Horseman and Horsewoman of the Year

The Red River Valley International Select Sire Futurity has an Award called the Horseman and Horsewoman of the Year.

To nominate someone please contact Don Patterson.

2017: Craig & Anita Nelson

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Craig and I are both humbled and honored to be the recipients of the Horseman and Horsewoman of the year award. It all started with a little girl’s obsession with horses. This award would not be possible without the support and commitment of Jim and Lynne Martenson. My parents bought me a pony at age nine. When I was twelve they bought my first registered Quarter Horse which I showed in NDQHA and NDRA. At the age of 16 I started breaking, training and showing outside horses. In 1975 I raised a colt that we decided to keep as a stallion (Renos First) and purchased some broodmares. This was the start of Martenson Quarter Horses. 
In 1986 a friend introduced me to Craig, he had experience with his grandfather’s cattle ranch but no experience with horses. On our first date I had him hold a twitch while I brought out my stud Shilos Shadow. Craig thought this was a test to see if he would stick around (he did). I am so grateful that he is as passionate about horses as I am. 
We were married in June of 1989 between two horse shows. My wedding gift to Craig was a black stud colt named Pines Model Te. Pine went on to win the Miller Hunt Seat Futurity and was Reserve World Hunter Under Saddle as a three year old. This was the beginning of the partnership of Martenson-Nelson Quarter Horses and Paints. 
We have three stallions, a palomino stud “Shi Replacement”, a bay roan stud “I Bee Worth It” and a bay stud “Whata Time to Invest”. Currently we have nine broodmares whose bloodlines consists of Jackie Bee, Indian Artifacts, Potential Investment, Macs Good N Plenty, Scotch Bar Time and Zips Chocolate Chip to name a few. Our goal has always been to raise and show quality horses with great dispositions and the ability to perform in the show pen, on the ranch, rodeo or general riding. We strive for a true all around horse. 
We are members of NDQHA, NDPHC, Bismarck Horse Club, Dakota 50/50 Futurity and the MN 50/50 Futurity. 
Thanks again for the honor of this award. 
Craig and Anita Nelson