Bridle & Bit Magazine

SHADD PARKINSON INTERVIEW

BY TRACY WAGER

Q - Winning the Spectacular at last year's Kimes Western Derby aboard Whose Tuff must have been a great achievement. How does a win like that feel for you?

A - I love showing a great bridle horse such as “Shep”. He loves his job and has been such a wonderful horse for both myself and his owner, Christa Hampton. The consistency and versatility that it takes to be successful in the four event competitions truly takes a special animal, and when it comes together and you can showcase your horse in that way, it's really special.

Q - The City of Scottsdale made significant investments, around $50 million, into WestWorld, including the construction of the North and South Halls, enclosing the Equidome, and installing air conditioning. How do you think these improvements have impacted the NRCHA, particularly in hosting events like the Western Derby in late May and early June?

A - Well, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be attending an event in Scottsdale in June without these improvements. It has turned Westworld into a year-round event destination by providing the overall infrastructure to elevate the experience for participants, spectators, and the horses. I love having an NRCHA premier event in my backyard, and I look forward to seeing what other high level equine events make their home at WestWorld in the future.

Q - Cow Horse competition demands mastery of various disciplines, such as reining, cutting, and fence work. Which part of working cow horse appeals to you the most?

A - There is nothing like going down the fence. The speed, the element of split second reaction, along with the fact that it is unpredictable and so rewarding when it goes well, make it my favorite portion of the discipline.

Q - Many top performance horse trainers are drawn to working cow horse competition. What do you think it is about this discipline that attracts them?

A - Firstly, working cow horse offers a unique blend of athleticism, precision, and strategy that challenges both horse and rider. You never have it mastered, every run is a completely new experience. Secondly, the opportunity to showcase a horse's versatility and natural instinct is particularly appealing to trainers that value a well rounded equine athlete. And finally, the camaraderie among competitors and the sense of tradition and heritage associated with working cow horse is definitely a draw for trainers from any background.

Q - How do you and other top trainers in the NRCHA feel about the inclusion of working cow horse competitions in events like The Run for A Million?

A - Having the opportunity to compete at prestigious and wellpaying events like Run for the Million or The American provides a level of excitement and motivation that we haven't seen before in our industry. It benefits the industry as a whole and allows an additional world-wide stage to show off our horses and our event.

Q - The exposure of working cow horse on shows like Yellowstone, that featured Bob Avila, Corey Cushing, Todd Bergen, and others, surely had an impact on the performance horse industry. What do you think this exposure has done for the sport?

A - Western as a whole has risen to the forefront of pop culture in the last few years. We've always known that this lifestyle is special, and the fact that the world seems to be catching on to that thanks to many influences, including Yellowstone, is a great thing for all of us that make our living in this world and love this lifestyle.

Q - Your family's dedication to the Sun Circuit, including your presidency of the AzQHA in 2018, following in the footsteps of your late father, Dorn Parkinson, who had a long-standing service to the organization, must be a source of pride. The event broke all records in 2024 for the number of horses and entries. How does it feel to see all the hard work pay off with such success?

A - The ongoing success of the Sun Circuit as the premier quarter horse circuit in the country is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many. When people come together as a community to support something we love, great things happen. I am proud to have been a small part of it, and I hope to be showing at the Sun Circuit for many years to come.

Q - Before the Western Derby, you're relocating your training operations to Almosta Ranch, marking a new chapter in your journey. Riding under the new covered arena must be exciting. Competing at the highest level requires a top-notch ranch, and Almosta's new owner, Kris Charton, is ensuring it remains a standard setter. How do you feel about soon calling Almosta Ranch home?

A - I have had a wonderful home at Bella Vista Ranch for almost 20 years and am thankful for my time there. However, the move to the Almosta seems like such a natural transition for us. My family just moved into our new home on the neighboring property, and before that we lived on the Almosta for the last 13 years. It's home. Kris has made so many amazing improvements to this already stellar facility and I am so grateful for the opportunity to train there. The addition of Marilyn Brandt to my team is also a reason I'm excited for the move. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a gift of working with riders and horses alike. Al has also been such a great mentor for me, and it will be great to have him close by as well.

Photos Courtesy: McKenzie Parkinson & 2 Diamond Photography

Gracie, Shadd, Hadley, McKenzie

AL DUNNING INTERVIEW

BY TRACY WAGER

Q - Shadd is moving to the Almosta Ranch on May 1st, 2024, and you set this up. Can you tell us about how it's going to work?

A - My daughter and 2 granddaughters live here now on the 5 acres I retained when I sold the ranch to Kris. One day Kris asked me, “What’s in your future?” My answer was that, someday I have to slow down a bit. What I would really like to do is to help my son in law Shadd. So, I asked if she would ever allow him to move to the ranch, and she said, “Absolutely!” Just like that.

Since that conversation, Kris put into action getting a new barn so there would be room for Shadd to move here with all of his horses. I would like to help Shadd, help the customers, give lessons and do the things to help the ranch and customers to get better. I have gone, gone, gone my whole career to shows. Just a couple of years ago I went to 110 shows in one year. That was a lot of shows. Marilyn my assistant will work part time for me and Shadd. This is really a great plan for the next step in my life.

I think God sent Kris here. Being around her now for 2 years, I have learned to really appreciate her. This lady is really an amazing woman! She loves what she is doing and just dives in to get whatever needs to be done, and she gets it done! Kris is an incredible person.

A - Yes. I plan on not going out of state too much showing, but I will still be going to the local shows. I will go to the ones I want to go to and still offer lessons. That will be one of the main things I will do. Also, you have to understand, I have AD Tack, and Team AD our online training course. I have so many things that I do, but I want to screw it down to the things I want to do. One of which, is to spend more time with my family, and helping Shadd. My family, with Becky, McKenzie, my son Grady, Gracie and Hadley will be together more. Including trips to our cabin in Iowa and time together at the Almosta all as a family.

I have already cut down the number of horses. I only want about a dozen horses maximum for me to be training. I still think I can train a horse really well, but I don’t want to be on the road all the time.

Q - Everyone loves Marilyn! Tell us about what she will be doing.

THE PARKINSON/DUNNING FAMILY

Q - Tell us an about the new barn and the new configuration. A - What’s interesting is that Shadd is going to move into the original main barn. Then Erica Owen is going to move into the new barn.

The new barn is beautiful and has 16 stalls. It is tall, with an office and everything you could want in a barn. Along with all of the things that Kris is doing now, with Shadd and this new barn, it is only part of the amazing improvements that have been made at the Almosta Ranch. Covering the arena, building the new gate, all new fencing, refurbishing all of the housing is just a part of the improvements. It has really been amazing, and she is not done yet. What is crazy about it, is that she likes to do it herself. Kris is out there every day. This is just a testament to what a hardworking, wonderful, amazing and enthusiastic lady she is.

Q - Al, when you say that you are going to slow down some, that is going to make some people nervous. Are you still going to do lessons, be at shows coaching, but just not traveling so much?

A - Marilyn Brandt has been here with me for 7 years now. She has her master’s degree in Equine Science from West Texas A & M. Nobody takes better care of horses than Marilyn. She understands what horses need, their health, maintenance and everything else. She has become an increadable horse trainer and showman too. She won her first World Championship last year in the Level 2 Cutting at the AQHA World Show. She showed horses for me while my knee was out, and she was the Sun Circuit Junior Cutting Champion on my 4-year-old! Now she is ready to help Shadd and get more into the Cow Horse showing. Recently she had a lady that has been riding with her exclusively that went to the Stallion Stakes up in Vegas and won 3 events. That was a huge boost to Marilyn’s career. Now she will be helping Shadd with the Cow Horses too. Marilyn will still be over-seeing my program. We are so fortunate to have her here.

Marilyn is the first one here in the morning, she is the last one to leave at night. She gets up at night and checks all the horses. She does all that crazy stuff that I did 30 years ago. She has that positive energy and strength. She hauls the horses to the shows, she does everything. All I have to do is show up! That’s pretty nice.

Right now, I am surrounded by really great people. They love what they do, they are creative, and they are always thinking about each other. More importantly, they are happy. There is no drama ever at my barn and I like it that way!

Cole Hauser hosts the Ultimate Tailgate Party PBR World Finals

Prior

to PBR

World Finals:

Championship Opener at AT&T Stadium, Cole Hauser’s Ultimate Tailgate Party will include a Rider Arrival Show, special guests and more!

By Kacie Albert

ARLINGTON, Texas – One month before the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) World Finals: Unleash The Beast: Championship gets underway in Arlington, Texas, at AT&T Stadium, the organization today announced that Cole Hauser’s Ultimate Tailgate Party is set to take over the famed venue’s East Plaza on Saturday, May 18.

Cole Hauser’s Ultimate Tailgate Party will include the fanfavorite Rider Arrival Show hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Matt West featuring all 25 competing riders, along with LIVE music performances from the Tractor Supply Co. Stage from YEEDM duo VAVO, Dean James & The Treatment and the Dallas Cowboys’ DJ EJ.

VAVO headlines the musical roster, currently lighting up on various dance charts. Their success has garnered the support of industry heavyweights including Tiësto, The Chainsmokers, and David Guetta, while their latest releases feature country music stars like Kane Brown, Nate Smith, Dylan Scott, Mitchell Tenpenny and Priscilla Block.

Special guests, merchandise, lawn games, activations from PBR Teams and the Michelob ULTRA Mobile Bar will surround the pre-event tailgate running from 4:30-7:30 p.m. CT. Cole Hauser’s Ultimate Tailgate is open to all fans with a ticket to that evening’s rounds for PBR World Finals – Championship.

“I’m looking forward to hanging out with all the fans,” said Hauser. “After we party outside, we will bring the party inside to witness bull riding history.”

Hauser formed a strategic partnership with PBR in 2022 writing, directing and starring in PBR brand creative that is featured in PBR on CBS broadcast openings, on the organization’s social media channels and in arena at events.

Single-day tickets for the PBR World Finals are on sale now and start at SeatGeek.com and PBR.com/WorldFinals, or by phone at 1-800-732-1727.

THE BIG SHOW

KID ROCK’S ROCK N RODEO

Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo is a reimagined rodeo produced by PBR in partnership with Kid Rock, featuring Kid Rock live in concert. Six teams, each led by a legendary rodeo head coach, will compete in bracket-style competition at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 17 for a $1 million purse. The all-star rodeo team competition and upbeat production will be patterned after the successful formula PBR brought to bull riding through the Teams league launched in 2022.

Each of the six teams will compete head-to-head in barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping. Each discipline will compete simultaneously on the dirt in a tournament-style bracket for the million-dollar purse.

2024 PBR WORLD FINALS: UNLEASH THE BEAST ELIMINATIONS

Prepare for an adrenaline-charged weekend at historic Cowtown Coliseum as PBR’s World Finals- Eliminations event kicks off in style. Cheer on the top bull riders & toughest bulls as they vie for suprem-

acy in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, surrounded by the electrifying atmosphere of the Stockyards Stampede.

Join the party with rider autographs, an outdoor bar, food & drink specials at local establishments, drone shows following the performance and much more happening!

With your ticket, you can add experiences at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall inclusive of food, drinks and live performances by 49 Winchester and Grammy Award-Winning Artist, Brothers Osborne!

CHRIS WEAVER INTERVIEW

BY TRACY WAGER WITH TAMMY DONNELL

Q - Working with some of the largest brands in the industry, including Bob’s Custom Saddles & Weaver Leather, you have made some changes recently. Can you tell us about this?

A - As I have grown over 30 plus years in the industry and have chosen to take a passion and desire that I’ve had and all of the experiences and knowledge to culminate into this new brand. What I have gained from leather manufacturers and how leather functions and what it does, while putting it all together into a new product line. I have spent my career building this knowledge and have put together a line of products that are better tools for the rider that they can use today.

Q - You brought several of your products to this interview to see and feel. The standouts are these “buttery soft reins” and the new bits designed by Greg Darnall exclusively for WD Leather and Bits.

A - The mission that started this all with the double and stitched reins was to not have to spend 60 to 90 days breaking them in to feel soft and broke in. On a double stitched pair of reins they are traditionally very stiff and have turned a lot of people off. They can be very intimidating. So, when you need something with that feel and function and you are in a discipline like Cutting, Cow Horse, Ranch Sorting, Ranch Riding & Reining in the arena or out on the ranch, you need a product that has certain characteristics. With the formula that I have put together, our reins come in broke and ready to go. They are soft like butter and will wear well for many years of use. When you grab them, they break over your finger, they break over your pinky and you can double them when riding in a snaffle bridle. They are ready to use right off the bat, with no break in period.

WEAVER

Q -You made another life change recently with the inclusion of Tammy Donnell. She is now a big part of your life and this new business as your new wife and partner. How is that working out?

A - Outstanding! Personally it is amazing. I couldn’t have had a better person to go through everything that has happened over the last four years of my life. From every aspect it is a grand slam home run.

Q - How did you and Tammy meet?

A - We met at the NRHA Futurity in 2019 compliments of her daughter winning a saddle certificate from Bob’s Custom Saddles. From that day, when we first met, our journey started and has never slowed down one bit.

Q - Personal hurdles have been on the forefront for you Chris over these last 4 years and now you are starting a new business WD Leather and Bits. For some that would intimidating. But you have worked in this industry for over 30 years and with some of the greatest brands offered and garnered so much knowledge. What is the “why” behind this big decision?

Our bits are exclusively designed by Greg Darnall, and we are very fortunate to have had a long relationship with him. We have talked about different things in the past and Greg had a brainstorm that he has had in the back of his mind for sometime now. Our first bit launch is with Greg Darnall and it is exclusive to us. It is a stainless steel D Ring Snaffle that comes in 9 different mouthpieces.

A - When I told my friends that I was doing this to alleviate stress, they laughed. Starting a new business is stressful, but the relief comes from the fact that I have always had a leather shop and have produced and designed leather products, and having worked with manufacturers on starting new brands my entire life. I have worked on these brands taking them to market, setting up sponsorships and taking them to the top, so it is more of a full circle for me. It’s the full circle, the circle of life. I started out at the bottom of the circle and I worked my way back around to the top, and it is that experience and knowledge that has given me the opportunity, confidence and belief that has led me to this chapter. Life is a journey and thru some of the health issues that I have had, it came to fruition that it was time to start the next chapter of my journey.

continued on page 34

WD Leather and Bits founded in January 2024 by Chris Weaver and Tammy Donnell Weaver. WD for Weaver-Donnell. Chris started creating equine leather products in 1993. Chris’s experience in the equine industry has spanned a lifetime from growing up showing horses, competing in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assoc. for over 10 years, retail store owner, national sales rep, director of sales, consulting, and most recently Vice-President of Bob’s Custom Saddles. Chris has designed new equine products for leading manufacturers. Tammy has also spent a lifetime in the equine industry from showing and training horses, retail, manufacturing, marketing, branding, and 20 years as an AQHA Judge.

Chris &Tammy have had their share of health challenges and made the decision to follow a dream and live life on their own terms.

All Photos: Tammy Donnell

CHRIS WEAVER INTERVIEW

This next chapter is about taking all of those experiences, all of that knowledge and all of the effort that people had put into me, plus the confidence they had in me, and turn that into the next legacy brand inside of the western equine industry.

Q

- You have been so influential to this industry working with Bob’s, and actually reinventing a well known brand. Now you are going to create your own brand. How does it feel to go one to that next adventure while leaving your brainchild that you helped to rebuild at Bob’s?

A - It was truly an honor to be a part of a company like Bob’s. It was also really an honor to be a part of a company like Weaver Leather, the Cactus Ropes entities, and Montana Silversmith. What an honor to have been part of all of that! But like I said, the circle came around.

Even when I was in the retail business where I operated and ran retail stores, it was just time. It is very humbling to step outside and take on the fears. We cannot live in fear. I lived in the world of fear for the last 4 years of my life thru my treatments. Fear is not a good place to be. I am going to take my passions and look them straight in the eye and put this new adventure all together. People can say umbrellas, or trees, whatever. We planted a seed and we are going to water it, watch it grow and take it as far as we can.

Q - What are the products that you sell at WD Leather and bits?

A - Currently, the leather products that we have are from a working leather standpoint. Everything is latigo, or latigo lined, or harness. It is all doubled and stitched & glued. The construction of the product is built for using. That is where we are starting. We also have silver pieces and an exclusive line of 9 bits that Greg Darnall designed for us. They are a D-Ring snaffles with 9 different mouthpieces. This is where we start and as we grow and have people ask us for different things, we grow more. Our main goal is to have a product that is all about feel. A better feel and function that will be a better way to communicate with your horse. We can take custom orders, and add custom brands.

Q - Chris you recently married Tammy Donnell. Tammy will you be playing a part in this?

Q - Where can we see or purchase the new “WD Leather and Bits” products?

A - WDLeather.com is our website and it is up and running. Soon we will have a schedule of events that we will be set up at. When that is ready, you can find that on our website as well.

WD Leather was officially launched to the public on March 1st, 2024. We are brand new, and we are building that next level including what events we will be going to conquer next. We are also working on some award programs with different events. That will be another place to branch out and showcase our products.

A - Tammy: Yes, I will. Chris and I met at the NRHA Futurity regarding my daughter’s saddle certificate. She won the saddle and we contacted Chris about making the order. We officially met on December 6th, 2019 and have been together ever since. The first 2 years were tough, and was mostly spent 1,000 miles apart. We had planned to get married sooner, but being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing multiple different kinds of treatment delayed us. With one of the treatments hospitalizing him for 28 days and then he acquired a severe infection. We got him past that and sadly enough, shortly after, I got diagnosed with breast cancer. My treatments were tough as well, and time just kept going forward. We got married in December of 2023 and I was 4 weeks past radiation. We have had a bit thrown at us in more ways than one, but we came out stronger than ever.

“Our bits are exclusively designed by Greg Darnall.”

I will be working on the website, photography and the marketing. I have been in the industry my entire life, and was an AQHA judge for 20 years. I have trained horses, we won many championships, and my horses were a hot commodity for trainers and clients to buy. My perspective is a bit different from Chris’. He has been in the design and sales side, while I have been in the industry on the other side, the consumer side. The last 10 years I have had a strong focus on digital marketing,

websites, branding, social media, and photography.

Chris: There are 2 parts to this project; who is WD Leather & Bits, and what is WD Leather & Bits? The who is what we just went over. Tammy and I working together on this project. The fact of her story, my story and getting connected is just the beginning. What is WD Leather? It is a product line that we put together with integrity and authenticity. It’s building a product and brand that isn’t here today and gone tomorrow. The purpose and function of it is to take my passion and all my experiences in the western equine industry from being a competitor, a trainer, and rider, to being a sponsor, running companies, developing product for other brands and building brands. Putting that all together with the passion that I have of putting the horse and rider first and connecting them so that they have better tools to communicate with. The value to the consumer is knowing that when you buy a WD Leather product it was not created for the sole reason of being profitable, it is being built for the sole purpose of being better. This mind-set facilitates creating exceptional products for an industry that I love.

strength, will wick away sweat and overall function better. It is not from the standpoint that we are trying to out do somebody else, we are just trying to be the best we can be.

Q - Are you based in Arizona?

Q - What makes WD Leather better?

A - Well better is a perception, and perception is someone’s opinion. So, what I believe is that I am working with all that I have learned over 30+ years making a living in this industry. I have worked with some of the best in this industry and have taken that knowledge while working with the manufacturers, to source the finest raw materials. We have worked together to create hardware that fits better, functions better, leather that has more durability,

A - We live in North Scottsdale. I built a workshop and all of the products are built there. The designs and patterns are things that I have had for years and have tested and re-tested over and over. We have made sure that they fit better and have feel, function, and balance.

Q - Tell us about this one headstall with the extra stitching, what is it called?

A - Yes, it is a browband snaffle bridle. It is a double and stitched latigo headstall, 3/4 inch wide, it is made for someone riding 2 and 3 year olds. It’s tough, virtually indestructible, while having great fit and comfort for the horse. The younger horses, we have to give them every chance we can to let them learn and feel better, so that’s the goal. The name of this headstall has a story, WDRG234. You can read the story on our Blog at WDLeather.com.

Q - When you talk about how these leather products are made so they don’t stretch, are stronger, tougher, etc. Can you tell us what that really means?

A - What makes us different are the raw materials we choose to use and how we put it all together for ultimate fit, feel and function facilitating better connection with your horse. It sounds like a special recipe, and in a way it is. There are other people that buy the same leather that we do, they just don’t put it together like we do. Our recipe is different, how we put it all together is different.

out

or call (480) 934-5444.

Chris & Tammy

Tik Maynard Wins Road to the Horse 2024

The World Championship of Colt Starting saw an international array of horsemanship talent at Road to the Horse 2024, as fans witnessed various training methods from competitors around the world. From March 21-24, fans were on the edge of their seats at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena, as the world’s best colt starters competed for the world championship title and $135,000 in prize money. Throughout the four days of competition, one common theme was witnessed — the horses always came first.

“We are so pleased with how emotional and captivating the Road to the Horse journey was from start to finish,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “Our hats are off to all the competitors, fans, sponsors and crew who make it all possible.”

The Wild Card Challenge, presented by Platinum Performance, proved to be an exciting addition to the event as Lindsey Patterson, John Baar and C.D. Wilcox partnered with Pitchfork Ranch fillies for their chance to advance into the championship round. Each Wild Card was teamed up with a past Road to the Horse competitor. Brandi Lyons, Mike Major, and Pat Parelli all took the role of Pen Wrangler as they offered their advice and assistance to their Wild Card competitor.

With an Olympic theme, the United States, Canada, and Australia were well represented in the Championship Competition by Ken McNabb, Tik Maynard and Donal Hancock. These international competitors were joined by C.D. Wilcox, who qualified for the Championship Competition by winning the Wild Card Challenge held on Thursday and Friday. New for this year, the AQHA Best Remuda award-winning Pitchfork Ranch from Guthrie, Texas, provided both the colts and fillies for the championship and Wild Card remudas. In the end, Tik Maynard rode away with the championship aboard CAPERA CATT (#11, Goodluck Catt x Becaco Capera by Mr Haida Flo).

Tik Maynard rode away with the 2024 Road to the Horse championship and $135,000 aboard Capera Catt. (Credit: Road to the Horse)

“The biggest emotion I feel is just an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything that has led me to this place,” stated Maynard.

Maynard won all three rounds of the Championship competition with his colt. The pair’s quiet and steady progress throughout kept all in awe as he easily moved through the different components of the event. He finished with a cumulative score of 1,023.5.

The duo sealed the deal in the obstacle course of Sunday’s competition and earned a standing ovation as they left the arena. Maynard demonstrated impressive horsemanship throughout the entire competition and mentioned several times how much of an emotional roller coaster the event is as a competitor.

In total, Tik Maynard finished with $90,000 in earnings and received a Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle, an award saddle from Circle Y Saddles, and a custom Western hat from JW Brooks Custom Hat Co., along with several of prizes from Road to the Horse partners.

C.D. Wilcox chose filly #5, TIGHTFITTENBLUJEANS (Once In A Blu Boon x Shiney Tea Pot Doc x Tejons Peppy Doc), a partnership that took him to the top of the scoreboard and directly into the Championship competition.

“Road to the Horse means the world to me,” Wilcox said. “It’s a great opportunity for anybody. Win, lose or draw, this thing is so much fun, so well produced, I would do it for the rest of my life if they would let me.”

At the end of the Wild Card Challenge, Wilcox received $5,000 for winning along with an award saddle from Circle Y Saddlery, and a custom Western hat from JW Brooks Custom Hat Co. The second-place Wild Card competitor, Patterson, received $3,000 and Baar received $2,000 in third place. Each Wild Card and Championship competitor also received a YETI cooler, custom leather jacket from Rocket Donkey and an array of products from our valued partners.

Road to the Horse 2024 World Championship Competition Tik Maynard | Cumulative Score: 1023.5

$200,000 ADDED TO THE 2024 NCHA WORLD FINALS PRESENTED BY BROKE SPUR RANCH

FORT WORTH – For the second year in a row, the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is proud to announce the NCHA World Finals, presented by Broke Spur Ranch, will take place during the 2024 Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity. Broke Spur Ranch, along with the World Finals Task Force, aka the silks program, and the NCHA, have committed and collaboratively raised an additional $200,000 to be spread throughout all divisions of the World Finals.

2024 AQHA Initiatives

Our initiatives are our

strategic plan on how we can best serve our members.

AQHA Chief Executive Officer

Karl Stressman shares what’s next for 2024 and the Association’s mission-driven plan to drive AQHA

The American Quarter Horse Association has made some significant progress over the past two years when I joined the AQHA team as CEO. As we dive into 2024 as an Association, we are looking at a new set of initiatives. We started this initiatives deal back in the spring of 2022 to create a strategic plan for the Association or another way of putting it, a plan to define our vision for the future and actionable steps to get there. The goal of sharing these initiatives with you, the members of AQHA, is so we are all aware of what is going on, what we are planning and then we can show the progress we have made at the end of the year.

These 2024 initiatives are:

Continue development and progress on MyAQHA.com, AQHA’s new business portal, to better serve members.

Update the new phone system.

Increase membership engagement and awareness of the benefits of being an AQHA member. Engage AQHA affiliates and local equine groups. Our primary focus is on these areas, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to work in other areas, including those that were initiatives in 2022 and 2023. Another goal of ours is to challenge staff to think critically and creatively about how we can better serve our members. This year, we are also refocusing our mission and vision. Our goal is still to preserve the integrity and welfare of the American Quarter Horse, but we are striving to be the global champion for the American Quarter Horse and the unmatched equine industry leader. This vision applies to all that we do and is a motivator that with each program and every new idea we generate we need to be at our absolute best.

As a reminder, when we are establishing our initiatives each year, the plan has three parts:

Establish the most important initiatives for the Association at the time.

Accomplish those key initiatives to the best of our ability, rather than take on too many initiatives and only reach partial completion.

Continue to strengthen our team, because the stronger our team is, the stronger the results will be and the better we can serve you.

Our initiatives are our strategic plan on how we can best serve our members.

Every day that I go to work with our staff at AQHA and work for our members and our American Quarter Horse is a privilege and one I don’t take lightly. Executing this strategic plan with our AQHA Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Standing Committees and council members and, of course, our affiliates representing more than 130 countries, is an exciting challenge we are ready to take on.

My open-door policy still stands, if you ever run into me at an event, please don’t hesitate to say hi and introduce yourself or schedule a visit to come see us down at AQHA Headquarters in Amarillo. Getting to know each of you is a perk of this job.

I am excited for another year of progress and promoting the American Quarter Horse we all love! Let’s get after it together.

The American Quarter Horse Association saw progress in 2023. The statistics for AQHA membership, horse registrations and transfers, shows, races and more can now be found in the 2023 AQHA Annual Report.

At our 2024 AQHA Convention, I followed up on where we landed with the 2023 initiatives, read more here.

We also shared some wins from our registration department:

Our Member Services Team

caught up on the backlog of new registration applications so that they are processed within a few days of receiving them so long as they are received in good order.

2023 AQHA Annual Report

received in order.

The team also caught up on the transfer backlog and new transfers received were being processed within a few days in most cases so long as everything was

Finally, in 2023 we completed more than 10,000 aged transfers, which is work AQHA didn’t receive all requirements for initially and landed in a pending queue.

The results of this work can be seen in the statistics in the 2023 AQHA Annual Report.

You’ll find significant advancement in the audit section of the 2023 Annual Report. AQHA CFO Andrew Barbe’s letter details some of the highlights.

The Annual Report also gives members insight into the Association’s functions, goals and how AQHA operates as a business with its focus on service in the most efficient way possible.

View the 2023 AQHA Annual Report or download the Executive Summary at www. aqha.com/annualreport.

KARL STRESSMAN SCAN FOR

Ranch horse added money exceeds $121,000 at

By Jessica Hein

2024 APHA World Show

Ranch horse exhibitors, get ready to cash in at the 2024 APHA World Champion ship Show, which features $121,500 in added money for ranch events. The show features APHA world championships, sweepstakes and other special bonuses for Paints, along with allbreed Ranch Horse Triple Crown and International Ranch Horse Association Futurity and world championship events.

All-around added money nears $100,000 for 2024 APHA World Championship Show

By Jessica Hein

All-around added money at the 2024 APHA World Championship Show has swelled to nearly $100,000 this year. The exclusive bonus purses are available in tons of hunter under saddle, Western pleasure, longe line and trail classes at the 2024 World Show.

Challenge, sweepstakes, stakes and Gold Breeders’ Futurity classes are open to Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred horses, giving them all a shot at the all-around added money. Southern Belle Breeders’ classes are open to Regular Registry horses only and take place concurrent with the respective world championship class.

The World Show takes place June 21-July 7, 2024, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Don’t forget to enter corresponding APHA world championship classes, too. Also, all Youth world championship classes pay out up to four scholarships worth $1,250 total. All told, the 2024 World Show will award more than $1.5 million in cash and prizes. Pre-entries are due May 15 for the best rates. Online entries will open in April.

No qualifying required!

Cinch NFTR - highest team count in roping industry

$3.3 million, 1,500 Horses and 1,100 Corrientes

The Cinch National Finals of Team Roping continues to boast the highest team count in the roping industry while paying out nearly $3.3 million in cash plus an additional quarter million in prizes to nearly 5500 teams from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America.

Albuquerque, New Mexico - The United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC) held its prestigious finals event, The Cinch National Finals of Team Roping, in Fort Worth, Texas from April 21st through Sunday April 28th. For 35 years, team roping families have gathered to compete for the coveted title of “US Finals” Champion Header and Heeler and this year’s annual event saw lifelong friends, brothers, sisters, moms and dads, and new acquaintances roping together for a chance at great payouts, Gist Buckles, Scott Thomas Saddles, Resistol Hats, Horse Power Boots, Yeti Coolers and Succeed Equine supplements that came with every first place Shoot-Out check.

In total, there were 18 different divisions, from the Open to the #7 and three divisions of breakaway roping. On the days where

both disciplines were going full steam, an impressive four competition arenas would be running simultaneously. All arenas were live streamed on USTRC.com and Roping.com viewed by thousands across the country.

Johnny Johnson, President of the USTRC attributes the success of this finals event to the team of individuals who make the USTRC happen all year-round.

“We are so fortunate to have so many talented people who contribute to the success of this event,” Johnson said. “Yes, this finals was an awesome experience, from the production to the great trade show.” He continued, “But we wouldn’t be here without all of the USTRC producers who put on the qualifying ropings all over the country. Those producers and their local team ropers are the backbone of this association, and we couldn’t do it without them.”

The USTRC’s Finals moved from the fall to the spring and from OKC to Fort Worth, five years ago. The event has remained a must attend event and a testament to its loyal following by the USTRC ropers who enjoy a high quality production, relatively low entry fees and large payouts that everyone in the family can participate in. The #10 Shootout was the highest paying division at $349,500 with the #11 Shootout and #9 Shootout close behind paying $342,160 and $326,000 respectively.

To accommodate the huge number of teams, as done in the past, three arenas were used in the progressive after one competition.

“We’ve clocked it,” Jett Sharp, Event Manager said, “If you catch your first one in the John Justin, coil up and ride into the outside Pavilion, catch that one, then rope your third one in the Will Rogers Coliseum, it takes a tick over twelve minutes. It’s fast, fun, and as a roper you get to ride your adrenaline rush all the way through and not sit and wait for hours to run the next steer.”

All but one night, even with the large turnout, the ropings concluded close to 5:30 pm which allowed competitors and families to enjoy the great food and atmosphere that is one-of-a-kind in “Cowtown.”

Getting back to the facility, it takes a special place to not only house the 1500 horses that fill the stalls, but also the 1100 Corrientes that are needed to pull off such a roping.

“Our cattle guys have absolutely stepped up to the plate.” Johnson remarked. “There is absolutely nothing harder than trying to have three arenas going at the same time with the same caliber of steers in each. The first arena is naturally going to get more runs on the cattle, a few less in pen two and a much smaller percentage of runs in arena three. That means our cattle crews have to constantly be on their toes working hard for the ropers to make sure the steers are not only fair, but also match the division and ropers that day. These professionals did as good of a job as we have ever seen and I’m awfully proud of all of them for working so hard for the team ropers.”

It takes an army to put on an event like the Cinch NFTR and there is a lot of behind the scenes, behind closed doors people who no one sees or knows about who glue it all together.

From the office staff to the chute crews in the three arenas, the stall and parking staff. Announcers and timers, flaggers, and the helpers in the tunnels keeping the ropers in order. The TV and streaming production team. All of the marketing and writing staff. Over 100 employees were on-site.

The Kimes Ranch Western Derby May 29- June 8 at Westworld of Scottsdale

At the Western Derby, increased added money await the 4- and 5-year-old horse and rider pairs, many of which competed at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® when the horses were 3 years old. Horses may be shown in either a snaffle bit or a hackamore in the Western Derby. They are judged in three challenging events: herd work, rein work and fence (cow) work, with a preliminary round of competition to determine who will return for the clean-slate finals. The Western Derby features nine divisions to suit all levels, from million-dollar riders in the Open, entry-level competitors in the Non Pro Limited and Boxing, and every level of competitor in between.

A Western Derby highlight is the Holy Cow Performance Horses CD Survivor Open Bridle Spectacular. The event features many of the industry’s seasoned and successful older horses that are in the bridle vying for $25,000 in added money through herd, rein and cow works. The Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular has $2,500 added.

In addition to the limited age event and the Spectaculars, a full slate of horse show classes feature added money that totals $52,750. This includes the Open and Non Pro Two Rein Spectaculars, Non Pro Bridle Spectacular, Non Pro Limited Spectacular and two Youth Spectaculars.

WORLD CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDER TIM O’CONNELL OUT FOR SEASON

O’Connell, who won consecutive world championships from 2016-18, had not competed since the conclusion of the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on Dec. 16, while recovering from a tear in his left groin.

O’Connell planned to come back this season, but those plans changed abruptly when he got on his first practice horse

since his injury over Easter weekend at the end of March.

“It was my first horse I got on and it pulled (the left groin) all apart,” said O’Connell, 32. “That was a horse you would put a beginner on. I have to have the same surgery done again. We are still working on a date to do that. I was cleared by three weeks before I got on a horse, and I was just making sure everything else was ready

as well. I felt good. I felt healthy. Everything that they asked me to do as far as (physical therapy) I did, and I had a lot of faith that everything was going to go according to plan and it just didn’t.”

Now, O’Connell is making a new plan.

“We are trying to figure out, No. 1 ‘Why it all came apart so easily?’ and No. 2, instead

of trying it again in another 12 weeks because I would still have some rodeo season left, there’s really no point. I’m going to let it sit four to six months and make sure it is really stuck and if we’re going to sit that long, I’m just going to have my ACL fixed on my right knee as well. I hurt that knee in 2017. I haven’t had an ACL in my right knee since Cheyenne of 2017.”

The ultra-competitive O’Connell doesn’t want to miss the season, but he knows that’s his best alternative at this point in his career.

“I’m going to come back in 2025 fully healthy for the first time in six or seven years,” O’Connell said. “This is a setback, but I’m not done by any means. The injury bug has definitely been a factor for me over the last five years. This is a mean game that we play, and it is physically demanding and sometimes there’s a domino effect.

“I have not had a break since I started making the NFR in 2014, and I made 10 straight Finals. I never really had a recovery time at all. My mentality is that I pushed through a lot of stuff but where I want to be at the end of the year has not been a factor since 2018. This is God’s timing to take the time and be with my family and get fully healed up and rejuvenate my hunger for this game and comeback fully healthy in 2025 ready to compete and go after a world title.”

The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway Roping WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Horse Health

The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway is an open event for all female Breakaway Ropers. This event will consist of the top 10 Breakaway Ropers in the World Standings, plus 15 Qualifiers to compete at the 10 round finals held November 28th-30th in Scottsdale, AZ.

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff

Modern equine diets tend to provide a skewed ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, underproviding omega-3s and oversupplying omega-6s. Cereal grains such as oats and corn, as well as many vegetable oils, are high in omega-6s, while hay and pasture provide omega3s, despite being low in total fat content. Canola and soy oil have an adequate omega-3 content, though still lower than the amount of omega-6 provided.

Too many omega-6s and too few omega-3s can result in excessive inflammation in the body. Therefore, having adequate amounts of omega3s in the diet to moderate the pro-inflammatory response of the omega-6s is desirable. The most useful omega-3 fatty acids for conferring health benefits are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as they have the most biological activity.

Optimal levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce body-wide inflammation and to support immune function with specific applications for allergies, skin conditions, respiratory issues, and joint health. Reproductive benefits include improved fertility, enriched colostrum quality, enhanced passive transfer of antibodies to foals, and increased sperm concentration, motility, and viability.

Rio Verde Horseman’s Association and foothills community hear Firewise Presentation

There have been 19 wildfires since 1974 in and around the Rio Verde Foothills. In submitting a Firewise USA application for Rio Verde Foothills, residents reflect on the collective commitment and proactive spirit that defines their community. The journey to enhance wildfire resilience will be a collaborative effort.

Residents of Rio Verde Foothills, have acknowledge the unique challenges presented by our high-desert landscape, invasive species, and the looming threat of wildfires. The recent Diamond Fire served as a stark reminder of the potential for devastation even in seemingly calm conditions, reinforcing the urgency of our collective preparedness.

The proposed application highlights a comprehensive approach to wildfire mitigation, community education, and active collaboration with local authorities. The establishment of a Firewise Community, with a focus on fuel reduction, individual property assessments, and ongoing community engagement, signifies our commitment to creating a safer living environment.

Outlined is a strategic plan that includes community-wide initiatives such as Firewise Days, educational seminars, and collaboration with local safety and public service groups. The engagement of local leaders, the dedication of volunteers, and the active involvement of every resident are pivotal components of our success.

By joining forces under the Firewise Community banner,the aim is not only to protect homes but to build a resilient and interconnected community that thrives in the face of potential challenges. The process serves

Shawn Gilleland with Rural Metro and Pedro Mungarro Deputy Fire Prevention Officer with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management for Arizona State.

Pedro Mungarro with Christopher Reed Prevention Captain Central Arizona and Tiffany Davila Public Affairs Department of Forestry and Fire Management for Arizona State Officer and Dynamite Water’s Damon Bruns (center).

as a testament to the unity and determination of Rio Verde Foothills residents to mitigate wildfire risks and ensure the safety of our community.

Community Overview

The Rio Verde Foothills, nestled in Maricopa County, is a unique blend of history, natural beauty,

dotted with horse ranches and residential homes. Despite the picturesque setting, challenges exist, especially with most residences located on dirt roads and not enough subscribing to Rural Metro Fire protection.

Goals and Objectives

To develop comprehensive means to reduce the risk of wildfire to lives, property, and resources in our community. RVFC will achieve this by promoting communication and providing education regarding Firewise principles. We will promote community-wide participation in the use of technology, policy and practices that minimize the loss of life and property to wildfire, independent of firefighting efforts. We will also make information regarding Firewise Construction Design and Materials available to the community for new and existing construction.

Education and Awareness

Objective: Increase awareness among residents about the wildfire risk in the community.

Strategies: Conduct community workshops, distribute educational materials, and utilize digital platforms to share information about the history of wildfires in the area and the importance of individual responsibility in prevention.

and community spirit. Bordered by a Maricopa County Park to the south, the City of Scottsdale to the west, and the vast expanse of National Forest to the east and north, our community boasts a rich heritage. Once the roaming grounds for cattle until 1983, the foothills have transformed into a landscape

Community Engagement

Objective: Foster a sense of shared responsibility for wildfire prevention.

Strategies: Organize community events, neighborhood meetings, and social gatherings to encourage open dialogue about fire safety. Establish a neighborhood watch system for early detection of potential fire hazards.

RURAL METRO FIRE STATION

NRCHA First Million Dollar Dam

The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) proudly acknowledges its first-ever NRCHA Million Dollar Dam, Scooters Daisy Dukes (Dual Smart Rey x Scooters Playmate x Freckles Playboy).

Owned by Aaron Cook, the 2009 sorrel Quarter Horse mare’s offspring have collected more than $1,036,175 in official NRCHA Lifetime Earnings. Her two highest-earning horses are Scooter Kat (2015 Quarter Horse stallion; by Kit Kat Sugar; LTE $600,000+) and Hazardouz Material (2016 Quarter Horse stallion; by Metallic Cat; LTE $211,364).

“She’s a unicorn, and I got very lucky,” Cook shared. The former Major League Baseball pitcher came to the horse world through his wife, Jennifer, who’s a lifelong horsewoman, specializing in barrel racing. After retiring from baseball in 2013, Cook took up trail riding, and his competitive streak led him to want more, which led him to cutting.

“I was at home asleep when my wife bought Scooters Daisy Dukes,” he recalled. “She knew I was looking for an amateur cutting horse and bought the mare in one of the Western Bloodstock Sales. She called me and told me to hook up the trailer to come and get my horse. Then she called me back and told me to bring the bigger trailer, because the mare came with three recipient mares carrying her babies.”

Talk about luck: one of those recipient mares was bred to Metallic Cat and the other two to Kit Kat Sugar, and one of the mare’s sons, only a yearling, was about to embark on a journey that would make him the highest-earning NRCHA horse in history.

“The Metallic Cat-bred mare foaled Hazardouz Material, which we sold to Linda Mars and Erin Taormino has shown,” Cook said. “Next thing I know, everybody is talking about Scooter Kat [owned by Eric Freitas and shown by Justin Wright, which became NRCHA’s highest-earning horse]. Once those two horses started showing, I had all kinds of people calling and asking if we had any babies out of her for sale.”

Today, Scooters Daisy Dukes lives out her retirement on the Cooks’ ranch in Oklahoma. She has her own acre of pasture to enjoy, with a neighboring 24-year-old retired mare and a mule as her neighbors.

“When Emily [Konkel, NRCHA Executive Director] called me to tell me about the achievement, it didn’t register at first what a big deal it is,” Cook said. “I didn’t realize she’s the first mare to have a million dollars in offspring earnings. She’s a huge blessing. We weren’t planning on this, but it has turned out to be a life-changing decision for us.”

NRHA Celebrates First $2 Million Dam

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly announces a historic milestone as Wimpys Little Chic, a revered member of the equine community, becomes the first NRHA $2 Million Dam. This remarkable achievement continues to solidify Wimpys Little Chic’s status as a legendary dam within the reining industry. Through her offspring, ‘Lexi’ has significantly impacted the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.

Wimpys Little Chic, owned by NRHA Hall of Famer Arcese Quarter Horses USA, stands as a paragon of excellence in the realm of reining, consistently showcasing unparalleled talent and grace in the arena with NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida at the reins. The pair are the only team in reining history to win the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, and the National Reining Breeders Clas-

sic consecutively and garnered more than $516,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) together.

Bred by Double Run Farm, Wimpys Little Chic is by NRHA $13 Million Sire Wimpys Little Step, and out of Double Run Farm’s great broodmare Collena Chic Olena.

At the American Performance Horseman (TAPH), presented by Teton Ridge, Wimpys Little Chic was well represented. Two of the five reining horses competing were her progeny: All Bettss Are Off and Finals Bound. The reining champion at TAPH, Down Right Amazing, is out of a daughter of Wimpys Little Chic, 2015 NRHA Futurity Champion Shesouttayourleague.

The 2020 NRHA Futurity Champions All Bettss Are Off (by Gunnatrashya) and Andrea Fappani earned second place and $75,000 at TAPH for owner Rancho Oso Rio LLC. The duo also took home $8,333 after placing 4th in the team competition. Finals Bound (by Gunnatrashya) earned third place bringing home $50,000 for owner Burnett Ranches, LLC/6666 Ranch with NRHA $2 Million Rider Cade McCutcheon at the reins and also earned $8,333 for placing 2nd in the team competition.

With a lineage steeped in greatness, Wimpy’s Little Chic continues to redefine the standards of excellence within the reining community. Her offspring have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and athleticism, earning acclaim and accolades at prestigious competitions across the globe.

“Wimpys Little Chic is simply the greatest reining horse to ever draw a breath,” said Flarida. “I have asked Michele [Flarida’s wife] to write a book about our journey in this life together. She said the chapter on Wimpys Little Chic (Lexi) would be entitled, ‘A Love Story.’”

Although the reining community mourned the loss of Wimpy’s Little Chic in October, her prowess and grace continue in her legacy of offspring. NRHA continued on page 82

Only 49 percent of veterinarians believe their profession is appreciated

Raising

awareness of and celebrating the essential behind-the-scenes care veterinarians provide for animals and communities worldwide was the driving force behind a

recent industry survey.

The Going Beyond Survey 2024, conducted by Kynetec on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim, aimed to present insights on the perceived levels of appreciation for the veterinary profession. A key finding includes only 49 percent of veterinarians believing their job is appreciated.

“Understanding the reasons why veterinarians feel their profession is underappreciated, raising awareness of often unseen and complex aspects of veterinary work, and most importantly, showing veterinary professionals that we recognize their essential work, is an important first step,” says Fabio Paganini, member of the Global Animal Health Executive Committee at Boehringer Ingelheim. “As a veterinarian myself, I know there is so much to love about this job. Together, we can showcase the relentless dedication, the genuine compassion, and the scientific know-how it takes to work as a veterinarian. It truly is a vocation to aspire to.”

The survey, conducted in March, was participated in by 1,056 companion animal, livestock, and equine veterinarians from the U.S., Japan, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Germany. The perceived levels of appreciation for the profession were relatively consistent across key types of veterinary teams—with only 48 percent of pet-focused (cats and dogs),55 percent of livestock,

and 42 percent of equine veterinary professionals reporting their profession was appreciated. This is despite 75 percent of survey respondents reporting feeling “personally” appreciated by their client base..

Of the participants, 49 percent felt they were underappreciated by clients when it came to understanding the “resilience to stress and emotional exhaustion” required from the job, with 48 percent reporting an underappreciation of the fact they “work despite feeling physically exhausted” and the way they “trade-off their worklife-balance to help animals.”

congratulates Wimpys Little Chic, Arcese Quarter Horses USA, and all who have played a part in her remarkable journey.

Her top-earning offspring are:

All Bettss Are Off (by Gunner), owned by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $506,091 NRHA LTE

Andiamoe (by Gunnatrashya), bred and owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $430,302 NRHA LTE

ARC Gunnabeabigstar (by Gunnatrashya), owned by HDC Quarter Horses, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $299,000 NRHA LTE

Shesouttayourleague (by Walla Walla Whiz), owned by DAG Ventures LLC, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $252,470 NRHA LTE

Finals Bound (by Gunnatrashya), Burnett Ranches, LLC/6666 Ranch, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $148,905 NRHA LTE

FROM PAGE 80 $2 Million Mare

By Jessica Hein / Paint Horse Journal

Got a Paint with cow sense?

Show off your Paint Horse’s moves in working cow horse & cutting events at the 2024 APHA World Championship Show, which features $19,000 added in those events. That’s in addition to world championship titles at stake and other great prizes.

APHA cutting events (world championships and sidepots)

$19,000 added for working cow horse & cutting at the 2024 APHA World Championship Show

take place July 1, before ranch cutting classes. APHA working cow horse events (world championships and Chrome Cash challenges) take place

July 2-July 4.

No qualifying required!

Chrome Cash 4- & 5-Year-Old Working Cow Horse Challenge

$6,500 added

Open to Regular Registry & Solid Paint-Bred horses

Concurrent with Junior Working Cow Horse world championship (Regular Registry only)

Chrome Cash 6-Year-Old & Older Working Cow Horse Challenge

$6,500 added

Open to Regular Registry & Solid Paint-Bred horses

Concurrent with Senior Working Cow Horse world championship (Regular Registry only)

Chrome Cash Non-Pro Working Cow Horse Challenge

$1,500 added

All ages

Open to Regular Registry & Solid Paint-Bred horses

Concurrent with Amateur Working Cow Horse world championship (Regular Registry only)

Chrome Cash Non-Pro Limited Working Cow Horse (Boxing) Challenge

$1,500 added

All ages

Open to Regular Registry & Solid Paint-Bred horses

Concurrent with Amateur Limited Working Cow Horse (Boxing) world championship (Regular Registry only)

Sponsored by APHA & Texas Paint Horse Breeders Association

Tobiano Loot

$500 added

Open to tobiano or toveros

Details: Awarded to the overall highest scoring tobiano/tovero entry in select world championship working cow horse classes

Marlene Eddleman McRae, and Jeana Day to

By Ann Bleiker

be Inducted into the 2024 ProRodeo Hall

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado –

The Solar Eclipse was not the only big news of the day as the Class of 2024 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees were announced on Monday, April 8 marking the 45th annual induction. A total of 10 will be inducted including two representatives from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) on July 13.

2024 Inductees

Marlene (Eddleman) McRae, the 1983 WPRA World Champion and Jeana Day, the 1974 WPRA World Champion will both be inducted into the WPRA Barrel Racing category. McRae and Day will join the following on the PRCA side – Kaycee Feild (bareback riding). Art Arnold (team roping) Blue Stone (bull riding – honored posthumously) J.D. Yates (notable) Sammy Andrews (stock contractor), bullfighter Darrel Diefenbach (contract personnel), Burns Rodeo Company’s bull #171 Mr T (livestock), and TriState Rodeo in Fort Madison, IA (rodeo committee). Bob Feist will also be honored with the Ken Stemler Pioneer Award during the Cowboy Ball on July 12.

Outside of the arena she has contributed to the growth of the sport of barrel racing as a clinician, innovator and elected voice for WPRA members. As a clinician from 1980-2015 she personally taught and shared her knowledge at over 500 clinics across not only the United States but the world. She also published a book, Barrel Racing 101, and created the Millennial Series video program to help those unable to attend one of her clinics.

As an innovator for over three decades, she has been involved in the development of her own line of saddles and tack, including introducing the first ever carbon fiber saddle tree. And last but not least, she served two different terms on the WPRA Board of Directors, first as a Circuit Director and then as the director of the Futurity and Derby program.

She was honored in 2018 with the Calgary Pioneer Award and was the first American female to receive this honor. In 1995, she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and now she can add ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee to her list of accomplishments.

McRae, who grew up in Ordway, Colorado, not only made an impact in the arena but also gave back serving two different stints on the Board of Directors first in 1990 and again in 2016.

“It was great to hear it from Jimmie, that was outstanding in itself,” stated McRae about receiving the call on her induction from WPRA President Jimmie Munroe. “This is a dream come true. Rodeo has made so many of my dreams come true and I would have to say this tops the cake. This was probably the final dream that I have dreamed of for my rodeo career.

“Being from Colorado, I am really glad WPRA members are now part of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. It means a lot to me because I have been around the Hall the majority of my life. I wish both my parents were still alive to see it, but they will see it happen from heaven.”

McRae’s Hall of Fame career inside the rodeo arena consisted of qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo a total of 10 times (1983-1991, 2000), won the world title in 1983, won the NFR average twice (1983, 1988), finished as reserve world champion behind the legendary Charmayne James three times (1987-89), reserve champion at the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo (1988-89 –now known as the NFR Open that is held in Colorado Springs, CO in July), won the Calgary Stampede title five times (the most of any WPRA barrel racer – 1984-85, 87, 89-90) and won the gold medal at the Olympic Command Performance in conjunction with the Winter Olympic Games in Calgary in 1988.

Day of Woodward, Oklahoma, etched her name in the WPRA history books winning the barrel racing world title in 1974. A six-time NFR qualifier, she also finished as reserve world champion four times (1970-73) prior to capturing the world title. She accomplished all of this aboard a horse called Poco Excuse, a horse that was an unlikely WPRA world champion – he was small, just 1,000 pounds, and not expected to have much speed with only cow horse breeding. However, his outstanding heart took him and his jockey to new heights and even led to the formation of one of the WPRA’s most coveted awards – the Horse with the Most Heart Award, given at the NFR each year.

“I was just blown away when I got the news from Jimmie (Munroe),” stated Day upon learning of her induction. “I was overwhelmed and speechless and for those that know me it takes a lot for me to be speechless. I feel so honored and blessed to be receiving this news today. I am just all smiles.”

Day also spent 11 years on the WPRA Board of Directors during a pivotal time in the history of the Association when they took a stand for equal money in the barrel racing. She served two different terms (1975-1979 and 1986-1991).

She got her math degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and until her retirement in 2023 was teaching high school math in Fargo, Oklahoma. In 2016, she was the parade grand marshal for the Woodward (OK) Elks Rodeo, her hometown rodeo.

JEANA DAY

PHOTO BY WPRA

MARLENE EDDLEMAN MCREA

PHOTO BY WPRA

NRCHA Launched The NRCHA Incentive Program

The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) will launch the NRCHA Incentive Program for the 2025 Stallion Stakes. This program advances the current Subscribed Stallion Program to bring larger payouts and more recognition to the sport of reined cow horse.

“NRCHA is excited to announce the new NRCHA Incentive Program,” said Emily Konkel, NRCHA Executive Director. “Our Board, staff and task force have spent countless hours working through the program’s details, and we believe it will transform the cow horse industry by increasing payouts and bringing even more value to these incredible horses.”

The new program will allow stallion owners and all breeders to remain connected to their horses’ offspring throughout their careers in the show pen. As with the current program, stallion owners must pay a subscription fee for each foal crop to be eligible to compete at the Stallion Stakes. Additionally, all foals must be nominated into the program by paying a one-time nomination fee.

The NRCHA Incentive Program will allow NRCHA to increase payouts to the competitors at the Stallion Stakes and reward the stallion subscribers and foal nominators for their offspring’s success in the show pen.

“It’s time for NRCHA’s breeders, stallion owners and competitors to earn the payouts and recognition they deserve for showcasing the best-trained horses in the Western industry,” Konkel said. “We’re thrilled to launch this program and can’t wait to see the increase in payouts for the supporters of reined cow horse at the 2025 NRCHA Stallion Stakes.”

At the 2024 Stallion Stakes, the limited-age classes paid out just over $500,000 to the competitors, and the sire of the Open Stallion Stakes champion took home a check for $2,500. With the new NRCHA Incentive Program designed to build million dollar payouts, competitors could potentially compete for over a million dollars next year. Additionally, stallion subscribers and offspring nominators will earn checks for every horse that makes the finals in the Open and Non Pro divisions.

Beginning at the 2025 Stallion Stakes, horses competing in the limited-age event must be sired by a subscribed stallion and nominated into the NRCHA Incentive Program. NRCHA is offering a one-time nomination of $275 for all eligible horses, regardless of age, due by November 1, 2024. Any stallion currently enrolled in the Subscribed Stallion Program will be offered a $1,000 credit for each year they’ve been enrolled to put toward their enrollment in the new program.

NRCHA will host a free webinar addressing the NRCHA Incentive Program on Wednesday, May 1, at 4:30 p.m., CT, that will allow members, breeders and owners to learn more about the program. For more information on the program and to register for the webinar, visit nrcha.com/nrcha-incentive-program.

NRCHA 2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED

The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is proud to welcome the inductees for 2024 NRCHA Hall of Fame class R. Mike Miller from Big Piney, Wyoming, Jody Gearhart of Tehachapi, California and the 1978 stallion Mister Tiv who was owned by Larry and Jody Gearhart. Additionally, the NRCHA will recognize Paul and Amy Bailey of Sparta, Tennessee, as Hall of Merit recipients and Gene Armstrong from Paso Robles, California as the 2024 Vaquero Award Recipient.

The NRCHA will recognize the induction class of 2024 at the Hall of Fame Banquet that will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, during the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes at the South Point Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas.

Miller has been a NRCHA member since the late 1980s and has found himself to the winner’s circle earning more than $623,000. He has been a multiple finalist in both the Open and Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity®, along with making the finals at numerous other premier events, including the 1999 World’s Greatest Horseman Finals.

Gearhart has had a lifelong passion for the reined cow horse industry. For nearly 40 years Jody competed throughout the levels of the NRCHA. She is a three-time Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity® Champion; winning it on Peppy Smoke Bar Lady in 1987, then returning the next year to win it on

Jody Gearhart

Cash Little Lena in 1988 and in 1994 capturing her third title on Master Rani Chex.

Larry and Jody Gearhart’s Mister Tiv success in the reined cow horse was unmatched during his career in the show pen. The stallion by Johnny Tivio and out of the mare Night Mist by Midnight Third earned back to back titles in the Open Bridle Sweepstakes in 1986 and 1987, a feat that has only been accomplished by four other horses in the history of the event.

Paul and Amy Bailey have been involved in the NRCHA for nearly 30 years. Their love for the industry far extends outside of the show pen. Paul has served on the

Paul

many committees in the NRCHA including the Executive Committee and as the VicePresident. Both Paul and Amy have spent many years supporting the reined cow horse through their service, sponsors and passion for the sport.

The NRCHA Hall of Fame recognizes the people who represent the most impactful horsemen and women who have shaped the reined cow horse, along with the horses who have proven their merits over the years, through performance and progeny. The NRCHA Hall of Merit recognizes the people whose contributions outside of the arena have helped to guide and advance the sport of reined cow horse. For more information about the NRCHA Hall of Fame visit nrcha.com.

Mike Miller

Photo by Stacy Judd.

& Amy Bailey

Each quarter, the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee approves applicants for the AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders program. The following ranches are now approved as AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders: Diamond Bar Quarter Horses of Parade, South Dakota

AQHA Announces new Ranching Heritage Breeders

Spur Brand Horse Program of Juntura, Oregon

AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder Qualifications

AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders embody the longevity, integrity and honesty of the ranching tradition. AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders are those who breed and raise ranch-type horses, which re-

main at the core of AQHA and epitomize the breed’s versatility.

To be recognized as a Ranching Heritage Breeder, breeders must meet the following criteria:

The ranch must be an AQHA member.

Ranch remudas must consist of registered American Quarter Horses maintained for the specific purpose of operating a working cattle ranch.

The ranch must own at least five American Quarter Horse mares that are used to produce the remuda, and the ranch must breed and register at least five foals annually.

The ranch must have received at least an AQHA 10year breeder award.

The ranch must apply to and be approved by the AQHA Ranching Committee and AQHA Executive Committee.

The ranch must pay a $25 annual fee to maintain its status as a Ranching Heritage Breeder.

Looking for a Ranching Heritage Breeder?

Here’s the list of current AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders. This list is updated quarterly. For more information about the RHB program, please contact AQHA.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www. aqha.com/news or tune into our Podcast, “Let’s Talk AQHA.”

JOSH FROST SNARES FIRST GEORGE PAUL MEMORIAL

There are cowboys. And then there are those who live the cowboy way. Josh Frost might as well run his highlights in black and white. He is old school. His hobby is riding horses and roping. And he just happens to be one of the best bull riders in the world.

Frost continued his pursuit of a fourth consecutive berth

XTREME BULL RIDING WIN

in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with his third Xtreme Bulls victory this season. Frost eclipsed the competition Saturday night, claiming the average title with 179 points on two head at the George Paul Memorial Bull Riding in Del Rio, Texas.

“It was such a great environment. It was awesome, one of

the coolest. They are totally into it,” Frost said. “It was so loud in there you could barely hear the whistle.”

Frost brought the noise with his 91-point ride on Sutton Rodeo’s Schott in the Dark in the short round. The 28-year-old knew when he drew the stock, he had more than a shot in the dark to win the top prize.

“The whole short round there were a lot of great bulls. I don’t know if he was the best, but he dang sure was in the top 3,” Frost said. “It was a really good ride. I had seen that bull a couple of times and always wanted to get on him. He took me right, then he was going left. I wasn’t ever in a perfect position. But, yeah, it worked out.”

Frost arrived at the event No. 9 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. His goals remain lofty after finishing second in the world standings last season fueled by netting third place at the NFR.

“Yep (I want to win it all). It’s easy to keep my focus. I love riding bulls and not that many people love doing their job. So, the motivation keeps me going,” Frost said. “And I know it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

What makes Frost unique is his versatility. He has won the Linderman Award four straight years by earning money in tiedown roping, steer wrestling and team roping. He has yet to compete in those events this season as he worked through an injury but will do so next month.

Arizona Ridge Riders trade 2024 first-round draft pick for Dener Barbosa

GLENDALE, Ariz.– Western media and entertainment company Teton Ridge, owner of Arizona’s professional bull riding team, the Arizona Ridge Riders, announced today a trade of their first round draft pick at the upcoming May 29, 2024 PBR Teams League New Rider Draft in exchange for Dener Barbosa (Paulo de Faria, Brazil).

“We look at any draft pick as an opportunity to obtain the very best athlete we can,” said Ridge Riders Coach Colby Yates. “Just like last year, when we traded our first-round pick to obtain Colten Fritzlan,

we felt this was the best acquisition for our team. Dener is a proven veteran of the sport with seven PBR World Finals qualifications - five of which he finished within the Top 15 in the world. Consistency like that, both individually and on a team, is what wins games and ultimately the championship.”

Having arrived in the U.S. in 2016 after being crowned the PBR Brazil Champion, all eyes were on Barbosa for his impressive 80% riding percentage that championship season in Brazil. Despite battling some injuries over the years, the now 30-year-old Brazilian phenom has logged 19 event wins and twenty 90-point rides. He sports a riding percentage of 56% - with a 63% success rate on bulls that turn into his riding hand.

Barbosa was a member of the Nashville Stampede for two seasons. In the 2024 PBR Teams Expansion draft held earlier this month, the Oklahoma Wildcatters used their No. 9 pick to take Barbosa. He’ll suit up for the 2024 season, the league’s third, as an Arizona Ridge Rider.

The PBR Teams League launched in 2022, featuring the world’s top bull riders competing on eight teams in five-onfive bull riding games. Following expansion to 10 teams, the 2024 season begins in Oklahoma City on July 12, culminating in a team championship Oct. 18-20 in Las Vegas.

Having narrowly lost the inaugural season championship in the final game in November 2022, and repeating the same down-to-the-wire loss in 2023, the Ridge Riders are invested now more than ever in strengthening and training their team for the upcoming 2024 season.

“Our roster is one of the deepest in the sport,” remarked Ridge Riders General Manager

Casey Lane. “We are one of only two teams that have made it to the final day of the PBR Team Series Championship in each of the first two seasons. The goal this offseason was to keep the core team together and add a key piece or two in an effort to push us over the edge. Dener Barbosa is one of those key pieces.”

In addition to Barbosa, the 2024 athlete lineup is a collection of the world’s top competitors; including the return of powerhouse riders including Luciano De Castro (Guzolandia, Brazil), Eduardo Aparecido (Gouvelandia, Brazil), Keyshawn Whitehorse (McCracken Spring, Utah), Colten Fritzlan (Rifle, Colorado), Nick Tetz (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) and Chase Dougherty (Decatur, Texas). Coach Yates (five-time World Finals Qualifier) continues to lead the all-star squad.

The Ridge Riders represent one of several elevated Western sports properties that Teton Ridge has assembled under its

portfolio with the ultimate goal of elevating the western lifestyle and culture to a global stage. From acquiring and producing The American Rodeo and The American Contender Tournament, which awarded more than $4.6 million in cash and prizes in 2024, to assembling a team of the most accomplished and elite champions in the industry, Teton Ridge is committed to strengthening, enriching, and furthering western sports for future competitors.

Watch the Action CBS Sports

Tickets for the actionpacked, three-day Ridge Rider Days homestand event in Glendale Oct. 4-6, can be purchase at Ticketmaster. To follow the Ridge Riders journey throughout the 2024 season and beyond please visit them online or follow @arizonaridgeriders on Facebook and Instagram, or @ AZRidgeRiders on Twitter.

Photo courtesy of Andre Silva/ Bull Stock Media

Researchers investigate effects of furosemide on racehorses

Researchers at Washington State University have received over $370,000 for a 2-year study looking into the impact of a drug administered to thoroughbred racehorses. Furosemide, commonly known as Lasix, is given to horses before most races across the United States to reduce bleeding in their lungs.

Furosemide is a diuretic that has shown to reduce the prevalence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), which can cause bleeding in the lungs during exercise. The drug has spiked controversy from those doubting its effectiveness, believing it leads to other health ramifications, and creating a public perception issue for horseracing. The use of furosemide is currently prohibited on race days abroad, and a permanent ban within the United States is under consideration.

“We hypothesize that our study will show horses that regularly get furosemide before racing have more races and longer careers than those that don’t,” Warwick Bayly, BVSc (Honors), PhD, MS, leading the research alongside Macarena Sanz, DVM, PhD, MS, said in an organizational release. “The results of this study are going to help guide the final decision on the future use of furosemide.”

The grant was awarded to WSU by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which was founded in 2020 by Congress to regulate thoroughbred racing in the US. Although most tracks have applied for and received waivers while studies are being performed on the drug, HISA essentially banned its use. Despite having waivers, major racetracks, such as the Kentucky Derby, have banned the same-day use of furosemide in horses under the age of 3 years.

According to the release, researchers at WSU plan to analyze information gathered from around 30,000 racehorses. The work will start by breaking down the career trajectories of horses that started competing in 2011 and follow their performances until 2019. The goal of this phase is to give researchers a better understanding of how regular furosemide treatment correlates with increased career longevity and race participation.

Researchers also plan to investigate the impact of banning furosemide on horses’ careers and the number of starts for horses 2 years old. The plan is to have researchers compare horses that raced in 2011-2019, before the ban, and horses racing post-ban, from 2021-2025. Data will be collected from videos of horses at racetracks in early 2024 to evaluate EIPH’s severity and influence on participation over 18 months. The results of each study should provide crucial information to help HISA make informed future regulations on the use of furosemide in thoroughbreds before racing.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza found in Texas, Kansas dairy farms

This is reported to be the first instance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting dairy cattle, and it is only the second occurrence of HPAI being identified in a ruminant species.

The presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in laboratory samples collected from some affected cows has been confirmed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and

Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The discovery follows the agencies’ ongoing investigation into a disease event affecting predominantly older dairy cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico.

The HPAI virus was detected in samples that included unpasteurized milk and oropharyngeal swabs collected from dairy farms in Texas, as well

as two dairy farms in Kansas. This detection marks the initial occurrence of HPAI infection in dairy cattle, and only the second instance of the virus in a ruminant, according to a report by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

“The first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas underscores the importance of adherence to biosecurity measures, vigilance in monitoring for disease, and immediately involving

your veterinarian when something seems ‘off,’” says Rena Carlson, DVM, president of the AVMA. “A complete evaluation, including the collection and submission of laboratory samples and reporting to state animal health officials when appropriate, and in a timely fashion, are incredibly important,” Dr. Carlson adds.

The USDA, FDA, and CDC confirm there are no current safety concerns regarding the commercial milk supply.

“While this finding of HPAI in dairy cattle is concerning for the health of those animals and their production in the herd, it is crucial to remember that according to the USDA, FDA, and CDC, the risk to our food supply and the public more broadly remains low,” says Dr. Carlson.

Cattle owners are advised to monitor their animals closely for signs of disease, which may include reduced feed intake and reduced milk production. Affected dairies have reported about 10 percent of their milking cows have become ill, but without confirmed deaths associated with the virus.