Melissa Ashley Wins Working Horse Show

Melissa Ashley from Forsyth was the winner of the Powder River Working Horse Show, held last Thursday in Broadus. Melissa and her horse Little Bay won first place in five of the nine events at the show. 14 competitors in total competed in the event, with females taking first through fourth spots. Second place was Sonnie Gartner from Ekalaka, third place was Jeannie Hovermale of Broadus, and fourth was Rachel Adam from Otter Creek.

For winning the show, Melissa brought home a custom built saddle of her choice by Chip Graham of Ashland, and a handmade cinch by Quarter Circle TR cinches.

Rodney Vance, last year's Working Horse Show winner, put on the 2020 events. Next year Melissa Ashley will put on the show, as has been tradition over the years.

Results are as follows: Ranch Confirmation: first place Rachel Adam, second place Melissa Ashley, third place Jeanie Hovermale; Ranch Riding: first place Melissa Ashley, second place Jeanie Hovermale, third place Rachel Adam, Reining: first place Melissa Ashley, second place Rachel Adam, third place Sonnie Gartner; Ranch Trail Class: first place Sonnie Gartner, second place Pete Walden, third place Jon Craft; Cutting: first place Melissa Ashley, second place Rachel Adam, third place Jeanie Hovermale; Heading: first place Sonnie Gartner, second place Melissa Ashley; Heeling: first place Melissa Ashley, second place Sonnie Gartner, Barrel Racing: first place Jon Craft, second place Alyssa Ashley, third place Jeanie Hovermale; Pole Bending: first place Melissa Ashley, second place Jeanie Hovermale, third place Rich Mitchell.