Sec. B Pg 21 Missoulian Centennial Looks Like It’s Here to Stay
Looks Like It’s Here to Stay
Although the machine has taken over practically all the work done by the horse for many years in the Garden City and western Montana, this friend of man performs many duties in the complex society of today.
In rodeo, truly a western sport, the sporting, bucking bronc provides the biggest thrills in his twisting, jarring efforts to unseat the rider. And the well-trained mount is essential for top performances in the calf-roping and bulldogging events.
Dude ranches, which draw patrons from all sections of the nation to Montana, use hundreds of horses for pleasure riding and pack trips through scenic mountain wilderness areas.
Saddle clubs, the Sheriff’s Posse and similar organizations take pride in their well-cared for mounts, seen annually by thousands in many parades throughout western Montana. The Forest Service still depends on the horse to reach remote areas for recovery of smoke-jumper equipment and for other purposes.
The show horses, fanciest of them all, are prominent on the western Montana scene, too. Regularly they bring home ribbons from big horse shows and fairs throughout the Northwest, including the big annual Treasure State Charity Horse Show in the University Field House.
6 Photos appear on Page 21 with this article. Each photo shows an example of horses being used for riding purposes. Three of the photos feature rodeo contestants and two feature horses being used in the mountains. One features a lady, Suzanne DuVall, riding a show horse “Star Genius’ Gay Lady.”
The largest photo is labeled “Trail’s End, world champion bucking horse, in action.” Trails has all four feet off the ground, the back ones kicking way out behind, and the rider starting to show signs of tilting to the right. A second photo of Trails shows a rider with legs splayed out like he’s looking for a safe place to land. This caption reads, “Like an atomic explosion.”
The 3rd. rodeo photo shows Rob Whatley of Texas dismounting with the tie rope in his mouth and the calf about to become his victim.