My Rockin Ryon Wins 2008 MD Barns Silver Spur Award

America’s Horse – San Antonio, Texas. Monas Little Guy was the first runner-up, and Docacoo was the second runner-up.

The MD Barns Silver Spur Award honors American Quarter Horses who have made a significant impact on the lives of others or who have been cast into the public spotlight through prominent accomplishments to help create a favorable perception of the breed.

My Rockin Ryon is owned by Calvin and Suanne Stenger of Worden, Montana.
Running barrels with My Rockin Ryon has helped 10-year-old Bailee Stenger fight epilepsy. After losing her pony on the way to a barrel race, Bailee began riding “Rocky.” Though normally excited and ready to run through the gate, Rocky walked into the arena with Bailee and loped a slow pattern on their first day of competition.  Diagnosed with epilepsy at 3, Bailee began having up to 30 seizures a day. Once while bridling Rocky, Bailee had a seizure, and before her mom could get to her, Rocky stood quietly with no bridle or halter as the little girl jerked around between his front legs. Bailee’s family realized a special bond existed between the horse and girl. Rocky and Bailee don’t let epilepsy slow them down any more and have earned many buckles to prove it.

Monas Little Guy is owned by Carolyn M. Richens of Pittsfield, Maine. Monas Little Guy helps his owner focus on riding and less on her multiple sclerosis. Competing in barrel racing and pole bending, “Moses” owner set a goal of competing at the 2002 All-American Congress. “Galloping through open fields, closed eyes, arms outstretched, we’d fly away to the heavens leaving MS behind and my dream ahead,” owner Carolyn Richens said. Making a clean run and finishing in the top 10 at Congress made those dreams come true. Carolyn defeated the “MS Monster” that day and every time she flies through the fields with Moses – and watching the taped run makes the bad days better. Carolyn shares her story as an MS ambassador, and Moses helps encourage others to fight MS by pursuing dreams.

Docacoo is owned by Skip Gentry of West Salem, Ohio. Called “Ohio’s Feel Good Horse,” and “Big-Hearted Quarter Horse” in articles and books, Docacoo is known to his owners as the horse who never says “I can’t.” The 34-year-old horse has been an inspiration to those facing difficult medical conditions, including his owner’s mother-in-law, who suffered a fractured hip while battling terminal leukemia, and a teenager diagnosed with epilepsy and recovering from brain surgery. “Doc” has been a teacher in the cutting pen and helps raise money for hospice through his fan club at annual birthday parties. Docacoo exemplifies the joy and inspiration American Quarter Horses bring to the world.

My Rockin Ryon’s owners received a specially designed Montana Silversmiths belt buckle and a $25,000 MD Barns gift certificate. The first and second runners-up received a specially designed Montana Silversmiths belt buckle as well as other AQHA Corporate Partner products.

MD Enterprises Inc. is the industry leader in the design, manufacture and installation of pre-engineered equine facilities, stables, barns, garages, self-storage units and agricultural buildings. MD Barns is also a leading provider in the horse industry of corral systems and interior components for existing structures, such as stalls and other equipment for stabling build-outs. AQHA members receive a $500 discount on MD Barns buildings priced at $20,000 or more. For more information on MD Barns, visit www.mdbarns.com.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visitwww.aqha.com/magazines.