Q - You are back in the running with the top western performance horse and rider combinations in the world. How does that make you feel?
A - It makes me feel great! That is exactly where I want to be, it’s where I am always working towards. It feels great to know that all the hard work is getting back to where I want to be at. It is a journey and I constantly try and improve and with these horses about the time you think you have it mastered, something changes. I am thankful to have the really nice horses right now. The credit and thanks go to the owners that are really great and have supported me for quite some time.
Q - Scoring a starting position in the American Performance Horsemen presents you the opportunity to reach another pinnacle in your career, reminiscent of winning the Gold Medal for the USA from USET at the World Equestrian Games in 2006. How will you prepare mentally for the challenge?
A - That is a great point that you have brought up Tracy. As far as preparing for the challenge for the WEG, that was a big first. Having the chance to be in the first The Run For A Million was a similar situation as well. It is a huge opportunity as well, but it has never been done before and you really do not know what it is going to be like. I think The American Performance Horseman will be similar. It can be hard to prepare for something that has never been done before, so I am going to use past experiences and try really hard to not make more of it than what it is. That is not that I am discrediting the event, no way, I am speaking about me and my horse. Just preparing that horse to compete and be his very best. That is what I have to do, it is all I can really do, the other variables are out of my control. I am really going to stick to that. Making sure my horse is as prepared as he can be. The other thing that is separate from the competition, is to just enjoy these moments. As competitors you get really into it. You get the tunnel vision, you get the blinders on. All we are thinking about is competing and winning at a big event like The American Performance Horseman.
Take the World Equestrian Games, It is a great example. You look back and think, Man that was pretty incredible! That experience was a life changer. But you never stop to really look up and take a moment to take it all in. I am not going to be looking around the stands when I show, and lose focus. I am talking about the whole thing itself, it is just to take a minute and just enjoy this new first for me. I am not talking about when I am competing, like I said, I will be locked in. That is my mind set.
Q - That first gold medal was won in 2006, time sure goes by fast Matt. A - Time does goes by so fast. At the WEG I thought wow this is cool, I’ll be back! I will be doing this again. None of us have a crystal ball, you never know what can happen! Boy, I never got back to that one, and now it does not even exist anymore. You are 100% right. It is difficult, it is a tough game.
Q - Teton Ridge – wow what a ride they have provided for so many thru sponsorships, event production, and investment in the horse world. What does Teton Ridge mean to our industry?
A - Teton Ridge is proof of the evolution of our sport really turning into a sport! It was just horse shows in the past. With what Taylor Sheridan did first with The Run For A Million and now Teton Ridge. It really shows that this was all not a flash in the pan. Our sport has really gotten to the point that others like Teton have noticed what we have going on in the horse industry. They are giving us a platform to show to these big audience’s what us as the rider and these horses are capable of doing. Now that I live in Texas, it is pretty apparent. Even when I am driving around pretty much anywhere in Texas I see the impact that it has had. I mean you cannot hardly go anywhere, be it Florida, Texas, you name it, even other places in the World. People are recognizing us riders from the shows, from TV, social media, whatever. We did not have any of that going on before when I won that Gold Medal. It is pretty incredible, right now is a great time to be riding!
Q - People that are sitting at home watching Rodeo on TV cannot just get up and become a Rodeo Professional, but they think about trying Reining, Cutting or Cow Horse.
A - I think that can go both ways. I always liken to the fact, you don’t have to do the sport to be a fan. I play Golf on a very, very amateur level. enjoy it, I watch it on TV, but I am not expecting go out and compete on any level. I think that are right, but like I said it will go both ways. We going to have some people that want to come in actually try it like you said, but we are getting to place like when I was on the NRHA Board where always worked to increase membership. That not changed, but now we actually have a place where we can just create fans. People are just coming to ticketed events that they paying money to go to. We had, at The For A Million, people just come that were riding Reining horses or that rode any horses and weren’t going to ride either. They were just fans that showed up!
This deal with Teton Ridge and this fantasy thing they put together - a huge Rodeo, “The American”, The American Performance Horseman competition, the Team’s within TAPH event and everything all wrapped up with concerts! For sure you hope some are going to call a professional up and maybe get into it, but even if they don’t and they are coming in as fans, it is still big. It is something they can buy tickets to and go see, or watch on TV.
Q - They buy tickets, they buy swag, they watch it on TV. The key to this is television.
A - Exactly!
Q - Winning the 2022 Level 3 Open Championship at the NRHA Futurity was a key victory in your career. The competition is so deep in talent and horsepower, just to make the finals is a victory and a win that is a real accomplishment. We’ve known each other since you began this journey back in the 90’s and have seen the ups and the downs of your career and others. What happened to you with this new burst of opportunity to ride head to head against the greatest and compete at that level?
A - To be honest with you, for me personally, I haven’t gone anywhere. I feel like I am really just beginning. It really comes down to the horses. Being perfectly honest, I am not doing anything different that I haven’t been doing my entire career. For sure we are all getting better, with more experience, etc. I am getting the caliber of horses and the depth. In the past I have had one horse that was phenomenal and I would do well on that horse. But my competition would have multiple horses at that level. Which is what you have to have! That is all it is, I have not really changed anything. I have not waved any magic wand, other than I have set myself up, (and I really have to thank the owners) to be able to have some really incredible horses right now. And that is the result!
This is a team sport……it’s an individual deal, but it’s a team sport and you got to have a horse. I am good at maxing out a
horses potential, but if your horse is not as fast as the next guys it makes it very hard to be competitive. That is all it is. I always try and stay ready to take advantage of the opportunities that come up and things are rolling my way right now. We have all seen it, it definitely does not always that, even if you have the horses to do it.
Q - You ride for and with Taylor Sheridan, you know him well. What is he really like?
A - It’s been really great. He has such an incredibly busy schedule, and now with me being close it has really allowed him (so that when he is around) he really gets to spend a lot of time riding. This is the one time that he sets his phone down and is able to unwind and unplug. It is really nice to be able to have that for him, I am right there for him to be able to do that.
Taylor is a real authentic guy. He wants to ride a horse all the time. If he is not riding, then he is talking about it. The majority of all our conversations revolve around a horse some way, some how. The one thing that I do not think people realize too, is that he is dragging the horse industry into the limelight for the right reasons. That is not the revenue generator here - by putting Reining or Cutting on Yellowstone, he is just bringing us along. Taylor is doing that because he enjoys horses and the industry and is trying to give it back! That is the one thing that people do not realize. We have got to be pretty grateful and appreciative that Taylor is doing that, because he doesn’t have to!
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Q - Matt, I 100% agree. That is a missing element in many conversations. We both know that over the years other people have come along and made promises and just dissapeared.
A - Oh yeah, that is true, but if Taylor says he is going to do something, he makes it happen! He will personally make sure it happens. Getting the chance to witness that has been great and and you can’t help it, it’s infectious. Just the atmosphere, it is constant. That’s one thing too, in this environment. What I do is competitive anyway, but it’s competitive right where I am at too. This guy is non-stop, it’s like 24/7! Let me tell you if it’s some sort of deal, or he is working on the next thing, or he is working on an existing thing, he is non stop. It is a lot of fun and it is really great for me to see some of that. To see what it takes.
Q - I think that influence has helped you in competition and day to day Matt.
A - Oh yeah, absolutely! Your environment is such a key part of the direction that you are headed. The people that you have around you and the overall environment. Being around a bunch of go-getters that are constantly working to take the next step up, you are either going to figure it out or get weeded out really fast. That’s why I said that I really feel like I am just getting started! Just beginning. Now, my hair is more grey than it used to be, but I still feel like I am just getting started.
Q - One can have all the talent in the world, but without the funding for the greatest horses it’s almost impossible to be competitive. Who are some of the folks that have empowered you with great horses?
A - Mark & Janice Dickson, Tim & MaryBeth Ruckman and Taylor & Nicole Sheridan.
Q - Your video productions on social networks resulted in you becoming a major influencer in the equestrian world. That takes an investment of time and energy, and production costs. Has it been worth it?
A - Oh, Yeah, it has been absolutely worth it! Karen and I really enjoy helping others. The relationships that you create and make along the way are so rewarding. We started this in 2014 and we had done a lot of clinics in the past. The demand for clinics has not changed and someday I am sure that I will do them again, but there is just not enough time to be competitive at Level 4 events and also travel around the World doing clinics. I enjoy teaching and have always felt like I have been real good at breaking down something that is complicated into simple terms where people can actually apply it. With doing this online teaching I am able to reach thousands of people and help them with their horses. It doesn’t really take me that much time, relatively speaking. It’s been really great to show people a little taste of the real life is and with what we do. But you are right, it is a lot of work to keep putting content
out. Most good things take a lot of work to get, nothing is handed to you. For many reasons it has been fantastic for my business, but for me personally I really enjoy inspiring the kids. Getting the kids more involved is really great and we all should want that for the industry anyways because that is the next generation coming up. Seeing the kids come and they know the horses names, they are asking questions…..that is for me the main reason it is worth it, but the adults are great too. For instance we have one right now, she is 8 years old and she has got a 2 year old mare and it’s a whole incredible story. Her name is Savannah Mize and her horse is Blue Thunder. It is an unbelievable story!
We get to hear 100’s of comments a day on social media and hear what people are thinking, Karen and I answer all the comments ourselves! It is 100% authentic, there is nobody answering but us. When you are interacting on our pages, you are interacting either with myself or Karen.
Q - Matt, Thank you for the time, do you think we have covered everything?
A - I would like to give Teton Ridge a ton of thanks for doing this. I recognize that they don’t have to do this. This is a brand new thing and I know they are trying to make this into a whole event about horses. I asked them if this was a one and done, and they said ”No”, it is not just about the rodeo it is just the beginning! I appreciate their effort and am very thankful for the opportunity and am really looking forward to the event and competition. I mean really, you only have 4 other riders out there and that is pretty good odds, so it should be great watching!
One other thing, if Teton Ridge had a question and comment box, maybe they could have us all swap disciplines? That could be really exciting. If I jumped on a Cutter or someone jumps up on my Reining horse and we team up that way as well?
The team aspect is really cool. I have 2 really great partners, Austin Shepard and Lee Deacon. That’s another thing, I met Austin once before and I really did not know him well. He is a phenomenal trainer. Lee Deacon, I had just gone and watched him win the Snaffle Bit Futurity, but I had never had a conversation with him. Now I have, and I spent some time with and have got to know both of these guys a lot better. That has been good as well as it is tying us all together like Taylor is also doing at The Run For A Million by now bringing the Cutting in. Bringing people together that enjoy horses and like you said, drag them to a place where we are all going to be there together. I would not be surprised that more great things come from this. I mean, you never know who may be sitting in the stands or watching on television. That is what is so exciting about all of this, what is going to come next?
I personally know, and I know this for a fact, some folks that bought a ranch in Colorado 100% off of Yellowstone. They are not horse people but they must like horses. That is the kind of influence this TV has! Hitting people right in their house with this kind of exposure.
The Ribbon Cutting for the new Dr. Rollins building was exciting for everyone involved. It is a new improvement at the Chaparral Veterinary Hospital to offer more options for Equine patient care.
Three people that were very close to Dr. Rollins shared their feelings about the mindset behind this building and the purpose that it will serve to the community.
We needed this building to adequately isolate potentially infectious horses in a climate controlled in and out building. To isolate patients and to treat them without spreading any disease or compromising any other patients on site. We can have a patient here and know that a virus or bacteria cannot escape the environment. That is almost impossible in any other situation or location. This a fairly new option for horse owners, it is built especially for horses and this building is state of the art for this purpose.
The other part of the building is a dedicated standing surgery suite, where we can do standing procedures. And we also have a MRI suite and that is really the most fitting for Dr. Rollins because he was so progressive. Especially for his age and era, he was in my opinion one of the most progressive veterinarians ever and he always wanted to be leading the pack and I know that he would be very proud.
Dr. Rollins took risks when he built the new Chaparral in 2008, people thought that was crazy to do during that during an unstable time. Nothing much was out here then. He was an incredible leader and he still leads today! He is around, he
definitely has a legacy here. It was never a question as to what we would name this new building. Dr. Rollins was a very good senior partner who really taught us that it is much easier to be a good veterinarian, and it is more difficult to be a good person and leader and to have work-life-balance. That is the hot topic right now, and I am telling you Dr. Rollins lived that everyday of his life. He is who taught Dr. Crabo and I that you have got to make it happen! It is work, but work at everything…. work at fun, work at work, work at family, work at being good, work at everything, but remember work-life-balance.
Dr. Martin CraboDr. Rollins started Chaparral Veterinary in 1976 at 32nd Street & Bell Road. In the early 80’s they built the building on the S/W corner of Cave Creek Road & Union Hills. Both of
those locations served large and small animals. In approx. 2005 we started the process to look for property to build on farther North and folks thought we were crazy because the land kept going up and up! It was a great process led by Dr. Rollins and he continued practicing here with us and it grew from the 3 people that were here when I joined in 1991, to the 14 veterinarians that are here now.
The thing that we learned from Dr. Rollins was the willingness to grow and to be the best can, while not sticking our necks out so far that we were going to be able to survive it. Dr. Rollins had a good business mind and was fairly conservative financially. He would know about new technology, but would wait to invest in it until he knew it was going to work for the bottom line. Even though we have
had incredible growth and the biggest and baddest equine practice in the Southwest, it was not built overnight. Business is one thing, but Dr. Rollins was a kind hearted individual as well towards animals and people. With Dr. Rollins, myself and Dr. Andrea when it was time to make a decision and there was a vote with the three of us, if we did not all agree, then we would just not do it. It was a great way to have a long term partnership and it’s still what we do today. He certainly mentored us in that thought process as well as many other things as well. It was a pretty easy choice to name this building after him, he just meant so much to all of us. To the probably 50+ people that work here now there is maybe only 4 that knew him at all, everyone else is fairly new, but his legacy is definitely here everyday.
continued on page 26
The Teton Ridge American Performance Horseman gets prepared for the bright lights of Arlington, Texas, at the home of the Texas Rangers MLB team, Globe Life Field. The American Western Weekend will kick off with the Top Five professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Each team will include a reining professional, reined cow horse professional, and cutting professional. This highly anticipated competition will open with cutting, then move into the reining, and close out with the reined cow horse competitors. The performance horse industry will witness history with the first team concept competition battling for $1 Million in prize money.
Each NRHA professional announced their two equine athletes of choice to ride for this inaugural event during The American Performance Horseman Team Selections event held on February 6th. The horsepower will be off the charts, and riders must declare their official decision by March 8th at noon.
First up, NRHA $7 Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida selected Alpha Jac Sparrow, owned by Fritz Leeman. This is a stallion sired by NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Chexanicki, with lifetime earnings (LTE) of $126,953. He chose Shiner On My Eye as well, with a lifetime earnings of $169,999 and owned by Bob Santagata. The stud is out of Flashy Lil Step and sired by NRHA $3 Million Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr.
Second up, NRHA $3 Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary, with his choice of Down Right Amazing, a stallion owned by DAG Ventures LLC with lifetime earnings of $224,250. The 2022 Run for a Million Shootout Champion is sired by NRHA $13 Million Sire Gunner and out of Shesouttayourleague. His other pick is lifetime earner of more than $369,059, the 2021 NRHA Futurity Champion Ten Thirty, owned by Rancho El Fortin and sired by Gunnatrashya and out of Dainty Little Step.
Next in line, NRHA Professional Fernando Salgado chose Gunnabeabrightstar, owned by Neiberger Performance Horses, carrying a lifetime earnings of $157,017. This stud is out of the mare Abbie Be Tuff and sired by ARC Gunnabeabigstar. Salgado’s other option is Pale
Dun Star, owned by Ian and Kristen Cantacuzene. The stud with $78,208 in NRHA LTE is sired by NRHA $3 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of the mare Get Ya Some Stars.
Next, NRHA $7 Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani plans to pair up with Trash Talkin Spook with $154,770 NRHA LTE owned by Marilyn Overgaard. A stud sired by Gunnatrashya and out of I Spook. Fappani, in addition, chose a stud owned by Teton Ridge, Starjac Vintage, with a lifetime earnings of $172,769. The stud is an NRHA $3 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage and out of Starjac Miss.
Last to draw, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Matt Mills electing to pilot Guns And Dynamite sired by NRHA $5 Million Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of Chic Olena Starbuck. The stallion chosen is proudly owned by Tim and MaryBeth Ruckman and has an LTE of $250,424. He also elected Stopping In Jersey owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses, lifetime earner of $96,864. The stud is out of Stop Little Sister and sired by Yellow Jersey.
Burnt Orange Team: Cutting: Austin Shepherd, Summerdale, Alabama, Reining: Matt Mills, Weatherford, Texas, Reined Cow Horse: Lee Deacon, Marietta, Oklahoma.
Racing Green Team: Cutting: Lindy Thorn, Claremore, Oklahoma, Reining: Casey Deary, Weatherford, Texas, Reined Cow Horse: Chris Dawson, Perrin, Texas.
Royal Blue Team: Cutting: Adan Banuelos, Weatherford, Texas, Reining: Fernando Salgado, Gainesville, Texas, Reined Cow Horse: Sarah Dawson, Perrin, Texas.
Imperial Purple Team: Cutting: Wesley Galyean, Claremore, Oklahoma Reining: Andrea Fappani, Scottsdale, Arizona, Reined Cow Horse: Corey Cushing, Weatherford, Texas.
Regal Red Team: Cutting: Lloyd Cox, Marietta, Oklahoma, Reining: Shawn Flarida, Springfield, Ohio, Reined Cow Horse: Justin Wright, Santa Maria, California
The American West Weekend is one you won’t want to miss. The American Performance Horseman event will commence at 6:45 p.m. CST on Friday, March 10. The evening will conclude with a concert featuring Darius Rucker and Sheryl Crow, which is included in your admission fee. The American Rodeo will be held at Globe Life Field on Saturday, March 11, with admission to a Cody Johnson concert included.
From page 20
My husband was such a forward thinking person. He was always thinking ahead, way ahead of everything. With the hospitals, with our children, with everything. He was a planner and a good businessman, and of course a good husband father, grandfather and friend to many. He seemed to know a little bit about everything and he made sure that everyone was taken are of. One of the things that many do not know about him is that not only was he a veterinarian and businessman and business owner, he was very active in our church and was a Scout Master for many years. I had people come up at his funeral and tell me that he made such a difference in their children’s lives because they obtained their Eagle Scout ranks and things like that. That was an eye awakening thing to me. He was amazing and I knew it, but I really didn’t see all of that as his wife. I was taking care of the children and the home, trying to keep everything going there.
He always wanted to build a really beautiful facility, but Dr. Andrea and Dr. Crabo kind of had this dream too. So he fulfilled their dream and his dream as well. I think he had a few hard times cussing these kids that were forcing him to do this because he was in his 60’s at that time. You think you are getting close to retireing…………..he had a really good business sense but could still work with people. His positivity with people seemed to really motivate them.
This new building is part of his legacy, and I cannot tell you how much it has meant to me. The fact that he was able to to have two associates, two partners that revered him so much. They have both said that he was such a mentor to them, that he taught them so much. They are carrying this on with me. Renee is so close and I feel like she is a daughter. I love them both and I was so honored that they would name the building after him, and they kept “Emeritus” on the door. They are good honest people with a lot of integrity, just like my husband was.
When they told me about the building I was thrilled. When they got the land, and then built the new building it was so encouraging to me. I want them to succeed and they were succeeding! When the practice was on Union Hills and they decided to build this new clinic I trusted them and the decision. I trusted everything that he did. The one thing I really want to say about my husband is that he was very patient. When we were first dating, we were in High School, he picked me up and he had to get a horse delivered for his dad. His father was a racehorse trainer and his brother was a jockey. Well it took him over an hour to get that horse loaded in the trailer to take to Doc Pardee’s place. When I watched him with that horse and saw how he walked the horse around and then got the horse loaded, and it took so much time, and he was so patient and kind. That is when I decided and I knew that day that I could marry him because he was such a patient and kind man. It was an indicator of what kind of person he was and he was that way our entire marriage for 55 years. It’s a roller coaster, life. Especially with 5 kids and a veterinary practice but he was always that same person. He was also a walking encyclopedia and he helped our children thru they lives by teaching them things and he also taught them by the example of how he lived. He was just an amazing person. His clients that were horses and people all loved him as much as we did!
Induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Quarter Horse Foundation. This year, we are inducting three horses and four men in the Class of 2023: Harley D Zip, High Brow Cat, Okie Leo, Ralph Seekins, Leverne Perry, G. R. Carter Jr. and Clark Bradley.
Harley D Zip, the pride and joy of the Papendick family of South Dakota, earned a record $115,000 in AQHA Incentive Fund money, more than 6,000 AQHA points and won multiple AQHA world championships and year-end high-point
titles. He won the year-end all-around senior horse title four times. “Harley” is the only horse in history to have won the same class in all divisions (junior, senior, amateur, Select and youth) at the AQHYA, Select, Amateur and Open world shows.
High Brow Cat, a 1988 chestnut stallion by High Brow Hickory and out of the Smart Little Lena mare Smart Little Kitty, was bred by Hanes Chatham and Stewart Sewell. High Brow Cat has progeny earnings of more than $90.8 million to date. In 2021, 12 of the top 25 cutting horse sires were sons or grandsons of High Brow Cat. On the all-time list of sires by performance money earned, “Cat” is joined in the top five by his sons Metallic Cat and Smooth As A Cat; their progeny alone have combined earnings of $91.5 million. Cat is also the No. 2 all-time broodmare sire of horses by performance money earned, with progeny earnings in cutting alone of nearly $63 million, behind his grandsire, Smart Little Lena.
AQHA Champion Okie Leo, a 1956 sorrel stallion by Leo and out of the King mare Sorrel Sue, was bred by Bud Warren. Okie Leo sired 531 registered American Quarter Horses that went on to earn more than 4,500 AQHA halter and performance points, two AQHA Superhorse titles, 64 performance Registers of Merit, four AQHA Champion titles and nine AQHA world championships. Six of Okie Leo’s progeny also made 39 race starts. Okie Leo was one of the great “using horse” sires. He sired horses with incredible minds and conformation that solidified the versatility and using ability of the American Quarter Horse. Breeders looked to Okie Leo’s genetics to develop programs that would further the ranch horse to be cowy, have good feet to work in outside conditions and a trainable mind that made the horse a partner with their rider. Okie Leo’s bloodlines can be seen in some of the great ranch horse stallions and broodmares of the West today, continuing to prove this all-around ability.
AQHA Past President Ralph Seekins of Fairbanks, Alaska, served AQHA as its continued on page 46
There are years when the World’s Greatest Horseman event is electric, some years when it is shocking, but on February 18, the event had a heartbeat and it synced up with Phillip Ralls and the roan stallion Call Me Mitch. The pieces came together for Ralls—solid herd work, rein work and steer stopping runs that put him in striking distance of claiming the title that has eluded him four times, when he left the pen with the reserve buckle. However, his fence work draw of 14, of 16 riders, allowed Ralls the chance to make the run that could not be beat. And, he was not. “He told me this morning that ‘nobody is going to take this from me,’ and they didn’t,” said Ralls’ wife, Teresa. “This is a dream for our family!”
Ralls, who in 2012 handselected a 2011 roan Metallic Cat colt out of Miss Hickory Hill (by Docs Hickory) for client Estelle Roitblat to have as a National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® prospect. The Paso Robles, California, horseman guided “Mitch,” bred by James Eakin, through a career that saw the pair claim top titles like the National Stock Horse Association World’s Richest Horse, the NRCHA Derby Two-Rein Spectacular Champion, the Magnificent 7 Champion, several Open Bridle championships, third at The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge and two Reserve Champion finishes in the World’s Greatest Horseman. It’s quite a resume, but it was not complete.
He is a dream horse, according to Ralls, and the 2023 Western Bloodstock / High Brow Cat / Hashtags World’s Greatest Horseman, held at the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions saw the late Roitblat’s dream come true. “It started with Estelle Roitblat wanting to buy him and this has been a dream of Estelle and Harry, and it’s been hard to get here, but this is a dream come true, for sure,” Ralls said. “More than anything for me, I felt like if I could put him in a good place and all the pieces came together, he is a horse that deserves this title. But there are a lot of great horses here; everybody here is amazing. I love this event and being able to come here, but [winning] this is pretty magical.”
Two months prior to the event, Mitch was in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the breeding farm in order to ship to clients in Australia. With only two months to prepare the stallion, Ralls said that he was surprised that Mitch felt “stronger, faster and more explosive” than before. “From the time we started [preparing] this year, it just felt
right,” Ralls said. “My whole crew supporting us is amazing and helped us so much; it was absolutely a team effort. I told Teresa, no matter what happens we live by the sword and die by the sword and this horse owes me nothing. Competition is fierce. I know that nobody is going to let me have [the win] so you have to come guns a-blazing every time and show to the best of your ability.”
In the preliminaries, the pair tied for third place in the herd work with a 222.5, bringing them into the Finals where the herd work kicked Saturday off in the John Justin Arena. This time, Ralls marked a 224 to earn the high score, followed by Chris Dawson on Holy Cow Performance Horses’ Reyzinette (Dual Rey x Sheza Shinette x Shining Spark) with a 221. The pair followed that high to the steer stopping to mark a 226, and then a 224.5 in the rein work.
Heading into fence work, Ralls needed to mark a 219 to clinch the win. Instead of safetying up, he and Mitch left it in the Will Rogers Coliseum’s dirt, marking a 227.5 amid a crowd that was on its feet, cheering—and many shed a tear—when the realization that the longtime bridesmaid’s time to take the win had come.
“I was just trying to stay calm, not come with too much adrenaline even though it is the moment I had dreamt about my whole life,” he said. “This is, in my mind, the biggest event there is and I was trying to stay focused. I knew what I needed to do but I also know there is no way to plan a score in the fence work. You have to make sure you’re in the moment, present and putting your horse in the best situation as possible.
“When I got that first turn, I felt good about it. That second turn, the cow popped off at an angle I wanted, and I knew I had to keep horse showing but I knew I had a chance. When I circled that first way and the cow set up and I could switch where I wanted to, I knew we had it. I’ve dreamt about that my whole life.”
Ralls added a World’s Greatest title to the family’s growing pile. His father, Ron Ralls, is a two-time World’s Greatest Horseman Champion and Ron’s wife, Patty Ralls, captured the Art of the Cowgirl World’s Greatest Horsewoman title in 2020. “I am so proud of him, he’s earned this. There is no question they won, no one gave him this title. They won it,” Ron said.
Along with the bragging rights and the weight lifted from his shoulders when he took that win, Ralls and owners Estelle Roitblat Living Trust took home the $150,000 check with a final composite of 902 (H:224/S:226/R:224.5/C:227), the highest composite score to ever be marked in the World’s Greatest Horseman competition.
Tim O'Connell's resume reflects his resilience and dedication. The bareback rider boasts three world titles and has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo nine times. However, at age 31, he is approaching this season differently.
"I am just enjoying the process more, really. In the past, I was so narrowly focused on the world title and not caring about the journey. It has changed," O'Connell said. "I know I am on the short end of my career. I am enjoying it more."
That was easy to do on a cool Sunday at the La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz. O'Connell rallied from third place
after the first round to win the bareback average at the Playoff Series stop with a score of 185 points, pocketing $4,664 for his excellence. O'Connell rode Beutler & Son Rodeo's Anything Goes to a rugged 81 for the crown.
"It was a fight, really. She got me a lot of the points. She was big and strong today and had some great moves," O'Connell said. "I have been on her three different times. She is tough. She will hit you in the back and test you. It wasn't my prettiest ride, that's for sure. But I was really excited about that draw coming. It wasn't my best, but I will take it."
O'Connell knows the nomad lifestyle of the road. And he rolls up
his sleeves at home to make the rodeos. He was in the truck with four other cowboys on the way to RodeoHouston as he talked about his win. These are the moments he wants to remember as much as the time in the arena.
"It's all part of it. The process. The challenge. The fight. You know it's never going to be easy out here. I love it. I put in the grind because I always want to put my best foot forward for those eight seconds," O'Connell said. "Some days it works great. Some days it doesn't. Sometimes you win the fight. Today, it wasn't easy. But with a horse like this, I knew I had a chance. And it all worked out."
Other winners at the $338,955 rodeo were all-around cowboy Brushton Minton ($2,663, tie-down roping and steer wrestling); steer wrestler Dalton Massey (16.5 seconds on three head); team ropers Joshua Torres/Dylin Ahlstrom (9.6 seconds on two head); and saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston.
Stetson Wright reset the ProRodeo record books a year ago with an historic $927,940 earned, as well as his sixth and seventh PRCA World Championships.
The Milford, Utah, cowboy hasn't missed a beat in 2023. Heading into the finals on Saturday at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Wright was sitting No. 1 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in both the saddle bronc and bull riding. Three hours before the finals, the roughstock athletes drafted
the animals they would ride in the final go-round. Wright was toward the back end of the draw but got the perfect dancing partner in The Cervi Brothers' Ricky Bobby.
In 2021, Wright secured his first saddle bronc riding world championship on that same horse to the tune of 93 points in Round 10 of that year's Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It was a matchup he knew could carry him to the win in the Alamo City and that's exactly what happened.
His eight-second ride was good enough for 92.5 points and the new San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo arena record. "There wasn't much left to pick from, but he was the one that I wanted anyway," said Wright, 23. "I actually won my first world title in the saddle bronc riding on him. So, he means a lot to me, and I just figured let's do it again."
Wright knew with the stock up Saturday night, and the cowboys getting on them that he was going to have to be special to take home the coveted San Antonio buckle. The top four finishers in the saddle bronc riding all registered 90-point scores or better.
"Everybody had stacked picks in our pen tonight," he said. "I know I won and all, but I would've lost the ranch because all my money was on Ryder. That could of went either way, his ride was outstanding." In total, Wright earned $44,750 in both events while in San Antonio. He said one of the keys to his success is going down the road every day with people who love winning just as much as he does. "Like I've said before I travel with winners, they make me a winner," Wright said. "I get a lot more excited when my brothers and uncles are doing well too."
From page 34
67th president in 2017. Prior to serving as AQHA president, Ralph served as an Alaska state senator for four years. He used that celebrity status to educate Alaskans about American Quarter Horses and help build the Quarter Horse industry in his state. Ralph, a self-described people person, used his outgoing personality to meet as many AQHA members as he could as president. His
message? AQHA members need to own the Association, get involved and make a difference.
As a 40-year breeder, Leverne Perry’s best-known accomplishment was being involved in the breeding of Mr Jess Perry, a champion 2-yearold colt who became a leading sire. Mr Jess Perry was named for Leverne’s father, who is listed as the horse’s breeder and who was buried the day the colt was foaled. Mr Jess Perry had 12 wins in 21 starts with earnings of more than $687,000. His offspring have earned more than $40.8 million on the track. As a leader in the racing industry, Leverne served on the AQHA racing committee and was the executive director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association.
Jockey, AQHA Professional Horseman and AQHA Director G. R. Carter Jr. remains atop the AQHA lists for wins with 3,906 and mount earnings of more than $75 million. Additionally, Carter has the most wins in Paint racing and in Appaloosa racing and even counts 335 victories aboard Thoroughbreds. Carter has accumulated nearly 5,000 victories (in all breeds) overall and was voted AQHA champion jockey 13 times overall.
AQHA Director Emeritus Clark Bradley was honored as the 2001 AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year and is past president of the National Reining Horse and Ohio Quarter Horse associations. The trainer is in the All American Quarter Horse Congress Hall of Fame and joined his dad, Bailey “Stretch” Bradley, in the NRHA and American Quarter Horse halls of fame. Clark served as an instructor at the University of Findlay for 26 years, coaching national championship teams, and was an AQHA, NRHA and National Snaffle Bit Association judge.
Every year, the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) recognizes the achievements of a select group of individuals and horses by honoring them with an induction into the NCHA Hall of Fame. The NCHA Members Hall of Fame inductees are nominated based on their contributions to the sport of cutting, among many additional factors, and are reviewed by a selection committee.
Please join us in congratulating the 2023 NCHA Members Hall of Fame class of inductees: Kathy Daughn of Cuero, Texas, Paula Gaughan of Las Vegas, Nevada, Rock Hedlund of Wilton, California, Teddy Johnson of Whitesboro, Texas; awarded posthumously & Ron Pietrafeso of Elbert, Colorado
Additionally, each year, horses and riders are welcomed into the NCHA Hall of Fame based on their lifetime earnings or accomplishments in the arena in one of three categories: Horse, Non-Pro Riders, and Open Riders. Joining the Hall of Fame from their 2022 achievements are the following:
2022 Horse Hall of Fame: Bama Jelly owned by Madalyn Cowart , Clays Little Kit Cat owned by Dawn Chapman, Duramax Dually owner Milner Enterprise LLC, Somethingtobelievein owned by Brett & Jody McGlothlin, Spooked By A Cat owned by Carol Anderson Ward & Third Edge owned by Teton Ridge
2022 Non-Pro Riders Hall of Fame: Dawn Chapman of Chandler, Arizona, Debbie Day of Reno, Nevada, Rieta Dufurrena of Gainesville, Texas, Les Jack of Rocanville, Saskatchewan, Canada, Melissa Lyons of Iola, Texas, Alexa Stent of Aledo, Texas, Kathleen Strain of White River, South Dakota, Bret Wayne Parsons of Carlock, Illinois
2022 Open Riders Hall of Fame: Eugene (Dell) Bell of Lake Kiowa, Texas, Travis Rempel of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, Steve Schlesinger of Lockeford, California, Brent Erickson of Wilton, California & Russell Elrod of Perrin, Texas.
Optimal health and well-being are the goals of every horse owner whether the horse is a performance athlete or a beloved companion. Providing good nutrition is the foundation for reaching this goal; however, there are times when supplements are needed to balance what the horse requires. Making decisions on which supplement can be daunting for even the most knowledgeable owners, given there are hundreds of supplements on the market. Traditionally, feeding of protein is thought of from a nutrition sense. The proteins found in grasses and grains are ingested by the horse and broken down into amino acids. These amino acids are absorbed and reassembled back into proteins which the body uses in various ways. Recently, science has shown after ingestion, some proteins can act within the body in ways that are different from the traditional nutrition. These proteins have been named bioactive proteins and are defined differently. When provided to an animal, these proteins improve performance and health beyond what can be explained strictly by the understanding of basic nutrient digestion.
Bovine Colostrum supplements are becoming more popular in the equine industry and for good reason. This all-natural powerhouse works differently than most available supplements. Working as bioactive proteins, it can actively work to support healing and multiple body systems. Colostrum is produced in the first days of lactation. The first milking has the richest and most concentrated content. Subsequent milkings during the first three days post-birth show a rapid decline in bioactive components, but they may still be termed colostrum. The role of colostrum is to provide immunity through passive transfer of immunoglobulins from the mother. However, colostrum has many other benefits and has been shown to have more than 90 bioactive components. Colostrum contains a rich and diverse supply of immunoglobins (antibodies), growth factors (growth and regeneration of cells tissue), Lactoferrin (iron-binding and transport), cytokines (function in cell signaling, tissue growth, signaling peptides), Lymphokines (immune response), Leukocytes (white blood cells) Colostrinin, also known as proline-rich polypeptides (oxidative stress modular) and antioxidants.
Remarkably, numerous studies have shown that supplementation of colostrum can benefit most species well beyond infancy. This natural source of protection and recovery can have a meaningful impact on your horse’s health. Equine specific studies are somewhat limited; however, there are almost 200,000 published studies and numerous books written on the topic that span multiple species. Colostrum is the most natural immune booster known to science; it has no equal in nature. The long reaching impact on multiple body systems is unique and complex.
What are the benefits of consuming colostrum? The benefits don’t stop in infancy. Providing colostrum to your horse as a natural and safe supplement may provide continuing support. Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, its immune protections, and natural antibodies, along with nutrients and growth factors, make colostrum an appealing supplement.
Studies show (in both human and animals) the mixture of bioactive components found in bovine colostrum can effectively support immunity, and immune related issues such as allergies or autoimmune disorders. Research shows significant benefit to digestive balance, repair, and function including support with absorption of nutrients, diarrhea, ulcers, or intestinal damage.
Influenza, herpesviruses, rhinitis viruses, as well as bacterial infections are the most common causes of respiratory illness. Research has shown colostrum-based supplementation was highly beneficial in shortening the duration of respiratory illness in racehorses. Further studies have identified improvements in other disorders, such as insulin resistance, obesity, muscle, and cartilage repair.
Working in tandem, the combination of digestive and immune support is at the very core of fundamental care. This is the first line of defense and where health begins, the starting point in building optimum health.
Ultimately, stressful events and circumstances will impact your horse’s health. Dealing with this inevitability goes back to ‘not if but when’, you find yourself faced with a problem. Empowering yourself with the knowledge of how to build up the body’s ability to protect itself and recover is invaluable. Whether it is illness, old age, trauma, hard work or stress, maintenance of body function is key to recovery and performance. The goal is to survive and thrive. A multitude of books and research studies have been written to break down the molecular phenomena of colostrum. Practical applications of supplementing with bovine colostrum are proving to be incredibly diverse. The key take-away is the naturally occurring, biologically active ingredients are perfectly designed by nature to protect and aid in recovery. For centuries, nature has provided the perfect solution.
When looking for the right colostrum supplement, it is important to know that high quality colostrum is collected only within the first six hours of lactation. After this critical timeframe, the bioactive concentration begins to change into more nutritional milk for the newborn. Secondly, for the colostrum to be biologically active the processing method is very important in several ways, including low temperatures.
Colostrum has been shown to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcerations and increase new, healthy cell proliferation. The Transforming Growth Factors (TGF) present in colostrum stimulate gastrointestinal repair and maintain the integrity of the epithelium layer1.
Support to gastrointestinal tract is multifaceted. Proven useful in the management of multiple gastrointestinal disorders, i.e., irritable bowel, inflammatory bowel, infectious diarrhea, Crohn’s, etc.
Colostrum reduces intestinal permeability by repairing and maintaining epithelial lining. Lactoferrin acts as an antimicrobial agent and protects gut immunity. During episodes of gastric and colonic ulcerations, as well as cecal acidosis caused by excess fermentation of sugars, starch, and long chain polysaccharides such as fructans can potentially benefit from colostrum supplementation. This condition potentially leads to laminitis, as well as digestive disorders and reduced immunity.
Colostrum is excellent support in dealing with endotoxemia.
Colostrum has been shown to facilitate the movement of glucose into muscle, reducing blood sugar as well as triglycerides. continued on page 72
have a positive impact on consequences of insulin resistance.
Inflammation and Arthritis
The proline-rich polypeptides (PRP) present in colostrum has shown to reduce pain and inflammation
Accelerate Soft Tissue Healing and Enhance Muscle
Growth
Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGF) promote optimum muscle growth during exercise. Growth Factors benefit athletes and body builders (speeds tissue healing)
Colostrum is one of the most potent known sources of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
which relieves pain and aids in healing of scar tissues.
Endurance
Shorten recovery time shows promise in colostrum’s ability to stimulate oxidative response following prolonged exercise
Obesity
Colostrum has been shown to help burn body fat. Research has shown that Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) is the only natural hormone capable of
promoting muscle growth by itself. This has an impact on obesity. Increased muscle mass improves the basal metabolic rate. And IGF-1 shifts fuel from carbohydrates to fat; the body will burn more body fat to create energy.
Bovine colostrum contains more than 90 bioactive factors, including the naturally occurring immunoglobulins IgG and IgA. It provides more than 70 different growth factors for cellular support.
Colostrum can promote calcium retention. The mixture of bioactive components in colostrum enhances growth and mineralization to help with bone density.
Proline-rich peptides (PRP) help to restore the thymus in conjunction with other bioactive components. Researchers found that a colostrumbased supplement was highly beneficial in reducing the duration of respiratory infections in Thoroughbred racehorses.
When the 50th Anniversary Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit takes over West World in Scottsdale March 4 through 12, exhibitors will have a lot to celebrate with an unprecedented line up of added money classes and awards. Twelve Sun Circuit Anniversary logo’d golf carts, 36 saddles and over $100,000 in added money will be distributed across disciplines including Trail, Ranch, Western Riding, Cow Horse, Roping and more.
While huge payouts and phenomenal prizes will be hotly contested, Sun Circuit is offering up a full range of events to make this year memorable. Long time fans of Sun Circuit may remember the legendary parties from years ago. The tradition continues with a Dancing With The Stars themed 50th Anniversary Party hosted by Markel Insurance. Dance professionals will team up with selected horse professionals for a center-arena competition under the disco ball in what is certain to
Join Us For Sun Circuit’s Golden Jubilee
The 50th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit
March 4 through 12, 2023
BUY • SELL
Presenting horses for sale at the 2023 Sun Circuit! Sun Circuit is making it easier for buyers and sellers to connect though a new Marketplace page on the SunCircuit.com website. Sellers may list horses for FREE - See details below.
What better place to see and try out your next prospect than at one of the largest AQHA shows in the world?
The Marketplace page on SunCircuit.com will launch in mid January. We will continually update the page with submissions as they come in. Browse the listings and arrange with the seller to see the horse on the WestWorld grounds during Sun Circuit. Sun Circuit is always open to the general public with no admission or parking fees, so everyone is encouraged to take advantage of one stop shopping.
List Your Horse Now For Free
This service is FREE to any Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit exhibitor. Horses that are for sale at Sun Circuit are eligible for an advertising listing. To submit your ad, simply fill out the on-line Cognito form with your information and a description of the horse. You may also upload 2 photos and provide a link to a video. Your listing will appear on the Marketplace Page of SunCircuit.com, reaching thousands of monthly visitors.
be an entertaining spectacle. There will also be food, a live band and cash bar. The dance floor opens to all after the competition so get ready for some boot scootin’ fun. Tickets are only $5 and will be available at the Show Office and the Awards Booth.
The Adequan Free Clinic Series is back on Friday, March 3rd with another slate of top trainers and topics. Clinics are audit only, free and are open to the general public. Drop in on one or all three and get great insights on improving your techniques from the experts. There is no sign up required to attend.
At 1:00 pm in North Hall, there is Perfecting your Spin with Bob Avila.
AQHA Trail: Navigating the Course will be presented by Ryan and Andrea Kail at 2:00 pm in Arena 5a. Laurel Walker Denton will show you how to boost your scores in Ranch Trail at 3:00 pm in Covered Arena 3.
All show attendees and spectators are invited to join in celebrating our nation’s veterans during the very moving Parade of Heroes on March 8. Watch from the stands or partake in this event by carrying an American flag into the Wendell Arena and saluting our Veterans. It is followed by the NSBA Heroes on Horses Western Pleasure class. All US Military personnel are invited to show in this NSBA Special Event class. Details and entry information for the class can be found at www.nsba.com/heroes-on-horses.
Anyone looking to purchase a horse may find just what they are looking for at Sun Circuit. The Hershberger Performance Horse Sale kicks off the action on Friday, March 3. The Hershberger sale is well known for presenting a solid slate of rope horses. However, buyers will also see reiners, cutters and cow horses as well as horses suited for Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail or VRH classes.
Sun Circuit is more than a mere horse show — it’s an equine extravaganza. Horse lovers and aficionados of western lifestyle will want to shop the roughly 80 vendors. You can find the boots of your dreams, stylish hats, western wear, jewelry, home decor, horse and animal products, tack and equipment and even trucks and trailers.
After only 3 months and 14 episodes, The Cowboy Office Show is making a big impact on the equine industry. Cowboy Office, located in Cave Creek, AZ, is a consulting company featuring video and audio podcasts focusing on the horse show industry and western disciplines of competition. Brian Dygert and Jody Brainard, lifelong horsemen, judges and businessmen, host the Cowboy Office show to discuss relevant topics and innovative ideas with industry experts, leaders and guests from around the world. Available on Youtube, Spotify and all major podcast platforms, the show accepts topics and questions on their website, and invites experts to address those concerns on the show, and has now garnered listeners from more than 7 countries.
With Arizona’s horse show season kicking off with national events, Cowboy Office welcomed local event producers such as Taryl O’Shea, of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, and Doug Huls, CEO of the Arizona AzQHA Sun Circuit. On the show, they share their perspectives on things like horse sale prices, the role of spectators at shows, and how to continue growing the nonprofessionals and youth sectors of the industry.
International discussions have ensued. Episode 13 roped in Aldo Ramon, owner of the 2021 Reining Futurity champion Ten Thirty, ridden by Casey Deary. Ramon owns and manages
ranches including Caballos La Paloma, and Rancho El Fortin located in Mexico, and is no stranger to the international breeding market, or the challenges facing working ranches and international equine competition. Rancho El Fortin is a 70,000 acre ranch including horses, cattle, bison, wine, and olive orchards.
Episode 12 elevates the Arizona Sun Circuit, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary March 4-12 at Westworld of Scottsdale. Sun Circuit is the largest AQHA approved circuit and provides a can’t-miss atmosphere of fun and excitement. The AzQHA invites everyone to come out and see what the horse lifestyle has to offer.
“Sun Circuit paves the way, having more than doubled in size since changing dates from January to March,” says Brian Dygert, past GM at Westworld of Scottsdale and founder of Cowboy Office. The continued popularity of Sun Circuit is attributed to the focus of being an event where people have fun and see a vast array of classes running simultaneously. As CEO Doug Huls says, “We’re blessed with Westworld, because there’s so many arenas and so many things that can happen there at the same time. We may be the only horse show left in the country where we have the ropers and the cow horses, and the reiners, and the pleasure horses and trail horses, and western riding… and I’m adamant that it stays that way.”
Sun Circuit also has plenty to offer spectators and local residents who want to get a taste of the western lifestyle. Free clinics https://www.suncircuit.com/ free-clinics/. Hershberger Performance Horse Sale https://www.suncircuit.com/ hershberger-performancehorse-sale/. Over 100 vendors. Up to 9 arenas of competition
Arizona residents, don’t miss this equine extravaganza that’s hosted in your backyard! Make plans to attend by checking out the schedule so you catch your favorite events. More information can be found at https://www. suncircuit.com/.
Watch these episodes and more on CowboyOffice.com, youtube or your favorite podcast platform.
Presented by Arizona Quarter Horse Association
Two Shows Providing Competition For Every Level
2023 Dates: May 17-21, 2023
2023 AQHA L1 West Championship Judges
Theodore Grose
Terry Cross
Casey Devitt
Robin Frid
April Devitt
John Kunkle
2023 Pinnacle Circuit Judges
Clint Ainsworth
Bruce Walquist
Jessica Gilliam
Jennifer Leckey
Arizona Quarter Horse Association is proud to host the Nutrena AQHA West Level 1 Championships again in 2023. The Championships will be held May 17-21 in conjunction with the Pinnacle Circuit at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona. By offering two shows simultaneously, there will be competition for every level of exhibitor.
Last year’s L1 Championships at WestWorld were a resounding success as exhibitors competed in western, English and halter classes. AQHA also welcomed many first-time Level 1 Championships exhibitors. The AZ Pinnacle Circuit will offer classes for L1 Open, Open, Amateur, Select Amateur and Youth who may show two times to a total of four AQHA judges.
New for 2023 -- West Coast Ranch Horse Approved Pinnacle Circuit is approved by West Coast Ranch Horse and will count for their year end awards and World show. WCRH joins National Snaffle Bit Association, AQHA and AzQHA approvals.
Officials with the FDA have approved pentosan polysulfate sodium injection (Zycosan; Anzac Animal Health) for the control of clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in horses. This therapy is a heparinlike compound and is the first injectable pentosan product to receive FDA approval.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium injection will be an important addition to the available approved drugs to control the clinical signs of OA in horses, according to the FDA. It is indicated for intramuscular use in horses only and is only available with a veterinary prescription. The drug should be administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg (1.4 mg/lb) by intramuscular injection once weekly for 4 weeks (for a total of 4 doses). Pentosan polysulfate sodium injection is supplied in a 7.5 ml single use vial.
OA involves the slow breakdown of joint cartilage, which can result in a variety of clinical signs such as lameness, stiffness, and joint swelling. Although there is no cure for the condition, appropriate management can help control the clinical signs of OA in horses and improve their quality of life.
Unapproved injectable formulations of pentosan have a long history of use in horses, but the newly approved therapy is the first injectable pentosan product to have met the FDA’s standards. FDA-
approved drugs have been demonstrated to be safe and effective for their intended use and have been consistently manufactured to preserve the drugs’ identity, strength, quality, and purity. The FDA is strongly encouraging veterinarians to use the legally marketed FDA-approved pentosan polysulfate sodium injection when pentosan is indicated for use in an equine patient.
The drug’s sponsor conducted a field study of 237 clientowned horses of various breeds that were each diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 1 lame leg. In the treatment group, 120 horses received pentosan polysulfate sodium injection by intramuscular administration in the neck once every 7 days for 4 weeks for a total of 4 doses. In the control group, 117 horses were given an equal volume of saline at the same dosage regimen.
Each horse’s lameness was graded on Days 0 and 28 of the study. On Day 28, improved lameness grades were demonstrated in 57% of horses in the group that received pentosan polysulfate sodium injection and 36% in the negative control group.3 The study results indicated that treatment with this injection at the labeled dose benefited horses with single limb lameness due to OA.
The most common adverse reactions associated with the administration of pentosan polysulfate sodium injection were administration site reactions such as pain, heat, swelling, redness, and neck muscle cramping; and prolonged coagulation parameters,1,3 lethargy, behavior changes, and colic.
Some injection site reactions initially occurred around the time of dosing and other injection site reactions were initially delayed, up to 3 days after dosing. All peri-dosing reactions resolved without specific treatment. All delayed reactions resolved within 5 days from onset, and most didn’t require treatment. Clinical signs of bleeding were not seen in any horses.
Appropriate management can help control the clinical signs and improve equine
With the largest highstakes western sports celebration just weeks away from taking over Globe Life Field, Teton Ridge, the lifestyle and entertainment company behind The American Western Weekend, announced today that CBS Sports Network will televise The American Contender Tournament in addition to The American Rodeo.
“We are thrilled about working with CBS Sports to bring the very best in western sports content to their audiences,” said Joe Loverro, President of Teton
All Roads Lead to Tulsa for the 2023 NRBC Tulsa’s Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square will be the site of a new era for the National Reining Breeders Classic. Not only is the central location appealing to a larger geographic range of reiners, but the added money will take a giant leap.
For NRHA Professional and longtime NRBC attendee Bobby Avila, the move to Tulsa is a game changer. He said, “I’ll be taking twice as many horses this year as we have taken in the past. It’s closer for us and for our clients, and I think you’ll see people from further
Ridge Sports. “Teton Ridge is dedicated to making western culture, lifestyle and sports accessible to more people than ever before. The diverse and extensive reach of CBS Sports Network makes it a sensational fit for The American Western Weekend and Regional Finals, giving sports fans and audiences around the country the opportunity to watch live as some of the most compelling moments and on-the-dirt action in rodeo and performance horse sports unfolds.”
Acquired by Teton Ridge in late 2021, The American Rodeo, celebrating its 10th year on Saturday, March 11, features competitors in all eight traditional rodeo disciplines. Fans can root for the underdog “Contenders” chasing a $1 million bonus or the professional athletes defending their champion status in the ultimate showdown.
CBS Sports Network Full Schedule (**subject to change**):
The American Contender Tournament Finals will air on Saturday, March 11, 8:30 am ET/ 7:30am CT. The American Rodeo: The Crown Jewel of Rodeo will air on Sunday, March 12 at 10 pm ET/ 9pm CT
up north at the show who have not come in the past with a guaranteed $25,000, compared to $15,169 in 2022. The Open L2 champion’s check will be for $20,000, over double what was paid in 2022, and the Open L1 champion will earn $7,500, also well over double the previous year. The increases extend to the Non Pro as well, where the L3 champion will earn $15,000, the L2 $10,000, and the L1 $5,000.
And the added money in the Open Novice Horse division (originally the Open Development division), has been tripled – increasing from $10,000 to $30,000 – while the new Non Pro Novice Horse division will debut with $20,000 added! Both the Open and Non Pro Novice Horse divisions are for horses that have won less than $10,000.
There will also be enhanced focus on NRBC enrolled sires beginning at the 2023
Making its debut during The American Western Weekend on Friday, March 10 at Globe Life Field, The American Performance Horseman groundbreaking event will feature the Top 5 professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) standings on Friday, March 10, 2023. The first-of-its-kind competitive exhibition format will fuse the elements of history and competition in an ode to the past, present, and future of western performance horse sports and air on CBS Sports Network on Sunday, March 26 at 4pm ET/ 3pm CT.
show. Along with continuing to award the traditional blue crystal vases to the sires of the champions in all divisions, new recognition for sires is planned. The foal earnings for each sire will be tracked, and the top 10 list of sires for the show will be tabulated daily. The top 10 list will be updated and announced each day at all three arenas, published in that day’s Slide Street Journal and shown on both the jumbotron and the live internet video feed. At the end of the show, the final Top 10 sires will receive special commemorative awards.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is excited to partner with The Run For A Million again in 2023 with an expanded slate of cow horse competitions. The Run For A Million returns to the South Point Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas August 16-19.
"NRCHA is excited to partner with The Run For A Million for the third year in a row. This event has truly brought light to the horse industry as a whole and we
are so grateful that they include the cow horse family in their vision,” Emily Konkel, operations manager, said. “The collaboration between The Run For A Million and NRCHA has brought on some exciting new classes for this monumental event. We look forward to being a part of the 2023 event."
New for 2023, the NRCHA will host three qualifiers, each of which will take five qualified riders. The first qualifier will be held at Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas, March 23 - April 1, followed by the Western Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona, May 31- June 10, and Hackamore Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 24 - 30. The Run
For A Million event will also host the first Youth Cow Horse Challenge. This youth event will invite the nine finalists from the 2023 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman presented by MARS EQUESTRIANTM to compete in Las Vegas in August.
"The goal of this event is to showcase the western lifestyle and its traditions. The reined cow horse addition in 2021 brought us closer to achieving this goal. This year we are very excited to expand our partnership with NRCHA to include the Youth Cow Horse Championship. Youth riders are the future of our sport. We are so grateful to be able to showcase them at this event." Amanda Brumley, Vice President and Producer of The Run For A Million.
Returning this year is the Cowboy Class Invitational presented by XIT Ranch, featuring 10 working cowboys from 10 historical ranches competing in the rein work, cow work, and roping.
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) was proud to join Oklahoma City officials on Wednesday, February 22, for a groundbreaking ceremony of the new coliseum at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
The beloved Jim Norick Coliseum, known by some as ‘The Big House,’ was built in 1965 and will be replaced by a new $126 million state-ofthe-art coliseum. Set to be completed in 2025, the facility will feature a 216,000-square-foot building with 7,000 seats and a restaurant, lounge, and upscale concession areas. The current Jim Norick Coliseum will be utilized for all events until the new project is completed.
Speakers at the groundbreaking included Ron Norick, past Oklahoma City Mayor and son of the late Jim Norick, Oklahoma City Major David Holt, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau president Zac Craig and president and CEO of the Oklahoma State Fair Kirk Slaughter.
“The Jim Norick Coliseum hosts two million people and 150 events per year,” said Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau president Zac Craig. “On any given week, you see the best riders in the world in their respective disciplines, and it is an economic engine for our community.”
Craig also highlighted the coliseum generates $350 million in annual economic impact for Oklahoma City and is an investment into tourism along with solidifying Oklahoma City’s reputation as a host for premier equine and livestock events. The project is funded through MAPS4, a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax, with additional funds coming from city hotel tax revenues.
“This project is about maintaining what this place provides
our community, and it is tremendous,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “I have always loved the idea of what this venue means to the entire state, and if you are a young person in Oklahoma and involved in agriculture, or basketball, or other sports, this is your mecca and where you dream of coming.
“I think it is cool that we love the history of this building; Elvis even played here, and it is really cool history. However, I think people will come to love the amenities and attractiveness provided by this future facility. History only takes you so far on a practical side, and what you are going to have with this new iteration is a practical, useful building to continue having economic impact on this community and bring people from around Oklahoma and the country. Congratulations to everyone involved in this!”
Excitement broke among the crowd as shovels broke ground, including an extra shovel turned by Ron Norick to honor his father, Jim Norick. “I am so proud of my father and what he did, and how proud I am that his name is on this building, and how proud he is going to be when we have the new building,” said Norick. “This building has served our community well. It is a wonderful day!”
NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter, who was present at the event along with NRHA staff, echoed the excitement. “We are so fortunate to have great partnerships throughout Oklahoma City, and this project coming to fruition is just another example of the community coming together,” said Carpenter. “Our relationship with the Oklahoma State Fair is one we have always valued, and we look forward to supporting them through this process. This venue will be a stage worthy of our events, and our competitors will move to a new, elevated level not experienced before.”
By BJ Carden, Athletics Communications
Texas A&M equestrian director of operations Kalee Cypher has been named to the 2023 American Quarter Horse Association Emerging Leader Award inaugural class, the association announced recently. "We are so proud of Kalee," head coach Tana McKay said. "She has been a wonderful leader in the equine industry for a number of years. She is a great role model for our young ladies and today's youth."
The AQHA Emerging Leader Award recognizes the accomplishments of the association's exceptional young members for their leadership, service, science, education, impact, innovation and ambassadorship.
"It is such an honor to receive this award," Cypher said. "AQHA has played a vital role in my life since I was young and I couldn't be more grateful for all of the opportunities it has given me. I truly believe I would not be where I am today without the help of everyone who has always encouraged me to be the best I can be. I can only hope to continue to grow as a leader and always be an
advocate for the industry that has shaped me into who I am today."
Cypher was a member of the Texas A&M equestrian team from 2015-2019. During her time as a student-athlete in Aggieland, Cypher earned two All-SEC Reining Team mentions and earned the team's Iron Horse Award as a senior. As a junior, Cypher earned honorable mention All-America honors while leading the Reining team to the 2017 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Reining National Championship. Cypher was named the NCEA National Championship Most Outstanding Performer.
The Sebastopol, Mississippi, native departed Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master of agriculture in animal science. Cypher returned to her home state in 2022 to serve as an agriculture education instructor for Forest-Scott County Career & Technology Center in Forest, Mississippi, where she was named the 2020-2021 Central Mississippi Rookie Ag Teacher of the Year and Mississippi Rookie Ag Teacher of the Year.
Cypher is in her first year serving as the director of operation, joing the staff in July 2022.
The U.S. Dressage U25 Stars and Stripes Team of Ben Ebeling aboard Status Royal OLD and Callie O’Connell aboard Eaton H took first place Thursday during the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ USA CDIO-U25 competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, finishing on a final team score of 139.736. The U.S. Stars and Stripes Team was led by Chef d’Equipe Charlotte Bredahl.
The team finished ahead of the U.S. Dressage U25 Star-Spangled Team (135.500) of Emma Asher and Elegance N, Kyle Dickinson and Ibanero van de Vogelzang, and Erin Nichols and Elian Royale, and the team representing Canada, who finished on a score of 133.207.
Ebeling (Wellington, Fla.) and Status Royal OLD, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Ann Romney, were the highest-scoring pair on the team. Ebeling took over the ride on Status Royal OLD from his father, Jan, in late spring last year and has competed the gelding in the U25 division both in the U.S. and abroad.
“Competing on a team is always a blast,” Ebeling said. “There’s a little bit of extra added pressure. It’s really fun to do it at the Grand Prix level. I know that my horse gave me his all today, and I’m so proud of him.”
The duo recorded the top individual score of the day—a 70.647 percent, earning particularly high marks in the extended canter.
“He was with me every step of the way,” Ebeling said of Status Royal OLD. “He was ready to go in the extensions. He was willing to go sideways in the half-passes. Ready to collect when he needed to. Ready to go forward. He was just really adjustable today.”
Aboard Eaton H, a 2009 KWPN gelding owned by Ruling Cortes LLC, O'Connell (Wilmington, Mass.) rode to the day’s second-best individual mark with a personal-best 69.089 percent. Eaton H is a new ride of O’Connell, purchased to help her gain valuable team experience at the Grand Prix level.
“It was probably the most rideable that Eaton has ever been,” O’Connell said. “He just was really there waiting. I felt like he was just like, ‘What do you want? What do you want?’ It was a very special feeling to have in the ring.”
O’Connell is competing on her first Nations Cup team this weekend and was thrilled to earn her first team start in such a welcoming and positive environment. “This is my first time on a [Nations Cup] team, and to be on it with Ben is pretty cool,” O’Connell said. “Just a very amazing experience. My horse was so rideable and with me every step. It was an incredible feeling.”
The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team currently sits in second place in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup USA CDIO3* on a team score of 214.617 following the first day of competition, just narrowly behind Germany on a 217.940. Team competition will conclude tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special and FEI Intermediate I test. The U25 combinations will compete in the FEI Grand Prix 1625 test for individual medals.
Individual tickets are $40 before March 31st, $45 after March 31st and $50 at the door.
Guests will also enjoy several onsite exhibitors, including several of Sanderson Lincoln’s top luxury vehicles for 2023. The Woodford Reserve Image removed by sender.
Derby DayClub opens at 10:45 a.m. with live thoroughbred racing at Turf Paradise in North Phoenix beginning at 11:30 a.m. Attendees can bet on those races as well as the Kentucky Derby itself. The Triple Crown’s crown jewel will be broadcast live at approximately 3:25p.m. Arizona time throughout the Derby DayClub’s tent experiences. On-site horse races will continue into the evening.
The event has sold out all previous years and is likely to sell out fast again this year.
PBR has entered into a groundbreaking multi-year strategic partnership with Cole Hauser, an accomplished veteran actor currently starring as Rip Wheeler on television’s No. 1 drama “Yellowstone, it was announced today.
The partnership pairs one of the world’s most popular and iconic actors with the leading Western sports organization, with both sharing the beliefs of centuriesold values associated with ranchers, farmers, and cowboys. PBR and Hauser will collaborate on the development of a multifaceted creative campaign inviting everyone to be more cowboy in their lives and promoting Western values such as hard work, honesty, integrity, sacrifice and service. The first creative will debut during the PBR World Finals in Fort Worth from May 12-21.
Hauser will be featured in a new PBR branding campaign that will be seen across traditional and social media, including every major market the sport travels to; digital channels; in arena; and RidePass on PlutoTV as well as across PBR programming on CBS Television Network and CBS Sports Network.
“At its core, PBR is an inviting sport showcasing courageous cowboy athletes doing the seemingly unthinkable. But beneath the rush of an 8-second bull ride, these athletes share a simple, pure humanity and live a life centered on values that are more important today than ever,” Hauser said.
“What makes this partnership exciting to me is the opportunity to work with PBR to tell stories revealing the humanity of a group of extraordinary bull-riding cowboys that pulls back the curtain in an uplifting way that celebrates family, loyalty, love, honor, determination and friendship representing the best of Americana.”
“PBR could not be more excited to form this first-of-a-kind partnership with Cole Hauser. We are going to collaborate not only on numerous branding and marketing initiatives to celebrate core Western values, but across all of our lines of business, including giving back to the men and women who have served our country in the military,” said Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner, PBR.
“There’s no one better suited to shine a light on our cowboy values than one of the toughest and most iconic cowboy characters since John Wayne. From the get-go, Cole has been all-in on joining our PBR family, sharing his vision for a sport he has grown to love, and inviting everyone into our world.”
PBR will also create programs to support a charity near and dear to Hauser, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an
organization that ensures complete post-secondary educational support and opportunities for surviving children of fallen Special Operational Personnel and children of all Medal of Honor recipients along with providing immediate financial assistance to severely wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Personnel.
There are more than 1,600 surviving children of these fallen warriors since 1980. More than 275 children have graduated college through the support of SOWF. “Special Operations Warrior Foundation aligns perfectly with cowboy values: honoring those who sacrificed by providing an opportunity to get an education or support that will provide a foundation and path through life,” Gleason said.
Hauser is one of the few actors in Hollywood who have ridden a bucking bull. During the filming of the 1998 western The Hi-Lo Country, nine-time World Champion and PBR co-founder Ty Murray taught Hauser to ride. He now owns a horse named King. The Hauser-PBR partnership is the first time in PBR’s 30year history that an outside storyteller will collaborate with the organization to turn up the volume on promoting Western values.
PBR has had a recordsetting start to 2023, with its top two tours hosting more than 370,000 fans in January and February, including selling out 16 events. Additionally, on consecutive weekends in February, PBR on CBS drew audiences of more than 1 million average viewers for its premier series events in Tulsa, Oklahoma (Feb. 11) and Eugene, Oregon (Feb. 18).
Cole Hauser was born on a ranch in Laurel Springs, California. He grew up in various parts of the country, including California, Florida, and Oregon. At 16 years old, he decided to leave high school to try to break into acting. He is known for film roles including School Ties (his film debut in 1992), Higher Learning, Dazed and Confused, Good Will Hunting, Pitch Black, Tigerland, Hart’s War, Tears of the Sun, The Family that Preys, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Paparazzi, The Cave, The Break-Up, A Good Day to Die Hard, Olympus Has Fallen, Pitch Black, The Stone Angel, and Transcendence.
He was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his performance in Tigerland. He currently stars as Rip Wheeler on the Paramount Network’s Yellowstone, the nation’s No. 1 drama series. The character is so popular many Halloween stores carry the Rip costume. Hauser is an avid supporter of organizations that help veterans and first responders, including Special Operation Warrior Foundation and Tunnel To Towers, aligning with PBR’s longstanding commitment to honor these heroes in each city the sport visits.
The inaugural Bosque Ranch NYCHA Benefit celebrated the achievements of the top five riders in the National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA) on February 4, 2023, at the renowned Bosque Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, as they competed for over $19,000 in scholarships.
Bosque Ranch strives to create an experience for the spectator while greatly enhancing the opportunities for riders that are not horse-aged specific to enhance the performance horse industry. This notion paired with the mission of the NYCHA to develop and grow youth members both in and out of the arena provided the landscape for a perfect evening of entertainment and fundraising opportunities.
Taylor Sheridan, Bosque Ranch owner, says, “The future of all performance horse industries lies squarely at the feet of our youth competitors. Creating opportunities for these young athletes to showcase their skill and their horses’ talent preserves the great heritage of the cutting horse and hopefully inspires more youth to pursue cutting as a pastime and a lifestyle.”
The competitors included Makayla Cowan of Ardmore, Okla., who rode Most Stylish Player to a 75 and first place finish, Faith Farris of Midway, Texas, Aden Bernhagen of Corsicana, Texas, Logan Harlan of Lincoln, Calif., and Brinley Lippincott of Cypress, Texas.
Following the competition, competitors and exhibitors alike enjoyed a cocktail reception in the infamous Nic’s Bar, dinner presented by Bosque Ranch's Executive Chef, Levi Gardner in association with Hurtado Barbecue and briskets provided by the 6666 Ranch and a special musical performance by Vincent Neil Emerson. An additional draw included members of the cast of Yellowstone in attendance to support the benefit.
“This was a fantastic event to showcase our NYCHA members to the local community,” said Jay Winborn, NCHA executive director. “Our youth are just as passionate about sharing the sport of cutting as they are with competing, and I thank Taylor for giving us this opportunity to showcase our sport in a new way. We greatly appreciate what Taylor continues to do to promote our way of life, and I’d also like to sincerely thank Megan, Kim, Brandon, Levi and the rest of the Bosque Ranch staff for all of their hard work to make this event so great. We are very excited to continue this event next year.”
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is pleased to announce the return of RevitaVet as the “Title Sponsor of the USEA Young Rider Leaderboard” for 2023. The company will provide one RevitaVet system, a pair of hock savers and a poll cap for the USEA Young Rider of the Year, which will be presented at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 6-10, 2023.
“RevitaVet is proud to renew our partnership with the USEA and continue to sponsor the Young Rider of the Year program,” said Tom Neuman, Owner of RevitaVet.
As an industry leader of equine preventative maintenance and rehabilitation devices, RevitaVet’s mission is to educate competitors and horse owners of all disciplines on the benefits
of infrared therapy. RevitaVet provides healthy maintenance and rehabilitation of equine athletes by enhancing their peak performance condition, while preventing costly veterinary ailments before they arise. With results from over 40 years of independent research and 20 years of use in the veterinary field, light therapy has been proven to deliver powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissues and organisms using visible red and infrared light. RevitaVet’s technology helps to speed up the healing process by increasing vascular efficacy, the formation of new capillaries, the production of collagen and more. RevitaVet offers a variety of products for your equine and canine companions.
“The USEA is grateful for RevitaVet’s continued support of the Association and the Young Rider program,” said USEA CEO, Rob Burk. “Their commitment to the sport of eventing has been unwavering for many years, and we're proud to partner with a company that is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our equine athletes.”
The Foundation for the Horse today announced that its “Taking the Lead – The Campaign for the Horse” concluded Dec. 31 after three years and $12,034,260 in support. This marks a record three-year giving cycle for The Foundation and a successful first-ever campaign for the 28-yearold charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Chaired by Dr. Monty McInturff, founding partner and president of Tennessee Equine Hospital in Thompson’s Station, Tenn., the campaign launched quietly in January 2020 and announced a $10 million goal publicly in December 2021 with $6.8 million committed at that time.
“This is our way of giving back to the horse,” said Dr. McInturff. “It’s horse doctors, horse owners and industry organizations going above and beyond for the welfare of horses. I am exceptionally gratified by what we have achieved together, and I am especially proud of the 1,051 first-time donors to The Foundation who rallied to the cause with a campaign gift.”
The ambitious three-year timeline reflected the urgency of its priorities to increase grant and scholarship support for equine medical research; veterinary students; and programs for horses at risk of abandonment, neglect, infectious disease, or in need of urgent medical care.
“This is what we’re all about—providing resources so that students become first-rate equine veterinarians, researchers improve the practice of equine medicine, and programs help horses in times of urgent need,” said Foundation Chair Dr. Rick Mitchell, co-founder and partner-owner of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn. “It is our duty to serve the medical needs of the horse, and no other organization does what we do.”
The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) announces that the Hackamore Classic will move to Tulsa, Oklahoma July 24-30, 2023. This event was previously held in conjunction with the Snaffle Bit Futurity® in Fort Worth, Texas. The move is largely due to the growth that the NRCHA is seeing across the board with entries and the desire to keep premier event schedules optimal for competitors and the equine athletes alike.
"The Hackamore Classic is a historical event for the NRCHA. We are pleased with the growth we
have seen over the past few years while hosting the Hackamore Classic at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and we are ready for this event to stand on its own. Tulsa Expo Square is a topnotch facility that will be a great home to one of our premier events. We look forward to the partnership with Tulsa and are excited for the 2023 show!"
The Hackamore Classic is designed to showcase the traditional cow horse evolution. The event provides hackamore horses, which are 4- and 5-year-olds, the opportunity to compete in the three-event derby which includes the herd/ rein/cow work.In addition to the Hackamore Classic, this event will also host the third and final qualifier for The Run For A Million, the inaugural 4-event World’s Greatest Non Pro, along with a full slate of horse show classes.
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EMAIL: bridleandbit@aol.com
By Jessica Hein
W34, a white-spotting allele identified by researchers at Etalon Diagnostics in 2022, has been confirmed as present in the Paint Horse population. The discovery was published in the August 2022 edition of Animals, a peer-reviewed scientific publication.
This spotting pattern is a mutation of the KIT gene, which is also home to Sabino 1 and more than 30 “W” (formerly, Dominant White) mutations that can cause white spotting patterns. W34 tends to produce white markings on the face and
Sail On Sailor Too, a Paint Horse tested as n/W34. He has a blaze, stockings and midline spotting.
legs.
Along with other whitespotting patterns—which include Tobiano, Frame Overo, Sabino 1, Splashed White 1/2/3/5/6/7 and W5/10/20/22/31/32—W34 can be used to help a horse earn Regular Registry status as part of RG-070.E., an APHA rule that allows a horse to earn Regular Registry status if it meets requirements including presence of a Paint trait(s) and a white spotting-pattern gene confirmed through DNA genetic testing.
DNA testing for W34 is offered at APHA partner lab Etalon as an a la carte option.
Road to the Horse strives to bring together the best of the best — colt starters, colts, entertainment and judges. Judging the world’s best colt starters at horsemanship’s most prestigious event is the responsibility of five individuals who are often as unique as the event itself. Each judge on the panel is an expert in their discipline. With an emphasis on building a solid foundation, each judge critiques every step — from beginning to end — as competitors work to build a trusting partnership with their colt. The five talented judges chosen for Road to the Horse 2023 are Lari Dee Guy, Punk Carter, Eric Hoffmann, Jesse Westfall and Jeff Williams.
HITS LLC had selected Peter H. Englehart as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. As the equine industry’s leader and largest producer of hunter/jumper shows in the country, Englehart will continue to lead HITS as it redefines its commitment to creating an exemplary customer experience at all six of its world-class venues.
Englehart’s entrepreneurial, managerial and strategic visions have been built upon past tenures with iconic brands such as ESPN, ABC Sports, Sesame Street, MotorTrend & Hot Rod magazines, Rock ‘n Roll Marathon Series, along others. He joined
HITS in March of 2022 and has been a part of the visionary team recruited by new owner Traub Capital Partners.
“Peter has a proven track record of creating winning teams and businesses,” said Brian Crosby, Co-Managing Partner of Traub Capital Partners. “Understanding the enthusiast consumer is a characteristic in which he is well-versed, and this trait will aid the growth of HITS in the equestrian marketplace.”
As HITS enters a new era of reimagining its legacy in equine sports, Englehart has already helped launch such initiatives as the Young Jumper Program, developing more dressage events, as well as expanding into a California location at the historic Del Mar Horse Park, which will open in July after a two-year hiatus.
“Leading HITS is a wonderful opportunity to take a legacy brand to a new level of growth,” said Englehart. “We are blessed with wonderful locations, dates and an experienced management team to help move the company forward in the future.”
In 2021, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) established the Peter Phinny Memorial Leading Futurity Sire Award to honor the late NRHA member whose support contributed immensely to the association and the future of the industry.
The second recipient of the award is NRHA $8 Million
Sire Gunnatrashya (Gunner x Natrasha), who also received the inaugural award last year. At the 2022 NRHA Futurity, the stallion owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA and bred by Katarina Dorminy had ten offspring in the Open Finals and five in the Non Pro Finals. In total, the offspring earned $613,444 in both finals for an average of $40,896.
The perpetual award is presented annually at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel in June. The Mehl Lawson Bronze, which
represents the award, will remain in the NRHA office in Oklahoma City. A member of the NRHA since 1966, Phinny was raised in Fremont, Michigan, and lived most of his life in the Glen Arbor area. He will be remembered as a solid citizen, devoted to family, and always kind and generous with friends, associates, and worthy causes.
With a love of horses sparked in childhood, nothing pleased Peter more than to be with his own, especially Mr Melody Jac, Brennas Kid and Bootlegger— three of several reining horses that inspired him to write “Training the Reined Horse.” This book, published in 1977, represents a combination of his two passions—writing and western horses.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have taken technology aimed at helping humans suffering from lymphedema – in which the accumulation of excess lymph fluid causes swollen limbs – and developed a medical device to aid horses suffering from the same condition. In a pilot study the device, called the EQ Press, was successful in moving fluid up the limbs and into the lymph nodes. This could lead to relief for horses with chronic conditions, as well as with temporary swelling due to injury or inactivity.
treat the condition by wrapping the limbs and icing them while encouraging exercise. But the effects of these treatments are usually only temporary.
“Humans suffer from the exact same type of lymphedema horses do, but the difference is that human medicine has a very effective treatment option – pneumatic compression devices,” Schnabel says. “So we wanted to create a horse-specific version of those devices and see if it would be similarly effective.”
“Across the board, horses are predisposed to lower limb swelling,” says Lauren Schnabel, associate professor of equine orthopedic surgery at NC State and study co-author. “Lymphatic flow is driven by muscle contractions that circulate lymph fluid through the lymphatic system horses are prone to lymphatic issues because they have very little musculature in the lower limbs.”
The severity of the condition can vary widely – from temporary swelling due to curtailed mobility, to lymphangitis caused by infections that can scar the lymphatic system. Owners will usually
Working closely with a company that manufactures human pneumatic compression devices, Schnabel developed the EQ Press in collaboration with former NC State veterinary student Irina Perdew.
The full EQ Press system comprises custom garments designed to accommodate the front and rear limbs of horses. Powered by pumps that tuck into a saddle pad, the device creates cycles of dynamic pressure waves that start at the bottom of the limb and move up, forcing fluid up the limb and eliminating backflow.
“There was anecdotal data that indicated compression treatment worked well for horses, but we wanted scientific evidence that demonstrates the utility of pneumatic compression for such large animals,” Schnabel says. “So we designed the NC State pilot study.”
In the study, six healthy thoroughbreds were injected with a tracer isotope in their lower front limbs – a harmless sulfur colloid that is taken up and excreted through the lymphatic system. A specialized camera followed the progression of the isotope up the lymphatic system and into a lymph node in the upper limb, a process known as lymphoscintigraphy.
Each horse underwent lymphoscintigraphy twice – once with treatment by the EQ Press on the front limbs and once without –randomized between treatment and control. In all of the EQ Press treated horses, the camera showed the tracer isotope moving from the lower limb to the lymph node in the upper limb within a 60-minute window. Of the control horses, only one showed that the tracer isotope was able to reach the lymph node.
Overall, EQ Press treated horses had significantly accelerated lymphatic flow compared to untreated horses, recorded as both time to move out of the lower limb and also as time to reach the lymph node in the upper limb. Schnabel and the research team found the results encouraging and want to determine whether pneumatic compression treatment will be as helpful for horses as it is for humans.
“Now we have compelling evidence that pneumatic compression treatments can accelerate lymphatic flow in healthy horses,” Schnabel says. “Our next step is to study the effectiveness of the EQ Press for treatment of horses with medical conditions such as lymphedema.”
The study appears in the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Drew Koch, postdoctoral fellow at NC State, is corresponding author of the work. Schnabel is co-founder and chief medical officer of Vetletics, Inc., the company that manufactures the EQ Press.
The American Quarter Horse Association has appointed Scott Neuman of Billings, Montana, as the Association’s director of competitions.
“We are excited to hire Scott as the new director of competitions,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA chief executive officer. “Scott’s knowledge of the industry and vision for the future will be a great asset to the Association to enhance our show department while also ensuring the American Quarter Horse is treated humanely, with dignity, respect and compassion at all times, especially in AQHA competition.”
As the AQHA director of competitions, Neuman will direct the AQHA Show Department and will help provide overall direction for AQHA competition programs. Neuman will progress AQHA’s position as an industry leader, while ensuring the integrity of the Association’s showing programs.
Neuman has been involved with AQHA for over 40 years in multiple segments of the industry. He trained professionally for 30 years in Montana where he was also employed as the director of equestrian studies at Rocky Mountain College and served within the Montana Quarter Horse Association. An AQHA Professional Horseman, Neuman has judged the AQHA World Championship Show, AQHYA World Championship Show and Nutrena AQHA Level 1 Championships multiple times.
Aside from judging and training, Neuman has worked for An Equine Production as that show management company’s horse show manager. During his time, he managed five of the top 10 AQHA shows in the nation. He also holds judging credentials with AQHA, as well as the American Paint Horse, National Snaffle Bit and the World Conformation Horse associations.
Neuman has been involved with AQHA for over 40 years in multiple segments of the industry.
Hickory Holly Time saw National Reined Cow Horse offspring catapult him into the NRCHA’s Million Dollar Sire Club during the end of the 2022 show season.
An NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman Champion and a NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Champion under trainer Kelby Phillips, Hickory Holly Time’s
offspring put him over the million-dollar earnings mark with $1,050,009.72 in reined cow horse earnings. The 2010 roan stallion (One Time Pepto x Hickorys Holly Cee x Docs Hickory) was bred by Arcese Quarter Horses and is owned by DT Horses.
With the record on Hickory Holly Times’ top earners, it is
clear the stallion is producing offspring capable of following him to the winner’s circle. The DT Horses-owned and Phillipstrained 2016 stallion Nineteen Ten (out of Lil Miss Shiney Chex) is Hickory Holly Time/s highest earning offspring with $160,480.42 and the 2019 Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Reserve Champion.
“Hickory Holly Time was the horse that got me started,” said Phillips. “Even as a 2-yearold, he was unbelievable; so trainable, wanted to stop and was athletic. I think he has passed that on to his colts— they are cowy and want to stop.
With the Co-Reserve Champion and Intermediate Non Pro Champion wins at the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity, Dollar Signs (out of Wright About Now), owned by Sophia Buttars, is the stud’s secondhighest earner with $73,281.95. The 2022 Non Pro Futurity Champion, Biscuits R Smokin (out of IC The Biscuits), is the stallion’s fourth-highest earning offspring.
In both the cow horse and roping arena, Hickory Holly Time’s offspring have made a splash. The stallion stands at Oswood Stallion Station, where Brock Malson says everyone there is grateful to be part of Hickory Holly Time’s journey.
“It’s very exciting! Hickory Holly Time was a phenomenal show horse and when it was time for him to move to the next part of his career as a sire, we all had high expectations for him,” Malson said. “It has been a lot of fun to watch him not only meet those expectations but surpass them.”
Congratulations to DT Horses, LLC. and all of the connections to Hickory Holly Time for this outstanding achievement.
The 2023 National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA)’s Annual Meeting will take place June 23 – 25, 2023, at South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The NCHA Annual Meeting is open to all NCHA members, and all members are encouraged to attend. This Annual Meeting will consist of general membership, board of director, and standing committee meetings. A complete event schedule will be forthcoming.
In addition to the membership meetings, the Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony will take place honoring the 2023 NCHA Members Hall of Fame inductees, the 2022 NCHA Open Riders, Non-Pro Riders, and Horse Hall of Fame inductees, along with additional NCHA special awards.
There is no registration fee for members to attend the 2023 NCHA Annual Meeting, but members will need to fill out a registration form. This form is available here. Additionally, a hotel room block will be available for members to reserve their hotel accommodations at South Point in the coming weeks.
More information on the 2023 NCHA Annual Meeting will be forthcoming at nchacutting. com. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas this summer!
On Monday, the Washington state House of Representatives voted unanimously (95-0) on a bill that would direct the state Department of Corrections (DOC) to develop a plan for a wild horse training and farrier program at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, WA. The bill was first introduced by Rep. Mary Dye of Pomeroy. House Bill 1543 is patterned after the Arizona Department of Corrections' Wild Horse and Burro Training and Adoption Program in Florence, Arizona. In the fall of 2019, Rep. Mary Dye toured the facilities in Arizona where about 30 inmates were working to train wild mustangs that had been captured from Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) public rangelands in western Arizona.
“The program gives inmates hands-on training in the equestrian field, helps them to build self-confidence as they care for the animals, and provides the opportunity for employable skills they can use upon release," said Dye. "The recidivism rate for those inmates who have participated in the program and served their time is low. It also helps the Bureau of Land Management manage the horse population on public lands and keeps the ranges healthy.”
Dye first proposed the program in Washington state during the 2020 legislative session through House Bill 2579. The measure passed the House and Senate unanimously. However, because it contained a small fiscal note, it was among 147 bills vetoed by Washington Governor Jay Inslee in an effort to save $235 million in the 2020 supplemental operating budget to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dye said the veto turned out for the best because it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to complete the work needed during the pandemic.
“Through this bill, we have more than a study. We have a plan forward to develop this program,” said Dye. The bill would also require the plan to evaluate training methods, facilities, property, and financial opportunities for the program. In preparation for the program, DOC would consult with BLM, the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Walla Walla Community College, Washington State University, federal and state agencies, local governments, and experts in wild horse management and training. If the bill becomes law, a report assessing the implementation needs would be required by November 1, 2023.
“It creates an opportunity for inmates to redeem their lives and helps them learn a better way of life for them and their families,” added Dye. “We want those people who serve time to be able to positively reintegrate back into society, and have the confidence to go forward without making the mistakes of their past. This program sets them up on a course to be successful when they leave the prison system.”
The measure now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
