Ridge Riders take top state honor

The Ridge Riders picked up top honors during the 2012 Professional Western Rodeo Association Convention Nov. 10 in Ellensburg.

The local group was named top rodeo committee in the state for the Non-Fair Rodeo category for its Colorama Rodeo.

The honor was bestowed on the Ridge Riders by Pro-West’s board of directors. On hand in Ellensburg to accept the honor were Vice President Monty Fields and his wife Marsha.

The Ridge Riders has been part of the Pro-West organization since the early 1970s and presents the season’s first major rodeo in the area.

Also receiving honors was Janet O’Neil, longtime Ridge Rider member, who was given a “Gold Card” membership. O’Neil first purchased a gold card back in 1982 and has been a member of the Pro-West board for 26 years.

The Ridge Riders took on an expanded program this past year with bull riding events and ranch rodeos, for their most active season.