The Vintage Cutting Horse Assoc. held a cutting show Saturday June 16, 2012 at the Petaluma Riding and Driving Club. The VCHA was formed in 1979. The primary purpose of the club was, and still is, to encourage the development of public interest in the cutting horse breed through promotion, presentation, and sponsorship of cutting horse contests... John O'Hara Photography

Riders of cutting horses got their first opportunity of the year to show their stuff at the kick off competition of the Vintage Cutting Horse Association. In spite of the heat (over 100 degrees), the turn out was double that of 2011 and a great time was had by all. The successful event was held at the Petaluma Riding and Driving Club where the reputation of VCHA’s camaraderie was in full force and the PRDC Juniors cooked up a great BBQ. There were many great “runs” with top scores (73 and above): TF Cee Dee Stars ridden by Kim Thome, Rumsmal Doll ridden by Eric Alianza, Tangy Janey ridden by Breanne Schafer, Wyammy Matt Boon ridden by Art Grunig, and Sirius Docs Cowboy ridden by Karen Antoni.

VCHA is the only club that hosts cutting competitions in Sonoma County and has been doing so for over 30 years. The primary purpose of the club is to encourage public interest in cutting horses through its events. Although the VCHA caters to amateur and non-professional riders, professional riders often attend its shows to practice for high level competitions and to coach their clients and other riders. Over the years, several riders from the VCHA have gone on to become, and produce, national champions, such Shakin’ Flo owned and ridden by Petaluma’s Sandy Bonelli and the famous stallion Lenas Telesis owned and ridden by Fulton’s Tom Mertle.

Riders at VCHA shows have the opportunity to win year-end high-point awards such as hand tooled saddles, custom leather chaps, silver tack, and even cutting horse art by international artists. The public is always welcome at VCHA events to watch the “best ride in town.” Events and other information can be obtained at: www.vchacutting.com

The scene at Petaluma Riding and Driving CLub parking area. Large and small horse trailers filled the area... John O'Hara Photography

Before the cutting show started, JR Ponte and Courtne Johnson sat on the back of JR's pick-up talking... John O'Hara Photography

Vintage Cutting Horse Assoc. President, Stacey Powers... John O'Hara Photography

Open class winner, Wyammy Matt Boon. Owned by Joann Slissman... John O'Hara Photography

Virginia Sorensen of Sebastopol wore a hat worthy of the heat of the day. She has been showing for fifteen years and rides her good horse, Bubba Skinner... John O'Hara Photography

Tack on the fence. A variety of halters and bridles on the back fence. Typically after showing your horse, you will drop the bit and put on a halter with a lead rope on your horse... John O'Hara Photography

$35K NonPro winner. Karen Antonio on Sirius Docs Cowboy... John O'Hara Photography

The Petaluma Riding and Driving Club house was a good place for lunch. Out of the heat and sun... John O'Hara Photography

The $15K Amateur champion Jesse Gladman on MH Millionairereaction... John O'Hara Photography

Sophie Barr's jewelery... John O'Hara Photography

Eric Alianza, gets a little encouragement and a kiss from his daughter Cassie. Eric went on the win the $10K Novice Horse class... John O'Hara Photography

$10K Novice Horse, champion Rumsmal Doll ridden by Eric Alianza. Eric has been absent from showing for nearly 20 years... John O'Hara Photography

Micah Bernstein, gave Peppy a cooling wash down after showing... John O'Hara Photography

Youth Champion, 14 year old Shelby Horner riding Domela... John O'Hara Photography

How hot is it ? Hot enough, Christine McBride hosed down Kit Simie of Santa Rosa at the wash rack. temperatures in the mid to high 90's made for a warm day in the arena... John O'Hara Photography

Vintage Cutting Horse Assoc. President Stacey Powers wore many hats during the show. She rode, she worked in the announcers booth, and watered the arena. JR Ponte came over to take the hose... John O'Hara Photography

Breanne Schager won the last class of the day, Ranch Cutting. Her big smile preceded her performance... John O'Hara Photography

Pleasure at the wash rack. Bubba, got some relief from Christine McBride. This horse really enjoyed the spray from the hose... John O'Hara Photography

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