Powder River Examiner -

The long standing tradition of the Powder River Working Horse Show continued this past Saturday, as riders and horses demonstrated their skills across a variety of practical events, which tested both rider and horse alike.

The 2019 Working Horse Show was put on by last year's winner, Taegan Schaffer. Seven riders competed in the show, including Rodney Vance, Michael Rumph, Kathy Schaffer, Carmen Turnbough, Les McGill, Rich Mitchell, and Pete Walden. These riders were tasked with negotiating their steeds through courses including Ranch Confirmation, Ranch Riding, Reining, Ranch Trail, Cutting, Heading, Heeling, Poles, and a Barrels Course.

Here are the first through third place competitors in each category:

Ranch Confirmation

1. Rich Mitchell, 2. Rodney Vance, 3. Michael Rumph

Ranch Riding

1. Rodney Vance, 2. Les McGill, 3. Pete Walden

Reining

1. Rodney Vance, 2. Rich Mitchell, 3. Kathy Schaffer

Ranch Trail

1. Michael Rumph, 2. Rodney Vance, 3. Pete Walden

Cutting

1. Rodney Vance, 2. Pete Walden, 3. Les McGill

Heading

Kathy Schaffer/Schaffer's Photo Express

Michael Rumph won second at the Powder River Working Horse Show.

1. Pete Walden, 2. Kathy Schaffer, 3. Michael Rumph

Heeling

1. Pete Walden, 2. Kathy Schaffer, 3. Michael Rumph

Barrels

1. Carmen Turnbough, 2. Rodney Vance, 3. Michael Rumph

Poles

1. Carmen Turnbough, 2. Rodney Vance, 3. Michael Rumph

When the scores were tallied, Taegan said that Rodney Vance of Otter Creek, along with his mare, Lagatha, came out on top as the all around winner, with Michael Rumph coming in second on his horse, Ike. Vance received a custom designed saddle for his efforts, while Rumph received a custom breast collar.

Vance will return next year to put on the event, which is sure to be another tough course, fit for some of the best riders and horses in the country.