1930s–1940s

Roots of the Ring

Blue Grass Stables, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Long from 1932–1944, reflects the early barn culture and community that helped lay the groundwork for Minnesota’s hunter/jumper scene.

1970s

Show Days at Alpine Farms

Alpine Farms in the 1970s captures the feel of local shows where early MHJA riders found their stride over classic hunter fences.

1970s

Classic ’70s Hunter Style

Cathy Cortright’s 1970s trip shows the forward seat, soft contact, and classic turnout that defined an era of hunter riding.

1970s

Jumpers Take Flight

Dave Ravinski and Aladdin highlight the power and scope of the jumper ring as Minnesota riders began chasing bigger tracks.

1980s

Champions in Good Company

Betsy Kieffer, Louise Otten, and Cindy Schmidt Ahrens represent the growing network of riders and trainers who helped anchor MHJA in the 1980s.

Late 1970s

Valor in the Spotlight

Valor and Suzy LeRoy’s 1978 trip reflects the partnership and precision that made the pair stand out in late-’70s hunter rings.

Late 1970s

Champions at MN Fall Charity

Valor and Suzy LeRoy claim the 26-and-under AO title at the 1977 MN Fall Charity, showcasing early MHJA success on a major stage.

1970s

William in the Winners’ Circle

Sue Kyllonen and Leatherdale Farm’s William show the polish and presence that helped put local hunter programs on the map.

1970s

Sisters at the Show

Jane Martinson, Sue Kyllonen, and Anne Donahoe capture the family feel of MHJA show days in the 1970s.

1980s

Sisters in the Spotlight

The Chestnuts Sisters represent a generation of siblings who grew up in the MHJA ring, trading braiding jobs, horses, and ribbons.

1980s

Eq Ring Elegance

Cindy Schmidt (Ahrens) and Cause Sheza Lady show off the polish, position, and presentation that defined 1980s equitation.

1980s

Partners at the Gate

Cody Williams and Kris Parish Pendergast share a ringside moment that reflects the friendships built around MHJA shows.

1980s

Grand Valley over Fences

Dennis Mitchell and Grand Valley highlight the scope, rhythm, and style that anchored 1980s hunter and jumper rounds.

1980s

Show Friends for Life

Jenni Stoltenberg and Kate DeKraay capture the energy of 1980s show culture, where barn friends turned into lifelong friends.

Early 1980s

Regulus in Rhythm

Melissa Osczustowicz and RH Regulus in 1983 show the careful pace and classic ride that defined early-’80s hunter rounds.

1980s

Fair to Snowbird Floats

Heather Parish and Fair to Snowbird in 1984 bring a touch of elegance to the ring, floating over the fences with quiet confidence.

1980s

Sunny Jim Shines

Sunny Jim and Jim Maxwell show off a bold, forward ride that reflects the evolving pace of 1980s jumper classes.

1980s

Big Names, Local Roots

Weezie, Beezie Madden, and John Slaughter together show how national names often trace their roots through Midwest rings like MHJA.

Late 1990s

Awards Night Milestones

Betsy and Phil Kieffer in 1999 reflect the pride and celebration of year-end banquets that became MHJA staples.

Late 1990s

Family Tradition of Excellence

The 1999 image of Betsy and Phil Kieffer shows how families stay involved with MHJA across generations, in and out of the ring.

1990s

Rolex Rider of the Year

Laura Kraut and Simba Run as Rolex Rider of the Year show Minnesota’s connection to top international sport.

1990s

Faranth Finds His Stride

Tracy Grandstrand and Faranth represent the amateur riders who balanced work, life, and the show ring with grit and joy.

1990s

Midstates Memories

Susie Beaulieu and Rusty at the 1999 Midstates show highlight the out-of-state circuits where MHJA riders cut their teeth.

1990s

Autographs After the Prix

Todd Minikus, Richard Cheska, and Tim Goguen signing autographs in 1992 show how top professionals inspired local riders at big Minnesota shows.

2000s

Corelli at Alpine Farms

Jane Martinson and Corelli at Alpine Farms in 2005 reflect how long-standing venues continued to shape MHJA riders into the new millennium.

1980s

State Fair Show Ring

Tracy Grandstrand (Hart) and Brook at the 1983 State Fair capture the thrill of showing in front of big crowds and bright lights.

2010s

Derby Night at Harvest

Andy Barone and Double Take winning the 2015 MN Harvest Hunter Derby showcase modern derby courses and big-night pressure.

2010s

Disney Flies for the Win

Haylie Rolfe and Disney, winners of the 2016 MN Harvest Prix, show the precision and speed of today’s grand prix ring.

2010s

Focused at Harvest

Melanie Johnson at the 2017 Harvest shows the modern amateur balancing serious competition with genuine love for the sport.

2010s

Team Silver Creek

Team Silver Creek at the 2015 Harvest Show reflects the barn-family culture that defines today’s MHJA circuit.

2010s

Champions & Cheer Squads

Norie Egan Hennen and Roscoe, pictured with Mary Armstrong and Weezie, show how every championship ride has a crew behind it.

2020s

New Decade, Same Grit

Abby Leidig at a 2020 MHJA show represents the next wave of riders stepping into the ring with fresh goals.

2010s

Focused in the Ring

Elizabeth Henn at a 2017 MHJA show showcases the precision and focus today’s riders bring to every trip.

2020s

Mason City Moments

Olivia Bethke and Chocolate I Scream at Mason City Fall 2020 show the blend of fun and focus in today’s show schedules.

2020s

Harvest in a New Era

Tammy Johnson at MN Harvest in the 2020s underscores how the show continues to evolve while honoring its long-standing traditions.

1970s

North Marque on Course

Suzy Sutton and North Marque in the 1970s capture the classic look of early MHJA hunter rounds over airy wooden fences.

Early 1980s

Moola at MN Fall Charity

Kris Parish Pendergast and Moola at the 1981 MN Fall Charity show the early-’80s show ring style that many riders still remember.

1980s

Legends at the Fall Show

Tim Kraut, John Slaughter, and Dennis Mitchell at the MN Fall Show in the 1980s highlight how influential horsemen helped shape the region’s standard of riding.

Late 2010s