Western heritage preservation and the arts are intrinsically linked, as both strive to celebrate and maintain the cultural legacy of the American West. The arts play a pivotal role in this preservation by providing a medium through which the West's stories, traditions, and historical experiences are conveyed and kept alive. The unique aspects of Western heritage are captured and shared through various forms of artistic expression, such as painting, sculpture, music, literature, and theater. These artistic endeavors serve to educate and entertain and act as a repository for the collective memory and identity of the region. They offer a window into the past, portraying the challenges, triumphs, and everyday life of those who shaped the Western frontier. Furthermore, integrating indigenous and multicultural influences in these art forms highlights the diverse tapestry of the West's history. By supporting and engaging with the arts, communities preserve their Western heritage, ensuring its rich and varied legacy is passed down to future generations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique cultural heritage.

Idaho ranks relatively low in terms of education compared to other states in the United States. According to the Kids Count data released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Idaho was ranked 39th in the nation for education in 2023. This ranking indicates that Idaho falls in this category's bottom 25 percent of states. This is a slight improvement from the previous year when Idaho was ranked 40th in the nation for education. The evaluation for this ranking included various factors such as the number of children ages 3-4 not in school, proficiency in reading and math, and the number of students not graduating on time​. Idaho Ed News

Scholaroo, which conducts analyses of public school systems across the U.S., also provides a comprehensive overview of state education rankings. They consider multiple factors, such as student success, school quality, and student safety. However, the available information did not provide specific details about Idaho's ranking in this broader context.

These findings suggest that while Idaho is making some progress in education, there is still considerable room for improvement to climb higher in the national rankings.

Read more about our projects at Western Heritage Art

Our signature event, Gold Buckle Champion’s – “Legends in the Making” challenges individuals of school age, ( 6-21) to make a difference in their community and to keep the spirit that made our forefathers and their legendary actions alive.

"Legends in the Making" is a community-focused initiative designed to recognize and reward children who consistently exhibit positive, impactful behaviors in their communities. By acknowledging their efforts, we aim to foster a culture of proactive citizenship, kindness, and responsibility among the younger generation.

The initiative's core lies in its preventive approach. By engaging children in positive activities and recognizing their contributions, we aim to instill values and behaviors that reduce the likelihood of negative actions in the future and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. This proactive approach is more effective and sustainable compared to intervention methods, which often address issues only after they have manifested.

Historically children have received benefits from this event that has paid for classroom makeovers, educational field trips, various competitions,  projects for the betterment of their community, and scholarships. 

Gabrielle was just 20 years old when she left this earth for another journey, but not before she had graced this planet with her layers of talent. She had accomplished in her lifetime gifts that will linger with those who knew and loved her without end. She was an amazing artist, with both life and music, playing 5 instruments. Her free spirit showed through with the way she could pull together eccentric fashion and decorating rooms with her own funky eclectic style. She was someone who instantly made you feel comfortable just being with her and most importantly just being yourself. These are all qualities instilled within that come from living on the land and being involved with horses. Gabrielle was introduced to Cutting by her grandmother Gina Macdonald. Gina has been a longtime board member and contestant with the ICHA and has been involved with horses most of her life.

Gina, like so many of us parents/grandparents, find themselves devoted to finding something to keep our children/grandchildren grounded. Something to teach them responsibility for their actions and self worth, something to teach them to be happy being themselves; because, being yourself is all you need to know to get you through life. Gina knew same as all of us who have grown up with horses and agriculture, being connected with the earth is what keeps you grounded and helps you discover who you really are, and there is no faster way of doing this than being involved with horses. Knowing who you are is what gives you direction in your life and the spirit of the horse is often your guide.

Gabbe found the magic in horses, a love she shared with her grandmother. Horses mirror the inner you, and teach you things about yourself that you would not learn otherwise. The trust they show you is exactly how much trust you have given them and often how much trust you have in yourself. They read your inner thoughts and know when you are scared, sad, excited, and nervous and will react accordingly. For many of us the spirit of the horse and what they offer to our inner souls is a mystery. It is an unexpected gift that gives us peace that we didn’t even know we were in need of. What we do with this gift once we find it is pertinent to everything that comes after.

Each March we choose to honor Gabbe and the spirit of the horse that gifted her with peace and left her family with gentle memories that will linger in their hearts for a lifetime. Join us in this celebration during the ICHA Weekend Show.

Gabbe was also very artistic and we choose to honor here with all of our scholarships.