Passing along their horse working skills to others was emphasis of legendary horsemen at the EquiFest of Kansas in Salina.

Moderated by veterinarian Dr. Stan O’Neil, the Legendary Kansas Horsemen Panel was a unique combination of knowledgeable horse professionals.

Gary Wiggins of Brewster is a cowboy who has developed a business making bits and spurs demanded throughout the country. “It is a great honor to do what I do for our living. Our cup ‘runneth’ over,” he said.

Lifelong horse enthusiast, Ann White owns and is head trainer at Vermillion Valley Equine Center near Belvue. She coaches the Kansas State University Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) English team. “I’m all for having fun while increasing horsemanship abilities of English riders of every caliber,” she said.

Russ Wiegers, professional farrier from Leoti, started shoeing horses when he was 18 years old and has continued 46 years. “I’ve shod a variety of horses but there is always more to learn about the trade through farrier associations,” he said.

Learning to make bits and spurs from seasoned tradesmen, Wiggins is most diverse making anything to do with cowboy gear. His abilities have been honed through variety, receiving prestigious awards and considerable media coverage.

A leader in the Kansas Horse Council, White was brainchild for the now successful EquiFest of Kansas. “I attended a number of similar attractions across the country seeing the many benefits which could also serve Kansas’ horse industry,” she said.

Initially shoeing horses for feedlots over a wide area, Wiegers now works more with arena performance horses. “There are many situations that can arise with working horses due to the high level of stress. I take special pride in therapeutics extending usefulness of top horses,” he said.

A silversmith, Wiggins learned that skill from his dad Denzil Wiggins and uses many of those “hand me down” tools. “In the business two decades, my passion is making quality gear for the working cowboy,” he said.

Active in the Kansas Hunter Jumper Association for 40 years. White has trained champions on all levels collecting national titles. “This is a family operation with crops and livestock while my daughters have also become involved in training,” she said.

Achieving the Certified Farrier status in 2018, Wiegers is emphatic about continuing education to uphold integrity of the farrier profession. “I take pride in mentoring young farriers with their careers. They soon learn it can be profitable, but a lot of arduous work,” he said.

Honored as the Academy of Western Artists Bit and Spur Maker of the Year, Wiggins initially marketed his talents at major livestock shows. “I now only go to a couple of such events but have waiting lists for my work on order,” he said.

Both Wiegers and White have developed sideline businesses merchandizing equipment important to their professions.

“It got so I couldn’t find horseshoes and farrier equipment for my own use, so I started a business now with clientele nationwide,” Wiegers said.

“It is always difficult to find the right English horse equipment, so I started a store in Wamego. I also offer English horse merchandise for sale when attending shows,” White said.

Teaching shop in high school for a time, Wiggins invites young people interested in making bits, spurs, and cowboy wares to work with him. “I learned from others and want to pass those trade skills on to the next generation,” Wiggins said.

“There is always more to learn about the farrier trade. I offer as much assistance as I can and encourage all interested in horseshoeing to join farrier associations,” Wiegers said.

“I always been a horse enthusiast although my family was not initially interested. I want to help all those people fascinated with horses to learn more about them and improve their skills,” White said.

Love for horses and their unique work in diverse trades for horse enthusiasts was most apparent in the humble legends.

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CUTLINE

Gary Wiggins, Brewster; Ann White, Belvue; and Russ Wiegers, Leoti, were on the Legendary Kansas Horsemen Panel at the EquiFest of Kansas in Salina.

Tune into Roamin’ The Range with Frank J. Buchman, KFRM 550 AM radio or computer, 1:47 p.m., April 10, 2024: For The Love Of Horses “Legendary Horsemen Eager To Help Others Develop Their Unique Skills”

“Prior planning prevents poor performance.”

It is an adage repeated in recent readings about increasing cattle operation profits, but also applies to life in general.

To produce a profitable outcome and the decisions that must be orchestrated to increase likelihood of favorable performance is demanding. It is a stringent process that mandates commitment to planning.

While most development tends to be focused on technical details, too often the human element is forgotten.

With all the pieces in place and systems organized, there is a failure to provide the right training. Workers must be properly managed with enough hours in the day to get their work done in the allotted time.

Resources need to be lined up efficiently and maintained in a feasible working order. Often, a missing link in the process of setting the stage for success is assuring the people are properly rested.

They must be refreshed, informed, and nourished going into demanding tasks of time and talent.

Sleep deprivation leads to mood changes, impaired judgement, ineffective mental processing, and reduced immune function.

When emotions are poorly regulated and mental focus is dulled, the likelihood of accidents and mistakes increases significantly.

Recordkeeping and information-heavy processes are negatively affected when the workforce is functioning on the edge of exhaustion.

Making sure that worker rotation is designed with rest periods during and following peak work sessions will have positive payoffs.

Effective training should include ongoing communication centered around well-designed processes. Training in advance of work helps to assure that people feel prepared for the demands of the task.

When employees can evaluate outcomes and adjust to workloads, they are more likely to remain more engaged and motivated.

Knowing what is expected with tools and training to perform the job with sensible processes are essential to high performance.

Providing feedback and affirmation of a job well done are important in assuring that a plan is built and executed. Most essential key to productive performance is caring for the people who are expected to do the task at hand.

“Prior planning prevents poor performance.” So, plan for the future, prepare the rested, educated working team, practicing makes perfect, provide affirmation, and production will prosper.

Reminded of Proverbs 24:4: “Any enterprise built by wise planning becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.”

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XVIII–15–4-8-2024