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 or any of the board members.

2018: Craig & Robin Danielson

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Craig & I are very honored to be selected as the 2018 Red River Valley Horse Breeders Horseman and Horsewoman of the year.

I don't remember a time when horses weren't in my blood. From the time I was a little girl they have held a tremendous fascination for me. My first memory of sitting on a horse was at the local Red Owl store where they had a pony ride ! Mr & Mrs Olson lived just up the hill from me in Odessa, MN. They raised Arabians . I spent tons of time riding my bike up the hill to watch the mares & foals in their pasture. My parents bought me my first horse FINALLY when I was 13. Queenie was a yearling Arabian/Appaloosa cross. My Dad broke her to ride. We spent summers riding in what is now the Big Stone County Wildlife Refuge. My Dad loved horses and my Mom admires them from afar, mostly for my sake.

Craig & I met the first day of 7th grade when I came to the big school in Ortonville,MN. He always said he knew right away he was going to marry me someday. We were High School sweethearts. We dated for 5 years before we were married on September 25,1982. He didn't have any experience with horses but was willing to indulge my love of them. Craig always says before we were married he was driving a new car, after wards, he was driving an old car and inherited a horse. He knew Queenie and I were a package deal. Craig is usually happiest in the background doing the baling, barn cleaning and being our stallion handler during breeding season. He always anticipates the arrival of our babies each year. I love seeing the babies go from day gangly newborns, grow, mature and succeed. Be it in the show pen or as a lifetime mount for their rider. I will forever be that girl who says”Oh look , horses” no matter my age. I often say”It's a good addiction” Having our horses find that perfect owner is what keeps us doing what we love.

Craig and Robin live on his family farm in rural Correl, MN. We have owned Hair Classics in Ortonville ,Mn since 1988. Robin has been a beautician since 1981. Craig farms, planting soybeans and corn. He also is the Ortonville School Bus Supervisor.

We have two children, Alexis (Nate)Gleason & Brett Danielson, and one Granddaughter Lillian Gleason. Our kids owned a variety of horses over the years in 4H & open shows, including the Minnesota State Horse Show. We were 4H horse project leaders for many years. Fostering children's love of horses continues to be a passion for us. As a family were rode drill team in parades with the Appleton Trail Blazers Saddle Club. We have wonderful memories of our time with them.

We decided to breed two of our AQHA mares in 2000. From that first crop,our Gold Champagne Palomino Stallion, Zipin Sierra Sonrise was born. We knew he was something special from day one. His wonderful temperament endeared us to him immediately. He went on to have a great career with Darren Buckle in the saddle,before standing at stud for us. His get have one numerous futurities in AQHA & PHBA , MN 5050 shows . He consistently sires babies with wonderful temperaments, tons of try , beautiful movement and loads of ability in all around events. He was named the RRVISS Stallion of the year in 2013.He is the sire of the 2013 RRVISS Super Horse, Sonrise And Old Lace. She has gone on the win several PHBA World Championship titles.

Roanys Sonny Bunny is our 2006 red roan junior stallion . He has sired numerous futurity winners. He sires babies with the looks, intelligence, talent and conformation to win. His foals excel in all around events, including halter, with a natural talent for trail and pattern classes. He was the RRVISS Stallion of the year in 2011. Roanys Sonny Bunny is the sire of the 2014 RRVISS Super horse, RSJ Zipin Vaquero.

We are excited for our upcoming stallion, The Slowlane. He is a gorgeous 2017 palomino by Deluxe Impulse out of Sierra Jos Red Rose. He will be standing to the public in 2020.
Craig and I are charter members of the Minnesota 5050. We are proud to be part of such an outstanding group of horse loving breeders. We are members of AQHA,ARHA, NDQHA ,PHBA & MPHE. We have enjoyed donating breedings to the RRVISS Select Stallion Auction for many years. We cherish the friendships we have made with all our fellow competitors, breeders,mare owners, trainers & show staffs. We are truly blessed to be able to indulge in our passion for horses. We have been lucky to own some phenomenal horses in our life, including numerous broodmares, the unsung heroes of the horse world. Come visit us at Danielson Quarter Horses,we are always willing to “talk horses” and give the 5 cent tour.

​Thank You for this honor, Craig & Robin Danielson