Letters to the Editor 06/24/2009

To the Editor:

To begin with, I love and admire (photographer) Gary Miller for his incredible intelligence and many talents. I say that to clarify that none of the following is directed at Gary, rather at the photo and article on page 8, "Three Friends take on wild horses," in the Wednesday, June 17 Nugget.

The picture and article has made me sad and angry beyond words.

"Team Bronc Riding," formerly "The Wild Horse Race" should be banished. It is the ultimate act of cruelty and inhumane treatment of horses.

For the past 12 years I have been involved with adopting, rescuing, gentling and training wild mustangs and burros.

I am appalled at the three young (Koch) brothers and the rodeo committee.

It doesn't take brains to do what the (Koch) boys did. What it does take is a lack of sensitivity for animals. The scene is on a par with throwing Christians to the lions, in reverse.

If all or even some of the people involved were true horse people, they would understand that a wild and scared-to-death horse doesn't go around a flippin' barrel. What part of dumb don't they understand.

It is my prayer that the beautiful horse in the picture will recover from the trauma and one day find that there are caring handlers in whom he can place his trust.

Gayla Nelson

•••

To the Editor:

The Board of Directors of Sisters Rodeo Association says thank you to the group of members and volunteers who are incomparably ahead of any membership in any organization anywhere. 

You are all so willing, giving and enthusiastic, and keep smiling and making this fun, even when we're all exhausted. 

Also, a big thanks to our loyal sponsors, businesses who have been with us for decades and those who are new. It is you who help us draw world champions and great contestants to make us the Biggest Little Show in the World. 

President G.J. Miller

and Sisters Rodeo Board of Directors

•••

To the Editor:

I want to say a big thank you to everyone that came out this weekend to share themselves and their horses with us at the free Trail Course Clinic and Trail Challenge at Rolling M Ranch. My hope is that you get just how much we truly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to share with you.

The exchange of horsemanship, knowledge, camaraderie and the supportive environment created by the 30-plus people and horses that attended was a joy to behold.

The variety of expertise and background; from the horsewomen who just had a screw in her leg removed so it wouldn't rub on the saddle anymore (from a traumatic automobile accident that nearly ended her life) to the little pony that could, to the women who couldn't get him out of a walk last year (yet won the timed challenge!) was inspirational and moving.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to the Women's Resource Center of Central Oregon; your contributions are much appreciated.

To those who were unable to attend, we hope you will be able to join us at one of our future clinics.

Sandra Mayernik, Shari Maguire, Brandy Hershberger