18/ DECEMBER 2013 THE RIDER Frankie Chesler first woman winner. . .


the Silver Spurs Arena where coincidentally, Bob Dylan once held a sellout concert.


first woman winner if the Florida Cattlemens Associa- tion Ranch Horse Open after a recent upstate journey to Kissimmee, Florida for the Florida Cattlemens Associa- tion Ranch Rodeo & Cow- boy Heritage Festival. Competition was held at


Frankie Chesler is the


Qualified riders and teams gathered with all expenses paid hoping for a chance to ride home a winner. The annual popular event drew huge numbers for the her- itage festival action packed rodeo and ranch hand repli- cated events which serves as a charity fundraiser for the Florida Cattlemens Founda- tion.


The spectators had quite


a sampling to choose from; Bronc Riding, Wild Cow Milking, Team Doctoring, Team Sorting, Calf Brand- ing, Stampede Race, Colt Riding and Double Mugging classes as well as top trophy Ranch Hand Open Class. Plenty of young people attended, just loving every minute and it was easily seen that horses touch kids in ways that other things can- not. Frankie traveled there with her Trinity Ranch team that unfortunately did not break the top three team finalists. However, the individual Florida Cat- tlemens Association Ranch Horse Open crowned its’ first ever woman, Frankie Chesler who hails from Okeechobee, Florida. The coveted prize presented was a handmade World Champion Roper/ National Champion Rodeo Rider Rabe Rabon roping saddle that has nearly a year delivery waiting list along with the custom made FCA Ranch Open buckle which she immediately attached to her belt. Frankie was pleased as punch and so proud of her quarter horse, Sugarbadger Two whom she affectionately calls Slick, that out performed himself that evening. Encompassing the Rand Hand Open class all in a


showjumping world walked away from it all several years ago and switched her focus on the western disci- pline. She recently was engaged to bring out three young jumper prospects that are starting school at her Trinity Ranch. Could this mean we might find her dip- ping her toe in the jumper arena again, yep, but not too much.


changes, backing, a spin and a slide. Also included was the task of boxing a cow, then chasing it, stopping it and changing its direction from the front and then rop- ing it to boot. Frankie moved the cow off the rail to work it from the center of the arena while only using one hand which was major plus in points. Trying to be effi- cient, she quickly completed that portion of the exercise trying to calculate and pre- pare for the last task-roping. Then with determination, she cast the rope through the air where it slipped and settled over the head and around the neck of her bovine while her trusty Slick held everything in place all under the allotted time! Not having much rop-


five minute limit were the exercises; a reining pattern of ever reducing sizes and speeds, rollbacks,


lead in the international


ranch training customer horses, raising cattle and preparing for the upcoming winter season of cutting, sorting and such. Frankie who was once ranked 136th


ing experience, she wanted it be relaxed and it surely seemed that way when it was perfectly executed. Meanwhile, back to the


Frankie, she now has the dis- tinction of being the first female to win the FCA Ranch Hand Open class and will add it to her list. How- ever, as amazing as her resume reads, she stated ‘ the icing on the cake will be breaking in her new Rabe Rabon roping saddle.’


Can-Am Equine Expo Returns to OAS Event Centre Canada’s longest-running all breed


equine show is returning to the Orangeville Agricultural Society Event Centre for 2014. Now in its 11th year, the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo is Ontario’s most complete springtime show for horse enthusiasts and runs from March 28th to 30th, 2014. • Catch two-time Road to the Horse Champion Guy McLean in intimate and entertaining performances • For the youth, Equine Guelph will be onsite with Equi-Mania, an award-win- ning interactive experience • For buyers and collectors, The Great Can-Am Tack and Trailer Sale, the largest of its kind in Eastern Canada, is your one stop shop for new and used trailers, tack and accessories. • For horse owners, over 30 world-class clini- cians will be speaking and demonstrating all weekend long • Experience the RAM Breeds Parade, an excel- lent networking opportunity showcasing top


With many firsts for


breeds and demonstrating Ontario’s world-cal- iber horse breeding programs. Plan to spend the weekend at one of the


many hotels, Inns, and scenic Bed & Breakfasts in Headwaters Horse Country. Details regarding admission prices, local


accommodations, and clinician information avail- able at www.canamequine.ca


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