Myllymaki Barrel Horses

Myllymaki Named Calvin Bohleen Award Winner

article by Jeanne Benson www.cowboysdigest.com

When you walk into Judy Myllymaki’s house you are sure to notice the new addition to Judy’s home decor, the Calvin Bohleen Memorial Award. “I placed the bronze in the middle of the kitchen table and it is going to stay there for quite a while,” said Judy.

Judy was nominated by Rayna Rice for mentoring her in the sport of barrel racing. Judy was able to help Rayna set the foundation to become a winner and take her barrel racing to the next level. Rayna went on to qualify for the National Finals in Las Vegas under Judy’s direction.” Judy is one of the best horsewomen in the state and is a master at teaching the game,” wrote Rayna.

There is no short way to express what impact Judy has made on barrel racing between her clinics, horses and knowledge and experience of being a winner. “I was very honored and very proud to have won one of the 10 bronzes to be awarded in Calvin’s name,” said Judy. It was extra special as Judy knew Calvin personally, and actually she trained horses for him. He had became a true barrel racing fan. “I actually had him perked up about the barrel racing instead of the bull riding,” bragged Judy “He went to the circuit finals and actually bought barrel racers instead bull riders in the Calcutta.”

The greatest training success story for Judy and Calvin was “Ryhma Rebel”. Calvin called Judy to tell her about a race horse he had that was bucking everyone off at the track. He thought she would make a good barrel horse. Judy, of course, was skeptical, but she took the leap of faith with Calvin.

It was no easy feat, but spending hours and hours schooling Ryhma on the barrels eventually paid off. The late Ralph Dupea of White Sulphur Springs, Montana rode Ryhma for Judy one fall gathering cattle. “She could get to the back of the Castle Mountains faster than I can drive there,” Ralph had told Judy. With Rachael aboard, this mare set numerous arena records and “she owned the Rapid City arena,” said Judy. Rachael won a College National Finals title on her and the win column is too big to list.

Ryhma later made her appearance at the NFR with Molly Powell as the jockey. She is now owned by Maria Gee of Great Falls and is producing future barrel horse prospects. Calvin Bohleen touched Judy in a special way. He was very inspirational and wasn’t afraid to tell Judy how it was. At one point Judy had a down day and called Calvin to visit. “ I was having a bit of a pitty party for myself,” admitted Judy. But it was Calvin that set her straight. “There is nothing makes me sadder than an old woman feeling sorry for herself,” he had told her. “Can you still ride?” asked Calvin. Judy answered “Yes”.

“Well then get your foot in the stirrup and use those horses.” Calvin had told her, as Judy had a barn full of top of the line barrel horses. “That was the year that I went to the NFR,” commented Judy.

“I have always been a gardener of barrel racers,” said Judy. She explained that she has always helped others achieve their goals in the world of barrel racing but hadn’t personally set out to achieve her personal goals. That changed under the encouragement of Calvin.

Calvin, who was paralyzed in a bull riding accident, operated his wheel chair and painted with his mouth. He not only offered inspiration to others, that is the way that he lived with his wife Suze.

“When Calvin rolled up, your life immediately became better,” said Judy. “It is no wonder that he was named one of the 10 most outstanding men in the U.S. He was honored the same year as John F. Kennedy.”

Calvin saw life practical. “He didn’t have rose colored glasses,” said Judy. “He knew it took hard work and you just had to keep working on it to make the puzzle fit together. That is what I remember most about him. If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, your right.” “That was a very fun time for me,” said Judy “I am very, very pleased that he was part of my life.”

The bronze was a wonderful award for Judy to receive to offer continuous motivation. “Calvin was a very special person. He was and his wife Suze is a special friend of mine,” said Judy. “I still hear him speaking positive words about life. It [the bronze] gives off positive vibes every time I think about it,” said Judy. “He was able to figure out how to make things better and how to work your way around things and I miss him for that. We are burning daylight, let’s get things rolling here.”