SUSAN RAE, EVENT MANAGER

I got my first horse when I was 12 years old. She was a beautiful bay King Bred Mare named Tommy. My Dad taught school with Mr. Joe Kent of the Flying JK Ranch in Mead, Washington, and he offered to lend us the mare for the Summer to see if this Horse-Crazy Kid was as serious about it as she said. That was over forty-five years ago, and the horse poop is still stuck to my boots. Currently, my husband Rick and I own four horses and 17 ponies ranging in age from 5 to 27. In May of 2003 "Fritz' MegaBucks" our gorgeous bay colt out of our AQHA Mare "Megan Mint" and by McBride Quarterhorse's stallion" Sunglow's King Fritz" was born and he is a beauty. Fritz was trained by Ann Kirk. In fact his first time to saddle was at the Expo with Ann in 2006. You can follow his schooling with Ann in our Trainer Spotlight Series. I also have another beautiful mare out of Meg, "HoneyMoon Too" and she is one great horse!! I love to show off her "Join Up" tricks for people, we look quite impressive, but Ann taught her all of that!!! It's got to be the incredible "secret mix" my husband Rick has developed that keeps our oldies going!! Two weeks after the Fall 2004 Expo, we lost my incredible horse Midnight (38) the black bay mare with colt pictured here...she died the same day Christopher Reeve died, and the only way I could deal with it was to say in my mind that Superman needed a SuperHorse in Heaven...that was a tough day. I still have my late Jazz’s daughter Dancer who is 27, and I acquired a new palomino paint gelding two years ago from Ann. They named him "Hemi" after the Dodge trucks, but we changed his name to Sunshine Superman (My husband’s idea) and we call him Sonny….he is from Cooks Paints and Quarterhorses and is a gorgeous and personable guy…we love him too! We have 17 beautiful Story Book Farm Ponies that keep the kids entertained at Walter’s Fruit Ranch in Greenbluff in the Fall and we are currently the official Summer "Live Carousel" at Spokane's Riverfront Park. Lastly we have a fiesty cocka-weenie that keeps constant vigil of her property. It’s a good life up here on the Prairie, we are blessed everyday.

Losing our Mom on December 24, 2009 had a profound and devastating affect on my life and my familie's lives. It left my Dad widowed after 69 years of a cherished marraige, and left our Family without our best supporter, leader, mentor, caregiver and friend. My Mom was one of those Mom's that could do it all....raising kids, working full time, baking, crafting, golfing, den mother, room mother, party gal, homemaker, canning, seamstress, and a fierce protector of her husband and children. To this day, I cannot believe that she is gone. We cared for Mom in her last couple of painful years, and am now caring for my Dad in his. As we all stood around her bed and held her as she took her last breath, I felt the blood drain from me. She was gone. My Mother was gone. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not bathed in her light and love. She is with me in my heart and still guides my path. I miss her terribly, but I just keep thinking, that as we were standing on this side with tears and sadness saying there she goes....God was standing on the other side joyously shouting....here she comes........love you Mom.

My other "career" was in Marketing and Promotions, Radio and TV, including 10 years at Citadel Broadcasting primarily with Cat Country 94. The combination of the two created my true passion "Ride The West". This Expo is the culmination of years of horse ownership combined with knowledge of producing spectacular events.

Add to that, many family and friends who have added their expertise and input and you end up with a quality event that will teach and inspire all who have the same love of the horse that I do. We are continually searching and researching the newest developments in horse care, training and equipment to bring you a quality show. We hope you enjoy "Ride the West", thanks for your support!

 
Susan Rae, Event Manager
Home of Storybook Farm Ponies
Perfect Ponies for Perfect Parties
Ride The West
15115 W. Burnett Road (mailing address)
Nine Mile Falls, WA   99026-9712
(509)466-9639  Fax (509)466-3834
www.ridethewest.net  www.storybookfarmponies.com
The Ranch Event July 22-23-24, 2011
@ Four Mound Prairie Bison Ranch, 7 Mile Area, Spokane
15420 W. Four Mound Rd., Nine Mile Falls, WA  99026
Featuring Van Hargis, Ann Kirk, Steve Rother, Francesca & Spanky, ACTHA & XTreme Trail Competition, Bison Field Tours, Wagon Rides