Technically, the events of Helldorado Days began several weeks ago with the Helldorado Trail Ride, Shootout Charity Golf Tournament and Art Show & Auction. However, things really pick up with Helldorado Days Rodeo Week, May 17-20, 2012.  Helldorado Days began way back in 1934 as an attraction for visiting workers building the Hoover Dam. The events grew from a wild west feel to a more organized civic event under the direction of the local Elks Lodge. Rodeo has been a centerpiece of the celebration since nearly the inception of the event and is held downtown in a facility built for the rodeo each year.  After an absence of many years, Helldorado Days was revived in 2005 in time for the celebration of Las Vegas' 100th birthday. The event now raises money to benefit local children's organizations.

In any competitive sport, it is important to be supportive of others, and Equestrian sports are no exception.  It is always rewarding to see any rider succeed and move up the ranks.  Young Las Vegas English rider, Ashley Fratus has begun to do just that. From a young age, horses were always an important part of her life.  After all, what little girl doesn’t dream of ponies?  As a child, Ashley was happy to have the opportunity to take riding lessons. She began showing in Lead Line and Walk/Trot/Poles classes at Horsemen’s Park when she was 8 years old.  The following year, she expanded into competitive Western riding.  For two years, in addition to showing in English classes, she took part in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Showmanship both locally and out-of-state, in Utah for AQHA breed shows.  With piles of ribbons and countless memories, she proved to be a skilled rider with drive and determination.

Horses and riders from Fox’s Rest Stables participated in medieval equestrian skill-at-arms competitions on April 28, 2012. The competitions were put on by the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the study of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Over the three-day event, participants from Southern California and Nevada competed in various types of historical martial arts, including armored combat, rapier, equestrian, archery, and throwing weapons.

In the first competition, San Diego rider Michael Pettijohn took the prize on his horse “Cadet”. He will retain his current title of “Queen’s Champion” until October. Second place went to Heather Dreyer on “Hot Apple Pie” (“HAP” for short), owned by Randy Norris and currently in training at Fox’s Rest.

Fox’s Rest co-owner William Augustine took top honors in the evening competition, riding his Thoroughbred, “Foxier”. He earned the title of “Baronial Champion”, which he will keep for the next year. He beat Las Vegas rider Helen Gerth for the title, who was mounted on “Reynaud”. Reynaud is a BLM mustang owned by Karla Norris, also in training at Fox’s Rest.