Sue Van Galder's Equestrian Background
is varied and competitive

~ Sue Van Galder started riding hunt seat and jumping from 6 to 8 years of age with lessons in Germany under a nationally acclaimed German instructor. Between the ages of 10 and 14 she was riding cow ponies and helping her grandfather gather cattle on a California cattle ranch each summer.

~ At 14 she obtained a quarter horse / arab cross gelding and joined a 4-H program where she learned all phases of western disciplines, including gymkhana. She attended Judging School and at the age of 15 she judged a Class "A" show in Yakima, Washington, with her 4-H club. Out of over 500 4-H members and after three solid days of various classes in many disciplines and breeds, she ended up 11th overall.

Sue Van Galder at the 1999 AM-WEST FINALS
on Mr. Savannah Royal
(aka "Turbo"... view pedigree )
They posted a 17.6 on a standard pattern

~ As a member of the National Inter-Collegiate Rodeo Association, Sue was the team captain and competed in Breakaway calf roping and barrel racing during the ages of 17 and 18.

~ She was the first runner up at in the Cal Poly Pomona Rodeo Queen Contest at the age of 18. She also studied Equine Science related courses.

~ Sue joined the International Professional Rodeo Association and competed in barrel racing during the ages of 18 - 25. She placed in many rodeos and ranked 11th Nationally in 1983.

Mr Savannah Royal "Turbo"
with his NBHA winnings

~ Sue earned the State Finals Open Champion in 1996 while competing in the North State Barrel Racing Association.

~ Competing in the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA), she earned the 1D Champion Year End in 1998.

~ She placed 10th in the California State Open in 1999 in the AM WEST Barrel Racing Series.

Sue Van Galder with Rosie Savannah
(aka "Slinkie"... view pedigree )

(continued above)

Hello! Welcome to my barrel racing website! This sport has given me so much in many areas of my life and now I'd like to share my expertise with you. At left is a condensed description of my history with barrel racing and other equine studies/events. I have competed at the professional level for over 30 years, achieving state and national standings in several Western events, as well as junior level, college level and professional rodeo titles. While my specialty is barrel racing, my experience also includes roping, cutting, team penning, pleasure, equitation and gymkhana. I have orchestrated, managed and judged many equine events. I have also managed and taught an equestrian program for severely emotionally disturbed boys and adolescents. My private clients are all ages and levels and it is my pleasure to teach and watch people blossom in their horse-related pursuits. Sincerely, Sue Van Galder

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~ Through the 4-H qualifying shows, Sue was able to show at state level in Western Equitation, Western Pleasure, Bareback Equitation, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing and Stake Racing. She was the Washington State Champion in Stake Racing at the age of 16.

~ At the age of 16, Sue joined the California Junior Rodeo Association and competed successfully in goat tying, ribbon racing and barrel racing. She was the winner of several buckles by the age of 18.

~ Sue was the first runner-up in the Palm Springs Rodeo Queen Contest at the age of 17.

Sue Van Galder on Raven Rocket

~ From the age of 19 to 25, Sue was in the Top 10 standings in the California Barrel Racers Association.

~ She earned her "card" in the Women's Professional Rodeo Association at the age of 24. She competed in Team Roping Jackpots statewide, placing in many "mixed" competitions from the age of 19 to 25.

~ She competed in the "Woman's" class in Cutting Competition, placing 3rd out of 12 entries with a score of 74 at 28 years of age.