Penners flock to valley in record numbers bers event enjoys record entries

No growing pains here.

The Montana Challenge continues to enjoy a robust existence.

Now in its eighth year, the team penning and ranch sorting event has mushroomed from a 216-team, 11/2-day competition held outdoors to a 900-plus-team, three-day event at the spacious Majestic Valley Arena.

"Right place at the right time," said Tom Britz, event chairman and team penner, of why this outing has exploded in popularity.

"We've managed to stay ahead of the Bell Curve anticipating what effect rules might have and changing the structure of the event accordingly."

Throw in an added purse this year of $20,000 (total purse of $100,000), the attractions of the Flathead Valley and the fact the challenge is now part of the Hart Trailer Tour Series, you suddenly have a very popular event.

"When we first started, the winter of 1997-98, we had no concept of where we would be today," said Britz.

"We didn't have a facility (like Majestic Valley Arena). We didn't think penning would get this big."

Last year's event drew a record 672 teams from 15 states and Canada, making it the largest non-United States Team Penning Association (USTPA) event in the U.S. Britz said he expected this year's field to be a little larger, perhaps breaking the 700 mark. He said early advertising resulted in the having over 900 entries.

"The way we're structured now, we could handle 1,000 teams," said Britz.

"If it gets bigger, then we would have to look at some structural changes. Adding a day would be the easiest."

To help accomodate the record turnout, Britz said 510 yearling cattle from multiple area cattle producers will be used.

"The back of Majestic will resemble a feedlot for a few days," he said.

Britz said the challenge's popularity has been helped by several financial sponsors - Craig Reinke at Murdoch Ranch and Home, Jim Peterson at Kari Dodge, Todd Gardner at Gardner RV and Trailer Center and Purina.

"Those three (individuals) have stepped up to the plate over the years consistently," said Britz.

"They have allowed us to build the added money purse. We're blessed we have that kind of support."

In return, challenge participants are expected to have a $500,000 impact on the Flathead Valley.

This marks the fourth year the challenge will take place at Majestic Valley.

Competition begins daily at 8 a.m.

Team penning is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Ranch sorting takes place today.

"Spectators are welcome," said Britz.

"Free admission; it's a great family event.

"People who have not watched team penning in recent years or who have never been exposed to it will be very impressed with the quality of horseflesh at an event like this. The athleticism. What it takes a good horse to be quiet when you neet it, fast when you ask for it."

Many of these team penners, Britz said, will return on Aug. 6-7-8 for the Can-Am Cup.

The 8th Annual Montana Challenge

Top Entries

. Clarissa Rainey: Leading the USTPA national rankings in the amateur division. Flying in with her daughter, Ashton Rainey, from Oxford, Fla., Ashton is the leading novice rider.

. Ronnie and Lisa McCormick: Competed here last August in the Can-Am Cup. From Tennessee.

. John May: One of the original founders of the USTPA (1993) and a national board member. Will also return to compete in the Can-Am Cup. From Pennsylvania.

. Lesh brothers: Jared, Joel, Jamin and Jordan hail from Oklahoma. Have competed in the challenge since 2000 and all four excel on the national level.

. Robb Hanshaw: Second trip; from Arizona.

. Greg Mathiesen: USTPA National Director from Alberta, Canada.