February 2007
Meet Emily Ronquillo
and Kim Ferguson
I rode in my first gymkhana last year (2006) on Barney when I was 25 months old. I will be competing this year on my Daddy's horse Diamond until we sell him. Then I will use another ranch horse. My mommy has been competing in gymkhana's since 2002. She and I won reserve champion when I was in he belly. Mr. Newby helped when my mommy couldn't ride. I saw my first gymkhana when I was 49 hours old!!!
January 2007
Meet the Ostrovskys
This is an e-mail sent to family and friends of the famiy that I think you all will enjoy. All of SNGA shares the excitement.
All eyes on Mitchy, last weekend, at our first SNGA Horse Show of the season!
Mitchy rode no-lead on Jazzy for the first time, ever (in other words -- completely by himself) at Sunrise arena, on Jan 6th. He competed in Keyhole, Birangle, and Barrels -- trotted Jazzy the entire way on each pattern -- and got loud cheers and whistles from the whole crowd, watching. When Mitchy rode, it seemed like EVERYONE (including horses) on the grounds stopped what they were doing to watch and cheer him on. Slightly broke the patterns on Keyhole and Barrels but ran (fast-trotted) a perfect Birangle pattern which got him third place (highest award he's ever won). 'Course didn't really matter to Mitch where he placed; nothing could hold back his enormous smile ear-to-ear as he waved to the cheering crowd and proudly rode safely through the gate after each event. Really was one of those priceless moments. He truly stole the show.
Sammi also did amazing -- placing in each event -- as she cantered by herself in Keyhole, Birangle, Barrels, Poles, and Speed-Barrels. Because of her age, she had to move up and compete this year with the big kids in 10-and-under. No more Pee Wees for her. Nevertheless, she really stepped up and rode confidently and proudly, getting three 7ths, an 8th, and a 9th place against some fierce competition.
Special thanks to Victoria Necas -- our dedicated trainer -- for mentoring our kids over the last ~4 years and coaching them, yesterday, during each event!
Oh, yea, I rode Turbo (otherwise known as Psycho-Nurbo) for the first time in a Gymkhana competition. The good news is, I managed to stay on, the entire day. Did get a couple-three ribbons as well, but the children definitely outperformed their father, as it should be!
...Joel & Julie Ostrovsky PS Thanks to SNGA and it's Board members for being so supportive of Mitchy and for sponsoring a very well organized and fun day! We had a blast. Keep up the good work. good work.
September2006
Meet the Russos
My name is Dani Elle and I ride in the 10 and under. I have been riding horses with my daddy since I was 1½ years old. Here is a picture of me and my daddy at my 2nd birthday party. I’ve been in SNGA since 2002 and began on my 31 year old horse, Suzie. I now ride Peaches, my 20 year old mustang. The other picture is of me and Peaches earlier this year. She survived botulism and foundering and still gives me a 110% when she’s not in pain. Believe me; I know when she’s in pain. She’ll buck and sometimes buck me off when she’s not in the mood!!!
My daddy, Pat Russo is the Arena Director who works very closely with his new buddy and partner-in-crime, the Assistant Arena Director Scott Donnelly. When those two are together and if Tim Holt is in the picture, they are completely out-of-control and having a great time!
My mom, Bridget rides in the 31-40 division. Her horse, Smokey Joe, is 20 years old and gives his heart and soul on each event. My mom and dad got married in Old Nevada on our horses and my mom was on Smokey Joe when they said their vows and kissed. It was very cool!
My cousin, Mia Corvino, is in Pee Wee’s and rides my now 35 year old horse Suzie. This is Mia’s first year ever riding and she loves Suzie. Poor mom and dad, they occasionally have to drag Suzie through the events because Suzie is in no hurry to go anywhere!
My other cousin, Erin Neuburger, rides in 10 and under with me. She rides our 13 year old mustang, Donkey Odie. Donkey Odie isn’t a very big horse and is just learning the events. He loves my cousin and at one show when she jumped off of him, he didn’t run off, but instead just stood there looking at her wondering what the heck she was doing!
Our family, and horses, love SNGA and we have really enjoyed ourselves and the people we’ve met through the years!!!!
August 2006
Meet the Alexis Stock
11 through 14 Group
My name is Alexis. I have been riding since I was 9 months old. My mom started riding when she was 10 years old. I recently had to start riding my mom's horse, Comanche, because Kahlua got injured. Which put her out of competition. She is the daughter of Comanche. We have had her since she was born. She was the best horse I ever had. I miss riding her very much. Comanche is very different than Kahlua so I have some getting use to. I enjoy riding with my mom Shauna Stock and my Aunt Alisha Harding.
July 2006
Courtney and Taz
Meet the Donnellys
Courtney 11 through 14 Group
2006 is my second year in the SNGA and only my third year riding. My horse Taz is in his twenty's and he is an old roping horse. Next year I would like to ride my moms horse, Roxy in high school rodeo (after training). We moved from Las Vegas to Boulder City this year and I really miss my old friends. We lived in LV my whole life. I have two older brothers and one older sister. I am an aunt already and will be again in the end of July sometime. My mom, Carmen, is the Program Director and dad, Scott, is Assistant Arena Director this year in the SNGA and they like participating. I love riding my horse, but I really like to go camping and ride quads too. Here is a picture of my niece, she is four months old. She will run in pee wee's as soon as my dad can get her in a saddle!
June 2006
Meet the Parkers
VICTORIA 10 and Under Group
AMBER 10 and Under Group
BRITNY NIEZNANSKI 15 though 30 Group
WOW!!! SNGA our first rodeo, our first horse, and all together as a family! We have one horse and now looking for another...This is the beginning of our "rodeo career" between us 3 sisters! Our horse's name is "Shanna" (Simply Shannon) and she is a paint. One of us rides a horse named "Reno" because we didn't realize we could not ride the same horse in the same age group--10 and under. Each and every month, we are riding better and faster. We are learning so much by being a part of SNGA! Britny, Victoria, and Amber are being trained together and hopefully keep out of trouble...
Our parents, Anthony & Stacy, are truly enjoying this and seeing the accomplishments we have made with Shanna. Hopefully, we will have another horse by next year!
May 2006
Meet the Edwards
Welcome to SNGA.
We are the Edwards' Family. We have been involved with SNGA since 1998. At that time my oldest daughter was 3 years old when she started. My youngest started SNGA at 2 1/2 years old.
Brian was SNGA President in 2000 & 2003 and currently is the announcer at the shows and was our announcer last year. I served as the treasurer for 2 years in the past and rode for 4 1/2 years.
We hope that being involved in SNGA will be as rewarding for you as it has been for our family. Blessings,
Piper
April 2006
Young Amanda and Thunder
Meet Amanda Holt
Amanda is our 2006 SNGA President, sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Bling" by our announcer Brian.
By Amanda
Amanda and Hollywood in 2003