I received the following email from Stacie Ritter from Minnesota recently. Stacie purchased the last colt that Western Bugs sired!! We are so happy that he’s turned out to be a great horse for her family. Thanks Stacie!
Hi Bonnie! Yep, I have been competing on Ima Western Bug (aka Bruiser) really ever since I last saw you at the futurity last year. I hauled him a little bit over the winter and then really started going to more shows this spring just about every weekend. He is doing great, improving nicely and moving up from the 3D to the 2D at some races. Everywhere I go someone asks me about him because he is just gorgeous. He is about twice as wide as when you saw him last. A big stout guy, and a real looker, just like his Daddy! The best thing about him is that my kids can ride him, he is so super quiet both on the ground and to ride. My 6 and 9 year old brush him, put him in his stall to feed him, load him in the trailer for me, he just loves kids and loves attention! He is the first one at the gate. I ride him down the road, through our busy neighborhood where there are dogs, sprinklers, lawn mowers, you name it, he doesn’t get scared. He is the best horse I’ve ever owned for sure. He never lays an ear back at another horse, either, he is just super friendly and wants to be everyone’s buddy. So I attached some pictures for you. Hope to see you at one of these shows some day so you can see him in person. He’s the best! Thanks for raising such nice babies!
Take care,
Stacie
We have exciting news from Minnesota about a Western Bugs daughter that Grant Bayer purchased from us as a weanling! After completing Bayer’s training program, No Spotz Bugs aka Harley was purchased by Laura Compart. They won the 13th grade barrel class at the MN state 4-H horse show. They also placed 6th in pole weaving for the 13th grade class. Harley and Laura have spent all summer competing on the open show circuit. They are in the year-end point standings for the South Central Saddle Club Ass’n. They compete in the Women’s Division, ages 18-34 years. This year they finished 3rd in barrels, 4th in pole weaving, and 5th in Jumping Figure 8.
Here’s a quote from Laura about Harley:
“I bought Harley because of the big heart this mare has, and still to this day she runs on all heart and yearns to please. Harley is just 8 yrs old and running hard this year. She works hard every time she enters the arena. She knows her job and does it well. Her personality is very laid back until you get in the gate where she’s all business. Harley is a joy to have around, she’s fun to ride and I love her!”
Laura Compart
Nicollet, MN
Congratulations to Laura and Harley on a great season in 2009! We wish you much success in the future.
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Rock Climb’s first foal to go to the track had an impressive win at Canterbury Park on May 23rd. Pictures and more information soon. Congratulations to DOWNERBYTHEMEADOW and her connections! The win picture will be added soon.
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Introducing Synasha and Meg! Synasha is a retired TB broodmare from our ranch that has become the personal riding horse and best friend for a young girl from Ontario. Synasha has the ‘royal’ life that a granddaughter of Seattle Slew should have, but more than that, she has the love and care that she deserves in her middle aged years. Meg, you and Synasha are a great pair. I know I’ll have more pictures to add as you two continue the great work you’ve begun.
Thank you Meg.
Happy endings like this one are a big part of what makes the horse industry the rewarding industry that it is.
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Call Her Lady Bud, the first foal out of one of our mares, Buds Hi Flyin Lady AQHA, finished 3rd in the 1-D at the Lance Graves Pro Classic Sale Futurity. See her half brother by Rock Climb for sale on the 2009 foals page!
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And a special ‘thank you’ to our friends in Canada that own, ride, and compete on horses from Flying O Ranch. We wish you continued success with them…
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Mz Simply Flashy,ROM Barrels, ROM Stake Race, Honor Roll Open Junior Barrels, NBHA Qualifier, Dixie Nationals winner 2005, Top Ten APHA Worlds. Owned by Headley’s, Ms. (Flashy Bugs x Simply Zippy AQHA) Congratulations on your outstanding accomplishments in 2006 and 2007!
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Funny Gunny, Futurity and Derby competitor, owned and trained by D’Ann Gehlsen, SD(Western Bugs x Gunny AQHA)
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Lucky Alamitos Bug, owned by Teresa Wolff, Mt. continued her winning ways in 2008. Congratulations on a great season! (Western Bugs x Leiges Missy AQHA)
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Southwestern Deco, 3rd. in the Central States Division and 22nd in the Nation in his first year of dressage competition. Owned by Jane Quandt, MN and trained by Underhill Farms. (Western Bugs x Antiope JC)
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M. Andrew Livingston and Western Sass finished their very successful high school team roping career in 2008 and will be attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX! Congratulations Andrew and Western Sass. We’re looking forward to the next four years! (Western Bugs x Dee Gees Maid QH)