Holly Williams of Lyle Wash., Julie King of Prairie City and Joe Wolter conducting cow working classes in John Day during last year's clinic. This year's Joe Wolter horse clinic will be June 2-6 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in John Day.

JOHN DAY — Horse trainer and competitor, Joe Wolter, will conduct a colt starting, cow work and roping clinic Thursday-Monday, June 2 – 6, at the Grant County Fairgrounds in John Day.

Known for his deep understanding of livestock and his simple, thoughtful approach to helping both animals and people, Wolter holds training clinics across the country, and at his facilities in Aspermont, Texas, and Ballantine, Mont.

“We’re very lucky to have someone of this caliber coming to Grant County,” says clinic sponsor Patti Hudson of Long Creek.

“This is Joe’s third year here and it just keeps growing. I have riders signed up from all over Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California,” Hudson said.

Wolter began his career working for renowned horseman Ray Hunt on the Soldier Meadows Ranch in Nevada. Later, he joined with legendary roper and rawhide braider Bill Dorrance to conduct the first ranch roping clinics, and also worked with Dorrance’s brother, master horseman Tom Dorrance.

Today he trains horses and competes as his clinic schedule allows. His winnings include numerous versatility ranch horse competitions and ranch roping events. The past few years, he has been a judge for the Road to the Horse, World Championship Colt Starting Competition in Lexington Kent. He’s also a ranch roping judge at the annual Will James Roundup in Hardin, Mont., and a headliner at the Legacy of Legends annual gathering in Fort Worth, Texas.

For those who want to come and watch, the cost is $30 per day, but admission is free to the first colt starting session on the afternoon of June 2.

The Longview Ranch is providing cattle for the cow working and roping classes. Toni Clark’s Chuck Wagon from Long Creek will serve a no host tri-tip dinner to participants on Saturday night.

“It’s just a great opportunity for horse folks from all over to get together, have a good time and learn,” said Hudson.

A few spots are available for riders in John Day. Anyone interested should contact Hudson at 541-421-3456.

For more about Joe Wolter visit JoeWolter.com.