2000 Horseperson of the Year is Dan Ramberg

The Minnesota Horse Council announced the selection of Hugo, Minnesota, Stable Owner/Trainer Dan Ramberg as Minnesota's HORSEMAN OF THE YEAR. The announcement was made at the Council's Annual Meeting on January 13.

Ramberg, widely-known in the equine industry for his work with novice and challenged riders as well as effective humane horse training methods, is the thirty-first person so honored. Ramberg has served on the Boards, and frequently held offices in, several saddle clubs as well as the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association and the Western Saddle Clubs Association, Inc. He has worked with the Minnesota Horse Council and other equine organizations to bring about environmentally so und legislation that allowed the equine industry to grow. He was instrumental in keeping the commercial horse boarding business as "agriculture" -- an important tax and zoning legislative decision.

Ramberg was born and raised in St. Anthony, Minnesota. He began his riding and training career with a pony named Baldy. By age 16, Ramberg and his 12-year-old cousin, Karen Abraham, had perfected a three horse Roman Ride. It was one of the few such rides that used no bareback pads on the horses. No Roman Ride before or since has been as spectacular. The ride included jumping the three horses through a fire hoop while Abraham sat on Ramberg's shoulders. For nine years, Ramberg and Abraham exhibited at shows, fairs and rodeos nationwide.

In the mid-fifties, Ramberg drove a team of horses to provide carriage rides for the Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Historical Society at the Minnesota State Fair.

He owned one of the American Quarter Horse great foundation stallions, Zombie King.

He was among the earliest members of Northwest Saddle Club, one of the oldest and most successful saddle clubs in the upper Midwest. He was instrumental in the organization of Dead Broke Saddle Club - a club that has offered opportunities and support for many young riders and beginning riders.

He has hosted the Special Olympics State Finals for more than ten years. He has supported High School Rodeo. He has hosted Statewide Judging contests for FHA. With his continued friendship with nationally known trainer John Lyons, he has encouraged others to learn practical, humane and effective communications with horses.

He currently owns and operates Woodloch Stables, a boarding/training facility. Ramberg has provided opportunities for many riders by promoting day camps, offering lessons in riding and training, and hosting seminars and clinics by well-known speakers and trainers.

Ramberg and wife Elaine reside at Woodloch Stables. They are assisted in management by son Bill and his wife Ingville. Daughter Cara and husband Matt Jones own and operate a gymnastics camp at Cable, Wisconsin.

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