Bridle & Bit Magazine March 2024 Edition

RUBEN VANDORP INTERVIEW

BY TRACY WAGER

Q - You are planning to show Mr. Farenheit at the Cactus Classic this month in Scottsdale. What class will you be showing in and what is your game plan?

A - I will be showing Freddie at the Cactus Classic in the Open Derby, Levels 4 and Level 3, as well as The Run for a Million qualifier.

I plan to arrive there with a fat, sound and happy horse. I’m going to need all that he has to offer, which is more than enough if I don’t mess up!

Q - Will Mr. Farenheit be available for fans and interested parties to visit at the Cactus Classic?

A - Yes we love for Freddie’s fans to be able to come see and visit him in person! Contracts will be available at the show and anyone who signs a contract will receive a breeder’s gift bag.

Q - How can visits be scheduled?

A - Please schedule a visit and viewing of Mr Farenheit with myself or McCutcheon Reining Horses. You can call 214-243-0447.

Q - Mr. Farenheit has been shown by several top NRHA riders in his career and done well with every rider. Many horses cannot handle this kind of pressure. What are Mr. Farenheit’s qualities in the show pen that make this possible?

A - He goes in and does his job every time he enters the showpen regardless of who is riding him. His extreme talent combined with his mindset and love of his job makes it possible for Freddie to handle whatever is thrown at him. He continues to amaze us with his ability to be trained, to be shown and breed at a very young age. It is a testimony to his all inclusive package that he offers as a stallion.

Mr. Farenheit

Q - From a young colt to competing in the largest events, what qualities make this horse stand out?

A - We believe Freddie’s most appealing qualities is his captivating arena presence, along with the way he carries himself. He has a style that standouts and you immediately know it is Freddie. And his mind and desire to do his job…he never says no and is so willing to please.

Q - Tell us about his offspring.

A - Not only does Freddie look like a clone of his incredible sire Magnum Chic Dream, his first foal crop, as well as the current foals of 2024, are exceeding our expectations. They have the same way of moving around and carrying themselves.

With such a strong bottom side in Wimpys Little Girl, the babies have inherited Freddie’s beautiful topline, effortless movement and he is putting color on them as well. With all the stallions in our industry that are currently breeding, Mr Farenheit’s exceptional bloodline allows for him to be the perfect outcross on Gunner, Spooks Gotta Whiz, Gunnatrashya and other mares bred by the industry’s top stallions.

Q - Are any of Mr. Farenheit offspring going to be shown this year?

A - Mr Farenheit’s oldest offspring are yearlings in 2024.

Q - Will Mr. Farenheit be shown at any other events in 2024, like the NRHA Derby, or The Run For The Million in August in Las Vegas at South Point?

A - Tentatively, Freddie will be shown at the NRBC in April, as well as the NRHA Derby. I will be showing Mr Farenheit at the Cactus Classic in hopes to quality for The Run for a Million in August.

WATCH FOR - Ruben Vandorp at the Cactus Classic Reining on Mr. Farenheit

Andrea Fappani was NRHA Open Futurity L4 Co-Champion on Mr. Farenheit

Mandy McCutcheon qualified for The Run for a Million on Mr. Farenheit

NEW BARNS INSTALLED AT WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE

INTERVIEW - Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega

RANDY COFFMAN WITH SCOTTSDALE MAYOR DAVID ORTEGA, CHERYL SPANGLER & LARRY GIMPLE

By Major David Ortega

“Since I was first elected as City Councilman in 2000, WestWorld has always been an evolving project of major interest to me. Located on Bureau of Reclamation land, with drainage challenges and so many possibilities, the Master Plan was in design while I held office back then. Every proposed component also had to fit a business feasibility plan, which the Council also consider.”

“As a Scottsdale architect and councilman, I reviewed the ambitious plans which foresaw a multi-purpose Equestrian Center, arenas and an entire complex with necessary improvements, in addition to the big tent mostly known as home of the Barrett- Jackson Collector Car Auction.”

“Back then tattered, rental tent stalls were used for horse shows. I remember our Council (2002) approving new steel barns which were soon built. Building barns rather than renting tents of course made horse sense. Later after leaving office, I served on Development Review Board (DRB) to approve the design of the Tony Nelson Equestrian Center, which has become one of the best facilities in the USA.”

“Today as Mayor, I am thrilled to see more city investment, including replacement of the steel barns, which I and Council approved over 22 years ago. Today the Master Plan and business plan have been updated and expanded significantly because WestWorld is about personal relationships, sound investment, creativity and straight-up good business. We love WestWorld!”

Q - The City of Scottsdale invested significant resources in replacing certain horse barns at WestWorld of Scottsdale. How do you feel about the continued financial support for the equestrians that visit, and locals that show horses at WestWorld?

A - “I believe our Council is very supportive of WestWorld and will continue to invest in and upgrade facilities for our equestrian partners, exhibitors, and equine friends. For me 24 years ago, changes began with permanent barns, and still today, new barns draw rave

reviews from trainers, exhibitors and event producers!”

Q - We met for a photo-shoot at the new barns during the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show 2024. What was it like to see the new barns in use and to get one-on-one feedback from exhibitors at the event?

A - “Larry is a fantastic Assistant GM, working with the WestWorld crew, FCP Barns, Coffman Barns, Caruso Construction, Inc. and the City staff to administer this project. FCP Barns and Coffman Barns have been great partners since 2005, building the SPD Mounted Unit barn, as well as the northern barn area which consist of (264) stalls. Exhibitors love personalizing the facades and hospitality porches at the of the new barns and we look forward to adding another four barns over the next three years.”

Q - You have been around a long-time, and seen many changes. Are you surprised at the resilience and strength of the horse community in producing events at WestWorld now for over 40-years?

A - “Not surprised—Scottsdale has always has a ranching, equine “Western” culture. I am impressed that the horse farm owners, who have showed their best here for decades-- way before all the improvements were built—they bring their finest today, still. As mayor, I thank them profusely for growing our equestrian reputation worldwide!”

Q - The City and WestWorld management does a remarkable job at turning the event center from one type of use, to another type of use in a very short period of time. Are you satisfied that WestWorld is a multi-use facility?

A - “Yes, we do a great job and we expect to build-out four event areas which can operate separately, with very little down-time. For example, new lighting at the field “polo grounds” can also serve for sports fields. There are several drainage improvements which are in design stage to handle extreme storm events—so our work continues. I am confident that the planning staff will get user input and review options, before bringing them to Council.”

Q - Can you offer any timeline guidance as to when the new entrance off Bell Rd will be developed?

A - “As mayor, I have seen preliminary circulation plans and possible solutions to alleviate Bell traffic backup. I will leave it there, as we get more into design progress, I promise I will get back to you.”

Tracy, Thank you for the questions! Mayor Dave

Major David Ortega

INTERVIEW - CHERYL SPANGLER FCP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Q - When FCP heard of the opportunity to be part of building the new barns at WestWorld, that must have been exciting. How did it make you as the CEO of FCP Barns feel

A - From the onset, we at FCP Barns have always prided ourselves on delivering innovative, high-quality, durable barn and building solutions. Knowing that the City of Scottsdale, along with the WestWorld team and their construction management group, recognized our dedication to excellence and considered us a strong candidate for such a significant project made us feel incredibly honored.

Q - Why do you think FCP barns was chosen for the WestWorld project?

A - Ultimately, I believe FCP was chosen because of our long history of dedication to safety, durability, and our unwavering commitment to customer service. Our structures feature industry leading safety features like lifetime kick-thru and chew-thru warranties, that reduce the risk of animal injury. Our barns are made of fire-resistant materials for added protection and peace of mind. FCP barns are crafted for longevity, meeting equestrian needs, and are proudly made in the USA since 1982. Despite these premium features, they offer great value, making them a smart choice for the WestWorld project.

Q - What was it like to work with the City of Scottsdale and the WestWorld team?

“It was a privilege working with the City of Scottsdale, Westworld, the equestrian community, and we very much look forward to contributing to future projects.”

A - Collaborating with the City of Scottsdale and the WestWorld team proved to be a highly fulfilling endeavor, marked by a strong dedication to excellence and community involvement. Coffman Barns, our dealer, took charge of managing the FCP approved construction team and handled interactions with WestWorld on our behalf. The flawless manufacturing and installation of the barns, free of any complications, showcase the meticulousness and professionalism demonstrated by all team members, and that partnership sets the stage for future collaborations.

Q - Seeing the new barns in use at the Scottsdale Arabian Show this year must have been exciting?

A - Witnessing the positive reactions to the new FCP barns at the Scottsdale Arabian Show highlighted the upgrade’s success. The new facilities were commended for their superior cleanliness, brightness, and solid construction, which validates our commitment to America’s “Best-Built” barns and buildings.

Meeting with Scottsdale Mayor, David Ortega while walking the show grounds, was memorable. What feedback did you get?

The interaction with Mayor David Ortega was highly encouraging. He not only showed a keen interest in our project but also expressed admiration for our approach and the potential impact on the community. His enthusiasm towards fostering a strong partnership was clear, and he sees significant value in our efforts to enhance local development. Mayor Ortega’s support and constructive feedback provide a robust foundation for future engagements and pave the way for collaborative growth.

INTERVIEW - Randy Coffman / Coffman Barns

Q - Replacing the show barns at WestWorld of Scottsdale was a huge undertaking. How did the erection schedule work out around event schedules?

A - “We completed the erection of each barn in 10 working days which was highly expedited and it allowed multiple barns to be erected during the off months of summer and over the Christmas holidays.”

Q - The Mayor of Scottsdale, David Ortega met with you, Larry Gimple Assistant GM of WestWorld & Cheryl Spangler the Sales Manager of FCP Barns at the Scottsdale Arabian show 2024. You had been part of the erection of the WestWorld barns on the South side of the arenas several years ago. Can you tell us about that conversation?

A - “I shared with Mayor Ortega that I had a long time working relationship with the City Of Scottsdale and Westworld and that I had previously completed the Mounted Police Barn in 2005, the 264 stalls of Barns O-T in 2009 and 200 event stalls in 2012. The Mayor replied and said that relationships is all that you get to take with you when leaving this earth and that the City of Scottsdale and its citizens certainly appreciates our long lasting relationship with Coffman Barns.”

A - “ After working with the City of Scottsdale on this proposed project since 2015, both Coffman Barns and FCP Inc were thrilled to be selected as the supplier and installer for this project. We had the responsibility to work closely with Project Team- City Engineer, Caruso Construction Inc, and the Engineer of record to design a barn that was safe, on budget and met the existing foundation conditions and participated with the project team on many zoom meeting and onsite inspections. Each Team member and their unique set of skills, contributed to the success of the project and ultimately completing the project on schedule and on budget.”

Q - Working with Scottsdale & FCP there was demand to have this project finished before the BIG shows and events started in 2024. How much pressure was on the Coffman Barn crew in this age of high demand for concrete, steel and other supplies needed to finish the project?

Q - How long do you think those barns will last at WestWorld?

A - “Typically, these FCP Metal barns will last 50-100 years when properly maintained.”

Q -How many stalls have you or do you intend to replace for Scottsdale?

A - “We have replaced 288 stalls (6 Barns) so far of the 480 total stalls (10 Barns) expected to be replaced under the current renovation project.”

Q - The City of Scottsdale is investing in the new barns and several other improvements. What is the responsibility to be a part of this important project?

A - “The schedule was extremely accelerated and our teams of up to 14 installers worked day and night to meet the demands of the short window of time from demo and completion. Even though there was numerous supply challenges, FCP Inc supplied us with a 48 stall barn every two weeks. Our Demo trade partners removed each existing barn in 3 days with a crew of up to 11. All Barns were completed on time and with no punchlist items reported!”

Q - You were recognized as the #1 dealer for FCP in 2023. How does that make you feel?

A - “ Everyone at Coffman Barns are honored to have been named #1 Dealer for FCP for two years in a row. We have a great team of trade partners that have the same goal for the projects therefore we deliver a high quality product as manufactured in America by FCP, Inc.”

Randy Coffman

INTERVIEW - Larry Gimple Westworld Assisgant General Manager.

Q - The City of Scottsdale invested significant resources in replacing certain horse barns at WestWorld How do you feel about the continued finanfor the equestrians that visit, and locals that WestWorld?

A - WestWorld of Scottsdale has set off on a challenging mission to improve and upgrade our existing facilities for our equestrian partners, exhibitors, and equine friends to better our facility and maintain its stature as one of the finest equestrian centers in the nation. The new barns being one of the largest projects in recent years has had a phenomenal response from both our trainers, exhibitors and event producers!

Q - We met for a photo-shoot at the new barns during the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show 2024. What was it like to see the new barns in use and to get one-on-one feedback from exhibitors at the event?

A - Since I have been here in my position as Asst. General Manager of WestWorld I have been involved with the barn build from the onset. I take great pride in WestWorld’s crew, FCP Barns, Coffman Barns, Caruso Construction, Inc. and the City of Scottsdale staff in their assistance and expertise in this project. FCP Barns and Coffman Barns have been great partners since 2005; in the building of our SPD Mounted Unit barn as well as our northern barn area which consist of (264) stalls…to the most recent project of replacing (6) barns / 288 stalls in our southern barn area. I have had personal involvement with FCP Barns, the manufacturer, on several projects since the early 90’s and they have proven their worth and their value time after time!

Q - You have been around a long-time, and seen many changes. Are you surprised at the resilience and strength of the horse community in producing events at WestWorld now for over 40-years?

A - Yes, I have been extremely impressed with all that WestWorld has to offer to the equine industry and feel pride when spectators and guests are able to enjoy all the diversified events hosted here at WestWorld of Scottsdale. I have either attended most of the equestrian centers in the US either as an exhibitor, a trainer, a judge, a member of facility management or an event producer and have always considered WestWorld one of the most elite of facilities. That being said, we need to always be conscious of the importance of the ‘western way of life’ and never lose sight of the tradition that WestWorld has portrayed for decades to the equine world and it’s community!

THE MAYOR DAVID ORTEGA, IN ONE OF THE NEW BARNS WITH RANDY COFFMAN, CHERYL SPANGLER & LARRY GIMPLE

Q - The City and WestWorld management does a remarkable job at turning the event center from one type of use, to another type of

use in a very short period of time. Are you satisfied that WestWorld is a multi-use facility?

A - Yes, we do a great job as it relates to conversions from one event to another, but there is always room for improvement. Thus, we cannot be complacent as it relates to the time permitted to carry out such a task. We must constantly evaluate our options and/or processes to make this task as feasible and cost effective as possible to enable and assure success to both the event producer and our crews.

BY TRACY WAGER

HOWARD KEIM INTERVIEW

Q - As a young man you ran a significant publishing house on the east coast. How did you end up in Scottsdale?

A - I was group V.P. of Fairchild Publishing and Wade Fairchild, a dear friend and colleague, wanted to move with me to Scottsdale to start an aerial map firm.

Q - Before your experiences at WestWorld of Scottsdale, the City of Scottsdale contracted with you to develop the first water-treatment plant on the Central Arizona Project a considerable engineering and building first in Arizona. How did you get that accomplished?

A - This required an excellent relationship with Mayor Drinkwater and the acting City Council members. They recognized our need to build the water plant and I was able to assemble an exceptional team.

Q - For many years, if not still today, you were one of the most powerful forces in Scottsdale. How did that come about?

A - While I don’t see it that way, my love of Scottsdale and supporting such an amazing community was worth all the effort.

Q -Time is precious and You and your family invested many good years in growing and managing the amenities at WestWorld, in lieu of other opportunities. Was it worth it?

Howard with “Fireball” at a recent reining horse show at WestWorld

Howard Keim is credited with building many of the improvements at WestWorld and securing several of the major events

A - Horses, Scottsdale and the Western Life was always a part of what I loved and I am proud to be a part of the legacy of Westworld.

Q - When did you realize that the leasehold estate Scottsdale has with the Bureau of Reclamation would make it almost impossible to borrow construction or long-term financing?

While there were always different hurdles, but truly the economic times make it most difficult at the time.

Q - Barrett Jackson, the Arabian Show, Sun Circuit, and many horse show events all moved to WestWorld during your management, and they are thriving today.

How does that make you feel?

A - It makes me proud to see these shows thriving today and that Westworld of Scottsdale has International recognition.

Q - In 1995 did you foresee the explosive growth potential of Barrett-Jackson?

continuted on pae 44

WestWorld in the early days.

The late Snell Johnson, and Snell Jr. with Howard at the unveiling of the bronze monument.

The Scottsdale Arabian Show in the Equidome

Howard at WestWorld

HOWARD KEIM

A - From the beginning we recognized the economic impact of this International event and moving it to Scottsdale was a priority of mine and Mayor Drinkwater’s.

Q - You have been around a long-time, and seen many changes. Are you surprised at the resilience and strength of the horse community in producing events at WestWorld now for over 40-years?

A - Not at all - this was what I expected and hoped for in planning and supporting these equestrian events.

Q - You have a new friend in the horse world, his name is “Fireball”. Red Hot Whizkey is an AQHA/NRHA Reining horse that competes in Open and Non-Pro classes, and you first met him last year at the Sun Circuit at WestWorld.

What is it about “Fireball” that brought back great memories about why you built WestWorld and your love of horses?

A - Fireball reminded me of how special Westworld is for people and horses (including Fireball). Fireball, is a great representation of the wonderful memories and exceptional horses I experienced over the many years I spent at Westworld. It’s why people came from all over the World to experience Scottsdale and the “Wests Most Western Town.” PS I have “Fireball” on my Screensaver :)

In closing, I would like to state that I enjoyed every minute of my time at Westworld and spending time with the horses like Fireball…made it all worthwhile.

Barrett-Jackson moved in 1995 to WestWorld - Then and Now!

Polo tournament featuring Major Furguson’s Team from England set the stage for future high-goal polo.

(L-R) Tracy Wager, Kim Keim-Bankofier, Todd Bankofier, Howard Keim, “Fireball”, Robin Filbry & Brent Naylor

The late Scottsdale Mayor Herb Drinkwater at Monterra

Monterra at WestWorld

Howard Keim at the Celebrity Team Penning at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show 1994

TULSA KING on CBS this Summer and New Season on Paramount+ in the Fall

Season one of the hit original Paramount+ series TULSA KING, starring Oscar® nominee Sylvester Stallone, will make its broadcast debut on the CBS Television Network this summer prior to season two launching this fall exclusively on Paramount+. This is the most recent example of Paramount Global’s strategy to bring Paramount+ originals to new audiences on its linear platforms.

TULSA KING continues to be one of Paramount+’s mostwatched series of all-time, ranking second only behind Sheridan’s 1923. The premiere of the series in November 2022, coupled with NFL ON CBS, also set a new record at the time for subscriber growth in a single day since Paramount+’s launch, and was the most-watched series on the service while in-season.

The show is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.

TULSA KING follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone), just after he is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Okla. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight

slowly builds a “crew” from a group of unlikely characters to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet. The first season of the

Empire”), Jay Will (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), A.C. Peterson (“Superman & Lois”) with Garrett Hedlund (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Dana Delany (“Body of Proof”).

Creator and Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan serves as executive producer alongside Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Terence Winter. Season one is also executive produced by Sylvester Stallone, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Allen Coulter and Braden Aftergood.

series also stars Andrea Savage (“I’m Sorry”), Martin Starr (“Silicon Valley”), Max Casella (“The Tender Bar”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Irishman”), Vincent Piazza (“Boardwalk

In addition to TULSA KING, Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+ includes 1883; MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, which is currently in production on its third season; SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS; LAWMEN: BASS REEVES; the upcoming all-new series LANDMAN; and 1923, which will be going into production on its second season later this year.

JON HAMM JOINS THE CAST OF THE LANDMAN

From Yellowstone Co-Creator Taylor Sheridan, and Christian Wallace

FEBRUARY 15, 2024 — Paramount+ today announced that Emmy® winner Jon Hamm will join the cast of the upcoming original drama series LANDMAN in a recurring guest role. Hamm will play Monty Miller, a titan of the Texas oil industry who has a long personal and professional relationship with Tommy Norris, played by

Oscar® winner and series lead Billy Bob Thornton. Co-created by Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, LANDMAN is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios and Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions exclusively for Paramount+. Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, LAND-

MAN is a modern-day tale of fortune seeking in the world of oil rigs. Based on the notable 11-part podcast “Boomtown,” the series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.

Hamm’s nuanced portrayal

of high-powered advertising executive Don Draper in the award-winning drama series Mad Men earned him numerous accolades for his performance, including an Emmy in 2015 for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, Golden Globe Awards in 2016 and 2008, Television Critics Association Awards in 2011 and 2015, a Critics’ Choice Television Award in 2011 and multiple Screen Actors Guild nominations.

Last year, Hamm starred in the fifth season of the critically acclaimed anthology series Fargo, for which he received a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.In addition to Billy Bob Thornton, the series stars Ali Larter (The Last Victim), Michelle Randolph (1923), Jacob Lofland (Joker 2), Kayla Wallace (When Calls the Heart), James Jordan (Yellowstone), Mark Collie (Nashville), Paulina Chávez (The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia), and Demi Moore (Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans).

Currently filming in and around Fort Worth, Texas, LANDMAN is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, Christian Wallace, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman and Stephen Kay. Dan Friedkin and Jason Hoch.

A historic Texas ranch on the market for $180 million has been devastated by wildfires

By Joshua Zitser

In a statement, the owners of the Turkey Track Ranch, which contains around 80,000 acres, said an early assessment indicated that about 80% of “pastures, plains, and creek bottom vegetation” had been destroyed.

The owners said the loss of livestock, crops, wildlife, and infrastructure was “unparalleled in our history.”

“We are heartbroken by this devastating fire and its tremendous associated effects and losses which continue,” they said, while thanking firefighters who came to help save the ranch.

According to Icon Global, the Dallas-based brokerage running the marketing for the prop-

erty’s sale, the Turkey Track Ranch was one of the original ranches of the Panhandle.

It has an extensive Native American history and is known for the battles of Adobe Walls in 1864 and 1874.

Situated in northern Texas, the ranch was overrun by the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest of several wildfires blaz-

ing through the Panhandle.

The fire, which broke out on Monday, quickly became the “largest and most destructive” in Texas’s history, the West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

It’s also the second most destructive wildfire in US history, after the 1825 Miramichi Fire in

Maine, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

In total, it’s spread to nearly 1.1 million acres — an area bigger than Rhode Island — with only about 3% of the fire contained as of Thursday, the fire department said.

Two people have been confirmed dead.

Responding to the crisis, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration on Tuesday for 60 counties affected by the “devastating” wildfires.

President Joe Biden, who was in Texas on Thursday to visit the US-Mexico border, announced that he had directed federal officials to do “everything possible” to assist communities affected.

More than 500 federal personnel are already engaging in fire-fighting efforts, he said.

The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team Earns Silver in 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ USA CDIO3*

Siena Harris-Gissler and Status Royal OLD Win CDIOU25 FEI Intermediate II

By Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department

Wellington, Fla. – The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team put forth strong efforts in the FEI Grand Prix for the FEI Dressage Nations Cup USA CDIO3*. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig, the team of Jan Ebeling and Jubi’s Tenacity, Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee, Erin Nichols and Elian Royale, and Jennifer Williams and Joppe K earned the silver medal. The U.S. U25 combinations also had an opportunity to take center stage at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival for the FEI Intermediate II.

Kohmann (Wellington, Fla.) and Duenensee were the anchor combination for The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team and delivered a lovely test to earn a personal-best score of 71.326%. The pair had excellent canter work from extensions to pirouettes, clinching second place individually in the class.

“I’m just thrilled to even be here right now,” said Kohmann. “And to be the anchor rider for my team makes me even more proud and to get the top score, what else can I say other than I am just thrilled.”

While Kohmann and the 2009 Hanoverian gelding (Dancier x Doublette) owned by Diamante Farms have only had a partnership for a year, they have continued to develop and improved their scores.

“Every show I feel more comfortable riding these movements and pushing a little bit more,” said Kohmann. “Every time I do it, it is a bit better.”

Ebeling (Wellington, Fla.) laid down a quality test with Jubi’s Tenacity to earn a score of 70.087% and finish seventh in the class. He and the 2010 Danish Warmblood gelding (Tailormade Temptation x Jubi’s Cadeau) owned by Ann Romney had impressive extended canter and canter pirouette movements as the highlights of their test.

Nichols (Wellington, Fla.) made her senior Nations Cup debut a memorable one with a personal-best score of 69.565% with Elian Royale. She and the 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Johnson x Zafradine) owned by Premiere Sport Horses nailed their one-tempi changes on their way to finishing eighth in the class.

Williams (Wellington, Fla.) and Joppe K were the first U.S. pair down centerline, and they set a positive tone for the team. Williams and the 2014 KWPN gelding (Rousseau x Dadina K) owned by Joppe Partners, LLC had solid trot work throughout their test to finish ninth on a score of 68.652%.

“I’m really proud of them,” said Chef d’Equipe Traurig. “I’m proud of Erin, the youngster, for going in there and putting in a

mistake-free test, which is rare. Kevin’s horse has gotten better and better now, and Jan’s horse also has shown improvement. Jennifer’s horse has a lot of quality that has continued to develop. I’m very happy with how the team performed today.”

U.S. Dressage Team of

Jennifer Williams, Kevin Kohmann, Jan Ebeling, and Erin Nichols

PHOTO: Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian

Germany secured the team gold medal with a score of 213.369, followed by the U.S. with silver on a score of 210.978 and Sweden in third with a score of 198.956.

For the CDIOU25, Siena Harris-Gissler and Status Royal OLD were victorious in the FEI Intermediate II with a personal-best score of 69.000%. The pair had a fluid test, receiving strong scores for their extended canter and canter pirouettes. Harris-Gissler (New York, N.Y.) felt that she and her own 2010 Oldenburg gelding (Statesman x Facette Royal) were cohesive throughout the test.

“Today was the first day that I really felt like we were together the entire test,” said Harris Gissler. “This is a whole new level for me. This is my first few months competing at the level, so every time that we go in the ring, we get more and more experience and get to know each other a little better. Today, even though we had a few mistakes, I was so happy with my ride.”

Harris-Gissler only began her partnership with Status Royal OLD in September but are quickly getting to know one another.

“He is like my best friend; I love him so much,” said Harris-Gissler. “I have never had a horse like him. He is so giving. I call him my teacher or my babysitter. He has really taught me so much. He tolerates my mistakes when I make them, and he never gets mad. I am just so lucky to have him.”

Dennesy Rogers and Chanel finished second in the class with a score of 66.765%. Rogers (Santa Rosa, Calif.) and the 2005 Danish Warmblood mare (Blue Horse Romance x Penelope Solyst) owned by Dorriah Rogers earned solid marks for their extended and collected trot to secure their spot in the rankings.

Josh Albrecht and Goldenboy Vinckenburgh finished fourth behind third-place finishers Kate Kyros and Chemistry (AUS). Albrecht (Oroville, Calif.) and the 2011 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Apache x Tandafanory) owned by Coalcyn Equestrian LLC had collected a respectable score of 64.471%.

Though insufficient entries turned the CDIOU25 into an individual competition rather than a team one, George Williams emphasized the importance of still giving the will provide guidance to the up-and-coming U.S. combinations.

“We still wanted them to have the feeling of being on the team,” said Williams. “We have the chef here, we have the team vet, and the support that we would normally give to a team. Also, the team spirit between the team members and supporting one another. We wanted to make sure they support each other when they can be there to get a feeling of what it is like to be a member of a team. I think that is really a crucial experience, especially for all of our youth and U25 athletes as they move into the senior ranks.”

Legendary J.B. Mauney takes the reins as head coach in PBR

By Kacie Albert

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma Wildcatters, the newest PBR (Professional Bull Riders) team, is thrilled to announce J.B. Mauney as Head Coach and Brandon Bates as General Manager. Owned by Midwest City’s own Talor Gooch, professional LIV Golf champion, the Wildcatters are

set to bring a new level of excitement and competition to the PBR scene in Oklahoma.

J.B. Mauney, a name synonymous with resilience, skill and unparalleled success in the world of professional bull riding, has stepped into the coaching role for the first time. With a career highlighted by two PBR World Championships and a record-breaking number of rides, Mauney is ready to channel his extensive experience and indomitable spirit into leading the Wildcatters to success.

“I’ve faced some of the toughest bulls in the world and come out on top,” Mauney said. “Coaching the Oklahoma Wildcatters is a new challenge, but I’m ready to bring my experience and passion for bull riding to this team and help shape the next generation of champions.”

Joining Mauney in leadership is Bates, the iconic voice of PBR for more than two decades. As General Manager, Bates brings his deep knowledge of the sport and a visionary approach to team management. His expertise has guided fans through countless thrilling moments in bull riding history, and now, he will help lead the Wildcatters.

“Having been a part of the PBR family for so many years, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to succeed in this sport. I’m honored to join the Wildcatters and work alongside J.B. Together, we’re committed to building a team that embodies the spirit of Oklahoma and the heart of bull riding,” Bates said.

Both Mauney and Bates will be instrumental in scouting and selecting the Wildcatters’ roster, which will begin to take shape when up to six riders will be selected in the 2024 Expansion Draft to be held at a date, time, and location to be announced. The team will be able to add to their roster by signing unrestricted free agents following the Expansion Draft. Finally, additional riders will fill out the roster when the 2024 New Rider Draft takes place with Wildcatters, along with the New York Mavericks also joining the league for the 2024 season.

NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team Earns Podium Finish in $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4* Wellington

Wellington, Fla. –The NetJets U.S. Jumping Team finished in third place following two rounds of Nations Cup competition at Wellington International in Wellington, Fla. The first of two international team jumping competitions hosted in the U.S. this year, the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team produced a tworound final total of 24 faults. The team was led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and competed in front of an energetic hometown crowd for the $150,000 Jumping Nations Cup CSIO4* presented by Florida Coast Equipment.

The NetJets U.S. Jumping Team

PHOTO: Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian)

“Overall, today went well for us. We knew going in there would be some teams here with their big guns and we stuck to our plan – and ultimately gave solid experience to our up-and-coming combinations. Bisquetta jumped great for Laura in both rounds –it’s great experience for that mare and an upward trajectory with just some fine-tuning,” explained Ridland. “We had an experienced horse, but with a new rider in McLain, so that’s a very exciting combination for the team and they handled the atmosphere well. You then have Zayna and Karl who are finding their way at this level, and this is why this Nations Cup is so important for our program.

“You don’t get Nations Cup experience without doing it,” continued Ridland. “You can tell yourself how you’re going to handle your nerves and/or the pressure, but you don’t really know how to do that until you go through it. In some moments it can be uncomfortable, but you learn through experience, and that’s what’s going to make our combinations better in the long run. We don’t want to sacrifice the opportunity to give this kind of experience to younger horses and/or younger athletes because it’s a launch point for the rest of the year and you can learn a lot about your horse and yourself in this type of environment.”

In the first round, Kraut (Wellington, Fla.) and Bisquetta were the trailblazers for the team, testing the 1.55m track set by Steve Stephens (USA). The first round started late in the afternoon at 4:30 p.m., before the top eight teams returned for the final round under the lights. Kraut and Bisquetta were efficient in their first Nations Cup start together for the team, just adding four faults at the tall and delicate vertical after the open water.

Earning her first start for the senior U.S. Jumping Team at

just 18, and the youngest competitor in the field, Zayna Rizvi (Wellington, Fla.) rode Exquise du Pachis to an eight-fault score. Rizvi was accurate and confident through the first three-quarters of the course, with both faults accumulating in the final line of the course.

Karl Cook (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) and Caracole de la Roque pushed through a challenging first round, adding a total of 12 faults to their score, with McLain Ward and Ilex still to come as the anchor combination for the team.

With pressure mounting to qualify for the second round settling on the shoulders of Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Ilex, the combination showcased their potential and budding partnership, producing a clear round for the team in the first team competition for the duo together. Ultimately, the team’s 12 faults in the first round placed them safely inside the top eight teams and returning just a place off the podium to start the second round.

Aboard the cheeky mare Bisquetta, Kraut and the 2014 Zangersheide mare owned by Cherry Knoll Farm and cared for by Alex Tyler-Morris, Kraut adjusted after the open water to keep the tall vertical in the cups, but the A element of the triple caught the pair, with Bisquetta just nudging the front rail of the oxer out and finishing in 68.4 seconds.

Rizvi and Exquise du Pachis, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood mare owned by The Exquisite Group and cared for by Hector Garay, rode a collected and composed second round, navigating through the challenging triple combination and several of the delicate questions. The pair faulted at the second-to-last fence, which proved challenging for combinations in both rounds, adding a late four faults with the final oxer also coming down for a total of eight.

With the second round proving difficult for the returning teams, Cook and Caracole de la Roque, a 2012 Selle Français mare owned by Signe Ostby and cared for by Tessa Falanga, looked to improve from their first-round total and help bring the team closer to the podium. The pair was fast and forward-thinking, but a foot down in the open water added four faults to their score with one final combination in the rotation to decide the team’s final placing.

In an impressive debut for the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team, Ward and Ilex, a 2013 KWPN gelding owned by McLain Ward & Bonne Chance Farm and cared for by Virginie Casterman, were poised throughout their returning round, with the flashy gelding showcasing his tremendous scope. The pair was clear up until the triple combination, where the C element fell from the cups, but even with the added four faults, the team still secured their podium finish, securing third place behind Canada on 20, and Ireland on 10.

Death Tax Repeal Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) strongly supports the Death Tax Repeal Act, led by Reps. Randy Feenstra (IA) and Sanford Bishop (GA). The Senate companion bill is led by Sen. John Thune (SD). Repealing the federal estate tax, also known as the Death Tax, is a top priority for NCBA.

“It is unconscionable for cattle and horse producers to face a tax that forces them to sell all or part of their family’s farm or ranch due to the death of a family member. With the cost of farmland rapidly rising, the Death Tax presents a significant threat to the future of family farms and ranches,” said NCBA President and South Dakota cattle producer Todd Wilkinson. “Most cattle producers have significant assets but are cash-poor and operate on thin margins, leaving them with few options when they are saddled with an unexpected tax liability. Some producers are forced to sell off assets including land, livestock, farm equipment, or even their home. This is an incredible loss, and it starts a vicious cycle where future generations continue to face punitive taxes their ancestors paid multiple times. Rural America needs a tax code that promotes multi-generational, family-owned businesses instead of chopping them up.”

Current Death Tax relief is set to expire at the end of 2025, and it is vital that Congress acts soon and provide permanent relief for our family operations. If the federal estate tax exemption reverts to pre-2017 limits, coupled with the rapid inflation of farmland values, many more families will be subject to the Death Tax.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEFUSA or membership@beef.org.

NRHA New Strategic Plan

During their first meeting of the year, the NRHA Board of Directors unanimously approved a new strategic plan to shape the association’s direction effectively over the next 3-5 years.

The last strategic plan, adopted in 2017, was highly successful and boasted years of all-time records for purses, entries, and nominations.

“We set a strategic goal of 125,000 [annual] worldwide entries within five years, and I am happy to share that not only did we meet that goal in 2022, but we have also now exceeded it with over 131,000 entries,” said NRHA President Mark Blake. “Instead of sitting around spending a lot of time asking ourselves, what’s next? We already know. This plan helps us accomplish that.”

The new plan, formulated with members of the board, staff, and committee members alongside facilitator Glenn

Tecker of Tecker International, creates an envisioned future for the association, with clear goals and detailed objectives to help achieve those goals.

Four major benchmarks include reaching 18,000 members, increasing youth membership by 10%, achieving 175,000 total worldwide entries, and reaching nearly 2,000 professional members.

Additionally, NRHA will focus on four core values that will serve as cornerstones of the association: Leadership, Camaraderie, Integrity, and Respect.

A refined mission statement of “to promote the reining horse worldwide and advance the finest traditions of western horsemanship” will continue to serve as the backbone of the association.

“There is a renewed sense of energy when you have an incredible team who have all come together to tackle something like this strategic plan,” said Blake. “It’s incredible to see everyone ready to get to work.”

NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith highlighted the plan during his Annual General Membership address, stressing the importance of association alignment. “Nothing meaningful happens without a strategy that everyone can get behind. Hope is good, but it’s not a strategy,” stated Commissioner Smith.

The association alignment will allow the board to develop and accept committees’ specific priorities tied directly to the strategic plan. Committees will present recommendations to the board to achieve these priorities. “Our staff, committees, and board must all be pulling on the same rope, in the same direction,” added Smith.

Many of NRHA’s advisory committees reviewed and discussed the plan at length during last week’s Winter Meeting in Oklahoma City.

Hundreds of people funneled into the Merck Animal Health Arena at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, after the Art of the Cowgirl main event on January 21. They sat in rows of white chairs set up before a stage. Photos of the event’s founder, Tammy Pate, reeled on the big screen, awakening memories of friendships, family and horses. After five days of festivities, the friends and family of Pate, who passed away less

Western

Women Shined in the Arts and Arena at the Sixth Annual Art of the Cowgirl

than a month before the event from cancer, gathered to celebrate through stories, photos, songs and fellowship her vision, passion for the Western lifestyle, and a life well-lived.

“Every time I look at [this photo of Tammy], it’s like that girl is saying, ‘Come on, let’s go, we’ve got dreams to dream,

we’ve got work to do,’” Judy Wagner addressed the crowd. A longtime family friend, Montana Silversmiths’ Brand and Western Lifestyle Advocate, and emcee at the celebration, Wagner pointed to an image of Pate riding her great red roan horse “Smoke” with the big Montana sky and mountains

in the background. “Anybody who knew that girl, [she] was a worker. Not only that, but she was a big dreamer. She taught us the power of a dream.”

Pate spent a decade forming her vision and assembling her team for Art of the Cowgirl. The event debuted in 2019 and has grown exponentially in activities and participation since then. This year’s schedule offered full days of education and entertainment, from hands-on workshops and riding clinics, to horsemanship demonstrations and exciting competitions, including the Wrangler All Women’s Ranch Rodeo, presented by COWGIRL Magazine; the Kimes Ranch World’s Greatest Horsewoman, presented by Western Horseman; and the Merck Animal Health Breakaway Roping, presented by Kimes Ranch. Spectators had a unique opportunity to watch the handiest horses, horsewomen and stock dogs in action, while also observing makers practicing their trades and artists painting pieces in the Quick Draw competition, sponsored by Cowgirl Artists of America, to be auctioned off with other donated items to benefit the Art of the Cowgirl Foundation, which raises funds for the fellowship program.

The fellowship program was Pate’s purpose for creating Art of the Cowgirl, explains her daughter, Mesa, who serves as the horse sale and competitions director. She envisioned connecting aspiring artists, makers, ranchers and horsewomen with masters in their trades for one-on-one instruction without barriers such as geography, finances and family responsibilities. Proceeds from Art of the Cowgirl functions and private donations make it possible to award a handful of fellowships each year.

continued page 96

Art of the Cowgirl

This year’s event had a few new elements, including an art installation; painted canvas range tipis sponsored by RA Brown Ranch; the Cowgirl Fiesta with food, fellowship and live music; and the Maker Experience, sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the latter, ap-

proximately 100 participants, ages 5 to 70, with little to no experience, tried their hands at leathercraft, painting and drawing, stamping a copper bracelet and creating permanent jewelry

“The Maker Experience achieved what I hoped it would,” says coordinator Savanna Simmons. “People got the chance to create art at Art of the Cowgirl, regardless of their skill level or experience.

It allowed them to hammer, paint and visit, which was an enriching communal experience for the instructors and participants.”

The Art of the Cowgirl Elite Horse Sale, presented by Western Horseman, was held on January 20. The invitational sale featured 29 versatile horses and prospects, including consignments from handy youth, 8 to 16 years old. The sale totaled $679,900 and averaged $30,904.50. The high

seller in the Cow kid Select was Kickapoo Spirit Of A Warrior, or “Mango,” a 2017 Welsh gelding consigned by Haddie Clark. Onetime Prescription, a 2020 Quarter Horse gelding consigned by Lisa Kittel of Syringa Bend Stock Horses, topped the Select Prospects at $17,000, and Kelsey Love Thomas had the high-selling Elite Horse, Thunderbird Love, a 2017 American Paint Horse Association gelding that brought $82,000.

Love had another reason to celebrate, winning her third World’s Greatest Horsewoman title aboard Kit Kat Jerrie. The win secured her an entry in the National Reined Cow Horse Association World’s Greatest Horseman™ competition being held February 24 at the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas. She was also on the champion ranch rodeo team, Espuela, with Kylie Carter, Whitney Hall and Stormy Sill.

Filled with memorable moments, this year’s event, more than ever, reflected Pate’s dream and honored her vision and legacy. Moreover, Jaimie Stoltzfus, COO and Executive Director of the Art of the Cowgirl Foundation, says it was a gathering of a community Tammy had created throughout her life, and each person brought something unique to her life and the event.

“What stood out to me was everyone coming together and bringing their best selves to compete, participate as a vendor, musician or presenter, or come as spectators. There was a feeling of community and camaraderie and truly enjoying all parts of the event and supporting the mission,” says Stoltzfus. “It’s the people that come and inspire and encourage others— that’s what it is all about, and this year it was more tangible than ever.”

With the 2024 main event in the books, the Art of the Cowgirl team has already started planning for 2025.

The 2024 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping in Fort Worth

By Johnny Johnson

We are only a few months away from the 2024 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping in Fort Worth Texas. This year’s USTRC Finals will be held April 21-28 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center and will once again feature the three arena format ropers have grown to love over the past few

years in Cowtown.

To you roping families that have ropers under 21 years old; remember that those ropers must have a minimum of 10 entries under their belt from now until the NFTR. This is simply so we can make sure that every competitor is fairly numbered prior to competing at the Finals.

Key Card and Key Card

Max memberships have been growing at an exponential rate which is due to ropers realizing the savings and benefits associated with these upgraded memberships. Key Card ropers, due to the excitement and positive feedback At the WSTR Finale in Las Vegas, the USTRC will be hosting a handful of Key Card Advantage ropings at this year’s NFTR.

If you are on the fence about upgrading to a Key Card or Key Card Max, remember that the money you save in just two entries will cover the cost of the upgrade not to mention you get access to the full events live stream and get all of your runs videoed and delivered to your phone on the Global Roping app. Key Max members, the roadside assistance offered by USRoper is second to none plus a subscription to Roping. com is included. If you are hauling to ropings and love to critique your own runs plus learn from the best all while knowing you won’t get stranded in the middle of nowhere, the Key Card Max is the ultimate membership for you. No to mention all the money you save on entry discounts and accumulated earnings discounts.

All of us at the roping office hope you and your family had a great kickoff to the 2024 year and hope to see each of you at a USTRC roping soon. Remember to start making your plans for this year’s NFTR because entries will be due before you know it!

Treating Tendon Disease in Horses with Stem Cells: A Controlled Trial

By Kentucky Equine Research

Stem cell therapy for tendon injuries is now a common procedure, embraced by veterinarians and owners alike. Despite the popularity of the procedure, there is little evidence-based data collected from controlled clinical trials. In fact, there are no studies in which treated horses are compared to untreated horses. Without controlled studies, we are left not knowing whether stem cell treatment is truly more effective than other therapies, such as a controlled exercise rehabilitation program.

Veterinary researchers recently found a way to circumvent the problem of not having a control group. In that study, Burk and coworkers recruited 14 client-owned horses with naturally occurring tendon disease.* Seven horses were treated with adipose-derived allogeneic stem cells suspended in serum and the remaining seven horses were treated with serum alone.

The following few points should be noted regarding this study design:

Serum was used as the vehicle to deliver the stem cells and in the control group. Blood products (e.g., IRAP or autologous conditioned serum) display beneficial effects on tendon healing. Thus, the control group was not considered fully untreated.

Adipose-derived allogeneic stem cells were collected from a single healthy donor. Adipose tissue was selected rather than bone marrow based on previous study results.

“Also note, allogenic stem cells rather than autologous (using the patient’s own stem cells) were selected because using off-theshelf stem cells shortens the time interval between the injury and time of first regenerative treatment,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., of Kentucky Equine Research.

After treatment, all horses participated in a controlled rehabilitation program consisting of 16 weeks of walking (that increased gradually from five to 40 minutes) and then 16 weeks of additional training at a trot (increasing from five to 20 minutes while decreasing time walking). The final 16 weeks involved exercising horses 45 minutes daily and gradually increasing galloping exercise.

“Key findings were that inflammation, lameness, and ultrasonography scores all had a greater improvement in the group of horses treated with stem cells. Improvement in lameness was observed after six months,” Whitehouse said.

In terms of long-term follow-up, five of the seven horses in the stem cell group remained free of re-injury at 12 and 18 months. In contrast, only three of seven horses in the control group were free of re-injury at 12 months.

In conclusion, the researchers wrote, “to the best of our knowledge, this is the first controlled study investigating the efficacy of allogeneic MSCs (stem cells) in naturally occurring tendon disease objectively with long-term follow-up during rehabilitation training.”

Athletic horses that suffer tendon injuries often have sudden layups and slowly resume work, as described above with the rehabilitation program.

“Horses on stall rest or restricted turnout due to injury often require dietary modifications to manage their weight and behavior Plus, soft-tissue health and repair can be supported by high-quality trace minerals, vitamins such as vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. Kentucky Equine Research offers several products ideal for supporting the recovery of the convalescing horse,” advised Whitehouse.

*Burk, J., L. Wittenberg-Voges, S. Schubert, C. Horstmeier, W. Brehm, and F. Geburek. 2023. Treatment of naturally occurring tendon disease with allogeneic multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells: A randomized, controlled, triple-blinded pilot study in horses. Cells 12(21):2513.

2025 AQHA VRH World Qualifying

Qualifying information has been announced for the 2025 AQHA VRH World; AQHA RHC Finals; AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships; and NRSHA National Championships.

Following review and approval from the AQHA Executive Committee, the requirements to qualify for the 2025 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show have been announced.

The 2025 AQHA VRH World is tentatively scheduled for June 15-21, 2025, at the Tri-State Fairgrounds in Amarillo, Texas.

The qualifying period for the 2025 VRH World began

March 1, 2024, and runs through February 28, 2025. View the VRH World qualifying requirements.

AQHA RHC Finals

To qualify for the 2025 AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals, horses must compete at one of the 2024 AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge events in the class they wish to enter. The qualifying period for the 2025 RHC Finals is January 1 – December 31, 2024. View the upcoming RHC events.

AQHA Cattle Level 1

To be eligible to enter the 2025 AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, presented by the Four Sixes Ranch, an exhibitor need only be Level 1

eligible in the class they wish to enter as of January 1, 2024. Read more about leveling at www.aqha.com/leveling.

NRSHA National Championships

To be eligible to compete in the 2025 NRSHA National Championship Show, a rider must show in at least three events hosted by an NRSHA alliance partner between March 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025. Riders can show with the same alliance partner three times, or any combination of alliance partners three times. View more information.

About the AQHA VRH World

The AQHA VRH World combines four premiere ranch

horse events into one: the AQHA VRH World, AQHA RHC Finals, AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships and NRSHA National Championship Show. This prestigious show draws ranch horse competitors from around the globe to the TriState Fairgrounds each June to crown nine AQHA VRH world champions among other top AQHA RHC Finals, Cattle Level 1 and NRSHA National Championship Show ranch horse champions in addition to awarding over $400,000 in purse and prizes.

For more information on the AQHA VRH World and corresponding events, visit www.aqha.com/versatility.

USDA is funding a study of reproductive abnormalities and sterility in horses

The USDA has awarded a $640,000 grant to investigators at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) in College Station for the purpose of studying abnormalities in sex development that affect the reproductive capabilities of some horses. The new project will examine a diverse group of about 100 sterile horses, including those whose chromosomes don’t match their gender based on the presence of their reproductive organs, according to VMBS.

Studying these unexplained abnormalities will give equine scientists and veterinarians vital information for giving care and treatment advice to horse owners. “This project will allow us to properly diagnose these abnormalities in the future,” said Terje Raudsepp, PhD, MS, a professor in the VMBS Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences and director of the Molecular Cytogenetics Lab, in a news release.

“We’ll be able to give owners a definitive answer regarding whether a certain horse is capable of reproduction, so they don’t spend valuable time and resources on reproductive therapies. It will also improve the animal’s quality of care,” she added.

The horses in the study can be separated into 3 distinct groups, each with a different reproductive abnormality that renders them sterile. The first group are mares with underdeveloped reproductive organs, which is often a sign of X monosomy, a condition in which a female animal is born with only 1 X chromosome instead of 2. “It’s the most common sex chromosome abnormality in horses and one of the main causes of mare sterility,” Raudsepp said in the release. “If we know that an animal has X monosomy, we can tell the owners so that they don’t continue to look for a fertility treatment. That mare may be a good companion, or a good riding horse, but she won’t ever reproduce.”

Previous chromosomal analysis has revealed that the mares did not have X monosomy — they had a normal karyotype of XX. Raudsepp and her team hope to discover why these mares have underdeveloped reproductive tracts despite having normal-looking chromosomes.

The second group of horses in the study have a normal male karyotype — with an X and Y chromosome — as well as the sex determination region (SRY) or maleness gene, but their organs did not develop as expected. “If their sex chromosomes are XY and they have the SRY gene, then they should be male,” Raudsepp said, in the release. “But these horses have underdeveloped ova-

ries instead of male sex organs. They appear to be female.”

A third group of horses in the study are intersex — they are not easily identifiable as either male or female by their physical features and reproductive organs. “However, when we look at all their chromosomes together, we see normal female XX karyotype. So this third group should be female, but they’re not,” Raudsepp said in the release.

Raudsepp and her colleagues collected the genetic samples for this project over the course of more than 20 years in the Texas A&M Molecular Cytogenetics Lab, which provides testing to inform owners of chromosomal abnormalities in their animals.The tests are especially useful when an animal has a health condition like sterility and the underlying cause is unknown.

Over the years, the samples collected from mares with different disorders of sex development and reproduction showed that some mares had sex chromosome abnormalities, while others did not, and the researchers realized there was no clear scientific explanation. “We also work with many other kinds of animals; the comparisons with other species helped us notice the patterns in horses that led to this project,” said Raudsepp in the release.

To understand what mutations are causing these abnormalities, Raudsepp and her colleagues will use genome sequencing to see the genomic features of each gene in an organism’s DNA. “Twenty years ago, the technology was too expensive to do at this scale. But we also didn’t have enough samples yet. Now we have better technology, more animal health data to compare with our findings, and more collaborators to work with,” Raudsepp added.

In addition to the members of the Molecular Cytogenetics Lab, Raudsepp is working with VMBS faculty members Brian Davis, PhD, MS, an associate professor in the Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology and Small Animal Clinical Sciences; and Rytis Juras, DVM, PhD, director of Animal Genetics Laboratory. The team will also collaborate with Alan Conley, BVSc, PhD, MS, at the University of California, Davis, who is conducting hormonal profiling of the horses.

Reference

Price C. Texas A&M Researchers Studying Reproductive Abnormalities That Cause Sterility In Horses. News release. Texas A&M University. January 30, 2024. Accessed January 30, 2024. https:// vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/horse-sterility/

By Amy Young Equine Microchips

Microchips are radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices that have unique identification numbers.

Microchips are small, safe, inexpensive forms of permanent identification.

Microchips are valuable for reuniting owners with their animals.

Microchip implantation is a veterinary procedure and

Equine Microchips

should be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Various breed registries and discipline-specific organizations require horses to be microchipped in order to compete for points, awards, or prize money.

A microchip is an integrated electronic circuit that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Each microchip has a unique

number, which cannot be altered or deleted, that can be read by a hand-held radio frequency scanner. The chip reader emits radio waves at a frequency of 134.2 kilohertz (kHz) (international standard) or 125 kHz (national standard) that stimulate the chip to respond back to the reader with the unique identification information. In the early days of animal microchipping,

chip and reader compatibility was an issue. However, today’s global standards have negated this incompatibility. A universal scanner can read any International Standard Organization (ISO) microchip regardless of the manufacturer.

Microchips are small (about the size of a grain of rice), safe, inexpensive forms of permanent identification for animals. They are an asset for reuniting animals with their owners after theft, natural disasters, and accidents, as well as for monitoring animal movement, tracing animals during disease outbreaks, and preventing fraud at competitions. Microchips generally last for the life of the animal.

How and where are equine microchips implanted?

In horses, microchips are usually implanted with a needle and syringe in the nuchal ligament, halfway between the poll and withers, on the left side of the neck. Recent studies have evaluated implanting microchips into muscle as well. Anesthesia is not required for microchip implantation, but it is a veterinary procedure and should be performed, or at least supervised, by a licensed veterinarian.

Avid Horseman

Toby Keith

dies at age 62

Legendary country music star Toby Keith, who was also an avid horseman, died February 5, 2024, at the age of 62 due to stomach cancer.

The avid horseman raced both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. In the name of his Dream Walkin Farms Inc., the American Quarter Horses he raced earned more than $992,000, including a number of stakes-placed runners. He also raced in partnership The Down Side, who contested the 2002 All American Futurity (G1) and won the prestigious Champion of Champions (G1) in 2003.

Keith’s Thoroughbreds earned more than $18.6

million for his Dream Walkin Farms Inc.

Keith had 20 No. 1 Billboard hit songs, including “Shoulda Been A Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, “As Good As I Once Was” and “Beer For My Horses.”

He worked as a roughneck in the Oklahoma oil fields and played semi-pro football before launching his music career.

The artist was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Eating Machines: How Much Grass Can Horses and Ponies Ingest?

Traditional guidelines for feeding suggest that an average horse should be given at least 1.5 to 2% of its body weight in combined forage and concentrates per day. Many horses are able to maintain an acceptable body condition on a diet of this size, becoming neither too ribby nor too fat. It has also been suggested that horses will self-regulate, eating just the right amount of grass if given free access to pasture. Again, this does work for many horses.

However, especially for horses on any sort of dietary restriction, the urge to eat can become very strong, leading to virtually nonstop eating if the opportunity arises. Horses can ingest more than 5% of their body weight in 24 hours when grazing good-quality pasture, and ponies have been known to gobble up to 1% of their body weight in only three hours.

Excessive grain consumption is frequently blamed for equine obesity, but horses can become overweight even if they are never fed grain. Instead, grass overconsumption may be one of the most important risk factors for obesity in horses on pasture. The use of drylots and grazing muzzles may be necessary to reduce body weight in these horses, many of which can never safely have free pasture access.

The pH of the hindgut varies as bacterial populations increase and decrease in response to dietary modifications. EquiShure is a time-released buffer targeting the hindgut. A time-released buffer helps moderate gut conditions by preventing the drastic drop in pH associated with high lactate production and supports lacticacid-utilizing bacteria.

Long drives to Tucson pay big dividends for Tuf Cooper

PRCA Sports News

There are almost 900 miles of highway between San Antonio, Texas, and Tucson, Ariz. And veteran tie-down roper Tuf Cooper covered the route back-andforth in less than a week – twice.

The open road gave the 15time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier a lot of opportunity to think between runs at the San Antonio Stock Show &Rodeo and La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo.

Or, in Cooper’s case, plenty of time to clear his mind.

“I tried to be mindless and just go make my run,” Cooper said after winning the championship in Tucson. “Everything was pretty simple. The calves and cattle in Tucson, honestly it

was the best set-up I’ve seen in a very long time overall. Tucson is a long box and a long arena. Horsepower plays a big part into success on that. My gray horse (named Broski) worked phenomenal and made it really easy.”

After winning the first-go in 8.6 seconds earlier in the week, Cooper headed back to Texas, so he and his travel partners could compete in San Antonio.

Late Saturday night, they began the 12-plus hour journey back to Tucson for the finals in Arizona.

Despite all the long hours staring out a windshield, Cooper finished in 8.9 seconds, giving him an aggregate time of 17.5 seconds to clinch the title.

The victory is the latest in a string of successes Cooper has to his credit dating back to the tail end of the 2023 regular

season. Last year, the Decatur, Texas, cowboy needed a late push over the final few weeks of the season to earn enough money to qualify for NFR.

Since then, Cooper has been going strong, finishing fifth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings last year and starting 2024 off strong. Thus far, he’s picked up money at nearly every rodeo he’s competed at, including the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and San Antonio.

The win in Tucson was his first in 2024, helping Cooper stay among the top 10 in the world standings. He’s already cleared more than $20,000 in earnings for the season.

“It’s really been rolling since that last run in September of last year, everything has just continued to roll from there and it’s just been awesome,” Cooper said.

The American Quarter Horse Foundation’s General Operating fund matching gift challenge by Larry and Ellen Bell has been extended to March 17, 2024.

The American Quarter Horse Foundation’s General Operating fund matching gift challenge by Larry and Ellen Bell has been extended to March 17, 2024.

This gift match challenge includes a dollar-for-dollar match of gift renewals. New gifts will be matched at $2 for every dollar.

American Quarter Horse Foundation Giving Challenge Match

“This is an incredible opportunity to really give to your passion,” said Chief Foundation Officer Chris Sitz. “Now is the perfect time to make a gift, with the match challenge that the Bells have generously offered, making a difference in our industry by giving has never been easier.”

The Foundation has reached 58 percent of the overall goal of $162,500. Give with confidence - AQHF has received its fourstar Charity Navigator rating, ensuring that gifts will make a difference.

For more information on giving, please visit www.aqha. com/ways-to-give.

THE COWBOY AND THE QUEEN

WORLD PREMIERE Monty Roberts, a California horse trainer nearing 90 and showing no signs of slowing down, recounts his life with horses, starting from his earliest days working in Hollywood westerns of the 1940s. Repelled by the accepted style of “breaking a horse’s spirit,” Roberts developed his own gentle approach to human interaction with horses in the hopes of someday transforming horse training standards worldwide. When his technique comes to the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, a friendship is sparked between the cowboy and the Queen that lasts until the end of her life, a friendship that inspires horse trainers around the world. –Jaie Laplante

WATCH

Supplies Needed to Support Panhandle

Wildfire Victims

By Kay Ledbetter Animal Supply

Points are being established in the area hardest hit by wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.

Donations of hay, feed, fencing supplies, cow feed and milk replacer are needed to support livestock owners impacted by the devastating wildfires that have scorched ranchland across a large portion of the Texas Panhandle.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is establishing Animal Supply Points in several locations in the region to accept the donations. The purpose of the Animal Supply Point is to meet area producers’ most critical

needs such as providing feed for cattle while they assess their individual operation’s other needs.

The ongoing wildfires, fueled by dry, windy conditions, have exceeded 1 million acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Forest Service will continue to update the size and containment of these and other fires in the Texas Panhandle.

“These donations will go directly to those who need them as soon as possible,” said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment Recovery, DAR, program director, Bryan-College Station. “Texans are known for their generosity and deep values of Texas agriculture during times of need. This is certainly a situation where our neighbors and friends are needing assistance after these fires have threatened their livelihoods.”

Contact Marcus Preuninger at 806-669-8033 or 325-7280477.

Paint barrel racers to turn & burn for $53,000 at the 2024 APHA World Championship Show

By Jessica Hein

Paint barrel racers know their fast, flashy horses can sprint their way to cash payouts, and we’ve got $53,000 added in barrel racing at the 2024 APHA World Championship Show. Back by popular demand is the Paint Barrel Racing Incentive

Program sweepstakes on July 6. Last year, it drew nearly 100 entries.

APHA barrel racing events (world championships and PBRIP Sweepstakes) take place July 5-6, with an all-breed barrel race produced by Wild West Promotions on July 7.

No qualifying required!

PBRIP Open & SPB Barrel Racing Sweepstakes

$42,000 added + $5,000 TexasBred Incentive*

Open to Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred horses

Plus, $5,000 PBRIP 4- & 5-Year-Old Futurity sidepot

$1,000 PBRIP sidepot offered in the Barrel Racing 18 & Under world championship class

Sponsored by APHA & Texas Paint Horse Breeders Association

*Texas-Bred Incentive paid to the Top 10 fastest times of horses foaled in Texas.

All-Breed Barrel Race

Produced by Wild West Promotions

Sunday, July 7

Paid out over $18,000 in 2023 The 2024 schedule features 10 world championships for Paint barrel racers on July 5 for Junior horses, Senior horses, Solid PaintBreds, Amateurs, Amateur Solid Paint-Breds, Novice Amateurs, Youth (13 & Under and 18 & Under), Novice Youth and Youth Solid Paint-Breds. PLUS world championships in pole bending and stake race, too. All Youth world championship classes also pay out up to four scholarships worth $1,250 total. All told, more than $1.5 million in cash and prizes will be awarded at the 2024 APHA World Show.

Enter by 5 p.m. the day before the event takes place; pre-entries are due May 15 for the best rates. Online entries will open in April.

More info at apha.com/worldshow-home

Questions? aphaevents@apha. com

[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.

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