Jason Charles

Horses: Colonel Smoken Badger (aka “Smoke”), 9-year-old APHA stallion & Ms Whiz It, 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare

Multiple-time VHRC champion Jason Charles will be competing on two horses at this year’s event. “Smoke,” owned by fellow competitor Loretta Weber, has taken home blue ribbons in several judged trail rides, has APHA points in multiple disciplines, and placed 2^nd in last year’s VHRC in Ohio. Ms Whiz It, who Jason has had since she was 2 years old, competes in reining and other western disciplines, works as a lesson horse, and won last fall’s VHRC in Massachusetts.

Kristin Fouty

Horse: Dun Got It Goin On (aka “Boo”), 13-year-old Paint gelding

This pair has been together for 11 years. They compete in multiple disciplines, including roping, hunt seat, dressage, and rodeo as well as participating in parades. Boo is the first horse Kristin broke herself, and has since also taken multiple youth to the winner’s circle in 4H and open shows. Kristin is a carded judge for Michigan 4H and Open shows and will be competing this year for her third time in the VHRC.

Marc Gellart

Horse: Red River Banjo (aka “Red”), 10-year-old AQHA gelding

Marc has been riding Red River Banjo for 3 years, competing in reining and ranch riding. Red’s lifetime NRHA earnings have totaled over $25,000! Last year they qualified for the AQHA World Show in Senior Ranch Riding, Amateur Ranch Riding, and Amateur Reining. This will be the pair’s second year in a row competing in the VHRC.

Brenda Hanson

Horse: PVF Frosted Ace, 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding

Brenda and Ace have been a team for 4 years and compete ranch horse/obstacle competitions. They are two-time VHRC reserve champions and have also placed 3^rd and 4^th in past VHRC competitions. They’ve won many year-end awards and close to $10,000 in obstacle competitions!

Anna Kowal

Horse: JD Sambo’s Flame (aka “Flame”), 10-year-old Rocky Mountain mare

When Anna got Flame four years ago, she had only been ridden three times. Since then, this pair has competed in gaited, English, western, and trail obstacle classes in 4H, open, and breed shows. They also competed in last year’s VHRC. Anna is currently a student at Asbury University in Kentucky and studies Equine Science. She and Flame have been training there with Jesse Westfall since last August.