Bridle & Bit Magazine April 2023

ARLINGTON, Tex.

(March 15, 2023)

Debuting during The American Western Weekend at Globe Life Field, The American Performance Horseman inaugural event on Friday, March 10, 2023 featured the top professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) standings putting it all on the line for a $1,000,000 prize.

For the first time ever, the top five year-end money earning professionals from the NRCHA, NCHA and the NRHA came together at the 42,000seat Globe Life Field. The competitive exhibition format fused the elements of history and competition in an ode to the past, present, and future of western performance horse sports.

The evening’s fast-paced exhibition began with the cut-

ting followed by a dynamic performance by legendary singer, songwriter Sheryl Crow. Then moving into the reining pattern the action continued and was then closed out with the reined cow horse athletes and performances from The Ghost Hounds as well as three-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer Darius Rucker.

The

each

The unprecedented team concept saw five teams of three athletes, partnered with some of the most well-known and respected Quarter Horses in the industry. Each team consisted of a reiner, reined cow horse professional and

Photos by Chelsea Schneider for Teton Ridge / The American Performance Horseman

Stars Shine at The American Casey

Deary

Andrea Fappani

Austin Shepard

Matt Mills

American Performance Horseman

Sarah Dawson

Corey Cushing

incredible artist Lesley Rand Bennett and awarded to Team Blue: Sarah, Adan and Fernando with Karl Stressman

Photos by Chelsea Schneider for Teton Ridge / The American Performance Horseman

from page 14

More of the American Performance Horseman

The Royal Blue Team, as drafted in early February, of cutter Adan Banuelos, reiner Fernando Salgado and reined cow horse professional Sarah Dawson swept the night in first place.

The team placements within the Top 5 were as follows:

Royal Blue Adan Banuelos, Fernando Salgado & Sarah Dawson 905.5

2

Lee

3

Racing Green

4

Imperial

5

Burnt

For more information on The American Performance Horseman or the excitement throughout The American Western Weekend please visit www. americanrodeo.com.

About The American Western Weekend: The American Western Weekend March 8th -11th, 2023 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas features four nights of action-packed entertainment, world-class talent and western

sports that culminates with The American Rodeo. Hailed as The Crown Jewel of Rodeo™, The American Rodeo is an unrivaled celebration of the pioneering spirit of the American West. The national sporting event offers fans a unique choice - to cheer on western sports’ finest, champion athletes, or root for the underdog “Contenders” chasing a $1 million bonus –through every rodeo, roping and riding effort. For the first time ever, a new competitive exhibition called The American Performance Horseman brings together the western equine sports disciplines of reining, reined cow horse and cutting for a $1 million prize. All combined with star-studded music, a western festival and more. Acquired by Teton Ridge in 2021, The American Rodeo is an annual western sports and entertainment celebration that matches professional rodeo’s top athletes against the world’s most aspirational cowboys

and cowgirls, who have put up their own money to bet on themselves in this high stake’s showdown. For more information on The American Rodeo, please visit americanrodeo.com or @TheAmerican.TR on Instagram @TheAmericanTR on Facebook and Twitter.

About Teton Ridge:

Teton Ridge is a multi-platform, wholly American-owned brand and media company devoted to the iconic American western way of life. Teton Ridge’s Sports division was created with the singular focus of elevating classic western sports and America’s western culture on the world stage, while broadening audiences around the globe as well as at home. In 2021, Teton Ridge acquired The American, the iconic event of the rodeo circuit, to continue to expand the audiences for rodeo sports and make it the world’s premier western culture event.

Regal Red Lloyd Cox, Shawn Flarida & Justin Wright 894

Lindy Thorn, Casey Deary & Chris Dawson 891.5

Purple Wesley Galyean, Andrea Fappani & Corey Cushi 878

Orange Austin Shepherd, Matt Mills & Lee Deacon 847.5

Photos by Chelsea Schneider for Teton Ridge / The American Performance Horseman

Francesca Sternberg & Doug Allen

Brianna Anthony, Melissa & Ruben Vandorp, Kelsey Flessner

Brian & Karen Teets

Equine Shine: Gabriella, Sid & Danica

PaulaLyon&JamieWalters

Tracy Wager & Clinton Anderson

Jennifer Anderson Shawnee Horse Sales, Rick Clark past NRHA President, Frank Costantini Director of Western Disciplines Markel Insurance, Tim Anderson NRHA Reining Horse Foundation & Million Dollar Owners, John Tague Toyon Ranch, Kim Niven TK21 Ranch & NRHA Corporate Partner

Mandy McCutcheon & Monica Hicks Mathison

PHOTOS: TRACY WAGER

Cactus Classic Live Feed Commentators: Taylor Sheridan, Craig Schmersal & Francesca Sternberg

The Matt Mills Family: Alec, Emma, Betty (Karen’s Mom) Karen & Ryan

Dan & Babe Woods, Tricia Sarchett Woods Western with Linda Hamilton

MaryBeth & Tim Ruckman Stevenson’s Shoe Shine

Tim McQuay, Melissa Vandorp & Frank Costantini

George & Carol Bell

Greg Pishko & Taryl O’Shea

SARAH DAWSON

It is impossible to count the hours Cheryl Winters has spent watching her daughter, Sarah Dawson, compete in the show pen. Another incalculable figure is the number of hours Sarah worked outside the show pen to do so well inside it.

On March 10, from her seat inside Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Cheryl watched again as her daughter took to the arena to compete. This time, she watched Sarah do more than show. She witnessed her make history as the first cow horse champion of Teton Ridge’s inaugural The American Performance Horseman.

“During something like that, I’m sitting in the stands, knowing how much she is wanting to win,” Cheryl says. “When it happens, you’re just in awe and it’s surreal, thinking this just happened for her. Then you remember that it’s because before she could walk, she was riding a horse. When other people were sitting in a classroom, she was with her daddy riding horses. To know that all those hours she invested over the years has paid off is amazing.” For all of Sarah’s 33 years, Cheryl had a frontrow seat, as she worked toward perfecting her horsemanship.

“As a mom, as I reflect on her success, I can see different scenarios play through my mind as to what has gotten her to this point right here,” Cheryl says. “Other people will say, ‘Wow, look what she just did!’ I think, if you knew the hours this child invested from the early years, you’d understand why she is doing what she is doing now.”

Many Sarah Dawson fans began as fans of her father, Richard Winters, watching Sarah grow into the horsewoman she is now. After her TAPH win, Cheryl was delighted to receive messages of congratulations.

“We heard from people we hadn’t heard from for years, and some of the messages are so special, like the ones from people who knew her as a kid,” Cheryl says. “A lot of people saw her grow up at events like Western States Horse Expo, helping Dad in his demonstrations. They know her success was not overnight, that it was built over years. To hear those comments was very special.”

Cheryl credits her husband and Sarah’s dad, renowned horseman Richard Winters, for much of Sarah’s talent.

“What goes through my mind often is how fortunate she was to have Richard Winters as her dad,” Cheryl says. “He is such an amazing horseman, and for her to have such a solid start and background, she would not be where she is today had she not

started out with solid horsemanship skills.”

Richard’s livelihood as a horseman, coupled with Sarah’s horsecentric focus, was a recipe for success. Sarah was bound to be a horsewoman.

“Sarah was in seventh grade, and Richard broke his collarbone when he was working a young colt and got bucked off,” Cheryl recalls. “We lived out in the middle of nowhere, and every six to eight weeks Richard would drive to Salinas, California, where we moved from, to pick up and deliver horses he had in training. That’s how we kept the money coming in. It was the dead of winter, and so cold and snowy where we were in northern California.

“Sarah left the traditional school-room setting to stay home and help out. Richard would sit in the car with his PA, and walk Sarah through the process of starting the colts. That is where she learned she could do school from home, get her work done in two or three hours a day and be riding horses all day long instead of sitting in a classroom for eight hours a day. From that point on, she was always enrolled in a private-study program.”

Sarah was drawn initially to riding English, though Richard was focused on colt starting and cow-horse disciplines.

“In my opinion, if you ride English, you’re going to be a better Western rider,” Cheryl says. “That allowed her to look so beautiful, and be one with these Western horses. It has set her apart, those very fortunate early years and experiences in an English saddle.”

The significance of Sarah’s The American Performance Horseman win is magnified because of the horse Sarah rode to win the title—Shine Smarter, a 2012 mare by WR This Cats Smart out of Shiney Tari by Shining Spark. “Juliette,” bred by Carol Rose, was purchased, trained and shown in aged events by Sarah. When Sarah needed money for a new truck, her parents bought the mare.

“She sold us Juliette, so she could pay cash for a truck,” Cheryl remembers. “We knew financially, we did not have the money to take the horse where she could go. We knew there was so much potential with this horse, so we approached Linda Mars about buying her. I know Sarah wished she would have not sold her to us and kept her. Juliette is such a unique horse, and is one of the greatest mares out there. I know if Sarah could rewind the clock, she wouldn’t have sold her to us.”

It was always about the horses for Sarah Winters Dawson.

The Winters sold Juliette to Mars with the understanding that she would keep the horse in training with Sarah, which she has. An important part of Mars’ breeding program now, Juliette produced Sarah’s 2020 National Reined Cow

continued on page 42

Winters Family Photo

Little Sarah started young alongside her dad, Richard Winters. Winters Family Photo

Photos by Chelsea Schneider for Teton Ridge / The American Performance Horseman

50th Anniversary Scottsdale Arizona

By Kristin Spinning

For a few nerve wracking days, it looked as though inclement weather across the nation would severely impact horses getting to Arizona for the 50th Anniversary Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit March 4-12. However, as the rain and snow moved on and the much anticipated sun for which Sun Circuit is famous emerged, it was clear that this milestone year was going to be bigger than ever. Total AQHA entries were up nearly 20% over last year’s record breaking numbers, notching 31,329. Long a favorite of veteran exhibitors and a Bucket List show for hundreds more, Sun Circuit blew away expectations. Class sizes were large, awards were prolific, payouts were lucrative, events were memorable and the fun was infectious. A Sun Circuit first timer in the Ranch Trail commented, “My horse is a little nervous. In truth, I’m a little nervous. We’ve been to a couple all breed shows, but nothing like this. It’s absolutely

incredible! It’s huge, but everyone has been so welcoming and it’s so much fun.”

Sun Circuit has always offered numerous NSBA classes in the past, but this year the association added a whole slate of NSBA Ranch classes to the schedule and participation caught on. In total, NSBA entries were up 42% over last year. The NRCHA portion of the show more than doubled from last year and was like its own world with record obliterating numbers of runs.

In addition to over $100,000 in added money, the show went all in on awards this year. There were 36 saddles, Rod Patrick boots, saddle

pads, trophies and gift certificates from Woods, CR Ranch Wear and Cinch waiting for exhibitors in the Awards booth. But the true highlight was twelve 50th Anniversary EZ Go golf carts parked in front of the Show Office that were awaiting to be awarded as high point prizes on the last days.

AQHA roping and the ARHFA Sun Circuit Roping Futurities also saw significant increases in numbers. Trevor Brazile kicked off the first day of Sun Circuit with a bang by taking the Open Heading Futurity Champion title on Step N Small Town, owned by Relentless Remuda. The pair marked a 234.26 on their final run, which was well

ahead of the pack and they finished, with a composite score of 916.65 on four head. They took home the champion’s check for $11,845 and the DT Horses bonus of $1,250.

There were 129 in the Open Heeling Futurity chasing a total payout of $66,500.00. Jungle Cat with Cade Rice for Brian and Amy Bush pulled out all the right moves in the short round to score a 234.59 and had a final score of 924.48 at the end of the day winning $13,300 plus the DT Horses $1,250 bonus.

The ARHFA Sun Circuit Futurities offered Non Pro divisions as well with $2,500 added. Liz Hirdes had a clean sweep winning all three rounds in the Non Pro Heading on her gelding Walking

The Dog. Liz claimed the Championship title and $6,480. Quincy Probst stayed consistent all day on TRR Lucky Playgun to land in second for $4,150. On Non Pro Heeling side, tightly packed scores in round one made for an exciting competition.But in the end, Koda Peterson and Catty N Stylish were nearly a point and a quarter ahead of the second place horse DT Metallic Mojito with Quealy Probst in the saddle. Peterson took the

Randy Paul Shadd Parkinson

Amanda Kimes

Arizona Sun Circuit at WestWorld

Dancing with the Stars Party in the Equidome

champion title and $4,170 while Probst won $3,475.

Ranch classes continued with explosive growth at Sun Circuit with plenty of great awards to enticed exhibitors. The $5,000 Farnam L1 Open Ranch Stakes was back again this year with a large field hunting the points in Level 1 Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Ranch on the Rail and Halter. Lil Bit Shiny showed well across the board with Lori Allen to win $2,500 and the buckle. Second went to Whizkey Friendly and Kimberly Laser winning $1,500 along with a saddle pad. Pale in Comparison owned by Lynn Walker was third for $1,000 and a bronc halter.

Bud Lyon had a very successful week, parlaying his run of wins in the Ranch classes into claiming the Ranch Exhibitor cart award. The Non Pro high point champion golf cart went to Jenny Honey after

combining scores from Ranch Rail, Ranch Trail and Ranch Riding.

There was plenty of action in the cutting and cow horse arenas. Combining scores from those, there were four Spectaculars offered again this year. Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch sponsored the Jr. and Sr. Spectaculars with $2500 added to each. The Senior saw Shad Parkinson and Bronwyn McCormick’s Metal Storm at the top, winning $1,230. Shadd also rode the second place horse, Tornado Watch owned by Jerilynne Michaels, for another $984.

Ken Wold rode SJR Talkin In Style for Dell Hendricks to win $1,320 in the Junior Spectacular while Shadd notched another check for $1,056 on Smoothacular, owned by Hannes Winkler. The Amateur Spectacular had $1,000 added by Parkinson Performance Horses. Cutter McLaughlin and Peppy Reys had the highest com-

Dancing with the Stars Winners

posite to win $750 and the champion buckle. Anchor Cross Ranch sponsored the $1,000 added Amateur Boxing Spectacular that paid 7 places. Becky Stockett and Thats All Boon topped the field of 23 and took home the champion buckle along with a check for $924.

When all the points were tallied, Shadd Parkinson dominated the Working Cow Horse exhibitor standings to take home a golf cart award. On the Non Pro side, Chantz Stewart accumulated the most points and was awarded the Non Pro Reined Cow Horse exhibitor cart.

Shadd and Metal Storm were also chasing the Golden Cowboy title that challenges competitors with a trio of classes that includes Golden Cowboy Herd work, Muley Steer Stopping and either Jr. or Sr. Cow Horse. The team came out on top once again winning $1,800 of the $2,500 purse spon-

sored by Cushing Performance Horses. Jay McLaughlin rode his horse Gotittogive to the second place spot winning $1,350.

NSBA Futurities enticed exhibitors with added money and coveted awards. A whooping $10,000 was added to the Snippity Snap NSBA Four & Five Year old Trail Open Futurity with 35 teams ponying up $200 to enter. HP Sleepy For Sure owned by Nicole Heron and shown by Carly Veldman were the champions winning $3,655. They also won the Trail Futurity golf cart award. Reserve went to Made Me Famous owned by Cathy Ryden and shown by Sara Simons winning $2,845.40. That team went on to win the circuit award for L1 Junior Trail. Third in the Trail Futurity was My Dad Is The Best owned by Linsay Smaltz shown by Charlie Cole $1,754.40. In the Limited

continued on page 36

Brad Barkemeyer and Katie Jurich

Bob and Dana Avila

PHOTOS: Kristin Spinning

The $7,500 Nothing But Nett 5 and Under Maiden Stakes Western Riding presented a fine group of up and coming horses we are certain to see claiming more titles in the future. Blake Weis and RV Not For Hire for owner, Evon Werner took the Maiden winning $3,072, Xxtreme ridden by Kyra Ley for owner Barbara Bouma was reserve. RV Not For Hire dominated the younger field in Western Riding to claim the L1 Junior/Green circuit award trophy, and the West Coast Breeders L1 Junior trophy.

Sun Circuit is more than just competition in the arenas. NSBA presented the very moving Heroes on Horses for the second year at Sun Circuit. The event kicked off with the parade of Heroes procession of 150 flag bearers into the Equine Chronicle arena. They were joined by members of the Scottsdale Mounted Police, VFW flag bearers representing all the armed services, several walking veterans and the somber leading of the riderless horse honoring all those who lost their lives in service. There were 10 exhibitors in the Western Pleasure class, many of whom participate in therapeutic riding programs across the state. Heroes on Horses is presented as a Special Project of the NSBA Foundation with the support of Bob and Ingrid Miller. A free luncheon was also provided ringside for exhibitors and anyone who came out to watch the ceremony.

To celebrate 50 years, Sun Circuit threw a party with a memorable Dancing With The Stars competition sponsored by Markel Insurance. Horse professionals

were paired with local dance pros and had to learn the choreography of their routine in just a couple hours. While they might be able to ace a pattern in the ring, learning the moves, spins and slides on the dance floor was a whole new challenge. Yet these tough competitors pulled out a few surprises. Turns out, Tim the Trail Man can two step pretty well. Deanna Searles and her partner strutted onto the floor like they owned the place and wowed the crowd with side to side hip lifts complete with 3 full spins. Karen Graham channeled her inner J Lo as she shimmied through her routine. Brad Barkemeyer, in a sequined black shirt that really should be his go-to show shirt, got his Latin on, executing crisp turns with extreme focus. Beth Case twirled her way into the hearts of the audience, then threw a few disco moves into her samba for good measure. And JD Yates traded his chaps for some shiny, tight fitting black leather pants.

The panel of judges included Pete Kyle, Chad Evans in a sparkling white sequined jacket, and Sara Simons. They were happy to accept a proliferation of bribes…. that all went to the AzQHYA scholarship fund.

After round one, there was a four way tie, prompting a work off. Each team had 30 seconds to put on their best moves and the team

with loudest crowd reaction would determine the winner. Over 700 party goers roared for each contestant, but it was Brad Barkemeyer who ultimately took home the trophy. The event raised $17,000 for the AzQHYA. The band Bangers and Mash provided the music and the dance floor opened to all after

surprise that after Scott Reinartz’s string of wins at Sun Circuit, he racked up the points to be awarded the Non Pro High Point Showmanship, Horsemanship and Equitation Golf Cart. Taylor Kennedy won the Non Pro High Point Trail golf cart. Dan Huss had a string of great horses he was showing and he drove off in the Reining exhibitor cart. There was also a Non Pro Reining exhibitor cart and that went home with Michelle Fumagalli.

Fun and winning extended beyond the arenas at Sun Circuit. Tens of thousands of dollars worth of TVs, electronics, along with products and gift certificates from vendor sponsors were presented by Prize Patrol for winning…or just plain playing in the fun and down right whacky games. Everything from trivia to dance competitions,

the competition. There is no doubt, the tradition of Sun Circuit’s infamous parties of old has been revived.

More golf carts were awarded across disciplines at the end of the show. Aaron Moses had an exceptional show, earning the high point Western Pleasure Exhibitor golf cart. Beth Case hung up her dance shoes and picked up the keys to the Hunter Under Saddle Exhibitor golf cart. Luck of the Draw saw Angela Fox win the NP High Point Rail Exhibitor cart. She was one of several eligible contenders, each a Circuit champion from Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle classes. A random drawing bestowed on her a shiny new ride. It was no

egg and spoon races, hoppy chick races, drawing competition and scavenger hunts were entertaining across the grounds and around the barns.

Sun Circuit keeps growing and innovating, giving exhibitors not just a horse show but an experience they remember for a lifetime. There were actually quite a few people on the WestWorld grounds who had been to most, if not all 50 Sun Circuits. There is no doubt that many who attended the 2023 show will be coming back for decades.

Complete awards and score sheets can be found at SunCircuit. com, and all results are available on the HorseShowTracker app.

Blue Ribbon Saddle award and the NSBA trophy.

More Sun Circuit from page 35

Ranch Riding & Sun Circuit 2023

By Jamie Walters

About a month ago, I decided to show my former reiner, a very hairy, fledgling rope horse, Flash (Sail On Vintage) in the ranch riding class at the Sun Circuit AQHA Horse Show in Scottsdale, Arizona. He had never done any of the maneuvers in ranch riding, but I knew he was a good horse, as he had served me well during his reining career. So I begged my husband to pull him out of rope horse training where he had been for a year, and I began doing ranch riding on him as best as I knew how.

I took one riding lesson with Debbie Cooper at her place (I rode in from a nearby rope barn), and she rode Flash twice. I paid close attention to everything she did to get him to trot fast and trot slow. I watched how she moved his hips and how she moved his shoulders. I watched her gentle, guiding hands in those two short lessons, and I learned a lot.

My husband and I went for long trail rides in the desert. We went through the sandy washes with bushes scraping us, we went over some trail courses that some horse-loving stranger had set up, and Flash took it all in stride. We worked on our fast and slow trotting, and our downward transitions combined with some rusty lead changes.

Sun Circuit Trophy

After a few weeks, Debbie said we were good enough and encouraged us to try to get a stall at the Sun Circuit, and we settled in as sort of an interloper at the end of her shed row for the next 10 days at the Sun Circuit.

up, and off I went to practice the patterns.

We entered six different classes. And from the beginning, if I did my job, Flash did his job. In fact, truth being told, I think Flash found his dream job. There was one pattern where you go from a fast gallop to a long trot, and Flash did this without missing a beat. When he was a reiner, this move was deeply frowned upon garnering a two-point penalty and perhaps worse, but in ranch riding it’s plus points! Instead of being beaten up, Flash was being hugged and applauded at the back gate, with trainers asking who trained him, what was his breeding, and where did he come from. Flash probably thought he had died and gone to heaven!

By the week’s end, against all odds, we ended up Reserve Circuit Champion in the L1 Ranch Riding in class of over 60 horses! Our scores of 233, 227 and 222, were respectable for the prior three weeks of training and the first time in the pen, not to mention Flash’s rusty left lead changes, rarely practiced during his year as a rope horse (a rope horse thing). To say I am proud of my hairy little Flash would be an understatement - I am OVER THE MOON!

Hand Pattern

Then the fun began … we hauled into the show grounds, Mark and I working out of the back of the truck … stacking the saddle, pads, bridle and brushes on the bed of the truck. Flash was a good sport being tied to flat bed while Mark and I tacked him

Nostalgically, I was reminded of when I was a little girl and I used to ride my 20-year-old saddlebred, Emmy, to our local shows. I didn’t have much money for trailering, and if I did save up my allowance for the five dollar trip, there were many occasions where, Emmy would not load, wasting my hard earned five dollars. So instead, I would ride Emmy 10 miles across the back trails, carrying my brush bag, to the world renowned Flintridge Stables where the shows were scheduled, and where I would be competing against young Olympic hopefuls on the fanciest horses in the country. By the time I got there, Emmy would be covered

Mark Warrack

in dirt and often diarrhea because it was a stressful trip for her. I would clean her up with a hose as best as I could, often entering the show pen slightly waterlogged, and despite the odds, I would more often than not, place in the top five in the equitation classes. Those moments inspired me more than anything else in my life. To be the underdog, and still place was my goal and my great joy.

This past week, Mark reminded me more than once that here I was again, being that little girl, and placing again in the ranch riding against all odds at one of the biggest horse shows in the country. He reminded me that I could do this just like I did it before… that I could work out of the back of the truck, that I could do my show grooming tied to the flat bed, that saddling up without cross ties and hopping on can lead to success. (By the way, thank God for the best and most supportive husband on Earth who knows how to speak to my inner child and remind me of the strength I’m made of.

And can I tell you about the ranch riding classes themselves? In these delightful classes, I met and reunited with all sorts of new and old friends, including people and horses that I had known for years from the reining pen. It was a wonderful, exciting, relaxing experience, and it was a little tough. There are 14 different maneuvers on average in the ranch riding, while they’re only eight in reining. So mentally you have to remember quite a bit. But don’t let that scare you off. Everything flows and makes sense, and if you can just remember walk, trot, walk, trot fast, lope, you can get through the pattern with no problems at all.

It was wonderful to see some of the older reining horses that I had admired in the height of their reining career now shining in the ranch riding pen, serving their riders to the best of their ability. It was encouraging to see riders of all ages and abilities competing in the ranch riding classes and having a great time. And if you know me, it was “cherry on top” to see all the fashion. This is one place where fashion can flourish, even on a budget. There were many vintage items that I marveled at - some of my friends even dug through to the back of their closet and pulled things out from the 1970’s including buckles, vests, chinks, wild rags, and belts - they were the VERY BEST!

Ranch Riding - finding new life in older horses, older riders, older clothes, and showing that “VINTAGE” in all its glory is the NEW COOL!

I encourage everyone to look into ranch riding. Its great place to start or end. It’s just difficult enough to be challenging and just innocent enough to be encouraging. It doesn’t cost a lot of money, you can wear your old clothes (which will be celebrated), bring your older horse (he’ll shine), and be your slow and steady self (which will win the day)!

Here’s to trying new things and LIVING YOUR BEST NEW LIFE!

Jamie & Mark Won 2 Circuit Champion Saddles

Jamie & Flash (Sail On Vintage)

More Sarah Dawson from page 30

Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity champion, Selvarey, by Dual Rey. “You can have a great rider, but you have to have that great horse,” Cheryl says. “Without a great horse, you are never going to experience your full potential. The two of them proved that this weekend.” Cheryl knew the win with Juliette, in front of 18,000 fans, would mean a lot to Sarah. She asked her

if it compared to her Snaffle Bit Futurity win. “Sarah said the win at TAPH was the most special,” Cheryl says. “She felt like it was finally the recognition Juliette deserved. She was always the bridesmaid, second place, making the finals, but never winning. For her to win this first-time major event amongst the top five in the reined cow horse, that tops everything.”

Sitting amongst thousands of spectators and together with the Winters family, Cheryl watched Sarah and Juliette bring the TAPH crowd to its feet. “It was very special, because our son, Joseph, and his wife were there with us,” Cheryl says. “We had Hadley Grace (Sarah and husband Chris Dawson’s 3-year-old daughter) with us, and it was the most precious thing, because she was clapping like she really knew what was going on. My son was standing

up, hands in the air, cheering her on. It was quite the family celebration.”

During Sarah’s run, Cheryl and Richard had a few seats between one another for Hadley to play. “Richard and I made eye contact whenever Sarah was done, and we knew she won it,” Cheryl says. “I looked over at him, and I said, ‘Babe, she just won this thing,’ and he said, in his soft-spoken Richard voice, ‘She did.’” While Sarah’s success doesn’t come as a surprise to Cheryl, the feeling of watching her make history never fails to leave her in awe. “Honestly, I never ever dreamed that at this young age my daughter would accomplish what she has accomplished,” Cheryl says. “I pinch myself. That is my daughter. I’ll find myself saying, ‘That’s my daughter.’ I’m in awe. Another thing I’ll say is she never ceases to amaze me. I said that to a few people this weekend, that she never ceases to amaze me. It’s not flippant words, it’s my heart speaking. It’s amazing.”

Sarah Dawson

Photos by Chelsea Schneider for Teton Ridge / The American Performance Horseman

Paramount Boss Says 'Yellowstone' Spinoff With Matthew McConaughey Is In Motion

A few months ago, it was reported that there might be a Yellowstone spinoff with Matthew McConaughey in the works from Taylor Sheridan, and in a new interview, Paramount Network boss Chris McCarthy is confirming that it’s actually happening. While a series hasn’t been formally announced at all, it seems that it could be very soon and that Taylor is still in talks with Matthew about it.

According to Chris‘s interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he says that they are in the development stage with that series, in addition to nine others from Taylor. In the interview, Chris opened up about Kevin Costner and the behind-the-scenes scheduling drama that’s ongoing.

He admitted that the show “wouldn’t be what it is today without Kevin and we hope that he stays for a long time to come.” He also opened up about the deal with Matthew, which “will move forward regardless of whether Costner returns to the original.”

At the time of the initial report, via Deadline, it was said that Matthew was in “negotiations” to join the popular franchise, and it wasn’t reported if any current Dutton would be with him in the newest series.

PARAMOUNT+ OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES A SECOND SEASON FOR THE RECORD-BREAKING DRAMA SERIES “1923”

Paramount+ today officially announced that the recordbreaking drama series 1923 will return for a second season. From Academy Award® nominee Taylor Sheridan and starring Academy Award nominee Harrison Ford and Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, the series premiere of 1923 was the most-watched Paramount+ premiere ever in the U.S. and drew 7.4 million total viewers across Paramount+ and linear previews. 1923’s linear sampling preview on Paramount Network makes it the biggest series premiere on cable for 2022.

The series explores the early 20th century, when pandemics, historic drought and the end of Prohibition all plague the mountain west, and the Duttons who call it home.

Season one of 1923, the next installment of the Dutton family origin story, also stars Brandon Sklenar, Darren Mann, Michelle Randolph, James Badge Dale, Marley Shelton, Brian Geraghty, Aminah Nieves, Jerome Flynn and Julia Schlaepfer. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch Productions, the series is executive produced by YELLOWSTONE co-creator Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, John Linson, Art Linson, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari and Ben Richardson.

1923 is the latest addition to Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+ which includes 1883, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, TULSA KING and the upcoming series BASS REEVES, LIONESS and LAND MAN.

Chris McCarthy

High‐Need Kids Urban‐Cowboy Benefits

A pilot non‐profit project strives to improve underserved kids’ futures by infusing agrarian life in Detroit. The proposed Detroit Horse Power (DHP) Equestrian Center will provide year‐round programs that offer at‐risk youth a safe and enriching environment to develop life skills, such as perseverance, empathy, responsible risk‐taking, confidence, and self‐control. The initiative will also welcome horses back within the city limits more than 50 years after Detroit passed zoning ordinances prohibiting livestock.

“The Detroit Horse Power Equestrian Center concept addresses two of the city’s persistent problems: the shortage of opportunities in Metro Detroit for neighborhood children and the abundance of vacant land,” says architect Michael Poris, AIA, of Detroit firm McIntosh Poris Associates. “Our design creates an inclusive, welcoming gathering point for the community and fits the site’s context. We address both human and equine needs in a way that authentically celebrates Detroit’s diversity.”

DHP, which began offering youth summer camps in 2015, leased a vacant 17‐acre site from Detroit Public Schools Community District for the proposed Equestrian Center. McIntosh Poris applied its nearly 30 years of expertise designing buildable projects in Detroit—notably the renovation of Michigan State Fairgrounds, which included a new equestrian center, multi‐purpose barn, and amphitheater. The firm designed the DHP

Equestrian Center with an indoor arena that includes offices and classrooms plus 24 stables. Separate buildings provide storage for hay and waste, away from pedestrian flow. The grounds include an outdoor arena, pastures, and community areas, such as pedestrian paths and a sheltered bus stop.

Since DHP relies on donations and grants for funding, McIntosh Poris will employ a post/frame barn system, creating large, uninterrupted arena space that is cost‐effective to build within the projected budget. To expedite entitlements, the McIntosh Poris team chose to execute a rural‐structure vernacular using common urban materials, such as masonry and metal. The project is currently in the late design and documentation phase. Fund‐raising is on‐going, and the team is preparing for a ground‐ breaking in Spring 2023.

“We achieved the first step toward making the Detroit Horse Power Equestrian Center a reality—leasing the former site of the Paul Robeson Academy,” says DHP founder David Silver, a former elementary school teacher. “We look forward to serving hundreds of high‐need youth year‐round at the equestrian facility, which will also be a source of pride and a gathering place for the community.”

In addition to Michael Poris, AIA, NCARB, the McIntosh Poris design team comprises firm principal John Skok, AIA, and Reid Mauti. The DHP Equestrian Center project team includes MEP engineer IMEG, civil engineer Stonefield Engineering, construction manager L.S. Brinker, and landscape architect LivingLab.

2023 NRCHA

Hall of Fame Inductees

The National Reined Cow Horse Association and the NRCHA Foundation will once again honor inductees at the Hall of Fame Banquet. The event will be Saturday, March 25, at the South Point Hotel & Casino during the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes. Four honorees will be inducted to the Hall of Fame: Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson, and Randy Paul.

As the current Director of Judges for the NRCHA, Bill Enk of Paso Robles, California has over 50 years of experience judging Western performance disciplines. His dedication and passion for the judging program has undoubtably earned his spot into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. Enk was the key player in developing the cow work judge card into what it is today.

Smart Chic Olena has become a house hold name in the Western performance horse industry. Although his show career was primarily in the cutting and reining disciplines, his legacy as a sire in the reined cow horse has impacted the industry tremendously. In the show pen Smart Chic Olena earned over $167,000 in AQHA, NCHA, and NRHA and is the only horse to ever win an AQHA World Championship title in the Senior Reining and Senior Cutting. Smart Chic Olena is an NRCHA Three Million Dollar Sire and his legacy is proudly preserved by Trevor and Tiffiny Bond.

The three-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Champion, Kathy Wilson, has had a life-long passion for reined cow horses. With over 45 years of competing in reined cow horse, Wilson amassed more than $323,000 in the show pen. Wilson has earned multiple NRCHA titles and competed at the industry’s notable events including Cow Palace, Salinas and the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity.

From an incredible show career to his artistic talents of bit making, Randy Paul of Sanger, California is an icon in the Western performance industry. Paul began in the cow horse at a young age before going to work for NRCHA Hall of Fame trainer Don Doge and Gary Bellenfant. Throughout his career he has surpassed $500,000 in NRCHA earnings, and earned multiple AQHA World titles, an NRHA Million Dollar Rider and the title of World’s Greatest Horseman in 2010 aboard Smokeelan.

“The growth and success of the NRCHA is largely due to contributions and passion our members have,” Emily Konkel, manager of operations, said. “Each of these inductees have had a significant impact on our association and we are proud to recognize them in this year’s induction class. We look forward to celebrating Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson and Randy Paul into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. The NRCHA is honored to be a part of their legacy.”

The NRCHA and NRCHA Foundation have partnered with western artist, Shannon Lawlor, to auction off an original painting that was specifically created for the NRCHA. This one-of-a-kind painting, “Jaquima” will be auctioned off live during the banquet in Las Vegas. All proceeds from the auction will benefit youth scholarship and educational opportunities.

The Hall of Fame Banquet will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails followed by the ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is produced by the NRCHA Foundation which supports the reined cow horse community and honors the legacy of the reined cow horse sport through the enactment of charitable and educational programs. Tickets are available for purchase through NRCHA or the South Point Box Office.

Remembering Doc Blodgett

Friends, family, colleagues and equine community members are invited to celebrate the life of Dr. Glenn Paul Blodgett on Friday, April 21, 2023. The Celebration of Life event will take place at 2 p.m. in the Round Up Inn Room at Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibit Hall located in the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Blodgett passed away on November 20, 2022. The renowned veterinarian, AQHA past president and Four Sixes Ranch horse division manager of 40 years was an industry leader known for his passion for horses and his commitment to animal welfare. He earned the respect and admiration of all those who knew him.

Throughout his life, he made a significant impact on the equine industry, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come. He was a devoted husband, father and friend whose kindness, generosity and sense of humor touched the lives of countless people.

His Celebration of Life will be a special occasion for family, friends and colleagues to gather to pay their respects to Dr. Blodgett and witness his impactful work and relationships. The event will include speeches, music and a special tribute to his life and legacy. Attendees are encouraged to submit photos and memories prior to the event via the website link provided below.

The Round Up Inn Room at the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall was chosen as the location for the event because of its spacious facilities, which can accommodate a large number of guests. Will Rogers Memorial Center is a fitting location since Dr. Blodgett spent many days, over many years, participating in major equine industry events, fostering relationships and seeing his work come to life through the horses he envisioned, bred and developed.

The family of Dr. Blodgett would like to thank everyone for their kind words and condolences during the past four months since his death. They are grateful for the outpouring of support and love they have received and look forward to celebrating his life and legacy with everyone on April 21, 2023.

Everything We Know About 'Bass Reeves,' The Next Addition To The ‘Yellowstone' Universe

By Meghan Overdeep

Yellowstone is the gift that keeps on giving. The success of Paramount’s modern day Western spawned not one, but two, prequel series exploring the dramatic Dutton family history: 1883 and 1923. And then there are the spinoff series, 6666 and Bass Reeves, which are both currently in production. While

we’ve already done a deep dive into the Yellowstone spinoff, 6666, we’ve yet to touch on Bass Reeves.

The 1883 spinoff was first reported in September 2021 with the news that Selma star David Oyelowo was attached to play the show’s title character. According to Variety, additional cast members who have since signed on include Barry Pepper, Dennis Quaid, Forrest Goodluck, Lauren E. Banks, and Grantham Coleman. Bass Reeves is currently filming in Texas.

The period drama, set in the same time period as 1883, tells the tale of Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi believed to be the inspiration for "The Lone Ranger." Taylor Sheridan is an executive producer along with Chad Feehan and David C. Glasser.

The series, per its official logline, “will bring the legendary lawman of the wild west to life. Reeves, known as the greatest frontier hero in American history, worked in the postReconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.”

A premiere date has not yet been released. Stay tuned, y’all!

$1,000,000 ADDED TO THE 2023 NCHA FUTURITY

The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is thrilled to announce the addition of $1,000,000 in added money to the upcoming 2023 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity to be held in Fort Worth, Texas, this November and December.

The $1,000,000 added will be allocated between each of the 2023 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity divisions, including the Open, Non-Pro, and Amateur classes. The association continues to make supporting our events across weekend and aged event levels a top priority.

“When the Executive Committee elected to reinvest in the Futurity in 2021, there were immediate results,” said Skip Jones, representative of the NCHA executive committee. “The price of horses increased at an exceptional rate and spurred increased activity across the country at all levels, causing the horse market to reach new heights. This coverage brought new people to the sport. We believe that the historic addition of $1,000,000 to our premier event will only continue to drive entries in all levels of the association to new heights.”

Since 2020, NCHA has adopted and adhered to a strict budgeting process that has proven successful and allowed NCHA to reinvest in the association for the past three years. In 2022 alone, NCHA invested over $950,000 in total payout money across weekend and Triple Crown events and over $500,000 in awards at the weekend level.

“Having been a member of the Finance Committee for six years, I am proud to be a part of the team that approved the $1,000,000 to be added to the Futurity, knowing the impact that reinvesting in the NCHA will have across all levels,” said Barnwell Ramsey, representative of the NCHA finance committee. “We think of this as a significant step in a plan to continue investing in the weekend shows, nationals, and limited age events.”

Both weekend and aged event competitions have shown substantial entry numbers throughout the recent and current years as a direct result of these investments. Programs such as the NCHA National Circuit Program, NCHA Weekend, NCHA Eastern National Championship and NCHA World Finals have offered weekend-level competitors the ability to compete for more titles and added money as these programs continue to thrive.

“For a long time, NCHA was not in the position to reinvest in ourselves,” said Jay Winborn, NCHA executive director. “We are thrilled to be able to continue investing in our events by adding back to the purse at not only the Futurity but several of our other events across all levels of the sport. We are committed to the success of the association at all levels and will continue to make decisions that reflect that.”

NEW Barrel Racing Qualifying Options Added to the 2023 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show

The American Quarter Horse Association is proud to announce new qualifying options for barrel racing competitors to qualify and compete at the 2023 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show. This year, top 10 1D American Quarter Horses in several premier barrel racing events will be invited to compete at the Farnam AQHA World Show.

“The vast majority of barrel racers are competing on American Quarter Horses, our goal is to give them another world stage to showcase their talents,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA chief executive officer. “We want to invite these competitors and their horses to compete at the pinnacle event for American Quarter Horses – the Farnam AQHA World Championship Show.”

The direct qualifying invitations will be extended to the top 10 1D placings at the following events: Better Barrel Races World Finals, April 25-30, Oklahoma City, NBHA Summer Run Super Show, July 7-9, Perry, Georgia, Ruby Buckle, June 20-24, South Jordan, Utah. More qualifying events coming soon!

Direct qualifying invitations are specific for the 2023 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show. Invitations will be for junior or senior classes, which are based on the age of the horse at qualification. Competitors who receive an invitation will be responsible for entry fees to the 2023 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show.

To be eligible for the direct qualifying invitation, competitors must enter and follow all rules associated with the qualifying events. To learn more about each qualifying event, visit the links above.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships

The 2023 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships; AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals; AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, presented by the Four Sixes Ranch; and National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance National Championship Show are tentatively scheduled for June 20-24 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

The judges selected for the 2023 VRH World are:

David Avery of Amarillo, Texas

Rick Chayer of Sperry, Oklahoma

Frank Craighead of Poolville, Texas

Jan Dublin of San Angelo, Texas

Mark Guynn of Banner, Wyoming

Jason Hershberger of Congress, Arizona

Foster Johnston of Purcell, Oklahoma

Debra Cooper of Cave Creek, Arizona

Fielding “Bozo” Rogers of Carbon, Texas

Bennie Sargent of Paris, Kentucky

The qualifying period for the 2023 VRH World began March 1, 2022, and ran through February 28, 2023. View the VRH World qualifying requirements. The qualifying period for the 2023 RHC Finals was January 1 - December 31, 2022.

To be eligible to enter the 2023 AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, presented by the Four Sixes Ranch, an exhibitor need only be Level 1 eligible in the class they wish to enter as of January 1, 2023. Read more about leveling at www. aqha.com/leveling.

BLUE RIBBON HORSE SHOWS

The

50th Annual 2022 Year-End awards Banquet

RAFFLE WINNERS:

Blue Ribbon Western Show

Saddle - Ashley Nelson

Silver Show HalterTabatha Poling

Presented by Kaylee Hamm

The 50th Annual 2022 Year-End awards Banquet was held Sunday evening, February 19th at the Sun City Country Club. Following an excellent buffet dinner consisting of chicken cordon bleu, pork ribs, salads, veggies, and cake, awards were presented by Kaylee Hamm in each division. This year’s awards included silver belt buckles, director’s chairs, personalized wood grooming boxes, leather halters, garment bags, bronze replicas, picture frames, and trophies. Special personalized gifts were given to each exhibitor, families, and trainers too. As always, one of the highlights of the evening were the raffle drawings and raffle baskets. Starting out with a silver halter, and finally a much coveted Blue Ribbon Western show saddle. Included in the raffles are all award winners from each division, whether they placed first or tenth place.

Tentative 2023 Show Dates
to be held at Western Saddle Club arenas on 7th Street just south of Thunderbird March 26 - Sunday 9:00 am
April 23 - Sunday 8:00 am

(Triple Judged)
May 13 - Saturday 4:00 pm September thru December’s
2023 dates to be determined

NRCHA Hires New Executive Director

The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to promote Emily Konkel to the role of NRCHA Executive Director.

“During my time at the NRCHA, I have been fortunate to work in multiple departments within the association. I have learned this business from Emily

Konkel

the inside out and could not be more excited to lead this organization that we all love so dearly,” Emily Konkel said. “Thank you to the NRCHA Board of Directors for trusting me with this role and I look forward to the future of the NRCHA.”

Konkel joined NRCHA in 2018 as shows manager, where she oversaw the affiliate

program and managed horse show results. In 2021 she was promoted to premier events manager. In this role she was instrumental in launching both NRCHA Scoring and the CowHorse+ online entry portal. Additionally, the NRCHA saw a 15 percent increase across all of the premier events during this time.

“The NRCHA is excited to announce Emily Konkel as Executive Director of the organization. She has already proven to be an invaluable asset to the association,” NRCHA President, Boyd Rice said. “I am very honored to be working with her as she moves into this role.”

Konkel will assume the role of Executive Director effective immediately during the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes.

WATCH THE 2023 WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN FINALS NOW ON HORSE&RIDER ONDEMAND+

The NRCHA has partnered with Horse&Rider to stream the 2023 Western Bloodstock, High Brow Cat, and Hashtags World’s Greatest Horseman Finals on the Horse&Rider OnDemand+ streaming platform.

The rebroadcast of the finals is available now exclusively with a Horse&Rider OnDemand+ subscription. To watch the finals visit ondemand.horseandrider. com/programs/2023-worldsgreatest-horseman-finals.

In addition to watching the World’s Greatest Finals, The Horse&Rider OnDemand platform offers educational and training videos from the industry’s top professionals like Brad Barkemeyer, Brad Lund, Winston Hansma, Boyd Rice, and more! NRCHA members receive a 15 percent discount on any membership plan with the promo code NRCHA15.

Randy Paul 2023 NRCHA

Hall of Fame Inductee

The National Reined Cow Horse Association and the NRCHA Foundation once again honored inductees at the Hall of Fame Banquet. The event took place Saturday, March 25, at the South Point Hotel & Casino during the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes. Four honorees were inducted to the Hall of Fame: Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson, and Randy Paul.

From an incredible show career to his artistic talents of bit making, Randy Paul of Sanger, California is an icon in the Western performance industry.

Paul began in the cow horse at a young age before going to work for NRCHA Hall of Fame trainer Don Doge and Gary Bellenfant. Throughout his career he has surpassed $500,000 in NRCHA earnings, and earned multiple AQHA World titles, an NRHA Million Dollar Rider and the title of World’s Greatest Horseman in 2010 aboard Smokeelan.

“The growth and success of the NRCHA is largely due to contributions and passion our members have,” Emily Konkel, manager of operations, said. “Each of these inductees have had a significant impact on our association and we are proud to recognize them in this year’s induction class. We look forward to celebrating Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson and Randy Paul into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. The NRCHA is honored to be a part of their legacy.”

Trevor Brazile Wins First and Third in the ARHFA Sun Circuit Futurity

Trevor Brazile kicked off the Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit with a bang and created a lot of buzz around West World by taking the ARHFA Sun Circuit Open Heading Futurity Champion title March 4th. It was his second futurity win in less than a month in Arizona on Step N Small Town, owned by Relentless Remuda. “Kobe” is a 6 year old gelding by Whimpys Royal King. The team marked a 225.59 in the first go, a 227 in the second go and a 229.80 on their third cow to leave him third high call going into the short round.

Brazile contends this gelding gets better as the day progresses, and that was certainly the case as Kobe surged in the final round with his best run of the day. The pair marked a 234.26, which was well ahead of the pack and they finished, with a composite score of 916.65 on four head. The team took home the champion’s check for $11,845 and the DT Horses bonus of $1,250.

The second place horse, The King N Diamonds, was ridden by Cade Rice and owned by Cassie Silveira. Their composite of 911.31 earned a check for $9,270. A total of 99 horses were entered in the Open Heading with a total payout $51,500.

Brazile rode another Relentless Remuda horse, Big Time Movie Star, whose consistency through the day in the 228 range was enough to garner a composite of 910.87 and a check for $7,725.

Fourth place went to Fallon Avery’s horse One Vintage Merada with Andy Holcomb on board. They left Arizona with $5,665.

The Intermediate Heading division had $5,000 added and a total of $12,600 to payout over 6 places. When the dust settled, CR California Tuff with Clay Logan on board for owner Kaleb Terlip topped the composite. They were also the Limited Open Champions and won a total of $7,150 including the DT Horses bonus.

There were 129 in the Open Heeling Futurity on March 5th, chasing a total payout of $66,500.00. Jungle Cat, by High Brow Cat, with Cade Rice for Brian and Amy Bush was 7th in round 1 with 229.85 and slipped to

11th in round 2. But the red roan stallion pulled out all the right moves in the short round to score a 234.59 and had a final score of 924.48 at the end of the day winning $13,300 plus the DT Horses $1,250 bonus.

JKC Smart Playen Sis owned and ridden by Shay Carroll was in the hunt through each round earning solid marks. They scored a fraction higher in the final round, but landed in a close second with a composite of 924.2 and $10,640 in winnings.

Big Time Movie Star was back in the Open Heeling Futurity with Miles Baker in the saddle, earning $8,645 with a composite of 922.48. This team also won both the Intermediate Heeling and Limited for another $4,032.

Daniel Rice rode First Class Vintage, owned by Robertson Ranches to second place in the Intermediate for $3,168.

The Sun Circuit Futurities offered Non Pro divisions as well with $2,500 added. Liz Hirdes had a clean sweep in the Non Pro Heading on her gelding Walking The Dog. They won the 1st round with a 229.18, round 2 with a 233.32 and then topped the finals scoreboard in dominating fashion, claiming the Championship title and $6,480. Quincy Probst stayed consistent all day on TRR Lucky Playgun to land in second for $4,150. Madison Garcia rode her horse Tactically Smooth to a $3,320 payday.

On Non Pro Heeling side, tightly packed scores in round one made for an exciting competition. Koda Peterson and Catty N Stylish won round two setting up a tight race with Jungle Cat and Nash Nelson. A miss in the finals put Jungle Cat out of the money while Catty N Stylish was nearly a point and a quarter ahead of the second place horse DT Metallic Mojito with Quealy Probst in the saddle. Peterson took the champion title and $4,170 while Probst won $3,475.

Hefty payouts, a roster of outstanding young horses ridden by some of the best ropers in the nation has established the Sun Circuit Futurity as a major stop on the ARHFA’s calendar of events.

Open Heading Futurity Champion Trevor Brazile and Step N Small Town

Brazile has been a big supporter and goes to most of their futurities. ARHFA founder Jay Wadhams added, “We had him, Cade Rice, we had Billie Jack Saebens there, along with Jeremy Buhler, Rhen Richard, Dakota Kirchenschlager, Cole Davidson, a lot of big rodeo and NFR names were in Scottsdale for this.

Whadhams was pleased with the turnout. “Our numbers were excellent, we were up quite a bit from last year. The non pro actually doubled this year from what it has been the last couple years.” The combined total paid out a total was $207,000. There was a good crowd in the stands too and they offered a live feed that had 30,000 people watching the heading.

The Futurity’s growth is also a product of good timing being run in during the Sun Circuit which is one of the world’s largest AQHA shows. “I think the this Futurity brings a lot of ropers to the quarter horse show,” added Wadhams. “They stay over and enter the AQHA roping. Many also come to the Hershberger Performance Horse sale the day before the Futurity. After, they move over to the local jackpots that have some impressive payouts and on to the Racho Rio sale. It all hits at a really good time. They can spend 10 to 15 days in central Arizona and do a lot of business.

The ARHFA was designed to combine the needs of cowboys, rodeo guys, jackpoters and horse show guys. “The whole roping industry is changing because of the amount of money we payout and I think its changing for the better. People want to buy a really nice, broke, good looking, well breed horse. With the ARHFA, we are encouraging the development of horses that can be a good show horse or go out and win a lot of money.”

Koda Peterson and Catty N Stylish

Liz Hirdes and Walking The Dog

FORT WORTH

– The National Cutting Horse Association

(NCHA) is pleased to share the hiring of Andy Adams of Gerber, Calif., as the NCHA Director of Judges.

NCHA ANNOUNCES ANDY ADAMS AS DIRECTOR OF JUDGES

Adams has been an NCHA member for nearly 40 years and became an NCHA Judge in the early 1990s. Adams is

an AAAA-rated NCHA judge with 579 credits to his name.

Adams has judged from the weekend level up to the pinnacle events in the sport of cutting, providing him with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“The position of Director of Judges has played an important role in maintaining the reputation and success of the NCHA,” said Adams. “I am excited and honored to accept this position as I have enjoyed and respected the role as an NCHA judge and monitor for the past twenty years. I am enthusiastic about further developing our reputation for consistency and accuracy. Most importantly, I am committed to the future of the NCHA through the development of succession planning programs and systems that open doors to up-and-coming cutting horse professionals who are interested in judging. I believe by growing the pool of judges with well-informed and trained professionals, we open doors to growing the sport and encouraging new participants to enter our historical and prestigious sport. As our sport evolves, the judge’s department realizes the need to adapt for this evolution. Through communication, collaboration, and education, we strive to be the absolute best we can be.”

In addition to his experience in the arena as a judge, Adams had most recently served as the Development and Education Specialist for the Association, coordinating continuing education efforts for NCHA judges and members alike.

“Andy has devoted his professional career solely to judging for the last 20 years, making him an outstanding fit for this role,” said Jay Winborn, NCHA executive director. “He has done a great job in his former role within the Judge’s department in his efforts to promote education to further develop NCHA’s judges. I am confident that Andy will continue advancing our program forward to become the best in the industry.”

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Payout Rises Again In 2023; Now Exceeds $14.9 Million

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Las Vegas Events announced today that the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will see an increase in the payout at the world’s richest rodeo in December for the third consecutive year.

The Wrangler NFR, which is scheduled this year at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas from Dec. 7-16, will have a record-setting competition payout of more than $11.5 million. This amount includes guaranteed prize money of $1.2 million for all NFR qualifiers and $10,301,505 in competition prize money.

Between 2015 and 2020, the NFR paid out a total of $10 million each year – $8.8 million in competition prize money and $1.2 million in guaranteed prize money to qualifiers. The total purse increased to $10,257,048 in 2021 and $10,900,098 in 2022.

Based on the updated purse in 2023, each go-round will pay a total of $99,053 per event, with the round winner taking home $30,706. The average total per event increased to $297,159, with the average winner earning $78,747 at the conclusion of the ten-day event. The stock contractor pay – which is 30% of the contestant payout – increased to $3,450,451.

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. In 2022, the event had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

Luke Branquinho, Cody Wright among 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame has unveiled the new class of inductees that will be enshrined in Colorado Springs on July 15. Steer wrestler Luke Branquinho highlights the 2023 induction class. Branquinho won world championships in 2004, 2008, 2011-12 and 2014.

Other inductees include: Twotime PRCA World Champion, Saddle Bronc rider Cody Wright, World Champion Team Roper Doyle Gellerman, Pickup man Kenny Clabaugh, Butch Knowles, Tom Feller, Bareback horse Night Jacket, St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo committee, Cowtown Rodeo (Pilesgrove, N.J.) committee , Barrel racer Sherry (Combs) Johnson& Fay Ann Horton Leach

The 2023 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award will be awarded to Bryan McDonald, former bull rider, and National Finals Rodeo judge. The award recognizes those who have provided groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking that help the development,

Luke Branquinho pulls down a steer in the steer wrestling competition of the National Finals Rodeo, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, in Las Vegas.

advancement, and success of the PRCA and or the Hall of Fame and their missions.

“I don’t even know if words can describe it,” Branquinho said. “A guy starts his rodeo career just wanting to be the best that he can and win a world championship and to win five is pretty special. Then to be able to consider myself as one of the greatest with what you guys are saying being inducted to the Hall, I don’t have words to describe it. Some of my heroes are in there obviously, John W. Jones Jr. and John W. Jones Sr., and a lot of the California cowboys that helped put ProRodeo on the map and to be able to be in that Hall with them is very special.”

Wright comes from the storied Wright family of saddle bronc riders as his brothers Jesse (2012) and Spencer (2014) also won PRCA World Championships as have his sons, Ryder (2017 and 2020) and Stetson (2021). Stetson has won a total of seven world championships – four in all-around (2019-22), two in bull riding (2020 and 2022) and one in saddle bronc riding in 2021.

“Really?” said Cody Wright. “You didn’t give me much time to come up with any type of emotions, but it is definitely a great honor to be put in there just because of the people who are in there. I really don’t even know what to say. I would definitely say winning my first and second world championships were memorable and winning the second one made the first one that much sweeter to me. Probably more so than me winning world titles was to watch my boys win.”

Cody Wright is bucked off his mount during the saddle bronc riding event in the eighth go-round of the National Finals Rodeo, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, in Las Vegas.

Credit: AP Photo/ Julie Jacobson

Credit: AP Photo Julie Jacobson

‘Ride’: Showrunner Sherri Cooper-Landsman On Hallmark Drama’s Similarities To ‘Yellowstone’ And Her Future With The Rodeo Series

By Lynette Rice

Airing in April the Ride takes place on a bucolic but cash-strapped ranch that’s operated by a widowed parent who loses a beloved family

member in the premiere episode — all while everyone looks straight-up sexy in their Wranglers and cowboy boots. But that’s where the similarities to Yellowstone end for Hallmark’s Ride, insists Sherri CooperLandsman (Brothers and Sisters, Everwood), who showruns the new drama about a rodeo dynasty with Rebecca Boss and Chris Masi (Our Kind of People).

“For me, it was just this beautiful ranch setting with a family going through stuff that a family goes through,” Cooper-Landsman tells Deadline of Ride. “And to be honest, I hadn’t even watched Yellowstone, so I did not even think about that. It just was this beautiful setting and a worlds that Becky [Rebecca] really knew so well.”

Ride, which is co-produced by Endeavor-backed Blink49 Studios and Seven24 Films, in partnership with Bell Media for CTV Drama Channel in Canada, stars Nancy Travis as matriarch Isabel Murray and Beau Mirchoff (Good Trouble), Jake Foy (Designated Survivor) and Marcus Rosner (Arrow) as her sons Cash, Tuff and Austin. Tiera Skovbye plays Austin’s wife, Missy.

Major Takes His Second World Championship Title!

In a world champions versus wild cards format, Road to the Horse 2023 was a battle to the end as four superior colt starters demonstrated their horsemanship excellence at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 23-26. Fans witnessed an educational journey as master coltstarters Cole Cameron,

Mike Major, Guy McLean and J.R. Robles formed partnerships with horses from the 6666 Ranch.

Ultimately, the Road to the Horse 2022 World Champion Mike Major rode his way once again to the winner’s circle aboard TALKIN COWS (#3, Natural Bottom x My Sweet Talkin Baby, by Triage). Major earned his second-consecutive World Championship of Colt Starting title with the help of his pen wrangler C.D. Wilcox.

“It’s amazing, especially back to back wins,” stated Texas horseman, Mike Major. “I just appreciate C.D. and all the input and everything he’s helped me with on this journey we’ve been on. It’s a lot of fun and very special to me.”

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Land Management today announced the public release of a new modeling program designed to predict the potential outcomes of using various non-lethal methods to manage and protect wild horses roaming public lands. PopEquus provides realistic predictions that will help inform the use of various population-control methods to protect animal and land health from overpopulation.

New tool models the future for wild horses on public lands

“PopEquus is a groundbreaking new tool that will no doubt become invaluable to BLM field staff and managers as they compare different ways to manage and protect wild horses and their habitat on public lands, especially as drought and overpopulation continue to threaten animaland land health,” said BLM Wild Horse and Burro Division Chief Holle` Waddell. “The BLM is

grateful for the hard work and determination that went into building PopEquus, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and other scientists and experts who share our goal of using the best-available science and technology to manage and protect healthy wild horses and burros on healthy public lands.”

“At the USGS, we sought to

provide a science-based tool for wild horse and burro managers to inform their decision making,” said USGS Research Wildlife Biologist Kate Schoenecker, located at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center. “Being able to compare outcomes of various management actions and the financial costs of those actions can help managers consider and weigh tradeoffs. We hope this tool will be educational for the public as well, as it shows the constraints and intricacies of managing wild horses and burros using reallife scenarios.”

PopEquus is open-source and uses peer-reviewed information to model expected outcomes for a given population of wild horses and the cost associated with that outcome. The model can project, for example, what the population size of a given wild horse herd will be after 10 years using a fertility-control vaccine to prevent pregnancy in a proportion of mares, as well as the expected cost.

Professionals of the Year Announced

The American Quarter Horse Association is proud to announce the 2022 Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year, Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year and Most Valuable Professional award winners. John Pipkin

The 2022 Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year is John Pipkin of Canyon, Texas. Pipkin is an AQHA director and currently serves on the AQHA Judges Committee and

World Conformation Horse Association Judges Committee. He has been an AQHA approved judge since 1992. He previously served as the chairman of AQHA show council, as well as AQHA judges, show, professional horsemen, equine research and show violations hearing committees. Pipkin is a director and officer of the National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association and has been involved in the equine industry for over 40 years.

Pipkin has developed educational and testing materials for the AQHA judging program and has been instrumental in developing many of the scoring systems currently used to judge classes such as western riding, trail, showmanship, horsemanship and equitation classes. Prior to entering his current profession, he trained and showed professionally in halter, reining, working cow horse, western pleasure, western riding, trail and other classes.

He is devoted to his work of educating young people who are pursuing their dreams in the horse industry. Pipkin’s heart and dedication to his vocation have led to extraordinary success in his field and the success of his students as he encourages them to pursue excellence with integrity, commitment and class.

The 2022 Nutrena AQHA

Professional Horsewoman of the Year is Cindy Hale of Perryton, Texas.

Hale has supported and promoted American Quarter Horse Youth Association activities and events her entire career. She has donated her time in many capacities to assist and advance the youth of our industry. She has served as a Nutrena Ride the Pattern clinician at multiple AQHA championship shows and has dedicated many years as an AQHA-approved judge.

Hale has been an AQHA Professional Horsewoman since 1995 and AQHA judge since 2001. She served five years on the AQHA Youth Activities Committee. Her career with AQHA includes continued on page 108

AQHA Professionals of the Year

instructing hunter under saddle and working hunter at AQHA Judges Educational Seminars, judging multiple AQHA world championship shows and is an AQHA 20-year breeder.

She began providing riding lessons in the mid-1980s and hauled students to horse shows, which led to a lifelong love of learning and teaching. She won her first AQHA world championship in halter in 1974 and in 1988 attended her first world show as a professional

trainer. As a horse trainer for more than 30 years, her passion has not changed, it is about horses and youth. Her appreciation for all disciplines and her desire to be a better horsewoman fuels her fire for continued learning.

The 2022 Most Valuable Professional is Robin Frid of Pilot Point, Texas.

Frid and his wife, Jenny, opened their training facility in 2006. They have trained and coached many of their clients for years. As a world

champion and highly sought after judge for national and international American Quarter Horse competitions, Frid’s chief passion and duty is to give his all.

Frid has been an AQHA Professional Horseman since 2011.

He has also served as a past chairman on the AQHA Show and Professional Horsemens councils. He has been an AQHA judge for 16 years and is also an AQHA director. With 40 AQHA world and reserve world champion titles and 75 Congress and reserve Congress champion titles, his success speaks for itself. Frid is a strong teacher and guide. His complete loyalty to and respect for each client knows no bounds. He took his innate love and passion for American Quarter Horses and their riders, combined it with his strong ethical fiber and shares his talent and experience with everyone.

Being named a Nutrena AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year or Most Valuable Professional are the top awards an AQHA Professional Horseman can receive in the equine industry. Each year, individuals are nominated by AQHA

Professional Horsemen for the prestigious honor of being named a Nutrena AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year. From these nominations, the slates of nominees for the Nutrena Don Burt Professional Horseman of the Year and Nutrena Professional Horsewoman of the Year awards are compiled by the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Council and approved by the AQHA Executive Committee. All AQHA Professional Horsemen then vote to determine the Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsemen of the Year award recipients. The Most Valuable Professional is nominated by their home affiliate and then voted on by their fellow AQHA Professional Horsemen.

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FDA approves first generic moxidectin injectable solution for cattle parasite treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved Tauramox as the first generic moxidectin injectable solution indicated for “beef and nonlactating dairy cattle for the treatment and control of internal and external parasites in cattle.”1 Tauramox is an antiparasitic drug that contains the same concentration of moxidectin in the same injectable dosage form as the approved brand name drug

product, Cydectin, which was first approved on May 20, 2005. As with Cydectin, residues in food products derived from beef and nonlactating dairy cattle treated with Tauramox will not represent a public health concern when the product is used according to the label.1 The FDA advises that the rate of administration for Tauramox Injectable is 1 mL for each 110 lb (50 kg) body weight to provide 0.2 mg

moxidectin/2.2 lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight. Tauramox will now be available over the counter and supplied in a 10 mg/ml concentration in 250 and 500 mL bottles.

When administered at the correct dosage, Tauramox is effective at treating and controlling the following parasites in cattle: Gastrointestinal Roundworms Lungworms, Cattle Grubs Mites, Lice.

2023 PRCA

Executive Council election results announced

The results of the 2023 Executive Council Elections are as follows.

Rodeo Committee $10,000.01$20,000 – Dave Marshall*

Rodeo Committee $20,000.01$50,000 – Bryant Nelson **

Contract Personnel Specialty Acts/Labor – Josh Edwards*

Contract Personnel Secretary/ Timers – Sunni Deb Backstrom*

Bareback Contestant

Representative –Caleb Bennett*

Bull Riding Contestant

Representative –Cody Rostockyj*

Tie-Down Contestant

Representative –Shane Hanchey*

Team Roping Contestant

Representative –Kaleb Driggers**

Stock Contractor (3 open positions) – David Morehead, Jerry Dorenkamp, Steve Sutton*

General Membership

Representative to the Competition CommitteeJohn Franzen*

Contract Personnel At Largeended in a tie between Cindy Rosser and Mike Mathis.

A Runoff election will take place Monday, April 3 through Wednesday, April 5.

BLM awards more than $4.7 million for wild horse and burro training and adoption programs

March 27, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Land Management has awarded two grants totaling more than $4.7 million to accelerate the training and placement of excess wild horses and burros into private care. These grants are part of the BLM’s efforts to increase

adoptions of wild horses and burros, protect wild herds and their habitat on public lands, and save taxpayers money. The grants were awarded to the Round Rock, Texas-based Mustang Heritage Foundation and Austin, Texas-based Mustang Champions.

Together, the grants have the potential to help facilitate placement of approximately 3,600 wild horses and burros into private care over the next year, saving taxpayers approximately $99 million over the lifetime of the animals. It costs BLM about $27,500, on average, to provide life-time care for a wild horse not placed into private care.

Proposed $1.7 Billion Budget for BLM

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris administration today submitted to Congress the President’s Budget for fiscal year 2024. The budget includes $1.7 billion for the Bureau of Land Management to promote its multiple use and sustained yield mandate and strengthen the Administration’s commitment to address the climate crisis; accelerate responsible development of renewable energy on public lands; create family-supporting union jobs; strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion partnerships; and implement once-in-a-generation investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“This budget proposal will put people to work restoring our public lands, deliver the clean energy necessary to tackle a changing climate, and build a more robust, diverse agency,” said BLM Director Tracy StoneManning. “It’s a significant investment in the President’s agenda to address the climate crisis, restore balance on public lands and waters, promote a clean energy future, and create goodpaying jobs.”

Exciting Changes Underway at Mustang Heritage Foundation!

As we close out the month of March, we are so excited for what this year has in store. We are setting records, continuing a strong partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, and have big plans ahead for this year and beyond!

March typically signals a big ramp up in placements in our Trainer Incentive Program (TIP) and this year is off to a stellar start. We are kicking off this year's TIP season with a brand-new all-time record of 566 placements in a single month! With 19 TIP Challenges scheduled this year, including 4 TIP Challenges with brand new Mounted Divisions, and a new TIP Storefront added to the team, we are expecting great

things.

The Bureau of Land Management has also recently announced an award of $4 million to Mustang Heritage Foundation to continue our long-standing partnership with the Wild Horse and Burro Program. We greatly appreciate the work that the Bureau of Land Management does and look forward to what we will accomplish together. In this new agreement, we have big plans to

expand upon mounted training for mustangs, develop adopter resources, and build innovative programs to help achieve our mission of bringing mustangs home.

Speaking of big plans, we are highly anticipating our Franklin, Tennessee Extreme Mustang Makeover this June 22-24, 2023. Over 100 horses were picked up to compete in the event and ticket sales are already coming in strong. Following on the heels of a very successful Mustang Magic with record breaking crowds and sold out seats, you will definitely want to get your tickets early! We have added some exceptionally talented people to our team to help us build and grow into the future. From our board to our staff, we are bringing in new expertise and ideas so we can continue helping mustangs and burros!

On our staff, we are excited to add Katlyn Puclik-Baker as our Director of Marketing. Katlyn has a strong non-profit background with expertise in both marketing and development, which will be a valuable asset as we look towards developing and fundraising for new programs in the future. She also has a lifetime love of horses, having been on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team in undergrad and completing an internship with the University of Arkansas Equine Program.

For the Franklin, Tennessee Extreme Mustang Makeover, we have brought Cohn Livingston onboard as a Contract Equine Logistics Coordinator. He has a background as a clinician and a strong history with Extreme Mustang Makeovers as a competitor and judge. He has a true enthusiasm for the event and we are looking forward to an amazing show!

We are very grateful to have so many amazing people committed to help bring mustangs home!