Chester Willard Englund Jr., fondly known as “Bill” to his cherished family and friends, peacefully passed away on July 10, 2023, at 8:45 p.m. He was born on October 5, 1937, in Hollywood, California, to the late Chester Willard Englund and Dorothy Lillian Melissa Rush. Bill’s formative years were spent in Salinas, California, where he grew up surrounded by the richness of agriculture and the company of stock animals.
Hailing from a family business in the trucking industry, Bill’s early life revolved around the housing, feeding, and transport of migrant laborers in association with the Bracero Program, which continued with the guest worker program after 1964. From a young age, he displayed a strong work ethic and was actively involved in 4-H and FFA, with a special focus on equine and swine. A testament to his dedication and resourcefulness, he once raised and cared for 500 hogs, using the proceeds to finance his college education. His journey into the world of horses began with his beloved mare, “Ginger,” sparking a lifelong love affair with these magnificent creatures.
Bill pursued his education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and earned bachelor’s degrees in animal husbandry and business/ ag management from Cal Poly, Pomona, in 1960. At the time of his graduation, he was already a loving husband and father to two children, Sherry and Leslie. In 1960, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where his third child, Sean, was born. Soon after graduation, Bill assumed responsibilities in the family business, managing labor camps in Harquahala, Marana, Blythe, Somerton, and Indio, along with overseeing a tortilla company and food preparation for the camps. He also managed the Cashion, Arizona, branch of the family trucking enterprise, eventually taking ownership of his father ’s holdings. He continued to operate them with immense dedication until his health no longer allowed.
Throughout his adulthood, Bill’s passion for horses remained steadfast, leading him to embark on a successful career as a judge for AQHA shows, beginning in 1971. He later added American Paint Horse Association shows to his repertoire. His expertise in judging took him far and wide, with opportunities to officiate in Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Canada, and Australia. He collaborated with the Swedish Quarter Horse Association to host an exhibition of equestrian events. Notably, Bill was chosen to judge both the AQHA and AQHYA world shows.
In 1976, he became an esteemed AQHA director, eventually serving as a valuable member of the Executive Committee and achieving the distinguished honor of being elected AQHA president in 1992. In 2002, he was deservedly inducted into the prestigious American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to the equestrian community. Bill’s involvement with AQHA fostered lifelong friendships, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. He took great pleasure in traveling and was fluent in Spanish, a skill that proved invaluable on many occasions. Bill also cherished spending quality time at Lake Powell, particularly aboard his beloved houseboat, surrounded by his family and close friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving parents, Chet and Dorothy, and his dear sister, Patricia. He is survived by his devoted wife, Roxanna, and his beloved children: Sherry (Laird) Hatch, Leslie (Jillian) Englund, and Sean Englund. He also leaves behind his stepchildren: Corrina Callan, Curtis (Floracita) Laverdiere, and Robyn Laverdiere. In addition, he will be lovingly remembered by his cherished grandchildren: Leah (Jonathan) Ketchum, Andrea (Loric) Harding, Jessica (Aidan) Jobe-Sea, Meredith (Alasdair) Johnstone, Blake Englund, Sage Englund, Nicole Englund, and Jenna Englund, as well as his stepgrandchildren: Dion Laverdiere and Ryan Laverdiere. Bill’s great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Nathaniel, Joshua, and Elizabeth Ketchum, and Jasper Johnstone, also hold his memory dear.
The family kindly requests donations in Bill’s honor to the American Quarter Horse Foundation scholarship program.
May the legacy of C. W. “Bill” Englund Jr. forever live on in our hearts and minds, as we cherish the memories of this remarkable man who touched so many lives with his warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for horses.
Ron Ralls is a two-time World’s Greatest Horseman and he has sired a World’s Greatest Horseman - nuf said? Yes, but no. There is much more to this story and it continues to unfold right before our eyes.
I met Ron Ralls in 1985 outside Solvang, California. It is almost 40 years ago. I had two first impressions of him - one, his mustache was legit and two, he didn’t say much.
My first recollection of Phillip Ralls is when he was four years old. The Ralls and the Carters were next door neighbors at Monty and Pat Robert’s Flag Is Up Farm, a predominantly thoroughbred farm in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. Ron was the resident cowhorse trainer - at a thoroughbred farm, go figureand I was the resident veterinarian.
My two year old daughter, Jessi, and Phillip were playing together one afternoon when they suddenly went missing. They had snuck out of the yard.
As you might imagine the parents went into “freak out” mode scrambling about looking for the two kids. Little did we know they had crawled thru the fence between Flag Is Up and River Edge Thoroughbred Farm to the north.
Russell Drake the River Edge farm manager and uncle to NCHA professional Dell Bell had a small herd of sheep, that he used to train his border collies, in the pasture behind our houses.
Our homes abutted the fence line between the two ranchs but it never occurred to us to look in that direction. We were looking in the Flag Is Up Farm open country to our east, south and west.
It wasn’t long before we heard some rustling coming from the north. That pasture was quite brushy. We then heard the bleating of a ewe coming from behind a thicket.
Jessi was absconding with a new born lamb and Phillip was protecting her. He was using a stick to keep the frantic ewe - that was chasing them - from running them down.
After the brief scare, we got a good laugh out of it while we returned the lamb to its mother.
In June at the RUN FOR A MILLION qualifier during the NRCHA Derby in Scottsdale, Ron was magnificent on the eight year old Richie Bell owned sorrel gelding TABASQUE O by METALLIC CAT out of the mare NEIVAS by CATS MERADA.
Mr. Bell has been a major owner of Futurity and Derby horses but according to Patty Ralls, Ron’s wife, always dreamed of owning a good bridle horse.
In 2016, Ron returned to Texas from the NFR. While in Las Vegas, he was an integral part of the team that successfully guided SLICK BY DESIGN around the barrels in the Thomas and Mack for 10 rounds with Michelle McLeod on board.
Now back in Ft Worth, he picked out TABASQUE O from the NCHA yearling sale. This is a testament to his horsemanship skills.
Ron says “TABASCO O is just getting better.” I would say so with a score of 222 in his reining pattern and a smoking 223.5 in his fence run which gave them a combined score of 445.5. It easily qualified them for the RUN FOR A MILLION.
Ron will be 69 years old in October making him the oldest qualifier of the 45 professional horseman set to compete in the Cowhorse, Cutting, and Reining sections of the 2023 version of Taylor Sheridan’s RUN FOR A MILLION horse show in Las Vegas.
Ron had an interesting childhood. He was born in Bakersfield, California and raised near Tehachapi. His father, Lawrence Snow, ran a cow camp taking care of 400 momma cows on a 50,000 acre ranch in Waller Basin of the Sierra Nevada Mountains for most of Ron’s life.
Ron’s rudder for the last 19 years is his wife and accomplished horsewoman Patty Ralls. She tells a funny story. “Ron never saw a horse show until he was 28 yrs old. Monty (Roberts) told Ron he needed to go watch the Snaffle Bit Futurity and so he drove to Reno as it was held there that year. He didn’t even know what a
CALL ME MITCH and Phillip Ralls receiving congratulations from Ron Ralls after Phillip won the World’s Greatest Horseman title in Ft Worth, Texas February, 2023.
lead on a horse was at that time. A lead to Ron was what you tied to a halter!”
Ron tells a story about his dad “One day when I was about 12 or 13 I woke up with a throat so sore I couldn’t come to work.
Lawrence gets
Van Snow. Van died tragically in an airplane accident in 2009.
Van’s son Cody Snow is a PRCA header. He has qualified for the NFR team roping seven times in a row from 2016-2022 winning over $1.3 million. This makes Ron Cody’s uncle. Ron is known for his good nature and helpfulness. His horsemanship is exceptional and his guidance is sought by professionals in many facets of the horse industry.
a cow needle and syringe and a bottle of penicillin out of his saddle bag and gives me a shot.” It wasn’t long before Ron was back on his horse.
Ron remembers the cow camp days, “Yes it was year round. It would take 2 weeks to get over the ranch one time. Then we would have to spend another 2 weeks to look for strays.”
Lawrence’s cow camp life style wasn’t conducive to long term relationships. He was married six times. Ron says, “there is a total of 12 (children) - that we know of. They currently range from 81-29 years of age.”
“That we know of” seems to be the operative concept here. Ron has a full brother and a full sister along with nine half brothers and sisters. Interestingly, the twelfth sibling, a half brother, was discovered thru Ancestry. com DNA profiles six years ago. He was adopted as a baby and he never knew where he came from. He now attends Snow family reunions regularly.
Another interest ing tidbit is that, including Ron, there are three half brothers and sisters born in Ron’s birth year of 1954! Now that’s cowboy!
One of Ron’s half brothers was also well known in the western performance horse world - veterinarian
Ron recalls what
NRCHA professional Justin Wright said to him after qualifying for the RUN FOR A MILLION. Justin said, “I just watched your video again from today, First time I seen you start to show your age! You damn near forgot to box!”
There is no doubt that Ron didn’t box long before he made his fence run. “I was worried I was going to run out of cow, so we just went!”
Yes you did Ron. The judges rewarded his intuition with a 223.5 score and his first qualification to the RUN FOR A MILLION.
Ron is an inspiration to everyone, especially those pushing 70 years of age. He doesn’t seem content with just qualifying for the RUN FOR A MILLION.
I asked him - due due your age are you content with qualifying for the TRFAM or will you be trying to win it?
He laughed and says “I may be 69 yrs old but I’m not done yet! I’ve got age and experience on my side! It’s too far to travel to Las Vegas to just hear my name called!“
That really got him stirred up! I can’t even believe I got the nerve up to ask him that question. Lol! Those of you that know him can imagine how animated he got with his answer.
I don’t believe there is a better ambassador for the western performance world and lifestyle than Ron Ralls. We wish him the best of luck in Vegas. He will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite.
Carefree Games, an indie game development company from Arizona, is proud to announce its upcoming horse sports virtual reality game, Horseback Riding Adventure. It’s planned for free release on the Meta Quest platform later this year!
The game features three modes: Reining, Jumping, and Trail Riding. Each mode allows the player to immerse themselves into the sport. Players compete for coins, ribbons, and more in 3D horse parks and arenas. As they progress from amateur to professional brackets, they learn more about the sport.
Reining mode brings the full reining horse experience to the player. It features more than 12 realistic reining patterns, ranging from simple to complex. Players learn to do spins, slide stops, and more!
Jumping Mode allows the player to compete in various jumping classes and levels of difficulty. This mode offers more than a dozen unique jumping courses to practice and compete on. The player learns the rules of the sport, starting on easier courses before moving to increasingly difficult ones.
20 square miles of unique ter rain. Various types of wild animals roam the map, including herds of wild horses. Earn points by scouting the map, finding ghost towns, and discovering new wildlife species!
Horseback Riding Adventure is able to be completely con troller free by using the latest
Trail riding mode offers a more calming and relaxing experience exploring the massive desert map, with over
software. This allows the game to track your hands, without a remote, and re-create them in game! No more having to memorize complex controls or learn to use joysticks! Just reach for the reins, pick them up, and off you go!
We created Horseback Riding Aventures for the Meta Quest platform
riders who compete in the sport to make the experience as authentic as possible. Creating realistic avatars of these competitors, and allowing them to interact with the players, makes for a much more immersive experience.
Carefree Games is utilizing industry state of the art motion capture suits and advanced
facial motion capture software, similar to movie and television production studios, to animate these characters in virtual reality.
Bringing equine sports to the Metaverse will expand the audience of fans, and educate people about the sports.
For more information call Tracy Wager at 602-390-3555.
Controller free use allows for realistic hands on the reins
Jumping Mode offers players the chance to participate in various jumping classes, with over a dozen unique jumper courses to practice and compete on. Starting on easier courses, players will gradually master the sport’s rules and techniques as they progress to more challenging levels, providing a sense of accomplishment and skill-building.
Q -At The All Star Reining Stakes in Ocala Florida, you scored well for a L2 Open Futurity Co-Championship on Black Opss. It was an impressive performance. How did the runs feel to you?
A -He felt like a very good show horse. I only just got the opportunity to start riding him about three weeks ago, so nothing is where I want it to become NRHA Futurity time. But, I knew that he was a talented enough horse, that if I was able to get through the pen, he would be able to win a good check at Florida. When I showed, his mind stayed calm and he stayed with me the entire pattern. I am excited to continue getting to know him and keep working to the end of the year.
Q - Winning the L3 and L2 at the NRBC on Dream On Whiz owned by Joetta & Don Bell with a 226.5 and then scoring for the Reserve on Starfire SixtySix for owner Kevin Corcoran. Setting the stage for Ocala. How did you mentally prepare in Florida?
A -Mentally for Florida I just really kept telling myself that it is a test run for the three year olds. There are a lot of people that can get wrapped up in the big money at the early pre-futurities and push their horses too much. Growing up, I have watched as nice horses do really good early on and then do not have as much gas in the tank for later in the year So my biggest strategy was to make sure to give them an easy run, and I knew that if they showed their maneuvers like they can, they would leave with a check. Luckily enough, they all showed great for me and I was able to leave with a good experience as well as some money and prizes to go along with it.
Q - Going pro at a young age, with the name Fappani, why not just play the Non-Pro game for a while longer?
A -I have known that this is what I want to do for a few years now, so I figured that I wanted to go to a different top trainer and be able to show along with them. I wanted to learn new methods and ways to train a eining horse, and the way to do that was to go pro. It has worked out great for me, as Casey has taught me tons of new methods that I now use every day and I feel I have genuinely become better on a horse n just six months. He has been a great mentor, and I am thankful for the position I have been put in.
Q - The saying is you are only as good as your horse. The Deary’s have afforded you the opportunity to ride some very good horses. How does that make you feel?
A -It makes me feel very lucky and blessed that I have been able to show some awesome horses. Casey trusted me with nice ones before I had ridden with him very much, and I am very thankful for that opportunity. I am super glad that it has worked out, and I hope that for the rest of the year I can continue to do good for our clients as well as our barn. I know that I have some very talented three year olds to go into the fall with, and I am extremely thankful for the opportunities on those horses.
Q -Share three of the keys for anyone wanting to be an assistant rainer at a major reining barn?
A -My first tip to anybody would be to assert to yourself. Anytime you get the chance, ask questions about what you were wondering about and try to be involved with the training as much as possible.
horses and prepare for shows. If you are asking questions and showing that you want to learn, you are more likely to get opportunities.
My second tip would be to completely leave your ego at the door. No matter who you are stepping into a program, your main goal will most likely be to learn. Every single Horse trainer learns for the entirety of their career. I have even listened to my dad talk to other trainers about how to be better. Working for a trainer should be looked at as an opportunity to grow your understanding of the sport, and there is no reason that you shouldn’t take full advantage of being able to ride with the best.
Lastly, I would just make sure to always remind yourself to embrace the process. In horse training, there are infinite ups and downs. There are times where your horses feel great, and there are times where you feel like you have no clue what you’re doing. And that goes for even the top trainers, everybody struggles with different things all of the time. Just make sure to look at those instances in a positive light rather than getting down on yourself.
A few weeks ago, I had the worst ride of my career. Yes, after six years of showing and thinking surely my worst rides were behind me as a green rider, I hit a dirt-eating, rock-crunching, graveling-licking show ride that makes me cringe to even think about it. It was a ride that made me reevaluate everything, made me wonder why … I was either going to crumble or double down.
I chose to double down.
Paste a smile on my face, put one foot in front of the other, show up and listen to my coach … and oh yeah, look for some humor while I’m down there … I promise there was plenty!
So I got to WORK …. I headed to my show EARLY and RODE every day. I PREPARED FOR THE DAY, KNEW MY PATTERN, LISTENED TO MY COACH and TRIED MY HARDEST. I SMILED and LAUGHED. I ENJOYED the BEAUTIFUL venue and weather. I was GRATEFUL for the OPPORTUNITY AND PRIVILEGE OF PURSUING MY PASSION, REMINDING myself OFTEN that plenty of people DON’T GET THE CHANCE TO DO WHAT I’M DOING. I AM SO BLESSED.
And things changed, they shifted.
A few days in, I had the BEST RIDE OF MY LIFE on my horse in the Non Pro - a legitimate 73!! We ended up being co-champions in the Non Pro and champion in the Prime Time Non Pro. (We would have been circuit champion if it weren’t for an amateur mistake on my part in the second go round - I won’t be making that mistake again.)
And just to back up a little - This show I started doing SOMETHING NEW … my coach always told me to spend time thinking about my “perfect run”, visualize it in my head and I’ve done that in the past. But this show, I decided to “UP MY GAME”! I decided to write down EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of my “perfect run”. The writing is slow and tedious and boring … but I think it REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE! My ride on my horse was different… it was fast and much more aggressive than I’ve ever been. AND THERE WAS STILL CONTROL. IT WAS LIKE I HAD DONE IT BEFORE, BECAUSE I HAD (in my head!)
We ended up DOING REALLY GREAT FOR US!! We were Top 20 overall in the Non Pro Derby and earned some money in our various levels. I even came out of the pen thinking, “WOWZA!! That was REALLY, REALLY FUN!
After the show, I was talking with one of my teammate’s mother, and I mentioned that it was interesting that I had just come off the very WORST show of my life, the soul searching, why-am-I-doing-this type of show, and the very next show was my VERY BEST RIDE. And she said, “Do YOU KNOW WHY, Jamie? It’s because YOU DIDN’T QUIT! YOU DID NOT QUIT.”
She’s right, I didn’t quit. It was right around the corner. Right there.
Moral: Don’t quit. Keep going.
Nick Chavez, 66, of Beverly Hills, CA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 23, 2022, after a long and courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.
Born December 16, 1956 in Yuma, Arizona, predeceased by his beloved mother and father, Mary Kathryn ‘Kathy’ Chavez, and Juan ‘Copie’ Chavez Jr.
Nick was loved by so many, especially by his four sisters, Sue Silva, Sonya Chavez, Sandra Chavez Hurley, and Sherri Cote, two brothers, John Chavez, Joe Chavez, sister-in-laws, Paula Chavez, Joann Chavez, brother-in-laws, Ralph Silva, John Hurley, Mark Cote, and his forty-three nephews and nieces, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
As a boy, Nick dreamed of one day living an adventurous life. Nick was no stranger to hard work as one of the family’s ranch hands. It was his skill at riding and grooming the family’s horses that led him to his destiny as a award winning reining champion, and world renowned hair stylist, later to have his own salon, and founding his hair care company, Nick Chavez Beverly Hills, achieving his legendary status within the hair care industry as one of the greatest innovators and celebrity hair stylists of all time.
Nick was an extraordinary loving man who led an extraordinary love for life; He loved his family, he traveled the world, he rode his horses, he was a dancer, international model, actor, entrepeneur, he chased and caught his dreams. Nick knew that everyday was a gift from God and he lived it. Then, at the end of everyday, he gave grace.
Nick inspired people around the globe with his passion, and commitment to bringing beauty into this world, not to mention his abiding joy and devotion to illuminating that true beauty begins and lives within us all. He has touched more people’s hearts than we will ever know.
Nick’s story has been a true love story for the ages. His zest for life, his undying love for his family, his compassion for his friends, and sincere gratitude for his clients, customers, and colleagues he called friends. But, his story does not end here. We will forever feel the warm embrace of Nick’s light and his legacy of love.
May he now dance with his mom and the angels in heaven as he’s celebrated and welcomed back home.
Family and friends joined for an in-person and live stream service held, Saturday, January 7, 2023 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 725 California Ave, in Santa Monica, CA.
We were excited that Nick was back in the saddle again, and competing in Oklahoma on a horse that is not seasoned in the show pen. Nick was a true horseman and we knew he can pull it off! Chavez flew in from Europe to show in Oklahoma City, then was off to Japan for several home shopping appearance and then back again for Finals night of the Reining Futurity. Driven to support his passion and to watch from the best seats in the house! It was hard to believe this mans work ethic, as well as his love for horses and Reining.
Chavez breed most all of his riding/show stock on his ranch in Yuma, AZ. He built the lavish home and ranch facility there as a testament to never forget his humble beginnings. His family roots traced back to his Uncle the famous Cesar Chavez, the civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association. As a young boy from Yuma, Arizona, Nick dreamed of one day having an exciting, adventurous life. Being the second oldest of seven children, Nick was no stranger to hard work as one of the family’s ranch hands while learning holistic healing remedies from his Yaqui Grandmother nearby. But it was his skill at grooming the family’s horses and his determination and confidence that led him to grow. Armed with just his scissors (and a fierce sense of style), Nick took his natural talents to the next level by creating hip, trendy hairstyles for his siblings and members of his extended family. Next, he became an actor, a print and runway model (not many models can do both) and would tour of Europe (working with designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves St. Laurent and Valentino). His success led to magazine editorials in Vogue, GQ, Elle, and Esquire and a 100-foot billboard in Times Square. As an actor, Nick appeared on television shows such as “The Young and the Restless” and “Hollywood Detectives.” Later in life he started to write songs, and his lyrics have been sung on several TV shows including Dancing With the Stars.
Nick was a winner in the arena as well as the International World of hair care and fashion. His self-named brand of hair care and styling products are a top seller on QVC. In fact, Nick Chavez was one of the longest running top brands on QVC, and his product sales continue to soar and break records due to his unstoppable branding as “Hair Guru” to the World, he promoted, traveled, and wass on TV almost non-stop. In addition to his QVC workload Nick also still personally did hair at his salon in Beverly Hills. Till the end, he still has his finger on the pulse of Celebrity, styling hair of such names as Sharon Stone, Paris Jackson, Nicolette Sheridan, Maria Shriver, and Real Housewives star Yolanda Foster just to name a few.
“It’s the biggest blessing ever. My whole life has been such a whirlwind. Lately, with QVC selling my products and traveling all over the world, it is blowing up really big. We’re in France, Italy, Canada, Germany, Japan and of course, the U.S. The fact I’m selling the Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Haircare line is unbelievable.”
“Life is precious and meant to be lived moment by moment. It’s our birthright to live with love in each and every second of the day that God has given us. We often forget that each day that we’re alive on this beautiful earth may never come again.
We must take the time to cherish each moment and nurture ourselves and love one another and be the blessing that we were born to be.”
Nick Chavez
As champions were crowned at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, two sires also reached a new milestone, with their offspring demonstrating extraordinary talent – continuing their legacies among NRHA’s leading sires.
As Down Right Amazing earned yet another major title as the 6666 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Champion, the stallion also pushed Gunner over the $14 million milestone. This not only solidifies him as NRHA’s leading sire but also makes him the only sire with more than $12 million in offspring earnings.
In addition to siring the open champion, there were two offspring of Gunner in the non pro finals, earning a total of $102,494. The versatility of Gunner’s offspring and their constant success in the show pen continues the legacy of this Hall of Fame stallion.
“Gunner was a special individual who had a unique way of using his shoulders. He was able to pass that onto so many of his offspring, and I believe that is what has made them exceptional individuals,” said NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary. “Congratulations on a milestone well deserved!”
The son of Colonelfourfreckle, out of Katie Gun, has $173,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings, but that was only the beginning of the mark he would leave on the reining industry.
Beyond his show ring success, Gunner’s legacy also includes the genuine affection and admiration he garnered from people within the reining industry. While owned by Pam and Paul Rohus, he was immortalized as a Breyer Horse special edition model while also earning a world championship, an APHA World Show Reining Futurity Open Championship, and became an NRHA Futurity Open reserve champion under Clint Haverty.
Gunner was later owned by Debra and Kim Sloan. During their ownership, Gunner continued to add to his list of accomplishments. He earned an APHA Junior Reining world title, a National Reining Breeders Classic Co-Reserve Championship in the National Reining Breeders Classic, and the United States Equestrian Team Open Reining Championship with the late Bryant Pace in the saddle in 2001.
Two years after being inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame, the Sloans sold Gunner to Tim and Colleen McQuay, where he lived out the rest of his days in Tioga, Texas.
Although the stallion passed away in 2013, his legacy continues to live on as limited breedings still occur through ICSI.
Gunner’s Top Earning Offspring with 983 competing: Down Right Amazing (Shesouttayourleague) – DAG Ventures LLC, owner; Curtis Performance Horses LLC, breeder: $532,584.29
All Bettss Are Off (Wimpys Little Chic) –Rancho Oso Rio LLC, owner; Arcese Quarter Horses USA breeder: $393,924.19
Tinker With Guns (Tinker Nic) – Silver Spurs Equine owner, Rancho Oso Rio LLC breeder: $344,117.65
Gunners Tinseltown (Miss Tinseltown) –David Silva, Sr owner/breeder – $305,307.49
Americasnextgunmodel (Cee Dun It Do It) – Arcese Quarter Horses USA, David Silva Sr., breeder: $289,486.18
No Smoking Required (Icing Required) – Schmersal/ThorSport Inc., Carluccio Orsi breeder: $252,058.43
Fourteen finalists sired by Gunners Special Nite entered the Jim Norick Arena during the Non Pro and Open Finals of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. These offspring earned $75,798, catapulting the stallion to being an NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire.
By NRHA $14 Million Sire Gunner and out of Mifs Doll, the stallion earned $219,000 in the show pen with NRHA Professional Marcy Starr and NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider and Million Dollar Owner Tom McCutcheon. The remarkable athlete was bred by Kim and Debra Sloan and raised by Tim and Colleen McQuay. In 2010, the stallion was purchased by the current owner, Turnabout Farm Inc.
Gunners Special Nite’s achievements include an NRHA Futurity Open Reserve Championship and top finishes at other major events. In 2010, McCutcheon piloted the 2004 stallion to Individual and Team gold medals for Team USA at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Gunner Special Nite’s Top Earning Offspring with 515 competing:
Modern Gun (Taris Modern Design) – Ms Stables, owner; Turnabout Farm Inc., breeder: $362,126.05
Guns And Dynamite (Chic Olena Starbuck) – Tim & MaryBeth Ruckman, owner; Turnabout Farm Inc., breeder: $294,621.88
Baileys Not Painted (Darlins Not Painted) – Kristen Cantacuzene, owner; Turnabout Farm Inc., breeder: $143,233.62
Lenas Shining Gun (SL Lenas Chick) – Jackie Redish, owner; Roxanne Koepsell, breeder: $133,365.32
Into The Nite (Chexy Dun It) Heidi Battier, owner; Turnabout Farm Inc., breeder: $104,432.21
Special Made Whiskey (Starlight Acres) – Gordon Robinson, owner; John Stiver, breeder: $101,372.14
Q - How does it feel to be able to invest in good horses?
A - At this point we are trying to raise our own rather than buy them finished. I have some very good stallions and a very strong brood mare band. Initial foal crops are now 3 so we’ll see how all this is going very soon.
Q - You empower several top trainers with your horses in different disciplines, how do you keep track of what is going on?
A - I don’t have a ton of horses in training. I have a ton of babies — managing those and trying to decide who to put in training and which we sell is the tricky part. Right now I’m really focused on the fillies so we look to market the colts.
Q - What horse is your favorite to ride and why?
A - It depends on what I’m doing. If we are ranching I’ve got a Gunners Special Nite mare that hated the reining, but she is wicked in the big country: very sure footed, nothing rattles her, very cowy and even though she’s not very big but will pull her weight with a rope.
Q - When did you know The Run for a Million was a hit?
A - I knew if I could get people to Vegas that first year, it would change reining and all western equine sports over the next few years. And it has. Prize money has doubled or more at every major event in every discipline, attendance is up, and look at horse prices. Everyone says it’s the Yellowstone effect, but I think Run For A Million did more for the horse market than Yellowstone — at least the big time performance horses.
Q - Las Vegas sure proved to be the perfect location and South Point the perfect venue – did you see that as an advantage from the start?
A - South Point is the perfect place — It is a spectator sport, and that’s how we treat it. Las Vegas is the perfect town for it and South Point the perfect host. Run For A Million has become a destination. The hotel sold out for this year at last year’s show, that tells you how phenomenal a partner the South Point has been for all of us. My goal is they have to build a bigger arena to accommodate us.
Dewey won the Circuits in the Select Ranch Riding, Select Ranch Trail, Amateur Ranch Rail, and the Select Reining, he also was 3rd in the circuit in the Amateur Performance Geldings for a total of $2,200, as well as picking up 11 Select Horsemanship points and finishing up qualifying for the AQHA World show!
Q - Congratulations on your great show at the The EMO Celebration in Las Vegas! Can you tell us about what happened?
A - Thanks! The EMO Celebration was the first real outing for a new horse that we recently purchased, and he really did well for us.
Q - You have a new horse. Give us a the details about your new superstar horse.
A - We Purchased a 5 yr old gelding by the name of ALWAYS DO in March of this year. He is a darling grey gelding by CAT MAN DO and out of a WIMPY/WHIZ bred mare. He was a finalist in the NP Reining Futurity, he has worked a cow a bit and he has even spent some time in the roping arena. We have been looking for a new horse that I could show that would hopefully cross over into the roping pen for Bob and he fits the bill perfectly. We have been introducing him to the Ranch events and the Horsemanship and he has been doing great.
Q - How did you find him?
A - Believe it or not he walked into our place! A friend of ours Ronnie Thompson cane over to ride with us on a rainy day and “Dewey” was one of the horses he brought with him. Bob and I saw him, and I know we both had the same thought at the same time....”We have GOT to have him”!
Q - Everyone raves about how fun The EMO Celebration is to compete at and attend. What are your favorite parts of this event?
A -The EMO Celebration is a really nice show. It started out as a casual not too of a big show to go to in July when it is hot at home. Let’s face it South Point is a pretty great place to go show especially when the weather isn’t very nice outside! The show has grown way out of that nice little show to a very big competitive show. It is competitive in all disciplines from the Cow horse events to the All Around. The schedule is very well done to allow the Ranch, Reining, and Cow horses to show together in the beginning of the show and then the All
Around events come in for the last half of the show. I believe I heard they sold right around 1,000 stalls this year!
Q - Who puts this event on?
A - The PCQHA puts this event on.
Q - What are some of the prizes that you won?
A - Throughout your career, you’ve won numerous prizes. Could you share some of your most treasured or memorable awards or moments?
The show has done something a little different and the Circuit awards are now prize money. Champion gets $500, Res Champion gets $300, and 3rd gets $200. It is kind of nice for a change to have a chance to offset some of the cost of having fun!!!
I have been blessed with some Great horses in my life BROTHER WHITE has to be at the top of that list we won so much it is hard to pick just one title, he was truly a once in a lifetime horse! (He is now 27 and retired at our place in Scottsdale) After him our mare ONE SMART PEPTO came along she and I had a storied career in the west coast reining events, and she has gone on to produce foals that I have shown and had success with which is super exciting and gratifying as well. I am thinking that DEWEY may have what it takes to be considered in the company of those special ones, time will tell.
Q - Tell what is next for you two?
A - Bob and I wanted to do something different this year, so we decided to take DEWEY to the NSBA World Championship show in Tulsa this month. We have always heard it is a great show, and we have lots of friends that attend so we are looking forward to it.
Q - What plans do you and your husband, Bob, have in store for the future?
A - We have been getting a chance to go out and spend some time on our boat this summer, which has been great. It is something we really enjoy, and we have a couple more trips planed before summer is over.
Q - Will you be at The Run For A Million?
A - Unfortunately, we will be at the NSBA World Show during the Run For A Million.
Long time Chico resident, Terry A. Brumley, 74, entered God’s Kingdom on April 10, 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was born March 16, 1949 to Thelma M. and Paul J. Brumley who resided in Fresh Pond, CA. Terry was his family’s treasured leader, a loving husband and father and a loyal friend to many. He was a gentleman, athlete, horseman, businessman and adventurer. His kindness, unique sense of humor and humility made
offer him more opportunities in the future so he made the tough decision to part with his horses. Terry became a three-sport athlete, played both ways for three years of PVHS football, medaled in many track meets including State Championships and was a starter for Viking Basketball for three years. In his senior year Terry was selected for the 1967-68 high school All Section Cali-
Terry graduated from Butte College in 1970 with an AA Degree in Police Science and a Post in Law Enforcement through Butte’s Police Academy. He then transferred to CSU Chico where he finished his college education. In 1969 while still in college, Terry took a position in the insurance industry with Kentucky Central Life Ins. That job kicked started a career change that began 43 years of success and rewards in the insurance industry. 1969 was also the year that Terry married his high school sweetheart Dana L. Brown. Together, their strong and loving relationship guided them through a wonderfully productive life full of adventures and achievements.
him an effective communicator, a mentor and positive problem solver throughout his life.
As a youngster, Terry’s family moved often seeking work in Northern California communities including the Hoopa Valley Reservation. During these difficult times, Terry’s love of horses developed early when his grandfather gifted him with a “cranky” gelding as an incentive to go to school. As time went on, Terry trained his own horses, participated in many amateur equine activities, Gymkhana events, Barrel and Quarter Horse racing and Junior Rodeos. His natural abilities handling horses, his athleticism and endless determination to succeed laid his path for a lifetime of successes and fulfillment.
In 1960 Terry’s family settled in Chico, CA. where his involvement with horses continued. However, the ability to participate in organized school sports began to conflict with his equine commitments. In the summer of 1966 Terry realized that the Pleasant Valley Senior High sports programs might
fornia State Prep Team, the All-Northern Section Team, the Kiwanis All Star Team North, and was nominated for the Shriner Temple North-South Football Game and Pageant, in 1968. His football talents and recognitions drew several college scholarship recruitment letters including, Stanford University, Colorado State University, St. Mary’s College, University of Oregon, UC Santa Barbara, Sacramento State, New Mexico State University and Butte Community College. Upon graduation in 1968, due to a reoccurring knee injury, Terry selected Butte College to continue his education and play football. He played both offense and defense for Head Coach Don Rogers on Butte College’s first football team. That first year the team went on to win the California Small School Championship.
He often remarked that his most memorable experience, other than winning the game, was traveling by air for the first time.
The “greatest gift they gave themselves” came when their son Tracy was born in 1970. With a new career path, a family to provide for and college to complete, Terry remained focused and determined to achieve his goals. He was Kentucky Central’s youngest to date, MDRT inductee in 1972. He earned LUCT and CLU certifications and was active in the CA Life Underwriters Association. Before taking on a management position with the California Farm Bureau Association’s Health Insurance company Terry owned three successful insurance agencies in Chico, Redding, and Yuba City, CA. When Nationwide Insurance purchased the CA Farm Bureau’s Health company Terry became a Regional Sales Manager for Nationwide Insurance. When Nationwide’s health division chose to leave California, Health Net of California took over the book of business and Terry remained with that company until his retirement in 2012.
His success as an agent and in management afforded Terry and Dana years of travel opportunities from Ashville, North Carolina to Louisville Kentucky’s Derby, trips to the Bahamas and Mexico as well as 18 consecutive years of Hawaiian Islands events hosting successful agents for the Farm Bureau. Terry cared deeply about the great relationships he built with his colleagues in the insurance industry. Terry never allowed business to overshadow family commitments, activities, or community involvement. Whether it be hunting, fishing, camping, dirt biking, snow skiing, coaching little league, team roping
established Brumley Quarter Horses with son, Tracy. They were the successful owners and breeders of many outstanding performance horses. Terry and Dana also supported the development of a successful Reining Horse show production company, BMG, that daughter-law Amanda and son Tracy founded. Brumley Management Group events were a source of pride for Terry. As Arena Manager, he loved interacting with and calmly assisting competitors while setting the stage for every contestant
its, whether he was teasing you or laughing at his own jokes until you laughed with him.
Family and friends were always a tremendous source of joy and fulfillment. Whether it be celebrating achievements, holiday gatherings large or small, birthdays, graduations, weddings, or the excitement of cheering from the sidelines at Basketball or Volleyball games, Motocross races or Reining Horse competitions, Terry loved it all. He never spared encouraging words or support for his loved ones. If he believed in
or Tracy’s athletic games, Terry was never absent from his family’s activities. Terry was a member of Chico Elks Lodge #423, supported Rock-A-Bye Chapter of Children’s Home Society for many years as well as the Bidwell Mansion Association. He served on the first Board of Directors who developed Butte College’s first Rodeo Team. He was an active member of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and a member of the local and national Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG). Terry was an Original 12 member of the Old Stogies Motorcycle Club and established the Chico chapter of the Old Stogies. Terry and Dana enjoyed motorcycle adventures as a couple and with close friends. Their rides took them through many parts of the US, Canada, and Mexico. No matter what the weather conditions or circumstances were, Terry would always say, “isn’t this just a perfect day?”
Terry reignited his involvement in the equine industry in 1989 when he and Dana
to have the very best opportunity to show their horses. Over the years hundreds of exhibitors met Terry when they entered the arena. Whether it be the Run for A Million or High Roller Reining Classic in Las Vegas, NV, the Reining By the Bay at Stanford University’s Horse Park at Woodside CA or the Cactus Reining Classic at Westworld in Scottsdale AZ, Terry was there to kindly reassure everyone that they were the most important person entering his gate and would remain so until they exited. If someone suffered a disappointment Terry might give them encouragement by saying “you’ve got to keep moving forward” or “Sometimes you need to dig through the dirt to find fresh air.” Terry liked to convey his thoughts and opinions through telling stories and often made people laugh by finding humor in the most mundane of life circumstances. His pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met. His keen sense of humor easily lightened spir-
you, Terry would give no less than 100% of his energy. Terry cared deeply about four special young people, Luca and Jeremy Fappani and Jordan and Jade Bennett and referred to them as “Grandchildren by Heart”. Terry was especially proud that Jade and Jordan called him their “Bonus Grandpa”. He will always be cheering for these very talented loved ones. Terry was incredibly grateful for his many blessings.
In addition to Dana, Tracy and Amanda, Terry is survived by sister, Peggy M. Brumley-Burke and niece Brandy BurkeMiller, maternal aunts, Jean Cook and Gail Gizinos and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Jimmy Roy Brumley and his wife Susan as well as his beloved in laws, Richard, ‘Dick,’ and Elmeretta Brown. Terry’s friends and family will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
“Over the years hundreds of exhibitors met Terry when they entered the arena”
The Arizona Ridge Riders came tantalizingly close to claiming the PBR Teams Cham pionship in Las Vegas last November, finish ing a close second with a commendable 3-1 record. However, their regular season was a bit of a mixed bag, leaving room for improvement. With a 14-13-1 record, they secured fifth place heading into the cham pionship, trailing the first-place Austin Gam blers by just 1.5 games.
The journey began with a solid 1-1 showing, landing them in fourth place in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They seized their only event win of the season in Kansas City, Missouri, go ing 3-0 and showcasing their strength with eight successful rides out of 15 total outs.
Further highlights followed, with a strong 3-0 finish in Aus tin, securing second place overall, and a 2-1 performance leading to a fourth-place finish in Nashville.
Regrettably, these were the only occasions the Arizona Ridge Riders placed in the top half of the standings. They settled for fifth in Oklahoma City (1-1-1), sixth in Fort Worth, Texas (1-2), seventh in Ridgedale, Missouri (1-2) and Glendale, Arizona (1-2), and eighth in Anaheim (0-2) and WinstonSalem (1-2).
As the 2023 season unfolds, fans wonder which version of the Arizona Ridge Riders will emerge, especially with the continuity of five returning riders from the previous squad:
Returning Ridge Riders: Luciano de Castro, Eduardo Aparecido, Chase Dougherty, Vitor Losnake, Keyshawn Whitehorse
Vitor Losnake emerged as a breakout star last season, going 7-for-18 (38%) during his first elite-level experience in the PBR. Although he faced some challenges on the Unleash The Beast this season, with a 4-for21 (19%) record, he remains an essential asset for the Ridge Riders. Keyshawn Whitehorse, with a 5-for-18 (27%) record last season, is also expected to raise his game and contribute to the team’s success.
Chase Dougherty, dealing with injuries, competed in just one event for Arizona last year, going 0-for-3. However, he showed promise, finishing strong in the 2023 UTB season, with one event win and two other top-10 finishes in the last four events of the regular season.
Adding to their strength, the acquisition of Colten Fritzlan from the Missouri Thunder is expected to bolster the team’s performance. Fritzlan, with a 5-for-20 (25%) record for the Thunder last season, ended the 2023 UTB season ranked No. 18.
Joining them are new Ridge Riders: Colten Fritzlan, Jeff Askey, Jesse Petri, Nick Tetz, Guilherme Valleiras, Davi Henrique de Lima, Levi Gray General manager Casey Lane is optimistic about their team energy, camaraderie, and well-defined roles within the group. This sense of unity was instrumental in their success, as manager Colby Yates attests. Before each outing, the team holds a powerful talk led by technical coach Paulo Crimber, followed by a strong prayer led by Luciano de Castro, which further cements their bond.
Luciano de Castro stood out as the Ridge Riders’ top performer last season, impressively going 18-for-35 (51%)
and finishing fourth in the MVP race. He concluded the season with a remarkable 91.25-point ride on Chateau Montelena’s Montana Jacket in the championship game in Las Vegas.
Eduardo Aparecido also contributed significantly, securing eighth place in the MVP race with a 16-for-25 (64%) record. His performance in the championship game, riding Pickle Moonshine for 91.5 points, further exemplified his prowess.
With a formidable duo of Castro and Aparecido, the Ridge Riders boast a potent 1-2 punch. Ranked No. 19 and No. 11, respectively, in the 2023 Unleash The Beast season, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Moreover, the Ridge Riders boast an impressive reserve roster, featuring reigning PBR Canada Champion Nick Tetz and Jesse Petri, both of whom have shown great potential in their performances.
The Arizona Ridge Riders, with their roster of proven performers and newfound depth, have the potential to make a championship run. Fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming season, starting at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 24-25 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they will compete against the Oklahoma Freedom and Carolina Cowboys. Their own PBR Ridge Rider Days event on Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, will see them face off against the Stampede, Thunder, and Freedom.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A constellation of rodeo stars came together on Saturday as the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class was enshrined, forever cementing their legacy in the sport.
Leading the pack was steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, an exceptional five-time PRCA World Champion, who spearheaded the star-studded 2023 induction class for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
Branquinho was joined by the illustrious two-time PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc rider Cody Wright (2008 and 2010), PRCA World Champion Team Roper Doyle Gellerman (1981), pickup man Kenny Clabaugh, rodeo luminaries Butch Knowles and Tom Feller, outstanding bareback horse Nightjacket, rodeo committees from the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo and Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, N.J., and barrel racer Sherry (Combs) Johnson, the 1962 WPRA World Champion, and WPRA notable Fay Ann Horton Leach.
The 2023 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award, honoring those who have contributed groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking to the development, advancement, and success of the PRCA and/ or the Hall of Fame and their missions, was presented to Bryan McDonald, a former bull rider and National Finals Rodeo judge. His visionary work with day money and PROCOM has set new standards for the industry.
Luke Branquinho Secures His Place in the Hall of Fame
Branquinho, renowned for his signature “booty shake,” qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo an impressive 14 times (200104, 2006-15) and claimed the average title three times (2008, 2011, and 2014). He holds the record for the most NFR rounds won by a steer wrestler at 25.
Reflecting on his induction, Branquinho humbly remarked, “I don’t even know if words can describe it. A guy starts his rodeo career just wanting to be the best that he can and win a world championship, and to win five is pretty special. To be considered one of the greatest and be inducted into the Hall, I don’t have words to describe it. Some of my heroes are in there obviously, John W. Jones Jr. and John W. Jones Sr., and a lot of the California cowboys that helped put ProRodeo on the map. To be in that Hall with them is very special.”
Cody Wright, from the esteemed Wright family of saddle bronc riders, became a two-time PRCA World Champion in 2008 and 2010, a feat that secured his place in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. With great humility, he expressed his amazement at being inducted alongside rodeo legends.
“I never did see this happening for me,” Wright said. “I never imagined all this was going where it was going. I was just a young kid with a dream. I just wanted to rodeo and have fun, and it has turned into so much more.”
Doyle Gellerman, a mainstay in the team roping world for 40 years, now finds himself enshrined in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, a testament to his dedication and achievements in the sport.
“It has sunk in all right, and it sunk all the way in when it happened (July 15),” Gellerman said. “This is something I never thought would happen to me. I never thought I would ever be going into the Hall of Fame, but here I am going in, and what a great honor. It means the world to me.”
Kenny Clabaugh, known as “The Invisible Man” for his modesty and dedication, was recognized for his contributions as a pickup man for the National Finals Rodeo seven times. He became only the second pickup man to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, alongside Charles “Lefty” Wilken.
The unmistakable voice of Butch Knowles, a fixture in the sport of rodeo, resonated through the broadcast booth at every National Finals Rodeo since 1988. Now, his longevity and passion for rodeo have been acknowledged with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
Tom Feller’s unwavering loyalty and commitment to ProRodeo earned him a place in the Hall of Fame as a notable. His dedication to programs such as the Justin Sportsmedicine team and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, along with his role as Chairman of the PRCA Board Directors, exemplified his cowboy spirit.
Stock animals are integral to rodeo success, and one exceptional bareback horse, Nightjacket, raised by Jim and Maggie Zinser, will forever be immortalized in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Nightjacket’s influence extended beyond his own bucking career, as his
offspring have carried his legacy forward, becoming renowned in the rodeo circuit.
The esteemed St. Paul Rodeo Committee was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, reflecting decades of hard work and dedication to making the rodeo one of the finest and most unique events on the PRCA trail.
Cowtown Rodeo Joins the Hall of Fame
Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, N.J., earned a well-deserved place in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame for its storied history and continuous commitment to the sport since 1955. The rodeo has become a true family and community tradition that will be cherished for generations to come.
Sherry Johnson: An Accomplished Rodeo Legend
Sherry Combs Johnson, a founding member of the Girls Rodeo Association (now WPRA), achieved remarkable success in her rodeo career. Her induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame alongside her world champion horse, Star Plaudit “Red,” and her sister, Florence Youree, is a testament to her dedication to building a strong foundation for women in rodeo.
As a founding member of the Girls Rodeo Association, Fay Ann Horton Leach’s years of devotion to rodeo earned her an induction as a notable in the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class. Her role in shaping the sport for women was acknowledged with this prestigious honor.
Four American Quarter Horses were recognized as the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horses during the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and its concurrent events.
The 2023 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and concurrent ranch horse events concluded June 24 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The event had more than 3,100 entries between the AQHA VRH World; AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals; AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, presented by the Four Sixes Ranch; and National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance National Championship Show.
Four American Quarter Horses were recognized as the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horses over and above their show accomplishments. Each of these horses earned a $250 cash prize and a custom trophy for their owners. Their breeders also each received a $250 cash prize.
The Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse in the Versatility Ranch Horse division was the 2023 VRH Senior World Champion Playin Motown, who was shown by Ben Baldus of Gainesville, Texas. The 2013 sorrel gelding is owned by Catelyn Walker of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Playin Motown was bred by AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders Kit and Charlie Moncrief and Lee Tennison of Fort Worth, Texas, and is by Mr Playinstylish and out of the Mr Peponita Flo mare Mo Flo.
Earning the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse award in National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance competition was CR Tuff Secret, a 2016 sorrel gelding by Woody Be Tuff and out of the Peptoboonsmal mare CR Shes Uh Secret. He was bred by Center Ranch of Centerville, Texas, and is owned by Bill and Anita Lockwood of Wichita Falls, Texas.
Earning the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse award in the youth division of the AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships was Smokin Jonez, owned and shown by Gabrielle Crawford of Albemarle, North Carolina. The 2016 sorrel gelding is by Travelin Jonez and out of the Doc O Boots mare Smoke My Boots. He was bred by AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder W.T. Waggoner Estate of Vernon, Texas.
The AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships amateur Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse was TQH Royal Dry TBar, a 2002 bay gelding by Doc T Bar and out of the Dry Doc mare Dry Dove. He was bred by Mac and Julie White of Marfa, Texas, and is owned and shown by Jake Jones of Aubrey, Texas.
The AQHA Ranching Heritage Program highlights the versatility, soundness and willing attitude of American Quarter Horses that are ranch-born and -raised. Only horses produced by Ranching Heritage Breeders are eligible to participate in the program, but anyone can own and show these horses. Ranching Heritage Breeders are those operations that steadfastly maintain the ranching tradition by raising American Quarter Horses for use in working cattle.
In addition to top horse awards, AQHA Ranching Heritage-bred horses are eligible to compete in AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenges, which are offered across the country. Competing in these events, many of which have added money, make horses eligible to compete at the AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals.
National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly welcomes Genetech Animal Reproduction as our newest Corporate Partner.
Genetech Animal Reproduction offers advanced equine reproduction services for all equine breeds. Quality, excellence, and customer feedback are hallmarks of all its services. Genetech has a modern in vitro embryo production labora-
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an in vitro fertilization technique used in animal reproduction with the aim of increasing embryo production and obtaining a greater number of animals with high commercial value or helping those with clinical gestational limitations. The technique consists of injecting a single sperm inside the egg. Fresh or frozen semen of low quality or high commercial value can be used. Embryos cultured in the laboratory, within approximately 10 days, are evaluated and transferred to a recipient mare or frozen.
“The NRHA is proud to have Genetech Animal Reproduction as part of our Corporate Partner family,” says Christy Landwehr, NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations. “The owners and staff are wonderful to work with.”
Genetech Animal Reproduction recently launched a new service to the market, a complete center for the diagnosis and treatment of stallions, which has the most sophisticated equipment and highly qualified staff to help stallion owners. Genetech works with stallion stations to improve semen quality, help with stallion problems, and treat reproductive pathologies.
“We became an NRHA Corporate Partner because the reining industry has an exceptional breeding program, and we believe that we can make it even better,” says Thiago Boechat Co-Owner of Genetech Animal Reproduction.
Located in Purcell, Oklahoma, and Brazil, Genetech Animal Reproduction provides a service of excellence, using the highest technology for the best result for our customers. With decades of experience in equine reproduction and in vitro fertilization, our team is made up of highly qualified professionals in the field. To learn more, please visit us at genetechvet.com.
To find out more about how to become an NRHA Corporate Partner or Sponsor, visit nrha.com/partners
Seven-time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey has been bit by the injury bug each of the last two seasons in ProRodeo.
The latest injury occurred during his semifinal ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Devil’s Revenge at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, July 28. He was bucked off the bull before the eight-second whistle and landed on his left shoulder. Kimzey told ProRodeo. com that he was diagnosed with a broken clavicle and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.
“I just landed weird on it,” said Kimzey, 28. “It’s probably going to be six weeks. My plan is to get it all healed up.”
As of Aug. 1, Kimzey sits fourth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. He said while he’s unsure what the rest of the ProRodeo season has in store, This season Kimzey has earned $65,854 at PRCA Xtreme Bulls events.
tory offering ICSI, embryo vitrification, and embryonic biopsy. All of these services provide excellent production and fertility rates.
– The Fourth of July rodeo extravaganza, known as Cowboy Christmas, witnessed outstanding displays of talent by Emily Beisel and Shelby Boisjoli, who emerged as the top moneyearners in their respective events during the rodeos held between June 26 and July 5.
Emily Beisel secured this remarkable feat for the second time, with her previous achievement in 2019, while Shelby Boisjoli clinched this honor for the first time. Beisel achieved a total of $25,277, while Boisjoli led all breakaway ropers, earning $15,397. The competition was fierce, with Beisel narrowly edging out Paige Jones by just over $500, as Jones finished with $24,776, and Carlee Otero secured the third position with $22,795. Similarly, Boisjoli’s triumph was closely contested, as she barely surpassed Beau Peterson, who accumulated $15,186, and Kelsie Domer, who earned $13,980. Peterson’s win at the Basin City (WA) Freedom Rodeo almost closed the gap with Boisjoli, but she managed to retain her top spot by collecting one final check.
Beisel’s major earnings came from the Ponoka Stampede, where she rode Chongo to victory and added $16,835 to her 2023 earnings. She also secured significant checks at the Cody (WY) Stampede ($4,019), Home of Champions (Livingston, MT) ($2,410), and the Molalla (OR) Buckaroo Rodeo ($2,013).
The significance of Beisel and Jones finishing first and second becomes even more noteworthy when considering their powerful horses from the Youree Ranch breeding program. Janae Ward Massey, the 2003 WPRA World Champion, praised the duo on social media, highlighting their exceptional achievements aboard Bazinga, Pipewrench, Chongo, and Beau.
Shelby Boisjoli’s most substantial earnings came from the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott (AZ), where she emerged victorious, earning $7,896. She also garnered checks from the Greeley (CO) Independence Stampede ($1,106), the Black Hills Roundup (Belle Fourche, SD) ($1,961), the Mandan (ND) Rodeo Days ($3,917), and the Basin City (WA) Freedom Rodeo ($517) to round out her successful 2023 Fourth of July run. Boisjoli had already demonstrated her excellent form by winning the Reno (NV) Rodeo the previous weekend before Cowboy Christmas commenced.
Cheering on Shelby Boisjoli throughout her journey is her husband, Haven Meged, the 2019 PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion, who now stands beside her as she vies for a similar title in breakaway roping.
Cowboy Christmas - Top 10 Money-Earners
Barrel Racing
Emily Beisel $25,277
Paige Jones $24,776
Carlee Otero $22,795
Stevi Hillman $17,161
Tracy Nowlin $16,484
Dona Kay Rule $16,029
Ashley Castleberry $14,352
Ilyssa Riley $13,703
Hailey Kinsel $12,893
Tarryn Lee $12,234
Shelby Boisjoli $15,397
Beau Peterson $15,186
Kelsie Domer $13,980
Rickie Engesser $13,010
Madalyn Richards $11,144
Martha Angelone $10,663
Taylor Munsell $8,459
Cheyanne Guillory $8,101
Danielle Lowman $7,518
Nicole Baggarley $7,331
The American Quarter Horse Association is pleased to announce Nutrena® Feeds as the new title sponsor of the Nutrena AQHA World Championship Show. The 2023 Nutrena AQHA World is slated for October 26 - November 16 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
“We are proud to have Nutrena on board as one of our corporate partners and especially excited to have their support as our title sponsor for the Nutrena AQHA World ,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA Chief Executive Officer. “This prestigious event highlights the versatility and athleticism of the American Quarter Horse, and Nutrena is a proud supporter of the American Quarter Horses and those who love them.”
AQHA is pleased to have Nutrena’s continued support of AQHA members and professionals alike. Nutrena is one of the world’s largest equine nutrition companies, feeding more than 1 million horses per day.
“Nutrena is extremely proud to become the title sponsor of the AQHA World Show – the premier equine event for the AQHA family,” said Russell Mueller, Equine Strategic Marketing Lead for Nutrena Feeds. “We are committed to this industry, no matter if you breed, show, own or just love the American Quarter Horse. Our
entire team is focused on delivering amazing products to the horse we all so deeply cherish together.”
The Nutrena AQHA World is the premier event in the equine industry. The event brings together exhibitors, owners, breeders and fans of the American Quarter Horse from around the world for three weeks of exciting competition, educational opportunities and a bountiful trade show.
The 2023 Nutrena AQHA World also plays host to the AQHA Select World Championship Show, presented by Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), Adequan® AQHA Level 2 and Nutrena Level 1 champion of champions classes for open and amateur exhibitors.
Nutrena feed isn’t just grown, it’s crafted. Real science goes into putting the nutrients animals need into each Nutrena feed product. Quality is so important because we know people are relying on us to stand up to our exacting standards each and every time. What’s inside the bag counts. That’s why you can count on Nutrena feeds for the animals you care for. For more information on Nutrena brand products, visit www.nutrenaworld.com.
AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.
These outstanding women will be honored at the 47th Annual Induction
Fort Worth, TX - The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is delighted to announce the addition of five exceptional cowgirls to its prestigious Hall of Fame. These outstanding women will be honored at the 47th Annual Induction Luncheon and Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the esteemed Dickies Arena.
This year’s Induction class represents a diverse array of talented cowgirls, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields. The 2023 Inductees are:
Mary Fields - Born into slavery in Tennessee in 1832, Fields emerged as a true pioneer after emancipation. She journeyed to Montana to aid Mother Amadeus in setting up a school for Indigenous girls. Despite adversity, Fields bravely rescued the students from perilous conditions, earning the contract to drive a stagecoach for the Star Route - the U.S. Postal Service’s mail delivery service. This remarkable achievement made her the first Black woman to secure a contract with the postal service.
Meggan Hill-McQueeneyDriven by her passion for horses, Hill-McQueeney became a force to be reckoned with in the equestrian world. Her dedication led to the establishment of two successful therapeutic riding programs, benefiting military veterans and individuals with special needs. As President of BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, she spearheaded the Trail to Zero initiative, advocating for veteran suicide prevention through equine therapy.
Annie Reynolds - A standout in the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) realm, Annie Reynolds has left an indelible mark on the sport. With over $1.75 million in lifetime NRCHA earnings, she has consistently excelled in competition, having secured the Snaffle Bit Futurity Non Pro Championship a record eight times. Reynolds is a trailblazer as the first female NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, having achieved Million Dollar status as both a Non Pro and Open competitor.
Gladys Roldán-de-Moras - A talented artist renowned for her captivating paintings that celebrate Spanish and Latino culture, Gladys Roldán-de-Moras has earned a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame. Her exceptional artwork can be found in numerous public and private collections across Texas, Arizona, and Mexico, and her accolades include the esteemed Frederick Remington Painting Award.
Kendra Santos - Hailing from a storied rodeo family, Kendra Santos has dedicated her life to journalism within rodeo and western culture. As the first-ever Professional Bull Riders Editor-in-Chief and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Director of Communications, she has played a vital role in elevating the representation of cowboys and cowgirls in media. Her passion for preserving the authentic voices of rodeo enthusiasts has earned her the PRCA and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Media Award.
These accomplished Inductees will join the ranks of more than 247 esteemed cowgirls in the Hall of Fame, celebrating their diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame proudly acknowledges these remarkable women, who are recognized as artists, writers, champions, performers, ranchers, and pioneers, each leaving an indelible legacy in the world of cowgirls.
For more information about the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the induction ceremony, please visit www.cowgirl. net.
Prepare to seize the opportunity to compete for an extraordinary $600,000 in added purse and prizes at the highly anticipated 2023 AQHA World Championship Show.
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) takes immense pride in unveiling the
exciting news that the AQHA Executive Committee has granted approval to enrich the 2023 AQHA World Championship Show, ensuring a minimum of $600,000 in amplified payouts, prizes, and exhibitor appreciation. Dedicated to enhancing
the show and fostering growth while prioritizing the interests of AQHA members, the Association has implemented strategic changes to elevate the 2023 edition.
The substantial addition of
funds represents a remarkable 20% increase from previous years, an outcome that was influenced by exhibitor input and thoughtful discussions. Following a town hall discussion during the 2022 AQHA World Championship Show, participants expressed their desire for increased class payouts. Responding to these valuable insights, the AQHA has decided to allocate $600,000 towards augmenting payouts, providing outstanding incentives, and acknowledging exhibitors’ contributions. This initiative aligns perfectly with the esteemed Association’s commitment to fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of AQHA exhibitors partaking in AQHA World Championship events.
Mark your calendars for the eagerly awaited 2023 AQHA World Show, scheduled to take place from October 26 to November 16 in the vibrant city of Oklahoma City. The national qualifying period commenced on August 1, 2022, and will conclude on July 31, 2023, allowing ample time for participants to secure their eligibility.
Discover the various pathways through which you can qualify for this prestigious event and be part of the exhilarating experience.
For comprehensive details about the AQHA World and Adequan® Select World, please visit www.aqha.com/worldshow.
The AQHA World Championship Show, along with the equally significant Adequan® Select World and Adequan® Level 2 Championships, stands as the ultimate showcase in the equine industry for amateur, Select amateur, and open exhibitors. These prestigious shows encompass Level 3 and Adequan® Level 2 classes, offering exhilarating competition, educational opportunities, and an abundant trade show. For additional information, kindly visit www.aqha.com/worldshow.
Compounded drugs are widely used in veterinary medicine due to the large spectrum of therapeutic needs and the relatively small number of approved pharmaceuticals for all animal species and indications.1 Compounded drugs can provide therapy to animals when no suitable FDA-approved products are available. Additionally, the use of flavoring or a novel route of administration can increase uptake and adherence in patients, particularly in animals that are difficult to medicate.
Veterinary professionals became familiar with the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine’s Updated Guidance for Industry (GFI) #256: Compounding Animal Drug from Bulk Drug Substances document during an education session at the 2023 Fetch dvm360® Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, presented by Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT, veterinary medical lead for Basepaws. “The FDA acknowledges that veterinarians need to turn to compounded medications,” said Marcy A. Bliss, CEO of Wedgewood Pharmacy, which sponsored the session.2
GFI #256 provides guidance for veterinary drug-compounding facilities that use bulk drug substances to compound drugs for animal use. The guidance, which took effect on April 1, 2023, covers various topics related to drug compounding, including quality control, sterility testing, labeling, record-keeping, and reporting adverse events.3 “What the FDA is trying to accomplish [with the updated
guidance] is to ensure that veterinarians use FDA-approved medications when it is applicable to their patient,” Bliss said.2
Three elements of GFI #256 that veterinarians need to be aware of include dynamic lists, medical rationale, and adverse event reporting. The guidance requires all compounded office stock medications for emergency use to be compounded from materials on the FDA-approved list of bulk drug substances. Although medications that are not on the approved list may still be prescribed for patients, these drugs cannot be ordered for in-office use. Furthermore, a medical rationale, in addition to a patient-specific prescription, will be required for medications compounded from active pharmaceutical ingredients not on the FDA’s list of bulk drug substances and that are considered copies of a commercially available product, specifically those of the same drug, dose, and route of administration.
The requirement to use FDA-approved medications in office-use compounded drug “could potentially delay the delivery of some medications. [Delivering medications] may be a process of waiting to call it in and prescribe it. Be aware that there’s been such an impact here,” said Ward.
Given that poor compounding practices can lead to bacterial or fungal contamination, the FDA is concerned about widespread harm if office stock medications are compounded in unsanitary conditions, according to Ward. Veterinarians are now required to report adverse events to the FDA via Form 1932a, which can be downloaded and mailed to the FDA.
Since the guidance is intended to ensure that animal drugs compounded from bulk dug substances are safe and effective, and meet the needs of patients, the FDA is seeking veterinarians’ input regarding which drugs compounded from its bulk drug substances lists are necessary for office use. Bliss and Ward urged veterinarians to take advantage of the opportunity to provide comments. “This is a collective effort,” Ward emphasized.
The American Quarter Horse Association is launching Let’s Talk AQHA, the new podcast that will feature American Quarter Horse industry leaders and
experts to highlight the versatility of the American Quarter Horse.
Let’s Talk AQHA will release new episodes monthly. Among
the topics addressed are: showing, racing, ranching, animal welfare, youth, AQHA news and more, with in-depth interviews with people from different areas of the equine industry.
“Let’s Talk AQHA is going to encompass all topics related to the American Quarter Horse,” said Patty Tiberg, AQHA Chief Marketing Officer. “This has been an amazing collaboration between our marketing, communication, publications and media production teams.”
Let’s Talk AQHA is scheduled to launch midAugust 2023.
Let’s Talk AQHA spotlights the versatility, athleticism and legacy of the American Quarter Horse. The official podcast of the largest equine breed registry in the world, Let’s Talk AQHA brings American Quarter Horse industry leaders and experts together. With new episodes each month, the Let’s Talk AQHA podcast features a variety of segments in every episode, showcasing the diversity of America’s horsepower – the American Quarter Horse.
AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter, and visit www.aqha.com/news.+
More than 3 months have passed since The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (HR 1839/S 993)1 was introduced into Congress on March 28, 2023. If passed, this act would provide law enforcement with the tools to go after those trafficking in illicit xylazine and apply the same penalties that are found under Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act. At the same time, it would not schedule the legitimate veterinary uses of xylazine that would continue to be regulated as a prescription drug under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Any diversion of the veterinary drug for human use would fall within the definition of illicit use and be subject to penalties.
On July 11, 2023, The White House announced its Fentanyl Adulterated or Associated with Xylazine Response Plan consisting of 6 pillars and calling for whole-government actions such as testing, research, treatment and regulatory controls. The plan did not include any updates on the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act.
Xylazine has been detected in illicit drug supplies across all 50 states and is currently the leading substance used to adulterate fentanyl. In addition to concerns surrounding the fatal human health crisis xylazine-laced fentanyl has created, veterinary professionals are also faced with the threat of their legitimate supply of xylazine required for patient care potentially being disrupted as access, manufacturing, and distribution of xylazine lies in the balance, as they continue to be debated.
There is agreement that the need to ensure legitimate use and appropriate regulatory controls of xylazine is a priority. The White House’s fact sheet reiterates that the administration wants to “ensure we are using every lever we have to protect public health and public safety.” One of the ways to do that is through legislative scheduling. As federal legislation remains in limbo, many are asking why as well as what is really being done to fix this.
Xylazine’s existing “unscheduled” status means that penalties for illegitimate use are limited and subject to much less scrutiny from law enforcement than scheduled controlled substances. Without legislation enacted, executive powers are limited. If xylazine becomes a DEA Schedule III controlled substance it will enforce sanctions making the illicit sales and trafficking of xylazine more difficult. Federal scheduling is not a “fix all” but it is a key component. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would provide a national baseline for enacting critical measures to combat the widespread illicit use and trafficking of xylazine with the goal of preventing xylazine-related deaths while protecting the licit supply of xylazine for veterinary use.
Florida was the first state to schedule xylazine by designating it a schedule I controlled substance in 2018, a decision that is allowing Florida to act against illicit xylazine trafficking. On June 27, Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution
announced that it is set to prosecute 12 individuals involved with a fentanyl, xylazine and cocaine trafficking ring that was shut down by law enforcement in the Orlando, Florida area. The investigation uncovered that the drugs were being transported to Florida from a supplier in New Jersey. Twelve people were arrested and are being charged with a combined 52 felony counts carrying a 25-year mandatory minimum prison sentence under Florida law.4
After The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act was introduced on March 28, 2023, other states began scheduling xylazine as follows:
West Virginia designated xylazine a schedule IV-controlled substance on March 29, 2023.
Ohio designated xylazine a schedule III-controlled substance on March 29, 2023
New Jersey introduced Senate No. S3902 on June 1, 2023, to take immediate effect classifying xylazine as Schedule III dangerous controlled dangerous substance (CDS), except when licitly acquired, prescribed, administered, or dispensed by a veterinarian. Delaware issued a temporary order on June 2, 2023 scheduling xylazine as a schedule III controlled substance for an initial 120 days, which can be extended an additional 60 days with options allowing the General Assembly to vote and make the restrictions permanent.Additionally, on June 28, 2023 Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RN, announced a pilot program to distribute the nation’s first combination fentanyl and xylazine test strip–a groundbreaking development as fentanyl and xylazine test strips have previously been 2 separate tests.
Pennsylvania temporarily added xylazine to the list of schedule III drugs on June 3, 2023, under Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act. The order is effective for 1 year and the PA Secretary of Health can extend the temporary scheduling for up to 1 additional year.
States with pending xylazine legislation include New York, Illinois, Rhode Island and Louisiana.
One of the plan’s 6 pillars is Regulatory Control and Monitoring Options that states, “the US government should assess regulatory options to disrupt the production, distribution, illegal sale and trafficking (even if not scheduled), and exposure to illicit xylazine.” The plan further calls for “exploring scheduling and other regulatory options under the Controlled Substances Act; including consideration of other potential avenues for prosecuting those who manufacture, import, export, sell, or distribute xylazine in order to support fentanyl trafficking.”
With no hard lines or progress updates on Federally scheduling xylazine, what’s next in terms of legislative action remains unknown. What is becoming more and more apparent is that states aren’t willing to sit around and wait. States are actionizing their rights under the 10th Amendment and taking legislative matters into their own hands so that civil and criminal penalties for individuals involved in illicit supply and distribution of xylazine can be enforced.
Kelley Detweiler is a DEA regulatory compliance expert who provides controlled-substance risk-management solutions to veterinarians through her partnership with Dr Peter Weinstein in Simple Solutions 4 Vets, Inc. Detweiler addresses controlled substance regulatory issues on a global level and has been a featured speaker at the United Nations and is the co-author of “Safeguarding Controlled Substances” published by the American Animal Hospital Association. Contact: kelley@simplesolutionsforvets.com.
The show featured a variety of events, including ranch cutting, ranch trail, ranch conformation, ranch reining, team roping, barrel racing, ranch riding, ranch cow work, working ranch horse and, for the first time, steer stopping and breakaway roping.
“This show showcases exactly what we want to see in ranch-bred horses,” said Karen McCuistion, senior director of member programs. “Competing in five different performance classes then moving into conformation is the epitome of what the American Quarter Horse can do.”
In addition to the nine VRH world champion titles, 54 VRH class championships, seven NRSHA national all-around championships, 35 NRSHA class championships, seven Level 1 youth and seven amateur and one Select Level 1 championships, and 28 Ranching Heritage Challenge championships, the event also recognized the top AQHA Ranching Heritage-bred horses.
View the official results, score sheets, the Journal’s Champion Pages at www.aqha. com/vrhworld. You can also visit the AQHA Showing Facebook page and YouTube page to watch the action from the show, including the AQHA VRH World
Highlights videos and interviews with the newly crowned world champions.
Qualifying has already started for 2024, so don’t miss the opportunity to earn your spot at next year’s event held at the Tri State Fair and Expo in Amarillo.
The AQHA VRH World combines four premiere ranch horse events into one: the AQHA VRH World, AQHA RHC Finals, AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships and NRSHA National Championship Show. This prestigious event draws ranch-horse competitors from around the globe each June to crown nine AQHA VRH world champions along with champions in the AQHA RHC Finals, Cattle Level 1 and NRSHA championship shows in addition to awarding approximately $375,000 in purse and prizes.
For more information on the AQHA VRH World and corresponding events, visit www. aqha.com/versatility.
Learn more about the Four Sixes Ranch, the presenting sponsor of the 2023 AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships.
Aachen, Germany – Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and her talented mount, Haley, impressed the audience with a remarkable performance in the Prize of Handwerk CSIO5* at CHIO Aachen, securing a fantastic second-place finish in the faultsconverted format with a swift time of 59.53 seconds. Throughout the class, the duo held the lead for a significant portion of the competition, only to be narrowly edged out of the top spot by Marc Dilasser (FRA) aboard E2K Abricot Ennemmelle, who finished just a fraction of a second faster.
Haley, a 2012 KWPN mare owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc., has been an invaluable part of Kraut’s string for several years, and their synergy was evident as they skillfully navigated the day’s first track in the main stadium at Aachen. As one of Kraut’s three mounts for the week, their strong start set a promising tone for the U.S. Team as they look ahead to the upcoming competitions.
Under the brilliant lights of the main stadium at CHIO Aachen, members of the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team tackled the challenging Turkish Airlines - Prize of Europe CSIO5*, a demanding course set at 1.60m and designed by Frank Rothenberger (GER). With 54 entries, only eight combinations qualified for the jump-off round.
Natalie Dean (Palo Alto, Calif.) displayed a commendable performance with Chance Ste Hermelle, a 2008 Belgian Sport Horse mare owned by Marigold Sport Horses, LLC. They finished in 28th place, completing the course with only one rail down in the final line and adding a single time fault in their stadium debut. Following closely behind, teammate Laura Kraut and Dorado 212, a 2013 Oldenburg gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm, secured 29th place, with four faults and two time faults contributing to their overall finish. Bliss Heers (Las Vegas, N.V.) and Antidote de Mars, a 2010 Selle Français stallion owned by Bridgeside Farms LLC, clinched the 33rd position with a total of eight faults.
Regrettably, Contagious, a 2009 Deutches Sportferd gelding owned by Beechwood Stables, LLC, sustained a minor injury, and as a result, will not be competing for the remainder of the week.
For the latest updates on the schedule and results, please visit the official CHIO Aachen website. Fans can also follow the U.S. Jumping Team’s journey on Facebook and Instagram, and stay connected with US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok using #USAJumping.
The NetJets U.S. Jumping Team’s early podium finish at CHIO Aachen marks a promising start to their campaign, and supporters are eager to witness their continued success in the upcoming events.
Falsterbo, Sweden – The NetJets U.S. Jumping Team showcased remarkable prowess, securing a remarkable third-place finish in the highly competitive FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Sweden CSIO5* at the prestigious Falsterbo Horse Show. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the team, led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, delivered a stellar performance, concluding with a total of eight faults over two rounds. The U.S. team narrowly missed first place, with Switzerland taking the top spot with just four faults, and Great Britain claimed second place on eight faults, slightly ahead of the U.S. team based on time differential.
Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland expressed his excitement and pride, stating, “I’ve got one excited group of riders. We’re proud of their effort. To bring a team over here without a veteran and to get experience and a podium finish, that’s what we do it for. We had Switzerland in our sights the whole time. I’ve always advocated the 3-2 system where it’s a combination of veterans and up-and-coming riders. We didn’t have a veteran this time, and they acted like they were all veterans.”
Setting the tone for the team, Natalie Dean from Palo Alto, Calif., and her talented mount, Acota M, delivered an impressive clear round, kickstarting the U.S. team’s performance as they drew eighth in the starting order. Alise Oken from Charlotte, N.C., aboard Gelvera, displayed outstanding form with a second consecutive clear round, resulting in a four-way tie for first place alongside Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, all on zero penalties after two rotations.
Throughout the day, the challenging track, designed by Frank Rothenberger from Germany, put combinations to the test. Alessandra Volpi from Woodside, Calif., and Berlinda faced a few obstacles, accumulating eight faults in their first round. Concluding the initial round were Karl Cook from Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., and Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet, who proved to be the anchor combination for the U.S. The duo needed a clear round to keep up with Switzerland, but a slight touch on the plank resulted in four faults, leaving the team tied for second with four faults, trailing Switzerland’s faultless first-round score.
The team’s second round commenced with Natalie Dean and Acota M maintaining the pressure on Switzerland with a careful and clear round, securing the only double-clear for the U.S., propelling the team ahead of the Netherlands with only three combinations remaining.
Chef d’Equipe Ridland praised Natalie Dean’s success, saying, “Success and experience build on itself. She had a very successful week at [CHIO] Aachen, which gave her incredible confidence com-
ing here. When we bring these teams over with our riders of the future, the most important part of that is to make sure our chances of success are great. They all came in and rode against these foreign, veteran teams with confidence.”
Alise Oken and Gelvera continued their solid form, finishing with just one rail and four total faults. Alessandra Volpi and Berlinda encountered a minor hiccup early in their round but efficiently maneuvered through the 1.60m track, adding four faults to their tally
Both Alise Oken and Alessandra Volpi had previously been part of the U.S. Developing Jumping Team Tour earlier in the summer, competing in CSIO3* events in Denmark and Norway, which served as a crucial stepping stone in their pathway to success.
Chef d’Equipe Ridland emphasized the importance of the pathway program, stating, “You can’t say enough, especially in a situation like this, about how the pathway works. You don’t just jump into a 5* without that kind of experience, and being able to learn from Anne Kursinski and those 3* experiences is what gave [Oken and Volpi] the confidence and ability to come here and do what they did today. It’s vitally important we continue the program in this way because these are the results that happen when you have a program giving opportunities that lead to performance.”
Karl Cook and Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet sealed the team’s success with an important final anchor round, delivering a clear performance to keep the pressure on Switzerland. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei needed a clear round to avoid a jump-off, and they delivered, ultimately securing the third-place finish for the U.S. team.
Chef d’Equipe Ridland shared his satisfaction, explaining, “You plan your strategy for the first round and when it works, you stick to it. It’s very gratifying when the plan works like that. In any sport, there are going to be bumps in the road when the rookies and younger players hit the big leagues. It’s like calling up the ballplayers from the Minor Leagues to the [New York] Yankees or the [Los Angeles] Dodgers with the bright lights and the big city—but if you’ve had good preparation, it’s no different than any other sport. We felt all of them were very prepared for this, so the result is not a surprise to us.”
Follow US Equestrian to stay updated on the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team’s journey by following USA Jumping on Facebook and Instagram and US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, using #USAJumping.
The USEF International High Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.
Aachen, Germany – The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team achieved a commendable second-place finish in the SAP Cup CCIO4*-S at CHIO Aachen after the completion of the final cross-country phase today. Germany secured the top spot with an overall team total of 104.9 penalties, while Great Britain settled for third place with 136.60 penalties. The U.S. team showcased their prowess by securing three of the top six positions, and Tamie Smith and Mai Baum delivered an outstanding performance, earning an individual podium finish in third place. The challenging cross-country track, designed by Rüdiger Schawrz (GER), saw 39 completions, but none managed to finish within the time allowed of six minutes and 55 seconds.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello said, “I’m encouraged because we planned to come here with the strongest possible team that we could field to make a statement to ourselves that Pratoni wasn’t a one-off. It was very strategic, and we came with the expectation of a strong finish, and I’m glad we were able to produce a successful result. Make no mistake, everyone will go away from this competition, even with the good result, knowing that there are still gaps to be filled and areas of improvement, and that’s what makes champions.
Being honest with yourself throughout the entirety of the competition, and regardless of the result, there’s still so much to learn if we want to keep pressing for medals.”
Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and Miks Master C, a 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Deborah Palmer and Ocala Horse Properties, were the second combination for the team. Making their Aachen debut, they delivered a great ride, sticking to their initial plan and adding just 4.40-time penalties. The duo finished fifth overall with a final total of 36.50, significantly contributing to the team’s podium finish.
Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum were tasked with producing a clear round to keep the U.S. team in contention with Germany, Great Britain, and New Zealand. The seasoned combination rose to the challenge, with Smith expertly guiding the 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alex Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell around the course. They received an enthusiastic cheer from the audience in the Main Stadium and added just 1.6 time penalties to their score, finishing in an impressive third place overall with a score of 33.70.
The Publisher and Editor cannot be held responsible for errors or any consequences arising from the use of information contained in this publication; the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher and Editors, neither does the publication of advertisements constitute any endorsement by the Publisher and Editors of the products advertised.
Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z led the charge for the team on the cross-country track. Despite the damp weather creating wet conditions, Dutton and the 2008 Zangersheide gelding owned by Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, David & Patricia Vos, Evie Dutton, Suzanne Lacy, and Thomas Tierney showcased their experience and confidence, finishing with just 5.2-time penalties. The pair secured a sixth-place overall finish with a score of 38.
“It’s really a dream to be on the podium at Aachen, both as a team and individually. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and it’s a dream to have a competitive score like that against the world’s best, and hopefully there’s more to come,” said Smith of her experience at CHIO Aachen this year.
Unfortunately, the anchor combination, Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, encountered trouble at the Turkish Airlines complex, which had proven challenging for many combinations throughout the day. The 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate slipped out behind before the first question of the combination, but they managed to find their way through the option. An accidental representation added an additional 20 penalties to the pair’s overall score, resulting in a 38th place finish with a score of 109.30.
Dan Kreitl (Muncie, Ind.) and Carmango competed as the individual combination on the squad, finishing with a total three-phase score of 83.60. Despite adding 20 penalties late in the course, they secured a respectable 35th place overall.
Overall, the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team demonstrated their skill and determination, solidifying their position among the world’s top eventing teams and leaving Aachen with valuable insights to improve and strive for future successes.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has joined hands with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) to introduce an exciting new recognition called the “AQHA Horse of the Quarter.”
In this innovative initiative, active PRCA Announcers will be invited to participate by receiving a survey through Survey Monkey via email. Announcers will have the opportunity to nominate exceptional timed-event or pickup horses, with the option to submit up to two nominations. As an appreciation for making a nomination, announcers will receive $25.
From the pool of AQHA horses nominated, a distinguished three-person panel consisting of two AQHA representatives and one from the PRCA will carefully select the winner.
The first-quarter winner of the esteemed “AQHA Horse of the Quarter” title is RK Tuff Trinket, affectionately known as “Bob,” owned by team roping header Riley Minor. Riley Minor is an illustrious 11-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, including his most recent appearance last year in Las Vegas. As a reward for this victory, Minor, who hails from Ellensburg, Wash., was presented with a $1,000 gas card. The nomination for RK Tuff Trinket came from none other than the veteran NFR announcer, Wayne Brooks.
PRCA announcers are enthusiastically encouraged to submit their nominations for the “AQHA Horse of the Quarter” recognition for the upcoming third quarter. This collaboration between PRCA and AQHA promises to celebrate the exceptional equine athletes that play an integral role in the world of rodeo.
July 10, 2023 - The Run For A Million (TRFAM) proudly announces PulseVet, a leading veterinary shock wave technology company, as its Official Shock Wave partner.
Trudy Gage, Vice President of Zomedica’s Equine division and Client Education, expressed her delight at the partnership, stating, “PulseVet is honored to be named the Official Shock Wave of TRFAM. The positive influence this show and group of people bring to the equine industry is unprecedented. We are excited to partner with people like producers Amanda [Brumley] and Taylor [Sheridan], who share our interest in animal welfare.”
PulseVet, renowned for its high-energy focused sound wave technology, is manufactured in the USA and exclusively sold to licensed veterinarians.
Supported by peer-reviewed and published clinical research, this non-invasive regenerative option has become the standard of care for tendon and ligament injuries in horses, and now dogs, often replacing pharmaceuticals. PulseVet’s treatments can provide effective pain management and significantly shorten healing time, resulting in improved quality of healing in just three sessions.
Producer Amanda Brumley emphasized the importance of prioritizing equine welfare in TRFAM and said, “Since the inception of TRFAM, Taylor and I have kept the interests of the horse’s wellbeing at the forefront by incorporating quality products and services to educate those in the equestrian industry who follow this event. Our partnership with PulseVet is a fabulous addition to the goals of TRFAM. PulseVet’s non-invasive technology for healing offers horse and pet owners a valuable alternative to surgeries and pharmaceuticals.”
Trudy Gage, an avid equestrian and lover of Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers, understands the demands faced by reining horses during training, conditioning, and competition. Her passion for educating horse and dog owners and trainers led her to purchase her first reining horse, High Brow Legend, at a previous TRFAM.
Gage eagerly anticipates being present at this year’s TRFAM, connecting with horse and dog owners who seek to provide the best care for their beloved animals. She looks forward to experiencing the vibrant atmosphere at South Point and engaging in meaningful conversations with attendees.
To access PulseVet shock wave therapy, interested individuals can visit PulseVet.com and click on “Find a Vet” to discover a list of providers in their area. For more information about PulseVet shock wave therapy, visit their website.
The 2023 TRFAM is scheduled to take place from August 16 to 19 at the South Point Arena and Casino in Las Vegas. To view the event schedule or purchase tickets, please visit trfam.com. Stay updated on TRFAM news and events by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Danny Freeman, author of the World’s Oldest Rodeo 100-Year History 1888-1988, claims that Prescott, Arizona held the world’s first rodeo in 1888. We accept that. But, as will be shown, Payson held its first rodeo four years earlier in 1884.
Freeman states that “those early contests in Payson were some local cowboys competing in roping. They were not organized. The cowboys just came together and roped against each other”.
This is not the case. Local cowboys did compete in roping events – and they also competed in riding and racing events. Additionally, there was organization or the cowboys and spectators would not have known when and where to gather. Entry fees were taken and price money was paid.
We know from Charlie Chilson (March 1, 1968 Payson Round Up Article and 1972 Jayne Peace interview) that his father John C. Chilson, was not only a rodeo organizer along with Arizona Charlie Meadows, but both were also contestants in the first Payson Rodeo held in 1884 in the Midtown Pasture. Charlie was sure that the year was 1884. Additionally, Charlie Chilson told Jayne Peace that Charlie Meadows joined a Wild West show about 1890.
Dick Robbins (1900-1983), the son of John Robbins and Emma Cole Robins, was a top rodeo hand in the 1930s and 1940s. He traveled and roped, often with Lee Barkdoll. In a 1981 interview with Jayne Peace, Dick said that the Payson Rodeo started in 1884.
Maggie Solomon Journigan Miller, wife of Payson pioneer Julian Journigan and mother-in-law to Payson Rodeo Personalities, Lee Barkdoll and Dick Robbins, told Jayne Peace in an interview held on December 16, 1983: “Since my husband had to be gone so much I took a job cooking for Polly Brown at the old Sixteen-ToOne Saloon in Payson. That was in 1921, just a year or so before it burned to the ground. They were still having the rodeos in the street. There were still lots of the old cowboys around then. I remember Jess Chilson and Wash Gibson both said they were at the first Payson Rodeo. Jess said his mother had to take him because he was only a tiny baby, but his dad, Emer, was a contestant in that first one. Jess said he was born in 1884, so he knew that was the year the rodeos started in Payson
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THURSDAY - August 17, 2023 - WOMEN'S
Gates open @ 5 PM Performance @ 6 PM Admission (1) can of food
For more information and to enter for the Barrell Racing for Thursday night, please contact Nancy Jane 520-975-6325 or email at saltriverrodeocompany@gmail.com. Please do NOT contact Nancy for Friday and Saturday events. Thursday night is the only event that she is can answer questions on or to take sigh ups. Tickets can be purchased under the "ticket" tab or use the "Contact Us" tab to reach the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee!
Various food and merchandise vendors are available at the rodeo grounds. Adult beverages are available for purchase from the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee. Must be 21 years or older and comply with the Arizona Liquor Laws.
FRIDAY NIGHT - August 18, 2023 - PERFORMANCE
Tough Enough To Wear Pink - Wear your pink shirt to show your support for breast cancer awareness Gates open @ 5 PM Performance @ 7 PM Proceeds to benefit local breast cancer awareness programs
FRIDAY NIGHT - August 18, 2023 - BOOTS & BLING DANCE
Boots and Bling Dance featuring Western Fusion Starts after the last bull bucks! Free for rodeo attendee's!
$5.00 cover charge. Under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
SATURDAY DAY- August 19, 2023 - PERFORMANCE
Coca –Cola Family Day: Giveaways Family Day Pricing Gates open @ 11 AM Performance @ 1PM
SATURDAY NIGHT - August 19, 2023 - PERFORMANCE
Special Patriot Performance - Wear your red, white and blue to show your patriotism Gates open @ 5 PM Performance @ 7PM Active Military receive free admission for general admission seating. (Show ID)
SATURDAY NIGHT - August 19, 2023 - BOOTS & BLING
DANCE
Boots and Bling Dance featuring Western Fusion Starts after the last bull bucks! Free for rodeo attendee's
$5.00 Cover Charge if not attending the Rodeo
Must me 21 or over or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
We are sad to announce that on July 2, 2023, Richard del Mas lost his 4-year courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born on August 11, 1946, and was a member of NCHA for over 30 years. Richard was also a proud member of PCCHA.
Richard continued to show his horse Coop up until a month before his death, winning 3rd place in the WOW Competition at Rancho Murieta, Ca. Richard will be missed by his wife Joanne del Mas and many of his friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Gryder comes to NCHA with experience managing international communications. Gryder is also a recent graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, obtaining her Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with a focus in photography.
“It has been a lifelong dream to work in the horse industry, and I am honored to be working with the best-of-the-best in the National Cutting Horse Association. The athleticism and intelligence that cutting horses display has always captured my attention and I cannot wait to combine my passion with my degree,” said Jessica Gryder.
Over the past few months, Gryder partnered with various ranches around the United States to obtain their history, photographs, and knowledge which she used in her thesis paper Chroma Cowboy. In 2022 Gryder attended study abroad in Florence, Italy with the Santa Reparta International School of Art where her artwork was displayed. In her spare time, Gryder likes to run with her dog, Kiwi, and swim.
“We are thrilled to bring someone into our marketing department with a diverse background who will continue to elevate our team,” said Jay Winborn, NCHA Executive Director.
To learn more about the National Cutting Horse Association, visit nchacutting.com.
Developed by Brad Pryor, President of Rafter P Construction in collaboration with the NCHA, this award was developed to provide financial assistance for an outstanding youth member to attend the 2023 Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular and 2023 NYCHA Holy Cow Performance Horses Youth World Finals.
“Winning a scholarship from an organization I admire so much is a huge honor. My journey in the cutting horse industry is just beginning, and attending one of the NCHA’s Triple Crown shows is a wonderful opportunity. I am excited to watch incredible horses and riders compete and make new connections. All of this will continue to propel my passion for this sport,” said award recipi-
ent Brooke Salmon.
“I am interested in supporting the youth of the NCHA because to me that is where the foundation of an organization is built from. I feel that the NCHA has built a great program during their NYCHA convention to really educate these kids about the industry and how to be successful no matter what their path forward is. I am excited to see the growth of this pro-
gram and feel our first recipient Brooke is very deserving of this award” said Brad Pryor, president of Rafter P Construction.
NCHA is very passionate about continuing to grow youth involvement in the Western way of life and is thankful to have incredible partners like Rafter P Construction to create new opportunities.
This year marks the Morris Animal Foundation’s 75th anniversary According to an organizational news release the foundation was founded in 1948, by a forward-thinking veterinarian Mark L. Morris Sr, DVM, to improve the health and well-being of
animals worldwide. The Morris Animal Foundation reflects on its decades of work with this milestone, including funding nearly 3,000 studies to date and its continued drive to advance veterinary medicine on a global scale.
Currently, the foundation has about 200 active studies geared at addressing substantial health challenges in dogs, cats, horses, and wildlife.1 This includes
the largest cancer-focused study of its kind in dogs, improved and novel vaccines for infectious diseases in cats, and critical research to safeguard endangered species worldwide. Every year, the foundation funds a new set of impactful studies to meet relevant health needs.
Morris Animal Foundation through the years:
In 1950, the foundation funded its first 2 studies, which investigated cat and dog nutrition at Rutgers University and Iowa State University, respectively.
About a decade later, the Foundation ventured into equine health, supporting its first nutrition health study for horses.
By 1967, the foundation expanded its research to include wildlife studies, with its first study focusing on bacterial blood infections in zoo animals.
In 1971, actress Betty White joined the foundation as Trustee, and served as Board President from 1982-85.
In 1986, funding from the foundation led to the establishment of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, the first effort to provide desperately needed veterinary care to the highly endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
In 2012, the foundation launched its Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, the most comprehensive, prospective study collecting health data on 3,000+ golden retrievers to help identify risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs.
Thanks to the foundation’s long history of funding animal health research, veterinarians and wildlife managers have better diagnostics, treatments and even some cures for diseases and other health challenges for animals in their care and in the field.
Morris Animal Foundation further remains dedicated to improving the health and well-being of animals globally through scientific research, training new veterinary researchers, and continued advancements in veterinary medicine.
In the event of an immediate disaster, would you be ready to drop everything—including your pet—and go?Man rescues dog in flood.
Pet parents in the U.S. weighed in on the matter in a recent survey, conducted by PetSmart Charities. In time for National Pet Preparedness Month (June), when hurricane and wildfires seasons across the country start, the nonprofit organization asked owners about emergency and evacuation preparedness and the ways in which pets factor into their plans.
While the majority of those surveyed say they are prepared to evacuate their homes with their pets in case of an immediate disaster, 76 percent of respondents added they would stay at home if an evacuation order meant they were unable to bring their pet with them.
Additionally:
● 80 percent would give up their spot in an emergency shelter if they are not able to bring pets with them.
● 86 percent say the emotional support of their pet would be essential to them making it through a disaster.
● 63 percent expressed doubts about whether nearby pet-friendly shelters would be available to them in case of emergency.
The primary goal of the survey, PetSmart Charities reports, is to remind pet owners to develop an emergency plan for the whole family—including pets. Namely, knowing what to do to when evacuating with pets and where owners can go to stay together should be top of mind.
Steps include:
● Keep a “go bag” handy: Keep a pet carrier, harness, or leash ready to go at a moment’s notice and have a recent photo of pets on hand.
● Update information: Make sure pets are wearing a collar or tags, and that microchip information is updated.
● Take care: Ensure pets are up to date on all vaccinations and carry a list of medications the pet needs and their veterinarian’s contact information.
● Know where to go: Make a list of pet-friendly sheltering options nearby.
To enhance efforts in keeping pets and their people together amidst a crisis, PetSmart Charities partnered with the American Red Cross last year to enhance support efforts in treating pets as essential family members during times of disaster.
The partnership includes the integration of pet tracking into RC Care, the Red Cross client management system, allowing Red Cross staff and volunteers to provide services to all family members in disaster situations, as well as the creation of pet-centric training and sheltering models with the Red Cross and its partners for its disaster response staff and volunteers.
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is pleased to announce the approval of new judges who will uphold the utmost standards when adjudicating American Quarter Horses at AQHA-approved events.
Following the AQHA Judges Committee’s recommendations, the AQHA Executive Committee
has approved a select group of judge applicants to undergo the 2023 judges qualifying exam in May. Based on their exceptional test scores and additional criteria set by the Judges Committee, a roster of prospective judges has been meticulously reviewed and granted approval by the AQHA
Executive Committee. These newly appointed individuals are now eligible to preside over AQHA-sanctioned shows, effectively commencing their judging duties with immediate effect. Their names have been duly added to the esteemed list of approved AQHA judges, which can be
accessed at www.aqha.com/ judges-lists.
The approved judges include talented individuals across various categories, ensuring expertise in assessing a diverse range of classes at AQHA events. The newly welcomed judges are as follows:
All-Around Judges:
Alexandria BrynerVanderbilt, Pennsylvania
Shannon Curl-HolbinVero Beach, Florida
Becky GeorgeHockley, Texas
Jamieson GrossConcordia, Kansas
Amy MarxWonder Lake, Illinois
Shannon WalkerGrimes, Iowa
International Judge: Shari Irwin - Castleton, Ontario
Versatility Ranch Horse Judges:
Jake HartmanAdvance, North Carolina
Michael RapleySimcoe, Ontario
Marty SimperElwood, Utah
Josh TjosaasBarnesville, Minnesota
Level 1 Judge: Christopher DaltonWhitehall, Michigan
Alyssa Logan - McMinnville, Tennessee
Roping Judge: Darren MillerCorrales, New Mexico
For those interested in pursuing a career as an AQHA judge, comprehensive information on the application process is available at www.aqha.com/ become-a-judge.
To gain further insight into the judging process of your favorite classes at AQHA shows, visit www.aqhuniversity.com for a detailed understanding.
Lexington, Ky. - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive education module focused on vesicular stomatitis (VS).
In light of the recent outbreak of VS in California, Dr. Katie Flynn, Senior Staff VeterinarianEquine Health & Biosecurity, recognized the critical need for a learning resource dedicated to recognizing VS symptoms. The module’s primary objective is to protect equine health and ensure the smooth operation of competitions.
This educational resource is open to everyone interested in gaining knowledge about VS and learning how to identify suspect lesions on horses.
The module covers the following key areas:
Overview of the vesicular stomatitis virus
Requirements for USEF-licensed competitions involving horses from VS-affected areas
Explanation of the USEF competition arrival examination protocols
Visual examples of VS lesions for easy identification
Roles of technicians and veterinarians in identifying and handling VS-suspect horses
Additionally, completing the module and a quiz will qualify participants for appointment as a “designated individual” under the VS policy.
For further information on the ongoing VS outbreak, please visit usef.org/vs/.
By providing this valuable educational tool, USEF aims to enhance awareness and preparedness in dealing with vesicular stomatitis, ensuring the well-being of horses and the integrity of competitions.
To access the education module, please visit: https:// members.usef.org/education/ biosecurity.
Lexington, Ky. – US
Equestrian is excited to unveil the revamped structure for the upcoming USEF Endurance Championships, set to debut in 2024. The new program will feature USEF Endurance Zone Championships, a
thrilling USEF Endurance Zone Team Challenge, and an eagerly anticipated USEF Endurance National Championship.
The Championships will encompass the following divisions:
Limited Distance – 40 km
Open 1A – 80 km
Open 1B – 100 km
Open 3 – 120 km
Open 4 – 160 km
The USEF Endurance National Championship will be scheduled biennially, taking place on odd-numbered years, with the inaugural event slated for 2025. Preceding the Na-
tional Championship, the USEF Endurance Zone Championships will unfold between January 1 of the preceding year and 30 days before the commencement of the National Championship.
Athletes aiming to qualify for the National Championships must successfully complete their respective Zone Championship in the distance category they intend to compete in at the prestigious National event.
Adding an exciting team dynamic to the National Championship, the Zone Team Challenge will be held during the event. This thrilling competition allows athletes to showcase their skills in a team environment, representing their USEF Zone. Teams will consist of 3-5 entries, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for both competitors and spectators.
In the fall of 2023, bid applications and hosting information for Zone and National Championships will be released, inviting enthusiastic hosts to be part of this incredible equestrian experience. For comprehensive details on the championships, including competition specifications and qualifying criteria, interested parties can access the information here.
For any inquiries or further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Nicole Zerbee, Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org. US Equestrian eagerly looks forward to this innovative and thrilling new chapter in endurance riding.
