Jo Ellard elected NCHA Vice President
Ballots were tabulated in the election for NCHA Vice President. A total of 2,585 ballots were tabulated under the direction of the accounting firm Whitley Penn LLP.
Results of the election had Jo Ellard of Dallas, Texas receiving a total of 1,890 votes and Monty Johnson of Amarillo, Texas receiving 695 votes. Ellard will assume her duties as Vice President at the general membership meeting on June 23, 2013 during the NCHA Convention at the Omni in Fort Worth, Texas.
Cat Ichi Mare “Darling Catichi” AQHA 2012 Bank of America High Point Junior Horse
EE Ranches, Inc. President – Jo Ellard is running for NCHA Vice President
I am honored to be chosen as a candidate for Vice President of the NCHA. I accepted the nomination because I feel it to be the greatest service a member can give back to this association. My involvement with NCHA and the sport of cutting has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have been a member of NCHA since the mid 1980’s when membership was at its lowest and the business was struggling financially. I have seen NCHA flourish to new heights with tremendous growth.
I have extensive knowledge of the cutting horse industry, having been a major player in just about every aspect of the business as owner, breeder, weekend competitor, and aged event competitor and stallion owner. I compete actively in both weekend and aged event competition and have worked my way up the ladder from beginner to Amateur to Non Professional. I was the 1991 NCHA Rookie of the Year. In 1998 I hauled for the NCHA World and placed eighth in the Non Pro Division. Every year since 1989, I have been actively involved in weekend cutting competition. I have served on the board of the North Texas CHA and the Longhorn CHA.
With my late husband Bill, we founded and developed EE Ranches, Inc. For over 25 years we have concentrated on breeding competitive cutting horses and building a breeding herd of great mares. In the last eight years we added the EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station to our ranching enterprise; its purpose is to provide a full service Stallion Station and year round mare care to the breeding public. In addition to the ranches cutting horse endeavors we also breed registered Hereford and Angus cattle on our Mississippi and Kansas Ranches. I serve as President of EE Ranches, Inc. as well as President of Ellard Enterprises, Inc. which includes Life Insurance, Real Estate and other holdings.
I have been pro active with the NCHA, serving on the Board of Directors since 1994. I worked with an enthusiastic group of members to establish and develop the NYCHA and I served as Chairman of the Youth Committee for 10 years from 1992 to 2002. I developed the guidelines and governing structure of the NYCHA, the LEAP system for awarding youth accomplishments, the youth stallion auction that funds the NYCHA and the protocol for the annual NYCHA Convention and Awards Banquet. In the ten years that I served as Youth Chairman, the annual scholarships paid to our youth members was raised from $15,000 a year to more than $150,000 paid out in annual educational scholarships to NYCHA members. For my work with the youth, I became the youngest person inducted into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame. And in 2012 I was inducted into the NCHA Non Pro Riders Hall of Fame.
I have also served on the NCHA Board of Directors since 1994 and many of the standing committees: such as the Chairman of the Stallion Owners Committee, Limited Aged Event Committee, Open Show Committee and the Long Range Planning Committee. I have attended all but one NCHA Convention since its inception. In Addition to cutting horse activities I have served over 10 years on the National Hereford Youth Foundation Board of Directors as well as the National Hereford Women Board. I am currently serving on the Texas Hereford Association Board of Directors.
At home in Dallas, My late husband Bill founded and owned National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company and with his leadership grew the company into one of the nation’s premier supplemental health insurance companies. I currently serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of NTA Life Insurance Company.
I have two sons: Brian, who resides in Dallas and serves as President of National Teacher Associates, Inc., and affiliated agencies, and Chad, a professional sailor. I am also the proud grandmother of two granddaughters Brinson and Campbell.
National Reining Futurity Champion Lil Joe Cash Stands at EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station
July 2012 – Russell Giles, announced her decision to stand her 2011 NRHA Futurity Champion “Lil Joe Cash” at the EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station in Whitesboro, Texas. Lil Joe Cash is a 2008 sorrel stallion sired by Nu Chex To Cash and out of RS Lilly Starlight the 2006 AQHA World Champion Show Farnam Superhorse.
“Lil Joe” as he is affectionately known took the spotlight at the 2011 NRHA Futurity when he won the NRHA Open Futurity Championship with a score of 227 and a check for $150,000. Lil Joe recently placed 4th at the NRHA Derby as the highest scoring 4 year old.
“We are extremely pleased and excited that Russell has chosen to stand her stallion “Lil Joe” with us at EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station, it is gratifying to have the confidence of elite stallion owners and trainers alike in our stallion station, said Jo Ellard, Owner, EE Ranches, Inc. “This is our first reining stallion to stand at EE and with the strong support for the sport of reigning both here in North America and internationally, we feel this is a perfect home to stand a high caliber reining stallion such as “Lil Joe Cash.”
Dallas Cattle Barons Ball Auction Includes One-on-One Training with Guy Woods
EE Ranches, Inc. and NTA Life are proud sponsors of the 2012 Dallas Cattle Barons Ball to support the American Cancer Society. Check out our live auction item for this year’s ball:
Live Auction Preview – The Ride of Your Life!
Experience the ultimate thrill of riding a championship cutting horse!
EE Ranches, Inc., a top ten lifetime breeder of championship cutting horses, and its owner, Jo Ellard, offer you a day of one-on-one training with NCHA Hall of Fame Rider and world renowned Hall of Fame Cutting Horse Trainer, Guy Woods, as he introduces you to the highest paying equine sport in the world – Showing Championship Cutting Horses.
Be the ultimate cowboy and cowgirl when you win this unique package! You and a guest will enjoy a day of riding and instruction with Guy Woods as guests of EE Ranches, Inc. at their state-of-the-art training facility in Pilot Point, Texas, just 45 minutes north of Dallas.
EE Ranches, Inc. is an all-time top ten breeder of the nation’s top cutting horses and also owner of the 5-star EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station in Whitesboro, Texas. You and a guest will have the opportunity to ride a select group of top cutting horses under the supervision of Guy Woods and Jo Ellard. You can expect hands on instruction from two National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame Riders!
Also included is lunch at one of the famed cowboy eateries while socializing with equine professionals from several disciplines.
The day will continue at the world-class EE Ranches Stallion Station. It is here you will be greeted by Steve Adams, EE Ranches Breeding Manager, and his staff. A tour of the Stallion Barn that houses a roster of some of the industry’s greatest Stallions will highlight the tour. You will be observing Steve as he performs the breeding procedures that are part of the everyday workings of the ranch along with a complete tour of the state-of-the-art breeding facility.
A hospitality hour at the end of the day with the Ellards, Guy Woods, Steve Adams and staff will give you and your guest the chance to reflect back on the day’s events.
All transportation to the ranches and returning to Dallas is included.
DONATED BY: NTA Life Insurance Co.
VALUE: $20,000
Ambassador Bowler Visits EE Ranches
L to R: Ambassador Brian G. Bowler, Million Dollar Sire Cat Ichi, Mrs. Jo Ellard, President, EE Ranches, Inc. and Mr. Brian Ellard, President, NTA Life Insurance.
EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station hosted the H.E. Brian G. Bowler and his son Michael for a full day of tours and a cutting horse demo. Ambassador Bowler toured the EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station, viewed the impressive Stallion Roster along with a fun trip the mare foaling barn where his young son Michael enjoyed the birth of a young foal named in his honor “Tracking Michael.” After lunch the Ambassador made the trip to the EE Ranches, Inc. Pilot Point Training Facility to watch and participate in a cutting demo by Mrs. Jo Ellard.
His Excellency Brian G. Bowler is the current Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Malawi to the United Nations in New York. Ambassador Bowler presented his Credentials on June 4, 2010 to H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. At present he serves as one of the Vice-presidents of the 66th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He has also served as Chairperson of the Commission of Population and Development, Executive Board member of UNICEF and Member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Ambassador Bowler has an MBA from the U.K. and a Bachelor’s of Science in mechanical engineering.
Ambassador Bowler’s interests include the telecommunication industry, property development and all aspects of business. His recreational interests are golfing, sailing, flying and rugby.
Jo Ellard, EE Ranches, Inc., President Makes NCHA Non Pro Riders Hall of Fame
December 2011 — View Article (PDF)
2011 NCHA Futurity: EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Owners Gelding Incentive Awards $60,000 to the Highest Advancing Geldings
December 2011 — For a fifth year the stallion owners of EE Ranches, Inc. Stallion Station, Whitesboro, Texas has awarded NCHA members through their Gelding Incentive Program. This year the program paid out $60,000 to the owners of the highest placing geldings sired by Cat Ichi, Spots Hot, Peeka Pep, Monarcat, High Brow Cougar and Nitas Wood. The total amount of winnings being paid over the past five years is $420,000.
Leading the Non-Pro and Limited Non Pro Entries was Jeffrey Gough, Graham, Texas. He took home an additional $15,067 as he took the top spot in both divisions and was the highest money earner in the Non Pro at this year’s NCHA futurity. He rode SLR Nitas Boon sired by Nitas Wood. Second Place in the Non-Pro winning $5,934 was Alycia Bellenfant, DeLeon, Texas with Lizzard Spot sired by Spots Hot. Tied for third and forth place was Cole Rothwell, Abilene, Texas with his gelding, Hott For Teacher sired by Spots Hot and Becky Galyean, Purcell, Okla., riding Spyder Cat sired by Spots Hot both took home a check for $4,180.Wrapping up the Non-Pro Division was Harlan Radomske, Ellensburg, Wash., taking home $3,237 on Woody Be A King by Nitas Wood. The total purse for the Non Pro Division for the EE Ranches, Inc. Gelding Incentive was $27,000.
Taking home second place in the Limited Non-Pro Division was Dianna Helm, Nowata, Okla. She rode Mo Boomba sired by Monarcat and took home $3,200. Placing third in the Limited Non Pro was Becky Galyean, Purcell, Okla. She was awarded $2,207 through the EE Ranches, Inc. Gelding Incentive.
Kimberly Howard, Decatur, Texas rode Woody Be Roan sired by Nitas Wood and placed first in the Amateur Division of the EE Ranches, Inc. Gelding Incentive and won a check for $8,275. Placing second in the Amateur Division was Jim Rounsaville, Olney, Texas. Rounsaville rode Woodino sired by Nitas Wood and picked up a check for $4,414. Rounding out the Amateur Division was a split for third and fourth place. Chris Schiller, Stillwater, Okla., rode Changethecattlepleas sired by Nitas Wood and Bryan Whitmire, Alma, Ark., rode Peaka Streak Cat sired by Peeka Pep both took home $2,850.
EE Ranches, Inc. and all the stallion owners would like to thank and congratulate this year’s winners in the EE Ranches, Inc. Gelding Incentive. Forty Five riders competed for the $60,000 purse in this year’s NCHA Futurity.
2011 NCHA Futurity Non-Pro Winners
- 1st Place: Jeffrey Gough on SLR Nitas Boon sired by Nitas Wood — $9,440
Address: 1215 Thomas Ln. Graham, TX 76450 - 2nd Place: Alycia Bellenfant on Lizzard Spot sired by Spots Hot — $5,934
Address: 351 CR 440, DeLeon, TX 76444 - 3/4th Place: Cole Rothwell on Hott For Teacher sired by Spots Hot — $4,180
Address: 1680 Autilley Rd. Ste. 320, Abilene, TX 79606 - 3/4th Place: Becky Galyean on Spyder Cat sired by Spots Hot — $4,180
Address: 15288 State Hwy. 24, Purcell, OK 73080 - 5th Place: Harlan Radomske on Woody Be A King sired by Nitas Wood — $3,237
Address: 1850 Venture Rd., Ellensburg, WA 98926
2011 NCHA Futurity Limited Non-Pro Winners
- 1st Place: Jeffrey Gough on SLR Nitas Boon sired by Nitas Wood — $5,627
Address: 1215 Thomas Ln. Graham, TX 76450 - 2nd Place: Diana Helm on Mo Boomba sired by Monarcat — $3,200
Address: RR 2, Box 38, Nowata, OK 74048 - 3rd Place: Becky Galyean on Spyder Cat sired by Spots Hot — $2,207
Address: 15288 State Hwy. 24, Purcell, OK 73080
2011 NCHA Futurity Amateur Winners
- 1st Place: Kimberly Howard on Woody Be Roan sired by Nitas Wood — $8,275
Address: 1054 Co. Rd. 2937, Decatur, TX 76234 - 2nd Place: Jim Rounsaville on Woodino sired by Nitas Wood — $4,414
Address: HC 51 Box 47, Olney, TX 76374 - 3/4th Place: Chris Schiller on Changethecattlepleas sired by Nitas Wood — $2,850
Address: 2121 N. Union Rd., Stillwater, OK 74075 - 3/4th Place: Bryan Whitmire on Peaka Streak Cat sired by Peeka Pep — $2,850
Address: 6829 Peach Dr., Alma, AR 72921
Peeka Pep to Stand at EE Ranches Stallion Station in 2012
October 2011 — Owners Tommy Marvin and Mike Townsend have announced their decision to stand PEEKA PEP @ EE RANCHES STALLION STATION for 2012. PEEKA PEP is a 2001 red roan stallion sired by Peptoboonsmal ( Peppy San Badger x Royal Blue Boon) and out of Peeka Boon (Smart Little Lena x Royal Blue Boon), thus making PEEKA PEP a double bred Royal Blue Boon. Learn more about Peeka Pep at PeekaPep.com.
Jo Ellard Reaches NCHA Non Pro Hall of Fame
September 2011 — Jo reached the NCHA Non Pro Hall of Fame Achievement Award on August 29th with a win in Sulphur Springs on Rubi Ichi. The win pushed her winnings to over $500,000 in NCHA approved competitions. “I’ve been chasing this award for 20 years. I knew I was getting close and Guy had been calling the NCHA office every couple weeks to see how the money was adding up. He knew exactly how much I needed to win that day to make it. It was a great day in the cutting pen!”
DJ Tracker Sells to Venezuela
September 2011 — DJ TRACKER sold on Sept 30, 2011 to a group of Venezuelan businessmen headed by Carlos Sisco of Cantaura, Anzoategui, Venezuela. DJ TRACKER will be air transported to Venezuela along with other EE horses purchased by the group. Alvaro Rodriquez was the agent for the purchases.
Guy Woods Turns 50
September 2011 — EE Ranches’ Resident Trainer for 23 years, Guy Woods, turned 50 on Sept 13th. The 50th birthday was celebrated with family and friends at Jo Ellard’s EE Ranches stallion station. HAPPY 50TH GUY!!!!!
Smart Little Levi
August 2011 — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Smart Little Levi due to a prolonged illness. We express our greatest condolences to John and Kelley Logan during this difficult time. We would like to thank the staff at Weems and Stephens Veterinary Hospital, as well as Dr Arnoff, for all of their efforts during his illness.
Congratulations to RPL ICH THIS Sired by Cat Ichi
August 2011 — 2011 NCHA Derby Open Reserve Champion Tim Smith took the reserve championship honors with a 221 score on Bobbie Atkinson’s RPL Ich This, by Cat Ichi, which he was catch-riding for Phil Rapp.
July Quarter Horse News Feature Article: “For the Long Haul”
August 2011 — Featuring EE Ranches, Inc. and Resident trainer Guy Woods