I have acquired the pictured silver belt buckle and have questions. It's one of those large (4 inches by 3 inches) and very well made belt buckles similar to those cowboys earn for bull riding or calf roping or bronc riding at major rodeos. This one, however, pictures two running horses, PULLING A CHARIOT!
I know there are chariot races held throughout the West and have searched the Web high and low and cannot locate a name that fits SRRA. The buckle is dated 1983 on the front. It was manufacured in German silver by the Montana Silversmiths of Columbus, Mont. My contact with them was brief, to the point of rudeness and completely helpless.
So, I'm turning to my reader with two questions:
1. What is the meaning of SRRA? 2. What does "1st Aged" mean?
4 comments:
There used to be an association in Jerome, Idaho that was named Snake River. The "Aged Division" is for horses 3 years old and older. The colt division would be horses that are 2 years old, or turn 2 years old during the race season.
I will check my old records at home and see what other associations there may be. what state are you in?
Thanks, Brenda. I have heard that there was a Snake River Reining Associaton but I cannot confirm it held chariot races. I rather had thought "1st aged" would have something to do with the age of the horses but was not sure. Most of the chariot racing groups I ran across seemed to be in Oregon, Idaho and Washington. One of them even ran miniature horses and little tiny chariots. Do they still have these kinds of races? I'm in Northern California.
I should have read your information before asking where you were from. We run miniatures in our club, although the numbers go up and down. We have a mini team that belongs to our kids that we have loaned out to other kids to race with, as well as a "Colt" team and an aged team. The grandkids use the minis to pull pony carts (one mini pulling one cart with a seat on it so 2-3 kids can ride) in parades in the summer. Last weekend and next weekend we are racing in Ogden, Utah at what is called the "World Chariot Racing Championships". You can find photographs and information on standings on the Intermountain Horse Racing website. Nevada doesn't have any active clubs now but in November several teams from our club and others attend a weekend invitational in Wells, Nevada. The majority of clubs are in Utah and Idaho now with a few in Wyoming and Colorado. The numbers are dwindling for various reasons but there were 60 teams at our Idaho State finals held on March 7th and 8th, 2009, competing in 10 divisions. Teams qualify for position in their home clubs to run at state and world, so the 1st place teams from each club run against each other and are matched by division (placing in home club) to 10th division at state and 6th division at World. There are several invitationals during the year, including race meets where the proceeds are given to the Shriners'. One of these are held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in February, so the horses are often running on a snow track. Most of us who run are totally addicted. We run for prizes, not for money. Our families are involved in every aspect and we have a lot of wonderful friends who race also. We have lots of photographs of the gates we use and the minis and big horses running if you are interested. Like I said, we are addicted but just like vacation and grandkid photos, others usually aren't as enthused. I hope this answers your questions. The races are exciting, the horses beautiful, very well taken care of, and decorated for show. The people, for the most part, are friendly and fun. I would encourage everyone who has the opportunity to come to the races and stop by our barn to say hello...
I am sorry I cannot add more information, but I would like Brenda to contact me if she is reading your blog.
If I learn more about your buckle I will surely let you know Mike.
Toad Hill Minis
http://toadhillminis.blogspot.com
Email: toadhillminis@gmail.com
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