Dr. Robert Wayne, a retired and well-respected surgeon and avid equestrian is being remembered by a coastal community and medical colleagues following his passing.
Astoria, Ore. – An Oregon Coast community and medical profession is remembering a respected retired surgeon and local equestrian following his passing just days ago, according to an announcement from Columbia Memorial Hospital CEO Erik Thorsen.
Dr. Robert Wayne, 80, who was born on August 14, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, received his medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha and started his surgical training at the New York Hospital-Cornell before returning to Creighton to complete his residency in 1974.
Dr. Wayne was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and joined the Professional Staff at Columbia Memorial Hospital in 1978. He was granted honorary status in July of 2020. He was also the chief of surgery at Columbia Memorial Hospital and Providence Seaside Hospital.
Thorsen’s statement also said Dr. Wayne was instrumental in developing a designated trauma center at CMH. He also served as president of the Clatsop County Medical Society.
A famous figure in his local town of Cannon Beach where he lived for decades with his wife Jean, Dr. Wayne was often spotted “riding his horses downtown, wearing cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, a large belt buckle and something red,” said the Daily Astorian in 2019.
“He would often come across families with children and offer them horseback rides. Neighbors commented that Dr. Wayne added charm to the city as he rode his horses through the downtown streets,” said Thorsen.
According to Thorsen’s statement, countless medical professionals across Oregon also remembered Dr. Wayne with much praise for his work as a physician and equestrian.
Brett Sheppard, OHSU professor of surgery and chair of pancreatic disease research, called Dr. Wayne a “surgeon’s surgeon and a prince of a man.”
“He was always welcoming, and there was a permanent invitation to ride horses on the beach with him. He loves his horse, the kids he rides with and the beach. He is generous with his time and support and has helped so many folks in his community and elsewhere. A truly loving and kind man.”
Dr. Nathalie Johnson, surgical oncologist and medical director of Legacy Cancer Institute, remembers Dr. Wayne as a great personality and loyal member of the North Pacific Surgical Association. “He has such a great sense of humor and always brings joy and a stimulating if not sometimes irreverent, conversation. I remember him staying at our home once … we didn’t have a hair dryer in our guest room, and after that, he sent us one. Nothing but love for Bob.”
I recall Dr. Wayne “for years shuttling between the two hospitals as one of only two surgeons taking care of the entire county.” Dr. John Hunter, general surgeon and CEO of OHSU Health, has many Bob Wayne stories, “mostly to do with horses, goats and scooping horse poop.”
Thorsen also went on to talk commend Dr. Wayne’s service in the local community.
“Dr. Wayne served our community for over four decades, working tirelessly to care for patients at both CMH and Providence Seaside Hospital. He was a champion of our hospital, our caregivers, and our patients. He influenced a generation of rural surgeons on the Oregon Coast, and his impact will be felt [for] decades to come. It won’t be the same here without him.”
A memorial service for Dr. Wayne is scheduled for October 24th in Seaside, Oregon.
Redmond, Ore. – Redmond is hosting the PRCA Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo Oct. 19-21, as cowboys from throughout the Northwest make a final push to claim circuit crowns and qualify for the national finals.
The Columbia River Circuit includes 56 events spread across the Northwest throughout the year, including local events like the Sisters Rodeo and the Crooked River Roundup in Prineville. Competitors collect points throughout the year to qualify for the finals in Redmond.
The top-12 in each event will compete Thursday-Sunday indoors at the First Interstate Bank Arena at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center.
And its not just rodeo. A western-style shopping section is set up at the arena as well and the public is able to shop the wares without buying a rodeo ticket from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 21.
Tickets are $22 for adults with discounts for children and veterans. Go to www.columbiarivercircuit.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
This story was updated at 12:05pm on Oct 20th to include details on the subsequent arrest of Harrison Brown.
Clackamas, Ore. – The now former staffer and partner of professional horse trainer Jill McGrady has now been indicted on felony sex abuse charges in Oregon, according to information first obtained by Equestrian Media Group.
Harrison Joseph Brown, 26, was investigated by the US Center for SafeSport after a complaint was filed with the agency in the summer of 2022 by Kaylyn McGrady, the now estranged daughter of USHJA Trainer Jill McGrady, 45, and one of Brown’s alleged victims.
The complaint originally led to a temporary suspension in January of 2023 by SafeSport, followed by a permanent suspension just two months ago following its year-long investigation that started in the summer of 2022. The SafeSport investigation also led to a separate criminal investigation by law enforcement in Oregon.
The “Permanent Ineligibility” outlined the suspension for three separate substantiated causes: Sexual Harassment – involving minors; Sexual Misconduct – involving a minor; and Physical Misconduct.
After initial publication yesterday, reporting the warrant for Brown’s arrest, Brown turned himself in to authorities early Friday morning.
According to Sgt. Ross Clemson, a public information officer with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, “I can confirm Mr. Brown turned himself in at the Clackamas County Jail this morning, 10/20, at around 7:00 AM. He was arrested on his outstanding warrant.”
The secret indictment was also revealed showing Brown’s charges as four counts of felony sexual abuse in the second degree. The victim of the charges was identified as Kaylyn McGrady who had previously spoken publically following the temporary suspension by SafeSport.
The senior McGrady was also reported to be living with Brown and his father at a residence in Happy Valley, several months following the original temporary suspension, according to court & county documents obtained by Equestrian Media Group and Pamplin Media Group.
Shocking revelations from numerous sources claimed that Brown and Jill McGrady, 45, were in a romantic relationship.
Questions of witness intimidation were also raised involving Brown’s father, Portland real-estate broker Bob Brown, who had caused a law enforcement response to the younger McGrady’s workplace in the late summer of 2022, shortly after learning about the complaint being filed with SafeSport last year.
Bob Brown attacked Pamplin Media Group for its reporting about his son during a story that raised a question about the number of sexual abuse charges involving equestrians that were seemingly all from Clackamas County. During that process, the senior Brown made allegations against Kaylyn McGrady that he claimed would be supported by records with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
That claim led to a collaborative investigation between Equestrian Media Group and Pamplin Media Group which included seeking records that were originally denied as officials believed the requests were seeking records related to a separate matter that also involved Harrison Brown. That response confirmed the existence of an ongoing criminal investigation into Harrison Brown led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Records were eventually obtained involving the separate matter alleged by Bob Brown, including a call with police dispatchers that Equestrian Media Group learned was initiated by Bob Brown himself, who asked to have his identity protected during the call.
Kaylyn McGrady also responded to the findings during her exclusive interview with Equestrian Media Group earlier this year– not having been aware that her alleged abuser’s father was behind the police response on unfounded allegations of drinking.
A warrant for Harrison Brown, which was available on the Clackamas County Sheriff’s website, showed a charge of felony Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. The secret indictment was revealed a day after its initial publication.
The news also comes on the heels of disgraced FEI Olympic Champion equestrian from Clackamas County, Rich Fellers, being sentenced and reporting to federal prison for a five-year sentence in connection with his abuse of then-minor student Maggie Kehring.
As of the time of publication of this story, Brown’s warrant appeared to be active. It was unclear if Brown was provided an opportunity to surrender before the warrant being issued.
We reached for comment, Brian McCall, the public information officer for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said, “The case was referred to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, so we don’t have anything to add at this time. The District Attorney’s Office declined to make any comment.
A source– who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution– also alleged that Jill McGrady has been filling false annual reports for her business Quiet Rein Riding School, LLC, namely by using an old West Linn address despite the business having been at numerous locations since that time.
It was also discovered that Quiet Rein had been running afoul of Oregon’s workers’ compensation law despite its employment of Brown and others, allegedly including minors as well.
A portion of a photo dated from January of 2017 shows Bob Brown (left) and Jill McGrady (right). Bob Brown is the father of Harrison Brown who has been indicted on felony sex abuse charges and worked for McGrady.
Quiet Rein’s website has recently been changed to only provide a contact page. Multiple sources recently reported that MadKat Equine, the company whose facility had been reportedly leased by Quiet Rein, had terminated their relationship with the senior McGrady.
A website for a non-profit organization called Leg Up Northwest of which Jill McGrady was the president, also appeared to be disconnected.
We did not reach out to MadKat Equine for comment as the company had previously requested we not contact them again.
The scrutiny involving both Harrison Brown and Jill McGrady also led to questions regarding a non-profit organization. The senior McGrady has also been accused of violating USEF and SafeSport rules by not reporting the alleged abuse of her daughter.
Russell Prince, an attorney for Kaylyn McGrady, previously applied blame on the senior McGrady.
“The saddest reality to this whole situation is Kaylyn’s first line of defense was her mother, and her mother was the first person she went to,” said Prince.
Brown is not scheduled to be arraigned in a Clackamas County Circuit Court at 2pm on Friday, October 20th.
This story was updated at 12:05pm on Oct 20th to include details on the subsequent arrest of Harrison Brown.
This is a developing story that you can count on NW Horse Report to keep you updated on.
Chester, Idaho – An unregistered Idaho company that was previously conducting illegal raffles for horses that failed to sell is now offering free drawing entry– albeit somewhat discretely– in order to comply with Idaho gaming laws.
By offering free entry, the “raffles” can instead be considered a merchant drawing that is not subject to Idaho gaming laws and the State’s constitution, according to Tina Miller with the Idaho Lottery Enforcement Division.
Article III, Section 20 of the Idaho Constitution prohibits gambling with three exceptions: the state lottery, pari-mutuel betting, and charitable bingo and raffles.
Following tips last month, Equestrian Media Group reported that Weber Family Quarter Horses was conducting raffles in violation of Idaho’s charitable gaming laws. According to the Idaho Lottery, “only charitable/non-profit organizations can conduct bingo and raffles. All other gaming activities such as poker runs, Calcutta’s and casino nights are strictly prohibited.”
The Idaho Lottery says that merchant drawings are permitted so long as a single entry per individual is permitted without costs.
“An example of this would be if a group is holding a fund raising dinner and with your dinner you also receive a ticket or entry into a drawing. This is permissible as long as anyone can obtain a ticket or entry into this drawing without having to purchase a dinner or any other item. The language “No Purchase Necessary to Enter” must be clearly placed on all communication related to the drawing, including the ticket.”
An official with the Idaho Lottery also went on to explain that the party holding the merchant drawing must also ensure they do not materially change the terms of the drawing, including the number of entries or the timeline for drawing entry unless providing all entries the option for refunds when they were charged, or purchased additional entries.
On September 27th the company announced the changes it would be making on a Facebook post. It was not clear if those who had entered into a previous raffle that had not yet held the drawing for a horse named Smokey had been offered a refund in order for their one free entry.
A screenshot of an October 15th Facebook post by Weber Family Quarter Horses announcing a drawing for a AQHA Stud Colt allowing free entry.
The latest drawing for an AQHA Stud Colt called “Tucson” is now actively available and includes the required disclaimer saying “No purchase necessary”. The company is offering 200 individual entry slots. According to the company’s Facebook post yesterday, entries can be made by text messages to the company at 208-520-9677. Any additional entries beyond the first free slot per individual are $50.
It is unclear if the company would continue providing the drawings if a significant number of entrants requested the free entitled entry.
Self-described horse trader Geneva Boston is depicted in a video leaked online Sept. 4 allegedly whipping a horse. She was arrested for aggravated animal abuse, but prosecutors declined to file charges after a key witness refused to cooperate.
Salem, Ore. – The Marion County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against an Aumsville woman accused of horse abuse after a key witness allegedly refused to cooperate.
Geneva Marie Boston, 28, was scheduled to appear Wednesday morning in Marion County Circuit Court for aggravated animal abuse related to a video allegedly depicting her repeatedly whipping a horse.
On Tuesday evening, Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy confirmed to Our Town that a key witness was out of state and “unwilling to cooperate with the prosecution.”
“After reviewing the file, we made the determination that the case is not provable beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Murphy, adding Boston’s Wednesday appearance has been canceled. DDA Murphy is a spokesperson for the office.
The DA’s decision is expected to result in some public uproar from those closely following the case across the country after the abuse video gained viral attention.
She had been released on her own recognizance from the Marion County Jail since Sept. 6 and has no other criminal charges pending in Oregon.
Boston was investigated Sept. 4 by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after a video was posted online allegedly depicting her whipping a horse for around 90 seconds. The video, first leaked to NW Horse Report, shows a young woman in a horse arena whipping the animal repeatedly on the back and face without giving the horse any commands.
Oregon law allows the use of whips in proper equestrianship, but not simply to cause an animal pain.
Equestrian Media Group learned from multiple sources late Tuesday that the witness, which had not been confirmed by the district attorney’s office, was Donald Nowlin of Selah, Washington.
This was not Boston’s first close call with authorities. In 2021 she allegedly scammed a McMinnville teenager who was re-homing her horse before moving to college. Boston allegedly took possession of the horse under a trial purchase agreement, then claimed to the owner the horse suddenly died and she would not honor the agreement.
It was later revealed Boston sold the horse at auction in Montana, according to NW Horse Report. Boston was accused of laundering the title to the horse and the sheriff’s office became involved. No charges were filed after the horse was returned to the owner in a civil settlement.
Equestrian Media Group also linked Boston to recently defunct PNW Horse Sales, a former Salem-based auction house which announced it was closing Sept. 14. NW Horse Report attributed this closure to increased scrutiny due to Boston’s arrest and their reporting on a contracted auctioneer previously arrested for a horse theft scheme in Louisiana.
This is a developing story you can count on NW Horse Report to keep you updated on as we work to learn more.
This article first appeared in Our Town Santiam and was contributed by the original author. This version may contain minor editorial changes and additions.
Christiana, Tenn. – A stable owner was charged with multiple counts of rape of a teenage girl after an extensive investigation, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee announced in a Friday press release.
Detective Amanda McPherson charged Jason Lancaster, 51, of Panther Creek Road in Christiana with felony crimes Thursday including; two felony counts of rape, three counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, three counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, bribery of a witness, and stalking.
“Lancaster is the owner of Pinnacle Stables in Christiana where he possibly had sexual contact with other victims,” McPherson said.
“If you feel you have been a victim of Jason Lancaster or feel you can help with information, please call me at 615-904-3190,” McPherson said.
A second suspect, Leya Victory, 23, of Lowe Christiana Road was charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence.
The sheriff’s office also stated that more charges were still pending.
Lancaster is being held on $1 million bond in Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. A hearing is set Oct. 2 in General Sessions Court.
During the course of the investigation, multiple horses were found in need of medical and nutritional attention. Twenty horses were removed from the property.
Oregon Humane Society’s Portland Campus (Photo Courtesy: Google Maps)
Portland, Ore. – The Humane Law Enforcement division of the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) recently rejected public records requests submitted by Equestrian Media Group claiming their operations with State-sanctioned police powers are not a “functional equivalent” of a government operation, and thus not subject to public records and transparency.
The denial, which was detailed in a September 29th email by attorney Colin Hunter with Bradley Bernstein Sands LLP, on behalf of OHS, stated in part, “OHS is a private nonprofit; it is neither a public body nor the functional equivalent of one.”
The response is shocking considering that the requested records were directly connected to the operations of OHS’ Humane Law Enforcement division which includes sworn special agents with full police powers within the State of Oregon– powers granted under a special law enacted by the government itself.
Equestrian Media Group has taken swift action by filing an appeal with the Multnomah County District Attorney, the first step in a potential process that could involve legal action. The Multnomah District Attorney’s Office has given OHS until October 9th to submit its response for consideration.
While a ruling is typically required within seven days, Equestrian Media Group did not object to a request providing the District Attorney’s Office until October 16th if necessary to issue an order on the appeal.
In the appeal filed Monday afternoon, this publication argued that OHS’ law enforcement division was clearly a functional equivalent of a government operation. “The claim by OHS that its law enforcement branch is not a ‘functional equivalent’ is beyond infeasible.” the appeal stated.
“The delegation of law enforcement functions, which carry a heavy weight of powers even when wielded by the government directly, is a prime example of the purpose of Oregon Public Records Law when it comes to a determination of functional equivalency and the rights of the people to inspect such records.”
Equestrian Media Group was seeking records related to a case involving Gwenyth Davies, a woman behind a notorious horse neglect case that was widely reported in 2019. Davies, who was convicted in 2020 as part of a plea deal, is currently facing new charges by prosecutors of a probation violation and currently has an active warrant for her arrest.
Officials with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office have also continued to ignore Equestrian Media Group’s requests for comment on their efforts to apprehend Davies. Officials with LCSO have appeared to ignore this publication in recent months after this reporter was illegally detained by a deputy in April, originally stemming from false claims in a 911 call made by Raina Ott, another woman convicted as part of the case involving Davies.
The Oregon Attorney General’s Public Records and Meetings Manual does say that public records law generally does not apply to private entities, but this is not the case when a private body performs a government function.
The operation of a sworn police force that is both licensed by the State’s Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (DPSST) and is provided Statewide police powers, would almost undoubtedly be considered a functional equivalent, if not a posterchild example considering the inherent power provided to police to enforce the laws of the State against private citizens.
“On its face, the Public Records Law does not apply to private entities such as nonprofit corporations and cooperatives. However, if the ostensibly private entity is the ‘functional equivalent’ of a public body, the Public Records Law applies to it.” the manual reads.
Oregonians should be concerned about OHS’ current stance, as on its face it would mean that the State could effectively ignore certain accountability of police by privatizing through not only OHS but potentially other private organizations.
A request for additional comment from a spokesperson for the Oregon Humane Society regarding its stance and Equestrian Media Group’s appeal submitted to the District Attorney has not yet been returned. We will update this story if a response is received in short order.
According to a 2018 story from the Portland Tribune, the OHS law enforcement division came under past scrutiny over allegations of evidence mishandling and other issues, leading to the temporary suspension of the group’s state-sanctioned police powers by the superintendent of the Oregon State Police. A former OHS officer alleged “unethical and unlawful practices.”
Despite the officer’s resignation, she stated, “I still believe in the mission of the OHS organization.”
While Equestrian Media Group had not previously submitted any formal records requests, the group spokesperson Laura Klink has generally been responsive to inquiries in recent years by this publication when seeking information related to several stories covering horse neglect that have involved OHS.
This publication hopes the OHS will promptly reverse course after evaluating the clearly established law and precedence, along with consideration of the public interests of its donors and citizens in transparency and accountability. The people of Oregon have clearly entrusted OHS with the operation of a state-sanctioned law enforcement agency, along with ample support for its charitable operations with a long history of helping animals in Oregon.
Public records issues with OHS are part of the wider ongoing issues faced by journalists in Oregon
While Equestrian Media Group has had a generally excellent history when working with Oregon’s State-level agencies on public records requests, we have faced significant roadblocks when seeking records from local government bodies within the State– especially when compared to efforts in other states.
The roadblocks have included failures to meet required timelines and provide required policies on how the bodies even calculated fees, providing exorbitant fee demands, or citing exemptions in the law without any articulation despite the burden of claimed exemptions being on the public body.
Late last year for example included an inherent denial of a request made by Equestrian Media Group due to exorbitant fees demanded by Lane County Animal Services in seeking numerous email records and filed horse welfare complaints, despite the limited number of keyword searches. The total estimate– over $22,000.
County officials appeared to apply what this publication viewed as an unreasonable time calculation by IT officials to search what it was were “archived” emails, explaining that each keyword search, per inbox, per month, for each of the requested years, would be required. This method of calculation quickly added up.
Another recent example included the Oregon State Fair Council initially demanding $600 from Equestrian Media Group to produce a single hour of phone call logs, claiming an arbitrary rate of $75 per hour and 8 hours of work. OSFC later changed this estimate to 3 hours when challenged, and later said they would provide the records for free after Equestrian Media Group uncovered the quasi-government body, a state public corporation, failed to have a public records policy pursuant to Oregon law.
After OSFC involved an attorney after Equestrian Media Group double downed, OSFC took several more weeks to produce the records with dubious claims the delays were due to their phone system provider Comcast having removed the simple tool allowing them to generate and download the report, despite the tool being clearly documented even on Comcast’s support page.
Reporters Committee For Freedom Of The Press detailed in a November 2020 article that Oregon’s excessive public records fees were deterring investigative reporting.
“This scenario is far from unique. Journalists and news organizations across the country frequently struggle with the high costs of public records when reporting investigative stories. But these high costs are especially burdensome for journalists and other requesters in Oregon — so much so that the excessive fees were cited in a 2019 report by the former Oregon Public Records Advocate as ‘perhaps the single most pressing issue related to public records requests in the state.’ ” the article read.
A 2015 photo of veterinarian Brian Dietrich, then of Silverton, Ore., with some of his sheep.
Scio, Ore. – An Oregon veterinarian will be allowed to continue his practice while on probation after accepting a plea deal in an animal neglect case involving a herd of sheep confined in unsanitary conditions.
Brian James Dietrich, 43, owner of Scio Animal Clinic, pleaded no contest Sept. 20th in Linn County Circuit Court to three counts of second-degree animal neglect and received five years of probation.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped 27 counts of felony second-degree animal neglect, each count punishable by up to five years in prison.
As a condition of probation, Deitrich was required to report to the Linn County Jail by Sept. 29 to serve 48 hours in jail, with credit for time served. He must also serve 10 days on a county work crew.
Additionally, he was required to surrender 25 live sheep seized by Linn County and reimburse the county $3,134 for the animals’ care.
Dietrich also received an extension of a previous probation sentence related to a 2021 domestic violence incident when he choked out a woman in front of a minor child. He pleaded guilty in 2022 in Linn County to felony strangulation and received 30 days in jail and three years of probation, which was extended to five years of probation as a result of his recent conviction.
While on probation for the neglect case, Dietrich may continue working as a veterinarian but otherwise may not have pets or livestock in his care except for a dog, two cats, one horse and two mules already in his possession. His practice offers services for both small and large animals including horses.
According to records published by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Dietrich’s license to practice veterinary medicine remains active. A board representative said they could not confirm whether or not Dietrich’s license is under official scrutiny as a result of the sheep neglect because any such investigation would be confidential.
The board has penalized Deitrich twice in the past for minor license violations. In 2017 he was fined $250 for prescribing antidepressants to a human through his veterinary license, and in 2018 was fined $250 for providing care to a dog without keeping a complete patient record.
Prior to owning Scio Animal Clinic, Dietrich was the owner of Abiqua Animal Clinic in his native Silverton from 2009 to 2016.
He is also the first vice president of the Oregon Sheep Growers Association, which did not respond to a request for comment. An unnamed receptionist with the association confirmed to Equestrian Media Group shortly before publication that their website page listing Deitrich in that position was still current.
Dietrich was arrested July 11th for keeping a herd of 27 sheep in unsanitary and cramped conditions, resulting in the deaths of two of the animals and injuries to multiple others.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office discovered the sheep on June 12th at a farm on the 40000 block of Rodgers Mountain Loop, near Scio, after acting on a tip. The only water available to the animals was contaminated with bugs and algae, while some sheep had sores on their hooves or chests due to cramped confinement and had difficulty walking.
When charges were filed in Linn County Circuit Court, prosecutors declared their intent to seek an enhanced sentence, claiming the neglect constituted “a violation of public trust or professional responsibility.”
Dietrich initially denied wrongdoing and argued any injuries to the animals were in keeping with accepted veterinary and farming practices, but did not detail which specific practices were allegedly employed. Oregon law allows injuries to animals in the context of practices like hunting, farming, animal testing, and veterinary medicine.
These regulations have been criticized by animal rights groups as legalized animal cruelty, and they are pursuing a 2024 ballot measure that would remove all exemptions except for veterinary procedures and self-defense.
When Dietrich entered his plea deal, he did not formally admit guilt. A sentencing memorandum by defense attorney Geordie Duckler said Dietrich accepts “legal and moral responsibility for what he did.”
Prosecutors were also prepared to seek a blanket prohibition against caring for animals while Dietrich was on probation, a restriction which had been imposed while the case was pending. Duckler argued this would be oppressive given Dietrich’s profession and, if the court were to impose such a restriction, it should apply to sheep only as this was the type of animal at the center of the allegations.
Judge Brendan Kane approved a compromise position on this issue, as detailed above.
A staff member with the Scio Animal Clinic declined to comment to Equestrian Media Group. “We’re not going to make any comment,” before promptly hanging up.
A sign outlining equestrian access on the west side of the Bob & Crystal Rilee Park east of Newberg, Oregon. (Photo Credit: Equestrian Media Group)
Newberg, Ore. – A growing group of equestrians in northwest Oregon are calling attention to what they say are serious safety concerns involving one of the only designated park equestrian trails open to horses in Yamhill County.
The park, known as the Bob & Crystal Rilee Park & Farmhouse, was a 400+ acre property donated by a trust to the Chealem Parks & Recreation Division (CPRD).
The increasing attention from equestrians has also brought light to the discovery that a now-former director and other officials had allegedly misused district assets through free use of the district’s golf course, as well as friends and family. The now former elected board member, Don Loving, is also a current and registered lobbyist in the State of Oregon.
The discovery– which led to a preliminary investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC)– contributed to Loving’s ouster in a recent election just months ago.
Loving, along with district superintendent Don Clements, have also faced numerous allegations by equestrian advocates of engaging in what they said was unfair treatment of those sharing their viewpoints, including during public meetings.
He said the allegations of unfair treatment were simply due to his differing views and support of allowing bikers to have half of the Bob & Crystal Rilee Park. He also denied to Equestrian Media Group that he ever allowed anyone other than himself to get free rounds of golf.
The timing of the OGEC was “a politically motivated attack,” said Loving.
Clements has been the unelected head of CPRD for a record 38 years. In 2017, after 32 years as the head of the park district, Clements was awarded for professional achievement by the Oregon Recreation & Park Association. Loving was also a former reporter for the Newberg Graphic who wrote the story announcing Clements’ appointment to lead CPRD back in the 1980’s.
A still image from a CPRD video showing the headline of an article from the 1980’s by Don Loving who was previously a reporter for the Newberg Graphic.
Loving himself later became a long-serving board member who was first elected in 1991, serving over 3 decades until he lost reelection after coming in last during a recent special election, receiving only 14.96% of the vote between five people running for two board seats.
Two of the newly elected board members, Matthew Smith and Jason Fields, received 22.16% and 23.95% of the vote respectively in a Yamhill County Special District Election on May 16th.
The ethics complaint involving Loving stems from his self-admitted use of the district golf course for free, a benefit discovered to be available to public officials at CPRD, despite there being no formal benefits package or policy. The allegations were first brought to light by Hunter Wylie who filed a report with the OGEC and then announced his findings during a CPRD public meeting.
Wylie is also part of the Pickleball Advisory Committee for CPRD itself, but doesn’t have a direct personal interest in the dispute between equestrians and biking groups at the Bob & Crystal Rilee Park.
An attorney for CPRD later maintained that Loving’s free use of the golf course was not illegal. An investigator later recommended a formal investigation to the OGEC which was discussed during an executive session on July 14th. The commissioners ultimately voted 5-3 against a motion to pursue further investigation against Loving individually.
Some citizens have called on Loving to pay back part of the free golf he obtained for friends and family, along with himself. According to Wylie, records over the course of 33 months allegedly showed Loving obtained approximately $5,000 in personal benefit, but the records didn’t cover the many years Loving allegedly enjoyed free golf. Loving also maintained that friends or family paid a special guest rate.
According to the CPRD website, “[Loving] was also a driving force behind the creation of the Chehalem Glenn Golf Course.”
The OGEC records indicated that while Loving reported there was a CPRD policy to an investigator allowing the use of facilities for free, no actual policy was ultimately found. The OGEC details revealed that a benefit package could be established by the district for its future board members and employees, or by being put to local voters to decide if they want to grant such benefits for free or reduced costs.
OGEC Commissioners also pointed out that other officials had enjoyed the same benefits as Loving. Due to the potential scale of involved persons, OGEC dismissed the recommended action of a more detailed investigation into Loving individually, while appearing to signal that the district needed to make corrections.
Many locals had said it was long overdue and have been calling for much-needed changes in leadership, a feeling that was shared even by some who felt great things had been accomplished by the work of officials and board members like Clements and Loving.
The Bob & Crystal Rilee Park was gifted out of trust almost a decade ago. According to many familiar with the donation and the Rilee family themselves, along with corroborating public records with CPRD; the donation and use of trails were primarily intended for hikers, equestrians, and agriculture use and education. While not obligated by law, the records appear to make it clear that CPRD intended to honor its commitment and make new investments that supported that use.
Proponents say the treatment of the park has been opposite on contrary to those promises and feel that if CPRD continues to stray from past promises, it would seriously jeopardize the district’s integrity and likely make other generous donors question potential donations and support for CPRD, if not other special park districts generally.
During the pandemic, the park started to become a hotspot for bikes, which promptly led to safety issues in the park. Past debate ultimately led to CPRD splitting usage of the park which was conveniently divided in half by NE Parrett Mountain Rd. The west side was designated for equestrians, while the east side was designated for bikers. Hikers are permitted on both sides.
Despite this effort, equestrian proponents have continued to highlight issues and present evidence that many bikers have continued to violate the park rules while riding on the west side, presenting many safety challenges.
They claim the majority of the trails are not suitable for mixed-use that is used in other public places, as the steep terrain and undergrowth often lead to horses and bikers running into each other without warning.
Proponents on the respective sides of equestrians and bikers, as well as others in the middle, have been actively proposing several differing solutions. Several sources also said CPRD has ignored the ongoing violations and provided zero enforcement of the park rules.
Ryann Reinhofer, a local resident whose property is adjacent to the park, spoke to Equestrian Media Group about the ongoing issues and how she started getting involved a year ago. Reinhofer’s early efforts involved preparing a presentation in September 2022 before the CPRD Board, bringing attention to the continued issues of safety and violations by bikers.
Reinhofer is also the principal broker for Thoroughbred Real Estate Group. Equestrian Media Group went out recently with Reinhofer on horseback to see first-hand the dangers that she and others have continued to call attention to.
During that ride, clear evidence of bike tracks was seen on the trails, despite bikes indeed being banned. Vehicles with empty bike racks were also seen in parking lots on the park’s west side. The other potential dangers claimed by Reinhofer and other equestrian proponents were clearly evident after entering the forested trails.
“This is a disaster waiting to happen, and the equestrians familiar with the park and issues know this is a ticking time bomb where somebody’s going to get seriously hurt or killed,” said Reinhofer.
“You’re getting to see now, these trails on this side are in steep terrain, they’re narrow, with ravines and switchbacks, and blind corners with the thick brush. It isn’t like most other open and well-maintained places where mixed-use with those on bikes works, and these kids on bikes are also at risk of getting hurt if they come flying around a corner straight into a horse,” said Reinhofer.
Ryann Reinhofer as she leads her horses out to a paddock after showing the Bob & Crystal Rilee Park equestrian trails in mid-September, 2023. (Photo Credit: Equestrian Media Group)
The same day Equestrian Media Group spoke to Brian Bowman who was one of the leaders of the local National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) group that he said was based in Lake Oswego
The group happened to be holding their weekly ride with many of their youth of middle and high school age on the east side of the park, which is currently open to bikers. Bowman said he didn’t think there was much of an issue, and also said he had not heard of many incidents of bikers actually riding on the west side.
We explained our findings of fresh bike tracks just that day to Bowman, as well as numerous equestrians explaining they frequently would see kids riding on the west side, who then said that it was unlikely the bikers were part of their group.
When asked if members of their group could be going on the equestrian trails on different nights of the week, Bowman said he didn’t think so, but said they would speak to their members if they received information that someone affiliated with the group was violating park rules.
Bowman said efforts to bring public attention to Loving’s ethics issues involving the golf course were what he described as a “smear campaign” by equestrian interests, despite the issues having been revealed by Wylie whose interest revolved around pickleball.
One of the allegations of unfair treatment by equestrian proponents included an incident where Superintendant Clements admitted during a public meeting that he provided the biking group permission to hold an impromptu event in the park on both the west and east side for a weekend. The request and permission from Clements happened through a few text message exchanges.
Reinhofer and other equestrians said the biking group didn’t have to go through the normal processes within the district to sanction an event, which called into question the extension of special favors to the group. They also raised concerns about the biking group having obtained any required event insurance that may have been required as part of such a process.
Equestrian proponents also said that when they had requested through normal channels to hold a simple volunteer work party, CPRD went as far as saying that each person would be required to undergo background checks.
The growing attention to the issues being faced by equestrians has led Amber Rosenberry, who is currently Ms. Oregon 2023, to signal her own concerns. She plans to address CPRD officials at a public meeting scheduled for September 28th. Rosenberry, herself an avid equestrian, has also received public attention in her calls for Oregon to improve what she said are lacking anti-stalking laws.
Reinhofer and others have expressed they are hopeful the recent shakeup with the elected CPRD Board will result in more accountability and decisive actions that serve the public and local voters.
A public meeting of the CPRD Board of Directors is scheduled for this Thursday, September 28th at 6pm at its administration office located at 125 S Elliott Rd in Newberg, Oregon. An agenda and the ability to join by webinar is available online. One of the primary discussion topics for the board involves the Bob & Crystal Rilee Park.
Records Requests with CPRD
CPRD has recently denied both fee waiver and fee reduction requests pertaining to public records requests made by Equestrian Media Group. CPRD officials refused to explain their reason for the denial despite our request to raise clear public interest and benefit reasons as outlined under Oregon public records law.
Equestrian Media Group then asked CPRD to both explain the reason for the denial and who actually made the denials, and also pointed out that CPRD’s Public Records Policy doesn’t actually appear to comply with Oregon law by explaining how it actually accesses fees on public records requests.
CPRD’s public spokesperson Kat Ricker ignored the question in a follow-up by again restating the denial, saying in part, “CPRD has considered your request for a waiver or reduction of fees and has decided not to grant a waiver or reduction of fees.”
Ricker, along with Superintendent Clements, have ignored repeated requests for specifics on the justification for the denials and who actually made the decision.
Our requests for free waivers and reductions were based on our belief that the fees were a bit arbitrary and were not made in line with any established policy outlined under ORS 192.324(7)(b) which states, “The amounts of and the manner of calculating fees that the public body charges for responding to requests for public records.”
The policy document provided by CPRD simply stated that “CPRD will review the request and calculate a good faith cost estimate based on the information available,” but did not appear to outline the amounts and manner as required by Oregon law. Officials ignored our inquiries requesting more details when pointing to the statute.
The response also raises serious questions as multiple sources have alleged that CPRD officials have previously provided records when requested through informal channels at their offices.
A second public records request from Equestrian Media Group went on to seek records related specifically to past requests in order to gain a clear understanding of CPRD’s handling of requests and fee waivers. We have also submitted a records request with the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office seeking records of any submitted appeals related to a fee waiver or actual record denials by CPRD.
Equestrian Media Group now intends to implore the CPRD Board of Directors to intervene in the handling of the requests by CPRD officials. If the Board of Directors does not intervene Equestrian Media Group is likely to appeal to the Yamhill County District Attorney, although we intend to pay some of the fees while we seek appeal in order to avoid delay in obtaining records that may provide further light to ongoing issues.
Note: This story was updated shortly after publication to include details after Don Loving contacted Equestrian Media Group
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Chester, Idaho – The Idaho Lottery Enforcement Division is investigating an Idaho equestrian company’s illegal raffles according to an official who spoke to Equestrian Media Group.
The discovery came after Equestrian Media Group received tips in recent days that Weber Family Quarter Horses was holding illegal raffles, prompting our inquiries with Idaho Lottery officials for more info who ultimately confirmed they were investigating.
According to the Idaho Lottery, “only charitable/non-profit organizations can conduct bingo and raffles. All other gaming activities such as poker runs, Calcutta’s and casino nights are strictly prohibited.”
The law is similar across the nation in most states, with for-profits being prohibited from conducting raffles. Even then non-profits must typically meet certain requirements and obtain the necessary permits with the respective State agencies, often including State Department of Justices. Lottery & sweepstakes regulations are also enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
According to multiple agencies, such laws are intended to protect consumers by preventing the potential for deceptive and unfair business practices involving such raffles which can be plagued with questions of accountability.
The company’s owner, Afton Weber, spoke to Equestrian Media Group last week. When asked about the current raffle for a horse represented as an “AQHA Stud Colt”, Weber generally denied having any awareness that such a raffle was illegal. Equestrian Media Group pointed Weber to resources pointed out by the Idaho Lottery officials regarding the laws, specifically an online FAQ.
“Yeah, so we always list the babies beforehand, but he didn’t sell. Then people asked for people for me to do the raffle because people like him, so that’s why we did the raffle,” said Weber.
She also confirmed they had held raffles in the past. Facebook posts from 2022 also confirmed they held raffles
Weber confirmed that the company was not a charitable organization, but was an unregistered for-profit business. She was also insistent she would be contacting Idaho Lottery officials right away when asked if they intended to continue the raffle.
Despite that claim, according to Charitable Gaming Coordinator Tina Miller with the Idaho Lottery, Weber had yet to reach out. The company has continued to accept new entries and advertise the raffle as recently as yesterday, days after speaking with Equestrian Media Group and saying they would speak to the Idaho Lottery about it.
“I can tell you they do not hold a license,” said Miller, who went on to explain that only certain charitable organizations are able to obtain a license for a raffle.
Miller confirmed they were actively investigating the promoted raffle and would soon be making attempts to reach the company themselves.
While a raffle would clearly be illegal, Miller went on to explain that “merchant drawings” were legal for for-profit businesses, explaining the key differences. “Merchant drawings by for-profit businesses are legal, but there are steps they have to do to make them legal,” Miller said.
“Gaming in the State of Idaho is defined by three things; payment or consideration, a chance, and a prize that is given away. So they either have to remove the payment, so basically, anyone entering the drawing would get a free ticket to get into that drawing or remove,”
Miller confirmed that such merchant drawings are used to support other standard sales activities or business promotions, like offering prize drawings for people liking/subscribing to a social media page, or signing up to a company’s email list, are legal.
“What I’m seeing is a raffle, and because they are a for-profit business they are not allowed to hold a raffle, it’s illegal for them. If they continue in the aspect that they are they could face fines,” said Miller.
According to Miller, the company would need to take action to change the raffle entry requirements to allow entry without payment and would need to offer refunds to those who have already paid.
Another investigator with the Idaho Lottery told Equestrian Media Group last week they were already taking steps to document the advertisements and claims by the company. Equestrian Media Group has previously reported on illegal raffles after receiving tips from readers expressing concerns about consumer protection, but often the advertisements on social media are promptly removed.
Miller also explained that both merchant drawings and raffles require the company or charitable organization to keep detailed records in the event of an audit and investigation. Such record requirements are outlined in Idaho law and must be kept for at least 5 years.
Ticket sales are also prohibited by law from being deposited into personal bank accounts, which would likely include personal banking app accounts like Venmo.
Equestrian Media Group also spoke with officials with the Washington Gaming Commission, as our initial tip appeared to indicate that the raffle was soliciting consumers in that State. An official said that they would be concerned about any Washington consumers getting wrapped up with an illegal raffle, but any action they took would be to support Idaho officials who’d take the lead in any investigation considering the company was located in Chester, Idaho.
Civil fines for violations can range up to $10,000 per violation explained Miller, going on to say that each individual advertisement for a single raffle could be considered a violation. The potential fines for Weber and her company could be extensive.
She also confirmed that an illegal raffle could result in criminal charges. “They can be charged under the gambling laws which are criminal,” said Miller.
Miller said that anyone with questions or concerns regarding this or any other raffles being held or promoted in Idaho to contact the Idaho Lottery Enforcement Division at (208) 334-2277. She also encouraged members of the public or those wanting to learn more about the common requirements to visit: https://www.idaholottery.com/charitable-gaming/faqs
If any consumers who have entered this raffle are not refunded upon request they can contact Idaho Lottery, FTC, BBB, or the Office of the State Attorney General or department of Consumer Affairs of the consumer’s state.
