2011 Horseman and Horsewoman of the Year

2011 Horseman& Horsewoman of the Year: Garrie & Anne Etherton

Everywhere you look at Etherton Farms you will see horses. Anne and Garrie Etherton live and breathe horses! They are not just in the horse business for themselves; they are in it because they love the horses and because they love helping others. Anne and Garrie Etherton have been in the horse business for over thirty years. They operate a small breeding operation specializing in halter horses. They are truly all around horse people. They ride, show, breed, promote horse education, work with youth, and they are active in horse associations and organizations.

Garrie, originally from California, was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base. He became friends with Mac McEwen, long time Quarter Horse judge, trainer, and breeder. Garrie rode horses for Mac. Garrie bought his long time horse pal "Cassie", a registered palomino quarter horse mare from Mac. He showed Cassie at quarter horse shows and the Red River Valley Horse Show Association. Anne, a Manvel, North Dakota native, showed her Appaloosa gelding "Marque" at Appaloosa shows as well as at the Red River Valley Horse Show Association.

Both Anne and Garrie have devoted countless hours over the years to youth education. They volunteer at 4-H clinics to teach grooming and showing techniques. Garrie has been the practice judge at mock shows for years, while Anne is helping families learn to groom for the show pen. They put the fun into learning! Not only have they helped kids with learning to show, they have provided the horse, the truck, and trailer, to get the kids to the show or to riding lessons. Many times one would see Anne and Garrie at the ND state Fair with the kids. They continue to stay in contact with the kids they have worked with over the years to see how they are doing. Anne and Garrie make lasting friendships with everyone they meet. Garrie has been known to ride a horse for it's owner at a 4-H trail ride in small circles all the way when the owner gave up. They epitomize the ideal of showmanship which is building lasting relationships with other horse enthusiasts and creating bonds with their horses, and exemplifying the qualities of good sportsmanship!

At the same time together, they love to show performance and halter horses. They successfully show Quarter Horses, Appaloosa, and Palomino horses at the state and national levels. They serve in various capacities on horse association boards. They are always willing to help out. Anne and Garrie Etherton are involved in all aspects of horse activities; from helping the backyard horse owner just getting started, youth, to raising and successfully showing World Champion registered horses.