We started a new tradition in 2007 with the A-OK Horse & Rider of the Month award. Each season beginning in April, a current A-OK member in good standing will be chosen from nominations made by other members. This individual should exemplify the utmost in honesty, integrity, good sportsmanship and horsemanship and their horse show great potential. The award recipient will receive a trophy picture plaque presented at the beginning of the chosen month or the first race of that month. Below are this years honorees.
June 2008 Paulette Raggio & Rush
Our Horse & Rider of the Month for June is Paulette Raggio and Rush from Booneville, Arkansas. These two have been together for about a year now. Paulette has been riding since she was 14 years old and rode the same horse (Spot) for over 10 years. Keep an eye on these guys because they have a very bright future ahead! Photo by Fessler Photography
Horse & Rider of the Month for May was Hailey's mom, Debbie Weathers and Annie Otoes also of Coal Hill, Arkansas. This little mare is coming on strong this year and these girls are a force to be reckoned with! Photo by Fessler Photography
Our first Horse & Rider team of 2008 is A-Ok Junior member Hailey Weathers and her awesome partner Maynard. Hailey is the 10 year old daughter of Steve and Debbie Weathers of Coal Hill, AR. She is in the 4th grade and she and Maynard have been barrel racing for about two years now. Hailey belongs to several different Barrel Racing Associations where she and Maynard are doing very well together! Maynard is his mid-twenties and has been with the Weathers family for about 12-15 years now. He was purchased from the sale barn with a severe cut on his back leg and was headed to slaughter. The Weathers recognized his potential and he has been with them ever since. He was previously used as a roping horse, and after his rehabilitation, they started riding him again and he has since done Quadrille, Playnights, took Debbie to the ARA Finals in barrels, and he is now retired to being Hailey’s barrel horse.
