Equifest of Kansas 2024

LEGENDARY KANSAS HORSEMEN

The Legendary Kansas Horsemen’s panel features talented horse men and women who have achieved high recognition such as Hall of Fame status for themselves or their horse, who have provided outstanding service to the equine industry in some capacity or who have earned high winnings in their discipline. It’s a great opportunity to hear their stories directly with reflections on past and present expe riences, and we can pick up some sage advice from them too!

Saturday w 12:45 w TPEC Workshop Room

Russ Wiegers , Certified Farrier, was a country kid born and raised in western Kansas. He started shoeing horses when he was 18 years old and has continued for 46 years. Russ grew up with horses his whole life which aided in his decision to become a farrier. Russ attended Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School in Ardmore, OK. Over the years, he has shod a large variety of horses, from feedlot horses to specialty and therapeutic horses. He continued his education by joining several farrier associations including the Kansas Farriers Association and the American Farriers Association. Russ achieved his Certified Farrier sta tus in 2018. Russ is passionate about continuing education to uphold the integrity of the far rier profession and has mentored several young farriers with their careers.

Ann White i s the owner and head trainer at Vermillion Valley Equine Center and current ly serves as the IHSA English Head Coach for Kansas State University. She began riding as a child and her love of horses carried into her adult life as she began teaching lessons and training horses. Throughout her career, she has led several riders to success at local and national competitions as well as having several students, including two of her own daughters, compete on National Collegiate Equestrian Association Programs. Ann has a long history with Kansas Horse Council (KHC). She was the founder of EquiFest of KS and served on the Kansas Horse Council Board as a past President. Ann has contributed to KHC for many years as a board member and advisor. Her passion for promoting the equine industry in Kansas is well known. Ann has been a member of the Kansas Hunter Jumper Association for 40 years where she has also served on the board supporting competition opportunities for English enthusiasts. She owns the Basement Tack and Apparel Shop in Wamego, as a retailer for the Hunter Jumper and other English discipline needs.

Gary Wiggins Academy of Western Artists selected Gary Wiggins as Bit and Spur Maker of the Year in 2017. Gary Wiggins has been a full-time bit and spur maker since the mid 90's. Along with bits and spurs, he has spent many hours building conchos, bridle buckles, belt buckles, trophy buck les, saddle silver, saddle hardware, jewelry, etc.—anything to do with cowboy gear. He learned how to build bits and spurs mostly by watching others and picking up tips from many bit and spur makers over the years. He has great respect for friends like Russell Yates, Ernie Marsh, Mark Dahl, Jerry Cates, among many others. Wiggins has taught both the art of silver smithing and bit and spur mak ing to students that come to his shop and the local high school. Gary's dad, Denzil Wiggins, was a silversmith and Gary learned how to work silver, cut silver, and solder silver from him. Most of the tools and equipment Gary uses today are "hand me downs" from Denzil. Gary has been the subject of magazine articles over the years such as Western Horseman , Ranch World Ads , Eclectic Horseman and newspapers. He has been awarded the Adolf Bayers award in 2015 as well as a "Best of Show" and a couple of "People’s Choice" Awards at the Art of The Cowboy Makers Contest. Wiggins lives with his wife and business partner, Cynthia, and together they own a small cow calf operation in northwest Kansas, south of the little town of Brewster. After 20 years in the business, Gary still has a fire and passion for making quality gear made for the cowboy. He says, "It is a great honor to do what I do for a living, Our cup runneth over."

20 v 2024 EquiFest of Kansas Official Program