Callaway Rough Riders giddy up for June show

Young equestrians show off their ponies at a Callaway Rough Riders show.
Young equestrians show off their ponies at a Callaway Rough Riders show.

Debbie Fulkerson said grew up with two families: Those she was born to, and those at Callaway Rough Riders.

"My stepdad (Neal Oliver) brought horses into our lives," said Fulkerson, who is now vice president of the organization. "The families (at Rough Riders' shows) were so extremely helpful and welcoming that we've never stopped."

The second Saturday of each month is reserved for Rough Rider fun shows, which start at 2 p.m.

"We have lots of classes - halter and showmanship to driving; English and western pleasure; barrels, poles and flags; and trail," Fulkerson said.

Caitlin Wentworth, president of Rough Riders, said a new show has been added at 9 a.m. July 1, just for miniature horses. That show will include classes in confirmation, showmanship, in-hand trail and jumping, and driving. Costume classes also will be offered and there will be a swap meet.

Rough Riders also will host circuit shows, one for the Missouri State Saddle Club Association 1 p.m. June 24 and another for the Sho-Me Circuit 10 a.m. Sept. 10. They all include western and English classes.

The origins

Callaway Rough Riders Club - named for President Teddy Roosevelt's company of horse soldiers - started in 1962. H.W. Holland, Jack Gilman, Delbert Teel, Noble Craighead, Bob Thorpe, Junior McCowan, Gene Blackaby, Bill York, Paul Boone and Roger Holland were the founders. The original site for the club on Route Z was free-leased from Elvin Richman.

"The folklore says they were at a barbershop and talking about how their kids didn't have a place to show," Fulkerson said. "They rented land out on Route Z, where Lakeview subdivision is now, and that's where they were when my family joined (about 1974)."

The first location had an arena, an outhouse and a cook shack, plus an announcer's stand.

"We bought land on (Route) HH near the golf course," Fulkerson said of the second location. "The state purchased that land to build the overpass. The state gave us good money for it, and we were able to expand."

The current facility is off Route H, just outside of Fulton on Tilla Drive. Fulkerson grinned as she spoke of amenities on the five acres there.

"We don't have an outhouse anymore - we have men's and women's restrooms," she said. "The cook shack is no longer a shack; it's a metal building. There's a pavilion with seating and bleachers. We make improvements all the time."

Caitlin Wentworth, president of Callaway Rough Riders, said some big additions were recently constructed.

"We added a warm-up arena last year, and this year, we added a trail arena," she said. "We can run trail events while shows are going on."

The show arena also has lights so darkness is no deterrent.

Bless the beasts

Fulkerson said one of her favorite show horses is Eagle, a leopard appaloosa who is 26 years old.

"I've had him since he was two," she said. "I handed him over to my daughter (Jayme). He's been ridden by every kid around."

Wentworth said her daughter, Harley, also is an Eagle fan.

"He's every kid's favorite horse," she said.

Besides being beautiful, Eagle is talented.

"I did everything with him; he's just an all around good guy," Fulkerson said. "Jayme started riding him in 4H, and rode him in youth rodeo for two years, and they've been all over the state in state rodeo and the State Fair. He still comes out and plays once in awhile."

Eagle may make an appearance at Saturday's show, according to Fulkerson.

"Rough Riders has meant that the second Saturday night of every month, there's something to do," she said. "I've been president, vice president and secretary. My mom (Dot Oliver) has been treasurer. My brother, Rusty, is trustee and takes care of the physical facility. When I die, I want my ashes scattered there."

The club donates to other organizations, including the Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, Crosswinds Ranch, the Fulton Chapter of Special Olympics and Audrain and Callaway 4H organizations.

Wentworth said her daughter Harley loves the place, too.

"She's been showing since she was three years old - actually, she was doing lead line when she was 18 months old, with one person leading and one person walking alongside her," she said. "It's a great place to raise your kids. It's a nice place to get going, and get your horse out."

Long pants and boots are required and helmets are encouraged. No fancy costumes are necessary.

Wentworth now owns a local tack and antique shop in Fulton - RCW Gifts of New England and Equestrian Apparel and Tack. She said she joined Rough Riders in 2006, introduced to the organization while studying at William Woods University.

"I didn't have anything like that where I grew up," she said. "Rough Riders helped me in getting to know people and the horse industry. They're not horse show friends; they're horse show family."

Harley took to ponies immediately, and now has her own.

"Harley has gotten a lot of self confidence and problem-solving skills," Wentworth added.

All the members encourage each other, Fulkerson said.

"Even if they're competing against each other, they're still cheering each other on," she said. "Safety is a big thing with us, too."

Classes are $4 each for non-members, $2 for members, and other prices are available depending on what people want. People can call Fulkerson at 573-253-5496 or Wentworth at 573-826-5795 for more information, and keep up on events via the club's Facebook page.

IF YOU GO

Callaway Rough Riders, Tilla Drive (8/10 mile out State Route H, southwest of Fulton)

June Fun Show, 2 p.m. Saturday

MSSCA Circuit Show, 1 p.m. June 24

Miniature Horse Show, 9 a.m. July 1

July Fun Show, 2 p.m. July 8

August Fun Show, 2 p.m. Aug. 12

September Fun Show, 2 p.m. Sept. 9

Sho-Me Circuit Show, 10 a.m. Sept. 10

October Fun Show, 2 p.m. Oct. 14