Bull-riding event draws 700, raises money

Brush Prairie — Before any of the excitement began, Riley McMillan, 10, stood on her horse holding the American flag and rode around the arena as the audience stood at attention. McMillan is member of a trick-riding family who entertained the crowd during the last weekend in July at the second annual Joe Meling Invitational Bull Riding at the Clark County Saddle Club in Vancouver. About 700 people attended the bull-riding, barrel-racing and trick-riding show, a fundraiser for the Silver Buckle Ranch, a local nonprofit group that aims to nurture and mentor children through equine activities.