set an exemplary standard in safety, good teaching practices and professionalism across the horse industry.

Read more about Charlotte and the award at http://nwhsnews.blogspot.com/2009/06/founder-of-american-riding-instructors.html.