BROOKINGS – The South Dakota Horse Council, the group representing the South Dakota horse industry, has announced Mike Olson of White as its 2018 S.D. Horseperson of the Year. 

At a young age, Olson started his lifelong journey in the horse community in South Dakota. Riding, driving, showing or shoeing light or heavy horses has been, and continues to be, his lifestyle. Even though farming and other livestock tasks keep him busy 24/7, his equine peers who nominated him for this honor noted a consistent theme about Olson.

“His calm manner, gentle way of mentoring or giving advice, along with his dedication to encourage all ages in the equine community, either one on one, or through his involvement in equine events. All reasons Mike Olson is a true gift to South Dakota,” said a press release from the SDHC. 

As a farrier with many decades of experience, today Olson teaches others proper horse hoof trimming and shoeing through his classes at South Dakota State University in Brookings. More than 300 students of all ages, majors and backgrounds have completed his courses.

Olson is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Brookings, a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, a member of the Belgian Draft Horse Corp of America, South Dakota Draft Horse & Mule Breeders Association and a South Dakota Horse Council director. 

Olson and his wife Kris have three boys: Brad, Steven and Kevin and daughter-in-law Joni. The couple enjoy sharing their love for horses with their three granddaughters. Olson still farms 700 acres of corn, soybeans, oats, winter wheat and hay, along with raising Belgian Draft Horses and Quarter Horses on his farm in White.

The South Dakota Horse Council is also honored to recognize its past S.D. Horseperson of the Year honorees:  Darrell Vik, Larry Larson, John Hansen, Gilbert Lutter, Dr. Steve Tornberg, Dr. Larry Insley, Georga Sutton, Jo Waldner, Jen Eide, Chuck Nelson, Frances Loiseau, Raymond Sutton, Jr., Doug Nickel, Gene Carr, Dr. Robert Christensen, DVM, Art Reeves, Danny Bennett, Robert Gregg, Leonard Blok, Bob Reed, I.J. Carey, Dr. Hilton Briggs, Wayne Bratcher, Walter Schaefer, Raymond Sutton and Dr. John Edenburn, DVM. The list reflects decades of service and horse knowledge.

“It is a pleasure for the South Dakota Horse Council to honor Mike Olson as their 2018 South Dakota Horse Council Horseperson of the Year,” the release said.

Olson will be presented his plaque at the Dakota Royal Charity Draft Horse Show, held June 23-24 at the Swiftel Center in Brookings.

Courtesy photo