11/04/2026
“Howdy everyone!”
That was often how Gary Carlson began his President’s message in our monthly print newsletter or annual Directory. We like to think that’s exactly how he greeted his loved ones in heaven.
Gary’s legacy with Minnesota Pinto includes countless roles—some official, and others "unofficial," like Mr. Congeniality, unpaid ring steward, show announcer, and Show Dad to his family and the many youth who became his chosen family.
In the mid-1990s, Gary, his former wife Lisa, and her kids were showing a stock-type pony named Itsy Bitsy. They loved “Itsy” so much that when the opportunity arose, the family purchased her sire, Scenics Kit Kat (“Cat”), from Tom and Honey Lou Elliot. A 14-hand AQHA cropout bay overo, Cat was known for producing ponies with the elegant legs of a horse. Itsy was one of those legendary foals, alongside her famous Pinto show ring siblings, Betsy’s Snazzy Cat and Pocos Wild Cat. All three earned National/World Show High Point honors and were awarded PtHA Supreme Champion titles. Gary and his family cherished Cat until his passing in June 2001.
Gary was a truly service-minded leader. Valuing what MPtHA brought to his family, he stepped into leadership in 1996—co-managing our 30th Anniversary July horse show with Lisa. He served as Show Manager through 1998 and joined the Board in 1997, an integral year when MPtHA’s rapid growth led to the debut of our 3-day show format.
In 1998, Gary became our Charter President, guiding the iconic shift of our May show from Mother’s Day weekend to Memorial Day weekend. He served as President again in 1999 and 2002.
Gary returned as Show Manager from 2004 to 2007, managing our 40th Anniversary Jubilee show in 2006. True to his love for a great celebration, he returned once more to manage our 50th Anniversary show in 2016!
In 2005, Gary received the Grand Ol’ Pintoer Award—a charter honor recognizing 10+ years of outstanding service and dedication. Gary embodied everything our charter stood for then, and everything we stand for today.
Thank you, Gary, for your unwavering heart, leadership, and legacy. You are deeply missed and fondly remembered. 🐴❤️
