I got my first horse when I was 12 years old. She was a beautiful bay King Bred Mare named Tommy. My Dad taught school with Mr. Joe Kent of the Flying JK Ranch in Mead, Washington, and he offered to lend us the mare for the Summer to see if this Horse-Crazy Kid was as serious about it as she said. That was over forty-five years ago, and the horse poop is still stuck to my boots. Currently, my husband Rick and I own four horses and 12 ponies ranging in age from 3 to 40. In May of 2003 "Fritz' MegaBucks" our gorgeous bay colt out of our AQHA Mare "Megan Mint" and by McBride Quarterhorse's stallion" Sunglow's King Fritz” was born and he is a beauty. Fritz was trained by Ann Kirk. In fact his first time to saddle was at the Expo with Ann in 2006. You can follow his schooling with Ann in our Trainer Spotlight Series. I also have another beautiful mare out of Meg, "HoneyMoon Too" and she is one great horse!! I love to show off her “Join Up” tricks for people, we look quite impressive, but Ann taught her all of that!!! Our Senior horse Jazz died at 38 last year and Goliath the Pony (40) still runs the place and still keeps surviving our Winters up here on the Prairie. It's got to be the incredible "secret mix" my husband Rick has developed that keeps that oldie going!! Two weeks after the Fall 2004 Expo, we lost my incredible horse Midnight (38) the black bay mare with colt pictured here...she died the same day Christopher Reeve died, and the only way I could deal with it was to say in my mind that Superman needed a SuperHorse in Heaven...that was a tough day. I still have Jazz’s daughter Dancer who is 24, and I acquired a new palomino paint gelding this past year from Ann. They named him “Hemi” after the Dodge trucks, but we changed his name to Sunshine Superman (My husband’s idea) and we call him Shiner….he is from Cooks Paints and Quarterhorses and is a gorgeous and personable guy…we love him too! We have 11 beautiful Story Book Farm Ponies that keep the kids entertained at Walter’s Fruit Ranch in Greenbluff all Summer long, an aging Golden Retriever and a fiesty cocka-weenie that keeps constant vigil of her property. It’s a good life up here on the Prairie, we are blessed everyday.
My other "career" was in Marketing and Promotions, Radio and TV, including 10 years at Citadel Broadcasting primarily with Cat Country 94. The combination of the two created my true passion "Ride The West". This Expo is the culmination of years of horse ownership combined with knowledge of producing spectacular events.
Add to that, many family and friends who have added their expertise and input and you end up with a quality event that will teach and inspire all who have the same love of the horse that I do. We are continually searching and researching the newest developments in horse care, training and equipment to bring you a quality show. We hope you enjoy "Ride the West", thanks for your support!
Susan Rae, Event Manager
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This show is dedicated to my beloved Brown Sugar (1978-2002)
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My Mom & Dad: Russ and Helen Inman, my first and best support team.
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My Husband Rick - he's the best part of my good life!
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