Happy Go Lucky

Ryan Minden showing his horse LuckyRyan Minden, from Potlatch, Idaho, competes on Oops T Riffic Luck, a six-year old AQHA mare he bought as a weanling in 2002. Though Ryan’s mom is a horse trainer, he raised and trained “Lucky” himself. Ryan and Lucky compete in showmanship, all western events and Omoksees. For the first time in 2008, Ryan traded his chaps for a pair of breeches and competed in English classes. The pair did well, placing in the top three in several classes.

“I’d like to find a nice colt to train for Lucky’s replacement, but not for another twenty years or so. I have some other things to do first.” After high school, Ryan, 16, plans to join the Marine Corps. When he completes his commitment to the Corps, he plans to buy a small place where he can have horses and dogs. Additionally, he hopes to use his GI bill to put himself through farrier school.