Much like many rodeo and equestrian events across the country, the cancellation of the Sisters Rodeo in 2020 over COVID-19 restrictions was no exception. With the decreasing cases of COVID-19 and daily increases in vaccinations, many public events have been working to make arrangements in holding modified events in their respective communities across the state. For rural parts of Oregon, events like the Sisters Rodeo are major local revenue generators that businesses desperately depend on, and with that the jobs they provide.
On March 3rd, the three Deschutes County Commissioners sent a joint letter to Oregon Governor Kate Brown pressuring the governor to take action, in particular to have the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to issue a “provisional permit” to allow alcohol sales for the 2021 Sisters Rodeo. The county’s commission is comprised of two republicans and one democrat.
COURTESY PHOTO | Sisters Rodeo 2010 – Gary Miller – Sisters Country Photography
“2021 will be the 80th anniversary of the Sisters Rodeo. The rodeo has been a fixture in Deschutes County for all 80 years, and the importance of the event from both a community and economic perspective cannot be underestimated.” the letter to Gov. Brown stated. “The Sisters Rodeo is an outdoor ticketed event, with assigned seating which allows us to control the crowd safely given its location on private grounds.”
Deschutes County Commissioners sent a letter to Governor Kate Brown on March 3rd regarding OLCC permitting for the 2021 Sisters Rodeo. Click above to read the full letter.
The commissioners also pointed to was the ability to work on consultation with the County’s Environment Health staff. “The rodeo will require everyone within the Rodeo complex to wear a mask, distancing protocols would be in place and sanitizing stations will be readily available. In addition, during the Rodeo audio and video presentations will be placed to further encourage fans to comply with all safety rules and regulations.”
The letter further explained that the county commissioners understood that OLCC would not issue a permit due to the anticipated size of the event. “Without alcohol sales, our sponsors, Coors and Crown Royal would make it impossible for us to have the event.” the commissioners said. “We ask that OLCC issue a provisional permit in this case.”
“I can only HOPE all the support will make the OLCC open up and give the Sister’s Rodeo all the support its needs.” said Commissioner Patti Adair in an email to NW Horse Report.
Rodger Dwight with the Sisters Rodeo Board of Directors spoke with NW Horse Report about their optimism of being able to hold the rodeo this year. “We have a plan as to how we’re going to do it, and PRCA has a plan with their athletes and we’re incorporating their plan with ours,” said Dwight. “A plan has been submitted to the Governor’s office and there is a major meeting they are holding at the end of March about all big events throughout the state”.
When asked about the financial impacts for the Sisters Rodeo from already having to cancel the rodeo in 2020, Dwight further expressed that they had to “tighten down” financially. “We’re okay financially, but barely. It’s a very volunteer based operation, but that’s become hard with so many people themselves struggling financially and being out of work.”
“We are trying to expand the discussions about the economic impact. We’re talking about millions of dollars coming into the county during the rodeo that impacts our community.” said Dwight.
This article was updated at 3:50pm on 3/10 in include comments made to NW Horse Report from Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair following the initial release of this story.
Here’s My Copy, an unraced 4-year-old filly trained by Greg Moore, was first on the track Friday morning when training began for the 2021 racing season at Emerald Downs.
2020 Horse of the Meeting Dutton and Jennifer Whitaker
According to Director of Racing Bret Anderson, 210 horses have arrived since Monday, including strings trained by Blaine Wright, Rosie Simkins, Sharon Ross, Tom Wenzel, Bonnie Jenne, Candi Cryderman, David Martinez, Vince Gibson, Howard Belvoir, Jose Navarro, Steve Bullock, Satchell Stevens, Shelly Crowe, Jesse Velasquez, Doris Harwood, Cliff Balcom, and two-time defending training champion Frank Lucarelli.
Dutton, 2020 Emerald Downs Horse of the Meeting, made an 8:30 a.m. appearance under regular rider Jennifer Whitaker. Trained by Howard Belvoir and owned by Rising Star Stable VIII, Dutton was 3 for 3 in 2020 including wins in the WTBOA Lads Stakes and Gottstein Futurity. A 3-year-old gelding by Noosito, Dutton was named co-champion 2-year-old with Bodenheimer at last week’s 2020 WTBOA awards ceremony.
Training continues 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily.
Here’s My Copy takes the 2021 early bird award.
The 50-day meeting begins Wednesday, May 19 and runs through Thursday, Sept. 23. The 2021 stakes scheduling featuring the 86th running of the Longacres Mile (G3) will be announced later this month.
Over the course of two years, two marijuana producers have been fighting to be able to establish their businesses in rural Deschutes County. The County Commissioners voted last month not to not appeal a recent decision from the Oregon Court of Appeals to affirm a Land Use Board of Appeals ruling last month that said Deschutes County could not block marijuana production near “youth activity centers”. The ruling deemed that the county’s use of the term was too ambiguous.
Multiple applications were denied by the county commission for various reasons, with two applications being initially denied because the commission said they were too close to what the county deemed “youth activity centers.” Another application was rejected for being near facilities that host “youth oriented equestrian activates” as well as “4-H agricultural activities,” as stated in court documents. One other application was denied because the county commission said it was too close to Sundance Meadows Ranch, a privately owned and operated recreational activity and lodging business.
On February 24th, 2020, volunteers associated with Sound Equine Options assisted the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Human Society with the seizure of 48 horses from Silver Oaks Saddlebreds, a horse boarding, breading, and training facility located in Carlton, Oregon. The facility is owned by Susan Swango. Sound Equine Options (SEO) is a 501(c)(3) horse rescue located in Gresham. Additionally, 7 cats were seized also taken to the Oregon Human Society.
A press release from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office said “Deputies assisted Yamhill County Code Enforcement in the service of an administrative warrant at Silver Oaks on February 19. During the service, deputies discovered inadequate food and water sources for the horses. Water was being obtained from a nearby creek but was insufficient. Deputies on scene were very concerned about the physical condition of the horses.”
The Sheriff’s Office immediately arranged for a donation of 2 tons of alfalfa hay for Swango. While she did accept the hay, she refused an offer for a donation of 1,000 gallons of water.
On February 23rd and 24th, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office Crime Response Team (CRT) and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), with the assistance of special agents from the Oregon Humane Society, served a search warrant at Swango’s property.
Silver Oaks Saddlebreds is located at 8350 NE Hendricks Road just east of Carlton, Oregon.
A photo of one of the rescued horses while being documented as evidence for criminal charges against Susan Swango, owner of Silver Oaks Saddlebreds. She has been charged with a felony, animal neglect in the second degree.
Capt. Chris Ray, Public Information Officer for Yamhill County Sheriff’s office also confirmed that a horse died during the rescue efforts “In an unfortunate incident, one horse died of injuries sustained from falling over while volunteer attempted to guide the horse into a rescue trailer.” according to the statement from Capt.
Swango has been charged with a felony, Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. She has been issued a citation to appear for these charges on March 24th. There appeared to be no record of her being arrested and booked into the Yamhill County Jail at this time. Deputy District Attorney Jake Kamins from Yamhill County will be prosecuting the case. The Yamhill County Sheriff’s press release seems to imply that Kamins is experienced in handling cases of animal cruelty.
Silver Oaks Saddlebreds is an assumed business name used by owner/operator, Susan Swango. According to records from the Oregon Secretary of State, Swango registered the assumed business name (aka DBA) in May of 2011, but failed to renew in 2013. However, several sources have reported that Swango has been in this line of business for well over 30+ years with a trail of reports and complaints about her care of horses in other parts of Oregon.
A photo provided by the Oregon Humane Society showing conditions in one of the paddocks at Silver Oaks Saddlebreds
It was further reported by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office that a veterinarian had come to Swango’s property about 5 months ago to assess the horses, finding at the time that evidence did not rise to the level of probable cause for an arrest or search warrant. While NW Horse Report has learned that the veterinarian who came to Swango’s property may have been Dr. Carrie O’Brian who is based in Yamhill County. Dr. O’Brian has not returned our call at the time of this publication.
NW Horse Report further learned from Carlton Police Chief Kevin Martinez that Swango was also recently charged with fraudulent use of a credit card related to attempted payments of her water bill with the City of Carlton. While Chief Martinez indicated that his Department was not involved in the investigation regarding horse neglect, he did say the case of this magnitude is not normal for the area. He said that most equestrians he’s aware of in their area of Yamhill County we’re diligent equestrians.
A photo of a horse taken by Casseay Tadlock who blew the whistle by posting on Facebook about the issues at Susan Swango’s horse facility back in September of 2020.
In September of 2020, Casseay Tadlock of Carlton created a Facebook Group and posted pictures and provided a public statement due to conditions she found on the property in an effort to raise attention with fellow equestrians. Tadlock told NW Horse Report that she had heard about terrible conditions at the property and was able to get a job as a stable hand with Swango, doing so with an open mind and unsure of how accurate the reports had been about Swango and horses on the property. Tadlock said she was shocked after discovering the conditions, much of which she detailed in photos and video posted to the Facebook Group she created. Tadlock indicated she has a background as a vet tech and livestock farrier.
Coutesy Photo – Casseay Tadlock pictured with one of her horses.
While Tadlock expressed she was relieved for the horses upon the news that they were rescued from the property, she was still upset about the amount of time it took for authorities to take action after being witness to the conditions in September of 2020. She and others continued to contact Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office for months.
“Her manure pile is over the size of a football field and over 10ft tall. Pregnant mares crammed into a small area.” Tadlock said in a post on Facebook.
“This is a woman who knows what she is doing is wrong, but doesn’t care.” she said when talking to NW Horse Report. “My personal and professional opinion is that Ms. Swango should never own animals again. I don’t wish Ms. Swango any ill will.”
Yamhill County Sheriff Tim Svenson expressed his sincere appreciation to all who participated with his office in this operation. “While we wear many hats in law enforcement, occasionally we run into situations where true expertise and skills in a particular area are needed. Sound Equine and the Oregon Humane Society’s vast knowledge were instrumental in getting these animals the assistance they need”.
The Oregon Human Society team traveled to the area in Carlton on Wednesday to assist with the processing of evidence and provide other expertise as needed. The cats in OHS’s care will also receive a forensic exam to determine the extent of their neglect.
“This case demonstrates cooperation among multiple agencies and the statewide scope of OHS’s work,” says Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO.
Sound Equine Options is accepting monetary donations. Donations can be made through their website. These specific horses can be assisted by typing “YCSO” in the “Send an Acknowledgement to” box on the Donation Information page.
In the last decade, SEO has assisted with dozens of law enforcement cases, taken in more than 450 horses, and helped many countless more. SEO has assisted law enforcement agencies in Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, and Wasco counties in Oregon, and Clark and Klickitat counties in Washington. On average, SEO is caring for between 40 and 60 horses at a time.
This is a developing story which we will be following. Updated at 9:25pm on 2/25 – expanded on comments made to NW Horse Report by Casseay Tadlock.
AUBURN, Wash. – Emerald Downs has announced several incentive programs for the 2021 race meet that begins on May 19 and continues through September 23.
To help increase horse population, Emerald Downs will offer a $10,000 bonus to any new trainer who brings at least 10 horses to the track. A $5,000 bonus will be paid directly to the trainer upon arrival and an additional $5,000 after the trainer’s 10th start of the meet. Trainers must come from a track outside of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.
The popular Ship and Run Incentive Program also has been enhanced for 2021. Out of state horses will receive a $500 bonus for their initial start at Emerald Downs. The bonus is for horses whose most recent start was outside the state and have not raced at Emerald Downs in 2019 and 2020. In addition, horses must have started for a claiming price of $3,000 or more in each of its three previous starts. First-time starters are not eligible. Additionally, every unplaced starter will continue to receive a $200 participation fee.
Emerald Downs’ stable area opens Monday, March 1 and training begins Friday, March 5.
Stall applications are available online at emeralddowns.com in the horsemen section. For complete details on the incentive programs call Director of Racing, Bret Anderson at 253-288-7751.
**New trainer and shipping bonus programs cannot be combined. Trainer bonus limited to the first five who qualify, and shipping bonus limited to the first 100 horses that qualify.
For more information you and visit the Emerald Downs website.
Oregon City, Ore. – On January 29th, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) unanimously held that Oregon City High School Equestrian Coach Angie Wacker violated state law. The Commission found that Wacker used her official position to benefit her own horse boarding and training business, Wacker Performance Horses (WPH).
Wacker had also operated this business for over a decade without being registered with the Oregon Secretary of State as required by state law. It wasn’t until August 2020 that Wacker and her husband registered the business after the launch of the ethics investigation into Wacker.
In a phone call with NW Horse Report, Wacker’s husband Kevin said they didn’t know they had to register with the state as they were dealing with other licensing with Clackamas County. He also denied that the registration and formation of their LLC only recently was due to the investigation into his wife.
The Oregon Secretary of State, Corporations Division, has confirmed that to be exempt from registering a tradename, the principal’s full legal name, which means first and last, along with at least the middle initial, must be included in the name. That would mean that Wacker simply having her last name is insufficient, according to ORS 648.007.
Wacker, who has been the coach for OCHS since 2014, had been receiving payments from both the Oregon City School District and students involved in the school’s OHSET program, all while she failed to file statements of economic interest which are required for coaches who are considered public officials. Wacker now faces up to $20,000 in fines from the State associated with the four different ethics violations she was found to be in violation of.
Ethics Commissioner Sean O’Day, who is also the deputy director of the Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs, said that Wacker’s case had a clear and repeated pattern of “self-dealing,” as reported by Oregon City News.
“We want public officials to be making decisions that are free of any personal interest,” said O’Day. The complaint stated that Wacker “…instituted a ‘pay for play’ system that included charging student-athletes leasing, boarding, and training fees and retaliating against student-athletes who stopped leasing or boarding at WPH.”
Wacker’s attorney, Rachael Bench, asserted to the Commission that her client “has never required or incentivized members of the OHSET team to lease horses from or board at her facility and she has never taken adverse action against a team member for not leasing a Wacker horse or boarding at the facility.” Wacker also noted that WPH has a number of boarders who are not students or student-athletes. WPH was charging for various fees such as $450 monthly for boarding, as well as trailering fees that ranged between $20 to $50 per trip. According to Athletic Director Andy Jones, he was aware of these fees, although they had not been adopted by the Oregon City School District’s Board of Directors.
The investigation’s report indicated that once a month, WPH submits an invoice to Oregon City High School’s accounting office, an invoice prepared by Team Advisor Shellie Anderson, who attends practices and keeps attendance sheets. Payment is made to WPH by the District and the fees are deducted from the student-athletes’ accounts at the school. A letter submitted to the Commission by Jill Gibson, the complainant’s attorney, asserted that Wacker “used her official position to advance her private financial interests in violation of ORS 244.0[40] and ORs 244.120(1)(c).” She further explained that Wacker decided when and how often the Team would practice and where those practices took place.
“Coach Wacker sets the practice requirements for each athlete [who] wanted to compete in a certain [activity], and those athletes must pay Wacker Performance Horses for those mandated practices… The number of required practices [is] totally within Coach Wacker’s discretion and she directly benefit[s] from each practice she require[s].”
Wacker asserted that arena fees charged by her and WPH were in accordance with OHSET rules so long as the fees are reasonable. However, the Commission’s report showed that Wacker is still the decision maker on when practices took place, the decision for practices to happen at WPH’s facilities, and the number of practices to hold, and one that provided a financial benefit to WPH.
In a statement to the Commission, OHSET State Chair Candi Bothum appeared to acknowledge that “OHSET may need to implement new policies and procedures.”
“OHSET is currently reviewing our policies and guidelines to ensure they align with applicable state law so that all of our programs, coaches, and volunteers have a better understanding of their obligations, including disclosure of actual or potential conflicts of interest,” said Bothum in an emailed statement to NW Horse Report.
Parents allege possible check fraud by Wacker
During our own investigation, NW Horse Report was provided evidence, along with allegations by a parent, that alleged Wacker was fraudulently altering checks originally made out to Wacker Performance Horses.
It was suspected that due to Wacker Performance Horses not having been a registered tradename or business until August 2020, it could not have had a business bank account in order to properly deposit checks written under the “Wacker Performance Horses” tradename in the preceding years. Typically banks require copies of incorporation or tradename documents with the Secretary of State in order to open accounts under a tradename, a step generally necessary to deposit checks in the company name.
One of the parents who provided these checks and other financials to investigators towards the end of the Ethics Commission’s investigation, told NW Horse Report “This was a check written to WPH and altered by [Wacker]” referring to one of the checks provided to NW Horse Report. The individuals name is currently being withheld on the condition of anonymity for fear of potential danger and retribution. It has been confirmed to us that it has been referred to appropriate law enforcement.
This could explain the possibility of Wacker altering a checks by crossing out the business name and placing her own name in order to deposit the checks with US Bank. The checks in question are from 2019 before the business was ever properly registered with the State of Oregon. We reached out again to Wacker and her attorney Rachel Bench for comment about these new allegations and have not heard back.
We spoke to Oregon Government Ethics Commission director, Ronald Bersin, who said that he believes copies of checks may have been provided to investigators towards the end of their investigation, but that any potential issues regarding check/wire fraud would be outside of the scope of the commissions investigative authority and scope. He further said such matters would be for the Oregon DOJ or other law enforcement agency to investigate.
A portion of a check was provided to NW Horse Report that shows the alleged alternations.
It was confirmed that the school’s payments to WPH from such invoices were indeed made out to “Wacker Performance Horses”, but it could still not be determined how Wacker may have been able to deposit these checks, especially if they were not being altered.
We also asked Bothum if OHSET had any knowledge of the alleged check fraud involving Wacker, which she firmly denied. She did comment that if any such claims were substantiated it could be referred to authorities. “…it could have an impact on any OHSET coach/volunteer’s future with our organization.”
It appeared that US Bank was where Wacker was depositing checks. We also reached out to US Bank Corporate Communications for comment regarding their specific policies both for depositing checks and opening business accounts under a tradename or registered business name. They have responded that they are currently working to provide comment but have not yet done so at the time of publishing.
Impacts to OHSET & Wacker’s standing
It appeared during the course of the investigation and hearings that arguments were made that the decisions of the commission would impact and harm youth equestrians and OHSET across the state. Director Bersin told NW Horse Report that the Commission’s duty is to investigate violations of state ethics laws, but that they “do not write the laws.”
“These ethics rules have been on the books since the 1970’s, this is nothing new,” he said. Bersin further made clear that the Oregon State Ethics Commission is focused on efforts of education and that it had already been expressed to OHSET that they are available to help. That could mean providing advisory opinions and other educational resources to help them form responsible and productive guidelines to avoid other coaches being in the same situation as Wacker.
While OHSET State Chair Bothum was defending Wacker and their organization during the investigation, she did admit that mistakes were made.
“OHSET is appreciated of Ms. Wacker’s many volunteer hours and her commitment to our youth program. However, based upon the Ethics Commission’s ruling, it appears that certain mistakes have been made and we are working to address those issues…” in an email to NW Horse Report. “…although we encourage all coaches, volunteers, and officials to consult their own legal counsel for any specific advice about their own particular circumstances.” further distancing herself and OHSET from Wacker.
It speaking with members of the Ethics Commission, including director Bersin and one of the lead investigators, about equestrians involved with OHSET being upset about the situation, they expressed a similar stance that the equestrian community must realize the issue isn’t simply the fact that a coach is making decisions that most would assume a coach should be making. The issue appears to be when a coach begins to involve their own private commercial business without any proper oversight, which could be undertaken with minimal effort.
Bothum provided additional background about OHSET and their response to the Commission’s findings.
“We will continue to learn from each challenge and each success. We will continue to provide training to OHSET coaches and volunteers, and seek guidance from outside professionals when appropriate. OHSET’s volunteer coaches, advisors, and leadership are all passionate about, and dedicated to, providing opportunities for student–athletes and to share tools and skills that each student‐athlete may develop and use well into adulthood.” she said.
Each year OHSET supports about 700 student-athletes across Oregon, with approximately 200 volunteers. Additionally, they provide for about 40‐50 first-year participation scholarships of up to $100 and eight $750 academic scholarships for education at an accredited institution beyond high school (trade school, college, or university). “I think most OHSET districts also provide an annual scholarship or two of lesser amounts to student‐athletes within their district,” said Bothum.
We also asked Bothum how OHSET student-athletes have persevered through the impacts of COVID-19 “Some student‐athletes will attend virtual educational events and opportunities, like the upcoming American Youth Horse Council Symposium.”
Oregon City School District Officials under investigation over alleged mishandling of Wacker case
The first report about the Wacker Investigation from Oregon City News indicated that the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) is now currently investigating Oregon City Superintendent Larry Didway, OCHS Principal Carey Wilhelm, and Athletic Director Andy Jones, all for their involvement in the alleged mishandling of the Wacker case.
In addition to the financial self-dealing, there are other concerns regarding reporting of student-athlete injuries that stem from Wacker in her position as equestrian coach for OCHS.
Oregon City News continues to follow the story and investigations into other OCSD officials.
Questions remain about Injury Reporting
The Oregon City News story about Wacker covered several incidents regarding injuries and Wacker’s failure to report them. When asked about the issues regarding unreported injuries by Wacker, Bothum attempted to indicate that reporting to the OHSET state officials was not Wacker’s responsibility as a coach and OHSET member, but instead other school district officials.
Former Oregon City equestrian Abigail Norton also released a statement to Oregon City News. She spoke about an incident where she had broken her back after a fall at Wacker’s facility during practice. “When I fell, I didn’t feel capable of getting up; it knocked the wind out of me, and I was in a lot of pain. However, my coach, Angie Wacker, insisted I get up and move out of the arena so that the rest of the team could continue practicing. She insisted I brush it off and get back on.” said Norton.
After being taken to the hospital, doctors and nurses were very upset over the incident. Norton explained, “The EMTs and nurses scolded my parents for not calling an ambulance. But my parents only did as Angie asked and got me out of the arena. Angie was only concerned about continuing practice and not my safety.”
“Ms. Wacker has indicated she filed the appropriate documentation with her district’s leadership as required by OHSET’s protocols. However, the district leadership apparently did not submit Ms. Wacker’s documentation to OHSET state leadership, and the district leadership could not recall whether they had received the documentation from Ms. Wacker and could not provide it to OHSET state leadership when asked to provide it,” said OHSET state chair Candi Bothum.
However, Bothum further stated that “OHSET can neither confirm nor deny whether there have been injuries over the last several years that were not reported by Ms. Wacker.”
Statements from Ethics Commissioner
In a more recent meeting held by the OGEC, Nathan Sosa who is one of the commissioners reviewing the Wacker ethics case, outlined concerns saying “I have some concerns in this case about some of the allegations that were made about a coach using her position to put some significant pressure on her students and family to financially benefit themselves.”
In speaking specifically about OHSET Sosa said “That there were no red flags raised is pretty alarming, and that fact that the folks at OHSET [saying] this is just how it’s done, that you have people in these positions who are determining for themselves that they are the best person to fulfill the needs of their students and then in this case arguably putting pressure on them to do so, raises some significant concerns.”
This story was updated on February 19th to provide additional context obtained from officials at the OGEC regarding members of the equestrian community believing this case will devastate the OHSET program, along with details concerning business registration requirements outlined by the Oregon Secretary of State. We also redacted a section due to confusion between OHSET district officials and school district officials, which was later clarified by Candi Bothum of OHSET.
This is a ongoing story and we will continue to have additional developments and potential follow-up articles. If you have any information or news tip related to this story you can contact us at news@nwhorsereport.com.
Within a couple days of getting her horse back from Leslie Penhollow in Crook County, Oregon, Stephanie West learned that her horse had gone missing and appeared to have been stolen. The horse went missing sometime from the evening of February 13th to the next morning.
West said that they determined that the suspect parked about half-a-mile down a road from the a boarding facility near Bend where she moved the horse too. “They walked by foot a half mile and took my horse out of its paddock. They then walked the horse and loaded it into the trailer!” said West.
Prior to getting her horse back and then it going missing, West had ongoing disagreements with Penhollow, both over desire to purchase the horse from West and over monies related to the boarding services for West’s horse. During part or most of the time the horse was placed in Penhollow’s care, it was at another property belonging to Christian Radabaugh, who owns Radabaugh Ranch & Construction, LLC. West said Penhollow and Radabaugh are dating.
Stephanie West says her American Quarter Horse (pictured above) was stolen just days after she got it back from a facility in Crook County, Oregon. It was stolen from another boarding facility located near Bend.
West claims there was no written contract. When we reached out to Radabaugh for comment he also stated there was no written contract between West and Penhollow. There were discrepancies between the timeline provided by West and Radabaugh concerning when the horse was placed in Penhollow’s care, ranging from starting in March or as late as August of 2020.
On February 4th, West says that she and a friend went to Rudabaugh’s property in order to get the horse. She stated she ran into Penhollow who refused to let her have her horse. West claimed Penhollow called the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and claimed she was physically assaulted. West claimed that her friend was the one assaulted by Penhollow.
Sgt. Jeremy Bottoms with the Crook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed with NW Horse Report that Penhollow had indeed called to report a physical altercation, but did not disclose information as to who Penhollow alleged assaulted her, or the current status of that investigation.
Radabaugh confirmed that about a week after the February 4th incident, which he was also not present for, West’s horse was removed from his property. He stated that he nor Penhollow had not exercised any stable lien on the horse, and that the property was not posted or gated at the time.
“I’m glad the horse is gone, now it’s not costing me to fed and take care of it. I just don’t want to be part of it.” said Radabaugh. He stated that since the incident he has installed a gate on his own property. He further confirmed that the money issues were technically arranged between Penhollow and West.
An undated photo of Stephanie West’s stolen horse.
West later indicated that she had no issue of paying Penhollow, but the issue was due to Penhollow wanting to buy the horse from her for less than she wanted and to include the amounts West owed her.
NW Horse Report has placed multiple calls since Monday to Penhollow seeking comment, and left a voicemail. She has yet to return our calls.
When speaking with the Crook County Sheriff’s Office regarding the February 4th incident, Sgt. Bottoms said that it appeared the issue concerning the horse ownership was in dispute and would be a civil issue.
However, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman, Sgt. Jayson Janes, told NW Horse Report that evidence already collected by Deputy Bilyeu who is investigating the case strongly supports West’s claim that the horse was stolen and is owned by her. Sgt. Janes explained this was why their office’s case is ongoing and considered a criminal investigation, not just a civil matter.
When asked if Leslie Penhollow was a suspect or person of interest, Janes only said “she was a person mentioned” and provided no further comment about Penhollow. He further confirmed that the horse was taken from a facility that is clearly known as a horse boarding stable in the Bend area, but they are not releasing the name of the facility at this time.
West did confirm that she didn’t want to accuse Penhollow of the theft, but made clear that the timing and recent circumstances of their disagreement hard to ignore. She said “it’s heartbreaking that a member of my family is gone.”
If you have any information about this case or whereabouts of the horse, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 reference case 21-7828.
Across the northwest people are dealing with the aftermath of the unprecedented ice-storm that continues to leave thousands without power. A state of emergency currently exists in most counties across both Oregon and Washington states. Many say their communities resemble a warzone. In Ridgefield, a town 15 miles north of Vancouver Washington, a local equestrian training stable is dealing with its own devastation caused by the storm.
On the morning of February 13th, Tim Wigren, who owns Command Performance Training, discovered that the roof of his riding arena had collapsed as a result of the weight from snow and ice. The arena is a directly connected expansion off the rest of the barn where the horse stalls are located.
Damage following the second collapse that happened on 2/15, two days after the original collapse of another section of the arena roof at Command Performance Training.
Wigren is still trying to sort through the damage, although his focus has mostly been on caring for one of his horses who suffered a laceration during the collapse of his covered riding arena.
“You have no idea how relieved I was that the damage wasn’t more,” Wigren told NW Horse Report. “When you go through something like this you’re just thankful that it wasn’t worse.”
While the rest of the horses were uninjured, one of Wigren’s own horses, an older pureblood Arabian mare, suffered lacerations on three legs from the structure’s collapse. Dr. Randy Lee from Countryside Equine Veterinary Service, who Wigren also said has been a good friend over the years, has been attending to the horse. “She’s not out of the woods yet, but we’re very hopeful and carefully watching her,” said Wigren’s wife Rachel, who was initially pretty shaken up by the entire ordeal.
“He went above and beyond and is also an outstanding friend,” said Wigren when talking about Dr. Lee. “He also put my wife at ease.” Wigren remarked.
Friends and family are seen helping clear out the collapsed section of the arena. There continues to be fear about other parts of the arena structure.
With the help of friends and family, the Wigrens wasted no time doing what they needed to do to take care of the horses and sort through the damage. “You gotta keep your head up and get the job done. Thank god for our clients and our family.” said Wigren.
Two days later a second collapse took place and there remains a possibility of lasting damage to the other covered sections of the arena.
The Wigrens further explained how they’ve had some of the best clients over their 30+ years in business, one of which started with them at the beginning in 1989 and retired about 2014. “We’ve had clients with us for over twenty-plus years,” Wigren said.
In the meantime, a friend of Wigren’s has offered the use of his arena at a nearby location, so the Wigrens said they are working out a trailering plan for their client’s horses to get to the other riding arena.
“He does so much in Clark County for equestrian team and judging,” said Stacey Lurie Raften who knows the Wigrens. “My girls are 31 and 29, and he gave them their early lessons when they were probably 12 or 13…” she said. “He has always been just a huge positive force in our community, he works great with kids [and] he’s enthusiastic and positive.”
When asked about their plan to get business back to normal Wigren remarked “We still have a job to do, that’s just us.” A GoFundMe page has been setup for the Wigrens and Command Performance Training to help with some of the things that likely won’t be covered by insurance.
Rich Fellers of Oregon City, Oregon, has been suspended by the US Center For SafeSport’s as of February 9th, along with his wife, Shelley. Fellers is an international showjumping champion and his wife is also a jumper rider. The action is reported to be a “temporary suspension” with a no-contact order, all due to what is listed as “allegations of misconduct” surrounding his former student, Maggie Kehring.
Fellers won the FEI World Final Cup held in the Netherlands back in 2012 with the horse Flexible. From there he represented the United States at the 2018 London Olympic Games. Following the release of the suspension list, Maggie Kehring, a former student of Fellers, came forward with a public statement which was provided by her attorney Russ Price to NW Horse Report.
“I moved to Oakland Stables in Wellington, Florida, in late 2020 to continue my training,” said Kehring, now 18. “Since arriving Darragh Kenny and Hardin Towell have been nothing short of amazing. They have provided me a safe place to train and grow as a rider. While I understand everyone wants to discuss and speculate about my previous trainer, and the circumstances under which I departed, please don’t. My family and I would appreciate everyone allowing us our privacy. At this point I have participated in the process that was available to me, answered the questions asked by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and I am moving forward with my full focus on my riding and the wonderful opportunities in front of me.”
In response, some individuals within the equestrian community took to social media to attack her. Kerhring released a second statement saying “I know it is hard for my peers, friends, coaches, and strangers to understand the suspension of my former trainer and his wife. It is important to know this investigation and process has been underway for many, many months.” She further stated “I struggled with the thought the world would know that what occurred to me for many years would lead to someone America came to love to possibly be banned from the sport.”
According to information from the Oregon Secretary of State Corporations Division, the Fellers operate Rich Fellers Stables, LLC in Oregon City, Oregon. The business was registered in 2008 and is still active. The Fellers operate out of a facility that has been known as Timberline Meadows Equestrian Center, although the business originally behind that name, Timberline Meadows LLC, was dissolved by its owners in 2017 after the sale of the property to the Fellers.
Kehring’s attorney Russ Prince further stated “Ms. Kehring spoke up in an effort to end the constant rumor and innuendo mill she has been subjected to, and she was going to be criticized no matter the path she took. I assure you that while Ms. Kehring may have been a victim, she is not going to allow herself to continue to be victimized by anyone. I applaud her for the strength, courage, and perseverance she has already shown. Hopefully, the public will allow her some peace and privacy to get through this difficult time.”
Phone calls from NW Horse Report to both Fellers and his attorney have not been returned. USEF also told The Chronicle of the Horse “USEF takes allegations of misconduct very seriously, and will enforce the temporary suspensions put in place by the U.S. Center for Safe Sport, but, most importantly, respect the privacy and confidentiality of the process for all parties involved.”
Should Fellers or his attorney choose to comment at a later time we will update this article.
This article was updated to reflect further statements provided by Kehring’s attorney Russ Prince.
