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Happy New Year to all!
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Thank you to Kathy Pliszka for her excellent article recapping the end of 2022. Congratulations again to all the World finalists and everyone that showed at the futurity. You all did the MCHA proud. The planning has begun for 2023. There will be many shows to choose from which is really great. Not all of these shows will be MCHA approved but we wanted to list their dates in case you wanted to attend some of them. The tentative list is as follows-
January 16 – 22 Rapid City, SD
February 10 – 12 Lincoln, NE
March 17 – 19 Verndale, MN *** this will be our MCHA Banquet weekend
Mrch 31 – April 2 Verndale, MN
April 28 – 30 Rapid City, SD
May 5 – 7 Nevis, MN
May 19 – 21 Owatonna,MN
May 26 – 28 Kearney, NE
June 2 – 4 Owatonna NCHA Days
June 9 – 11 Owatonna, MN
July – Nevis date pending
August 4 – 6 Nevis, MN
August 10 – 12 Pierre, SD
August 17 – 20 Waterloo, IA
September 8 – 10 Nevis, MN
****other dates pending
October 6 – 8 Verndale, MN Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting
October show Nevis
October 26 – 29 Rapid City Circuit Finals
November 3 – 5 Nevis, MN
This is a tentative schedule so be sure to check back regularly for any updates and changes. You can also check the MCHA Facebook page for current news.
Let’s go have fun. Bring on 2023!!!
It is hard to believe another year of showing has come to a close!
The club would like to extend one more heartfelt congratulations to our members and their amazing horses who competed in the 2022 World Finals and World Championship Futurity. There is so much heart, teamwork and effort to compete at this level and we are proud to call you MCHA members!
Taking a 3-year-old to their very first competition in Fort Worth is hope, courage and years of work walking into the show ring. We loved cheering on Kate Grover, Travis Grover, Michael Schrek, Darrel Parsons, JoAnn Yahnke and Bob Janssen this year as they competed in the World Futurity Open Finals and can’t wait to see these beautiful horses continue their show careers.
We had three highly talented members and their horses end the year in the top 15 in the world! The dedication, miles and grit it takes to make the world finals is a huge accomplishment. Bill Zaharia on his wonder horse Buonvino finished 11th in the world. This is amazing when Bill almost lost Buonvino to an illness earlier this year, but this talented horse is back better than ever! Hannah Livingston also finished 11th in the world on MK CD High Roller. This duo is always fun to watch and we were excited to see them competing for the first time in the finals arena. Jenna Bell finished up 8th in the world on Faymiss and had a smoking finish in her last ride to tie for the top spot in the class. Way to go Jenna!
There were so many great moments this year, I wish we could list them all. We celebrate each MCHA member from the joy of winning a rookie buckle, the pride of the “aha” moment when you or your horse get a new skill down, or the thrill of the crowd screaming and your horse making it an awesome ride we are honored to be part of your journey. Enjoy some time off and we can’t wait to see you all back for an exciting 2023!
Congratulations to the latest Rookie Buckle winners – Allison Greathouse, Everlee Conrad and Jon Engstrom
DAVE SCRIBNER MEMORIAL CUTTING AND SADDLE SHOOTOUT 2022
THE DAVE SCRIBNER MEMORIAL CUTTING was a great time. First off, the MCHA would like to thank Dava Scribner and family for donating the saddles for the saddle shootout. Dave was instrumental in getting the first saddle shootout up and running. It is wonderful to be able to carry on this event in his name. We all still miss him so much at every MCHA cutting. The MCHA tried very hard to make this a special weekend as there was some disappointment with the change of dates and location. There was a free catered dinner. The food was great. Dylan Schauer, owner of Strait Rail Ranch, generously donated 5 certificates for Resistol hats to be auctioned off. The auction raised about $1,300 for the MCHA. Thank you Dylan! The saddle shootout contestants were divided into teams and auctioned off in a very lively calcutta. Leigh Gall paid for a DJ and everyone was encouraged to sing karaoke after the show. There were rumors and video evidence the next day that Travis Grover and Michael Schreck are quite the singing and dancing partners!
Dave would have especially proud this year as two youth competitors won the saddles. Allyson Pauly laid down a “once in a lifetime” run on her dad’s horse, C Biscuit scoring a 77! It was a truly amazing run. Jenna Bell had a beautiful run on her brother’s horse, Faymiss. She marked a 75 but with a review. Luckily, Jenna had qualified twice and had decided to show both times. She rode in and marked a 74 on Chucks Little Pepto. After the review, her score on Faymiss was dropped to a 70 but still was able to win the saddle with her second run.
Everyone that came should have had a really nice time. Door prizes were given out continually, overall the cattle were good, the footing in the arena was good, people were laughing and telling jokes; just how you would want a cutting to be. Bill Zaharia kept us all fed with lunch supplies and goodies. Thank you so much Bill. I hope I haven’t forgotten to thank anyone; I know that Leigh Gall and the MCHA Board worked hard to get this event organized.
Good luck to everyone going to the Circut Finals.
Saddle Shootout Qualifiers in the $15,000 Amateur, $2,000 Limit Rider and $1,000 Rider classes – Kaytlin Engen, Dylan Schauer, Jordan Holte, Brooke Drassel, Jody Blackburn, Jim Nesham, Hannah Livingston, MacCayle Kobluk, Gary Kuoppala, Rebekka Sievert, Stephanie Graves, and Allyson Pauly
Saddle Shootout Qualifiers in the Non Pro, $50,000 Amateur, and $35,000 Non Pro classes- Jody Blackburn, Travis Grover, Jim Nesham, Shawna Parsons, Jenna Bell, Mark Lundeen, and Jeff Pauly
Michelle Scribner and her daughters present the Dave Scribner Memorial saddle to winner Allyson Pauly.
Jack Bell, JP Bell, Michelle Scribner and daughters present the Dave Scribner Memorial saddle to winner Jenna Bell.
Carly Zaharia accepts her Rookie Buckle from Travis Grover
Paige Ratkowski receives her Rookie Buckle from Travis Grover
This years’ Traveling Trophy award goes to Dylan Schauer!
John Moder receives his Rookie buckle from Jolynn McDonald and Jenna Bell
The MCHA Saddle Shootout is almost here!
The show is listed as the Fall Cutting Classic but it is now the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting. We apologize for the short notice of the earlier date. It wasn’t possible to secure a location and find cattle the first part of October. There were also scheduling conflicts with the Circuit finals and other cuttings. Hopefully you can all still make it. Several fun things are planned for this event; there will be door prizes and dinner will be provided Saturday night of the shootout. The calcutta for the shootout riders is always a good time.
Come and enjoy the fun.
Congratulations to Kelly McGuire on receiving her Rookie buckle in Waterloo.
SUMMER IS ROLLING ON AND THE SHOOTOUT RACE IS HEATING UP!
The Summer Slam Cutting at Strait Rail Ranch in Nevis, MN was a lot of fun. The winners of the High Point Award Halters were – Non Pro – Darrel Parsons, Derby Non Pro – Jordan Holte, $50,000 Amateur – Shawna Parsons, $25,000 Novice Non Pro – Brooke Drassal-Creighton, $5,000 Novice Non Pro – Steve Sikkink, $35,000 Non Pro – Jody Blackburn, $15,000 Amateur – Allyson Pauly, Youth – Jack Bell, Rookie – Kinzi Parsons. Congratulations to you all and thank you to Deb Sonnenberg for generously donating the awards.
The date and location for the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting and Saddle Shootout will be announced soon. The MCHA apologizes for the delay in getting this information to you but securing a location has been difficult. Note that a show has been added to the schedule for September 16th – 18th.
The latest Rookie Buckle winners are MacCayle Kobluk and Keanna May.
Congratulations to the MCHA Youth that made a great showing at the NCHA Summer Spectacular; you were spectacular – Jack Bell, Jenna Bell and Lilly Loraas.
Hello Cutters,
Make sure to put the Summer Slam Cutting on your calendar for August 5th – 7th at Strait Rail Ranch in Nevis, MN. All weekend Amateur and Non-Pro classes will have weekend High Point Awards! A big thank you to Deb Sonnenberg for sponsoring!
2022 Big Sky Circuit NCHA Days
A big thank you to everyone who made the Big Sky NCHA Days a Success!
The Big Sky Circuit NCHA Days Event held June 24th through June 26th in Owatonna was a picture-perfect weekend, with great horses, talented riders, amazing friends and a supportive crowd!
MCHA appreciates all the hard work put in by JP Bell and the 57 Ranches Cutting Horses LLC team to set up the event. We also are truly grateful for the coordination and the extremely generous sponsorship support provided by Bill Zaharia and the Owatonna Motor Company, especially team members Todd and Brandon. They went above and beyond to make the Big Sky NCHA days a very special event. The Steele County Fairgrounds and Owatonna Chamber of Commerce were truly accommodating, and we appreciate all the community members that came to cheer on the riders and horses!
MCHA would like to give a special thanks to the Jeff Pauly Family, the Dave Adelman Family, Travis and Kate Grover, John Poellinger and Brody Angstrom. The show would not have happened without these folks supplying gates, loading chutes and providing help. A huge shout out to Brian Cottrell designing and setting up the show along with keeping it on track. It takes a big team effort to successfully put on back to back shows and a large event like NCHA Days. JP is grateful to Stacey, Jack, Jenna and Noah and Stephanie for the 14 days of hard work in Owatonna and the great 57 Ranches Crew back in Duluth for keeping things going.
The event offered great shopping along with sponsored entertainment, a children’s bouncy house and food from several food truck vendors along with a welcome dinner provided by Bill Zaharia and Owatonna Motors. We also appreciate the ongoing sponsorship and great pictures provided by RCK Images Photography LLC, please see the photos from this event here: RCK Images Photography
The National Cutting Horse Association is not only about competition, but sportsmanship and fun! The 2022 MCHA Brettyn Grover Sportsmanship Awards were presented by Brettyn Grover herself on Saturday to Jack Bell, Michael Schreck, Morgan Pliszka and Bill Zaharia. Brettyn and Anita Janssen also organized a fundraiser for a pizza party for competitors at the next show. A big thanks to the turnback riders that decorated their horses for the turnback horse decorating fundraiser! Over $400 was raised and you can look forward to some yummy pizza at the next MCHA show.
A tribute was made to the great Buster Welch, whose passion for ranching and the greater good of the horse world truly made a difference to our sport. We celebrate his 94 years on this earth and thank him for the difference he made. Happy trails Buster.
Championship Buckles, Reserve Buckles and a Commemorative Boot Jack donated by Bill Zaharia and NCHA were awarded in each class, thank you to all our competitors for making the trip to join the fun this weekend, we hope to see you at the next show!
Brettyn Grover presenting MCHA Sportsmanship Awards to Michael Schreck, Morgan Pliszka, Bill Zaharia , and Jack Bell
Congratulations to our 2022 Big Sky NCHA Days winners!
Classic 5/6 Year Old Open
- Champion- Luke Barnhart with Dualins Cat owned by Jack Barnhart
- Reserve- Bob Janssen with Sweet Sugar Kit owned by Janssen Performance Horses
- Boot Jack- JP Bell with Faymiss owned by Jack Bell
Classic 5/6 Year Old Non-Pro
- Champion- Jack Bell with Stars Go Blue
- Reserve- Jennifer Jackson King with A Lil Moore Style
- Boot Jack- Johanne Yahnke with Tell Em Im Stylish
Derby 4 Year Old Open
- Champion- Bob Janssen with Lightz Down Low owned by Janssen Performance Horses
- Reserve- JP Bell with Pink Flloyd owned by Dylan Schauer
- Boot Jack- Luck Barnhart with CLG Hy Flyin Boon owned by Wayne Gunderson
Derby 4 Year Old Non-Pro
- Champion- Jason Reed with Reycin Rebel
- Reserve- Kate Grover with Smart Stylin Rey
- Boot Jack- Stacey Johnson with Bluesbaby Rey
Open
- Champion- Bob Janssen on A Chic Commander owned by Janssen Performance Horses
- Reserve- JP Bell on Apollo Creed owned by Leigh Gall
- Boot Jack- Matt Lopez on Surely N Asset owned by Matt Lopez
Non-Pro
- Champion- Darrell Parsons on Yall Count Me In
- Reserve- Kathleen Strain on Janie Merada
- Boot Jack- Kate Grover with CD Sugarbritches
$50K Ltd Amateur
- Champion- Morgan Pliszka with Metallics Star
- Reserve- Justin Retterath with Kattie Smalls
- Boot Jack- Jim Neshem with High O Silver
Unlimited Amateur
- Champion- Travis Grover with Cd Sugarbritches
- Reserve- Jason Reed with Reycin Rebel
- BootJack- Kate Grover with Snazzy Lil Pepto
$35K Ltd Non-Pro
- Champion- Shaun Musselman with Bayou Metallic
- Reserve- Jim Neshem with Smart Sugar Britches
- Boot Jack- Joanne Yahnke with Highbrow Hey Zeus
$15K Ltd Amateur
- Champion- Jim Neshem with Smart Sugar Britches
- Reserve- Andy Zaharia with Metallic Jones
- Boot Jack- To Badger Not Me
$25K Ltd Novice Horse
- Champion- Luke Barnhart with Metallic Royal Flush owned by Susan Miller
- Reserve- JP Bell with Hot Lookin Cat owned by Stacey Johnson
- Boot Jack- JP Bell with Its Mr Big Time to U owned by Leigh Gall
$25K Ltd Novice Horse Non-Pro
- Champion- Shaun Musselman with Shorty Hughes
- Reserve- Leigh Gall with Its Mr Big Time To U
- Boot Jack- Kathleen Strain with Janie Merada
Youth
- Jr Champion- Jenna Bell with Chucks Little Pepto
- Jr Reserve- Jack Bell with Smooth Sailing Cat
- Sr Champion-Jack Retterath with Metallic Jones
- Sr Reserve- MacCayle Kobluck with Looking Awesome
- Boot Jack- Sophia Meyer with Make Me Purr
- $50 Gift- Allyson Pauly with Smart Dual Kat
$5K Novice Horse
- Champion- Bob Janssen with Sparkling Wine owned by Margaret Mehle
- Reserve- Bob Janssen with Tell Em Im Stylish owned by Joanne Yahnke
- Boot Jack- Logan Ginkens with She is Spot On owned by David Patee
$5K Novice Horse Non-Pro
- Champion- Justin Retterath with Kattie Smalls
- Reserve- Bill Zaharia with Buonvino
- Boot Jack- Travis Grover with Smart Stylin Rey
$2K Ltd Rider
- Champion- Kurt Kostrzewski with Fed Exx
- Reserve- Michelle Musselman with Tuff Catty Dual
- Boot Jack- MacCayle Kobluck with Looking Awesome
- $50 Hayley Juntunen with Okies Kickoff Return
$3000 Rider
- Champion – Andy Zaharia
- Reserve- Heather Junteunen
- BootJack- Michelle Musselman
$1K Rider
- Champion- Carly Zaharia with Metallic Jones
- Reserve- Kaytlin Engen with Coooter Brown
- BootJack- Susan Meyer with Lil Boonsmal Bling
Rookie Rider
- Champion – Colton Kueker with James One Five
- Reserve- Jordon Holte with Dont Look Now
- BootJack- Kaytlin Engen with Coooter Brown
- $50- Paige Ratkowski
Ranch Horse-
- Champion- Stephanie Graves
- Reserve- John Poellinger
- Boot Jack- Brody Angstrom
MCHA ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO THE SHOW SCHEDULE
The cuttings in Waterloo, IA scheduled for June 17th – 19th have been moved to Owatonna, MN. That means there will be back to back weekend shows as NCHA Days is in Owatonna June 24th – 26th. Both of these shows should be excellent with lots of awards for class winners and many fun things planned. The show information is in the “schedule” section. The Iowa Falls cuttings are rapidly approaching; May 20th – 22nd. You can go to the NCHA website for show information (it is not on the MCHA website) or call Logan Ginkens t 712-301-2956.
The MCHA had it’s first Rookie Buckle winner of this year; congratulations to Dustin Bluhm. The MCHA is extremely proud of this program for beginner cutters and there are sure to be many more winners throughout the year.
If you have questions or concerns about anything with the MCHA, feel free to contact a Board member. Keep an eye on the MCHA Facebook page as sometimes last minute changes are posted there as they can’t be made on the web page quickly enough. Best of luck to all of you at the upcoming shows.
Dustin Blum receiving his Rookie buckle from Jeff Pauly and JP Bell.
MCHA YEAR END AWARDS BANQUET WAS AWESOME!
The MCHA Awards Banquet was held Saturday night March 26th at Toby’s Restaurant in Hinckley, MN. It was a wonderful event; the food was great; a wild live auction with lots of laughs, and then the presentation of awards. Thank you to Steve Sikkink for organizing the banquet, to everyone that donated items to the auction and to those that purchased them. Denny Benson, Travis Grover, Jack Bell and JP Bell did a great job working the crowd for bids. It was a good fundraiser for the MCHA. Thank you also to Leigh Gall and Mary Jo Lehmann for taking care of lining up all the beautiful awards. The MCHA should be very proud to have so many enthusiastic, involved members. It is that willingness to step up and help that keeps the association growing. Thank you to everyone that contributed in anyway. Be sure and check out all the wonderful photos from the banquet and cutting at RDK Images Photography. Rose Kosevich does such a nice job capturing really neat pictures. -unwrittenimage.com
Unfortunately, the weather was quite cold for the cuttings March 25th – 27th. They were still very nice shows and credit to all that toughed out the very chilly temps. Thank you to the helpers in the pen that stuck it out for some long cold days.
Be sure and check the show schedule as some dates have changed or been added.
Wishing you all a blessed and Happy Easter.
Hello Cutters – The first MCHA approved show is rapidly approaching, March 26th – 27th in Hinckley, MN. It should be a really fun show featuring the MCHA Awards banquet, March 26th. The banquet will be held at Toby’s following the conclusion of the Saturday cutting. Please bring an item for the live auction. Exciting news – The Dave Scribner Memorial Saddle Shootout will return for 2022. Remember qualifying for the shootout is based on the number of times that you show in a class, not by earnings or year end points. Buckles will again be awarded to all qualifiers. The MCHA is very lucky to have a full schedule of shows available for our members to pick from to attend in many different locations. Check the show schedule below for some changes and additions.
Hello Cutters, hope your new year is off to a good start. The MCHA would like to announce the newly elected Board members – Travis Grover, JP Bell, Michael Schreck, and Mary Jo Lehmann. They will join the Board members who have one year remaining – Scott Pauly, Justin Namkin, Leigh Gall, and Denny Benson. The Board will be working hard to make 2022 an exciting and fun show season. If you have any ideas or concerns, please feel free to contact a Board member. The first MCHA cutting is scheduled for March 25th, 26th, and 27th. It will be in Hinckley, MN.
The MCHA Awards Banquet will be held Saturday evening following the conclusion of the show. More information will be published as soon as details are finalized. The tentative MCHA show schedule is as follows –
March 25 – 27, Hinckley, MN
April 15 – 17, Nevis, MN
May 13, 14, and 15, Nevis, MN
May 20 – 22, Iowa Falls, Iowa
June 17- 19, Waterloo, IA
June 24 – 26, Owatonna NCHA Days
July 15 – 17 Iowa Falls, Iowa
August 6 – 7, Nevis, MN
August 18 – 21, Waterloo,IA
September 16 – 18, Nevis, MN
October 7 – 9, Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting, site TBD
October 21 – 23, Rapid City, ND Circuit Finals
October 29 – 20, Nevis, MN Spooktacular
Be sure and check the website regularly for changes and updates.
The MCHA had a fantastic 2021 with many nice shows, an increase in entries, and lots of new people coming to our cuttings. Thanks to everyone that worked to make this happen. The MCHA is very fortunate to have the passionate support of 57 Ranches and JP Bell for promoting cutting and producing so many great shows. A special thank you to Bill Zaharia and Owatonna Motors for their large contributions to the MCHA. It was because of their outstanding support that the MCHA was able to offer so many wonderful events and awards this past year. The MCHA can be proud of the large number of our members that qualified for the World Finals in Ft. Worth; you all did us proud! Now it is time to start planning for 2022. The tentative show dates will be posted as soon as possible.
Here are the Year-End Winners from 2021 – Congratulations to you all!
HORSE OPEN
Hot Lookin Cat
Metallics Twister
Its All Play for Rey
RIDER
JP Bell
Jolynn McDonald
Jolynn McDonald
OWNER
Stacey Johnson
Stephanie Shadiow
Kenneth Gilbertson
NON PRO
Hot Lookin Cat
Spoon LaDual
Razor
Stacey Johnson
Travis Grover
Mark Lundeen
Stacey Johnson
Travis Grover
Mark Lundeen
$50,000 AMATEUR
Metallic Jones
Rey Cool Supercat
Metallics Twister
Bill Zaharia
Justin Edgar
Stephanie Shadiow
Andy Zaharia
J R Cattle Company
Stephanie Shadiow
$35,000 NON PRO
Styla Boom
Time Out Jordan
James One Five
Jack Bell
Jenna Bell
Leigh Gall
Andy Zaharia
J R Cattle Company
Stephanie Shadiow
$15,000 AMATEUR
Rey Cool Supercat
Meradas Sassy Girl
Pharrel
Justin Edgar
Jody Blackburn
Lilly Loraas
J R Cattle Company
Jody Blackburn
Dawn Loraas
$25,000 NOVICE
A Chic Commander
Wild RedHair Cat QT
Smart Sugar Britches
Bob Janssen
Bob Janssen
JP Bell
Janssen Performance Horses
Rhonda Helgeson
Jim Neshem
$25,000 NOVICE NON PRO
Fed Ex
CD Sugarbritches (tie)
Highbrow Hey Zeus (tie)
James One Five
Morgan Pliszka
Kate Grover
Joanne Yahnke
Leigh Gall
Kathleen and Morgan Pliszka
Travis Grover
Joanne Yahnke
Leigh Gall
$5,000 NOVICE
Apollo Creed
Powder Sugar Baby
Styla Boom
JP Bell
Bob Janssen
JP Bell
Rian Burkes
Margaret Mehle
Jenna Bell
$5,000 NOVICE NON PRO
Dakota Dunes
Suga Pants
Styla Boom
Jack Bell
Tammy Schwert
Jenna Bell
Jack Bell
Tammy Schwert
Jenna Bell
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
Meradas Sassy Girl
Fed Ex
Metallics Star
Jody Blackburn
Morgan Pliszka
Kathleen Pliszka
Jody Blackburn
Kathleen and Morgan Pliszka
Kathleen and Morgan Pliszka
SENIOR YOUTH
Smart Dual Kat
Okies Kickoff Return
Allyson Pauly
Hayley Juntunen
Jeff Pauly
Hayley Juntunen
JUNIOR YOUTH
Spin To You (tie)
Auspicious Ruby Cat (tie)
Pharrel
Jack Bell
Jenna Bell
Lilly Loraas
Jack Bell
Jenna Bell
Dawn Loraas
DERBY OPEN
Tell Em Im Stylish
Stars Go Blue
Im Too Hot
Bob Janssen
JP Bell
Bob Janssen
Joanne Yahnke
Leigh Gall
Margaret Mehle
DERBY NON PRO
My Girl Blu
Sandee Cat Pepto
Stars Go Blu
Ann Heimbach
Kristi Jo Block
Leigh Gall
Ann Heimbach
Kristi Jo Block
Leigh Gall
CLASSIC OPEN
Looking Awesome
Powder Sugar Baby
Sweet Sugar Kit
JP Bell
Bob Janssen
Bob Janssen
Calvin Kobluk
Margaret Mehle
Margaret Mehle
$1,000 LIMIT RIDER
Smart Dual Kat
Metallic Jones
Moms Dual N Badger
Allyson Pauly
Andy Zaharia
Stephanie Graves
Jeff Pauly
Andy Zaharia
Nancy Burkes
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Michele Bells Thompson on Monday, November 1st after a lengthy battle with Covid. The MCHA sends our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by so many people and in so many ways. Our cutting community will always remember her dedication to and love of the sport as well as her endless positivity and kindness.
We all loved you Bells.
“Welcome to Heaven, Cowgirl”
“Your entry fees are paid.”
Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting Weekend
The Celebration of Life for Dave Scribner was held October 8th at the Double F Arena in Hinckley, MN. It was a wonderful gathering paying tribute to one of the true great cowboys. Travis Grover lead the celebration; welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming. Kate Grover did a beautiful job of presenting the flag on horseback as the national anthem was played. Dave’s beautiful stallion that he rode so successfully right up to the end last year stood off to the side of the stage. Several people spoke and shared heartwarming stories and memories of Dave. The honor guard was there and gave a five gun salute and taps was played. Joe Studenberg had prepared a fabulous meal for everyone to enjoy. There were many people that worked very hard to make this event very special but Nicole and Joe Studenberg, Jolynn McDonald, JP Bell and Travis Grover definitely deserve a special thanks. If Dave was watching down from above, he would have been so honored. Thanks for everything Dave, we will miss you always…. Read More
SUPER SEASON FOR THE MCHA
SUPER SEASON FOR THE MCHA continues; great shows, great sponsors, great competition and so much fun. Be sure and check the show schedule calendar as several shows have been added. The special cutting rapidly approaching is the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting featuring the saddle shoot out. On Friday, October 8th there will be a celebration of life for Dave. It starts at 4:00 and will be at the Double F Arena in Hinckley. Food will be served. There has not been a cutting all year that we haven’t all thought of Dave and how much we miss him. He would have been so happy with the growth of the MCHA this year with all the new people. Three more riders earned their Rookie buckles recently – Ella McDonald, Wendy Myhre, and Stephani Graves. Congratulations!
SUMMER CUTTING FUN ROLLS ON
The MCHA cutting in Waterloo, IA was a great show. Generously, sponsored by the Tale of A Cat partnership and produce by 57 Ranches. Thank you to everyone that contributed to making the show such a success.
The buckles have arrived for the Dave Scribner.
Memorial Saddle Shootout. The standings are close for qualifying so be sure and show in your class as many times as you can .
Congratulations to Jenna Bell for being elected the NYCHA Junior Vice President and Lilly Loraas as the Region 3 Senior Director.
The Rookies continue to roll – congratulations to Rebekka Sievert and Ethan McDonald on earning their Rookie Buckles.
The July 30th – Aug. 1st cutting at Strait Rail Ranch in Nevis, MN has been canceled.
In conjunction with the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting on October 9th and 10th at Double F arena in Hinckley, we will be having a gathering at the arena on Friday evening the 8th in celebration of Dave. Please join us in remembrance of our true cowboy. More details will be posted as this time approaches. Prior to the celebration, we will be assembling a book filled with words of comfort and stories about Dave that have been shared with Dave and Michelle. If you wish to contribute something, email jolynnf5@gmail.com or n.studenberg@hotmail.com
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Michele Bells Thompson on Monday, November 1st after a lengthy battle with Covid. The MCHA sends our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by so many people and in so many ways. Our cutting community will always remember her dedication to and love of the sport as well as her endless positivity and kindness.
We all loved you Bells.
“Welcome to Heaven, Cowgirl”
“Your entry fees are paid.”
Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting Weekend
The Celebration of Life for Dave Scribner was held October 8th at the Double F Arena in Hinckley, MN. It was a wonderful gathering paying tribute to one of the true great cowboys. Travis Grover lead the celebration; welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming. Kate Grover did a beautiful job of presenting the flag on horseback as the national anthem was played. Dave’s beautiful stallion that he rode so successfully right up to the end last year stood off to the side of the stage. Several people spoke and shared heartwarming stories and memories of Dave. The honor guard was there and gave a five gun salute and taps was played. Joe Studenberg had prepared a fabulous meal for everyone to enjoy. There were many people that worked very hard to make this event very special but Nicole and Joe Studenberg, Jolynn McDonald, JP Bell and Travis Grover definitely deserve a special thanks. If Dave was watching down from above, he would have been so honored. Thanks for everything Dave, we will miss you always…. Read More
SUPER SEASON FOR THE MCHA
SUPER SEASON FOR THE MCHA continues; great shows, great sponsors, great competition and so much fun. Be sure and check the show schedule calendar as several shows have been added. The special cutting rapidly approaching is the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting featuring the saddle shoot out. On Friday, October 8th there will be a celebration of life for Dave. It starts at 4:00 and will be at the Double F Arena in Hinckley. Food will be served. There has not been a cutting all year that we haven’t all thought of Dave and how much we miss him. He would have been so happy with the growth of the MCHA this year with all the new people. Three more riders earned their Rookie buckles recently – Ella McDonald, Wendy Myhre, and Stephani Graves. Congratulations!
SUMMER CUTTING FUN ROLLS ON
The MCHA cutting in Waterloo, IA was a great show. Generously, sponsored by the Tale of A Cat partnership and produce by 57 Ranches. Thank you to everyone that contributed to making the show such a success.
The buckles have arrived for the Dave Scribner.
Memorial Saddle Shootout. The standings are close for qualifying so be sure and show in your class as many times as you can .
Congratulations to Jenna Bell for being elected the NYCHA Junior Vice President and Lilly Loraas as the Region 3 Senior Director.
The Rookies continue to roll – congratulations to Rebekka Sievert and Ethan McDonald on earning their Rookie Buckles.
The July 30th – Aug. 1st cutting at Strait Rail Ranch in Nevis, MN has been canceled.
In conjunction with the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting on October 9th and 10th at Double F arena in Hinckley, we will be having a gathering at the arena on Friday evening the 8th in celebration of Dave. Please join us in remembrance of our true cowboy. More details will be posted as this time approaches. Prior to the celebration, we will be assembling a book filled with words of comfort and stories about Dave that have been shared with Dave and Michelle. If you wish to contribute something, email jolynnf5@gmail.com or n.studenberg@hotmail.com
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Michele Bells Thompson on Monday, November 1st after a lengthy battle with Covid. The MCHA sends our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by so many people and in so many ways. Our cutting community will always remember her dedication to and love of the sport as well as her endless positivity and kindness.
We all loved you Bells.
“Welcome to Heaven, Cowgirl”
“Your entry fees are paid.”
Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting Weekend
The Celebration of Life for Dave Scribner was held October 8th at the Double F Arena in Hinckley, MN. It was a wonderful gathering paying tribute to one of the true great cowboys. Travis Grover lead the celebration; welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming. Kate Grover did a beautiful job of presenting the flag on horseback as the national anthem was played. Dave’s beautiful stallion that he rode so successfully right up to the end last year stood off to the side of the stage. Several people spoke and shared heartwarming stories and memories of Dave. The honor guard was there and gave a five gun salute and taps was played. Joe Studenberg had prepared a fabulous meal for everyone to enjoy. There were many people that worked very hard to make this event very special but Nicole and Joe Studenberg, Jolynn McDonald, JP Bell and Travis Grover definitely deserve a special thanks. If Dave was watching down from above, he would have been so honored. Thanks for everything Dave, we will miss you always…. Read More
SUPER SEASON FOR THE MCHA
SUPER SEASON FOR THE MCHA continues; great shows, great sponsors, great competition and so much fun. Be sure and check the show schedule calendar as several shows have been added. The special cutting rapidly approaching is the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting featuring the saddle shoot out. On Friday, October 8th there will be a celebration of life for Dave. It starts at 4:00 and will be at the Double F Arena in Hinckley. Food will be served. There has not been a cutting all year that we haven’t all thought of Dave and how much we miss him. He would have been so happy with the growth of the MCHA this year with all the new people. Three more riders earned their Rookie buckles recently – Ella McDonald, Wendy Myhre, and Stephani Graves. Congratulations!
SUMMER CUTTING FUN ROLLS ON
The MCHA cutting in Waterloo, IA was a great show. Generously, sponsored by the Tale of A Cat partnership and produce by 57 Ranches. Thank you to everyone that contributed to making the show such a success.
The buckles have arrived for the Dave Scribner.
Memorial Saddle Shootout. The standings are close for qualifying so be sure and show in your class as many times as you can .
Congratulations to Jenna Bell for being elected the NYCHA Junior Vice President and Lilly Loraas as the Region 3 Senior Director.
The Rookies continue to roll – congratulations to Rebekka Sievert and Ethan McDonald on earning their Rookie Buckles.
The July 30th – Aug. 1st cutting at Strait Rail Ranch in Nevis, MN has been canceled.
In conjunction with the Dave Scribner Memorial Cutting on October 9th and 10th at Double F arena in Hinckley, we will be having a gathering at the arena on Friday evening the 8th in celebration of Dave. Please join us in remembrance of our true cowboy. More details will be posted as this time approaches. Prior to the celebration, we will be assembling a book filled with words of comfort and stories about Dave that have been shared with Dave and Michelle. If you wish to contribute something, email jolynnf5@gmail.com or n.studenberg@hotmail.com
THE ROOKIES ARE ROCKING IT!
The MCHA show season is off to a great start. There are lots of new people showing and it has been exciting to see the growth. The Rookie classes have been very large and four people have earned their Rookie buckles already. Congratulations to Andy Zaharia, Jeana Kunkel, Ella Armstrong, and Dylan Schauer. As so many affiliates around us struggle to have even a few cuttings, we are fortunate to have numerous shows scheduled. The MCHA appreciates 57 Ranches, JP Bell, for producing so many events for us to attend. Please take note that some of the cuttings are MCHA approved and count towards the MCHA year end awards and saddle shootout points and some are NCHA approved only. The dates listed on the MCHA show schedule are cuttings that are MCHA approved. Also, the MCHA would like to once again thank Bill Zaharia of Owatonna Motors for being such a great supporter of the MCHA. Lately, Bill has been keeping us all fed at the cuttings. Since many of the venues that we are showing at this year do not have food stands, he has provided huge spreads of food for everyone to enjoy. Thanks Bill!
The next MCHA approved cutting will be June 18th – 20th in Waterloo, Iowa.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Andy Zaharia
Jeana Kunkel
Ella Armstrong
Dylan Schauer
Yahna Zaharia
Mickey Theede
Announcing the DAVE SCRIBNER MEMORIAL SADDLE SHOOTOUT
October 9th, 2021 Hinckley, MN
- Shoot-out to be held during Fall Festival Cutting
- Must be a current MCHA member to earn credits
- Limited to Amateurs and Non-Pros
- Credits will be given at MCHA approved cuttings
- 1 credit per entry
- The Shoot-out will have 2 categories
- Category #1 will include the fo:11owing classes – Non Pro, 50,000 Amateur, 35,000 Non Pro
- Category #2 will include the following classes -1000 Rider, 2000 Limited Rider, 15,000 Amateur
- Top 5 credit earners in each of the above-mentioned classes will be eligible for the Shoot-out
- No Pay-out for the shoot-out
- Fresh cattle will be used for the shoot-out based on availability
- There will be a catt1e charge for the shoot-out
- If an Individual earn.s more than one spot they can choose to ”cut” for each earned spot
- If an individual chooses not to participate – their spot will not be filled
- The horse that you show in the shoot-out must have been shown at least 50% of the time in the class you qualified in or be owned by the rider as per Amateur/Non-Pro rules
- Saddle will be presented to the winner of each category of the shoot-out
- Awards will be presented to top 30 shoot-out finalists
THE NEW YEAR BEGINS
The first show of the MCHA show season was held March 12th – 14th at the Double F Arena in Hinckley, MN. Thank you to Todd and Stacy Nelson, Steve Sikkink, and JP Bell for all of their hard work to make this cutting possible. The MCHA Awards Banquet and fundraising auction was Saturday evening following the show. The Double F crew had made the room very nice with table clothes and flowers. JP Bell welcomed everyone and announced the new Board member: Leigh Gall, Jeff Pauly, Denny Benson, and Justin Namken. It was announced that Mike Hansen would fill the remainder of Dave Scribner’s term on the Board. Travis Grover gave a nice tribute to Dave Scribner and acknowledged how much we were all missing him. Brody Angstman did a great job as our auctioneer selling the donated items for the MCHA fundraiser. Between Brody’s jumping bean routine and Jack Bells antics; there were a lot of laughs. Thank you to everyone that donated and purchased items. The auction raised $2,640.00 for the club. Also, thank you to Erin Johnson for taking pictures of all of the award winners. Unfortunately, the Champion Buckles and Reserve Champion Spurs did not arrive in time but everyone will get them just as soon as possible. The third place winners received an embroidered halter and lead rope. Congratulations to all the winners. The MCHA is looking forward to a great 2021 show season.
The 2020 MCHA Show Season was a great success. So many fun shows were held with lots of great runs, camaraderie and laughter. Congratulations to the Year End winners. Information on the MCHA Awards Banquet will be posted as soon as it is available along with the 2021 Show Schedule.
2020 MCHA FINAL YEAR END WINNERS
HORSE
RIDER
OWNER
NON PRO
Spoon LaDual
MK CD High Roller
Smartlee As A Cat
Travis Grover
Stacey Johnson
Gerald Brecke
Travis Grover
Stacey Johnson
Gerald Brecke
$50,000 AMATEUR
Spoon LaDual
Smartlee As A Cat
Moms Dual N Badger
Kate Grover
Gerald Brecke
Nancy Burkes
Travis Grover
Gerald Brecke
Nancy Burkes
$35,000 NON PRO
Spin To You
Metallic Jones
Pharrel
Jack Bell
Justin Retterath
Jenna Bell
Jack Bell
Justin Retterath
Jenna Bell
$15,000 AMATEUR
Paw Patrol
Smart Reys Kitty
Cattuccino
Leigh Gall
Kim Karo
Steve Sikkink
Leigh Gall
Kim Karo
Steve Sikkink
$25,000 NOVICE HORSE
My Redemption
Call Me Queen B
A Chic Commander
JP Bell
JP Bell
Bob Janssen
John Kolar
Rian Burkes
Janssen Performance Horses
$25,000 NOVICE NON PRO
CD Sugarbritches
Hickory Sweet T (tie)
Metallics Twister (tie)
Travis Grover
Justin Retterath
Stephanie Shadiow
Travis Grover
William Retterath
Stephanie Shadiow
$5,000 NOVICE HORSE
Paw Patrol
TR Shorty Rey
Her Royal Hiney
JP Bell
Justin Namken
Bob Janssen
Leigh Gall
Kay Fasnacht
Margaret Mehle
$5,000 NOVICE NON PRO
MPQH Reynie Catt
CD Wood
Bet Shesa Smart Cat
Randy Mitchell
Stacey Johnson
Kate Grover
Randy Mitchell
Stacey Johnson
Travis Grover
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
Casey Cat
Smart Dual Kat
Fed Exx
Nicole Studenberg
Jeff Pauly
Morgan Pliszka
Nicole Studenberg
Jeff Pauly
Kathleen and Morgan Pliszka
YOUTH
Call Me Queen B
Spin To You
Smart Like Pepto Rio
Jenna Bell
Jack Bell
Lilly Loraas
Rian Burkes
Jack Bell
Dawn M Loraas
$1,000 LIMITED RIDER
Miss E Hughes
Metallics Star
MK CD High Roller
Karen Wallace
Kathleen Pliszka
Noah Edwards
Scott Skinkis
Kathleen and Morgan Pliszka
Stacey Johnson
DERBY (4 YEAR OLDS) OPEN
Sweet Sugar Kit
Bet Shesa Smooth
Holly Hot Cat
Bob Janssen
JP Bell
Dave Scribner
Margaret Mehle
Kathleen and Morgan Pliszka
Dave Scribner
DERBY (4 YEAR OLD) NON PRO
Royal Cowboy Wood
Shesa Tom Cat
Bet Shesa Smart Cat
Ann Heimbach
Michael Schreck
Kate Grover
Ann Heimbach
Michael Schreck
Travis Grover
CLASSIC (5/6 YEAR OLD) OPEN
Looking Awesome
Powder Sugar Baby
CD Wood
JP Bell
Bob Janssen
JP Bell
Calvin Kobluk
Margaret Mehle
Jack Bell
CLASSIC (5/6 YEAR OLD) NON PRO
Double The CD
CD Sugarbritches
Pharrel
Stacey Johnson
Kate Grover
Nancy Burkes
Stacey Johnson
Travis Grover
Nancy Burkes
Dear MCHA Members –
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Dave Scribner on December 24th, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. There are those who claim to be cowboys, but there are very few who actually live the cowboy way. Dave was a mentor, a friend, and countless other things to so many people. You could tell that Dave loved his chosen life. He had worked so hard for it and had nothing given to him. He was proud of all the work he had done on his property with his own hands. He loved his family. He loved the horses he had dedicated his life to and buying and feeding cattle.
The cutting pen will never be the same without Dave out there helping everyone. We will miss his smile. We will miss the sound of his laugh. We will miss hearing him yell “all the way” when he was helping us in the pen. Thank you Dave for all you did for the MCHA and for everyone that had an interest in cutting or just horses. Our hearts go out to Dava, Michelle, and his beloved granddaughters.
Gone but never forgotten…..Rest in Peace Dave.
Highlights from 2020
The MCHA Fall Festival of Cutting was held October 9th – 11th in Winona, MN. Unfortunately many people had conflicts arise and the turn out was not as large as we had hoped for. Those that did attend had a lot of fun. The cattle were very good, more sand had been added to the show pen that made the ground really nice. There was a lively calcutta and super competitive Saddle Shootout Saturday night. Morgan Pliszka was the first to go in the $15,000 Amateur, $2,000 Limited Rider, $1,000 Rider division. She had a beautiful run on Fed Ex marking a 75 and setting the bar very high for the rest of the competitors. There were some more great runs marking 74’s and 73’s but no one could top Morgan. In the Non Pro, $50,000 Amateur, $35,000 Non Pro division it was Kate Grover on her always super consistent mare, Spoon LaDual, that bested the group with a 75. A huge thank you to RS Saddlery for their sponsorship towards the saddles. Also, thank you to all the helpers that stayed late to help the saddle shootout entries and who helped throughout the entire weekend. As always, you guys are awesome! A special thanks to JP Bell for working non stop to keep the show running smoothly.
Noah Edwards won the Sylvan Nelson Memorial trophy for the second year in a row. Kay Fasnacht earned her Rookie Buckle. It was just so much fun for so many people; that’s what the cutting is all about.
Jack Bell congratulates Noah Edwards on winning the Sylvan Nelson Memorial trophy.
Kate Grover scored a 75 on Spoon LaDual to bring home the MCHA Shootout Championship saddle this weekend! A huge thanks to this amazing team that helped it all come together, Dave Scribner, Bob Janssen, Justin Namken, and Travis Grover, couldn’t do it without you guys in my corners! Another big thank you to my support system on the other side of the fence! Thanks to the Minnesota Cutting Horse Association and RS Saddlery for sponsoring this beautiful saddle. And thanks to the MCHA for putting on such a great event. We all appreciate the hours of hard work that goes into these shows!
Saddle Shootout qualifiers for the $15,000 Amateur, $2,000 Limited Rider, $1,000 Rider division
JP Bell presents Morgan Pliszka with her saddle for winning the $15,000 Amateur, $2,000 Limited Rider, $1,000 Rider division of the Shootout.
Mary Jo Lehmann gives Kay Fasnacht an MCHA embroidered halter for being a Saddle Shootout qualifier.
Kay Fasnacht proudly displays her Rookie Buckle with Justin Namken and Erin Johnson.
Morgan Pliszka and Kate Grover win Shootout Saddles!
Sponsored by RS Saddlery.
BECOME A MEMBER
Whether you’re a novice rider or have spent a lifetime in a saddle, the Minnesota Cutting Horse Association and its members invite you to join them for the ride of a lifetime, aboard the world’s most athletic equines. From March through October, the MCHA typically holds at least one cutting a month. And now, our parent organization, the National Cutting Horse Association, is offering FREE one- year memberships to qualifying members. Contact the MCHA today for details.