2014 Augusta Futurity

Augusta

Futurity

The 35th annual

Craig Thompson, on Mc Im With The Band, won the 2013 Futurity Open.

Jan. 18-25 James Brown Arena January 17, 2014

Augusta Futurity 2

35TH AUGUSTA FUTURITY All events begin at 10 a.m. All events held inside James Brown Arena, unless noted.

SATURDAY: USC Aiken Extra Inning Bull Riding Competition, 8 p.m. sunday: Go-round of $50,000 Amateur Any Age, followed by go-round of $35,000 Non-Pro Any Age. monday: Go-round of Classic Open, followed by finals of $50,000 Amateur Any Age, followed by finals of $35,000 Non-Pro Any Age. Tuesday: Go-round of Futurity Open, followed by go-round of the Classic NonPro. Wednesday: Go-round of Amateur 4-year-old, followed by go-round of the Champions Challenge Open, followed by go-round of the Champions Challenge Non-Pro. thursday: Go-round of Amateur for 5/6-year-old. Finals of 4-year-old Amateur, 6 p.m., followed by finals of 5/6-year-old Amateur, followed by finals of Champions Challenge Open, followed

by Champions Challenge Non-Pro. jan. 24: Go-round of Futurity Non-Pro. Finals of Area 18 Youth Scholarship, 6 p.m, followed by Classic Non-Pro finals, followed by Classic Open finals. jan. 25: Futurity horse sale, 9 a.m.

Wrangler Family Fun Fest, James Brown plaza, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Opening ceremonies, 5:30 p.m. Finals of Futurity Non-Pro, 6 p.m., followed by finals of Futurity Open.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Tickets

GENERAL ADMISSION DAYTIME PASS: $9 adults, $2 children 12 or younger USCA EXTRA INNING BULL RIDING COMPETITION: $17-21 RESERVED SEATING FOR THURSDAY: $14.50 adults, $5 children 12 or younger RESERVED SEATING FOR CLASSIC FINALS, JAN. 24: $14.50 adults, $5 children RESERVED SEATING FOR FUTURITY FINALS, JAN. 25: $16.50 adults, $5 children GOLD TICKET: $35 for all daytime events (until 6 p.m.), Sunday-Jan. 25 and Thursday night (Jan. 23).

TO PURCHASE TICKETS: Georgialinatix (877) 428-4849 or James Brown Arena (706) 262-4567. Credit cards accepted, $4.50 per ticket plus three percent per order for handling. Cash only at Ticketmaster outlets, $4.50 per ticket handling fee. Cash or charge at James Brown Arena, no handling fee.

Online

www.augustafuturity.com

Show celebrates 35th year Competitors look to make more history

By Chris Gay Staff Writer

After winning the 2013 Futurity Open finals, Craig Thompson stood in the Georgia clay negotiating with Laura and Patrick Collins. The Collins family, owners of Mc Im With The Band, discussed keeping the stirrups. Thompson asked for the heavy championship trophy.

“This is what I really want,” he said.

Thompson made history in the 34th edition of the Augusta Futurity. With Mc Im With The Band, Thompson marked 223.5 and the Buffalo, Texas, rider captured his second consecutive Futurity Open victory.

He became just the third rider in the history of the Augusta Futurity to win back-to-back Futurity Open titles, joining Larry Reeder (1984-85) and Buster Welch (1987-88).

Who will make history in the 35th year of the Augusta Futurity? The seven-day event starts Sunday and runs through Jan. 25.

One unofficial event kicks off the show Saturday, the popular USCA Extra Inning Bull Riding Competition. The event starts at 8 p.m. at James Brown Arena.

The following Saturday, Jan. 25, the Wrangler Family Fun Fest will be held outside the arena on the Seventh Street side. The kidfriendly event offers dancers, live music and a petting zoo.

Last year, the largest cutting horse event east of the Mississippi River offered a total purse of $351,755 (plus an additional $80,000 in Stallion Stakes Incentive money) with 493 entries

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Harris Shepard, riding Especially Thomas, won the Futurity Non-Pro Finals with 217. The Shepard cutting family, which includes father Sam and older brother Austin, have seven Augusta titles.

2013 champions

Listed by rider, horse (score), owner

FUTURITY OPEN: Craig Thompson, Mc Im With The Band (223.5), Patrick and Laura Collins FUTURITY NON-PRO: Harris Shepard, Especially Thomas (217), Sam Shepard CLASSIC OPEN: John Wold, Fort Worth Pipeline (225), Lisa Bankston CLASSIC NON-PRO: Jason McClure, Freckles Meow (220), Jason and Hali McClure $100,000 AMATEUR FOR

coming from 20 states as well as Canada. Texas had the most with 91 while Georgia placed second with 76.

Thompson became the second competitor at the 2013 show

4-YEAR-OLDS: Alexis Stephas, Once You Go Black (218), Alexis Stephas $100,000 AMATEUR FOR 5-6-YEAR-OLDS: Libby Bowman, Rich N Snazzy (221, Mike and Libby Bowman $50,000 AMATEUR ANY AGE: Gerda Williams, Bob Somebody (221), Gerda Williams $35,000 NON-PRO ANY AGE: Bill Wilkins, Smart Little Cranbar (219), Bill and Tara Wilkins

to repeat as champion. Libby Bowman also captured her second title with Rich N Snazzy in the $100,000 Amateur for 5/6-YearOlds event.

Harris Shepard added to

get updates on the Augusta Futurity by following Staff Writer Chris Gay on Twitter at @AUG_ChrisGay.

his family’s legacy, claiming the Futurity Non-Pro title aboard Especially Thomas. Along with his older brother, Austin, and father, Sam, Harris helped add to the family’s Augusta Futurity total of seven titles.

John Wold and Fort Worth Pipeline posted 225 to win the Classic Open finals. In the Classic Non-Pro finals, Jason McClure and Freckles Meow defeated Chisholm Clark and Jesse Woodson James in a workoff.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.

3 Augusta Futurity Friday, January 17, 2014

Augusta Futurity 4

Futurity Open champions YEAR 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980

HORSE Mc Im With The Band (223.5) Oh Cay Do Over (222.5) Smoothe Bye Design (221.5) Cat A Rey (223) Dont Look Twice (228) High Brow CD (220) My Guy Rey (220) Pet Squirrel (220) Play Stocks (224) Aristo Katz (224.5) Chiquita Pistol (230.5) Dulces Smart Lena (223) Pretty Boy Cat (221) Sunolena Barrachone (221.5) Playin Stylish (222) Autumn Boon DNA (223) Flips Lil Angel (220) Playgun (222) Smart Aristocrat (221) Hicapoo (221) Haidas Dude Ranches (222) Playboy Dan (217.5) Peppy Docs Mimosa (218.5) Pop A Top Pep (223) Sunettea Playgirl (221.5) Imari Tari (225) Lil Peppys Lena (221) Playboys Madera (221.5) Lynx Star Lady (219.5) Royal Blue Boon (220.5) Peppymint Twist (221) Tari Lynnea (223.5) Freckles Hustler (222.5) Pure Tari (220)

Futurity Non-Pro champions OWNER Patrick and Laura Collins Patrick and Laura Collins Smoothe Bye Design Ltd Painted Springs Farm LLC Waco Bend Ranch Arthur Noble Waggoner Charles Burger James Vangilder Slate River Ranch Jack and Susan Waggoner Wallace Dorman Dulces Smart Lena Syndicate Jack and Susan Waggoner John and Doris Crump R.E. Merritt Bill and Karen Freeman John Hicks Dick Pieper Jack Waggoner Jim and Mary Jo Milner Silverbrook Ranches Skip and Gai Hamilton Mike Winke Stephen and Andre Bergeron Joe Ayres Silverbrook Ranches Silverbrook Ranches Marion Flynt Larry and Ellen Reeder Hall and Hambrick Marion Flynt Dick Gaines Marion Flynt Bob Close

RIDER Craig Thompson Craig Thompson Phil Rapp Brad Mitchell Phil Rapp Austin Shepard Phil Rapp Roger Wagner Michelle Hall Clint Allen Tag Rice Phil Rapp Faron Hightower Lloyd Cox Kathy Daughn Bill Freeman Leon Harrel Jody Galyean Bill Freeman Paul Hansma Rodney Schumann Barbra Schulte Bill Riddle Ronnie Rice Jody Galyean Buster Welch Buster Welch Terry Riddle Larry Reeder Larry Reeder Buster Welch Dick Gaines Terry Riddle Pat Earnheart

Friday, January 17, 2014

Classic Open champions YEAR 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985

HORSE Fort Worth Pipeline (226) Smoother Than A Cat (223) Dees Mr Charles (228) Playin At The Mall (222.5) Grandpaws Playgirl (223) Copaspepto (221.5) Woody Be Tuff (226) One Time Pepto (229) Just Playin Smart (223) Chiquita Pistol (227) Nu I Wood (223) Purdy Aristocrat (223.5) Cool Little Feet (220) Smart Lookin Hi Brow (221) Little Belly Dancer (223) Smart Little Jerry (222) Moms Stylish Laddie (219) Bob Acre Lena (223) Little Badger Dulce (227) Lenas Playgirl (225.5) High Brow Cat (221.5) Hickorys Bar Tivio (221.5) Clays Little Peppy (222.5) Dual Pep (224) Docs Stylish Oak (221.5) Poco Quixote Rio (224) Playboys Foxy Gal (224) Doctorwood (220.5) Angelynx (221)

YEAR HORSE 2013 Especially Thomas (217) 2012 Sigala Rey (223) 2011 Itch My Stylist Cat (215) 2010 Twisting Playdough (219) 2009 Sass and the City (218) 2008 Bubble Gum (220) 2007 Missing Addition (220) 2006 Hokies Cat (225) 2005 Freckles Royally Doc (222) 2004 Haidas Merlin (221) 2003 Moody Blue Boon (217) 2002 Freckles Lena Boon (222) 2001 CD Light (221) 2000 Cats Full Measure (221) 1999 Swingin Star Lady (221) 1998 Mr Gin Corcha (217.5) 1997 Dual Delight (218) 1996 Playgun (222.5) 1995 She’s Pretty Smooth (220) 1994 Tap O Lena (221.5) 1993 Haidas Lorri (218) 1992 Little Hickory Gal (218) 1991 Playboys Ruby (216) 1990 Gangalena (221.5) 1989 In The Ghetto (220) 1988 Miss Peppy Lena (221) 1987 CD Chica San Badger (219.5) 1986 Oak Sissy (220.5) 1985 Docs Tivito (219.5) 1984 Doc Keoke (221.5) 1983 Playboys Kid (219) 1982 Boola Quixote (219) 1981 Genuine Doc (221.5) 1980 Dulcinea Quixote (219.5)

OWNER Sam Shepard Isidro Sigala Lisa and Jamie Johnson Chad Bushaw Painted Springs Farm LLC Skip and Elizabeth Queen Wesley Galyean Matt Miller James Vangilder Mark Pearson Phil and Mary Ann Rapp Hope Justice Phil and Mary Ann Rapp Phil and Mary Ann Rapp Dean Sanders Elizabeth Elliott Billy Martin Dick Pieper Tommy Manion Phil Rapp Silverbrook Ranches Larry and Ellen Reeder Phil Rapp J.V. Hobbs II Debbie Patterson Sumer Hightower Sheila Welch Monty Johnson Dave Roberts J.E. Jumonville Jr. Mary Jo Milner Craig Crumpler Matlock Rose Spencer Harden

RIDER Harris Shepard Isidro Sigala Nicholas Johnson Chad Bushaw Barbara Brooks Elizabeth Queen Wesley Galyean Matt Miller James Vangilder Mark Pearson Mary Ann Rapp Hope Justice Mary Ann Rapp Phil Rapp Dean Sanders Elizabeth Elliott Billy Martin Dick Pieper Tommy Manion Phil Rapp Helen Groves Ellen Reeder Phil Rapp J.V. Hobbs II Debbie Patterson Sumer Hightower Sheila Welch Monty Johnson Dave Roberts J.E. Jumonville Jr. Mary Jo Milner Craig Crumpler Carol Rose Spencer Harden

Classic Non-Pro champions OWNER Lisa Bankston Jerry Bailey Edley Hixson Gene Quirk Leon Lewis Marvine Ranch LLC Lana Jill Peacock Matthews Cutting Horses LLC Brazos Bend Ranch Wallace Dorman Crystal Creek Ranch Jack and Susan Waggoner H.B. and Deborah Kelley Bartlett Tom Wiens Lannie and Louise Mecom Phil and Mary Ann Rapp Charles Drummond Bobby Moses Lonnie and Barbara Allsup Lonnie and Barbara Allsup Jack Waggoner Lonnie Allsup Smokey Garrett Dogwood Farms Charles Drummond Fares Ranch Jim Milner Larry Jeffries Mickey Murry

RIDER John Wold Steve Oehlhof Sam Shepard Austin Shepard Brett Davis Tag Rice Austin Shepard Matt Gaines Faron Hightower Tag Rice Matt Gaines Sean Flynn Faron Hightower Lloyd Cox Lloyd Cox Phil Rapp Terry Riddle Faron Hightower Pete Branch Pete Branch Faron Hightower Pete Branch Greg Welch Pat Earnheart Terry Riddle Bill Riddle Greg Welch Bill Glass Pete Branch

YEAR 2013 (tie)2012 (tie)2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985

HORSE Freckles Meow (220) Oh Miss Peacock (222) Aristo Jazz (222) Catlike Kit (220) Sugar Widows (224) Jazzy Touche (223) Soda Rey Bay (222) Sister CD (227) Annabella Lea (222) Quejanaisalena (222) Zacks Lena (227) Sonita Lena Chick (223) Tys Twister DG (223) Cool Little Feet (222) Hickory Bar Bully (220.5) Pastels Smart Lena (224) Smart Little Jerry (224) SPL Altisimo (221) Dixie Dual (221) Haidas Dude (221) Susie Dry (224.5) Shesa Little Acorn (219.5) Smartolena (218.5) Smart Whittle Wena (219) Squeak Toy (222) Docs Lone Oak (218.5) Scarlet O Lena (222) Pams Moon Bar (221) Freckles Lady Lena (216.5) Sugars Starlight (216)

OWNER Jason and Hali McClure Patrick and Laura Collins Diana Helm Ray Baldwin Van E. Holcombe Skip and Elizabeth Queen Matt Miller Skip and Elizabeth Queen Benjie Neeley Greg Coalson James Vangilder Bucki James Skip and Elizabeth Queen H.B. and Deborah K. Bartlett Jerry Durant Phil and Mary Ann Rapp Phil and Mary Ann Rapp Tommy Manion Paul and Julie Hansma Silverbrook Ranches Dick Cogdell Billy Martin Tommy Manion Julie Roddy Norman Bruce Billy Parker Oxbow Ranch Tom Lyons Sheila Adams Lee Holsey

RIDER Jason McClure Patrick Collins Diana Helm Ray Baldwin Seth E. Holcombe Elizabeth Queen Matt Miller Skip Queen Benjie Neely Greg Coalson James Vangilder Bucki James Skip Queen Deborah K. Bartlett Jerry Durant Phil Rapp Phil Rapp Tommy Manion Julie Hansma Helen Groves Dick Cogdell Billy Martin Tommy Manion Julie Roddy Norman Bruce Billy Parker Dan Lufkin Tootie Lyons Sheila Adams Lee Holsey

5 Augusta Futurity

Friday, January 17, 2014

Augusta Futurity 6

Futurity all-time champions NAME

Phil Rapp

victories Titles

Elizabeth Queen Faron Hightower Tag Rice Austin Shepard Pete Branch Terry Riddle Matt Gaines Seth E. Holcombe Lloyd Cox Kobie Wood H.B. Bartlett Buster Welch Tommy Manion Ronnie Rice

Friday, January 17, 2014

Jim Vangilder

12 2012 Mercuria Open, 2011 Futurity Open, 2010 Champions Challenge Open, 2009 Futurity Open, 2007 Futurity Open, 2002 Futurity Open, 2000 Futurity Non-Pro, 1999 Classic Non-Pro, 1998 Classic Non-Pro, 1998 Classic Open, 1994 Futurity Non-Pro, 1991 Futurity Non-Pro 5 2010 Champions Challenge Non-Pro, 2009 Classic Non-Pro, 2009 Champions Challenge Non-Pro, 2008 Futurity Non-Pro, 1998 Futurity Non-Pro 5 2005 Classic Open, 2001 Futurity Open, 2001 Classic Open, 1996 Classic Open, 1993 Classic Open 5 2008 Classic Open, 2006 Western Horseman Cup Open, 2004 Western Horseman Cup Open, 2004 Classic Open, 2003 Futurity Open 4 2010 Classic Open, 2009 Champions Challenge Open, 2008 Futurity Open, 2007 Classic Open 4 1995 Classic Open, 1994 Classic Open, 1992 Classic Open, 1986 Classic Open 4 1997 Classic Open, 1989 Classic Open, 1986 Futurity Open, 1981 Futurity Open 3 2010 Champions Challenge Open, 2006 Classic Open, 2003 Classic Open 3 2010 Classic Non-Pro, 2010 $100,000 Amateur for 4-Year-Olds, 2009 $100,000 Amateur for 5/6-Year Olds 3 2000 Classic Open, 2000 Futurity Open, 1999 Classic Open 3 1994 America’s Greatest Cowboy, 1992 America’s Greatest Cowboy, 1990 America’s Greatest Cowboy 3 2000 $50,000 Amateur 5-6-year-old, 2000 $50,000 Amateur 4-year-old, 1999 $20,000 Amateur, 3 1988 Futurity Open, 1987 Futurity Open, 1983 Futurity Open 3 1997 Classic Non-Pro, 1995 Futurity Non-Pro, 1992 Classic Non-Pro 3 1999 America’s Greatest Cowboy, 1991 America’s Greatest Cowboy, 1990 Futurity Open 3 2006 Western Horseman Cup Non-Pro, 2005 Futurity Non-Pro, 2004 Classic Non-Pro

NAME

Skip Queen

victories Titles

3 2007 Classic Non-Pro, 2002 Classic Non-Pro, 1999 $50,000 Amateur 4-year-old Glade Knight 2 2001 $50,000 Amateur 5-6-year-old, 2001 $50,000 Amateur 4-year-old Seth Wooten 2 2000 $20,000 Amateur, 2000 $5,000 Non-Pro Wilbert Roller 2 2000 $50,000 Amateur Any Age, 1990 Amateur 4-year-old Bill Freeman 2 1998 Futurity Open, 1995 Futurity Open Larry Reeder 2 1985 Futurity Open, 1984 Futurity Open Greg Welch 2 1991 Classic Open, 1987 Classic Open Bill Riddle 2 1991 Futurity Open, 1988 Classic Open Pat Earnheart 2 1990 Classic Open, 1980 Futurity Open Sumer Hightower 2 1990 Non-Pro Shootout, 1988 Futurity Non-Pro Judy Venezia 2 1992 $50,000 Amateur, 1991 Amateur Any Age Julie Roddy 2 1991 Classic Non-Pro, 1991 Non-Pro Shootout Billy Parker 2 1989 Classic Non-Pro, 1989 Amateur Any Age Norman Bruce 2 1993 Non-Pro Shootout, 1990 Classic Non-Pro Helen Groves 2 1995 Classic Non-Pro, 1993 Futurity Non-Pro Jason Surles 2 1995 Amateur 4-year-old, 1995 $50,000 Amateur Jody Galyean 2 1996 Futurity Open, 1989 Futurity Open Mary Ann Rapp 2 2003 Futurity Non-Pro, 2001 Futurity Non-Pro Benjie Neely 2 2006 Classic Non-Pro, 1994 $50,000 Amateur Billy Martin 2 1997 Futurity Non-Pro, 1993 Classic Non-Pro Steven Feiner 2 2003 $50,000 Amateur 5-6-year-old, 1999 $50,000 Amateur 4-year-old William S. Morris III 2 2005 $50,000 Amateur 5-6-year-old, 1993 $50,000 Amateur Paul Hansma 2 2007 Western Horseman Cup Open,1994 Futurity Open Nicole Aldridge 2 2007 $100,000 Amateur 5/6-year-old, 2006 $50,000 Amateur Any Age Matt Miller 2 2008 Classic Non-Pro, 2006 Futurity Non-Pro Adam Koontz 2 2007 $50,000 Amateur Any Age, 2002 $50,000 Amateur 4-year-old Harrison Perrin 2 2011 Amateur 5/6-year-old, 2011 $35,000 Non-Pro Any Age Sam Shepard 2 2011 Classic Open, 2000 America’s Greatest Cowboy event Kaitlyn Larsen 2 2012 Mercuria Non-Pro, 2007 $100,000 Amateur for 4-Year-Olds.

Craig Thompson 2 2013 Futurity Open, 2012 Futurity Open

7 Augusta Futurity

File

Kathy Boone, riding Playin Witha Cat, had the 2013 show’s highest score with 226.

High scores rare in 2013 No one came close to the record ride in 2012

By Chris Gay Staff Writer

One year after the Augusta Futurity judges awarded the highest score in show history, horses marking high scores were a rarity.

Phil Rapp and Dont Look Twice wowed the crowd with an eye-popping score of 231 in the 2012 Mercuria Open finals.

The pair bested the previous arena mark of 230.5 set by Tag Rice and Chiquita Pistol.

But in 2013, judges didn’t see a horse quite like Dont Look Twice.

In cutting, especially at the Augusta Futurity, a score of 220 or better is considered exceptional. In Augusta, 37 riders have reached the 225 mark. During the Augusta Futurity’s first 23 years, judges awarded just

11 scores of 225 or better. In the past 11 years, 26 scores matched or bettered that number.

Two riders and horses eclipsed the 225 total in 2013.

In eight official Augusta Futurity events, judges saw 10 scores of 220 or better. Kathy Boone rung up the highest score of the show with 226 aboard Playin Witha Cat in the Mercuria Non-Pro finals.

In the Mercuria Open finals, Ed Dufurrena and Auspicious Cat marked a winning score of 222. The highest score in any official event came in the Classic Open finals when John Wold and Fort Worth Pipeline rung up 225.

In the four amateur events, just two competitors reached the 220 level.

Libby Bowman and Rich N Snazzy marked 222 in the $100,000 Amateur for 5/6-YearOlds finals, while Gerda Williams and Bob Somebody tied the score in the $50,000 Amateur Any Age finals.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.

CUTTING EXPLANATION cut at different times during the ride. Some riders cut three.

Five judges rank a ride on a scale between 60 and 80 points, with half-points being allowed. The final score is reached by dropping the high and low scores and taking the total of the remaining three scores. The

highest possible score is 240.

The rider guides the horse to prevent the cow from returning to the herd.

Cows that return to the herd bring the highest penalty from the judges (five-point deduction from each judge).

It is said a horse “lost a cow” when it fails to hold it.

Friday, January 17, 2014

The Augusta Futurity is a cutting-horse show, where a rider and horse try to “cut” a cow out of a herd of cattle and then attempt to prevent its return to that herd.

Riders have 2½ minutes in each ride to show the ability of the horse to control a cow once the cow is cut.

At least two cows must be

Friday, January 17, 2014 Augusta Futurity 8