1945 - 1995

Over 50 years ago Sandpoint put on its first Horse Show. This first venture was held on June 27th, 1943 at the W.C.(Fats) Racicot Ranch on North Boyer Avenue and was hosted by W.C. and Ardis Racicot. This was to be the first of many horse shows held in the Sandpoint area and was the infant forerunner of our many shows today. There was no entry fee for horse or rider but spectators were charged 25 cents each. Farragut Naval Base was in full swing and many sailors attended along with the local crowd. For many it was the first horse show they had ever seen. Boyer Avenue, then a gravel road, was parked solid and people crawled through the fences to see the spectacle. As soon as the show started, the people who were to collect the money at the gate came over to the ring to watch the show. So after that people walked in for free. To this day, the show does not charge for spectators. It continues to be a "fun" show and when the financial portion is reviewed afterward and the coffers are bare, we are reminded by our announcer, "what the heck, it's only a hobby, and a pretty darn good one too".

Horses came not only from Sandpoint and vicinity, but from as far away as Polson, Butte and Anaconda, Montana where several three and five gaited Saddlebreds were brought in. Valley Long, the County Agent from Pend Oreille County, Washington was the Judge. He was overheard to say "This is just a small show. It won't take long". And later after a good look, "My gosh! 28 horses and all of them are good ones.

The show commenced with a color guard consisting of Dever Nolan of the marines and W. C. Racicot from the navy. A VIP buggy followed the color guard carrying the officers from Farragut and pulled by an "old nag that almost got the better of them". Printing of the show program was done by Martin Randel at Farragut on the navy presses.

Other riders included Stub Verwoulf, Jack Hicke, Andy Calivetti, Earl and Irene Shrake and Vie Wyman to name a few. The show was a rousing success and everyone went home wishing for more.

More was to come in 1945 when Ardis Racicot and her long time friend Monte Bishop decided that Sandpoint area needed an organized group of people who owned and or were interested in horses. So, the Sandpoint Saddle Club was born. Since that time, both Ardis and Monte have been instrumental in establishing and running both the Sandpoint Saddle Club and the Bonner County Fair Association Horse Shows. Ardis and Monte are both Charter Members of the Sandpoint Saddle Club. Our shows today reflect the planning and knowledge of these brave pioneers of those first shows. Ardis and Monte are usually seen riding their beautiful, well trained horses. Monte has become a renowned breeder of fine Palomino Saddlebred horses and, with her husband Dennis, own and operate the Palomino Ranch located at Careywood, Idaho.

During these early years of horse shows, Harold Tibbs acquired an Appaloosa stallion. Toby I was later to become one of the most famous foundation sires of the Appaloosa breed. In 1954, Harold gave Toby I to Ardis and she showed him to championships throughout the country. She and Toby were written up in the Western Horseman magazine as well as other horse publications.

When Toby I was in his 20's Ardis gave a parade class demonstration at Farragut at the time of the Girl Scout Jamboree. Toby's son, Thunderbird became one of the best parade horses in the Pacific Northwest. Toby lived to be 32 years old and was buried on the Racicot Ranch. His blood will influence Appaloosas and his spirit will abide for years to come.

Monte had a beautiful Palomino stallion named Skipper who sired foals all over the country and many times passed on that beautiful golden color that shone like a newly minted coin. Our current president has one of these offspring and his name is Skip A Doo, another loving horse. Monte now takes riders on trail rides over some of the most beautiful country around and many of her beautiful horses carry the blood of her beloved Skipper. Monte's friendly greetings and joy in riding make the trip out to the Palomino Ranch one you will always remember.

Both Ardis and Monte have guided and assisted young people in improving, not only their riding skills, but their knowledge of caring for and training horses. Many of the people riding in our shows today got helpful assistance from these fine ladies. Ardis and Monte opened their hearts and their gates to any and all who were interested in learning more about riding. Ardis gave free English riding lessons both in Sandpoint and in Priest River. Ardis took a young woman called Veldonna Osborn under her wing and with a pair of dark bay Arabians named "Lovely Tanya" and "Tanya's Sharaff" (A mother and son combination) they developed one of the best matched pairs in the country. Although Veldonna is married now, she and Ardis are still best of friends and ride together whenever possible. Ardis now has a lovely palomino Saddlebred stallion called "Bourbon's Golden Echo" who was raised by Monte Bishop, her long lasting friend and riding companion. And yes, both Ardis and Monte are still winning blue ribbons at our local horse shows and both sit a horse like a young girl. We have much to admire in both of these fine ladies.

Now in this year of 2001, we, the horse people of the Northwest join hearts and hands in remembering Ardis Racicot and honoring Monte Bishop in appreciation for their many years of dedication to the fine sport of horsemanship and humanity.

The Sandpoint Saddle Club is still going strong and continues to train and support all those who love and admire that beautiful animal that we call "The Horse!"

Ardis Fern (Ward) Racicot  Co-founder
1900 - 2001