A heritage of horsemanship

By News Team
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Fri, Mar 12th, 2010
Posted in Agriculture

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Horse people. In this area, it's likely that you know at least one of them. In essence, they live and breath horses and the lifestyle that accompanies it. The countless hours of grooming, feeding, veterinary care, pasture management, and of course, barn cleaning are all worth those exhilarating moments on the back of an animal whose sweat is "sweet." For the combined Ukkestad and LaFleur families of Rushford, horses are a passion and tradition that have led to what Beth LaFleur lovingly dubs, "The Other Season."

Maynard and Rachel Ukkestad began their family's journey into the equestrian lifestyle when daughter Beth was just three. Although Maynard had grown up in town, he had always wanted horses. Rachel grew up in Looney Valley, near Houston, MN, on a farm where her father used Belgian draft horses, which she rode from time to time. Little did they know that little Welsh pony given to Beth would spark a lifetime pursuit in showmanship.

The family joined Root River Saddle Club in 1970, during its inaugural year. At the time, the group was largely restricted to trail riding due to participation and locations available. In the earlier days, the group took to riding where they could. They even had an arena of sorts in now laughable locations such as within a snow fence behind the municipal liquor store in Rushford and tucked into an area behind a restaurant near the golf course.

In 1985, the family, which now included son-in-law Allen LaFleur, contemplated the idea of a structured arena on their property in south Rushford. The saddle club was still very much in need of space so the decision to develop and construct Ukkestad Arena was made. Although privately-owned, it became a hub for 4-H, Western Saddle Club Association (WSCA), Southeastern Minnesota Saddle Club Association (SEMSCA), National Barrel Horse Association, and Class A Arabian events throughout the region.

Since, the family has boarded horses in pasture and breed some of their mares, foaling out at least four times. However, the family decided that showmanship was their passion. So each year, beginning on Mother's Day and continuing through the end of September, equestrian events rapture their lives.

As the family grew to include grandchildren, Julia and Phillip, the horsemanship tradition continued. Starting out working on lead lines when they were toddlers, the children learned first-hand from their elders the work ethic and joy that is horse keeping. Bo .....
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Local resident participates in AQHA Horseback Riding Program

By News Team
ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Fri, Mar 12th, 2010
Posted in Agriculture

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Jamie Solberg of Preston, MN, recently earned an award for logging 1,500.0 hours in the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program. The program recognizes and rewards AQHA members for time spent with their American Quarter Horses in .....
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