Bridle & Bit Horse Magazine August Edition by Bridle & Bit

Inductee

BOB

AVILA

INTERVIEW INSIDE

HALL OF FAME

August 13-14 2021

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Induction and Reunion Celebration. Join us August 13-14 in Amarillo, Texas, for an occasion rich with events honoring previous and current inductees, centering on the long-steeped history of the American Quarter Horse.

AUGUST 2021

Teton Ridge

Named Title Sponsor for The Run For A Million

Who is Thomas Tull?

Emerging western heritage brand invests in reining’s most prestigious event with the goal of keeping the values and traditions of western horsemanship alive The richest event in reining has a new title sponsor, Teton Ridge. The company is determined to not only help grow the sport of reining, but to preserve, protect, and ensure the future of sports born of America’s most iconic way of life. Beyond the brand’s title sponsorship, Teton Ridge will also sponsor and present the $150,000 Invitational Fence Work Challenge for open bridle horse competitors.

Thomas Tull is a self-made billionaire, born to a single mother in Binghamton New York. Forbes estimates his wealth at $2.9 billion as of 7/28/21, and claim the swing of his stock market portfolio on a single day can result in $21 million dollar gains or losses. Growing up he discovered sports as a path to get ahead scoring a football scholarship to Hamilton College. Tull abandoned his plans to become a lawyer, and instead first started a chain of laundromats, then tax and accounting offices, and later he entered the world of finance.

Sixteen-years ago he raised $600 million in equity to finance the production of movies under the Legendary Pictures brand, and four-years later Tull became the majority shareholder of Legendary. The consummate deal-maker he struck deals with Warner Bros. and Universal Studios to jointly finance and produce films. Created by visionary entrepreneur Thomas Tull, Teton Ridge is After grossing over 13 billion dollars worldwide, in January of an authentic western brand with a long-term vision that will focus 2016, Legendary was acquired by the Wanda Cultural Industry on everything from performance horse breeding and Group, controlled by China’s riches man Wang training, to western apparel and gear, to hosting westJianlin, for $3.5 billion, Tull reportedly retained a ern experiences and events. 20% stake. A year later Tull left the company after The Teton Ridge sponsorship of The Run For A having produced a series of 47 films as Executive Million marks the first collaborative effort for Tull and Producer, or Producer including the block-buster the driving force behind The Run For A Million, Hollyfilms; Superman Returns, 300, The Dark Knight, wood’s western storyteller, Taylor Sheridan. Watchmen, The Hangover trilogy, The Dark Knight “Teton Ridge is uniquely positioned to bring awareRises, Pacific Rim, Godzilla, and Kong Skull Island, ness and excitement to our sport and the western performance horse world in general,” said Sheridan. Jurassic World, and Straight Outta Compton. “Teton Ridge’s title sponsorship of The Run For A MilAs a movie actor, Tull has screen credit for his lion speaks to that commitment, and our joint ventures role in The Dark Knight Rises as Gotham Rogues in the future will continue to spread the excitement owner. In television he had a small part in Stranger TRFAM has started.” Things as the role of Man on Street. “Taylor and I share common vision when it comes In 2017 Tull founded Tulco, LLC, a privately to riding disciplines which have grown from the life held holding company that invests in companies and culture of the American West,” said Tull. “There’s and then applies technology such as artificial an integrity, honesty, and purity to these sports that intelligence and machine learning. Both of which represent the unique heritage of our nation.” can be applied in the reining horse industry to Teton Ridge’s sponsorship of TRFAM underscores THOMAS TULL create AI machines that learn how to judge reining the brand’s mission to preserve the traditions and competitions, as reported in the June edition of Bridle & Bit. values of the West, while celebrating the athleticism and spirit of He currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after selling his the men and women who compete in western equine sports every Westlake Village, California 32,000 square foot mansion that was day. listed for $85 million. A Pittsburgh Steelers fan in his youth, he is The second annual TRFAM, which was postponed in 2020 now a part-owner of the team, and an avid baseball fan. due to COVID concerns, happens in Las Vegas from August 18th Tull’s philanthropy included a donation of $4.2 million worth of through the 21st, at the famed South Point Arena and Equestrian personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Center. donation to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation for research, and a grant to the University of Pittsburgh towards brain About Teton Ridge cancer research. Teton Ridge is a multi-platform brand devoted to the iconic AmeriIn 2018 Tull, acting as an venture capitalist thru his firm Tulco, can Western way of life and western equine sports. Teton Ridge invested a $65 million cash influsion into FIGS, an online retailer, will create a team of elite equine riders from multiple disciplines, that sells medical apparel. Three-years later they took the invest in the breeding and training of the most sought-after pedicompany public with an initial stock offering that raised $580 million grees in the quarter horse industry and engage audiences to at $22 dollars a share, and three-months later FIGGS July 29, elevate and expand western equine sports through innovative 2021 trades at $37.18 a share. The company uses 250 medical technology. Additionally, Teton Ridge operates a philanthropic foundation that provides invaluable funding for land stewardship, fosters compersonal that act as online influencers in their off-hours to drive munity by preserving the American West’s cultural heritage, and ensures interest in their products. Healthcare apparel is a $79 billion a year the future of ranching and riding sports. For more information about global market. FIGS 2020 sales revenue reported by FORTUNE, Teton Ridge, please visit tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram @ was $263 million. tetonridgeusa on Facebook.

AUGUST 2021

LAUREN LOVE WINS

INAUGURAL STORY BOOK STABLES AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP AT 6666 NRHA DERBY PRESENTED BY MARKEL

The inaugural Story Book Stables Amateur Championship at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel was decided during the preliminary round of competition. Lauren Love was one of 138 amateurs that took advantage of that opportunity, and she came out on top, piloting Rebelvintage to a 218 for the win. “It’s pretty exciting,” Love said. “It was a big class, so I just wanted to go in there, have a good run and try to make the Level 4 finals. Winning the Amateur was kind of the cherry on top.” Love and “Rebel” collected $7,487. In addition to accomplishing their goal of qualifying for the Level 4 Non Pro finals, the pair also qualified for Level 3, and earned $6,632 in the finals. They also took Reserve in the GlycoGuard Novice Horse Non Pro for another $3,112, and placed fourth in the Colston Paving Stakes for an additional $2,829. Love purchased Rebel, who is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage and out of Wimpys Got Action, last year and picked up almost $4,000 throughout the course of 2020. She hasn’t shown the mare, who was bred and nominated by Linda Lacaille, much in 2021, but since Rebel was eligible for so many divisions at the Derby, she figured it would be worth going. “She’s a show horse. Every time I go in the show pen with her, I know I can count on her,” Love said, thanking trainer Arnaud Ferret for doing a great job preparing Rebel. “She’s just a fun horse to show. She’s great at circling, and she’s a great stopper. She’s one that you can just sit there and really show off, so that’s always fun.” Love was grateful to Story Book Stables’ owner Brenda Joyce for sponsoring the Amateur, saying it was a great idea. “I think Brenda is going to do great things for the industry by offering this,” she said. “This kind of separates the playing field a little bit to where there’s more money added for everybody else that isn’t always maybe in the top five or the top 10 at the major events. It gives more opportunities, which I think is great for the sport and adds a little more diversity.” Two riders tied for Reserve in the Amateur Derby. Tabitha Sterberg Allen, who was on board Holly Trashya (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Hickorys Holly Cee), along with Allana Vernon on Gunnersrufride (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Lil Ruf Showgirl), each marked a 217.5 and collected a check for $3,988. Holly Trashya was nominated by her breeder, Arcese Quarter Horses USA, and is owned by Francesca Sternberg. Gunnersrufride belongs to White River Ag Products Inc. and was bred and nominated by Richard Vernon. 20

BRENDA JOYCE INTERVIEW

Q - The 2021 NRHA Derby held your new Story Book Stables

Amateur Class. How did the public respond to this new offering? A - The response to our Amateur Derby held in conjunction with the NRHA Derby this year in OKC was unbelievable. So many reiners thanked me and my husband personally, for the Amateur Derby and everything else that we do for the industry. One lady stopped me in the hallway and she started to cry. Lauren Love, the Amateur Derby champion, was gracious, and grateful. We’re looking forward to next year’s Amateur Derby, while hoping the event catches on, and other shows decide to add the division.

Q- Entries showed to

be up for this event and your new class division really seemed to be a hit- How does that make you feel? A - We are thrilled. We want to make a difference in the industry….we want to support the industry from the bottom up, meaning supporting the exhibitor/owner first, not from the top down, which means BRENDA JOYCE supporting the Open riders at the top and the breeder/owners who own their horses.

Q - Offspring from the Story Book breeding program have

big

been really doing well in the show pen- Can you give us some details? A - We have been doing well showing for a number of years, both in the Open and Non Pro divisions, with horses we have purchased as prospects, or a handful of other purchases, like Super Marioo. But this year is really a new era for SBS. We have a handful of three year olds by Star Spangled Whiz which are exceptional, including the two that went to the Invitational. McSpangled was shown by my husband, first time out, they were really good. J Jameson was shown by Arno Honstetter in the Open, placing 6th and taking home $8000.00 And then how can we forget Mandy McCutcheon on Star Spangled Star, the Non Pro Invitational Futurity champion with a 218.5! We’re really excited about our other stud, Wimpys High Bid, as well. Melody Made Her Bid just won the Non Pro Futurity at Reining By the Bay with Lisa Bricker! Arno is showing another Wimpys High Bid in Tulsa, BIGSHOT in the Dark, and Cade MCutcheon is showing his brother, Gonna Outbid YA. And that is not our full list of outstanding three year olds from our program!

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Trevor Dare and Jerseys Baby Driver Sweep NRHA Open Derby Level 4 Trevor Dare and Jerseys Baby Driver flew into the Jim Norick Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for the 6666 NRHA Open Derby Level 4 finals with a mission on their mind. From the first maneuver, the crowd was on their feet. From that first sliding stop to the last, the crowd stayed behind Dare and his talented equine partner. The crowd knew what they were witnessing— and the judges agreed. When it was all said and done Dare topped the field with a 226.5. “This is the best feeling,” Dare said after his win. “I knew I needed to be perfect, stay out of his way, and just put him in the right spot and he would take care of the rest.” Jerseys Baby Driver was picture perfect the entire run, but his stops were standout moments—an attribute Dare

TREVOR DARE

agrees is a strong suit. “He’s a really big stopper, so when we ran through the gate, I was really focused on making sure that we could nail that first stop,” he said. “He’s almost like a powerlifter when he runs and stops. It’s like he tries to make the earth shake. It’s a crazy feeling.” While Dare knew he could count on the 5-year-old stallion, by Yellow Jersey out of Wind Her Up Chic, to show up in the

stops, he was careful to not lose focus during the rest of the run. “At the NRBC we had gotten in a bit of a hurry starting our first turns, so that was a spot I knew I needed to focus, and again he was right there,” he said. “I did my job, and he did his. It was a team effort out there. From start to finish the harder I pushed the more he gave me.” Jerseys Baby Driver has been with Dare since he was a yearling after owner Janice Laney purchased him out of the Legacy Sale. The colt was started by Damian Rico as a 2-year-old and then Dare took the reins. The pair have been climbing to the top of the field ever since and sharing a special bond along the way. “The difference between a good horse and a great horse is the size of their heart, and he has a big one,” Dare said.

AUGUST 2021

“I always believed in him and always knew it would get there; that we just had to put it together. You ask any of the professionals out here it is hard to do, so it feels great to put it together at the same time.” Before the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, Dare’s lifetime earnings were $644,000, and the $75,000 Championship check has pushed him past the $700,000 mark. “I think the payout is great and it’s another way to promote our business and horses,” he said. “It gives us more money to run at and really supports the growth of our industry. Thank you to the 6666 Ranch.” The Derby championship is a significant boost for anyone’s career, and while Dare is grateful and truly excited for the win, he’s humble enough to recognize that each show is a new day.

AUGUST 2021

Special Editorial for B & B

WATER ISSUES

DRIVE CONCERNS IN RIO VERDE Years ago, a citizens group rolled up its sleeves to try to find a way to give the Rio Verde residents some water As a lifelong Arizonan, I understand water stability. Now, their idea of a domestic water improvement challenges are especially pronounced in our district (DWID) has been presented to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. desert climate. As the county supervisor I applaud the group for coming up with a possible solution. However, I’ve also spoken with many folks who don’t like the representing the Rio Verde Foothills, I of creating a new taxing district (aka the DWID) in the Rio realize how personal it is to people out here, idea Verde Foothills area – even if the DWID does not include their especially as new folks move property; they want to take responsibility for themselves and have others to do the in and new homes are built. same. They’re uneasy about the power I understand all of that. And yet I the DWID might have in making decisions actually disagree with the oft-quoted about their water. They don’t necessarily line that whiskey is for drinking and want government getting involved in water is for fighting. I think water solving the community’s water problems. can bring us together, even here Of course, I understand, respect and in Rio Verde where there’s great won’t ignore these concerns and I have disagreement right now about the best committed my time and focus on finding a way to ensure everybody in the area solution that brings broader support. has access to clean water. If the last year has taught me anything, Since the Rio Verde Foothills it’s that we need one another. We rise is unincorporated, residents don’t together, and we fall together. automatically get water service from a That is why I’m gathering a lot of city or town. The County is not a water different perspectives to see if there’s a Steve Chucri provider. So the people of the Rio Verde compromise to be had. I am meeting with Foothills have had to find other sources of Maricopa County local water providers to determine their water. Some have wells. Some use private capacity. I’m taking a close look at state law Supervisor utilities like Global Water. Others rely on regarding water districts. I have met with the District 2 hauled water, much of which comes from the Real Estate Commissioner to discuss how City of Scottsdale. we can work together to deal with bad actors The thing that unites everyone in the area is the fact that aren’t following state real estate laws. I am working with that the water supply here is tenuous. Wells can dry up. residents on both sides of this issue with the goal of ensuring Private companies can make changes based on business every single person I represent has access to that most needs. The City of Scottsdale has been a great partner, essential of all resources: water. but with the entire southwest facing dire drought conditions, This is a critical time for the Rio Verde Foothills, a beautiful the City recently adopted a drought management plan that place with an independent streak I love. would mean no more water being trucked into the Rio Verde Now is the time to find a long-term solution to our water Foothills at a future date unless conditions dramatically issues. Sure, we could keep drinking whiskey and fighting change for the positive in the future. over water, but where will that leave us in five or ten years? Every single person in the Rio Verde Foothills has a stake In the same exact place. That’s not acceptable to me, and I in finding a new path forward. don’t think it’s good for the Rio Verde Foothills, either.

By Steve Chucri

“Every single person in the Rio Verde Foothills has a stake in finding a new path forward.” AUGUST 2021

Naylor Performance Horses had a VERY successful show in Las Vegas at The Celebration & EMO Western States Championship!

Red Hot Whizkey aka FIREBALL RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION - Level 1 Amateur marking a 215.5 with Robin Filbry! EMO AMATEUR CHAMPION marking a 214.5 with Robin! CIRCUIT CHAMPION Senior horse marking a 222 with Brent Naylor ! EMO OPEN CHAMPION marking a 222 with Brent !

Congratulations to our client for their purchase of 2 year old colt ROUGH JOKER FACE by Pale Face Dunnit out of Poco Roco Peppy! We are beyond excited about this colt’s future! Welcome to the NPH Family! Thank you Chantel Kuhn and Marcos Guimaraes for helping this deal go through so smoothly… it was a pleasure working with you!

Welcome to the NPH Family “Shakira” ! This beautiful 2yr old filly is by Gunners Tinseltown out of Shez A Whizzzin Chic ! Thank you Clemerson Barbalho for setting such a strong foundation on this filly!! We are excited to have her as a new addition to the show string! Mare Power !

GUNNATHRILLYA aka LOUIE CIRCUIT CHAMPION - Junior horse marking a 219 with Brent ! EMO OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION marking a 219 with Brent !

XTRA LOVESACOCKTAIL aka GATOR Placing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in his Junior class on Friday with Christie Batson

Brent Naylor - 602-568-4104 Scottsdale, Arizona AUGUST 2021

COVERS

B O B C O V E R S

AUGUST 2021

BOB AVILA LL

M FA

A Bit About Bob

Bob Avila has called the American Quarter Horse his obsession for over 35 years. That obsession has led Bob to accomplish a record that most simply marvel at. Bob was born in northern California, and from the beginning his love of horses was inevitable. Both his parents, Don and Pat instilled the devotion to the horse and showing horses, and the hard work required to succeed, which continues today. Bob’s induction into the prestigious AQHA Hall of Fame is August 21-21, in Las Vegas. In his performance career he has accumulated over 37 World Champion or Reserve World Champion titles in events ranging from performance to halter. Acknowledged by his peers as one of the most versatile and accomplished horsemen, he is the recipient of the first AQHA Professional Horseman award and he has captured the prestigious title of Worlds Greatest Horseman twice! His lifetime show earnings exceed 1.7 million dollars! Bob already is in the National Reined Cow Horse Hall of Fame. He is one of only two horsemen to have won both the $100,000 NRCHA Futurity and the $100,000 NRHA Futurity. He is also in the very elite company of only one other horseman that has won the NRCHA Futurity more than two times. Bob has had many of the greats train with him including; Todd Bergen, Andrea Fappani, Duane Latimer, Clinton Anderson, Pat Parelli, and John Lyons.

INTERVIEW

Q - In 1988, You pioneered the

sharing of training tips on video tapes with Todd Bergen, and the late John Slack with Heroes & Friends. Tell us a little about that. A - It was not in 1988, I want to say it was in the early 1990’s. I can’t tell you exactly when it was, but I remember the horses I used in it. I put together a group of people to do the project; it was Cam Essick, Butch Morgan, Todd Bergen, John Slack, Teddy Robinson, and myself. There were six of us that put it all together. Cam was the

brains behind the format, Butch was the marketing guy. Teddy and I had done a lot of things already, we knew we could feed off each other and had a rapport already established. We added John and Todd as the young guns so that we could bring in everybody as the audience. It worked! It worked 150%! We wanted to do something that no one had ever done before, we wanted the quality to be unbelievable. Even the packaging, Cam did the packaging, it was in a cool box with all four videos. We set out to do it right and we did it.

AUGUST 2021

BY TRACY WAGER

We did exactly what we wanted to do, and it cost us a lot of money to do it that way, but it paid off. Back then, everyone was grabbing their camcorder and doing videos out in the barn with the wife taking the video, while holding a baby and the dog biting her leg while telling her husband what to do. We did not want that, we wanted ours to be very professional, very Hollywood and that is what we did. We set the industry on their ear with it. We sold a lot of those videos and it was very successful. I do not recall how many we sold, but we had cases and cases going out the door. We had a distributor and I remember seeing cases and cases come in and it was a lot! Each case was about the size of saddle boxes, it blew me away. Q - Horse & Rider published your book “Win with Bob Avila” in 2002. A - That was my first book and Western Horseman published my second book “Be a Smart Horse Buyer”.

PUBLISHED BY WESTERN HORSEMAN

PUBLISHED BY HORSE & RIDER MAGAZINE

continued on page next page 33

Q - Capturing the Worlds Greatest Horseman title

twice, is an incredible feat, just how tough it that event, and what have been your keys to winning? A - The World’s Greatest is probably my favorite event. It is definitely the most challenging making all 4 events work. I’ve always approached it with a very methodical mindset. I didn’t ever try to win one leg of it, I just tried to stay as high as I could in every event. The most challenging part is not only keeping your mental mindset right, it is keeping your horses healthy and in the right mindset as well. Your horse must be prepared properly when you arrive, over schooling at the event is really not an option.

Bob with his World Greatest Horseman Back Numbers separates the winners from the other exhibitors. • Physical • Mental • The Team A - It’s all the above. One of the biggest things is that winners work harder than other people do. When they stub their toe, they don’t let it bother them and they don’t go into tomorrow dragging yesterday with them. They can get over making a mistake and keep going. They don’t think about like, “Oh my, I made a mistake! What am I going to do?”. If you show

enough, if you do anything enough, I don’t care whatever it is you are going to make mistakes. I don’t care who you are, but you have got to learn to get over it. You have to see if you learned by your mistake and then keep going forward. Then you need to be aware of the times changing. You must change with the times. I have an example, at the Avila Pro Shop. We now laugh about it, but when the square toed boots came out, they did not want to carry them. They did not like square toed boots and were not going to order any. I kept saying, “I don’t care if you like them or not, that’s what is selling. You have got to

get over it.” This went one for couple of years and they fought it. Finally, they gave into it and I saw Joel at a horse show here about a year ago, and when I looked down he had square toed boots on. Originally, he did not want to accept it. But that’s just one thing as an example. You have got to accept change, and you need to

change with things. Sometimes it is not what you want, but it is a big part of being successful in business. You have to be able to change with the times, while still keeping your authentic style. I watch things a lot. When I am at a horse show, I may not say anything, but I am always watching what is going on.

“If I did not have Cinch as a sponsor I would buy it anyways.“

“Professional’s Choice is just part of me. They are part of my family.”

“They are part of my life, because I have rode them for so long”

“Rios Boots are one of the highest quality boots on the market. I love them!”

Q - Share us a few tips on what

WINNER 2000 Paid By Chic

AUGUST 2021

WINNER 2007 Light N Fine

When I see something that I think is new, I try to learn about what it is. I think that is why, for instance, when I had a mare named Leaguerette she was very low headed and people noticed her and loved the way she carried herself. Everyone thinks that Boomernic was the first low headed horse that came to the Reining. But Leaguerette was low headed before Boomernic. I have no idea why she was that way, she just was. I won a lot on her, she was a really cool mare, and she was really stiff necked but it made her carry herself very low, she just came that way it wasn’t forced on her. She was very low headed, she ran her circles with her neck really low, and people loved her! So, I kept saying to myself, why are they making such a big deal about this mare. It was because it was something they had never seen before. Then as we went on and Doug Carpenter and I bought Boomernic, as a 2 year old we looked for that something extra, that something special. I still look for that in my show horses today. What makes them set apart for everything else? If they are in a group of horses, why do you go and pick them out and not the other ones? Boomernic had that, Leaguerette had that. They have that charisma. It is something that maybe

“Farnam has been wonderful to me. They have some of the greatest products and brands.”

Bob and his cow Sunny May

pretty just looks better.

Brother White at the Magnificent 7

you cannot describe that make them different than anything else. I am very conscious when I pick out horses, like the one that Dana is riding right now. He has that beautiful look to him, when you look, he has a kindness in his eye. The judges may not get close enough to

“Kiser has changed our industry.”

see the kindness in his eyes, but we do. I think that kindness just comes out of him when you look at him doing his job. Bottomline is I look for something different, I don’t want what everyone else has. I never have! There are exceptions. The horse I won the AQHA Superhorse on was a plain ole bay

“LMF Feeds feed is what has helped keep my horses looking amazing for the last 20 years!”

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gelding. But to this day, I think he was the only Superhorse that was a World Champion in 2 and a Reserve World Champion in 3 - he did 5 events! So, he was very special, but he was just a plain gelding, he was not pretty headed, he was just a plain gelding, but he did everything really well! I look at it this way. When I walk down my barn alley every day, why not look at pretty horses rather than horses that are not pretty? People have always said to me that “pretty is as pretty does”, but I think that is bull. Complete bull! Because if you give me a horse that is very talented and homely, and then give me a horse that has the same exact talent (whatever that degree of talent is) that is pretty, pretty is going to beat plain every time. To the judges, it may be subconscious, but continued on page next page

“They look great on horses and are great to work with. The quality is exceptional.”

Continued from previous page

MORE BOB AVILA

“Hey Bob, I like that bit”. But you know when they accept it and are good about it. I know when they want to spit it out of their mouth, they are saying “I don’t like this”. I don’t fight them on it, I say “Ok, let’s go find something that you do like”. I own over 200 bits myself, that is how important I feel they are to my job!

Q -You created the “Bit Collec-

tion” with Professionals Choice how did that come about? A - Today I have been with Professional’s Choice for 33 years. I had an idea about 15 years ago. I called Dal Scott that owned Professional’s Choice, when he was still alive, at that time I had already been with them for over 20 years already and we had a great relationship. We knew we worked well together. I had an idea, I wanted to come up with a bit line that was very high quality but still something people could afford. Bits can be very expensive, it’s nothing to give $500 or $700 for a bit. I wanted to build a bit that people could afford that had the quality and availability for everyone. So, I went to Dal and Monty Crist, at Professional’s Choice and I told them “I have an idea and I will give you half of it, if you take over the ordering and the marketing and handling. I will take care of coming up with ideas and make sure the quality control was there.” After some discussion about the costs if it did not work, Dal said “Bob has been with us a long time, what’s it going to cost if we make a mistake?” Monty agreed and so we did it. Today, 15 years later, it’s a substantial part of Professional’s Choice product line. We started out with 5 bits and we have over 200 in the line now.

“They make the cool roping chutes, they are great to work with. “

Q - Having trained horses for

horses, and the sixth one does not like it! So, I need to put a different one on until I find on that he likes. In my opinion one of the most important things about training and showing a horse, is finding a bridle your horse likes. A horse has to accept a bit and like it or be comfortable in it to perform well. A horse cannot sit there and say

over 50 years, do you find the specialized breeding of performance horses, over-time, has resulted in horses that are easier to train? A - Yes! When I grew up, one of the things that pointed me to the Reiner/Cowhorse type horses, was that my Dad was a Rope horse trainer. He was a Roper and a Rodeo cowboy. My Mother, when they got together was into show horses, and she kind of talked him into going into show horses. But he brought his rope horses into the show arena as well. I hated riding his rope horses. They were great to rope on, but I hated just riding them because it took the whole arena to turn them around and get them back to the box. They were not fun horses to ride unless you were roping. I had the opportunity to hang around Tony Amaral when I was a very little kid, and I loved his horses. I used to get to walk them out at the horse shows. I loved his horses because you picked up your fingers and they responded. I think that’s what

“Every vehicle I have had since 1984, including pick-ups, Escalades, Tahoes, semi’s, duallys. I buy every vehicle from them.”

“They are the only sunglass that stays on. They are designed by ropers who actually ride horses.”

Paid by Chic- First World’s Greatest Horseman Win Q - How important are bits in

high-end performance competition? A - If you don’t have a bit that your horse likes, your horse doesn’t perform. You do not have to have the prettiest bit in the pen, you need to have a bit that your horse likes. I may have a bit that I use on five

“They have stem cell treatments that are ready to go with no down time or waiting for the treatment.“

AUGUST 2021

Everyone Marvels at Bob’s Tack Room started me looking for this in my horses. The horses we rode in those days, I’m talking 50 years ago, we would not even have them in the barn today. The horses we are riding today are very highly bred athletes. We rode horses that were just horses. They were the best horses we had they were the best horses we could find. They were not bred to do

any one thing well. They were bred to be as good a horse as they could be at that time. Now we have horses that are bred to be superstars in the Cutting, superstars in the Reining. Now we have horses bred just for Halter. When I first started, we showed everything in halter. My Mother used to say that my favorite event was the gate opening, because I went in

“Kurt Heite has taken care of our horses for years. We think a lot them.”

“They are the Ferrari of horse trailers. The best horse trailer on the market.“

everything. I showed in every event the shows offered. My parents would ask me “What do you want to enter’ and I would say, “everything.” I rode English, Western Pleasure, Cutting, I ran barrels and poles, and showed halter I did everything. Now people don’t even think about showing horses unless they are in the event they are bred to do. But that is why they

“American Hats are so high in quality it’s incredible.”

AUGUST 2021

are so good at what they do! Now, when we start horses, they are simple to train. Before you had to really work at it. I am not saying that you don’t have to work at it today, the horses are just naturally talented, the degree of difficulty is different.

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“DAC supplements keep my horses healthy both inside and out.”

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MORE BOB AVILA

Dana and Bob Q - How do you feel about your

induction into the AQHA Hall of Fame this year? A - No doubt about it this is a great honor! I feel a little funny about it because I didn’t get here alone. There were so many people that helped get me to this point in my career. I did not do this all by myself. I have had great, great HALL OF FAME employees in my life. I am talking about, the kids that I have trained that worked for me. Great people have been the key. My wife has been great, my customers and my sponsors have been incredible. I don’t think I could be as successful without the sponsors. These sponsors have been with me a long, long time and that is one of the things I am really proud of is the relationship I have with my sponsors. I have personal relationships with them; we have even gone on vacations together with some of them. But sponsorships are a twoway street. That is what a lot of people do not realize, they get a sponsor, and they get what

is promised, but they don’t give back. You have to be part of it too, part of what is going on.

Q - What happens when you

get inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame? A - Honestly, I don’t know because I have never been in it yet! No seriously, the AQHA Hall of Fame is a really cool museum in Amarillo TX and it is very fun to walk thru. It pays

Age 5 modeling for a western wear store homage to the American Quarter Horse and the people that have made it what it is today. It is an honor to be among the people and horses that are in the hall. Everything in that building has probably shaped my life in one way or another.

Chics Magic Potion

Major Leaguer

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Q - Your cutting horse exhibi-

tion and galloping down the fence in the opening scene in episode 8 of Yellowstone was very exciting for the audience. How did seeing that opening scene make you feel, considering millions watched? A - I had no idea what they were going to use in there until I actually saw it when everybody else saw it. Taylor Sheridan called me the night before and he said, “I think you are going to be very happy with this.” That is all I knew. So, when it came on, I kinda went WOW! I saw it when everyone else saw it and it was really cool! Millions of people saw great horses and horsemen, and it was serious horsemanship not acting. I must tell you that of all of the stuff that I have won in my life, I’ve had more reaction out of the public on that, than anything else! I thought that I had won some pretty cool stuff in my life, but I got more comments from people on Yellowstone, than anything I have ever won in my life. It’s crazy!

Q - Today your sponsors in-

clude industry leaders. How do you score these high-end sponsorships? A - I don’t really think I scored them. I guess in a way I did, but the way I have presented myself and my business in the show ring and out of the show ring. I think that is what has drawn my sponsors to me. No doubt success in the show arena is key. Once it starts, I think it kinds of feeds itself after a while. Like Bex Sunglasses for instance, Dana and I were walking down the hallway at the

Western Market and a gal we know said, “I was at Bex and they want to talk to you.” So, we went to Bex and they wanted to do a deal together. We jumped on it as they are just fabulous sunglasses. I mean, you kind of went WOW, really! When I got Cinch, I was with a different clothing company that I really was not happy

Bob & Dana Avila with Kevin Costner

TAYLOR SHERIDAN with. Cinch came to me and they were brand new, and they gave me a pair of pants before I had the endorsement or knew the brand. I tried them and just loved them! They revolutionized Western apparel in many ways. Let me give you an example, my son would not wear Western jeans to school when he was little. When I got Cinch, he would wear Cinch to school. Cinch was cool! I have gotten to know them well and I have become friends with the owners and the people that run the company. Back then their whole projection with Cinch was, we want the kids. When I got in there I looked at them and said, “Guys, do you realize that if you make the parents happy, they are going to give the kids more money to spend!” And they kind of went wow. I have a clothing endorsement with Cinch until I am 80 years old. I just have to live that long.

Bob on the set with the Crew

NRCHA Open Riders - Kelby Phillips, Todd Bergen, Bob Avila, Corey Cushing, & Tracer Gilson all appeared on camera in Episode 8, “I Killed A Man Today.”

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Lights - Camera - Action! 39

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Mr Dual Rey as a 3-year-old

MORE BOB AVILA Q - What is the background of

your family? A - The Avila name is Portuguese. My Grandparents were Dairy farmers and my Grandfather was a horseman. My Dad was a Rodeo cowboy and horse trainer. My Dad owned Docs Dee Bar, which was one of the first great sons of Doc Bar. That Horse did ten events! When was the last time you saw a horse that did ten events? My Mother was very involved in the show horse side of things. Training horses was just a natural progression for me. I was born just south of San Francisco and grew up in Northern California. Q - What do you do for fun that doesn’t involve horses? A - We have a boat that we love to spend time on. We go to the river in Parker, Arizona. We also play on our side by side some out on the desert. But the boat, that is really our getaway. We go down there and have a whole bunch of friends there that really have nothing to do with horses. We don’t talk horses at the river; we have another side of our life. We play on the boat and in the pools, on the river and we just get away. It’s close enough to just go for the weekend and we try to get there as much as possible.

Q -- A tour of the ranch reflects

the stalls are full of a fine stable of horses. What is next for Bob Avila? A - I started doing some consulting and I enjoy doing that. I enjoy helping young trainers, I am a fresh set of eyes on their program, it has been really fun helping professionals. I have helped people design new ranches because I see so many people build places that make

Bob showing off his latest Private Collection Bit by Profesional’s Choice mistakes. You walk yourself to death across them, because they don’t set them up correctly. Riding is still a big part of it, I have scaled down to 5 or 6 a day. My neck and back started hurting me and that is why I stopped showing Cow horses. I did not want to be a has-been, I wanted to walk out when I was at the top of my game. I have done that with my horses in the past. I have retired them when they were at the top. So, I was mindful to do the same.

Q - One of your sponsors,

Farnam, has many great products and have been in business for 70 Years, since 1946. Tell us about them. A - Farnam is so important to a horse operation, ours happens to be a training operation, but any horse operation no matter the size needs Farnam products on hand. They have the best product lines and they do everything from wormer, to fly spray and hoof care, wound care, supplements, grooming,

so many products. You name it they have it, and they have the best! Their prices are good and they offer so many great coupons that are easy to get online or even at the stores that you shop at. Everything a stable needs you can get through Farnam. It is a great company.

Q - You said that it takes a

team to be Bob Avila, please expand on that concept. A - I think that anyone in this business that is married their spouse has to back them up 100%. Most of the time it is not glamorous, your spouse must have your back when you have customers and they need help, or you need help managing the work flow. It is not a lot of fun stuff sometimes. We have scaled down enough where Dana and I do everything ourselves, we do not have a lot of hired help anymore, she rides the horses we own and I ride the training horses. We have one wonderful guy Pablo; he feeds and cleans, looks after all the landscaping, and gets horses turned out and longed

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when we are away. When we go to a show now, instead of getting on a plane and flying, we drive our own rigs. We have a system, and I don’t think you can do this by yourself. It’s really not a business that you can do without your spouse helping you do it. It is definitely a team effort of you want to be successful. It may not be a spouse but whoever it is, they have to be on the team 100% and they have to understand this business. A big part of it is not that hard. It’s going out to dinner with clients or sponsors. Like when we go to the Western Market, Dana says I shake hands, pet dogs and kiss babies. That is all part of the responsibility, and we do that until we are tired and can barely take our boots off when we get back to the hotel room. Dana helps keep track of who I run into, who I need to see and what we have to do at the Market and the shows. Dana and I work really well as a team. teamwork is the key. I have people ask me all the time, “Do you ever drive?” I answer, “Oh no, I never drive.” I

tell them as a joke, “She drives or she tells me how to drive” and that makes them laugh, but I like it, it’s nice. Why not just let her drive? Who you have as a partner is a very important part of being successful. This Hall of Fame is a really big deal, but I could not have done this by myself. It’s Dana, and the Sponsors we have, the customers that let me do what I want to do. To buy the horses I want to buy, to show them where I want to show them. And I can’t say I got here without all the great people that have worked for me in the past along the way. When you got here, Ken Banks was on the phone with me. He is on the Executive Committee of the AQHA, and one of our customers for over 20 years. Ken has had me make decisions, and some of them I did not want to make. He says, “Here, it’s your deal, you take care of it.” That is a big deal and a lot of responsibility to carry. Being in the Hall of Fame, well it takes more than one person to get that done. There is no way that a person can start in this business and do it all by themselves and end up there. It is just not going to happen.

half lived like. I lived in Reno. My parents had gotten a divorce and I left home and went to work for Goodyear. I never got on a horse for 2 or 3 years. I would go to watch some horse shows in Reno at the center there and see Mary and Greg Whalen, they have been life-long friends and they have helped me a lot. I am glad I got away from it because I realized that training horses was what I really wanted to do. If I had not done that, I may not have had the chance to realize how much I loved the horses.

Roping on Brother White I am really proud of my son BJ, he is a horse trainer now. He bought himself a place two years ago in Texas. He struggles like any other young horse trainer, but he is very talented and has great work ethic. He

gest accomplishments. What are some of the most memorable points? A -Well, I have won the Snaffle Bit Futurity 3 times. Everyone

“The Hall of Fame, that takes more than one person to get that done. There is no way that a person can start in this business and do it all by themselves and end up there. It is just not going to happen. “ is working hard to find his own way through it. As a youth competitor he was a superstar, and when that was over with I said, “It’s over with, now you go to college, or you get a job. One or the other.” That is when he told me that he wanted to be a horse trainer. I told him, “It’s a hard life, are you sure?” BJ wanted no part of college so he jumped in with both feet.

Q - Have you done any job

Bob & Dana

Q -We have a list of your big-

other than the horses? A - I left the horses for a couple of years completely. I am glad it did, I never went through life wondering what the other

asks, “Was the second or third one as cool as the first one?” Well sure they are! Every time you win something it is fun. It is just as much fun each and every time. The first time I won the Snaffle Bit, I had worked a long time to get there. It was 7 or maybe 9 years before I won it. I was reserve and third and everything else. I am the kind of person that sets goals for myself, I don’t talk about them until I have gotten them done. That was one of my goals. When I won it, I learned a great lesson after I won it because I took a big breath. And I learned that you do not want to continued on page next page

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“Bob is really the epitome of what an endorser for a company should be. He is a great ambassador for the Cinch brand and our industry. Bob represents our brand in every way he can. By wearing the products, promoting the branding in any way possible, like in his ads, photos, at events and so much more. When he is representing Cinch he adds credibility and authenticity to our brand.” Bobby Smith President Rod Patrick Bootmakers

“I am so proud of Bob, he has worked so hard for it. Bob is an icon in the Quarter Horse Industry as well as the NRHA and the NRCHA. I am proud to call him my friend.” Al Dunning “Bob has been professionally endorsing Farnam and Horse Health Products for more than 15 years! I was surprised that he was not already in the AQHA Hall of Fame! That said, it instills a sense of pride that our brands have been associated with a consummate professional like Bob Avila for all these years. We greatly appreciate the staunch loyalty that Bob has for our brands and in return we have been loyal in our support of Bob. Farnam would like to extend a hearty congratulations to Bob for achieving this great honor. Welcome to the AQHA Hall of Fame, Cowboy!” Stash Easton. Farnam’s Marketing Director

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MORE BOB AVILA do that. I had a customer in Seattle that gave seminars to real estate salesman, and he said that the great salesman never pat themselves on their back after a big sale, they always go on looking for the next one. I never forgot that because it is the same thing with this business. I went thru a lull there for a while. I made the finals, which is a great accomplishment, but I didn’t win it. Then I had to jack myself up again and I won it twice more. I was Reserve Champion 5 times there! I wanted to win the Reining Futurity, and when I sold Boomernic I kind of laid back and said “well.” I knew he was very special and I did not have anything to replace him that year other than Mist and Smoke. She was kind of my stepchild or at lease so I thought at the time. She was not the quality that Boomernic was, but I went and showed her. She made the finals that year. Then over the next two years I won the World on her in the Cow Horse. She turned out to be a great mare. When BJ was little, I told him if he could beat the kids on the old gelding I gave him, I will put him on a really good one - and he did! So, I put him on Mist and Smoke, and he won the reining at the youth finals when he was 9. I don’t think she ever got schooled in her life, you walked into the pen and showed her as hard as you wanted to every time and her ears would be up and she went and did her job every time. The year after that, in 1993 I took Smartn Off and I was Reserve Champion on him. I was Reserve in both the Limited and the Open. Back at that time there was only the Limited and the Open and you had to show them twice in both. It was not one of these deals that you show once and they give you all of your prizes. He made 4 runs back then and won almost $100,000.

The next year I took Lenas Wright On and won the Reining Futurity on him. The year after that, Todd Bergen won the Reining Futurity Todaysmyluckyday that we had in our barn, and the year after that John Slack won on Ray Gay Quixote. It was quite a little run for us. After that Duane Latimer who had worked for me, won it twice. Those were some great accomplishments. I enjoyed my apprentices winning as much as winning it myself. One of the biggest accomplishments was winning the

Light and Fine at the World’s Greatest Horseman a plan. In 1985 we showed him and did not win. At that time they did not give you anything for being 2nd or 3rd and we were 2nd place. Afterwards we all sat down together and created a blueprint on what we were going to do for

Bob & “Reggie” AQHA Superhorse. In 1986 I won the AQHA Superhorse on Smoke Um Okie, and that title was a big deal. We had an article written about how we wrote the blueprint to win the Superhorse. JD Yates, myself and the people that owned him all made

the next year to come back and win the Superhorse. It was all on paper, the whole plan a business plan. We went back and won. That was a great accomplishment because it was completely planned. I backed JD and he backed me. If we had to

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be there and groom horses, we did it. It was real teamwork! Kim Fritz owned the horse and she would haul him around wherever we needed him. One of the key components of the plan was to get him qualified as early as we could and then let him rest before the Superhorse. This was in November and in December we went to the Holiday Circuit in Tulsa. We basically got him qualified there and he had almost the whole year off. He was well broke and did not need that much. We waited a long time to get him ready and just started getting him legged up. He was spectacular. He won the Calf Roping. I cannot recall if it was the Heading or Heeling that he won. I won the Reining on him and was Reserve in the Cow Horse. He had 3 World Championships and 2 Reserve World Championships that year. He just blew their doors off. AQHA and Farnam are working to build the Superhorse event back up. The World show was just spectacular at that time, back in those days for the evening performances the men would wear a sport jacket and the women would dress like they do now at the NFR. Everybody would then go out to dinner afterwards. JD and I are on the judges committee together and about a year ago, JD said to me “You know we got to show horses as the best time there ever was!” We had the best time showing horses; it was the best of times for sure! 1999 was the first World’s Greatest Horseman Contest, and I had the horse to win it, and everybody knew it. I knew it…He was Paid By Chic. He had topped the 2-year-old sale at the Cutting Futurity. I showed him at the Snaffle Bit and he was 3rd there and 3rd at the Reining Futurity. When it was time for the World’s Greatest, he was spectacular! He was like strapping yourself to a rocket ship! He did all the events, and he did them all really well. In ’99 I showed him in all of the eliminations and he did really

well making the Finals. Well in the finals in the reined work and I go to back him up and he kneeled down. So, I am a zero, I am out. Go home, bye, bye. I got over it and said, I am going to take him back next year and win it. I did and I won it! I won it in 2000 on him. My style was a little different, especially in the Reining. I took the Smart Little Lena’s to the Reining events. Everyone else was riding the Hollywood Dun it’s which were great reiners, but completely different from the Smart Little Lena bred horses. My horses that I won on, if you thought it, they did it! I never had to think about it and then ask them, if I thought it they did it. It was nothing evil; it was just really fun to show. After the World’s Greatest I kind of has in a lull. The goals I set for myself, after I accomplish them, I kind of take a big breath. Then I kind of let down, and I have to grab myself and say, “Hey, you have to fix this!” So, it was a couple of years, and I always had great horses to ride, show and train on. Everyone I showed was a really good one, and I trained them for every event myself. A lot of guys send them out to get roped on by someone else and stuff. I trained every one of my World’s Greatest Horseman horses for every event myself. While I was going through this lull, I called JD Yates and said I want you to do something, I want you to come and give me a private roping clinic. I said, you tell me what I owe you and I am going to fly you down here to do a private clinic. He came about a week later and he taught me more in two days. Over the years, JD and I went to a lot of shows together and one day he said to me, “If you quit being a horse trainer, you could be a good roper.” I grew up roping my whole life roping and at the World’s Greatest the roping is so important. JD came out and helped me and it was just BOOM, I came back. I won the WGH

Major Investment again 2007 and I was Reserve in 2009. The World’s Greatest Horseman was my favorite event for sure. I can be pretty quiet, but when I decide to do something, you can take it to the bank. In 2003 preparing for the Snaffle Bit Futurity I had great horses; Chics Magic Potion and Mister Dual Rey. All Year

amount of success as well. The most important thing that you can do in this business is to not have an ego and ask for help, Today’s guys just do not ask for help. I learned more from the kids that have worked for me. Like John Slack, Todd Bergen, Brent Naylor, all of them. I learned so much from them because I would just sit there watch them all day long. You want to make sure they are doing it right, then all of a sudden you have a John Slack who does something, and you say what did he just do? It’s cool looking and it works, what did he just do? You can learn

“The most important thing that you can do in this business is to not have an ego and ask for help, Today’s guys just do not ask for help. I learned more from the kids that have worked for me. Like John Slack, Todd Bergen, Brent Naylor, all of them.” long you knew that both of them were stars, but Magic was the same horse every day. He came out and was like “How hard do you want me to try?” I would tell him, I want you to try real hard and he would be “OK, I’ll try real hard.” Mister Dual Rey, when he came out everyday he was so talented, he could turn around so fast you did not even know where you were at. Just channeling and trying to control him was the trick. These horses were both awesome. Magic ended up winning that year and Mister Dual Rey was in the top 5 I believe. Magic went on to win more than any horse I have ever rode he was so special tome. Mister Dual Rey was purchased by Craig Schmersal as a reiner and went on to a tremendous

something from anybody. When you think you can’t, is about the time you are finished in this business. “The reason that Bob is so well know, has the endorsements, and has been successful is that he has hit so many parts of the industry, and he is so well known for that” says Dana, “ He has so broad a scope to what he does.” I have won the AQHA World in Halter, Reining, Western Riding, Cow Horse and Cutting. I was 3rd in Western Pleasure a few times. I can go sit down with Halter guys and talk halter horses, I can sit with Pleasure people, same thing.” Dana adds, “Bob was asked to judge the Reichert, a $100,000 Western Pleasure Futurity for 2 yr olds, nobody

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was allowed to know the judges beforehand. When Bob walked into the arena, nobody argued about it or said a word. Bob has the respect from the industry because he has competed successfully in so many events, I always impresses me how well he is respected in the industry. He has truly earned it!” “There are very few men or women who are truly great horseman and at the same time great competitors. Sometimes the determination and desire to win overlaps the compassion, empathy, and love of the horse. Working with Bob redeemed my belief over and over again that a great horseman and great competitor can coexist in one person. Bob is not only revered by those in his industry, but also by professionals in every facet of the equine industry. He maintains being a student and a mentor simultaneously. He is passionate about his horses and educating others to be the same. I feel I have been lucky to call Bob a friend for over 20 years.” Kurt Heite DVM Brazos Valley Equine Hospital “Bob Avila’s impact on the industry is more than just what he himself has Won or titles he has achieved. It goes much deeper than that. Not only is he a multi time World Champion, World’s Greatest Horseman, Million Dollar Rider in the Arena, but he has also trained others to be World Champions and multi-million dollar riders in many different disciplines as well. It has been a true pleasure working with Bob for 20 plus years. Thanks, Bob, for all you have helped Bob’s Custom Saddles with, and the Equine Industry, Congrats on the AQHA Hall of Fame.” Chris Weaver Vice President Bob’s Custom Saddles 43

2021 ARIZONA FALL CHAMPIONSHIP Sept. 22–26, 2021 WestWorld – Scottsdale AZ

Added Money Events!

2021 AZ Fall Championship Offers: • • • • • • • • • •

L1 Non Pro High Point Saddle-Showmanship, Horsemanship, Pleasure, Halter Non Pro High Point Saddle-Showmanship, Horsemanship, Pleasure, Halter Multiple Best of Show awards with Rod Patrick Ostrich boots and Cinch Jean and Shirt for the Champions. Bob Avila Professionals Choice Certificates for Reserve Champions All Show Fee or Pay per Entry All Youth All Around classes compete on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 and under Walk Trot division (all breed) 13 and under division (all breed) Many L1 Select and L1 Amateur classes Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle Futurities ARIZONA INCENTIVE An EXHIBITOR who wins the Circuit Championship/High Point award in the following events at the 2021 Arizona Fall Championship AND the 2022 Arizona Sun Circuit will receive $5000. – –

L 3 Jr. Trail, L3 Sr. Trail, L3 Amateur Trail, L3 Amateur Select Trail Youth Trail 18 & Under AZ Fall Championship/L3 Youth Trail 14-18 Arizona Sun Circuit, L1 Ranch Stakes (L1 Ranch Rail, L1 Ranch Trail, L1 Ranch Riding, Performance Halter)

In the following two L2 Classes, $2500 will be paid to the EXHIBITOR that is not listed on the 2021 World show ineligible L2 exhibitors list and if the EXHIBITOR is the highest placing exhibitor at the 2021 AZ Fall Championship and 2022 Arizona Sun Circuit. – –

Jr. Trail 2021 AZ Fall Championship and L2 Jr. Trail 2022 Arizona Sun Circuit L2 Sr. Trail

Criteria for award: EXHIBITOR does not have to show the same horse at 2021 AZ Fall Championship and at 2022 Arizona Sun Circuit to win the $5000. EXHIBITOR must show the horse each time it is shown at the respective show. EXHIBITOR must win the Circuit in the same class at both shows to be awarded the cash. To clarify, for example: The exhibitor must win the Jr. Trail at the 2021 AZ Fall Championship and then also win the Jr. Trail at the 2022 Arizona Sun Circuit. • • • • • •

$5000 Added Markel Insurance 5 and Under Ranch Riding Derby $5000 Added Farnam L 1 Ranch Stakes $10000 NRCHA Rogers Heaven Sent Futurity $5000 Added NRCHA Non Pro Bridle $5000 Added NRCHA Non Pro Ltd. 2 slates of NRCHA classes

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A Leader is Lost

Dorn Parkinson was born on August 5, 1946 in Phoenix, AZ to Roland and Margaret (Shirley) Parkinson. He was the oldest of six children. He graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1964 and shortly after that joined the Army. He was sent to Officers Candidate School, where he was promoted to Captain by the age of 20. He spent his armed service career in Korea. After that he returned to Arizona and enrolled in Arizona State University where he studied business, and graduated in three years with honors. He was a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. In 1972 he met Debra (Debbie) Grauman while visiting family in Norris, Montana. They later married on June 25, 1974 and moved to Missoula, MT. In the summer of 1975 Dorn was hired by Washington Construction as an accountant. Over the next 22 years he rose to become President and Chief Executive Officer of Washington Corporations. Throughout this time he worked with Dennis Washington, helping him to build a diversified portfolio of over 40 companies into what became a multi-billion dollar enterprise, serving in a leadership capacity and on all of the Boards of Directors, retiring in December 1997. Dorn was also active as an advisor to the University of Montana Rodeo Club, served on the U of M Business School Advisory Council and as a Director for The First Interstate Bank of Missoula. He was an extraordinary Business Executive and leader. After his retirement he purchased a Ranch in Kirkland, AZ and moved his family there to follow their passion of raising, breeding and showing World Quality Quarter Horses,

DORN PARKINSON August 5, 1946 – July 8, 2021

Dorn and Debbie Dorn touched the lives of many across the nation. He was a generous, kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

and earning multiple World Championships. At the 2020 Pinnacle and Arizona Fall Championship Circuit, Dorn achieved a personal goal that he had set for himself. Having a mind for numbers and statistics, he decided he wanted to earn 6000 halter points as an exhibitor. That in itself is a hefty goal. He accomplished his goal with the vast majority of those points earned by horses bred, raised and fit by Dorn and Debbie. Dorn served as a national director of the American Quarter Horse Association for several years after reaching tenure he was elevated to Director Emeritus. He also served as President of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association in 2007, as Treasurer for the past several years and a member of the Executive Committee of AzQHA at the time of his death. In 2019, the Arizona Quarter Horse Association recognized Dorn for his outstanding voluntary service to the association with the Dorn Parkinson Service Award. The perpetual award will be given each year to an individual who gives selflessly to the Association. He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Debbie, son Shadd (McKenzie), two granddaughters Gracie 11, and Hadley 5, a brother Nord (Stephanie), and numerous nieces and nephews. Dorn touched the lives of many across the nation. He was a generous, kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of Dorn’s life will be held at a future date.

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Matt Mills to challenge Cole Cameron in Road to the Horse

Founded in 2003, Road to the Horse strives to entertain and educate fans in the art of natural horsemanship. Road to the Horse challenges the world’s best equestrians to build a partnership with an untrained 3-year-old American Quarter Horse from the Four Sixes Ranch, across three intense days of competition. Fans witness the entire journey, from colt selection to the final obstacle challenge.

MATT MILLS

The event features a $100,000 purse and competitors battle COLE CAMERON it out for horsemanship’s most coveted title. Road to the Horse 2022 will take place on March 24-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

COLE CAMERON

The real deal, Cole Cameron was raised in the cowboy and western way of life. Born in Arizona, raised in Texas and son to world champion and Hall of Fame cowboy Craig Cameron, Cole has spent his life on family ranches in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. He was always a top student, as well as a highly gifted athlete. Cole was a standout 3-sport athlete in High school, earning all-district honors in football, winning a state championship and earning a scholarship to play college football at Texas A&M University. Upon graduating with his bachelors in Agriculture at Texas A&M, Cole decided to pursue Graduate school earning a rodeo scholarship and a spot on the Texas A & M rodeo team. Cole competed two years for the Texas A&M Rodeo team and competed twice at the College National Finals in Casper, Wyoming. After finishing his college rodeo career, Cole continued to follow his rodeo dream on the pro circuit. In 2011, he won the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association in Steer Wrestling. Cole, who is now a highly competitive team roper, lives and works at the family Double Horn Ranch, near Stephenville, Texas, with his parents Craig and Dalene. Cole has worked with some of the top horse trainers over the years and has competed in multiple disciplines including, cutting, team roping, and reined cow horse, and will compete in this year’s RTTH Wild Card. Cole teaches alongside his Dad at many Horse Expos and Clinics and this past year traveled to five countries and sixteen States conducting horsemanship clinics on his own. 2020 proves to be even busier for Cole as he again travels Nationally and Internationally teaching the Ride Smart method that has been passed down the Cameron family from father to son. Cole is following in his father’s footsteps, helping people worldwide to develop great horses and horsemanship, while keeping the western and cowboy way of life alive and well. 46

March 24-27

Arizona horseman, Matt Mills began riding horses at an early age. He enjoyed a successful career as a youth, earning multiple championships throughout California in a variety of disciplines including western pleasure, horsemanship and trail. In 1996 he switched his focus to reining and a few years later established his own training operation in Scottsdale, Arizona. He currently produces videos and has an online training series. He also trains and shows futurity and derby horses and coaches several successful nonpro and youth riders. His most memorable accomplishment was fifteen years ago winning the 2006 USEF Open Reining Championship with a career-high score of 231.5. That qualified him to be a member of Team USA that proudly brought home the gold medal from the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany. In 2020 Matt was recognized for having $1,000,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings. He is regularly a finalist at major NRHA events and has received several titles including MATT MILLS NRHA Intermediate Open Futurity Reserve Champion.

BRANDI LYONS

Brandi Lyon’s posted biography reports no show record in professional competiton. Her philopophy of love and respect as a foundation for training horses will be tested in this competition.

BRANDI LYONS

SOON-TO-BE-ANNOUNCED FOURTH COMPETITOR

AUGUST 2021

Six horses and four AQHA members select A GOOD MACHINE

DUEL REY

Induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is the highest industry honor that can be bestowed upon a human or equine. Those chosen for induction are recognized for their lifetime of accomplishments and service. Six horses and four AQHA members have been chosen for induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2020. The horses chosen are A Good Machine, a 1993 bay stallion; Dual Rey, a 1994 sorrel stallion; Esters Little Klu, a 1968 gray Thoroughbred mare; Mr Eye Opener, a 1990 gray stallion; Triple’s Image, a 1969 sorrel stallion; and Zan Parr Jack, a 1979 sorrel stallion. The individuals selected are AQHA Professional Horseman Bob Avila of Temecula, California; racehorse trainer C. Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath of Dennis, Texas; the late Past Executive Committee Member George Phillips of Jackson, Mississippi; and AQHA Past President Johnny Trotter of Hereford, Texas. These deserving recipients will be inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in March during the 2020 AQHA Convention at the South Point Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.

A Good Machine was bred by Dawn Schroeter of Pleasant

Prairie, Wisconsin, and was owned by MC Equine Enterprise LLC of Whitesboro, Texas. After a stellar career in the show ring, mostly in western pleasure, A Good Machine went to the breeding shed where he sired the earners of more than 32,500 AQHA points. His foals have earned more than $2 million in the show pen. He was euthanized in 2011.

Dual Rey was bred and owned by Linda Holmes of Longmont,

Colorado, throughout his prolific career as a cutter and as a sire of versatile horses. His offspring have earned more than $40 million through the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reined Cow Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association and AQHA. He also sired winners of barrel races and ranch competitions. He was euthanized in May 2018 due to complications of age. 48

MR EYE OPENER Esters Little Klu produced 15 American Quarter Horse foals

that earned $230,023 on the track. Twelve different stallions sired Esters Little Klu’s 15 foals, and her influence continues to be seen in the bloodlines of modern winners, including Tac It Like A Man, Ochoa and Feature Mr Bojangles. She was bred by Dan L. Williams and was owned by Robert Driggers of Anthony, New Mexico.

Mr Eye Opener was bred by American Quarter Horse Hall of

Famer Joe Kirk Fulton of Lubbock, Texas, and was purchased as a yearling by 40-year breeder Dale Smith of Houston. On the track, Mr Eye Opener set a track record in his second out, and he went on to earn $202,978. He sired more than 2,024 foals with race earnings of more than $28.1 million. He died in November 2018.

Triple’s Image earned AQHA points in halter, western riding,

western pleasure and hunter under saddle. In the breeding shed, he sired halter and performance horses. He was a leading sire from 1977 to 1981. He was euthanized June 28, 1999, due to complications of kidney failure. He was bred by Walter Clark of Forsyth, Montana, and was owned by Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California.

Zan Parr Jack was the 1983 AQHA world champion in junior

working cow horse. He was the 1984 and 1985 world champion in senior heeling. In 1987, he was the world champion in amateur heeling. His offspring have earned 18 world championships and 18 reserve world championships. He was bred by Jerald A. Riemann of Dighton, Kansas, and was owned by the Lazy E Ranch of Guthrie, Oklahoma. He was euthanized December 3, 2014. AQHA Professional Horseman Bob Avila grew up riding horses in northern California. In 1970, he left a corporate position to take a job riding horses. Since then, he has earned more than $380,000 in the National Reining Horse Association and more than $1.1 million in the National Reined Cow Horse Association. He was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame and in 1996 was the first AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year.

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ted for induction into the Hall of Fame in 2020 ZAN PAR JACK

TRIPLES IMAGE C. Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath started training racehorses

for the public in 1970. In 1978, he started training at Ruidoso Downs and won the Rainbow Futurity in 1982 with Yankee Win. In 1983, he won his first All American Futurity with On A High. In 1990, he won the All American with Refrigerator, and in 2011, he won with Ochoa. He has conditioned the earners of nearly $30 million. He received the 2018 Gordon Crone Award. The late George Phillips of Jackson, Mississippi, was a lifelong breeder of American Quarter Horses and past president of the Mississippi Quarter Horse Association. At age 31, George became the youngest U.S. attorney in the nation when he was appointed as the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. He was an AQHA member for more than 30 years, serving on AQHA’s board of directors. He was elected to the AQHA Executive Committee in 2011. He died in 2015, before he could serve his term as AQHA president.

BOB AVILA GEORGE PHILLIPS

AQHA Past President Johnny Trotter of Hereford, Texas, is president and general manager of Bar G Feedyard. In 1998, he became interested in racehorses, eventually breeding One Famous Eagle, the 2008 champion race colt. He owns the 2018 racing world champion, Bodacious Eagle, and was the 2018 champion owner. He was first appointed to the AQHA Racing Committee in 2000. He has served on the AQHA board of directors and many committees and councils. He was elected to the AQHA Executive Committee in 2010 and was the 2014-15 AQHA president. About the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame The American Quarter Horse Foundation connects people and horses through charitable giving in order to develop and support programs or initiatives that preserve our horse’s legacy and further the overall well-being of the American Quarter Horse and the people who comprise the Quarter Horse family. The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum fulfills the Foundation’s mission by beautifully showcasing the hundreds of horses and people who have earned the distinction of becoming part of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. These inductees are chosen each year by a selection committee for induction into the Hall of Fame They are also honored each year at the American

JOHNNY TROTTER

DWAYNE GILBREATH

Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Dedication, which is a special celebration where the newest class’ display cases, featuring artifacts and information about each Hall of Famer, are revealed.

AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021

The History of the Four Sixes Ranch

Written prior to the passing of Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion Courtesy of Burnett Oill, Inc.

It would be impossible to tell the history of Burnett Oil Co., Inc., without recounting its relationship to the Four Sixes Ranch and Burnett Ranches, LLC. Together, these businesses and the family that founded them form the basis of one of the most fascinating stories in Texas history.

Burnett Oil Co., Inc., an experienced and well-regarded operator in the Permian and other basins, is privately owned and operated by Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion. Burnett Oil Co, Inc., operates producing properties in Southeast New

Dynasty: The Ranch was founded by Samuel Burk Burnett left, in 1870. He went on to be one of the richest cattlemen in Texas. 56

Mexico (Loco Hills region in Eddy County), West Texas (Sand Hills region of Crane County), on the Triangle and 6666 Headquarters Ranches, the Fort Worth Basin, the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, the Appalachian Basin in Southwest Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and has ongoing exploration efforts in several other states. Anne W. Marion, great-grand daughter of Samuel “Burk” Burnett, often called “Little Anne”, formed Burnett Oil Co., Inc. in 1980, and became Chairman of the company. The properties of Windfohr Oil were a part of the foundation of the new company. These oil fields, in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico, were originally assembled and drilled by Robert F. Windfohr, a Burnett family member by marriage to Anne Marion’s mother, Anne Valliant Burnett Tandy. However, the roots of the Burnett family interests in oil and gas began with the assembly of the Burnett Ranches by Samuel “Burk” Burnett. At age 10, in 1858, Burnett moved with his family to Denton County, Texas when conditions forced his parents—Jeremiah and Mary Turner Burnett—to leave Missouri. Although an experienced farmer, Jeremiah became involved in the cattle

business, and Burk learned about cattle from a young age. People grew up quickly in those days, so by age nineteen Burk had gone into business for himself. He started by rounding up wild longhorn cattle in South Texas and driving them north to sell. Then, in 1868, he purchased 100 head branded with “6666” from Frank Crowley of Denton. Title to the

cattle included ownership of the brand, and Burnett realized the open-six design would be easy to fashion into irons, and the brand would be difficult to alter by cattle thieves. Thus was born an iconic brand that would come to represent much more than ownership of cattle. At age twenty, Burk married Ruth B. Loyd, daughter of Martin B. Loyd, founder of the First National Bank of Fort Worth. Five years later, Burk survived the panic of 1873 by holding through the winter more than 1,100 steers he had driven to market in Wichita, Kansas. The next year, with the panic over, he sold the cattle for a $10,000

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profit, an amount equivalent to more than $200,000 in 2013. Following this experience, Burk became one of the first ranchers in Texas to buy steers and graze them for market. During the next winter, he bought 1,300 cattle in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and drove them north up the Chisholm Trail to the open range grazing lands near the Little Wichita River. He quickly came to understand the importance of having control over the lands on which cattle fed, and with that in mind, Burk began buying property. He later built his first headquarters near what would become Wichita Falls. A drought in the 1880s forced Burnett to search for grass to sustain his cattle, and when he discovered that Kiowa and Comanche tribal lands north of the Red River had not suffered from drought, he negotiated the lease of Indian lands. He made a deal with legendary Comanche Chief Quanah Parker (18451911) for access to 300,000 acres of grassland and, in the process, gained the friendship of the Comanche leader. Burk ran 10,000 head of cattle on the land until the end of the lease in the early 1900s. As the nineteenth century drew to a close, the end of the open range became apparent. The only protection the cowman had was to purchase private land on which to graze his cattle. What would eventually become Burnett Ranches, LLC, began around 1900 with the purchase of the 8 Ranch near Guthrie in King County and the Dixon Creek Ranch near Panhandle. The 8 Ranch became the nucleus of the present-day Four Sixes Ranch. These two ranches, along with later ad-

ditions, totaled one-third of a million acres. Since 1900, Burk had maintained a home in Fort Worth, headquarters for his financial enterprises. He added to and developed his holdings, including building the Four Sixes Supply House, and a new headquarters in Guthrie. In 1917, Burk decided to build “the finest ranch house in West Texas” at Guthrie, at a cost of $100,000, an amount equal to more than $1.8 million in 2013. Prestigious architectural firm Sanguiner and Staats of Fort Worth designed the eleven bedroom home, built with stone quarried on the ranch, to serve as ranch headquarters, to house the ranch manager, and as a place for entertaining. The Four Sixes Supply House was built several years before the main house. Burk lived in the back of the supply house until the main house was completed. His office remained in the supply house. In 1921, oil was discovered on Burk’s land near Dixon Creek in Hutchinson County in the Texas Panhandle. The Gulf No. 2 Burnett served as the discovery well of the giant Panhandle Oil Field. Drilling began in November 1920 and was completed in April 1921. The well was 3,052 feet deep, and 175 barrels were produced in the first twenty-five hours of pumping. It produced constantly for fifty years. This was the first oil well brought in on the Texas Panhandle Field, relatively small compared to future wells, one of which produced 10,000 barrels a day. Following this discovery, hundreds of people flooded the town of Panhandle. Oil field workers, lawyers, firefighters, and lumbermen altered the city’s look in short order. As drilling progressed in the 1920s, the West Panhandle Gas Field extended across most of Burnett’s Dixon Creek Ranch in adjacent Carson County to the south. West Panhandle later coalesced into the mega-giant Hugoton- Pan-

A fourth-generation owner of one of the biggest ranches in Texas

Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion 1938 - 2020

Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion, whose epic Texas life included prominence as a leading rancher and horsewoman, philanthropist, and an internationally respected art collector and patron of the arts, died Tuesday in California after a battle with lung cancer. She was 81. The news of her passing inspired tributes from her native Fort Worth and around the nation. “Laura and I mourn the passing of Anne Marion,” President George W. Bush said on Wednesday. “She was a true Texan, a great patron of the arts, a generous member of our community, and a person of elegance and strength. Texans have lost a patriot, and Laura and I have lost a friend. We send our sympathies to her husband John, her daughter, Windi, and to her grandchildren who love and miss her.” handle Gas Field, the largest natural gas field in North America. The town of Borger, Texas, often considered a Phillips Petroleum company town, was also an outgrowth of Panhandle Field development. At the time of Burk’s death

in 1922, Thomas Loyd Burnett, born December 10, 1871, was his only living child. Beginning as a ranch hand, Tom learned the cattle business in the 1880s

and 1890s in Indian country between the Wichita Mountains. After attending school in Fort Worth, St. Louis, and the Virginia Military Institute, the sixteen year old began moving cattle on the Burk Burnett Ranch. Each autumn, he worked as a wagon hand in the ComancheKiowa Reservation. He worked for five years as a line rider on his father’s ranch, which spread over more than 50,000 acres on the Red River. As he approached twenty-one, Tom was named wagon boss of the Nation (Indian Territory) Wagon. That same year, on October 8, 1891, he married Olive “Ollie” Lake of Fort Worth, and the couple lived at the Burnett Ranch House while Tom ran the Indian Territory unit of the Four

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The 6666 Ranch, “one of the most storied outfits in Texas,” is world-renowned for its Black Angus cattle and American Quarter Horses. The three ranches today encompass 275,000 acres. According to Western Horseman, which profiled the ranch in a 2019 cover story Sixes Ranch. They had one daughter, Anne Valliant, born in 1900. In 1910, Tom bought the 26,000 acre Triangle Ranch at Iowa Park. When Martin B. Loyd died in 1912, Tom inherited one-fourth of his grandfather’s Wichita County properties along with a large sum of money. Oil discoveries in the county added to his fortune. Tom continued to expand his Triangle holdings, purchasing five ranches in the next fifteen years, consolidating them into one vast range of more than 100,000 acres. Tom became a rodeo impresario, financing and promoting some of the biggest rodeos in the southeast, and developed a passion for good cow horses and later bred Palominos that he featured in fairs, parades, and rodeos. George Humphreys, who began working on the Four Sixes Ranch in 1918 and retired fifty- two years later, served as the ranch’s third ranch manager, as sheriff of King County from 1928 to 1948, and overseer to the ranch’s horse operation. He turned the Four Sixes horses into the best in the country. Hollywood Gold, foaled on the Burnett Ranch in Iowa Park in 1940, became Humphreys favorite stud horse. Hollywood Gold’s offspring won cutting contests across the United States and brought top prices for breeding. Other than the discovery of oil, the most important development on the Four Sixes Ranch was

continued on page 58 57

from page 57

More Four Sixes

the addition of an equine breeding program in the 1960s under Humphreys management. Since then, the ranch has become known for its world-class American quarter horses used for ranch work, arena competition, and the racetrack. Later, the Four Sixes horse operation included the famous racing stallion, Dash For Cash, one of the greatest sires in the history of racing Quarter Horses. His offspring have earned more than $40 million. Today, the Four Sixes is home to 15 to 20 of the top racing, performance, and ranch quarter horse stallions anywhere in the world. Tom died on December 26, 1938, leaving his estate to his

Mike Gibson’s tenure as ranch manager, the ranch’s base of Hereford cows was phased out and replaced with a Black Angus program. As a cow/ calf operation, the ranch maintains a breeding herd of some 7,000 mother cows, and the Four Sixes reputation for quality makes it a frontrunner in the cattle industry. Anne Valliant Burnett Tandy

DASH FOR CASH AQHA HALL OF FAME

only child, Anne Valliant Burnett. His death arrived in the midst of a campaign to build a fortune equal to that of his father. Although he fell short of that objective, he became known in the cattle world as a pacesetter, described by friends as a man who represented the Old West and stood for its traditional ideals of generosity and rugged fair play. Throughout the Burnett family history, cattle have played an important role in their success and the success of the Four Sixes Ranch. Early on, Durhams and then Herefords were introduced to improve meat quality. Herefords played a large role in the ranch’s cattle program until, under 58

took the reins of the Burnett family fortune at the age of thirty-eight. Referred to as “Miss Anne,” she was known for her knowledge of cattle, horses, and fine art. At the urging of her daughter, Anne Tandy started the Burnett Foundation in 1978. She appointed Anne W. Marion to be President of the Foundation and she remains President today. The Burnett Foundation was funded with about $28 million initially. These funds did not come from oil and gas revenue, but from the Charles Tandy estate. Since the inception, the Burnett Foundation has given away about $500 million, and today it is worth about $230 million. Although schooled in the

East and raised in a society atmosphere, Miss Anne valued her ranching heritage, dividing her time between her home near the Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth and the Triangle Ranch that her father established near Iowa Park, Texas. Like her father, Miss Anne became a keen judge of horses and cattle, and along with her second husband, James Goodwin Hall, assisted in formation of the American Quarter Horse Association. She also helped found the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and was the first woman named honorary vice president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and American Quarter Horse Association. Miss Anne had only one child, often known as “Little Anne,” from her marriage to James Goodwin Hall. In 1969, Miss Anne married Charles Tandy, founder of the Tandy Corporation, and that same year a large oil discovery on the Guthrie property led tO another rise in the Burnett family fortune. More than 100 million barrels of oil have been produced from these fields, and the Triangle Ranch, covering parts of Cottle, Foard, and Hardeman Counties, also had several significant oil and gas fields. Although the Triangle Ranch surface was sold in 1989, the mineral rights were retained. Prior to his death in 1922, Miss Anne’s grandfather, Captain Samuel “Burk” Burnett, willed the bulk of his estate to Miss Anne in a trusteeship for her yet unborn child. At the time of Miss Anne’s death on January 1, 1980, her daughter, Little Anne—Anne W. Marion— in-

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herited her great-grandfather Captain Burnett’s ranch holdings through directives stated in his will. She then sold the Triangle Ranch her grandfather, Tom Burnett, had developed and donated the Burnett home in Iowa Park to the city for use as a library. In addition to the Triangle Ranch, other parcels were sold, leaving the two main ranches—the 6666 Ranch near Guthrie and the Dixon Creek Ranch near Panhandle totaling 275,000 acres. “Little Anne” is now known by the more adult name of Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion. She is president of Burnett Ranches, LLC, which includes the Four Sixes Ranch. She also serves as president of the Burnett Foundation and Burnett Companies and is chairman of the Burnett Oil Co., Inc. The Windfohr name originates from her stepfather, Robert Frairy Windfohr (18941964), who married her mother in 1942 and adopted “Little Anne.” Originally from Quantico, Maryland, he moved to Breckenridge in 1921 and formed an oil partnership with James P. Nash of Austin. He drilled his first well with Nash near Graham. The 4,300-foot venture—called a record for North Texas—was dry. But he later drilled some 350 producing wells with Nash and Herman Brown of Austin, including a 1,000 barrel a day producer in the Graham area drilled in 1930. Windfohr was an outspoken conservationist and a member of the committee that championed the cause in Texas in the 1930s. He also fought to keep foreign oil from flooding the domestic market and sought the end of price controls in the 1950s. He fought just as hard on various fronts, including the arts in Fort Worth, helping guide construction of the Fort Worth Art Museum during his many terms as president of the Fort Worth Art Association. As a young girl, “Little Anne” spent summers on the Four Sixes, earning the respect of

the cowboys as she learned to ride horses and perform ranch chores like the cowhands did. Ollie Lake, who owned a home in Fort Worth, provided her granddaughter with the emotional support she needed and further established in the young girl a love for ranching and its traditions. Anne was educated at Briarcliff Junior College in New York, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Geneva in Switzerland, where she studied art history. In 1988, Anne married John Louis Marion, honorary chair of Sotheby’s Inc. She has one daughter, Anne “Windi” Phillips Grimes, who also has one daughter, Anne “Hallie” Grimes. Anne assumed management of the Four Sixes in 1980. Not since Captain Burnett founded and built the Four Sixes more than a century ago has any family member taken as much interest in the ranches as she, according to her former, long-

time ranch manager, the late J. J. Gibson. Anne is highly regarded as an arts patron and shrewd businesswoman. Her husband

grandfather, Samuel “Burk” Burnett; her grandfather, Tom Burnett; and her mother, Anne Valliant Burnett Tandy also are Hall of Fame inductees. Her

is proud of her strong will and determination and her ability to move easily from social settings to business. She is a director emeritus at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and was inducted into its Hall of Great Westerners in 2009. Her great-

own honors include the Golden Deed Honoree as selected by the Fort Worth Exchange Club, 1993; The Charles Goodnight Award, 1993; induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, 1996; The Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts Award, 1996; The American Quarter

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Horse Association Merle Wood Humanitarian Award, 1999; The National Golden Spur Award, 2001; The Boss of the Plains Award from the National Ranching Heritage Center, 2003; and induction into the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame, 2007. Anne Marion is the guiding spirit of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. She is also a long time board member of the Kimbell Art Foundation. She also founded and remains chairman of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. While her civic and cultural activities extend throughout Texas and the nation, her deepest commitment is to her birthright and the continuing success of the historic Burnett Ranches, LLC, Burnett Oil Co., and Four Sixes Ranch, where superbly bred cattle and champion horses grace its pastures and oil flows freely from its depths 59

STAR-STUDDED CLASS OF 2020 INDUC After the ProRodeo Hall of Fame induction ceremony was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the award-winning, eight-member, 2020 class of inductees got their moment in the spotlight as they were enshrined in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Saturday. Cody Ohl, a six-time PRCA world champion, headlined the decorated class. Ohl, who won world championships in tie-down roping (1997-98, 2001, 2003, 2006) and allaround (2001) went into the Hall of Fame with renowned bareback horse Grated Coconut of Calgary Stampede; world champion bull rider Butch Kirby (1978); stock contractor Jim Sutton Jr.; contract personnel Sunni Deb Backstrom; notable Randy Witte; the Ellensburg Rodeo; and world champion barrel racer Martha Josey (1980). Cody Ohl has long been considered one of the all-time top ropers in the storied history of ProRodeo. The tie-down roper and all-around cowboy had his name cemented with the greats of the sport.

CODY OHL A SIX-TIME PRCA WORLD CHAMPION

CODY OHL

LONGTIME STOCK CONTRACTOR JIM SUTTON JR. This well-deserved honor was a long time in the making for Jim Sutton Jr. Sutton Jr. is the patriarch of Sutton Rodeo, and he and his late wife, Julie, have a six-generation family operation still running strong. Sutton Rodeo is based in Onida, S.D. “I don’t know how it could be any better,” said Sutton, 86. “This is a pretty big deal when you get in with people like Casey Tibbs. I really never thought about being in the (ProRodeo) Hall of Fame. I tried to rodeo as good as I could and figured I wasn’t going to get in the Hall of Fame that direction. I think our rodeo company and the people in it who are mostly family have all done well with their part, and you add it all up and it turns out pretty good.” The roots of the Suttons in the rodeo business can be traced to 1926 when the Edwin Sutton family – Jim’s grandfather – began producing rodeos on their home ranch in Sully County, S.D. James H. Sutton Sr. took Sutton Rodeo to the next stage in the 1950s when he entered a partnership with Erv Korkow. As one of the first members of the Rodeo Cowboys Association, Sutton/Korkow stock performed at the first National Finals Rodeo in Dallas in 1959. James was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1982. In 1968, James (Jim) Sutton Jr. became a partner with his dad, forming Sutton Rodeo Company. 60

Ohl, 47, was unable to attend the induction ceremony because of a recent illness. Kendra Santos, a longtime friend of Ohl’s, spoke on his behalf. “When the young guns out there making headlines today were roping the dummy and tying to the post as kids, they were dreaming big and pretending to be Cody Ohl,” Santos said. “Cody ran on heart, adrenaline and emotion. He gave it his guts and he left it all in the arena. No one stopped more hearts or dropped more jaws than rodeo rock star Cody Ohl.” When Ohl was informed of his induction, he was thrilled. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Ohl said. “You dream of being a world champion your whole life, and it only gets to be real for so many. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame for a great career is pretty amazing.” After winning the 1994 PRCA Overall Rookie of the Year, the Texas cowboy collected six world champion buckles. He also qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 20 times (1994-2001, 2003-14) and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping three times (1999-2001). With $3.5 million in career earnings, Ohl is second only to Trevor Brazile in total money won in ProRodeo competition. Ohl’s most memorable run came in a round at the 2003 Wrangler NFR when he clocked a time of 6.5 seconds, tying for the thirdfastest time ever witnessed in ProRodeo. During his final trip to the Wrangler NFR in 2014, he won at least a share of first place in three rounds to extend his tie-down roping event record total to 52 round wins. Ohl also shares the record for most NFR round wins in a single year, and he did it on two occasions. Ohl won five rounds in 2001 and 2013. The only other tie-down roper to win five rounds in a single NFR was Dave Brock in 1978. Ohl also has the NFR record for Round 3 (6.6 seconds, 2014) and Round 4 (6.6, 2009), and shares the record in Round 7 (6.7, 2003) and Round 10 (6.5, 2003). That Round 10 time also is tied with Trevor Brazile (Round 8, 2015) for the Thomas & Mack Center arena record.

AUGUST 2021

CTED INTO PRORODEO HALL OF FAME

laughed. “He (Chris Horton, Director of Rodeo Approvals) said, ‘Butch, I have to give you a week off.’ I told him he could Butch Kirby’s 1978 gold buckle have had me judging the rodeo took a slight detour one night. here in Colorado Springs.” Kirby was heading from Originally Tucson, Ariz., born in Sato Houston lem, N.J., when fellow Kirby made bull rider CharStephenville, lie Sampson Texas, his hitched a ride. hometown. They stopped to Kirby started spend a night in rodeoing at a hotel. a young age, Sampson performing as hadn’t been in a trick rider the PRCA long, with his brotha few years at ers. most. While In 1975, he Kirby showered, BUTCH KIRBY and his brothSampson picked ers Sandy up Kirby’s gold buckle and tried and Kaye were the first trio of it on. brothers to qualify for the Finals A couple decades later, in the same year, with Butch Sampson, who won the world qualifying in bull riding, Kaye in title in 1982 and went into the bareback riding and Sandy in ProRodeo Hall of Fame in both of those events. 1996, told Kirby, “I owe you an “It’s an honor to go into apology,” Kirby recounted. “I the Hall of Fame,” Kirby said, said, ‘For what?’” adding he didn’t believe he Sampson copped to trying deserved it. “All my heroes are on Kirby’s world championship above me. I’ve always looked buckle, saying, “I got your gold up to them. Now I’m going to go buckle out and I put it on. You into the Hall of Fame and stand know what, Butch, it fit.” next to them. I don’t put myself Kirby’s response: “You don’t on a pedestal. I’m still judging, I’m have to apologize, I think it’s a still working for the PRCA in the great story.” sport that I love. I still have a lot to On Saturday, it was Kirby’s give.” turn to follow Sampson, joining him in the ProRodeo Hall of MARTHA JOSEY Fame. Many Women’s Professional Kirby earned $15,000 at the Rodeo Association world 1978 National Finals Rodeo to champions credit Martha Josey claim the bull riding world title. with helping them achieve He qualified for the NFR eight their goals. times (1973-75, 77-78, 80-82), On Saturday, Josey’s talalso finishing third twice and ents and those she helped fifth once. discover landed the 11-time Kirby still hasn’t quit rodeo. NFR qualifier in the ProRodeo Instead, he’s been a PRCA pro Hall of Fame. official for 25 years and judged Josey made the NFR 11 the NFR for 27 years. In fact, times on six different horses if he didn’t have Hall of Fame across four consecutive deobligations Saturday, he likely cades. Alberta, winning an would’ve been at a rodeo. individual bronze medal and “My boss would probhelping Team USA win the ably have me working,” Kirby team title. More Josey page 120

KIRBY JOINS RODEO HEROES

GRATED COCONUT WAS ONE OF A KIND Calgary Stampede horse Grated Coconut was one for the ages. The horse furthered his legacy by entering the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Grated Coconut, 24, lives on the Calgary Stampede ranch in Hanna, Alberta. “Within the sport of rodeo, Grated Coconut was the epitome of everything a bucking horse should be,” said Keith Marrington of the Calgary Stampede. “He was a skilled, naturally talented bucking bronc whose power, athleticism, competitive spirit and brilliance showed through his 114 performances.” Marrington said Grated Coconut carried cowboys to 25 firstplace checks and that 29 more cowboys made trips to the pay window after making the whistle on this renowned horse. “For a full decade before his retirement in 2010, Grated Coconut dominated the sport and became arguably one of the most successful bucking horses in the history of professional rodeo,” Marrington said. “Every ride was unique. He would choose new moves for every trip but always with stunningly powerful kicks. When his job was done, he would show his personality with pride and strut around the arena showing off his natural beauty.” His accolades tell the story. Grated Coconut was named Bareback Horse of the Year a PRCA record six times (2003-04 and 2006-09) and was the top horse of the National Finals Rodeo in 2008. “Grated Coconut was a bucking star that drew his own fans and whose name continues to be famous amongst true rodeo fans,” Marrington said. “Professional Rodeo cowboys and fans liken Grated Coconut to Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One,’ of the world of rodeo. Grated Coconut continues to build and shape the future of ProRodeo. Breeding specialists marvel at Grated Coconut’s remarkable dominant genetics. “Bucking horses are known solely for their performances in the arena, yet Grated Coconut is personable and loving in nature, and those are some of the things that make Grated Coconut so special and worthy of being honored. Although raised as part of a natural herd with little human contact, Grated Coconut’s personality is remarkable. He’s naturally compelled to seek out and enjoy the company of people.” Grated Coconut also was inducted into the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Hall of Fame (2012) and the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame (2013).

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AUGUST 2021

ReinerStop SHOWTIME announces upcoming event coverage -

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Only days after ReinerStop’s launch of the very first live stream, they have already announced their next event: The Tulsa Reining Classic, September 4, 2021. ReinerStop’s mission is to open the door for 100,000 people to get involved in reining in 2021. The ReinerStop brand reached over 82,000 unique people in the 30-days leading up to the first live event, which covered The North American Reining Stakes in Lexington, VA on July 24, 2021. More than 66% of the streaming viewers watched from a mobile device, which continues to show the need for an easy-to-use, real time experience. Sheley Brien, founder of ReinerStop said they were “very pleased” with the results from the first showtime. Statistics from the first event validate proof of concept and show that it has drummed up excitement across the industry.

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The Tulsa Reining Classic is now under new ownership and management. Recently acquired by Pete and Tamra Kyle, this long-standing show will have a new set of faces, and a new way to tune in. “Our Futurity will showcase many horses the industry hasn’t seen yet. The South Central Regional Championship happening during the TRC will highlight the fiercest exhibitors’ competition for their chance at the NAAC finals in Oklahoma City during the Futurity. The level of expertise that ReinerStop brings to our listeners is unparalleled to anything that’s been done before. This stream is great for beginners to experienced showmen. Anyone interested in what’s really going on with reining won’t want to miss this digital experience.” - Pete Kyle, Owner of Tulsa Reining Classic Reinerstop offers access to this real-time sports commentary through a pay-per-view ticketed experience. Tickets will be available mid-August. Details and tickets can be found at ReinerStop.com. 70

John Rotz passed away on July 12, 2021, at the Rotz Farm in Warrensburg, Illinois. A member of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Rotz lived a storied life. Renowned for his humble demeanor and talent with a horse, Rotz, known by his nickname “Gentleman John,” had an extraordinary career as a jockey. John Rotz was the 1987

Remembering Renowned Jockey & NRHA World Champ

Novice Horse Non Pro World Champion. He was also a National Reining Horse Association World Champion. Rotz was born on December 16, 1934, in Niantic, Illinois. After graduating high school in 1952, he went to work as a groom, hotwalker and exercise rider at Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville, Illinois, before becoming a professional jockey in 1953. During Rotz’s 20-year racing career he won a total of 2,907 races. In 1962 he won the Preakness Stakes on Greek Money and then the Belmont Stakes on High Echelon in 1970. He rode in the Kentucky Derby six times; his best finish was fourth on Native Charger. In both 1969 and 1970 he won more stakes races than any other jockey in American racing. In 1973, Rotz received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, given to a jockey who demonstrates high standards of personal and professional conduct, on and off the racetrack. He retired from riding that year following surgery for a foot injury but remained active in the industry. In 1983, he and his wife, Mary, returned to Warrensburg, Illinois, where they purchased a 280-acre farm where Mary rehabilitated wildlife and Rotz began his western performance horse career. Many people were familiar with Rotz as a superstar in the racing world but for many reiners, he was first and foremost a fellow competitor. It was after former NRHA President Rick Weaver won the NRHA Futurity in 1982 that he met Rotz. Rotz had just purchased Big Red Item and visited Weaver’s facility for help. For Weaver, it was instantly clear that Rotz had a great relationship with and a feel for horses. In 1987, Rotz went on to win the NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro World Championship on another horse named Doc Star Time. What impressed Weaver the most was the man’s humility. “I think the thing that is most important that people know about John was how he conducted himself. For a world class athlete that won the Preakness and the Belmont, I was so struck at how humble he was. It was probably my first glance of what it looked like to be going through your life and living with grace,” Weaver shared. Weaver expanded on that thought, noting that despite all Rotz accomplishments and achievements, many people were unaware of his success unless they had read it somewhere or somebody pointed it out.

AUGUST 2021

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TUF COOPER CAPTURES MOST MONEY DURING COWBOY CHRISTMAS 2021

By TRACY RENCK, PSN Editor COURTESY PRCA

Tuf Cooper has had plenty of success during Cowboy Christmas over his career, and that didn’t change in 2021.

Cooper, a four-time world champion, earned $31,255 between June 30 and July 5, the most of any cowboy during Cowboy Christmas. Cooper edged team ropers Dustin Egusquiza and Travis Graves, who earned $30,464 each. “That’s cool,” Cooper said about winning Cowboy Christmas. “This year I changed my strategy (for Cowboy Christmas). I didn’t enter all the rodeos. I went to six rodeos, and I could have gone to more, but you have to get a good schedule. I’m just kind of easing around with my new horse (Bro). I had a few days off and enjoyed some time in the mountains. I’ve rodeoed for so long and I never tried it this way, and I’m having fun and having success.” Cooper – who earned three world titles in tie-down roping (201112, 2014) and one in all-around (2017) – just missed breaking the Cowboy Christmas timed-event record for one event of $32,293 set by tie-down roper Shane Hanchey in 2016. Cooper was the top timed-event Cowboy Christmas earner in 2014 ($26,082) and 2015 ($22,640). Trevor Brazile, Cooper’s brother-in-law, holds the record for most money earned during Cowboy Christmas at $39,993, which he set in 2011 while tie-down roping and team roping. Cooper, 30, was plenty efficient during his recent Cowboy Christmas run, winning money at five of the six rodeos he attended. His Cowboy Christmas haul pushed him from second to first in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $108,501. “I’m just taking things one rodeo at a time and trying to be the best roper I can be every day,” Cooper said. “I hope I get to tell you

what it is like (to win a fifth gold buckle). That’s the goal.” Cooper’s biggest payday came at the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede, where he clocked an 8.3-second run to win on the rodeo’s final day, the Fourth of July, to earn $10,671. “My draws were good all week, that was probably the biggest thing,” Cooper said. “When I got in the box at Cody, 8.4 was winning it, and I just did exactly what I had to do, and it was cool to win it. A lot of my favorite rodeos were back this year, and I was just really happy to get to work on my craft at the biggest rodeos.” Cooper added $8,037 from Oakley City, Utah, $7,950 from St. Paul, Ore., and $4,597 from Greeley, Colo. Cooper rode Bro, 9, during Cowboy Christmas. Bro was owned by tie-down roper Cade Swor, a seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier (2004-06, 2014-17). Cooper won Round 9 at the 2020 Wrangler NFR aboard Bro at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with a 6.9-second time. Cooper bought Bro from Swor before RFD-TV’s The American in March at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. “Bro has been the difference in my season,” Cooper said. “I’m working as hard as I can and trying to grow, but that horse has made my job so much easier. Bro and I just fit perfectly. He complements my style, and he is unlike any horse I have had, just with his personality.” Cooper also is leading the ProRodeo Tour Standings in tie-down roping with 4,816.83 points. The Decatur, Texas, cowboy is making a point to qualify for the ProRodeo Tour Finale at California Rodeo Salinas, Sept. 23-26. “I definitely want to be in Salinas and compete for the money that will be up for grabs there,” Cooper said.

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KOLBY WANCHUK’S 94.5

IS SECOND-HIGHEST SCORED SADDLE BRONC RIDE IN PRCA HISTORY Courtesy PRCA

Growing up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Kolby Wanchuk had dreams of one day competing in the prestigious Calgary Stampede. Little did he know, years later he would post the second-highest scored ride in ProRodeo history while tying the arena record for the best saddle bronc ride in the rodeo's 109-year history.

On July 10, Wanchuk put together a 94.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede's Urgent Delivery to win the second round in Pool A and walk away with $5,500. That score is a half-point shy of the alltime PRCA record, which was set at 95 by Doug Vold (1979) and equaled by Glen O'Neill (1996). "It's a dream come true for me honestly," said Wanchuk, 25. "To be able to get to go to Calgary is a dream for almost any Canadian kid in rodeo, but to be able to come here and tie the arena record is unbelievable. "It felt like that horse was really getting after it and bucking right out of the chutes, and I thought I put a pretty good ride on it, but I definitely didn't see a 94.5-point ride coming." Luckily for him the judges did, making it one of the best saddle bronc rides in ProRodeo history. Days later it still has him at a loss

for words, especially for a cowboy that got his start in rodeo clowning around with his father. "My dad has been a professional rodeo clown for almost 45 years now, and from the time I could walk I was in the arena with him," Wanchuk said. "If Dad didn't have a rodeo to go to, then I'd jump in with mom, she was a professional barrel racer. But it didn't matter what we had going on I'd sneak away and run to the fence to make sure I'd get to watch the bronc riding.

RYDER WRIGHT STAYS ON TOP WITH SNAKE RIVER STAMPEDE WIN

By TANNER BARTH, PRCA Media Coordinator Courtesy PRCA It was business as usual for two-time PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Ryder Wright in Nampa, Idaho, over the weekend. Wright put on a show for the crowd at the Snake River Stampede, which concluded July 24, winning the rodeo with 177 points on two head in the average. The Milford, Utah, cowboy capped off the title with an 88-point ride on the Cervi Brothers' Mortician in the finals. "That horse was awesome, I knew when I went in that I had a little wiggle room, but every time I nod my head I'm not riding for the average, I'm looking for go-round wins," said Wright, 23. "I've 78

watched that horse a couple of times, he jumped out there and did exactly what I thought he was going to do, then it was just up to me to do my thing." Wright did his thing and then some. The first-round win and the average title paid out $7,900 to the PRCA | RAM World Standings leader, adding to his already impressive season as he looks to repeat as world champion in Las Vegas in December. "I'm feeling really good, I'm riding good, everything seems to be working out for me right now," Wright said. "I'm going to try and keep the ball rolling for as long as I can." He hopes that success will roll right into the Thomas & Mack Center in Vegas but says he won't let the situation become bigger than it actually is. ry to keep it simple and treat every rodeo just like it's another rodeo," Wright said. "Instead of letting the situation become bigger than it is, just stick to the basics." Wright will look to keep his championship train on the tracks next week, heading to the prestigious Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days. "We'll be there Tuesday, and I can't wait for it, to be honest with you," Wright said. Other winners of the $361,449 rodeo were all-around cowboy Marty Yates ($7,676, tie-down roping and team roping); bareback riders Caleb Bennett and Jamie Howlett (174.5 points on two head each); steer wrestlers Cody Cabral and Curtis Cassidy (12.3 seconds on three head each); team ropers Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves (13.5 seconds on three head); tie-down roper Hunter Herrin (26.0 seconds on three head); barrel racer Kelly Bruner (33.23 seconds on two runs); and bull rider Jeff Askey (176.5 points on two head).

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SAGE KIMZEY MAKES HISTORY WHILE

SPLITTING XTREME BULLS WIN WITH J.B. MAUNEY By TRACY RENCK, PSN Editor Courtesy PRCA In a career littered with ProRodeo records, bull rider Sage Kimzey notched another one Tuesday night. By splitting the win with J.B. Mauney at the Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Xtreme Bulls, Kimzey became the all-time leader in PRCA Xtreme Bulls Division 1 victories with nine. “It is kind of crazy, to be honest,” Kimzey said. “These are premier stand-alone events, and to have nine of them on my resume is pretty special for sure.” Kimzey, 26, was tied with Matt Austin for the Division 1 record for career wins. On Tuesday night, Kimzey shared the win, thanks to his 91-point ride on Powder River Rodeo’s Top Shelf in section one. “I had never been on that bull, but I had seen him around a bunch,” Kimzey said. “I was excited to have him. The bull really bucked around to the left. He had me moving and working the whole time. I never had a really great seat on him, but it was all good.” Mauney answered with a 91-point ride on Powder River Rodeo’s Flight Risk in section two. “It was about time, this makes me feel a little better to win the Xtreme Bulls,” said Mauney, 34. “I’m just taking it one bull at a time and entering as many as I can and having fun. That was the third time I had been on that bull and the first time I rode him. He bucked today. He moved into the left, and he was kind of around the end of the gate, and I met him around to the right and (he) had a big ol’ jump back around to the left. Luckily, I was there when the whistle blew.”

It was Kimzey’s first Division 1 Xtreme Bulls win since June 20, 2019, when he captured the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo Xtreme Bulls title. Kimzey has won a PRCA-record four Xtreme Bulls Tour titles (2015, 2017-19). Kimzey and Mauney each pocketed $11,201. “This was very important to get a win like this,” Kimzey said. Kimzey will remain in second in the PRCA Xtreme Bulls standings with $54,055. Mauney, meanwhile, should scoot up into the top three of the Xtreme Bulls standings with $26,105. Kimzey also will add to his lead in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $141,144. Kimzey won six world titles in a row from 2014-19 and was fifth a year ago. “There’s pretty much a direct 1-to-1 correlation whenever you look at who is doing well in the (world) standings and who is doing well in the Xtreme Bulls standings,” Kimzey said. “If you want to be at the top of (the world standings) you have to do well at these Xtreme Bulls events.” Mauney entered Tuesday fifth in the world standings and should move up one spot with $88,866 after his Spanish Fork performance. Mauney has been on a heater the last month. He earned $20,920 for winning the Reno Rodeo June 26, added another $17,105 by winning the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 17 and another $11,201 in Spanish Fork. “I went back to having fun, that’s what it boiled down to,” said Mauney about the key to his recent victory binge. “You ride bulls because it is fun, you don’t do it to make a living when you start out. When you take the fun out of it, it becomes a job. I went back to having fun, and shoot, it seems like it’s working out.”

USRoper: 24/7 Roadside Assistance Boulder, CO, June 22, 2021 — USRoper has got your back when you’re on the road towing horses. Now they’ve got your back at the jackpot, too! USRoper, the nationwide roadside assistance program developed specifically for the competitive roper on the road, is now an official sponsor of the Ariat World Series of Team Roping, USTRC, 82

and NTR. “We are excited to be partnering with USRoper to provide roadside assistance to our members and competitors,” says Ty Yost, President of Roping Events at Equine Network. “USRoper provides a valuable service and will provide our ropers the security of knowing a vehicle or trailer problem will

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LUKE BRANQUINHO BACK ON TOP OF STEER WRESTLING IN ST. PAUL By TANNER BARTH, PRCA Media Coordinator Courtesy PRCA

Luke Branquinho suffered a gruesome hamstring injury at the beginning of the summer run, but the five-time PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler didn’t let it slow him down for long. The Los Alamos, Calif., cowboy wrapped up his Fourth of July run over the weekend by winning the average at

Luke Branquinho

the 85th annual St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo. He put together a couple solid runs to finish in 8.4 seconds on two head.

“We were in a great pen of steers, and I had a great set of guys to compete against this weekend,” said Branquinho, 40. “I was on a great horse with riding Baby in St. Paul. Jacob Talley’s been riding her the last few years at the (Wrangler National Finals Rodeo). The mare’s been working awesome, I won a pile on her over the last week or so.” In addition to his win at St. Paul, Branquinho, who won world titles in 2004, 2008, 201112 and 2014, also finished second at the Livingston (Mont.) Roundup Rodeo. He went into the weekend sitting 18th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $20,515, just $2,971 behind Marc Joiner for the 15th spot in the world. Branquinho’s performance at St. Paul added $7,597 to his season earnings. This Cowboy Christmas run has him in a prime spot to climb the standings. “Obviously, anytime somebody can have a great run like that over Cowboy Christmas it’s going to help, especially being that close in the standings,” Branquinho said. “I missed over three weeks with my hamstring injury, so being able to come back strong, going to five rodeos and winning what I did over the Fourth is awesome no matter where you’re at.” Branquinho, who said he tore his hamstring, admits the 86

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continued on page 88

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$13.3 MILLION WRANGLER NFR PAYOUT IN 2021 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 19, 2021) – The ProRodeo Cowboys Association®’s 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® will see an increase in the payout at the world’s largest rodeo in December. The Wrangler NFR, which returns to Las Vegas Dec. 2-11,

will have a record-setting competition payout of $10,257,048. This amount includes guaranteed prize money of $1.2 million for all NFR qualifiers and $9,057,048 in competition prize money. Between 2015 and 2020, the NFR paid out a total of $10 million – $8.8 million in competition prize money and $1.2 million in guaranteed prize money to qualifiers. The increase will see round winners take home $26,997 per round and average winners earn $69,234. Each go-round will pay a total of $87,087, while the average total will pay $261,261 per event. The stock contractor pay – which is 30% of the contestant payout – is increased to $3,077,114. After taking place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, in 2020, the Wrangler NFR will be back at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas this year. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. from page 86

More LUKE BRANQUINHO

“You can’t worry about it, there’s nothing that you can do. Whether you’re hurt or not you have to go make your runs and give it your all no matter what,” Branquinho said. “It would mean everything to get back to Vegas. Each year I set out with the goal to make the Wrangler NFR and win a gold buckle.” 88

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2021 Farnam AQHA World

and Adequan® Select World Schedule AQHA debuts the tentative schedule for the 2021 Farnam AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Shows, slated for Oct 28 - Nov 20 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. The Farnam AQHA World Championship Show and AQHA Select World Championship Show, presented by Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), return to the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City October 28 - November 20. Owners, exhibitors and trainers can view the 2021 tentative schedule, which is now available at www.aqha.com/worldshow. Online entry information will be available soon at www.aqha.com/worldshow. Estimated times on the schedule may vary based on the number of entries received. This year’s Farnam AQHA World and Adequan® Select World will also host the Adequan® Level 2 and Nutrena Level 1 championships. The AQHA Executive Committee previously made the decision to waive qualifying for all classes, with the exception of an alternative qualifying requirement for open-division roping classes, due to the impact of the pandemic on qualifying events; traditional qualifying will resume for the 2022 AQHA championship shows. “The Farnam AQHA World and Adequan® Select World is the most prestigious event in the equine industry, where we see exhibitors and horses vie for world championship honors and the coveted golden globe across a multitude of disciplines,” said Justin Billings, AQHA chief show officer. “We are proud to offer this show as a celebration of the American Quarter Horse and those who love it. The AQHA Show Council, Cattle Advisory Committee and AQHA Executive Committee have worked diligently to help us create a schedule that meets a variety of needs for a multitude of classes. This year’s event adds four days of competition to better accommodate a large number of entries. Entry information will be available soon, and exhibitors will have the convenience of entering online once again this year.” 90

Returning to the Farnam AQHA World and Adequan® Select World is the 42nd Annual Triangle Fall Horse Sale. Specializing in western performance American Quarter Horses, the Triangle Horse Sale has a reputation as one of the most versatile consignment horse sales in the country. The sale is anticipated to attract high-quality horses and create an amazing marketplace during the first Friday and Saturday of the show. The Adequan® Select World is the world’s largest, singlebreed world championship horse show open exclusively to amateur exhibitors age 50 and over. This is the pinnacle event for Select amateur competitors around the world and will take place in conjunction with the Farnam AQHA World Show. For more information about the Farnam AQHA World and Adequan® Select World, visit www.aqha.com/worldshow. About the Farnam AQHA World and Adequan® Select World The 2021 Farnam AQHA World and Adequan® Select World are the premier events in the equine industry for amateur, Select amateur and open exhibitors. The combined show will also host the Adequan® Level 2 and Nutrena Level 1 championships. The shows will be hosted according to local, state and federal mandates. The shows feature three weeks of exciting competition, educational opportunities and a bountiful trade show. For more information, visit www.aqha.com/world show. About the Sponsors Farnam is the official title sponsor of the Farnam AQHA World. Farnam knows – it’s all about the horse. Learn more about your trusted partner in caring for your horse. Adequan®, the official equine joint therapy of AQHA, is the proud title sponsor of the Adequan® Select World and the Adequan® Level 2 Championships. When you choose a joint therapy for your horses, choose Adequan®.

AUGUST 2021

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - The Bureau of Land Management is planning to gather and remove approximately 3,555 wild horses from the Adobe Town, Salt Wells Creek, Great Divide Basin, White Mountain and Little Colorado herd management areas this fall. The gather is necessary to return the five HMAs to the appropriate management level, and any mares released back into the HMAs will be treated with fertility control. The BLM plans to start gathering horses in early October. The BLM has also released an environmental assessment (DOI-BLM-WY-D040-20200005-EA), finding of no significant impact and decision record analyzing the gather and explaining the BLM’s decision. The environmental assessment was made available to the public March 31, 2021, and more than 1,754 comments were received from individuals, organizations, and agencies during the public review period. Public comments have been addressed and incorporated into the EA and decision record. The EA analyzes gathering approximately 4,397 wild horses from these five HMAs. Of these, 3,555 wild horses will be selectively removed as excess wild horses, and 842 will be released back into the HMAs after mares are treated with fertility control. The projected wild horse population remaining in these HMAs following the gather would be at low AML in each of the five HMAs, with about 1,550 wild horses total. The environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact and decision record are available at https://go.usa.gov/ xpaEN. The decision is subject to administrative review through the appeal process, which is outlined in the decision record.

Wild horses that are removed will be available for adoption to qualified applicants. To learn more about the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program and adopting a Wyoming wild horse, visit blm.gov/whb or contact the national information center at 866-486-7826 or wildhorse@blm.gov. This year, we invite everyone to reimagine your public lands as we celebrate 75 years of the BLM’s stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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THE BLM ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE STEPS FOR WILD HORSE AND BURRO ADOPTIONS

The Bureau of Land Management today announced additional steps it will take to secure the health and safety of adopted wild horses and burros through the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Incentive Program. “We are committed to the health and safety of adopted wild horses and burros,” said BLM Deputy Director for Programs Nada Wolff Culver. “While the vast majority of adopters already adhere to our requirements to provide a good and caring home, the BLM is now taking additional steps to secure the health and safety of adopted animals. We will begin to make additional compliance visits post-adoption, bring more scrutiny to potential adopters, and increase warnings to sale barns about the risks of illegally selling wild horses and burros, among other steps.”

Before adopting a wild horse or burro, an individual must certify, under penalty of prosecution, that the individual will not knowingly sell or transfer the animal for slaughter or for processing into commercial products. To ensure adopted animals go to good homes, the BLM limits adopters to assuming title to a maximum of four animals within a 12-month period and prohibits the transfer of title for at least 12 months from the adoption date. Furthermore, the BLM conducts compliance inspections on animals while in private care prior to title transfer. The BLM plans to take the following actions to provide further oversight and protection of adopted wild horses and burros: Continue to work with partners and other stakeholders to evaluate potential improvements to the Adoption Incentive Program, consistent with relevant laws and regulations. Ensure all adoption applications and agreements clearly and consistently state that the adopter must provide humane care and require the adopter to certify that they will not knowingly sell or transfer ownership of an adopted animal to any person or organization that intends to resell, trade or give away the animals for slaughter or processing into commercial products. Improve the screening of adoption applicants to better ensure that ineligible individuals are identified and excluded from participating in the adoption program, consistent with relevant laws and regulations. Conduct an inspection of wild horses and burros adopted through the Adoption Incentive Program within six months of adoption date, rather than twelve months. Have a veterinarian certify all title applications for wild horses and burros adopted through the Adoption Incentive Program in order to receive the incentive payment. Increase posting of warning notices at livestock sale facilities, highlighting criminal penalties for illegally selling un-titled wild horses and burros. Continue to refer cases to relevant U.S. Attorneys for potential violations under 18 USC 1001 for making false or misleading statements on adoption and title applications and agreements. Evaluate changes to federal regulations that strengthen protections for adopted wild horses and burros. The Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program is a vital component of the BLM’s mission to manage and protect wild horses and burros as required by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (Act) and other relevant laws and regulations. Since passage of the Act, the BLM has regularly gathered excess wild horses and burros from public lands to manage herd growth and address overpopulation. Current estimates suggest there are more than three times the number of wild horses and burros on public lands than is ecologically sustainable. Many of the oversized herds are negatively impacting native plant communities, wildlife, and important ecosystem functions. The Adoption Incentive Program is a component of the existing Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program that has increased the number of animals placed into private care. To date, the Adoption Incentive Program has helped place more than 8,250 wild horses and burros into adoptive homes. There are thousands of adoption success stories between a wild horse or burro and an adopter, ranging from beloved backyard companions to champion performance partnerships. Find some of their stories on the BLM’s Tales from the Trails blog.

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The Preeminent Showcase for Reining Horses Adopts New Names

The National Reining Horse Association Markel Futurity Sales represent the elite of the western performance horse industry. Lucrative for consignors and a gold mine of potential for buyers, the event is a must-attend during the NRHA Futurity each year. The 2021 NRHA Markel Futurity Sales are set for Thursday, December 2. As in the past, the sales will offer an outstanding group of two-year-old reining prospects, yearlings, stallions, broodmares, and show horses from

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leading breeders, owners, and trainers. The deadline to consign is August 31, and this year’s selection process has been streamlined with the elimination of photography and video requirements for yearlings,* and modified 2-year-old preview opportunities.**

All sales are managed by the NRHA staff with support and direction from the NRHA Sales Task Force. Rick Clark, John Tague, Rosanne Sternberg, Frank Costantini, Tim Anderson, Rick Ford and Jake Dahl serve on this task force along with NRHA Senior Manager of ReinerSuite and Futurity Sales Angie Honeywell. The quality and integrity of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales is reflected in the records of exemplary graduates of previous sales and those horses have won millions in NRHA earnings since the first 2-year-olds were sold in 1993. To represent the elevated quality of horses sold in each sale, the Sale Task Force has renamed three of the four sales. The Select Yearling Sale will now be the Elite Yearling Sale, the Select Breeders Sale has been renamed the Preferred Breeders Sale, and the Marketplace Sale will now be known as the Premier Sale. It’s more than semantics, as contemporary reining horses and prospects truly represent the culmination of years of development for the breeding industry. “The Sale Task Force felt these names were a better representation of the high-quality horses we have. Sale graduates from each sale have been incredibly successful in the show pen and breeding barn, and they wanted every aspect of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales to reflect that,” noted Honeywell. *Video and photograph requirements will not be compulsory as part of the yearling consignment application procedure. Please note that videos, photographs, and radiographs will still be required prior to the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales for marketing materials and to be available for buyers. New guidelines will now govern yearling placement.

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U.S. Dressage Team Earns Silver Medal in FEI Grand Prix Special for Team Medals at Tokyo

Jul 27, 2021, 12:15 PM EST Tokyo, Japan – The U.S. Dressage Team finished team competition at Tokyo 2020 capturing the silver medal under the lights at Equestrian Park in Tokyo, Japan,

the first time the team has collected a team silver since the London Olympic Games in 1948. The team competition saw eight nations vie for the three coveted podium positions, with Germany taking gold, the U.S. earning the silver, and Great Britain awarded the bronze

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medal. The team competition saw eight nations vie for the three coveted podium positions, with Germany taking gold, the U.S. earning the silver, and Great Britain awarded the bronze medal. Adrienne Lyle and Salvino received a 76.109 percent from the panel, while Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper, who rode in the second group, finished the competition with a 77.766, a personal best for the combination. Sabine SchutKery and Sanceo anchored the team and received a careerhigh 81.596 percent from the judges as one of the final rides of the evening. Lyle (Wellington, Fla.) and Salvino, a 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Betsy Juliano LLC, were the trailblazers for the U.S. Dressage Team, riding early in the first group order. The pair executed a mistake-free test, giving momentum to the team for their second ride with Peters and Suppenkasper. “I’m super thrilled. I was really hoping we could pull off a score like that for the team today. We were a little conservative in the Grand Prix, and it wasn’t our greatest display, so I wanted to come out here and push for a little bit more,” said Lyle. “Despite the heat and humidity, he was really a good boy and he delivered with no mistakes and that’s what you want for the team test.” In the second grouping continuted on page 104

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of combinations, Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Suppenkasper, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Akiko Yamazaki and Four Winds Farm, rode one of their best tests to date and earned a superb score, improving from their test on Sunday in the team qualifier competition. “This is exactly what I wanted for my team. It’s one

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thing to ride individually, but when you pull a good score for your team it’s an incredible feeling. When we came out of the arena, I gave Mopsie a big hug and thanked him from the bottom of my heart,” said Peters. “We were seriously in the zone. When we were out there about to go in the ring, I said, ‘Mopsie, please just do what we just did out here in warm-up,’ and we had a good schooling this morning. He did that for me when it counted and it’s an incredible feeling when a horse will fight for you like that in the arena.” As the anchor combination for the team, Schut-Kery (Napa, Calif.) and Sanceo, a 15-yearold Hanoverian stallion owned by Alice Womble, rounded out the team’s effort with another stellar performance and personal best. The duo, who made their presence known in their first outing on Saturday, returned with another strong performance for the U.S. Dressage Team, helping them to clinch their second-place finish. “For me, this was my first time here at the Olympics, and it was quite intense to wait that long for the end of the class, but I am so proud of my horse, my team, my owners, and the coaches. It’s been a really, really great experience and I am still a bit speechless,” said Schut-Kery. “I was filled with joy and pride. It’s such a team effort. It’s a big relief to deliver for the whole team, not just my teammates, but everyone involved, and it just meant everything. It was just pure happiness.” With team competition concluded, Chef d’Equipe Debbie McDonald discussed her team’s performance throughout the team competition, as she was overcome with emotion.

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Historic Horse Mesa Ranch in Oak Creek, Arizona Needs Your Support to Survive Zoning Challenge Horses are a living symbol of the American West – the embodiment of our nation’s heritage, freedom and frontier spirit. That spirit is alive and well in red rock country. Here,

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2021 Tentative Show Schedule

shows will be held at Western Saddle Club arenas on 7th Street just south of Thunderbird Road

• September 11 - Saturday 4:00 pm (Our Evening shows are No Bling - please see our website for more info)

“NEW Class” Western Horsemanship with Pattern Walk-Jog All Ages

• October 3 - Sunday 9:00 am • November 7 - Sunday 8:00 am (note: early start time due to Triple Judged show)

• December’s date TBD - Sunday 9:00 am (December’s date will be either the 5th or 12th)

Please Call to Confirm Show Dates or Check our Website or Facebook

LEADLINE is now 8 & Under

No club to join & you don’t need papers for your horses, just come out & show with your friends & have a great time!

ENTRY FEES $8.00 per class per judge

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equestrian culture remains an important part of our daily lives. Here, the sacred bond between horse and man (or woman!) remains as strong as ever. Here, we know our animals, our land and our Western heritage are at the heart of what makes this place special. This is our way of life, and it’s one worth celebrating. My name is Mary Morris, and the Village of Oak Creek has been my home for 17 years. Last August, our community suffered a great loss with the passing of Elizabeth “Bee” Gordon. Bee had owned and operated Horse Mesa Ranch since the 1970s. She was a renowned Appaloosa breeder, and her foals were widely sought for their fine lineage, show records and soundness. Under her leadership, Horse Mesa Ranch became more than just a facility for boarding horses and breeding world class Appaloosas. The Budweiser Clydesdales would visit and board during their western states tours, and some of the industry’s premier natural horsemanship instructors delivered clinics as they introduced people to a new way of communicating with horses through love, language and leadership. Horse Mesa Ranch is where children took their first horseback ride; 4H students learned horsemanship; adults achieved their lifelong dream of horse ownership; and countless memories were made. That’s why I’m excited my husband and I are purchasing Horse Mesa Ranch so that we may continue Bee’s legacy. The equine boarding and related uses for which we’ve requested approval from Yavapai County are simply a continuation of how Horse Mesa Ranch has operated for more than four decades. It has been gratifying to see this community come together in support of our bid to continue operations at the ranch. Letters of encouragement have come from across the Village of Oak Creek, broader Sedona and Yavapai County. There are a few opponents who don’t share our enthusiasm. They say our community has changed and that there is no longer a place for Horse Mesa Ranch. We don’t believe that. Yes, our community has changed. Growth has come. Development. The trappings of modern life. But that is exactly why we need places like Horse Mesa Ranch. This is the last remaining equine boarding facility in the area. What a loss it would be to our local equine community to see Horse Mesa Ranch disappear or turned into yet another housing subdivision. That doesn’t have to happen. If you believe as strongly as we do in the importance of continuing the legacy of Horse Mesa Ranch, please let Yavapai County officials know by completing this brief survey and emailing the Supervisors. With your support and the approval of Yavapai County officials, we can ensure Horse Mesa Ranch is not only a part of our history, but our future as well. Mary Morris and her husband, Scott, are horse owners and residents of the Village of Oak Creek. Visit FriendsOfHMR.com.

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SHANE HANCHEY WINS WORLD’S OLDEST RODEO

By JOLEE JORDAN, Special to ProRodeo.com Courtesy PRCA

A few tenths of a second and just more than $3,600 is the difference between Shane Hanchey owning three gold buckles instead

of one as the PRCA World Champion Tie-down Roper. Despite winning the most money in tie-down roping at the last two Wrangler National Finals Rodeos and winning the average in 2020, Hanchey fell just short of the title

in both seasons, finishing third by $2,408 in 2020 and second in 2019 by an even slimmer $1,181. Coming that close has certainly lit a fire under the 2013 PRCA World Champion and 11-time NFR qualifier in 2021.

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“I want to lie and say it doesn’t cross my mind at least once every day,” Hanchey said. “But it does.

“It gives me extra motivation because the end goal every season is to win that gold buckle.” At this point in his highly decorated career, there aren’t many rodeo titles missing from his résumé, but Hanchey filled in one of the few holes with a win at the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, Ariz., after roping two calves in 18.4 seconds June 29. The rodeo concluded July 4. “I think if you’d told me before the Fourth that I would only win maybe $10,000 but I’d win Prescott, I think I probably would have said, ‘I’ll take it.’ I’ve never won a dime in Prescott before,” Hanchey said. “But I’ve always seen the buckle and wanted to win one.” Hanchey was just out of the money on his first run with a 9.3-second effort and stayed consistent with a 9.1 in round two that picked up a share of sixth. He added $5,044 to his pocketbook, pushing him over $100,000 on the season. He also maintained his lead in the ProRodeo Tour and PRCA | RAM World Standings. Making the win sweeter for Hanchey was the fact that it was earned aboard his great horse Si, registered Simon Cow, the 2017 PRCA | AQHA Tie-down Roping Horse of the Year. Si suffered a major injury to his left hind ankle and Hanchey turned the gelding out on pasture. “It’s a pretty cool story . . . I’ve just brought him back after more than a year off after an injury,” Hanchey said. “We kicked him out with the broodmares and babies.” In October 2020, Hanchey and his horseshoer were trimming horses in that pasture when Si came running up to the pair. Seeing that he appeared sound, Hanchey scheduled an appointment with his veterinarian, who confirmed the gelding had rehabilitated himself.

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New Streaming Service Pluto TV to Air

Road to the Horse highlight shows and PBR RidePass

By: Scott Breen

LOS ANGELES - Pluto TV, the leading free streaming television service, and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization, have announced a new multifaceted partnership that will kick off by bringing PBR’s signature streaming service RidePass, and its stable of live events, talent and fans,

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to an all-new arena. Beginning July 20, 2021, PBR RidePass will stream exclusively on Pluto TV, as both a linear channel and ondemand featuring hundreds of hours of live professional bull riding, rodeo, other western sporting events, and more. Additionally, Pluto TV will market its service to PBR fans, becoming one of the sport’s

largest partners. As a leading destination for fans of bull-riding and western sports content, the launch of PBR RidePass on Pluto TV will mark a transition from the digital network’s origin as a subscription-based streaming service to an ad-supported streaming channel. With a growing audience of over 50 million global users on Pluto

AUGUST 2021

TV, the PBR RidePass channel will serve western sports fans by providing them with frontrow streaming access, for free, to fan-favorite western sports content. Programming includes PBR’s Unleash The Beast and Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, marquee rodeos including WCRA Triple Crown, Indian National Finals Rodeo, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, and National High School Rodeo Finals, premier horse and equestrian events, including “Road to the Horse,” highlight shows, and western sports shoulder programming. The first marquee rodeo carried live on Pluto TV is Days of 47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo on July 20-24 from Utah Fair State Park was all five rounds of competition free on Pluto TV. “This new relationship with Pluto TV allows PBR to super serve fans with hundreds of events and thousands of hours of great western sports programming now available for free,” said Sean Gleason, Commissioner and CEO, PBR. “With PBR’s linear and streaming live event content all within the ViacomCBS family through CBS and Pluto TV, we will benefit from tremendous synergies to grow this first-ofits-kind sports network.” PBR RidePass on Pluto TV represents an expansion of the FAST leader’s growing footprint in live sports and events programming, building on Pluto TV’s existing appointment viewing for franchises and iconic sporting events. This marks a first-of-its-kind deal for Pluto TV bringing education and amplified brand awareness via in-event marketing and broadcast television promotion.

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Del Mar Restores $1 Million Purse to Pacific Classic Building on its pre-meet enhancements and the success of its current racing season, Del Mar announced July 30 a pair of major increases to key stakes races on its 2021 schedule.

The TVG Pacific Classic (G1), the track's centerpiece race since introduced in 1991, has been restored to its original purse level of $1 million for its Aug. 21 renewal. Additionally, the track's conclusion to its 3-year-old grass series—the Sept. 4 Del Mar Derby (G2T)—will climb to $250,000. The TVG Pacific Classic was scheduled to be presented this year for the 31st time with a purse of $750,000, which was an increase from its COVID-19-affected 2020 running when the 1 1/4-mile race was dropped to $500,000. The Del Mar Derby ran with a $200,000 purse in 2020 and was initially designated to do so again this year prior to this current boost for the 1 1/8-mile turf test. Both raises put the races on equal footing with their 2019 levels. Prior to the meet, Del Mar had increased the values of virtually all of its other stakes from 2020 to equivalent—or in some cases

higher—purse standards than the ones that existed in 2019. "We had fairly aggressive projections going into the meet and I'm pleased to say our business has exceeded those numbers," said Tom Robbins, a Del Mar executive vice president and its director of racing and industry relations. "We are thrilled to restore our signature race back to its $1 million level, where it had been and certainly belongs." Since 2010, Del Mar has joined with its broadcast partner TVG to augment the TVG Pacific Classic and keep it at the forefront of major races nationally. "We have a spectacular partnership with Del Mar and the TOC and our team at TVG is very excited that our sponsorship of the Pacific Classic is one of the reasons for this purse increase," said Kevin Grigsby, SVP and executive producer of TVG and FanDuel. "Over the last decade, TVG has become one of the largest sponsors of horse racing in the U.S. Along with our investments in distribution and technology, it is part of our commitment to reinvest in the sport." The track always works in accord with the Thoroughbred Owners of California in setting and maintaining both its stakes schedule and its overall purse structure.

Santa Anita’s Beloved Paddock Captain John Shear Retires At Age 100 The news came in a twitter post this past Monday. John Shear, Santa Anita's 100-year-old Paddock Captain, made it official as he announced his retirement from The Great Race Place following more than 60 years of great memories and dedicated service. “It's official, I have retired from work,” Shear wrote. “For 60 years, I worked all the Southern California racetracks, met many incredible people and saw the best horses. It has been a career I look back (upon) with great pride and wonderful memories. I'm in great health and will visit Santa Anita as a fan.”

Accordingly, Santa Anita will honor the man who gained national attention nine years ago when he heroically threw himself between an on-rushing loose horse and a 5-year-old girl who was standing beside her father just outside the track's Seabiscuit Walking Ring with a special Paddock dedication and ceremony on opening day of the 2021 Autumn Meet on Friday, Oct. 1. A commemorative plaque honoring Shear's decades-long commitment to customer service and safety will be unveiled in Santa Anita's Paddock Gardens area and Shear will be feted in a Winner's Circle ceremony as well. Sidelined due to COVID-related restrictions at the track earlier in the year, Shear was reluctant to call it a career, but decided over the weekend to contact his union local and at last enjoy the benefits of retirement. “John really wanted to go back to work this year, but with COVID basically shutting things down, it just wasn't possible,” said his wife Diane by phone from their home in nearby Sierra Madre on Tuesday. “He misses the horses and the people so much. The fans, the jockeys, the trainers, everybody, it's just been his life forever. We're thrilled to learn that Santa Anita is going to honor him in this way and we can't wait to come out on Oct. 1. It should be a great day.”

John Shear, Santa Anita’s 100-year-old Paddock Captain

Orphaned as a young boy in his native England, Shear, at four feet, 11 inches, originally aspired to be a jockey and following service in World War II, he emigrated to Vancouver, B.C., from where he came to Santa Anita for the first time as an exercise boy in 1954. “I was exercising horses for a guy in Vancouver and he asked me if I'd like to go with him to Santa Anita that fall,” said Shear when interviewed prior to his 100th birthday this past January. “I said, 'Sure,' and as soon as I stepped off that van in the Stable Area here, is said 'Lord, this is where I want to be.' The place was so incredibly beautiful and I've never gotten tired of it.” A big believer in daily exercise, Shear, who remains a svelte 104 pounds, had this simple advice for a long life prior to his 99th birthday: “Find something you love, stay positive and exercise!”

Aye aye Captain and we'll see you on Oct. 1!

AUGUST 2021

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Magnificent Martha Josey fashioned Hall of Fame career from meager beginnings

By Neal Reid

Sitting in the grandstands at a rodeo in Shreveport, Louisiana, in the mid-1950s, 17-year-old Martha Arthur made a decision. The Texas teenager concluded she was no longer content to sit idly by as a spectator. The fact that she had never run barrels competitively mattered little to the determined spitfire. I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t belong up here. I belong down there,’” said the barrel racer, who, as Martha Josey, would go on to 11 National Finals Rodeo qualifications, the 1980 world championship and now, a spot in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Josey’s father, Henry, was one of the first four directors of the Quarter Horse Association and brought some of the first quarter horses to east Texas near the family home in Marshall. From him, she developed a love of horses and the Western way of life, but he passed away suddenly when she was just 10. Her mother, Martha, was forced to sell their nearly 40 mares, keeping just one stallion, a horse that spent most of his time in the barn. Heartbroken, the younger Martha shifted her focus to more traditional sports, including basketball, a sport she loved and excelled in enough to eventually play in the semi-pro ranks after high school. “I had loved horses forever, but my mother had sold all the horses,” she said. “My dad was really the horse person. I didn’t really have the ways or means to barrel race.” Fate would intervene, however, in the form of her life-changing epiphany in Louisiana. What happened afterward is a success story that grew from the most meager of origins into a pioneering horsewoman’s legendary career that continues to this day. “The next day, I got him out of the barn,” she said of the family’s lone equine. “I found my dad’s roping saddle and put out some barrels, and that’s how I started barrel racing. I basically had nothing.” A year later, a man named C.B. Reynolds would help create Josey’s first superstar horse pairing. “He called and said, ‘You’re Henry Arthur’s daughter, and I know you can really ride,” Josey said. “You need to come over and get this horse named Cebe Reed.’ I didn’t have a trailer or any way to haul the horse. “My mother had a Buick that had 300,000 miles on it, and I went and rented a horse trailer for $5. Really, Cebe Reed started my career.” 120

Her mother covered the $2,500 Martha had promised Reynolds for the horse using money earned from leasing oil land, and Josey cut her teeth at amateur rodeos, working to find chemistry with her new horse and develop as a top-flight barrel racer. The family would overcome a devastating house fire that cost them everything during her teenage years, and she and Cebe Reed would grow into a dynamic duo. “Before I joined the professional ranks, I won everything there was to win,” said Josey, who won 52 consecutive barrel races during one impressive stretch. “I think I won seven horse trailers, and I was winning quite a bit of money. I was working at a big government plant down in Karnack, Texas, and I was able to quit that to go rodeo for a living.” Along the way, she met R.E. Josey—a talented cowboy who would win three American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) calf roping titles— at a rodeo, and it was love at first sight. They were married in 1967, and a year later, she qualified for her first NFR on Cebe Reed. That 1968 qualification came despite what could have been a career-ending injury for Josey in Houston in March. She and her prized horse went flying over a bar that was erroneously left blocking the alleyway as they exited the arena, and she ended up with a concussion that would cost her four months of the season. They still managed to finish 11th in the world standings after a trip to Oklahoma City in December, but Josey speculates the injury could have cost her even more. “I feel like, had I not had that accident, I probably could have won the world championship,” she said. Josey and her talented gelding also qualified for the Finals the following year, finishing fourth in the world. She also rode bulls and broncs, rode cutting horses and tied goats while competing in all-girl rodeos. In 1969, Josey won the Girl’s Rodeo Association reserve All-Around World Championship behind world champion and fellow ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee Wanda Harper Bush. She would have to wait nine years for her third NFR qualification, but stayed busy conducting roping and barrel racing clinics with R.E. They quickly gained a devoted following of students and a reputation for putting on some of the best schools in the country. Nearly 55 years after their first clinic, more than 1,500 hungry participants of all ages still flock to their ranch for instruction each year. Several of her students—including Lynn McKenzie, Mary Walker and Fallon Taylor—have gone on

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E L I T E

T E A M

E Q U E S T R I A N

T E A M

2016, 2018 & 2019

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More Martha Josey Hall of Fame to win barrel racing world championships. Martha and R.E. found her next superhorse, Sonny Bit O’Both, from one of her barrel racing students in 1978, and she rode him all the way to the NFR that year for the first of four consecutive trips to the Finals. In 1980, Josey would duel McKenzie at the NFR, with the neck-and-neck battle for the gold buckle going down to the wire.

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“It went to the 10th round, and all I had to do was make a decent run and not hit a barrel,” Josey said. “On that 10th run, Sonny stumbled real bad going into the first barrel, and it made him come out wide. I had a lot of trouble getting him over for the second barrel. I barely got him over, and it was really, really close.” Josey held on, and she and Sonny—who had helped her win the AQHA World Championship earlier that

also would ride that horse at the year—edged McKenzie and her 1988 Olympic Winter Games super steed, Magnolia Missile, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, by $1,205 for the gold buckle. as part of the rodeo exhibition It still stands as the only time in during the Cultural Olympiad. history a horse carried its rider Josey’s individual bronze to an AQHA world title and a medal there helped the United pro barrel racing championship States take the team title, in the same year. and it was an experience she Josey’s joy was short-lived, remembers fondly. however, as she fell victim to “Oh, that another potentially was one of career-ending the highlights injury in March of of my career,” 1981. she said. “The “I was doing Olympics had a video training always been tape, and I had something I’d gotten on a young always wanted horse and was to go to.” showing how to Josey exercise a 3-yearreturned to the old,” she said. NFR in 1989 “He threw me and and 1990 on broke my shoulder her fifth NFR and broke my qualifier—a pelvis in so many Josey and R.E. horse named Rev— places that the doctor finishing fourth and seventh said I would never walk again in the world, respectively. Her and that I would definitely never 1990 qualification put Josey ride again.” in rare air as a barrel racer, But she had other plans. considering it was her fourth “I had a miracle recovery, different decade as an NFR and I ended up making the contestant. Finals that same year,” said “It’s been a great thing to Josey, who would go on to be able to say I made the NFR finish third in the world. “I in four different probably came decades,” said back in July. It was Josey, whose NFR kind of a miracle, qualifications came because I was on six different really broken.” horses. “A lot of The desire she people say you had as a competitor can only have one wouldn’t let her good horse, but I’ve quit. been lucky enough “I think adversity to have several. brings out the best All of those horses in a person,” she were really great said in a Purina horses.” documentary Another great called “Stories of horse, Orange Smash, carried Greatness” that can be found Josey to numerous senior titles on YouTube. “You can do and her 11th and final trip to anything you want to if you the NFR in 1998 at the age want it bad enough.” of 60. Josey was on pace to That would be her last NFR become the only woman to add qualification until 1985, when a fifth different decade as an Josey took another horse, NFR qualifier in 2004, aboard a Jetonfer Pay, to an eighth-place horse named Red Man Bay, if it world standings finish at the wasn’t for another freak injury in Finals in Las Vegas. Another Austin. trip followed in 1987—aboard a horse named J.C.—and she

AUGUST 2021

Regardless, there’s no doubt the talented horsewoman has a gift for spotting and developing horses, and her longevity in the sport as a barrel racer and horse trainer is second to none. “I think finding the horse who wants to win as much as you do [is the key],” said Josey, who also has been an innovator in creating barrel racing equipment, as well as Western apparel. “R.E., has always been good at helping me find good horses. He’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to have the nice horses, because he’s really good at helping pick them out, how to keep them going. “Looking for a barrel horse is kind of like scouting a quarterback. I always look for a horse with lots and lots of heart, and I was lucky that all six of those horses were really great horses.” Because of her many accomplishments and decades of excellence in the sport, Josey has been named to numerous Halls of Fame. In addition to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame—which she will join officially at the Aug. 1 induction ceremony in Colorado Springs— Josey was a 2011 Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, is a member of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and Ark-LaTex Hall of Fame. Josey looks back on her rodeo career fondly, pointing out that the same determination and competitive fire that has propelled her to the most respected ranks as a horse trainer and barrel racing instructor carried her in the saddle all those years in the arena. “I had lots of desire,” said Josey, who celebrated her 82nd birthday in March. “I was very honored [with the induction]. I love being in all the Hall of Fames. “It’s been fun, that’s for sure.”

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2021 SPRING SALE

CASH IN ON THE BOOM

The Source for America’s Horse

Consignment Forms Online www.shawneehorsesales.net Jennifer Anderson 405-401-4759 Tiffany Caravella 405-615-9171 John Carlson 405-612-0188 AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021

www.WestWorldAZ.com

AWARDED 2020 FACILITY OF THE YEAR USES OF THE NORTH HALL

VENDING SPACE

HORSE ARENAS OR STALLS 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 - Phone: (480) 312-6802 AUGUST 2021

BIG SPECTATOR EVENTS 1313

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AUGUST 2021

Bridle & Bit Horse Magazine August Edition

Articles inside

Bob Avila Interview - AQHA Hall of Fame

ReinerStop SHOWTIME announces upcoming event coverage - Tulsa Reining Classic

BRENDA JOYCE INTERVIEW

WATER ISSUES DRIVE CONCERNS IN RIO VERDE

The History of the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas

Matt Mills to challenge Cole Cameron in Road to the Horse MATT MILLS March 24-27

Who is Thomas Tull?