Youth of the Month
Calvin Peterson

_Idaho pair, Calvin Peterson and Doc'in Cowboy (Buck) have been together
since they were both 5 years old. Now 11 years old, they have a story to tell.

Competing in Washington, Idaho and Montana, for the last 6 years Buck and Calvin have come a long way... Capturing the Idaho State O-Mok-See 8 & Under Championship at the age of 7, and it was uphill from there on. They are active members of the Kootenai County Saddle Club in Idaho and the North Country Riders in Washington. Cal and Buck have won numerous belt buckles, a saddle, many, many year end awards and even a small amount of cash. They have been the State Champions three times and in 2001 they had the opportunity to compete at the National Level.

On July 20th, Calvin, Buck and Gramma Penny headed for Vernal, Utah to compete in the week long National O-Mok-See Championships. They had a total of 15 events throughout the week, and being only 11 years old, the pressure was on. Calvin knew he had a good chance of becoming the 2001 National Champion, for he had been breaking many of the National Records in his age division for 2 years now. However, he pushed his horse a little bit too hard and had the misfortune to DQ (disqualify) in 8 events.... How disheartening that was!

However, after realizing he had to calm down and perform as usual, they came back to win 4 Championships and 3 Reserve Championships, breaking two National Records. All in all this placed the pair as 3rd in the Nation in the 9-11 age group.

Calvin also competes in the Washington Games division and qualified for Washington State, which took place right after Nationals. The pair and Gramma being too tired to go again so soon, bowed out of that event... there's always next year!

Calvin and Buck finished up the year winning All Around High Point at the Pee Wee Rodeo held at the Spokane Interstate Fair. He won many gift certificates and a Clint Corey 10x Black Suede Cowboy Hat donated by the Renegade Headwear Company based out of Fort Worth, Texas. He was thrilled.

Are we proud of our accomplishments ---- you bet ya!!