High School Rodeo Contestants launch fund raiser for injured rodeo dad
Bill Brewster , The Big Sky Sun
Published 06/12/2008 – 1:33 p.m. MST
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Two Montana High School Rodeo contestants have launched a fundraising effort to help long time rodeo supporter Gary Eichhorn of Belgrade.
Eichhorn fractured his pelvis when a horse he was riding “blew up.”
Two cowgirls went to work after Eichhorn’s accident and organized the raffle of a $1,000 fuel card that was donated. In addition, a three-year–old Quarter Horse mare has been donated by the Pate Ranch of Helena as second raffle opportunity. The mare, started by well-known clinician and trainer Kurt Pate, is a granddaughter of Frenchman’s Guy.
The drawing for the card and the mare is scheduled to take place during the Montana High School Rodeo in Missoula that runs on June 11-15. The drawing takes place on Saturday night.
Raffle tickets will be on sale at the rodeo prior to the drawing. In addition to the drawing, a 501C3 donation can be made to the Eichhorn fund through the non-profit Montana High School Rodeo Association.
Because of the accident, Eichhorn is expected to be bed-ridden for several months, but that isn’t stopping him from watching the rodeo this week from a camper next to the arena fence.
Eichhorn currently has a son competing in high school rodeo and his daughter has competed in the past.
“Gary Eichhorn is always around to help high school cowboys and cowgirls, and everyone has appreciated his contribution to rodeo over the years. For many rodeo youths, he has been a hero because of his support he provides in the arena.”
Eichhorn is a talented roper who has helped many young people to excel at this sport.