Montana

Montana Saddle Clubs Association royalty — Teens excel in horsemanship competition

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2024

Montana Saddle Clubs Association royalty — Teens excel in horsemanship competition

On a bluebird day, Flathead Valley teens Emily Tuck and Lilly Erickson saddled up their horses Leo and Whiskey for a playday of O-Mok-See before a saddle club awards banquet in Columbia Falls.

Mounting the horses, 14-year-old Tuck of Columbia Falls and 18-year-old Erickson of Kalispell rode into a field by the Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club arena, the bright sun glinting off their sparkly sashes, bejeweled belt buckles and crowns adorning their cowboy hats.

The hardware comes from their recent crowning at the Montana Saddle Clubs Association competition in late August. Erickson was crowned queen and Tuck, senior princess. The pair earned the titles at the state O-Mok-See games by demonstrating expert horsemanship and sportsmanship in addition to their public speaking skills, attire and community service.

With the titles, Tuck and Erickson will represent the Montana Saddle Clubs Association at the 2025 national O-Mok-See championship, which will be held in Helena. They will spend the year promoting the association and the O-Mok-See sport at parades and horse events, along with opening and assisting at competitions.

“Basically we help out in the arena, whether it’s raking, getting the ground really good for the horses, or setting out the different patterns, barrels or poles. We give support to the littler ones if they’re having trouble,” Tuck said.

Most people might be unfamiliar with O-Mok-See whose origin lies with the Blackfeet tribe. The Blackfeet called the dramatic style of riding, traditionally a prelude to battle, as “oh-mak-see pass-kan,” meaning “riding big dance,” according to the National Saddle Clubs Association. In the modern day, O-Mok-See became a timed, pattern-racing sport in Western riding.

“In O-Mok-See there’s lanes and you have to race through different patterns usually involving poles or barrels. Whoever gets the fastest time wins in each age division,” Tuck explained.

Throughout the summer, they compete in O-Mok-See weekly, which culminates in the state games and then nationals.

Tuck said she’s been riding since she was 4 and got into O-Mok-See in 2022.

“I actually started showing horses, doing equitation,” Tuck said, describing it as being “all bling.”

“You need to show off your horse through different gates,” Tuck said. “You have what you call your rail classes and that’s the equitation, and that’s how well your seat [posture] looks, how you look and how well you connect with your horse. You go on the rail, and they say, walk, trot and lope.”

Connection with the horse is a major part of horseback riding no matter what the event is.

“They [horses] have really big personalities, but you also put a lot of work into them, and I feel that deepens the bond because I trained my horse to do many things that he couldn’t do,” Tuck said.

Tuck bought Leo about five years ago and said it took a lot of training to prepare the quarter horse that was raised on a ranch to pivot into shows and competition. The result of her hard work brought a great sense of satisfaction.

“I started out doing shows and I figured if I want to get more into the saddle club part then I can do O-Mok-See as well. If you do good in O-Mok-Sees then you can go to state, which is where the pageant is held,” she said.

Although owning a horse came later in life for Erickson, who started riding in 2017, horses are a generational part of her family. Her sister Violet was the 2019 National Saddle Club Association O-Mok-See champion.

“I grew up as a moto[cross] kid and then my grandpa got horses for hunting and my sister and I kind of just fell in love with them,” she later added. “My grandma still rides and she’s 86.”

Inspired by her grandparents’ devotion to horses, Whiskey came into her life. Although she had a rough start working with Whiskey, she held on, seeing his potential.

“I was kind of like I’m gonna ride it out because this horse has a lot of potential for sure, so I never gave up. He definitely gave me a hard time, that’s for sure. He still does to this day,” she said with a smile.

“It took about four years for us to click together, that’s for sure. But he’s definitely my O-Mok-See horse.”

While Whiskey may have a fit, Tuck said Leo will “try you.”

“He always tries to be top of the pack, top of the totem pole, but in reality, he’s kind of just an insecure little boy,” Tuck said with a laugh.

Erickson added, “Kind of sounds like my horse. He’s a little full of himself.”

On the Oct. 13 Sunday morning, however, the handsome horses put their best hoof forward, exuding calmness and curiosity while being photographed, and after eating treats, expressed delight.

“Right now, we have a little playday, basically all O-Mok-See, but we’re just having fun, not really competing,” Tuck said.

The comradery of saddle clubs is what Tuck and Erickson enjoy along with the opportunities to compete. Erickson, who is a member of the Kalispell Flathead River Riders Saddle Club, said it’s something riders of any age can participate in, noting current members range in age from 2 to 86. Tuck, who belongs to the Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club in Columbia Falls, agreed.

“We’re just one big family,” Erickson said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.

Montana Saddle Clubs Association senior princess Emily Tuck puts a halter on her quarter horse Leo at the Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club in Columbia Falls Oct. 13, 2024. (Hilary Matheson/Daily Inter Lake.)

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Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 13, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

16-40-56-64-66, Mega Ball: 04

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

21-32-34-35-38, Lucky Ball: 14

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

06-07-21-22, Bonus: 12

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Published

23 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Film Trailer Released for the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Press Release | January 12, 2026

Backcountry Discovery Routes has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR). A full-length expedition documentary will release February 7 at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, prior to its nationwide film tour.

This is a press release from BDR…

Photos By Miguel Santana / Courtesy of BDR

Seattle, WA – (January 9, 2026) — Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the non-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving off-highway riding opportunities for adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists, has released the official trailer for its newest route, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR).

The full-length expedition documentary will make its world premiere during the MTBDR Route Release Event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, before launching a nationwide film tour at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.

About the Route

The MTBDR is BDR’s 23rd route and completes the final link in the Western BDR system, creating a continuous backcountry network across the western United States. The approximately 900-mile route begins in Island Park, Idaho, and travels north through Montana before ending near the U.S.–Canada border outside of Eureka.

Montana Backcountry Discovery Route Project

Crossing more than 13 mountain ranges, the MTBDR takes riders deep into Big Sky Country, weaving together alpine ridgelines, remote valleys, dense pine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open ranchlands, and rugged two-track roads. Highlights include the Gravelly Range, Ruby River Valley, Virginia City, Butte, and the wild landscapes of the East Pioneer, Highland, and Cabinet Mountains.

Blending scenic gravel, flowing forest roads, and optional harder sections for more experienced riders, the MTBDR offers an ideal balance of accessibility and challenge. The route is best enjoyed between July and September, depending on snow levels and seasonal closures.

With the release of the route, riders will have access to free GPS tracks, detailed travel resources, FAQs, route updates, and the official MTBDR Motorcycle Map, providing everything needed to plan a self-guided Montana backcountry adventure.

“The Montana BDR completes the last piece of the Western BDR puzzle, and it’s been one of the most anticipated routes we’ve ever created. It delivers on every level: big landscapes, remote riding, historic towns, and a true sense of exploration. This route does not disappoint.” ~ Bryce Stevens, MTBDR Co-Architect & BDR Co-Founder and Routes Development Director

Film & Route Release

The MTBDR documentary follows the BDR team and special guests as they verify and ride the route, capturing both the scale of Montana’s landscapes and the collaborative effort required to develop a route of this magnitude. The film also includes the next generation of BDR riders—the sons of BDR co-founders—reflecting the multi-generational nature of the community and how these routes are often best experienced when shared. It’s a reminder that the BDR legacy continues to grow, shaped by riders who are discovering these places for the first time.

The world film premiere and official route release will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, Montana, with members of the BDR team, route architects, and industry partners in attendance. Tickets for the premiere are available at www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources will be released at 12:00 PM PST on February 7 at www.RideBDR.com. The waterproof MTBDR Motorcycle Map will be available for purchase through the BDR Online Store.

“As a Montana native, it’s incredibly rewarding to help bring this route to life. The MTBDR showcases the best of our state while supporting rural communities that rely on visitor travel. We’re excited to welcome riders from across the country to experience Montana responsibly and respectfully.” ~ Russ Ehnes, MTBDR Co-Architect & AMA Chairman of the Board

MTBDR Film Tour

Each year, nearly 100 motorcycle dealerships and clubs nationwide host screenings of BDR’s newest film, bringing the adventure riding community together for an evening of inspiration and connection.

Dealerships and clubs interested in hosting an MTBDR screening can now sign up at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRscreenings
Riders interested in attending a screening in their area can check the listing of screening at https://ridebdr.com/MTBDRtour. More screenings are being added daily so check back if you don’t see a screening near you.

Route Sponsors

The MTBDR project was made possible through the support of key industry partners who share BDR’s commitment to adventure motorcycling, responsible travel, and public land access. Presenting sponsors include:

Triumph Motorcycles America returned for a second consecutive year as an OEM sponsor, providing Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycles for the expedition team. Triumph also supported the project with guest riders featured in the film, including Jeff Stanton of Jeff Stanton Adventures, a Triumph-accredited training and touring partner.
onX Offroad, the official navigation app of Backcountry Discovery Routes, supported the MTBDR by providing reliable, user-friendly navigation tools that helped the team verify the route and navigate safely throughout the expedition.
Quad Lock outfitted the MTBDR team with its patented phone mounting systems, allowing riders to securely mount their phones for navigation even on rough backcountry roads and rugged terrain.
Edelweiss Bike Travel, a leading global motorcycle tour company, continues its long-standing support of the adventure motorcycling community in the U.S. through its ongoing sponsorship of BDR routes and projects.

BDR is also grateful for the continued support of its industry partners, including:

Touratech, Mosko Moto, Motoz Tires, KLIM, Cardo Systems, Alpinestars, Rev’It!, Colorado Motorcycle Adventures, West 38 Moto, Rogue Moto, Moto Camp Nerd, SoCal Offroad School, Fox Racing, Black Dog Cycle Works, Doubletake Mirror, REVER, Cyclops, Emmaus Moto Tous, ADV Rider Training, Giant Loop, and others.

For more information about the MTBDR, film screenings, and route details, visit www.RideBDR.com/MTBDR.

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Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 12, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

05-27-45-56-59, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

21-23-24-28-39, Lucky Ball: 01

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

09-20-25-30-51, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

01-14-22-29, Bonus: 09

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 12 drawing

11-23-24-54-56, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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