Bridle & Bit Horse Magazine November 2022 Edition

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

ANDREA FAPPANI On The Road to the

THE AMERICAN

PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN

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ANDREA FAPPANI TETON RIDGE TEAM MEMBER INTERVIEW BY TRACY WAGER

Q - Did you foresee how

competitive performance horses would become 20 years ago?

A - Competition is always competitive. The numbers have definitely gotten bigger, and with that there is a whole new level.

For example, the top 5 guys were super competitive 20 years ago and now there is the top 30 that are that competitive. So, yes there is a lot more competition out there.

More than anything, it is the size of the sport now, as it is growing. The most exciting thing is that people that do not know anything about horses, they get to understand what Reining is and get familiar with the sport. That is the most important thing.

Q - Back then, would you have believed

that the prize money would grow to what it is today?

A - No, never. $100,000 for the Futurity Champion, we thought that was the biggest thing around. We thought that was huge!

More than that, we had the rest of the year where everyone was building up for the Futurity, because the Futurity was where you made your money for the year. Now there are so many other competitions that pay so much. There are people that can get close to winning $500,000 before they even get to the Futurity this year. It is pretty amazing where it has gotten to now.

Q - The American performance Horseman

is taking Reining to the next level of competition and prize money. For you as a Teton Ridge team member, how does that make you feel?

A - I feel proud. That is why I wanted to connect my name with the Teton brand. I listened to Thomas Tull talking to me a couple of years ago about his vision, and I knew it was just a matter of time. I think this is just the beginning of where he is going to take his brand and all Western sports to an all new level. We have seen it already with Taylor Sheridan and he has done an amazing job. This is even the next step. In the next couple of years, we will even see Reining on mainstream TV. This is going to take everything to a whole new level. If we think that we have seen it all now, like how much the horses are selling for, the growth of the competition and the prize money, I think this is just the beginning. After listening to that man, and hearing what he has done before, and what he envisions for us going forward. I think there are, for sure, a lot more exciting things to come.

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Q - That is really great to

hear Andrea, I knew there was a reason why you did this.

A - Everybody in the beginning thought I got a new client with a lot of money.

But for me, I have enough customers that can buy me horses, it is not about that anymore. I want to connect myself with people that make a difference in this sport.

Q - The NRHA Reining Futurity is an important event on the

road to the American Performance Horseman competition. How tough is it today to win the NRHA Futurity, compared to when you first won it?

A - Winning is always tough, like I said earlier. But just making the finals today and getting into the semi-finals is tough now. To be in the Top 5 now is a great achievement. For me I have always been a Futurity type of guy. That is my passion, that is where I started and where I am at today.

I am actually restructuring my program to concentrate more and more on just the young horses. I love the challenge. I love that the relationship between you and that young horse develops as you develop the mind and the body to perform at the top of the game on Saturday night. This year we have some nice horses leading up to the Futurity and I am really excited about it.

Q -Teton Ridge purchased the American

Rodeo and is overlaying the the American Performance Horseman as a one day event on what will be the biggest stage ever for Reining. Thomas Tull has emerged as the newest and biggest patron of the performance horse world that we have ever seen in 44 years at Bridle & Bit. You are on the Teton Ridge team, can you share with us a little about what he is up to?

THOMAS TULL A - The competition is going to be amazing. It is going to unify our worlds of Reining, Working Cow Horse and Cutting. I think this is long overdue. We have

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done a lot of great things on our own, and we have achieved great things in the different Associations on our own. But I think that unifying all three sports with one common goal of bringing the entire Western industry to a whole new level is the only way to get it done. Thanks to Thomas Tull we have all been able to get together. I do think that the competition is going to be very exciting.

We are bringing in a team competition as well, which we have never seen in these sports that have very much been about the individual.

For the public looking in, I think it is something they can really relate to and really get into. Everything the way it has been structured, there is a purpose for it. Not to just do something new, but to get people that may be coming in just for the Rodeo and they get to see Reining for the first time. They can see and understand Reining, or Cutting and Cow Horse and get excited about the competition. With 30 horses doing a Reining pattern, it can be pretty boring to a person that does not have a trained eye. The way this is structured is for TV and for people to get excited. Make it quick, exciting and where they leave wanting more. I think they will achieve that.

Q -The American Performance Horseman is being presented as a sporting event, not a horse show. How do you feel about that?

A -I think it is great, and I think that is the way it should be. At the

level that we are at right now, and with everything the sport has become, it should be considered more than just a horse show. It is an event, and that is the only way that it will be able to get to the next level. By presenting it as a sporting event, now you are going to get mixed up with the PBR and everything else. This is the only way to step it forward, and I do feel it was always a sporting event, not just a bunch of guys getting together to win a ribbon. We are trying to do something that has not been done before.

Q - We just caught up with you at the PBR Arizona Ridge Riders

Days competition in Glendale, AZ. Thomas Tull with Teton Ridge owns the Arizona Ridge Riders PBR team. What did you think about that event?

A - That was my first time. I thought it was really cool. I have watched some of the clips before, but I really like the way they structured it. Once again it is a team event and that brings a lot of people together. Teton has definitely done a really good job with the Ridge Riders. They have a really cool deal put together and the people from Arizona are really into it. I really enjoyed it. It was great! It makes me very proud to know that I am part of that Team also.

Q - How did it feel to be featured in an exclusive

editorial feature in Cowboys & Indians magazine in the October 2022 edition?

A - Once again, that is the vision that Thomas Tull had given me when we first met. All of this was part of that vision. The fact that he wanted me associated with this brand, that he wanted to bring my image to a whole new level. Tracy, you know better than anybody that thru my whole career I have tried to separate myself. I am not just a horse trainer. I wanted to be seen as somebody who could leave a mark on the industry and to help take the sport to a new level.

I thought it was exciting and there are many other things that we are working on in the future that will not only help me but the entire industry. At this point it is not about just winning another event, it is about leaving a mark and about taking our sport to a new level.

So, if I can inspire people to do what we do and make a life choice that can get them to have all of their goals achieved, like this sport has done for me, that is what I really aspire to do. That is kind of an exclamation point on the fact that we are seeing an evolution from just being a horse trainer to more of a public figure that can actually bring the sport to an all new level. I am proud to be a part of it.

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PHOTOS: TRACY WAGER

dle, a h S s Jon Rider e Ridg Casey GM e & Lan r ld o 5X W pion m Cha ke Lu nho ui q n a Br

AZ RI DG RIDER E CO-CO S ACH PAULO CRIM LESLE BER, Y BENN ETT & AZ RIDGE RIDER S CO-CO A C H COLB Y YAT ES

SOMBA AZ DANCERS PRE-GAME PARTY 22

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TISH FAPPANI, COTTON & CRYSTAL MCNUTT

DERRICK BEGAY

WORLD CHAMPION TEAM ROPER

RIDGE RIDER DAYS GLENALE, AZ

ANDREA FAPPANI

OCT. 15, 2022

GLENDALE MAYOR AUTOGRAPH SIGNING

JERRY WEIERS ACCEPTS PBR JERSEY FROM AZ RIDGE RIDERS GM CASEY LANE & PBR CEO SEAN GLEASON NOVEMBER 2022

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TAYLOR SHERIDAN KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT 2022 PRCA CONVENTION

BY TRACY RENCK, PSN EDITOR

Taylor Sheridan, a prominent American filmmaker and actor, will be the keynote speaker at the 2022 PRCA Convention in Las Vegas.

Sheridan will address convention attendees at the Grand Ballroom at the South Point Hotel and Casino, Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. (PT).

The gathering of PRCA members precedes the biggest event on ProRodeo's annual calendar, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge at the Thomas & Mack Center in Vegas, Dec. 1-10.

"We are honored Taylor Sheridan will keynote our convention," said Tom Glause, CEO of the PRCA. "He has a great understanding of the western way of life and appreciates the work ethic of our cowboys and what they represent."

The theme for this year's convention is On the Road Again, and Sheridan will address attendees on his career journey as a filmmaker and being inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

in 2021. Sheridan first reached prominence for portraying David Hale in the FX television series Sons of Anarchy and Danny Boyd in Veronica Mars (2005–2007).

Sheridan has written several films, including the screenplay for Sicario (2015), for which he was nominated for the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay.

He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Hell or High Water (2016), which was nominated for three other Oscars, including Best Picture.

Sheridan also wrote and directed the 2017 neo-Western crime film Wind River and wrote the 2018 sequel to Sicario. He is a co-creator of the Paramount Network hit television series Yellowstone and creator of its prequel 1883. In 2021, he co-created the crime miniseries Mayor of Kingstown. He most recently wrote the crime drama Tulsa King, which he co-created with Terence Winter. Tulsa King will premiere with two episodes Nov. 13 on Paramount+.

Convention attendees will discuss what enabled ProRodeo to overcome the challenges of the 2021 season and the changes facing professional sports in the years ahead. As in prior years, the convention will feature the State of the PRCA address from Glause as well as the PRCA Member Tradeshow.

The PRCA National Convention is the annual meeting of the organization's members. It is the gathering to review the achievements of the prior year and lay out new strategic areas of focus for the year ahead. The evenings are highlighted with fan favorites: the 15th annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on Nov. 28 honoring ProRodeo Hall of Fame stock contractor Mike Cervi, the 2022 Legend of ProRodeo; the PRCA Welcome Reception on Nov. 29, and the PRCA Annual Awards Banquet on Nov. 30 to recognize the extraordinary achievements of PRCA members.

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Champions Tornado Jonez and Lee Deacon 2022 Tornado Jonez and Lee Deacon secured the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futuirty® title with 224 on the cow, bringing their composite score to 667, to win both the Open and Intermediate Open divisions.

The pair earned $200,000 in the Open and another $45,000 in the Intermediate Open for owner Brandy Ragland.

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Experience the Diverse Talents of Western Women at the Fifth Annual Art of the Cowgirl Gathering

Cowgirls are as diverse as the boots and hats they wear and the horses they ride. Some make their living horseback, while others go from the boardroom to the barn. Cowgirl artists express their takes on the West through a variety of mediums, including paint, clay, silver, leather, rawhide, poetry and music. Art of the Cowgirl, founded by Montana horsewoman Tammy Pate, celebrates and perpetuates the timeless talents of Western women through educational fellowships, competitions and special events.

The fifth annual Art of the Cowgirl main gathering returns to Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, January 18-22, 2023, with a full schedule of exciting opportunities that will immerse male and female attendees in the Western lifestyle. The heart of Art of the Cowgirl is its fellowship program, which unites emerging female artisans in traditional trades such as silversmithing, leathercraft, bootmaking, horse training and fine art with masters in those fields. The gathering is a fundraiser to facilitate these partnerships, which empower and educate women while honoring Western heritage.

The upcoming event will include hands-on workshops, horsemanship demonstrations, artist and maker presentations, panel discussions and a silent art auction. In the arenas, skilled horsewomen will compete in ranch rodeo, breakaway roping and the third annual World’s Greatest Horsewoman competition. New to the event, world champion reined cow horse trainer Erin Taormino will offer a youth cow horse clinic, followed by a youth cow horse competition.

Throughout the weekend, a curated trade show will showcase original art, apparel, gear, gifts and accessories made by cowgirl artisans. Cowgirl musicians will perform on the stage and chuckwagon cooks will have their fires burning and serving samples of their camp-style cuisine. The gathering culminates with the Elite Ranch Horse Sale, featuring select horses trained by top horsewomen.

For those wanting the ultimate Art of the Cowgirl experience, VIP tickets will be available. VIPs receive priority seating and parking, a swag bag and invitations to special events and receptions where they can mingle with the masters and other influential people in the Western industry.

They also get to attend a new addition to Art of the Cowgirl: a compelling quick-draw competition co-hosted by the Cowgirl Artists of America. The artists will also be making their marks on range teepees, which will be sold to raise money for the fellowship

Art of the Cowgirl Showcases All Women’s Ranch Rodeo in Las Vegas For five years, Art of the Cowgirl has set the standard in all women’s ranch rodeo competition. Forty tough four-woman teams from throughout the western United States and Canada have competed at its annual main event. On December 6, Art of the Cowgirl is bringing all women’s ranch rodeo to Rodeo World at Resorts World in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We’re inviting the champion teams from our past events to compete in four events with 100 percent payback,” says Mesa Pate, producer of Art of the Cowgirl’s ranch rodeo events. “We’re hoping to showcase what Art of the Cowgirl and our ranch rodeo is all about.” The ranch rodeo will be held at 1 p.m. and is free to the public. It’s just one of the events being held at Resorts World during the week of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, which draws hundreds of thousands of rodeo fans from around the world. There will also be a Cowboy Makers Market, Cowboys Select Horse Sale, breakaway roping, the Bullfighters Only World Championship and 32

more.

“Rodeo’s roots are in ranching and holding this all women’s ranch rodeo during NFR week pays homage to the women who competed in early rodeos,” says Pate. “We feel it’s a good way for Art of the Cowgirl to have a presence during the NFR and give spectators a taste of what’s to come in January at our main event.”

Founded in 2019 by Montana horsewoman Tammy Pate, Art of the Cowgirl celebrates the role of women in rodeo, ranching, the horse industry and traditional western trades. The Art of the Cowgirl main event will be held January 18-22, 2023, at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek Arizona. It features educational workshops, musical entertainment, a curated trade show of handmade western items, the World’s Greatest Horsewoman and all women’s ranch rodeo competition, and the Elite Ranch Horse Sale. The event supports the Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship program, which pairs emerging female artisans in traditional western trades such as saddlemaking, bootmaking, silversmithing, rawhide braiding, western art and horse training with masters in their fields.

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Paint Horses double down in 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity wins

By Jessica Hein Vince Von dominated the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity, working his way to a six-figure payday with exhibitor Sarah Dawson for owner Wendy Buehler of Freeport, Michigan. The event took place October 6-22 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The 2019 sorrel overo gelding, who is by APHA stallion Stevie Rey Von and out of Hottness (QH), topped the APHA Chrome Cash special event, earning $1,240.

He doubled down in the Open Finals, scoring reserve championship honors and an additional $100,000 check.

Vince Von was in good chrome company in the finals, with a number of registered Paints taking their shots at the top prize. In fact, eight of the Top 10 finishing Open horses were either APHA registered or eligible for APHA registration, including Open Finals champion Tornado Jonez, who is also by Stevie Rey Von. Besides Vince Von, some of the top-earning APHAregistered competitors included: Nothing But Blu Cats & Cayley Wilson:$110,000 (3rd Open Finals, reserve Open Intermediate, Bossy Boons & Shane Steffen: $40,000 (5th Open Finals), Dollar Sign & Sophia Buttars: $49,200 (reserve Non-Pro Finals, champion, Non-Pro Intermediate and Non Pro Limited, finalist in Open & Open Intermediate finals with Brandon Buttars) Special shout-out to our APHA Chrome Cash checkcashers below—and thanks to War Ponies and Joey & LeeAnn Slipher for their sponsorship: Open Chrome Cash: Vince Von & Sarah Dawson: $1,240, Bossy Boons & Shane Steffen: $930 Night Wach & Tod Crawford: $310 (tie), SJR Stylish N Smooth & Matt Koch: $310 (tie), Dollar Sign & Brandon Buttars: $310 (tie) Non-Pro Chrome Cash, SJR Diamond Luna & Debbie Crafton: $650 (tie), Dollar Sign & Sophia Buttars: $650 (tie), Non-Pro Boxing Chrome Cash, Bet Hesa Cowboy II & Deb McCandless: $500

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NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE FIRST THREE MILLION DOLLAR RIDER

The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) gained its first Three Million Dollar Rider, Corey Cushing, during the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity® presented by Metallic Cat. Following the Open Bridle Corey Cushing surpassed this benchmark bringing his lifetime earnings to $3,002,327.

many of whom are recognized in our Hall of Fame, and others with million dollar rider banners hanging above our arenas. These banners celebrate countless hard fought victories and inspire our

throughout my career.”

The NRCHA began recognizing the Million Dollar Rider Club in 2006 and has accumulated nearly 25 riders since its inception.

Teddy Robinson was the first NRCHA rider to surpass one million in earnings, and Todd Crawford was the first to earn two million.

Ten years after Crawford became the first Two Million Dollar Rider, NRCHA now welcomes their first Three Million Dollar Rider.

“Our association has an incredible history of talented horsemen,

next generation of greats,” said Anna Morrison, NRCHA executive director. “For the first time, our riders have a brand new milestone to chase. Congratulations to Corey on becoming NRCHA’s first Three Million Dollar Rider.”

Cushing’s Three Million Dollar banner was unveiled following the Open Bridle at the Snaffle Bit Futurity®. More information regarding the NRCHA Million Dollar Club can be found online at nrcha.com/ nrcha-million-dollar-club.

“There is an endless list of people and horses that have helped me get to this spot in my career. I am really proud of this accomplishment. I am truly dedicated to this sport and I take a lot of pride in what I do.” Cushing said. “I accredit much of my success to the equine athletes I get to ride along with my wife, Kristen, and my customers that I have had

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THE RUN FOR A GUNNY MATHISON & TOM

MCCUTCHEON

OR SHERIDAN, TOM MCCUTCHEON, TAYL ING MATT MILLS & AL DUNN

SPUD SHE EHAN FRO M TETON R WITH CLIN IDGE, TON ANDE RSON & DANY TR EMBLAY

THOMAS TULL TETON RIDGE

OW, MADDY ZERINQUE, ZACK & ALICIA with HYER BOOTS, JOHN SANISL / TETON RIDGE HOLLY ROYAL, SPUD SHEENHAN & KATIE HARVEY 38

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ALAN CHAPPELL, JOHN SANISLOW, HOLLY ROYAL, SPUD SHEEHAN, KATIE HARVEY, HALLE & TODD BERGEN / TETON RIDGE

A MILLION 2022 PHOTOS BY TRACY WAGER

ANDERSON FRANK COSTANTINI, TIM & RICK CLARK

N PAULA AND MIKE GAUGHA SINO OWNERS SOUTH POINT HOTEL & CA EGO BANUELOS WITH COOKIE, BELLA & DI

BOBBY LEWIS, JEFF MEDDERS WITH THE COWBOY CHANNEL, AL DUNNING & BOB AVILA

MANDY MCCUTCHEON SON & MONICA HICKS MATHI KELSEY & KOL E PRICE WITH BOB & D ANA AVILA

ITH MATT & KAREN MILLS W PRODUCTS TED JOHNSON J5 EQUINE NOVEMBER 2022

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Return to the Remuda Sale Shatters Previous Sale Records Grossing Nearly $3.5 Million Bet Hesa Ginnin, a 2016 red roan stallion (Bet Hesa Cat – Ginnin Stoli, by Stoli), was the high seller at $100,000.

(Credit: Dena Milner & Co.)

The Annual Return to the Remuda sale was hosted at the Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas on October 1, where the Beggs Cattle Company, Four Sixes Ranch, Tongue River Ranch, Pitchfork Land and Cattle Company, King Ranch and Wagonhound Land & Livestock, sold 165 horses to the public.

“Due to the strong horse market, we expected a larger crowd this year. We experienced the largest crowd on hand for both the demonstration and sale and had buyers from 17 different states.” Said Four Sixes Ranch Horse Division Manager and Resident Veterinarian, Dr. Glenn Blodgett.

Across the board the sale was strong with gross sales of nearly $3,500,000 and the highest overall average of $21,307, a 17 percent increase over 2021 with three fewer horses sold and a more than 72 percent increase over all previous Return to the Remuda sales. Overall, the two-year-old geldings saw the biggest gains with a 63 percent increase over 2021 and yearlings saw a 35 percent increase.

“Collectively as a group our goal is to develop horses that are desirable both on the ranch and in the arena. This year’s high seller was a young red roan stallion prospect sired

by Bet Hesa Cat that will be starting a new career in the roping pen under two-time PRCA World Champion Header Clay Smith. In addition, several large ranches here buying our stock. The sale increases we saw this year reinforced the continued on page 50 48

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Strong Sales at the 7th Annual Legacy Ranch Horse Sale

The stock horse industry continues to see record-setting sales, and the 7th Annual Legacy Ranch Horse Sale, held Saturday, September 17, at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds in Prescott, Arizona, is no exception. Buyers took home their own pieces of Arizona ranching heritage.

The sale, held in conjunction with Olsons’s Equifest, kicked off on Friday evening with a steak dinner.

Potential buyers had an opportunity to preview the sale horses in their stalls and mingle with consignors.

The next morning, sale horses were showcased in team roping, dry work and live branding demonstrations. In the evening, buyers gathered in the standing-room only sale tent to bid on the 36 horses consigned by the Kieckhefer family’s K4 Ranch in Prescott, Arizona, the Diamond A Ranch based in Seligman, Arizona, and the ranches’ employees. The sale was broadcast live online through Barrel Horse World Network, and bids were accepted online, in person or via phone.

The mission of the sale is to provide high-quality ranch, roping and rodeo horses, as well as prospects and breeding stock for sale to the public. The horses are the result of the ranches’ longstanding breeding programs, boasting the bloodlines of such notable Quarter Horse sires as Cee Booger Red, Dash For Cash, Driftwood Ike, Freckles Playboy, Hancock, Playgun and Zan Parr Bar. The horses are raised in the high desert of northern Arizona, where they learn to travel in steep, rocky terrain from the time they are born. Known for their toughness, cow sense and athleticism, the horses excel in ranch work, roping, barrel racing and other

from page 48

More Remuda Sale

fact that we are all on the right track with our breeding programs,” commented Blodgett.

Congratulations to the connections of the top 5 sellers:- Hip #90 BET HESA GINNIN “Duece”, 2016 red roan stallion (Bet Hesa Cat – Ginnin Stoli, by Stoli). Consigned by Four Sixes Ranch – $100,000, - Hip #111 PRAIRIE SAGE, 2020 gray filly (Bet Hesa Cat – Natural Sage, by Playgun).

Consigned by Four Sixes Ranch – $87,000, - Hip #142 STREAKIN RUSTY “Clyde”, 2016 bay gelding (Mr Jess Perry 50

western performance events.

“No one is prouder of where our sale horses come from and what we represent than me,” says sale producer Rick Kieckhefer of the K4 Ranch. “My family first came to Arizona in the 1860s and we aren’t going anywhere. Our hard work and dedication have built a legacy that represents our core values of caring for livestock, managing our natural resources and taking care of the people that take care of us.”

When auctioneer Rich Machado dropped his gavel at the close of the auction, sales totaled $725,250 on 36 head with an average of $20,145.83. Lot #3, Cee My Credit Maxed (Bestcreditmesunfrost x GB Neci x Boogers Cee Bar), was not only the high-selling horse in the sale, but also the high-selling horse in the history of the seven-year sale. Joseph Parsons of Marana, Arizona, purchased the 5-year-old, K4-bred bay gelding for $100,000.

“Cee My Credit Maxed was one of the nicest young horses we have ever raised. His ability and willingness are not something that is trained into him, but rather something with which he was born,” says Kieckhefer. “I laughed when people congratulated Sarah and I when we told them thank you, and I reminded them it only took my family 80 years of breeding to make one like this.

“Usually when you see a horse like this bring that kind of money, you never hear his name again and it’s hard for him to increase in value, but I’m confident that the Parsons family will do amazing things with him and it will not be the last time someone is writing a story on him,” continues Kieckhefer.

Of the 36 horses that went on the auction block, 21 were geldings 4 years and older that sold for an average of $21,428.57.

Four riding mares averaged $19,625. The top-selling mare was Lot #11, Bradleys Winny Wood (Bet Hesa Cat x Santanas Lucky Wood X Short Of Santana), consigned by a ranch employee. The 4-yearold sorrel mare with four white socks and a blaze sold for $40,000.

The sale featured seven yearling, 2- and 3-year-old prospects.

Lot #5, Moonlight Eclipsed (Figure Me Famous x Moonlight Walkharlan x Harlans Tuff Voodoo), a 3-year-old bay filly from the K4 was the high-selling prospect, bringing $38,000. Lot #25, Gushy 00 (Joe Derringer x Miss Tucker Smoke x Doc Tom Tucker) sired seven sale horses and was the only stallion in the sale. Consigned by the Diamond A, the 12-year-old gray stallion brought $12,000.

“This year we offered a well-rounded group of horses that showed with our buyer participation,” says Kieckhefer. “We had horses that fit every level of rider while also offering some young breeding stock. The horses sold well, and it makes us proud to know that people appreciate our effort. ”

– Rustys Quickid, by Royal Quick Dash). Consigned by Four Sixes Ranch – $80,000, - Hip #140 CATS CANYON, 2013 sorrel mare (WR This Cats Smart – Wall Canyon, by Justa Swinging Peppy). Consigned by Four Sixes Ranch – $75,000, - Hip #12 DOUBLE MOUNTAIN FORK “Banana Pudding”, 2011 gray gelding (Playboys Buck Fever – Miss May Sun, by Mr Sun O Lena). Consigned by Four Sixes Ranch – $65,000.

Plans for the 2023 Return to the Remuda Sale are already in motion. “We appreciate all of the people that join us annually for this sale and look forward to making it better for them every year,” concluded Blodgett.

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Gina Schumacher Wins The Invitational Newest Non Pro NRHA Million Dollar Rider

When Gina Schumacher and CS O Bingo marked a 220 to win The Invitational Non Pro Championship at the Kimes Ranch Tulsa Reining Classic, it was more than just a win. Not only did Schumacher collect the largest check of her career, she also unofficially became the National Reining Horse Association’s 38th Million Dollar Rider. “It’s nice to have this kind of achievement, but it doesn’t change anything because I still have to learn, and I still have to work the same amount every day to keep up,” Schumacher said humbly.

Reaching the million-dollar mark was special, but doing so on CS O Bingo, a 3-year-old colt by Snip O Lution and out of Bingo Juicy, made it even more so. “We bred, raised, and trained him. He’s sired by our stud, Snip O Lution, and I know a lot of people don’t really recognize or remember him because he was over in Europe. He’s the sweetest thing ever, but every time he walked into the show pen, he was a machine. CS O Bingo’s dam was my first futurity horse, and my dad had bought her for me,” Schumacher shared. “It was really cool that I’ve shown and won on both the mom and dad and now the baby.”

Schumacher’s love of horses was likely passed down from her mother, NRHA Million Dollar Owner Corinna Schumacher.

“Mom always had horses, so I just kind of followed along. I had a dressage pony and some Shetlands, but I always had little Western saddles to ride,” Gina recalled.

Corinna Schumacher established CS Ranch in Givrins, Switzerland, and it became the base of operations, home to about 25 reining horses and host to multiple prestigious reining events.

Corinna’s recognition of the scope of the discipline in the United States led to the purchase of 460 acres in Gordonville, Texas, upon which she built a state-of-the-art facility. Completed in 2012, it is home to an impressive show string and 130 broodmares with NRHA $2 Million Rider Duane Latimer as the resident trainer.

“My mom and Duane are both a big part of my success. My mom because she has gotten the right horses for me, and Duane because he’s trained them,” she said. “There are too many people to thank individually for helping me get here, and I’m afraid to leave anyone out. I thank my family for sure and the whole crew – the people who are always there.”

Schumacher’s Top 10 Wins: 2021 The Invitational Level 4 Non Pro Champion – $65,000 – CS O Bingo - 2021 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Non Pro Reserve Champion – $40,215 – Gunin Addy Tude - 2020 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Non Pro 4th Place – $23,329 – CS Tosmarttoberuff - 2020 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Non Pro 5th Place – $20,962 – Alpha Attraction - 2022 NRBC Level 4 Non Pro Reserve Championship – $20,000 – Gunnastepya - 2020 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Non Pro 6th Place – $18,595 – Step N Past Ya - 2018 IRHA Futurity 3 Year Old Level 4 Non Pro 3rd Place – $15,080 – Colonels Danger Zone - 2022 6666 Ranch NRHA Derby presented by Markel Level 4 Non Pro Reserve Championship – $13,616 – Gunnastepya - 2019 High Roller Reining Classic Level 4 Non Pro Derby Championship – $13,536 – Alittlewhitetrash - 2019 Elementa Masters Premiere Level 4 Non Pro Championship – $11,052 Shine N Whiz

Arcese Quarter Horse NRHA’s Newest Corporate Partner

Recently, the Arceses elected to increase their support of the reining industry, elevating their sponsorship level from an Event Sponsorship to an NRHA Corporate Partnership. “Continuous growth and new development are extremely important. That is why we have been extremely involved with the Italian Reining Horse Association and reining in general within Europe for many years. My father has served several terms as a Board member or President of the IRHA and is President of that Association now,” Leonardo explained. “The majority of our horse businesses are in the United States, primarily with our stallions Gunnatrashya and Walla Walla Whiz. We believe it is important to support the NRHA.” NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter was excited to welcome the Arceses to NRHA’s Corporate Partner lineup. “The Arcese family has been a stalwart of the reining community both in Europe and North America for many years. Their success in the show arena and the breeding barn is a hallmark of countless accomplishments,” he said. “Personally, it is gratifying to have them join NRHA as Corporate Partners. This is an extension of years and years of their support and success.”

The Corporate Partnership is just another indicator that the Arcese name will be written in the history books for years to come. “’The desire to win never sleeps’ is a motto of ours that references our sincere commitment to excellence in everything we do. We 60

never give up after defeats and always stay focused on what’s important to us. Our desire to have the next champion will always be there,” Leonardo said. “We have a group of people that we work with that are as committed as we are. They are like our family, and we are very grateful to all who share a never-ending passion about our vision.”

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Come to The 2023 Scottsdale Arabian Show Reining Draw Party

Sponsored by Bennett Fine Jewelry and Sculpture and featured in the Bridle & Bit Magazine.

Come join the fun at with us while we draw the order of go for the Arabian Reining Futurity Finals at our booth located in the North Hall during the 2023 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show held February 16th to 26th, 2023 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Draw Party date to be Announced. Watch for the date on Facebook and here in print.

An Arabian Reining Horse Association Tradition: The Scottsdale Reining Futurity Classic Back in the late 1990s a gathering of Arabian Reining horse enthusiasts met to address their shared dilemma of the dwindling Arabian Reining horse competition entries. Equally passionate in their belief that Reining is one of the most dynamic of

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all the many Arabian horse disciplines, they sought to create a venue to ‘grab and gather’ their own and bring new blood into the sport. Thus was born the Arabian Reining Horse Association, a group now two hundred members strong whose showcase is the annual Scottsdale Reining Futurity

Classic.

Re-energized several years in by the generosity of iconic horsemen including Joe Betten, Tom Redmond and the late Dick Ames, the Scottsdale Reining Futurity Classic class was established. Designed to debut the best four and five year old Purebred and Half Arabian

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Reiners, the Futurity Classic not only offers a big pay out ,over $1.7 million in prize money to date. plus prize saddles and plenty of swag. It also promotes breeding, new enthusiasts, and pure, unshackled excitement.

It’s nearly impossible to contain oneself while witnessing that near perfect run down, slide stop and roll back. The Reining show pen delivers whoop, whoop and whistle from the spectators like no other.

With cash payouts for Reining horses of all ages, Amateurs entries and the Futurity, the Scottsdale Reining Classic has something for everyone. Come witness the debut of the best young Arabian Reining horse prospects, shown by the best in the business. Watch young riders literally in short stirrups going through the motions. You’ll be in awe of these incredible equine athletes. Join us for a full week of fun, give Arabian Reining your best cheer, and (most of all) have a great time!

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Shaner Ranch Karen Shedlauskus Slide By Ranch Sam Smith Reining & Cow Horses Spring Rein Ranch Stone Performance Horses Tenley’s Enterprises Fred Thomsson Reining Horses Tracy Reining Horses Tremblay Reining Horses Franky Vasquez Performance Horses Devin Warren Performance Horses Weaver Reining White Horse Show Mgt Wild Rose Ranch Billy Williams Reining Horses Yarbrough Reining Horses AQHA Region 2 Central Plains Reining Horse Association South Florida Reining Horse Association North Central Reining Horse Association The American Roan Horse Association

- Melody Beattie

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After a record year, WestWorld seeks continued growth

By Kelly Corsette Scottsdale's WestWorld has long been a center of equestrian activity in the southwest, a home for horse shows and competitions that are a perfect fit in The West's Most Western Town. Thanks to major investments in recent years and an intentional push to land more, new and bigger events, WestWorld enjoyed another record year and is poised for even bigger and better things to come.

The venue has evolved from a humble collection of outdoor equestrian arenas called Horseman’s Park when it opened in the early 1980s.

WestWorld’s modern era began with its 2014 expansion, when 300,000 square feet of joined, climate-controlled event space was built around the longstanding Equidome arena.

Among many nationally recognized events that call WestWorld home and produced by longtime partners: the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and the Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Association; each contributed toward the cost of the center’s $51 million expansion.

Since the expanded facility opened, WestWorld has reasserted itself as a bustling hub of equestrian shows, competitions and event activity. The promise of the new facility, however, was that more and different events would be attracted to the flexible facility especially during the hotter months.

That promise is being realized. Over the past year, more than 70 events at WestWorld spanned 579 event days at the facility, attracting 500,000 people for an array of vastly different activities and attractions, everything from a sewing expo, the Abilities Expo for the disability community, fitness and powerlifting competitions, equine, car and motorcycle events along with the city’s annual indoor/outdoor 4th of July celebration.

"Scottsdale represents the full appeal," says WestWorld Director Brian Dygert. "A big, top-rate, flexible facility supported by an incredible team in a great location with world-class amenities all around. That combination is why we have been able to pull events from California, Nevada, Texas and other parts of the country – what we offer here just can't be beat."

This steady increase in activity is achieving the desired results on the bottom line. Prior to its expansion, WestWorld often ran at a financial deficit. That was changing for the better when the pandemic interrupted, but in the past two years, the facility has achieved financial balance with direct revenues exceeding operating costs. For fiscal year 2021/22, direct revenue is estimated at more than $6.5 million, the highest in WestWorld’s history.

WestWorld’s full economic impact is far greater than its direct financial balance. A 2019 study by ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business estimated that activity generated at and around the venue creates annual total financial impact at more than $111 million in Scottsdale, and nearly $184 million in Maricopa County.

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These positive financial trends are expected to continue as WestWorld’s reputation as a year-round event venue of limitless possibilities grows.

New events joining a starstudded lineup A perfect example of the venue's ability to attract new users is WestWorld's growing relationship with the National Reined Cow Horse Association. The NRCHA signed a threeyear contract to host their DT Horses Western Derby in Scottsdale, and the attractiveness of the venue was quickly evident.

In June 2022 (previously a down time for WestWorld), the NRCHA Western Derby welcomed more than 1,400 entries and 800 horses, nearly a 30 percent increase in entries from the previous year. Attendees flocked to local hotels and restaurants but also took advantage of WestWorld's 400 full-hookup RV spaces on site, another element of the venue's flexibility and appeal.

The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona has presented the iconic Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show since 1955, and in recent years, they have added other national shows for breeders, youth and amateur riders. Other new equestrian events produced by different organizations have joined the calendar as well, featuring dressage, quarter horses and many other breeds and disciplines.

Although an equine facility at its core, WestWorld perhaps shines bright for the week in January when the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction takes center stage. The homegrown event has become an international attraction, made even bigger and better within the expanded footprint of the 300,000 square foot Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center.

In 2022, Barrett-Jackson celebrated its 50th anniversary with its most successful auction ever, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests, auctioning more than $200 million in collector automobiles and automobilia, and raising nearly $9 million for charity.

WestWorld and Scottsdale were in the spotlight for nearly 40 hours of television coverage.

What's next?

With lessons from the past seven years in hand, a new WestWorld master plan is in the works that will strengthen the facility and how it operates, improve its ease of use and access, and address modernization of its electrical, IT infrastructure, parking and wayfinding. Scottsdale voters approved additional investment in the facility as part of a 2019 bond election, which will take the form of replacing barns originally built in the 1980s along with other improvements.

Looking ahead, the city is pushing toward even more synergy between WestWorld and new multiuse sports-fields being built adjacent to the 386-acre complex. The venues create a recreational and events core that makes Scottsdale even more attractive to big international events, small local sports tournaments and everything in between.

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BILL MURPHY CITY OF SCOTTSDALE - ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AQINTERVIEW BY TRACY WAGER Recently the City of Scottsdale announced that WestWorld had a record year in 2021. Can you tell us about WestWorld’s record year for 2021?

A - In 2021 we had revenue close to 7 million dollars. The dates added up to 92. If you took that and divided it by equestrian and non-equestrian events, we were busy about 270 days that we had something going on at the property. Part of what we have been trying to do at WestWorld is to actually utilize all 400 acres of the facility. So things can be happening in the Polo Field, the equestrian arenas and even at the trailhead. So all of those areas are ones that we wanted to see if we can enhance them a little bit.

Part of what you saw on our Social Media page is what the City is also looking at on our internal webpage, and that is to be able to provide more information to people that is up to date and current.

So our communication department is really looking at that to tell our stories a little bit more productively.

Q - The facility still remains as a center for equestrian activities.

Even during COVID, WestWorld garnered new events. Is that what the City wants, to continue to be centered around equestrian events? Are equestrians still important to Scottsdale?

A - Oh, certainly it is important to the City. The City is putting new dollars into the equestrian amenities. For example, the bond which we passed in 2019. For example, we have 10 barns to refurbish out there that were voter approved for us to improve on. We have re-covered a couple of the arenas this last year and continue to look at the general upkeep. The new restrooms that we put into the North Hall have been remodeled inside of the building. We realized that during COVID. The City of Scottsdale put in a lot of safety measures into attracting new events, but we also wanted people to know that we were being safe, that we were trying to keep you safe and we were able to do that. So, if you go back two years ago, we were fortunate enough that some of the equestrians who we did not have here before, were willing to come over to Arizona and do their event and were very happy with it. The following year, the same, more growth. All during COVID. So now, thru Brian Dygert’s creativity, we have multiple contract years with those same equestrian events, and some are even bigger. To the point that, we have a lot going on with those thru the first part of the year. I mean, we are very busy from the first part of January to well into the Summer now. That is pretty much all equestrian, and when we can, we will slip in some specialty events.

Whether it is a home show, or the RV’s or some things that can fill some gaps. You may have noticed that we have had Soccer out on the Polo Fields this entire Summer. We are trying to utilize every square inch of the facility as much as we can.

But, to answer your question. The equestrian component is still the focus of our tourism and it the major focus for us at WestWorld.

Q - The continued investment is into the future. You are retrofitting the 10 barns. What are some of the other improvements that we will see at WestWorld from the bond that got passed in 2019?

The bond actually helped us to do upgrades to the PA system for both outside and inside. We did some remodeling of the restrooms in the North Hall. We ordered 100 new stalls that would be able to be used as portable stalls for use inside and outside.

Coming this next July we are putting into the budget to order another 100 stalls. So, we are really looking at the infrastructure that we have there and the best way to utilize it. We also bought a new Kaiser drag as part of this last year’s budget. Looking at equipment, looking at areas that we can improve on. Lighting, we are in the process or replacing all the lights with LED bulbs. The big thing that we are looking at now is beginning to develop, and we have hired a consultant, to look into the Master Plan of the entire facility. Primarily, we want to be looking at parking and the drainage, and how do we address that? So, when we have some of the bigger rains that come down, how do we funnel those waters thru there. WestWorld sits on an area that is loaded with the wash that moves a great deal of water from North Scottsdale. That will be an important focus over the next couple of years.

Q - What is the official title of the position you just filled that was opened up due to Brian Dygert’s retirement?

A - A position called the Assistant General Manager. The other

position that we added in there, is that we took some of our parttime positions and converted those into full-time maintenance positions. Primarily to secure more stability with the labor force that we have at WestWorld. The Assistant is also going to help the General Manager position. To divvy up some of those day to day operational things that need to take place.

We now have our Assistant General Manager in place, and are currently looking to fill the General Manager position. Both parties will work hand in hand with the WestWorld staff. We will have a more cohesive management team. They all will share in the event workload, discuss the events and put their best foot forward.

Q - Can you tell us about whom was hired that filled the Assistant

General Manager position at WestWorld?

A -After completing a Nationwide search for the Assistant position, we had many candidates apply for this job. We are very fortunate to get someone with a career like Larry Gimple from Las Vegas. Larry brings a great deal of experience with him from working in Orange County, as well as in other parts of California as well as Montana.

I think Larry will be a great addition to our team at WestWorld. We are all excited about having him come on board here.

Q - When does Larry start?

A -In November 2022.

Q - Will Larry be working out of the office located at WestWorld, or off campus?

A - We are looking to have everyone in the office on site. I was

actually over there last week to talk thru getting this all done.

Reshuffle some things up there, in the hopes that we can keep everyone working out of that location. Keeping everyone together will be the best part of creating the cohesive team going forward.

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Losnake blossoming into a Star for Arizona Ridge Riders BY: JUSTIN FELISKO

The Arizona Ridge Riders have one of the most veteran-heavy squads in the PBR Team Series, but its most lethal weapon may just be an 18-year-old teenager who is still adjusting to life in the United States. Vitor Losnake has quickly developed under the tutelage of Arizona coaches Paulo Crimber and Colby Yates, and the Brazil native has become a go-to guy for the No. 3 Ridge Riders (13-11-1) when they headed into the team’s homestand at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Arizona has veterans such as Luciano de Castro, Alisson de Souza and Eduardo Aparecido to lean on, but the addition of Losnake via the PBR Team Series Supplemental Draft in June has Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/ always Bull Stock Media been one of the most crucial parts of General Manager Casey Lane and the coaching staff’s plan to build a championship-winning roster.

The Ridge Riders understood it would take Losnake, who lives with Souza in Decatur, Texas, time to adapt to American-style bucking bulls, and that is still certainly in progress. However, Losnake has proven in recent weeks he is ready to be a heavy hitter for his veteran teammates actually sooner rather than later.

Losnake has ridden six of his last eight bulls in PBR Teams competition after debuting with three consecutive buckoffs.

Losnake leads Arizona with three 90-point rides. In fact, all six of his rides have been 89 points or higher, and he is coming off his best showing of the season with his 3-for-3 performance at Rattler Days last weekend.

It is rare for an 18-year-old to make an impact immediately in the PBR, but that is especially true of Brazilian-based riders.

Many choose to stay in Brazil for a few years and compete as a professional before heading to the United States in their early 20s.

“I’ve always dreamed of wanting to come over here, and it’s so much better because I can get used to the bulls and used to everything,” Losnake said. “The food and everything (is an adjustment) and I just do not want to waste too much time.”

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In fact, Losnake is the secondyoungest Brazilian rider to compete on the premier series, and just the second all-time.

Arizona Ridge Riders Crimber, his coach, made his debut on the premier series at 18 years old as well. “His mindset has been very impressive, and how big of a heart he has,” Crimber said. “He has been trying as hard as he can and not letting go.” Losnake said he made the decision to move to the U.S., which began in upstate New York at Painted Pony Championship Rodeo events in July, so quickly at the encouragement of his father, Armando.

Armando has always been Losnake’s biggest mentor in coach.

Armando, 41, still competes as a saddle bronc rider and he started having his son getting on small steers when he was 10 years old. Armando helped develop Lonsake into an allaround cowboy, and Losnake also has competed professionally as a saddle bronc rider.

His father knows the best opportunity for his son is in the United States.

“Everything I do is very much because of him,” Losnake said with the help of Crimber translating earlier this season.

He’s always giving me good motivation since I got on the first calf and everything I do is for him.”

Vitor said his biggest struggle since moving to the U.S. this summer has been in fact homesickness. Vitor is extremely close with his 9-year-old sister, Lara, and the stuffed bull on the back of his riding vest is a lucky charm from his sister. “I miss all of my family,” Vitor admits.

Whenever Vitor does get homesick, he reminds himself of what his father always tells him. “Never give up,” Armando tells his son.

“Keep working hard until you get to your dream, and one day it will come if you keep working hard and doing everything right. It’s going to happen.”

The ultimate dream for Losnake is a PBR World Championship, which he expects to chase on the Unleash The Beast in 2023.

First, Losnake may just help lead Arizona to the inaugural 2022 PBR Team Series Championship.

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Everything That’s New for the 10th Anniversary of the Scottsdale Polo Party

The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented

by Talking Stick Resort, is once again making history not just for bringing exciting polo to the desert, but also for bringing unusual elements among and in between the matches. It contributes to making Scottsdale the most attended polo event in the country.

The event which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2021 will kick-off festivities at an invite-only Sanderson Lincoln Preview Party on Thursday, October 7th at the new Sanderson Lincoln showroom at Scottsdale Quarter located at 15059 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. Then on Saturday October, 23rd, start the day with a brand-new field-side Scottsdale Morning Beer Festival, starting at 10am until 12 noon. It will feature numerous beers that may test better in the morning.

Brand new for 2021 – The Polo Party will also debut DJ Mpower who will be spinning his electric house music sets in various tents alongside several of the Valley’s Top other DJ’s.

The 22-year-old inspiration with down syndrome has overcome challenges of a learning disability to DJ on a professional level. Also entertaining on-site is Jazz Musician Doc Jones and acoustic guitarists.

As always – fans can expect to see four thrilling and action-packed polo matches.

Since its inception, the event has traditionally brought in many of the world’s most talented and notable polo stars. It is only fitting for 2021, polo fans will see the return of GQ model and undoubtedly one of America’s best players- Nic Roldan who returns representing the former champion Aspen Valley Polo Club, owned by Marc and Melissa Ganzi. Roldan’s team will go head-to-head with La Mariposa Argentina Polo Club on Saturday, October 23rd. La Mariposa is making its first appearance in the event.

Among the other new teams also scheduled to play in 2021 include the Grand Champions Polo Club and the Jet Set Woman’s All-Stars. The Jet Set Woman’s All-Stars will go head -to-head with the Arizona Polo Club in Battle of the Sexes match-up. And because it’s not just polo on Saturday, October 23rd sports fans can enjoy other exciting sports matchups for 2021 including ASU Rugby vs. Prescott Black Sheep Rugby and Brophy College Prep vs Anthem Boulder Creek High School Lacrosse.

Need some football? Also newly expanded for 2021 - retired NFL Star AC Caswell will once again bring his Million Dollar Mingle 78

charity experience to the event with an even larger VIP presence on site When it comes to new horsepower for 2021 Polestar, the luxurious all electric performance car brand unlike any other car today will have a showstopping display. New to Arizona, Polestar will open its first showroom in November 2021 in conjunction with Courtesy Volvo. For the first time guests will also have the option of purchasing 4 seat tables as well as the standard 8-top versions.

Raise your glass – additional alcohol offerings for 2021 include onsite activations and tastings for Whispering Angel - a Rose’ brand, Bud Light Seltzers, Skyside and the Chandon Garden Spritz. The new sparkling wine served over ice blends a unique bitters recipe crafted with locally sourced fresh oranges macerated with dry orange peels, herbs and spices.

As always, guests seeking the ultimate VIP experience can get reserved seating and tables in The Molina Fine Jewelers Drivers and Players VIP Lounge, the Barrett-Jackson Champagne and Jazz Lounge, and Prime: A Luxury Tent Experience by Steak 44, Neiman Marcus, Barrett-Jackson, and Bentley Scottsdale.

Besides the polo action – fans can also enjoy The Polo Party’s signature events within the event like the Canine Couture Dog Fashion Show presented by Lugari Pet Salon, the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show produced by Phoenix Fashion Week, a halftime rugby match between top collegiate teams, a preview of Barrett-Jackson’s 2022 Scottsdale Auction and halftime performances by the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, plus much more!

Gates will open at 10:00am on October 23rd. General Admission tickets start at $35 and includes field-side experiences like the Sanderson Lincoln Black Label Lounge and several other DJ-infused party tents including the Talking Stick Resort Polo DayClub Lounge with tables and bottle service courtesy of Scottsdale’s most recognizable hotspots.

Among the new sponsors for 2021 -- The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, who will bring a fun festive activation to the polo event.

Tickets and tables are now on sale. For tickets, tables and sponsorships please visit www.ThePoloParty.com. Corporate Sky Box sponsorship opportunities and private polo tents are currently also available for sponsorship. There are also spectacular vendor opportunities to be showcased on Vendor Row alongside dozens of vendors.

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Precision Pharmacy and Wickliffe Veterinary Pharmacy join forces Together the 2 entities make the nation’s largest equinefocused compounding pharmacy Precision Pharmacy and Wickliffe Veterinary Pharmacy, 2 leading equine compounding providers, have finalized a merger agreement.

The 2 businesses boast 40

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years of combined industry experience and anticipate the merger will allow further investments in research and development, (eg, upgrades to technology offerings so customers can better navigate an evolving regulatory environment).

“Our merger with Precision Pharmacy accelerates and expands our ability to offer veterinarians the increasingly specialized pharmaceutical services they need,” said Jackie Bernard, founder of Wickliffe Pharmaceuticals, in a company release.1 “Precision Pharmacy has built a reputation for operating an outstanding quality, testing and research program. We’re thrilled to expand our team with likeminded professionals to ensure our customers receive the highest-quality products.”

The new combined entity aims to see a substantial improvement in meeting veterinarian needs as the regulatory environment shifts with the anticipated April launch of the FDA’s GFI 256 guidance.

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Fabrizio riding momentum in 2023 Women's Rodeo World Championships in Fort Worth, Texas BY: JOLEE JORDAN

If there’s a rope in Debbie Fabrizio’s hand, chances are she’ll have a smile on her face. If she’s winning money while participating in her favorite pastime, all the better.

Fun and money will both be on the menu when Fabrizio competes at the Women’s Rodeo World Championships (WRWC) at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas in May 2023. Presented by the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) along with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the world’s richest all women’s rodeo event annually pays out $750,000 to ladies competing in barrel racing, team roping and breakaway roping.

Fabrizio guaranteed her participation in the lucrative event with a strong showing at the Northern Breakaway Roping and Team Roping Championships in Rapid City, South Dakota on August 22-23, 2022.

The event was a stop on the WRWC’s Qualification Series (QS), events which offer automatic berths into the WRWC. Aside from QS event winners, only those in the top 20 of the WRWC Leaderboards are eligible to compete in Fort Worth. There are five more QS events left on the schedule, scattered across the country from Florida to Arizona to Illinois.

“It was great,” Fabrizio said of the event which is held during the Central States Fair & Rodeo, which she also attended in 2021. “It’s during the rodeo as well so you get to go up there and rope for two

or three days. It’s run really well; it’s one of the best ones to go to and for sure one to go back to.”

Though she now calls Pueblo, Colorado home, Fabrizio grew up in Missouri on ranch where her father raised feeder and stocker cattle. Saying she was the “son he never had,” she roped with her father both on the ranch and in the arena. She was hooked early on the challenge roping presented, and, after moving to Colorado, began to compete wherever possible.

“As much as I want,” she laughed when asked how often she goes roping. Though COVID slowed things down some, and younger daughter and main partner Rylea moved to Texas, joining her older sister Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, Fabrizio still ropes everyday with husband, Tom. She heads in the higher numbered roping events. “We do the World Series roping, some WPRA and I try to go to all of the WCRA events.”

Fabrizio stays busy with her custom home building business too. She fell into it 27 years ago when she and her husband built their own home. “I really liked it.

I’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit and like to do my own thing so I went and got my license and got started,” Fabrizio explained. “My husband is a plumber so we already knew everyone in the field, all the subcontractors.”

Fabrizio does everything from designing the homes to handling financing plus running the job once construction begins. She averages about three to four homes in a typical year.

Chrome cashes in at the ARHFA World Championship Roping

by Jessica Hein

Lights, camera, action! Big Time Movie Star and other Paints scored big in the 2022 American Rope Horse Futurity Association World Championship, October 20-22 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Piloted by ProRodeo legend Trevor Brazile, Big Time Movie Star—a flashy 2018 bay tobiano mare by Shady Lil Starlight (QH) and out of A Masters Hobby—won the Chrome Cash Open Futurity Heading and Heeling sidepots, en route to a Top Five finish overall in the Open Heeling finals, which paid $17,000. The mare is owned by Relentless Remuda of Decatur, Texas.

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Seven S Blackjack and Makenzie Cowan doubled up on payouts too, winning the Non-Pro Heading Chrome Cash jackpot and the NonPro Heading championship, pocketing more than $8,000.

The 2018 brown solid stallion is by Catty Hawk and out of Seven S Cattle Kate (QH), and he’s owned by Cowan Ranch Inc. of Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Four Chrome Cash sidepots featured $3,000 added; Congrats to our champs: Chrome Cash Open Futurity Heading: Big Time Movie Star & Trevor Brazile: $1,200: Jess Tru Ruby & JoJo Lemond: $700, Whizin To Tinseltown & Bryce Briggs:

$500.

Chrome Cash Open Futurity Heeling: Big Time Movie Star & Trevor Brazile: $1,300, KJ Corona Cartel & Johnryan Foster: $960, Kid Charlemage & Lane Siggins: $620, DE Bright Lights & Cole Davidson: $320. Chrome Cash Non-Pro

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Heading: Seven S Blackjack & MaKenzie Cowan: $700 Chrome Cash Non-Pro Heeling: Southern Cattitude & James Robert Marshall: $500, RJ Hyfive Cat & Bonnie Matlack: $300, Wrussian Roolette & Kasper Blackwell: $200

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US Equestrian Announces U.S. Jumping Team for 2022 FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO3* Competitions US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athletes selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Vejer de la Frontera CSIO3* in Vejer de la

Frontera, Spain, from October 27-30, 2022, and FEI Jumping Nations Cup Vilamoura CSIO3* in Vilamoura, Portugal, from November 17-20, 2022. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski at both competitions. The aim with these teams is to offer a competitive team experience for athlete/horse combinations that have a consistent record of jumping 1.50m and above with four faults or fewer in order to effectively prepare them for CSIO5* level.

The following athletes have been named to the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order. US Team Members for 2022 CSIO3* in Span and Portugal. Kelly Arani (Wellington, Fla.), Cathleen Driscoll (Elk Mills, Md.), Mimi Gochman (New York, N.Y.), Grant Seger (Aiken, S.C.), Mavis Spencer (Santa Monica, Calif.)

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GARY WILLIAMS, LONGTIME TUCSON RODEO GENERAL MANAGER, PASSES AWAY

Gary Williams, the first general manager in the history of the Tucson Rodeo and a local icon, passed away Oct. 2 in Tucson, Ariz. He was 73.

In 1996, after 71 years, the Tucson Rodeo Committee hired Williams as its first paid employee and its first general manager and he stayed in that position until December of 2021 when he retired. He also served as the interim general manager in 1995.

"I can honestly say with as many people as I know in the rodeo community, I've never known a man with greater passion for the sport of rodeo than Gary Williams," said Jose Calderon, Chairman, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo. "Whether it was the Tucson (Ariz.) rodeo or any other rodeo out there, his knowledge, wisdom, and the respect he had for other people not only in the rodeo world, but just in general was incredible. "We grew into a top 25 rodeo (in the PRCA) and a lot of that is because of what Gary brought to the table."

As general manager of the Tucson Rodeo, he was responsible for the overall everyday operations that included securing sponsors, enlisting cowboy athletes to participate, and putting on the biggest sporting event in Southern Arizona. While responsible for taking the rodeo forward into the 21st century, Williams kept the rodeo true to its historical roots and traditions that it has had for more than threequarters of a century.

The mustached, affable Williams was part of the La Fiesta de los Vaqueros rodeo committee since 1987. Williams, a Tucson native, earned a business degree from the University of Arizona.

According to the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame, which inducted Williams into its halls in 2006, Williams attended his first Tucson Rodeo as a boy to watch his father, a Western singer, perform. Williams competed as a bull rider for 16 years and performed as a rodeo clown for almost two decades and in 1987 he became a member of the Tucson Rodeo Committee, a volunteer organization for which he worked as chairman of the publicity and promotion committee. He eventually became vice chairman of the committee and then chairman of the Tucson Rodeo Committee.

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2022 NUTRENA HORSE OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY AQHA ANNOUNCED Success in the sport of rodeo doesn't fall on just the cowboys and cowgirls. Their horses play just as big of factor when they step foot in the arena. The Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA awards provide recognition to ProRodeo's top horses.

The 2022 Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA awards were unveiled Oct. 10. The top three horses in each category are listed here. Team Roping Header: 1. JESS A MOOSE, "Grey," ridden by Lightning Aguilera – owned by Jim Donnan, 2. COLE E MAN, "Biscuit," ridden by Andrew Ward – owned by Andrew Ward, 3. RK TUFF TRINKET, "Bob," ridden

by Riley Minor – owned by Riley Mino. Team Roping Heeler: 1.

KADABRA KING, "Turbo," ridden by Patrick Smith - owned by Patrick and Christi Smith, 2. NITA WIN PLAYBOY, "Drago," ridden

by Logan Medlin - owned by Login Medlin, 3. THE STAR PEPTO, "CJ," ridden by Jake Long – owned by Jake and Tasha Long. Steer Roping: 1. JS FROSTYS BADGER, "Goose," ridden by Scott Snedecor – owned by Scott and Kelli Snedecor 2. PC THIS DUDES GOT A GUN, "Shooter," ridden by Mike Chase – owned by Mike Chase, 3. KROGS HICKORY, "Pete," ridden by Bryce Davis – owned by Bryce Davis. Steer Wrestling: 1. DASHIN HAZE, "Tyson," ridden by JD. Struxness, J. Brown, C. Cassidy, S. Culling, K. Irwin, R. Parrott, W. Lummus – owned by Curtis Cassidy, 2. BE DUN BY THREE, "Benz," ridden by T. Erickson, D. Eldridge, W. Lummus, C. Hass – owned by Clayton Hass, 3. PATRIONIC DASH, "Mable," ridden by Stetson Jorgenson – owned by Garrett Henry. Tie-Down Roping: 1. POCKETFUL OF LIGHT, "Pockets," ridden by Caleb Smidt, Marty Yates – owned by Caleb Smidt 2. MARKED UP CAT, "Rudy," ridden by Lane Livingston – owned by Lane Livingston, 3. BIG CATS MOKEY, "Rampage," ridden by Shad Mayfield – owned by Shad Mayfield. Barrel Racing: 1. FAMOUS LIL JET, "Rollo", ridden by Jordon Briggs – owned by Jordon and Justin Briggs, 2. HIGH VALOR, "Valor," ridden by Dona Kay Rule – owned by Dona Kay Rule, 3. CAUTRO FAME, "Truck," ridden

by Stevi Hillman – owned by Ty and Stevi Hillman. Breakaway Roping: 1. BAYBE BULLET, "Baybe," ridden by Joey Williams – owned by Taylor and Joey Williams, 2. SPOTS LIL LEGEND, "Legend," ridden by Martha Angelone – owned by Tanner Green, 3.

STYLISH DRIFTER, "Dutch," ridden by Josie Conner – owned by Josie Conner.

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Rodeo Fans to Enjoy a Variety of on-site Entertainment at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

When rodeo fans arrive at the Thomas & Mack Center for the return of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo they will have multiple entertainment options to enjoy prior to and following each rodeo performance. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR runs from Thursday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 10.

For ease of travel, rodeo fans have the option of utilizing the complimentary NFR Express Shuttle Bus service from 24 sponsor hotel properties and The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. Upon arrival, fans will be greeted with rodeo-themed areas extending both outside the arena and within the confines of the building.

On the outer grounds of the Thomas & Mack Center, the ProRodeo Zone will greet fans with PRCA sponsor-activation tents and live music. As fans move toward the entrance, they will pass through the StubHub Fan Zone, an area that includes additional sponsor tents, the official ProRodeo and Wrangler NFR merchandise trailer, food and beverage options, video screens and tables for attendees to congregate. Further enhancing the fan experience, two outdoor video boards on the face of the arena will broadcast Wrangler NFR moments, highlight videos, interactive content and contestant interviews.

When rodeo fans enter the building, one of the arena’s highlights is the 36,000-square-foot hospitality area at the northwest end of the arena. The Aces High – Saloon & Exhibit will feature a saloon and a 2,500-square-foot, glass-enclosed balcony with Strip views. The Cowboy Channel will host the NFR

Morris Animal

Foundation accepting study of domestic equid health proposals

Proposals are being accepted now through December 16, 2022 108

Morris Animal Foundation announced it is currently accepting proposals for studies with a focus on domestic equid health topics. The Foundation also disclosed that it has a special interest in any proposals with a primary focus on pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease.

Pre-Show starting at 5 p.m. and the NFR Post-Show immediately following the end of the performance each night. An additional highlight will be an allencompassing exhibit detailing the 36-year history of the NFR in Las Vegas. Access to Aces High – Saloon & Exhibit is available to all fans with a Wrangler NFR ticket for that evening’s performance and also will feature the live broadcast of the rodeo each night, including a large-screen projection.

Meanwhile, on the arena’s southeast side opposite Aces High, fans can enjoy all the activities and amenities of the returning Cowboy Corral, which takes over the adjacent Cox Pavilion with live music, a huge bar and plenty of space to sit and relax or kick up your heels. The live entertainment will include pre and post-event performances by Will Jones (Dec. 1-3), Dillon Carmichael (Dec. 4-6) and Ben Gallaher (Dec. 7-10).

Doors open at 4 pm and the live music starts at 4:45 pm. Sitting right outside of Cowboy Corral is the Bull & Barrel Saloon, featuring its own bar and food service and the Hall of Champions with tributes to former NFR champions.

The entertainment will continue throughout the evening as fans begin to settle into their seats. Prior to each performance, there will be an opening act, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The attention will then turn to the dirt, as the best contestants in the world test their skills and seek the coveted Gold Buckle, awarded to the world champions.

The Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2021, the event had a total attendance of 169,539 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 340 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

According to the release,1 PPID is the most prevalent endocrine disorder of equids and affects over 20% of donkeys, horses, and ponies. If you are considering submitting a proposal focusing on PPID, Morris Animal Foundation directs you to learn more about research questions of interest as identified during a priority setting partnership workshop on

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PPID. All submitted proposals must seek to advance the health and overall well-being of domestic donkeys, horses, mules, and ponies. Each application is reviewed and rated by the foundation’s scientific advisory board, made up of experts within the veterinary industry, and based on impact and scientific rigor.

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YETI Junior World Finals Inside The Wrangler Rodeo Arena

Wrangler Rodeo Arena, one of the six main interactive features of The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, will host more than 800 youth contestants in the YETI Junior World Finals vying for championships in nine events. The YETI Junior World Finals will

run concurrently with The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 1 – 10.

Free to the public, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas will be open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Wrangler Rodeo Arena

is located on the second floor of the South Halls within the footprint of RMEF’s Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo and adjacent to Bites and Brews.

Wrangler Rodeo Arena, which boasts a seating capacity of more than 1,100, will host a variety of events and competitions. The YETI Junior World Finals will feature contestants 19-years-old and younger competing in many of the events the pros take part in at the Thomas & Mack Center, including bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, girls and boys breakaway, team roping, tiedown roping, pole bending and barrel racing.

The roughstock events will run from Dec. 1-4, with the Finals for these events set for Monday, Dec. 5. The timed events will then run from Dec. 6-9, culminating with the Finals on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Daily admission is $10. For $40, attendees can purchase a five-day pass for the dates of Dec. 1-5 or Dec. 6-10. Access to the Priefert Platform will be $20 per day for each of the ten days of competition. Admission is based on seating availability. All proceeds will become “added money” for each rodeo event.

In addition to Wrangler Rodeo Arena, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas will include the following main anchor displays and programming elements: • Ariat Rodeo Live Stage – Daily features include the RMEF Calcutta, Flint Rasmussen’s “Outside the Barrel,” Cowboy Revival with hosts Shane Minor and Alecia Davis and the NFR Tailgate Party; • Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon – Every great “rodeo” needs a saloon. Located near the east end of The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, the Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon features specialty drinks and souvenir collectible cups. In addition, with its close proximity to the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage, this will be a great place to be close to the action; • Bites and Brews – A series of custom food and beverage carts

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JOSH FROST NAMED 2022 LINDERMAN AWARD

By TANNER BARTH

The PRCA Linderman Award is one of the most prestigious awards in ProRodeo. It recognizes a cowboy who won at least $1,000 in three events, and those events must include at least one roughstock and one timed-event.

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The 2022 Linderman Award winner is Randlett, Utah, cowboy Josh Frost. This past season Frost earned $228,557 in bull riding, $4,037 in tie-down roping, and another $1,091 in the steer wrestling. He said qualifying for the award is at the top of his list each season when writing out his goals for the year.

"It's a great honor.

It was one of my goals starting out the 2022 season," said Frost, a three-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. "Being as committed as I am to winning a gold buckle in bull riding it really adds some challenges, but I take a lot of pride in the award. It's always bittersweet when I know I get my qualifications for it."

He said it's the cowboy legacy the award encompasses that keeps him competing for it year after year. Frost is the second member of his family to capture the distinguished Linderman Award, his older brother, Joe, 27, captured the award in 2014.

"The cowboy legacy that goes with it is what really drew me in. The Linderman Award is very prestigious and like I said I enter all three events for that reason," he said. "If they didn't have the Linderman I probably wouldn't enter the steer wrestling. "That third event really adds a challenge to it. I take a lot of pride in that award to have my name on the list with all the other great cowboys that have won it."

He believes it's an award that's gaining more popularity across the ProRodeo ranks. Frost thinks the competition will be even stiffer in the years to come. "There's several other guys who I think are starting to try and compete for it," Frost said. "I think I might have a little more competition in the years ahead. It's dang sure something I have my eyes set on and I would like to get my name on that list a few more times."

Frost has now won three straight Linderman awards. His first came back in 2019, followed up by 2021 and 2022. He hopes to be remembered as not just a bull rider, but a cowboy. He's gained even more respect for the other events along the way. The Linderman Award was not awarded in 2020.

"I grew up doing all the events and have spent a lot of time on them throughout my life," he said. "I have a lot of respect for all the other events because I have competed on both ends and know what it's like. I know how much time and effort it takes to be successful in the bull riding and I know the time and effort I've put into the timed-events and I'm not even nearly as competitive as the top guys in the world. At the end of the day I want to be remembered as a cowboy and not just a bull rider."

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A living Legacy: World War II Vet and Cutting Horse trainer turns 100

BY Sally Sexton Courtesy Weatherford Democrat

Arthur "Curly" Talmage has been on the planet for a century, and he has a collection of colorful stories to prove it.

The World War II veteran and longtime cutting horse trainer recently celebrated his birthday milestone at Santa Fe Health and Rehab, with several special guests he has encountered through his career.

"All the little boys wanted to be cowboys, and I was one of them," Talmage said. "When I do something, I did it. You don't like it, get out of the way." Talmage's daughter, Nancy Foust, recalls her father getting up early and coming in late on their 107acre ranch off Farm-to-Market Road 1886 in northern Parker County. "It was all about the horses; he lived and breathed the horses," she said. "He fed the horses before he fed himself. After he had his breakfast, he went back out to the horses, came in and took a nap, and went back out to the horses. In the evenings when it would get dark, he would do welding for pleasure or whatever he needed to repair."

The ranch was home to 20-40 horses at any given time, Foust said. Talmage's grandfather was a harness maker who introduced him to horses early on, and he soon sought out work on dude ranches before a stint at King Ranch with Loyd Jinkens, a founding member of the National Cutting Horse Association.

Talmage didn't want to be drafted into the Army, so he joined the Marine Corps in 1941, serving in the Fourth Marine Division during World War II. "Marines are big and tough. I was a big sissy, but anyhow, three years I was there with them," he said of the battle between U.S. troops and Japan for control of several Pacific islands in the 1940s.

"After Roi and Namur, we made an advanced base in the Hawaiian Islands — Maui — and we'd go and retrain our groups and go get another island."

The next island captured was Saipan, which Talmage said was a lot bigger than the previous ones. "The way I can remember, I only saw one building on the whole island, and that door flew open and Japanese soldiers started coming out," he said. "The leader of the group who took over told the Japanese, 'You come out peacefully, no weapons, we won't hurt you.' We'd grab them by their collar, lead them down to the beach, put them in one of their boats and tell them to go home. But if they came out with a weapon in their hand and looked bad, we shot them. Pretty simple."

Then came the battle for Tinian, which many historians call a turning point during World War II, as it allowed Allied forces to advance in the Pacific and work their way toward Japan. "That island turned out to be very important," Talmage said. Tinian was chosen as the site for a secret mission during which the USS Indianapolis would transport components of the Little Boy atomic 116

bomb, later dropped on Hiroshima, to the island. "Iwo Jima was our last campaign, thank goodness," Talmage said. "I was nothing, nobody – but it felt important to me."

During his birthday celebration, Talmage met retired Marine Col. Collin Andrus, who presented him with his own Marine colonel's coin, a sign of comrade and unity that honors the actions of those who receive one. "You're my hero. I want you to know that," Andrus told him. And if there's one thing Talmage won't tolerate, it's anyone talking down the Veterans Administration. "They've been good to me," he said, through tears. "They paid for my room here and they send me a little money every month." Two caseworkers from the VA were on hand to celebrate Talmage, presenting him with a "Happy Birthday" poster signed by members of the VA North Texas Health

Care System.

The little one-eyed colt. Talmage and his wife had just gotten married, with their first baby soon on the way, when he got a call from a friend, Ira White, about a colt he wanted him to come and see. After lunch, Talmage went over to the barn, put his nose up to an old knothole, and took a peek. "I think he must have seen me also because he looked right at me, and when he did, I could see a spot in that right eye," he said. "I said, "Oh, gosh. What would I want with a one-eyed colt that had never been ridden? All that work is ahead of you."

Still, there was something about the colt, who would later be known as Rey Jay, that stayed with Talmage, and White led the horse out of his pen. "He was halter-broke and you could lead him around a little bit," Talmage said. "He was a gorgeous animal. Just two years old and never been ridden. That's not much to sell — it's lots of work, lots of feed bills, veterinary bills."

Talmage offered to return the following day with checkbook in hand and horse trailer in the driveway. White wanted $350 for the colt. "Here I am, practically newlyweds, we're expecting our first baby and I got to thinking, 'You damn fool! Think about all the doctor bills you're gonna have, incidental expenses with a new baby. And you volunteered to spend $350?'"

What may have seemed a foolish decision might have been one of the best ones he ever made. Talmage took the colt home and got started on him. "The more I handled him, the better I liked him," he said. "He had a beautiful disposition, never fought back. If they'll try and do what you want, you can get along with them. It's just like raising a child. Every time I would try something with him, he'd try to do it. He just kept getting better and better and better."

One day, Talmage put a calf in the pen and had Rey Jay follow him around, turning him this way and that to control the calf. "That's basically what cutting is all about," he said. "You pick one calf out, and his instinct is to go back to buddies. The horse's job is to stop that calf and not let him get back in the herd."

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Marine served at Saipan & Iwo Jima

The colt took to it almost naturally, with very little guidance from Talmage. As the two progressed, the trainer decided it was time to compete at one of Jinkens' well-known Fourth of July shows.

"Everybody knew Loyd Jinkens; he was a horse-training fool," Talmage said. "His show was coming up pretty quick, so I paid my entry fee to enter [Rey Jay] in the show and thought, 'You damned fool, you just threw away more money.'"

It would turn out to be a wise investment, as moments later, he and the colt were called off as winners. "I nearly fell off the horse," Talmage recalled of the mid-1950s competition. "Then I went over and looked at Bud Dearing, who was standing by the gate.

Bud looked at me and said, 'you did all right.' That was quite a compliment coming from him."

That first competition proved the ultimate motivator for the Parker County duo, and another show was on the horizon – this time a registered quarter horse show through the American Quarter Horse Association. It had a junior division, up to 4 years old, and a senior division. ages 4 and up. "I entered him in the junior cutting, and I thought I did all right," Talmage recalled. "When I came off, they announced me as first place again and I thought, 'This is unbelievable!'"

As the show began to wind down, the senior division winner, a horse named Motor Scooter, was announced. What followed was a surprise to Talmage — the junior and senior winners would face off for the show championship. "I started to complain – yeah, I just won the junior class but that's that colt's second show. That [senior] horse may have won $5,000 already, who knows? That's just not fair," he said. "But I decided to back down. I didn't want to be a poor sport about it. I asked [Ray Jey] for the best he had, and he gave it to me."

Motor Scooter's performance followed, and to Talmage's disbelief, he was announced as the winner, taking home a nice, big trophy he still has today. Talmage and Ray Jey went on to win a number of shows across the country, with family traveling in tow.

In Indiana, Talmage was approached by a prospective buyer who purchased Ray Jey for $5,000 and a palomino mare. Foust said the sale went to pay off doctor and hospital bills. "Mother cried," she said. "She was sick that he sold him, and he was, too."

Ray Jey went on to earn a Superior in cutting in 1960, an AQHA championship in 1964, and ended his career with the NCHA with more than $20,500 in earnings. He sired 126 foals, including Freckles Playboy, Colonel Freckles, Tamulena, Ray Jynx, Nurse Rey and more. Talmage continued his career as both cutter and trainer, and stayed involved with the community, where he helped in the Silver Creek and Azle 4-H programs, teaching horsemanship, showmanship and introductory disciplines.

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NFR LIVE PRESENTED BY TETON RIDGE

DON'T MISS A MINUTE OF THE ACTION No tickets to the Wrangler NFR? We've got you covered. More than 25 hotel partners will host viewing parties of the Wrangler NFR. Check out below the list of hotel properties and locations for the viewing parties. **Sam's Town offers a few family-friendly viewing parties inside the Sam's Town Live.

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AQHA Rule-Change Proposals

The final standing committee reports from the 2022 AQHA Convention are online, and it is time to think ahead for 2023!

The American Quarter Horse Association wants to hear any suggestions members have to make AQHA membership, programs and services reach their fullest potential.

Each spring, AQHA holds a convention to review AQHA rules and policies. During the convention, membersubmitted rule changes and suggestions are also reviewed.

AQHA members are vital to the Association and have been influential in shaping the organization since its founding in 1940. The opportunity to propose new rules or changes allows members to voice their ideas and help continue to improve AQHA for future generations.

If you are an AQHA member, you can submit a suggestion for a rule change for the AQHA Official Handbook. All proposals are due by December 31 of each year. To submit a rulechange proposal: Complete a rule-change proposal form. Define the problem and develop as many possible solutions as you can by asking others for input.

Choose one possible solution that appears to be the most appropriate and that fits the mission and goals of AQHA. Determine if any other rules would be affected if your proposal is adopted and specify the rule numbers.

Submit proper wording for a proposed rule change by typing or neatly printing the exact wording being proposed. If you propose changes to existing language, strike through the words you propose to delete.

Type in bold and italics the words you propose to add.

All proposals must be received by December 31, 2022, for consideration at the 2023 AQHA Convention, slated for February 24-27 at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

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AUSTIN SHEPARD RECEIVES ZANE SCHULTE AWARD

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The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is pleased to share that Austin Shepard of Summerdale, Alabama, has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the Zane Schulte Award.

The Zane Schulte Award was established in 2001 in honor of the late Zane Schulte, son of Tom and Barbra Schulte.

This annual award is presented to a professional trainer who exemplifies the character by which Zane himself is remembered: integrity, service, values, respect of their peers, contribution to the industry, and excellence in the arena.

“Austin is a humble man who has great integrity and is always working to make the NCHA stronger and better for all,” said Julie Beasley, one of Shepard’s nominators.

“Austin is a true champion who has achieved tremendous success in cutting, but he also sees the lifetime connections people make and the value of friendships to be just as important.”

An active NCHA member since 1985, Shepard grew up in the cutting horse business as his late father, Sam, was a trainer and also a recipient of the Zane Schulte Award in 2009. Shepard now operates Austin Shepard Cutting Horses out of Summerdale where he trains cutting horses and riders of all levels.

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2023 AQHA Convention Schedule Released

The 2023 AQHA Convention is slated for February 24-27 at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. Convention is a chance for breeders, trainers, owners and horse lovers to talk about issues affecting the industry and

discuss proposed changes to the way AQHA does business.

Join AQHA at the convention to: Make a difference in your Association, Be involved in the AQHA governance process, Vote on important AQHA rule changes*.

Attend the Equine Industry Workshop and Affiliates In Motion Rally. Mix and mingle with your fellow horse enthusiasts during special events and receptions, including the new Convention Party.

The event honors breeders who have shaped the industry during the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, presented by Teton Ridge.

And more!

To view the tentative schedule, book your hotel room or for additional information, visit www.aqha.com/convention.

Registration information will be available in the coming weeks.

Book Hotel Rooms Now Hotel rooms for the 2023 AQHA Convention are available now. To receive the special convention rate, reservations must be made prior to February 3, 2023. Book a room at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel here.

Rule-Change Proposal Deadline – December 31.

Remember to submit your rule-change proposal form by December 31 to ensure it will be reviewed by the appropriate AQHA committees. Members are always welcome to share views and comments regarding issues that affect or pertain to AQHA with AQHA directors.

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Voting Opens for 2022 FEI

Awards With Two U.S. Finalists The FEI has announced the opening of the voting period for the 2022 FEI Awards, and US Equestrian is pleased to congratulate the two members of the American equestrian community who have been named finalists.

In the FEI Best Groom

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category, Sue Schlegel (Cazenovia, N.Y.) has been nominated for her role as groom for Olympic jumping athlete Beezie Madden.

Schlegel has partnered with John and Beezie Madden for 30 years at John Madden Sales, Inc., serving a vital role in the success of the program at home and abroad. She has traveled the world caring for Beezie’s mounts at prestigious events, such as Coral Reef Via Volo at the 2011 Pan American Games and Breitling LS at the 2018 FEI World Cup Finals and the 2019 Pan American Games.

Her care and expertise have kept horses feeling their best and contributed to top results in the international competition arena.

Para-equestrian Mia RodierDawallo (Santa Barbara, Calif.) is a finalist in the FEI Against All Odds category. Rodier-Dawallo is a first-generation American, daughter of a Persian refugee, advocate, and assault survivor.

She survived a brutal domestic abuse attack in 2013, which resulted in a severe brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. A year later, RodierDawallo was left permanently disabled following a car accident and needed to relearn how to speak, read, and write.

Despite the many obstacles she faced, Rodier-Dawallo returned to the saddle and achieved top results, including the USEF Para Dressage National Championship at the 2022 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions.

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Christina Henriksen and Cisco’s Calor Z Win the 2022 USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship

SUN CIRCUIT 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Join Us For Sun Circuit’s Golden Jubilee Christina Henriksen and Cisco's Calor Z, 2022 USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Champions. ©Xpress Foto

By Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Communications Competitors enjoyed a mild and sunny weekend at the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park, which hosted the 2022 USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship.

This year’s National Champion title and Richard Collins Trophy went to Christina Henriksen and Cisco’s Calor Z. Henriksen (Keswick, Va.) and her own 2015 bay Zangersheide gelding started their event strong, with a 28.5 and second-place standing in the dressage phase. They followed it up with doubleclear rounds in both cross-country and show jumping, ultimately taking the win by less than a single point.

Henriksen has been working with “Cisco” since last summer and has been focused on developing a strong partnership with him.

“Kate Walls found him last summer and I went over and tried him and loved him but felt like it was going to be a while to mold the partnership,” said Henriksen. “He is an amazing jumper, and he’s very forward-thinking. My biggest struggle with him has been containing his exuberance and his excitement for life. I didn’t compete him last fall; I focused on the training process and us building a partnership together and just getting to know each other.

“He’s an incredible athlete and I think he has all the makings to be a top horse,” Henriksen continued. “That being said, I think it’s very important to build that partnership with him now and take my time with him. The biggest thing has been getting the rideability and that’s taken 14 months, and it’s a work in progress. But he has the biggest heart and is one of the coolest horses I’ve ever had.”

Henriksen said she had the CCI2*-L championship in mind as a goal event when mapping out her competition schedule for 2022. She’d previously competed at Hagyard Midsouth in 2014 and enjoyed the atmosphere and experience there, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint. One of the highlights was competing in the Kentucky Horse Park’s iconic Rolex Stadium.

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The 50th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Sun Circuit will be held March 4 through 12, 2023. You won’t want to miss this celebration!

2023 Sun Circuit Golf Carts50th Anniversary Edition Non Pro Golf Cart Awards: High Points: Youth 14-18, L2 and L3 Amateur or L2 and L3 Select Amateurs will be eligible. Points will be tallied on a Horse/Exhibitor combination. L2 and L3 classes

will be combined for calculating this award, circuit points will be awarded on combined composite placings.

The individual with the highest cumulative total of Circuit Points will be awarded the golf cart. 1. Non Pro HighpointShowmanship, Horsemanship, Equitation, 2. Non Pro Reiner, 3. Non Pro High Point Reined Cow Horse Cutting and Cow Horse, 4. Non Pro High Point Ranch Rail, Ranch Trail and Ranch Riding, 5. Non Pro High Point Trail, 6. Non Pro Pleasure or Hunter Under Saddle

in 2014, and so to be able to walk down that ramp and compete in the stadium for a national championship class is incredible,” she said. “And the cross-country, I remember it being strong for a CCI2*-L. I did many two-stars and three-stars when I was in England, and I would say this two-star was comparable in quality and the technicality. There were some good questions that are great to ride in preparation for next year and the stuff you’ll see at the Intermediate and the three-star level.”

Cisco will get a vacation after his National Championship win, and Henriksen looks forward to big things with him in the season ahead. “He’s very ready to move up to Intermediate,” she said.

“I’ll pick and choose where we go and what we do pretty carefully under the guidance of Bobby Costello, who has been my coach for the last year and a half. Bobby’s been helping me make Cisco’s schedule this year, so we’ll sit down at some point and figure out what the plan is. But I feel this horse has all the makings to go as far as I can take him.

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Sarah Reitz and Sonia Williams Win USEF Preliminary Combined Driving National Championships

Sarah Reitz and Fferm Gwenffrwd Onyx Star. ©MbDixon

By Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Communications

Competitors in the USEF Preliminary Combined Driving National Championships enjoyed a cool and sunny weekend on the rolling hills of the Horse Park of New Jersey. The Garden State Combined Driving Event hosted National Championship competitors in the Preliminary Single Pony and Preliminary Single Horse divisions among their extensive slate of classes.

Sonia Williams and Robin of Locksley. ©Leslie Potter In the Preliminary Single Pony division, Sarah Reitz (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) drove her own Fferm Gwenffrwd Onyx Star, a 2007 Welsh Pony gelding, to victory. Tied for second place after dressage, Reitz and “Onyx” had the best marathon of the division, which put them into first-place position. With a double-clear cones phase, they secured the win, and had a great time on the way to that National Champion title, said Reitz.

“He was on lease for three years to a junior driver, and I just got him back recently,” she said. “I thought, ‘Boy, I hope Onyx remembers how I drive!’ We hit that first water and I said, ‘You just gotta go, man.’ We’re lucky to have really great ponies. They just want to perform for you. We do have a lot of fun—that’s the thing.

You’ve gotta have fun!”

Sonia Williams (Goshen, Ky.) drove her own Robin of Locksley, a 2004 Gypsy gelding, to a come-from-behind victory in the Preliminary Single Horse National Championship. The pair landed in third-place position after dressage and stayed there through the marathon phase. But a masterful double-clear cones round gave them a boost to the top of the podium at the end of competition.

Williams concedes that “Locksley” is a somewhat unorthodox sporthorse, but his willing nature and Williams’s dedication have helped him become a successful competitor despite his relatively late start in competitive combined driving. “We didn’t even know if we would come to this show a month ago, but then we said, ‘Let’s go for it,’” said Williams. “Since he’s a Gypsy horse, we had to spend a lot more time on conditioning him at home, even putting him on an aqua-treadmill. I’m really proud of Locksley—my ‘sport cow,’ as we like to call him. He’s 18 years old and we only got serious about competing last year, but he’s been game every step of the way.”

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The Artist for All Seasons & Riding Styles - Shannon Lawlor

By Ingrid Schultz Growing up on the northeast edge of the Great Plains, within a region known for its extensive and isolated rangeland, a young Shannon Lawlor had no inkling how deftly her life path would traverse down that vast corridor of grasslands and old cattle trails, transporting her work to the heart of the western performance horse industry in Texas. Lawlor has loved horses her entire life. From the ponies of her youth, through the decades spent riding and training them, to her true calling as an artist, the horse has always been the central theme, and most often that horse has been a cow pony. If you might think that all of the lines of her life experience have converged to bring her to the place she is at now, you would not be incorrect. No minute with a horse has been wasted. No experience in the saddle unnecessary. Each meticulous routine of saddling up, every gentle slide of a curry brush over a hide, each forelock pulled out from behind a browband – this lifetime with horses laid the groundwork for the education of her craft, granting her the intelligence behind the paint brush with which she paints today. There is an unadorned honesty to a Lawlor horse portrait. It is raw, real and authentic. Her work is praised for its ability to capture the individuality and character of an animal.

“I go back to what I hear often, when people see my paintings – people who know horses. They consistently say, I don’t know how you get them to look the way they do, like individuals. Even if there are four horses in one painting, they each exude their own character. That goes back to my life with horses, prior to painting them for 17 years. Every pony I rode as a child, every mane I groomed, every hoof I picked, every horse I’ve swung my leg over, all of these individuals have taught me about painting the character, and the essence of an individual horse. I know which photo to choose out of a photo shoot. I just know by instinct, it’s one of those things you can’t pass on to someone else.”

There has been no piece in her career that has more poignantly showcased her genius as an equine portrait painter than her Metallic Cat portrait, a life size painting – unveiled to his owner, Bobby Patton, during the evening performance of the 2021 National Cutting Horse Futurity.

Lawlor’s path to the epicenter of the western performance horse world began with a visit to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in 2019.

As a horsewoman she was an aficionado of the cow horse. As an artist, she was curious about other opportunities. Soon thereafter, she became a sponsor of the NRCHA and later, the NCHA. Her long-time adoration of artists such as George Stubbs, a 1700’s painter best known for his depictions of royalty, as well as the famous equine portrait, ‘Whistlejacket’, and Orren Mixer, known for his paintings of the great foundation Quarter Horses of the 134

1960’s and 70’s, icons such as Three Bars and Doc Bar, combined with her trip to the Futurity served her an epiphany. “I had the idea to infuse an enduring visual element to the culture of the West, represented through my art,” she recalls. “I feel it an important element to have my work representing the western performance horse industry, a part of what will eventually be the history of Americana, of the West. Personally, as an artist, and as an aficionado of the West, I believe the horses, contributing to the success of the breed and disciplines they excel in should be immortalized, becoming ‘must have’ heirlooms, to ultimately be handed down from generation to generation,” says Lawlor.

Lawlor’s process for a portrait is pragmatic and thorough. For instance, her process with the Metallic Cat painting was extensive. “I researched Metallic Cat, because I wanted to know how he came to be the horse he was. I wanted to know his history, how he got his name, how he got his barn name. I looked at photos and listened to interviews with owners and riders. It gave me a sense of who the horse was and the significance of his impact on the industry. Eventually, I received a few reference photos from Darrell Dodds, and that’s when I saw the reference photo I needed. I said, ‘that’s it, that’s the one.’

Mr. Dodds generously let me use it as my main reference.” There is a symbolic power in the essence of this stallion’s painting caught in a moment of stillness between the intense action of a cutting horse. There is a sense of freedom and majesty in the horses Lawlor paints. A sense of play.

A Lawlor portrait elevates the representation of the sport through the art of the horse. Her incredible use of color resonates the brilliance of the horse’s coat, and each piece of tack, each strand of mane is ultimately correct.

“My work represents the modern West. It is a distinctly different style than that of say, Orren Mixer, who immortalized stallions such as Doc Bar and Shining Spark.” The style has changed, the gear has changed and the style of western performance horse sports have changed, but the idea is the same. “To immortalize the great horses of our western performance horse industry.”

To have a Lawlor portrait is to have a piece of the legacy of the western performance world – the horses, the owners and the riders. We get the sense from Lawlor that her current work has been almost pre-ordained. There is a lightness in her reverence to these incredible animals, and it is juxtaposed with an intenseness behind her charming demeanor, a focus in her eyes.

“I feel like it is part of my responsibility. The people I have met and the choices I have made, have brought me to this place. I don’t think you meet people by accident. It was never my intention to position myself as a portraitist, and yet here I am, and I do feel the calling for this work. I do feel a sense of responsibility and I take it very seriously, that I’m in a position to immortalize the best in the industry. It’s a very exciting time to serve the West in this way.”

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Boyd's bid for 10th Title on course in Lyon

Boyd Exell (AUS) winner in the FEI

Driving World Cup™ 2022/23 - Lyon (FRA) Copyright ©FEI/Leanjo De Kosta

By Sarah Dance

Fresh from winning his 6th Four-inHand World Championship a month ago, Australia’s Boyd Exell set out to take a 10th FEI Driving World Cup™ title by emphatically leading from the front to win the first leg, with former champions Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) second and Koos de Ronde (NED) third.

With French events bookending the 2022-23 series, the tally has started in deciding who goes to February’s final in Bordeaux. Gaining a wild card entry – which means his result won’t go into the qualification points pot – Boyd unequivocally showed why he is so hard to beat.

It was an early start on Saturday morning for Competition One. With five confirmed entries (whose points count towards the series ranking) and two wild cards, it was Benjamin Aillaud who opened, followed by Boyd, then Ijsbrand, Jérôme Voutaz (SUI), Dries Degrieck (BEL), Koos and Chester Weber (USA). Still fine tuning their performances, all knocked balls but the order for the second round was set. All seven came out again and the times from round one rolled on as the clocks started and they tacked a slightly reduced version of Jeroen Houterman’s (NED) 13-obstacle course.

Retaining his superb form from Pratoni, Ijsbrand put in a blazing run to be the first to go clear. But the harder Boyd is pushed, the better he performs, and with his trusted team of Emma Olsson – currently nominated for the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award in this year’s FEI Awards – and long term supporter Hugh Scott-Barrett behind him, he not only drove clear, but smashed the time, shaving 4.41 seconds off Ijsbrand to finish first on day one.

Competition Two on Sunday morning saw the slate wiped clean and all started on zero again, but Saturday’s standings gave the running order. Unlike the previous day, only the top three came back for what was the fourth run over the course for them, with the ‘F’ gates removed from the marathon-type obstacles numbers 5 and 9.

Dries improved his performance to get into the mix with a fast time of 148.05 but with a ball down and 4 seconds to add, he went behind Koos who was clear on 150.38, followed by a delighted Ijsbrand, clear on 149.08. Although he knocked an early ball, Boyd’s 143.97 was fast enough to give him a cushion and he retained the top spot.

In the finale, Koos drove accurately, with nothing to add, to finish on his time of 150.08. Ijsbrand found even tighter lines for a clear in 145.79, which meant Boyd had to raise his game – which he did.

Finding another stratospheric gear, his streamlined horses worked as one and kept their momentum throughout, to end on 140.82.

Stating how delighted he was with his horses Boyd said, “I was thrilled to get the invitation as a wild card. We’ve got three competitions in a row and although the horses are fit, it’s the competitions that get them competition fit.”

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from page 110

YETI Junior World Finals will be located on the second floor adjacent to the Wrangler Rodeo Arena; • NFR After Dark presented

by Community Coffee – This customized area features Cloud Touch units promoting all aspects of the NFR Experience and how fans can engage at the 25 sponsor hotels; • A new area upstairs will be Cowboy Christmas Village sponsored by Clint Orms. This festive area will include Candy Cane and Cowboy Kissmas Arch Photo Walls, custom 12-foot Christmas tree with tiny train and village, daily appearances by Santa Claus from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and more.

The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas is the official gift show of the Wrangler NFR. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2021, the event had a total attendance of 169,539. over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 340 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

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