WORLD CHAMPIONS 2024
SHAD MAYFIELD CAPTURES
COVETED PRCA ALL-AROUND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
LAS VEGAS – Check another career box off for ultra-talented roper Shad Mayfield.
The Clovis, N.M., cowboy won his inaugural PRCA AllAround World Championship in dramatic form Saturday
quickly.”
Mayfield clocked a 9.6-second run in Round 10, which allowed him to finish fourth in the average with a 94.6-second time on 10 head. That $40,751 fourth-place average check vaulted Mayfield to the crown since Proctor and his team roping heeler Logan Medlin received a no time earlier in the evening.
That dropped Proctor/Medlin to eighth in the average with 28.5 seconds on seven head and gave them a $8,150 average check.
night before 17,227 fans at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Mayfield finished atop the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $335,474. He edged second-place Coleman Proctor by a mere $675.
Mayfield claimed the allaround title by competing in tiedown roping, steer roping and as a team roping header.
“There was a lot going on before the tie-down roping started (Saturday),” said Mayfield, 24. “I believe I needed to place at least fourth in the round and stay where I was in the average (to win). After Quade Hiatt went, I had a chance to move past him in the average by tying a calf in 10 (seconds) flat. That became the game plan pretty
“The all-around buckle is really special. I’m going to get plenty of opportunities for a gold buckle in the tie-down roping but the allaround is so much harder to win,” Mayfield said. “You are battling so many other cowboys across other events. This year with Stetson (Wright) being out, you were really seeing a battle for this buckle all year long. Looking back it, I didn’t really think I’d be in this spot but I’m thankful I am. I think it’s the most prestigious buckle you can win in all of PRORODEO.”
This is Mayfield’s second career gold buckle – he was the 2020 PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion. He finished second in the 2024 tie-down roping world standings with $397,408.
Mayfield has battled hip labrums all season, but he has no plans of slowing down.
“I’m going to keep pushing. I don’t think I’m ready for surgery,” Mayfield said. “I felt great in Round 1 until I tweaked my hip really bad getting off my horse. That really became a factor the final nine nights. It’s something that I’ll take a good, little break from before coming back in the wintertime and come back feeling the best I can.”
Tie-Down Roper Riley Webb claims secondconsecutive World Championship
Riley Webb entered the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge as a man on a mission and left as a champion.
The 21-year-old tie-down roper finished his trip to Las Vegas with a second-straight PRCA World Championship, the NFR Average champi onship and a new eventbest season earnings record.
the best I could every day. And it worked out for me in the end.” He racked up $258,308 at the Thomas & Mack Center to run away with the average and finish second in the RAM Top Gun standings.
“Coming in, I knew I was going to have to play offense the whole time,” Webb said. “I needed to win a couple of rounds. And I knew tonight if I wanted a chance at the gold buckle, I was going to have to win the average.”
“It’s just so wild,” Webb said. “I’m so blessed to be here with any gold buckle or average title. Whatever it is, it just makes me want to work harder to get a chance to be here next year.”
Webb finished the season with $475,215 – besting the standard of $452,852, he set in tie-down roping in 2023 – and outgained runner-up Shad Mayfield by $77,806.
“These are the top guys in the world, and we push each other to be the best we can be every day and all year long,” Webb said. “(Shad) was in the lead the whole time, and I fell a bit behind. But I kept pushing and grinding by coming out here, doing my job and roping
Josh Frost snares longawaited PRCA Bull Riding World Championship
Josh Frost officially got it done on Saturday night during Round 10 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge.
After three straight runnerup finishes, Frost held serve throughout the Finals and won his first PRCA Bull Riding World Championship.
“It feels great to officially be the world champ,” Frost said. “I knew there was a scenario where Cooper (James) could be the only rider and catch me. But we just stayed on and let it all hang out tonight.
“It’s pretty cool to come here, win the average and get that gold buckle. After three straight years of finishing second, it feels really good to come out on top.”
Frost finished the season with $476,887 to end the grueling stretch at the Thomas & Mack Center atop the PRCA | RAM World Standings.
He also won the average at 580 points on seven head and was the only bull rider to stay on more than five bulls.
“It’s about taking it one bull at a time,” Frost said. “I was trying to make the most out of each bull we had. A lot of work was put into the preparation and keeping my body healthy for this event. It paid off.”
Wade/Thorp capture Team Roping Championship
Perhaps no event had as many scenarios, projections and question marks as team roping entering Round 10 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge.
The door stayed wide open for a host of teams to walk through and earn a PRCA | RAM World Championship.
After another roller-coaster round, header Tyler Wade and heeler Wesley Thorp stood above the rest to earn gold buckles for the second straight year.
“I can’t believe it. It’s crazy. I never thought we’d win one, so to win two is beyond belief,” Wade said. “I’ve been stressed all week going back and forth. I’ve been fast on nights and missed the next… The good Lord has blessed us with a ton of opportunities. And the competition is so tough now that those guys at the top have literally made me step my game up.”
The tandem finished 11th in the NFR Average with 23 seconds on six head. Clint Summers and Jake Long locked up the average championship at 44.3 seconds on nine head.
Wade and Thorp finished with $361,480 to best runner-up Summers and win his second world title. Thorp also finished with $361,480 to top runner-up Long.
The duo set new singleseason earnings records, besting the previous mark of $340,708 set by Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira in 2022.
Ryder Wright wins Saddle Bronc Title
Ryder Wright needed a quality out in Round 10 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge to break through and win the world.
Wright did that and more in his final bout of the season on Andrews Rodeo’s All or Nothin.
The duo paired for 89.5 points to tie for the round win with Lefty Holman and lock up his third PRCA Saddle Bronc World Championship.
“After I got bucked off (in Round 2), they tried to shut the door on me,” Wright said. “I stuck my foot in there, scratching and clawing my way back into this fight. I won my first gold buckle with two no scores, so I’m no stranger to this environment. Yeah, I was just gunning for go-rounds every night and it paid off.”
Wright knew he had a shot to win it all when he drew the Pendleton Whisky Let’er Buck
Horse of the Year All or Nothin. The bucking horse also tied for Saddle Bronc Horse of the NFR with Championship Pro Rodeo’s Tickled Pink.
“I was pumped. I jumped up and down in my hotel room with excitement,” Wright said of the draw. “I told my wife last night that I was going to put an exclamation point on this week and go home with the gold buckle. I did just that.”
It marked Wright’s third world title and first since 2020. He racked up $479,958 in the process and finished seventh in the NFR Average at 786.5 points on nine head.
“I try not to sit back and think about it too much,” he said. “I’ve got a long road in front of me to where I want to be in my career. I’ve been here nine times, and I’m still only 26 years old. I have a long career ahead of me, so I’m going to keep trying to climb that ladder with gold buckles.”
The third title for Ryder Wright brought his immediate family’s gold buckle total to 14. His brother, Stetson, holds eight titles, and his father, Cody, won two championships.
Dean Thompson stuns field, wins first Bareback Title
Dean Thompson needed everything to go his way in Round 10 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge. It did.
After entering Saturday fourth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, Thompson recorded an 88.5-point ride on J Bar J’s Straight Stick to finish second in the final go.
When the dust settled, the ride proved enough to propel him to the top and earn Thompson his first PRCA | RAM World Championship and NFR Average Championship.
“Like I said all week, people say you’re in the hunt for the world title right now, and it kind of shocks me that they didn’t
know I was already in the hunt from Round 1,” Thompson said. “But it’s a different thing when it all works out. You almost can’t even imagine it.”
Thompson finished the season with $412,121, besting runner-up Rocker Steiner by $17,934.
“When I finished taping my arm, I reminded myself that there are no expectations,” Thompson said. “Expectations are the thief of joy, and they’re what will steal your best performance. I reminded myself that I’m here just to ride great bucking horses. That’s one I’ve been on a bunch of times, and that’s what happened.”
Thompson competed in 14 go-rounds at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge without winning a round buckle.
Six days later, Thompson added the ultimate prize to his trophy case, a PRCA World Championship and the NFR Average Championship.
“I waited 14 rounds to win my first go-round win,” Thompson said. “To come back here for a completely different buckle is so much better. It’s 10 years’ worth of work. 10 years’ worth of dreaming.
“People used to smile at me when I said I wanted to be a world champion bareback rider with that knowing look in their eye that it would never happen,” Thompson said. “I’ve just got to say, ‘Hey, I made it.’ And a lot of people I know are just as proud as I am right now.”
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WORLD CHAMPIONS 2024
Steer wrestler J.D. Struxness claims World Championship
Steer wrestler J.D. Struxness needed the pieces to fall into place in Round 10 to win his first world championship.
Struxness placed second in the round with a 3.6-second run to collect a $26,624 check and then moved into the final hole in the average to add another $8,150, thanks to having a 36.0-second time on 10 head
Calculating all the earnings and Struxness finished atop the world standings with $309,220. He edged Will Lummus who came in second with $307,713.
“We’ll find out when I wake up, it’s still settling in right now, still in the hustle n’ bustle,” said Struxness, 30, about winning his first career gold buckle. “When we get a second to sit down and relax a little bit, I’m sure it will sink in, been waiting a while to hear that.”
Struxness took a moment to talk about his journey to a gold buckle.
“The week started kind of down, missed a steer in Round 1,” Struxness said. “From there on it was just a battle to get back into the fight, then we got back there, and it was a battle to where we could have an opportunity (Saturday night).”
Struxness was quick to credit his horsepower. He was riding Crush the Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA in steer wrestling.
“I’ve been riding Crush all year, the horse has been great all year, and I won a lot of money on him,” Struxness said. “This year he had three riders on him, Ty, myself, and Rowdy Parrott. He did great for all of us. We had Matt Reeves over there on the hazing side on Kirk, like I was saying before Matt hazed 35 steers this week on Kirk, they never had one mess up. He did an outstanding job. Those horses are what gave us an opportunity to go out there and compete and do what we did this week.”
Kassie Mowry captures first World Title in dramatic fashion
The race for a gold buckle in the barrel racing brought the fans inside the Thomas & Mack Center to their feet every night,
Round 10 was no different at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge.
Coming into the night, Kassie Mowry and Hailey Kinsel were separated by one spot in the NFR Average and less than $15,000 in the world standings. It all came down to Round 10 with a WPRA World Championship on the line.
At the end of 14 runs it was the Dublin, Texas, cowgirl Kassie Mowry standing on top as the world champion. Mowry clinched her first gold buckle with a 13.59-second run. It left the five-time NFR qualifier at a loss for words.
belt. Despite the challenges she faced, she said there’s no place Michael would’ve rather her been than competing on Jarvis on the sport’s biggest stage.
“When I went to leave for the summer rodeos, it took every ounce of me to leave my driveway. I didn’t want to go,” Mowry said. “But I knew that he (fiancé Michael Boone) wanted me to show off this horse and I had more rodeos to get to.
“I knew it was going to come down to tonight and who was faster between Hailey (Kinsel) and I,” said Mowry. “Being first out, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I just had to make the same type of run I’d been making all week. Don’t try to play it safe. Finish this week strong and that’s what we did.”
Mowry finished atop the world standings with $457,809, topping runner-up Hailey Kinsel, who finished the 2024 season with $430,353.
It was a difficult year for Mowry who lost her fiancé Michae Boone to an accident in early June. She pushed through, qualifying for the NFR with just 27 rodeos under her
“I got out there and it was my fellow competitors that guided me. These girls and my horse lifted me up through this. Anytime something didn’t go right, and I was looking for a reason to go home, my horse wouldn’t let me leave. He would turn around and continue to show off like he’s done all year.”
In addition to winning her first world title, Mowry also claimed the RAM Top Gun Award as the top money earner at the NFR. Over 10 nights, she earned $295,526, including five rounds wins.
“This is a great opportunity to come here and win just about what I won all year,” Mowry said. “I went out there and just tried to make the best of every single night. My dad did put a little tidbit in my ear about winning a truck if this were to happen and it did. So, I just might have to get that truck.”
As the developer of Racehorse Strength Equi-Block® and LaKOTA®, one of Canada’s top joint supplement and topical pain relief brands, as well as the co-developer of Magic Cushion®, SLIDE™ founder Rick Stewart knows a thing or two about combating joint pain. “I grew up in horse racing. We had one of the top standardbred racing stables in California and western Canada”, he states. Being in the racehorse business Stewart has dealt with his share of joint, ligament, tendon, hoof and back problems in his horses. “Lameness is the biggest thing that racehorse trainers deal with. It’s a never ending battle”, he says.
According to Stewart, feeding 200 mg a day of hyaluronic acid didn’t produce any noticeable benefits in his horses; neither did 500 mg or even 1,000 mg of hyaluronic acid daily. “It wasn’t until I starting feeding my horses 2,500 mg of hyaluronic acid a day that I began to see some pretty decent results”, he says. “I finally settled on 2,500 mg of hyaluronic acid twice a day for a total of 5,000 mg
In the early 1990’s, Stewart began feeding hyaluronic acid to his horses hoping to prevent joint problems from occurring. “I developed the first capsaicin based topical pain reliever for horses (Equi-Block®) and I was probably the first to feed hyaluronic acid, too. It wasn’t in any equine joint supplements back in the 90’s, but veterinarians were injecting it into painful joints and it seemed to work pretty good for a short period of time. I started feeding my sore horses 200 mg a day of hyaluronic acid. I did that for a couple of months and then gauged the results”.
daily and I’ve been feeding those dosages to my horses for three decades now. I put all my young horses on SLIDE™ and I’ve never had any of them develop joint problems as they got older. And it seems to stop degeneration of cartilage in horses with existing joint problems as they all improve on SLIDE™. I’ve seen some very profound results in horses that were already suffering from joint pain after feeding them SLIDE™ for less than 30 days, and so have many others that have used SLIDE™ on their lame horses”.
Stewart says that the majority of equine joint supplements on the market today with hylauronic acid are mainly glucosamine based with very small amounts of hyaluronic acid added for marketing purposes. “Hyaluronic acid at the doses that SLIDE™ provides absolutely works. But existing equine joint supplements with hyaluronic acid don’t have enough in them to see any benefits from the hyaluronic acid. The amount of hyaluronic acid in equine joint supplements averages about 200 mg per recommended daily serving; those small amounts won’t do anything for joints, or for intervertbral disc health”, he says. “SLIDE™ works as good as it does because it contains 5,000 mg of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid per recommended daily serving. That’s 4,800 mg MORE hyaluronic acid per day than the average equine supplement containing hyaluronic acid. No other equine supplement with hyaluronic acid comes anywhere close to providing the amount of hyaluronic acid found in SLIDE™”.
According to Stewart, keeping joints healthy and pain free is all about maintaining and increasing lubrication inside joints. “Having sufficient lubrication within the joint is actually what protects the cartilage. It’s like the oil in your vehicle engine; it’s the oil that protects the moving parts. If there isn’t enough oil then the parts wear down faster and eventually disintegrate. Same thing goes for protecting joint cartilage, you have to keep sufficient lubrication in the joint at all times as that’s what protects the cartilage on the bone ends”.
He continues; “Hyaluronic acid is the major compound that creates synovial fluid, which is the lubrication found inside joints. Race and performance horses need more joint support and
lubrication than a horse ridden for pleasure because of the workloads they place on their joints. There are some really good horses that have had their competitive careers cut short due to joint damage. But it doesn’t have to be that way anymore if horse owners take a preventative approach using SLIDE™”.
In his 30 years of using high doses of hyaluronic acid Stewart has never seen any ill effects, just a multitude
of incredible therapeutic benefits. “Hyaluronic acid has a great safety profile. It’s water soluble and doesn’t build up or get stored in the body. It’s constantly being used up and replenished. In humans, our bodies naturally make 5,000 mg of hyaluronic acid per day when we’re in our 20’s, but internal production begins to decline dramatically in our 30’s. At age 50, our bodies are only making 2,500 mg a day of hyaluronic acid; just half the amount it made when we were
in our 20’s. And at age 75, we only have one quarter the amount of hyaluronic acid in our body that we had in our 20’s”, he points out. “It’s no wonder our joints and intervertebral discs fall apart and we get joint and low back pain as we get older; there’s not enough hyaluronic acid being produced by our bodies anymore in order to maintain sufficient lubrication in our joints or the gel-like fluid inside the discs of the spine. Don’t kid yourself that there isn’t a correlation between
From previous page
hyaluronic acid levels and cartilage and intervertebral disc degeneration as we age - there is”.
Stewart maintains the same holds true for wrinkles and crepey skin as people grow older, that there isn’t sufficient amounts of hyaluronic acid in the body to keep the dermis and epidermis nourished and healthy. “If you bring your hyaluronic acid levels back up you’ll see some magical things begin to happen. I personally take 2,800 mg of hyaluronic acid every single day and I have no joint or back pain and great skin and I’m 60 years old”.
Stewart says the hyaluronic acid supplements currently on the market for people are no better than existing equine supplements. “Depending on the brand you buy the daily recommended amount of hyaluronic acid is 100 to 200 mg a day; basically about the same amount as most equine supplements recommend. These amounts are way too low to see any noticeable benefits. If you’re 50 or older and your daily internal production of hyaluronic acid is down by 2,500 mg or more from what your body produced in your 20’s, do you really think you’re going to see great results on 100 or 200 mg a day? No, you’re not. I have long maintained that hyaluronic acid is the ‘fountain of youth’ nutrient that mankind has long been searching for, but you have to take enough of it if you want to see real benefits”.
A palatable powder that horses eat right up, SLIDE™ isn’t just hyaluronic acid, it’s a joint supplement unlike anything ever put on the market for horses. The two recommended daily servings not only provide your horse with an incredible, industry leading 5,000 mg of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid per day, but also 5,000 mg of N-acetyl glucosamine (a precursor for hyaluronic
acid synthesis), 5,000 mg of glucosamine HCL, 5,000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen and 2,000 mg of unhydrolyzed collagen type II (this is the major collagen found in articular cartilage and intervertebral discs of the spine. SLIDE™ is the only equine hyaluronic acid supplement that contains this im-portant form of collagen). None of the ingredients are banned substances for equine competition.
SLIDE™ also provides many other great health benefits for horses besides joint support, including helping heal and prevent ulcers. We encourage you to read the SLIDE™ equine and human eBooks online at slidejointcare.com as it describes in detail what makes SLIDE™ the premier hyaluronic acid joint supplements in the world today. It’s well worth the read and full of great information many people don’t know about hyalu-ronic acid.
Now affordably priced so equine owners and trainers can reap its incredible benefits on their own horses, SLIDE™ is available in 4.4 lb ($120.00 USD) and 22
lb ($400.00 USD) sizes. The larger size is an incredible value and treats 5 horses for 30 to 60 days for just $40.00 to $80.00 USD per horse depending on whether it’s fed once or twice daily. Even with just a single daily serving, SLIDE™ still provides far more hyaluronic acid (2,500 mg a day) than any other equine supplement containing this important and vital compound for equine health and well-being.
SLIDE™ is also available in human ($60.00 USD) and canine ($70.00 USD) versions, both contain the highest amounts of hyaluronic acid you will find in any human or canine HA supplement on the market today.
SLIDE™ is available at your local tack store on online at www.SlideJointCare.com
The Remuda Returns to Vegas
The American Quarter Horse Association is a proud sponsor of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Returning for 2024, AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders donated a full remuda of American Quarter Horses for contestants to ride during the horsemanship contest segment of the pageant on Tuesday, December 3, at the South Point Hotel and Casino. Since the early 1970s, AQHA has supported the horsemanship portion of the pageant and awards a saddle to the winner of the horsemanship contest. Judges also selected a Miss Rodeo America Pageant Horsemanship Top Horse.
AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders K4 Ranch, KT Cattle Inc., O RO Ranch and Running U Quarter Horses are among the horse donors. Each ranch has a rich history with AQHA and contributes to the equine industry throughout the year.
K4 Ranch of Prescott, Arizona, has bred and registered 746 American Quarter Horses since 1947 and was recognized in 2022 as an AQHA 75-Year Breeder. The ranch’s horses have been proven to be competitive at the highest level of competition, including some of their own competing in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. American Quarter Horses representing K4 Ranch are:
Booger Sharp Dressin, 2017 sorrel by Rock Its Rocky 82 and out of Tycoon Music
Firebird Tycoon, 2005 sorrel by Boogers Cross Bell and out of Ikes Bonita Star
Figure Me Famous, 2010 sorrel by 2002 AQHA SuperhorsePopular Resortfigure and out of Step By Jody
RC Tango Tycoon, 2009 bay roan by Red Cody Jack and out of Tycoon Music
KT Cattle Inc. based in Amado, Arizona, is the 2022 AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year. The ranch has been owned and operated for over 25 years by Kyle and Amy Best
and their family who represent six generations of ranching experience and history. “Raising Diamonds in the Rocks” is their motto. The family believes in raising horses as their forefathers did, using them primarily for ranch work over the terrain of Arizona. American Quarter Horses representing KT Cattle Inc. are:
Flying V Bueno, 2019 red dun by Four J Gunner and out of Flying V Masie
Flying V Judge, 2018 dun by Four J Gunner and out of Flying V Masie
Flying V Pistol 2, 2019 sorrel by Four J Gunner and out of Flying V Erropie
Flying V Simon, 2016 buckskin by Four J Gunner and out of Flying V Kitty
O RO Ranch of Prescott, Arizona, was the 2022 AQHA Best Remuda Award winner. Owned by Jane Irwin Droppa, Larry Droppa and their family, the historic Arizona ranch began breeding American Quarter Horses before the inception of AQHA in 1940. The O RO works to promote the
K4 Ranch of Prescott, Arizona, has bred and registered 746 American Quarter Horses since 1947 and was recognized in 2022 as an AQHA 75-Year Breeder.
western lifestyle by contributing to programs such as 4-H, high school and college rodeo, ranch rodeos and the AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program. American Quarter Horses Representing O RO are:
RO One Big Time, 2019 red roan by RO One Time Kat and out of RO Peppy Paloma
RO One Time Kat, 2012 red roan by One Time Pepto and out of Katz
RO Pinch Of Pepper, 2014 sorrel by Juniper Fizz and out of RO Peppy Paloma
RO This Kat Plays, 2018 red roan by RO One Time Kat and out of RO Chexy Playgun
TRR Royal Blue Oak, 2018 blue roan by Medicinal Mecom Blue and out of TRR Stylish Miss
Running U Quarter Horses of Erda, Utah, is operated by AQHA Professional Horseman Shamus Haws. Running U focuses on producing American Quarter Horses with outstanding conformation, disposition and athletic ability to succeed as both ranch and performance
horses in different areas of the equine industry. Their horses are raised on 30,000+ acres on the Oquirrh Mountain Range. American Quarter Horses representing Running U Quarter Horses are:
Best Blue Pep, 2020 blue roan by OSR Catty Dual Pep and out of Best Blue Warrior
Happy Four Cat, 2021 bay by OSR Catty Dual Pep and out of Happy Four Sox
Ill Be A Dual Cat, 2016 bay by OSR Catty Dual Pep and out of Ill Be Sweet
Smart Lil Mobster, 2017 bay by HF Mobster and out of Smart Money Surprise
About AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders
AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders embody the longevity, integrity and honesty of the ranching tradition. AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders are those who breed and raise ranch-type horses, which remains at the core of AQHA and epitomizes the breed’s versatility.
$200,000 Yearling break records at NRHA Markel Futurity Sale
For the last 24 years, the National Reining Horses Association (NRHA) has given consignors and buyers a place to buy and sell the movers and shakers of the industry. In 2024, the atmosphere of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales was different than in the past. While the seats at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City were packed early on, it was the online bidders who took the reins at first. Even as the crowd thinned out, the volume around the auction block began to rise. Records were broken during this historic event as a yearling breached the $200,000 mark.
Navigating the auction block was the two-man team of Randy Woodard and Cody Shelley, who helped 238 horses pass through the ring. Five horses sold for more than $100,000, which brought the sale average up to $26,904. Total ring sales for the event grossed $6,214,800. Similar to the 2023 sale, it looked like the high seller came out early in the day during the Performance Horse Sale when the gavel fell for an impressive $177,000. Late in the day, that number would be blown out of the water by none other than Anne Tournay of Vieux-Genappe, Belgium, when she bought TR Gunna Bring It for a startling $250,000. This is the third year in a row that Tournay has purchased the highest seller of the entire event.
Buyers, both in person and online, came hungry, and just about everyone left happy. QStallions hosted the sale breakfast to get the day started as anticipation for the Plati-
Tamarack Ranch congratulates Smith Ranch on the sale of “TR Gunna Bring It” Gunnatrashya x Ms Whiz Dunit!!!
num Performance Draw Party began to build. Once the draw party concluded, the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) Stallion Auction helped bidders get warmed up before the first horse entered the ring.
Eleven generous owners donated a 2025 breeding to an elite group of stallions to help raise money for NRHyA activities. Far surpassing last year’s auction, NRHyA walked home with just over $45,000 to fund its 2025 endeavors. For the third year in a row, a breeding to NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz (Spooks Gotta Gun x Prettywhizprettydoes) was the high seller for the youth. Generously donated by Michell Kimball of Collinsville, Texas, the Spooks Gotta Whiz breeding brought $10,000 from buyer Tim Anderson from Milbank, South Dakota.
With so many top-quality horses set to sell, it was anybody’s guess which horse would top out the sale. When a kind-eyed, simple sorrel colt walked into the pen during the Premier Sale, he commanded quite a bit of attention. As the bidding quickly jumped into the six figures, hip number 506 was truly unbothered. The volume around TR Gunna Bring It kept rising, and yet he proceeded to yawn multiple times. His
TR Gunna Bring It Sold for $250,000
indifference to the volume and unfamiliar setting around him is a testament to his NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya. His dam, Ms Whiz Dunit, is an own daughter of another NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire, Topsail Whiz. Consigned by Cooper Smith of Smith Ranch out of Whitesboro, Texas, the colt sold for $250,000 to Tournay. This is the third year in a row that Tournay has bought the highest seller. The hefty price tag for this colt contributed to the final ring total of $3,086,000 for an average of $24,923. Out of the 124 head consigned, 104 sold for a gross sale of $2,592,00, which allowed for an average of $24,923.
Smith Ranch started out the day strong when their consignment in the Performance Horse Sale sold for $177,000. Hip number 111, Daytona Five Hundred, was sold to Debbie Kuffer of Bradenton, Florida. Previously in training with Tremblay Performance Horses, the 2022 buckskin colt has all the right ingredients to reach new heights for Kuffer. He’s by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Okie Starbella (by Grays Starlight). Final ring totals reached $535,00 for an average of $48,636. With 11 head on the sale, numbers almost doubled year over year. Nine of those
horses sold, which allowed the sale to gross $473,000 for an average of $52,556.
Fifty-three of the 69 consignments in the Elite Yearling Sale found new homes, but it was hip number 266 who caught the most attention. Dolittles Top Spook was consigned by Bobby Lewis of Overbrook, Oklahoma, and the buckskin filly was bought by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Fernando Salgado from Gainesville, Texas. Her $125,000 price tag got Salgado an elite cross between Spooks Gotta Whiz and Dolittle Lena. Averaging $27,632, the ring total hit $1,906,600. Out of the horses sold, the sale grossed $1,574,700 for an average of $29,711.
Several two-for-one deals circled the block during the Preferred Breeder’s Sale, which boasted a 100 percent sale rate this year. The most soughtafter was hip number 328, Chick Out These Guns. Boasting the hallmark bald face of her sire, NRHA Fifteen Million Dollar Sire Colonels Smoking Gun, the 2014 mare is out of Dun It By Chick, who is an own daughter of NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It. Consigned by Chappell Horse Sales, Rancho Los 4 bought the broodmare for $76,000 which included a confirmed pregnancy to Jerseys Baby Driver. Chappell Horse Sales also consigned the secondhighest seller of the Preferred Breeder’s Sale with hip number 335, Dont Tell Me (Hollywood Dun It x Shiney Enterprise), who sold for $57,000 to Alex Castaneda of Loredo, TX. Ring totals reached $687,200 for an average of $21,475. Since all 32 consignments sold, the sale grossed the same amount as the ring totals.
All prices and totals reflected are unofficial. Final prices will be posted on nrha.com at a later date.
Kyle Trahern and A STARLIGHTS MAGNUM Explode onto the Bridle Horse Scene
The Open Bridle class at the 2023 Snaffle Bit Futurity began innocent enough. Many of the sport's superstars were entered.
By Joe Carter DVM
Rockin' BS's HERE COMES THE BOON and Lance Johnston, Gary Ewell's SJR REYGUN and Brady Weaver, Burnett Ranch's QUAHADI and Boyd Rice, Katherine Phillips's BET HE SPARKS and Clayton Edsall, XIT's SMART LADIES SPARKLE and Matt Koch, San Juan Ranch's SJR TALKIN DIAMONDS and Corey Cushing, Richard Bell's TABASQUE O and Ron Ralls, Larry Hall's ONE TIME LEGEND and Todd Crawford, XIT's PLAY REY SUGAR BABY and Erin Taormino, 6666's SADDLING AT SUNRISE and Boyd Rice, McSpyder Ranch's SMARTLY STARSTRUCK and Todd Bergen along with a little red gelding that was owned and shown by a trainer. A gelding that showed up and beat them all.
Right when you least expect it is when the unexpected occurs. Remember when 50:1 long shot MINE THAT BIRD won the Kentucky Derby? This story might remind you of that.
Kyle Trahern and A STARLIGHTS MAGNUM dominated the '23 SBF Open Bridle Class swallowing the field of the nation's best cowhorses.
Some speculated this horse could be a fluke, but there was a previous hint of the greatness to come.
Earlier that year they won the Celebration of Champions Open Two Reined competition becoming World Champion Two Reined Horse with a 221.5 in the reining and 226.5 down the fence.
The pair went on to prove further they were, in fact, no fluke. After winning the bridle class at the '23 Snaffle Bit they went on to win the 2024 Run For a Million Cow Horse Challenge in Las Vegas. Their scores were a 227.5 in the reining and 224.5 down the fence for a composite score of 452 and a $50,000 paycheck.
The list of horses behind them in Vegas was impressive as well. Linda Mars' HAZARDOUS MATERIAL and Erin Taormino, Aaron Ranch's SMART CHIC AN TARI and Sarah Dawson, Kelby and Abbie Phillips' PEPTOS STYLIN' TIME and Abbie Phillips, Kristin Sornborger's VERY FUNNY VALENTINE and Shane Steffen, Home Ranch's QUIZZICALITY and Gusti Burger, Burnett Ranch's QUAHADI and Boyd Rice, and Eric Dunn's WR ICEMAN and Corey Cushing among others.
WHO IS THIS HORSE?
A STARLIGHTS MAGNUM is also known by his barn name BEAU. He is by MAGNUM WITH A DREAM out of SHINY STARLIGHT by GREY STARLIGHT. He has a unique pedigree for today's reined cowhorse. Many would say it's a pedigree more suited for reining which was the initial intent of his breeders.
BEAU was Raised by Terry & Warnetta Martin of Canyon, Tx. They have focused on breeding reiners, but have recently dabbled in the cowhorse.
The Birkenfelds - Kyle, Ryan, and Lane are brothers that show in the Non-pro cowhorse.
Lane purchased BEAU as a yearling from the Martins with intentions of showing him.
The Birkenfeld's were non-pro customers of Trahern Ranch. Kyle had his eye on BEAU for a while. So the question has to be asked, what did he see?
"Initially, BEAU was big and pretty for just a plain sorrel gelding. We figured he would be a good horse to use (ranch, ranch rodeo on) and potentially be a non-pro horse for momma to show," Kyle said. Kyle goes on to tell how he acquired BEAU, "Lane was coming up and getting help from me on a futurity horse and would throw the 4 year old BEAU in the trailer to ride also."
"2021 was a surprisingly busy year for us and I had sold my reliable mounts to rope and ranch on. I asked Lane if they would like to sell BEAU and the rest is history."
HOW DOES A RANCH HORSE GO ON TO BECOME A CHAMPION BRIDLE HORSE?
Kyle grew up on his family's farm in Walsh, Colorado. The closest hospital, which is where Kyle was born, is in Johnson City, Kansas. That tells you a little bit about Walsh - population 543.
Being a ranch raised kid that started riding when he was four years old, it was only natural for Kyle to get involved in 4-H and start showing horses. He started as a youth kid under Jay and Gena Hensen at the age of eight.
When he turned 18 he left home to spend a year at Carol Rose Quarterhorses where he learned a lot about all aspects of the horse business.
2024 Run For a Million Cow Horse Challenge in Las Vegas Champion!
“BEAU” in the stray gathering at the 2023 Celebration of Champions. Yes, the same show he won the two rein world championship
Kyle and A STARLIGHTS
MAGNUM working cattle at Trahern Ranch
MORE Joe Carter DVM and Kyle Trahern
After that he spent two years as an assistant for Shawn and Tammy Hays before going back home to Walsh and starting his own business in 2009.
That time obviously paid off for Trahern Ranch because Kyle saw something in BEAU others did not see.
Andrea Trahern, Kyle's wife, talks about the history of BEAU, "We purchased him in September 2021. Turned back on him at the Futurity. He did most of the ranch work on him that winter. He was “top horse” At a Working Ranch Cowboys Association Ranch Rodeo that Spring."
"Sometime after that I remember Kyle came in the house after a morning of working horses and said something like, “I think he’s a really good one, maybe better than what I first thought.” Just the kind of horse that is so willing to please, he just did whatever you asked of him, and did it 100%."
"We took him back to The High Plains Ranchers & Breeders Futurity, Derby and Sale in Amarillo, Tx, (where he was originally purchased) and entered him in his first Ranch Horse Derby, and he won. That’s when we kinda knew he could compete in the Cow horse."
Andrea goes on to say, "Beau proved he was a valuable team player in and out of the arena."
That he is! His versatility is amazing. He has become part of the family performing in costumes, lead line classes, being a hard working ranch horse - just ranchin' as Dale Brisby would say, rodeoing, turning back at cuttings, or participating in the occasional stray gathering at a cow horse show.
THE TRAHERN FAMILY
Andrea is originally from San Antonio and started riding at the age of six. "I was never able to shake my horse obsession, and dabbled in some barrel racing," she says.
"After College, I started a career in Cattle Feeding that landed me in the Texas Panhandle where I inevitably met Kyle."
They met at the Pioneer Days Rodeo, Guymon, OK. They were married during the 2014 Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno.
Adley (3) “BEAU” and Kyle in the 2024 Snaffle Bit Futurity lead line class.
Unhaltered “BEAU” loves Tilly (5) and Adley (3.) He follows them everywhere they go around Trahern Ranch on their bikes.
The couple have two adorable daughters Tilly (5) and Adley (3.)
"The kids were still being pushed around in the stroller when we first started showing BEAU and it was fun and exciting for them to watch their dad & BoBo, as he is affectionately called."
Kyle and Andrea were engaged in 2014. He asked her to marry him at the AQHA World Show. They were married in Reno during the 2014 Snaffle Bit Futurity.
"Hoops, hollers, and GO BEAU! could be heard from the stands in those early runs before we knew what a star he actually was. It seemed they always knew he was a good one," said Andrea.
"BEAU has made two appearances in the Snaffle Bit Futurity Costume
Leadline, Once for Tilly as a "Unicorn" and once for Adley as "Bullseye" (Jesse The Cowgirl's trusty steed from TOYSTORY)" says Andrea.
TRAHERN RANCH
Trahern ranch is a diversified horse training and cattle operation. They mold their cattle operation to the benefit of horse training.
Andrea tells us, "The last two or three years Kyle has chosen to be more selective in identifying horses to train. Focusing on quality verses quantity. Our location makes it difficult to attract help. As I say, no Starbucks anywhere near. Walmart is an hour and a half away."
"Kyle does do lessons for those that are serious enough to drive out here."
"We have focused on finding quality prospects, mostly yearlings. We do have interest in breeding and raising our own in the future and are working towards that."
Chase Trahern, Kyle's brother is also a horse trainer but focuses on training his own, choosing to not ride outside horses. He focuses on running the ranch as well.
Andrea describes their relationship, "We (Kyle & I, Chase) have a set of cows we raise calves off of every year on our Ranch, which is just north of our house and training facility."
"The guys run yearlings on their parent’s ranch at Pritchett, Co in the summer. Chase and Kyle are partners on the ranch, cattle, horses and Chase is at our house nearly everyday." What a great family.
THE CATTLE OPERATION
Andrea goes on to say, "We try to utilize our cattle operation with the horse training to keep fresh cattle year round." "We’ve worked on diversifying our options with cattle based on rainfall, markets, feed costs by running stocker cattle and or our own calves on our own irrigated grass circles." "We have the capability to feed and have grown several sets of cattle."
WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON?
A STARLIGHTS MAGNUM and Kyle will be heading to the 2025 Worlds Greatest Horseman competition in Ft. Worth and then The Run For A Million qualifiers. They would like to make it back there again. In between, they will likely be in every Bridle class, Bridle Spec, lead line, stray gathering, or just ranchin' meaning plain old gathering cattle and dragging them to the fire event along the way. What a horse!
Best of luck to Kyle, Beau and Trahern Ranch.
at Trahern Ranch
Tish Fappani Wins Non-Pro NRHA Futurity
By Jessica Hein
Glass ceilings were broken December 7 in Oklahoma City, when Kaci O’Rourke became the first woman to win the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open championship. Kaci accomplished the feat aboard her Paint stallion The Fireman (APHA: Mr Fireman), taking home $420,000 for the win.
APHA stallion carries Kaci O’Rourke to 2024 NRHA Futurity win
Paint Horses took center stage across the National Reining Horse Association’s two-week-long competition, November 25–December 7. Twenty-eight of the 32 horses in the Level 4 Open Futurity finals were APHA-bred, and many others secured championships of their own.
Level 4 Open
Kaci O’Rourke’s historic run on December 7 came aboard her 2021 sorrel solid stallion The Fireman; he’s registered with APHA as Mr Fireman. The stallion is by Inferno Sixty Six and out of Redhot Walla (QH); Peter and Courtney Morgan of Ocala, Florida, own the Paint, who was bred by Tamarack Ranch LLC of Alvarado, Texas.
“I have no idea how he could hear me. It was so loud, I was just praying he was going to stay with me,” Kaci said in an NRHA press release. “As I was going through my run, I kept thinking, ‘Wow, he’s there.’ He gave me confidence throughout the run. He kept checking back in and telling me it’s all good. It was an amazing feeling.”
The team took home $420,000 for the Level 4 championship, more than doubling Kaci’s NRHA lifetime earnings.
“I’m speechless. It’s all been a blur,” she said. “I’m just so thankful for this horse, and I’m so thankful that God placed him in my life because he’s incredible.”
“Stay true to yourself,” Kaci continued as she reflected on being the first woman to win the Level 4 Open title. “If you want something … be willing to work for it and stick to your dreams, and it will come. It felt like everything fell into place and happened how it was supposed to happen.”
Level 4 Non-Pro
With a record-setting purse on the line in the Non-Pro Futurity, APHA member Tish Fappani of Scottsdale, Arizona, scored another win for the ladies aboard Wish I Was Yours. Bred by Tamarack Ranch, Wish I Was Yours is a 2021 gray overo mare by Colonels Shining Gun and out of Whizzen For Chex (QH); Tish owns the mare with her husband, Andrea. The pair scored a 222 to clinch the championship, taking home $75,000.
“It’s incredible because we raised her,” Tish said in an NRHA press release. “It’s always super rewarding to be able to come and get it done.
“She’s not going anywhere,” Tish continued about Wish I Was Yours. “She’s a keeper.”
Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted. Please credit the Paint Horse Journal.
Payton Neiberger and Luca Fappani with Andrea, Tish & Jeremy Fappani
It has been a big year for the American Quarter Horse Association. Looking at the numbers, we have seen record attendance and engagement at AQHA events while also celebrating landmark anniversaries. In January 2024 we hosted the first-ever AQHA Professional Horsemen Academy where we educated 90 attendees on topics including financials, equine law and liability, client communications, animal welfare and marketing.
AQHA: 2024 Recap
By Karl Stressman AQHA Chief Executive Officer
Then we moved into March and one of our largest-attended AQHA Conventions to-date with more than 870 people in attendance. In May, along with the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, we hosted the largest AQHA West Level 1 Championships, with 3,200 entries. That put us into June where we brought the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships home to Amarillo for the first time and had 2,865 entries and a purse of nearly $400,000.
Due to unprecedented fires and flooding this summer, the All American Futurity and Derby had to be moved to The Downs at Albuquerque. That’s where we saw Hezgothelook Z win the All American Futurity and become the first horse in 43 years to win the Ruidoso Triple Crown, which comes from winning the Ruidoso, Rainbow and All American futurities.
We closed out summer with the AQHYA World Championship Show, which saw a 5% increase in entries. Then in September, we had the best-attended American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Induction & Reunion Celebration to date. The 50th anniversary of the AQHA World Championship Show concluded in November, which documented record numbers across the board, including 344 first-time exhibitors which is a 23% increase from 2023 making up 21% of the total exhibitors in 2024. All the while, we celebrated 40 years at our Headquarters here in Amarillo where the staff of AQHA are hard at work for our members.
Many use this time of year as a season of reflection, and I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the positive things we have accomplished this year. Our work is ongoing, but taking a moment to pause and recognize what we have accomplished and how we can grow even more in 2025 and the future is important.
Our primary focus in 2024 was to structure the future of AQHA through the following initiatives:
Continue development and progress on myAQHA. com, AQHA’s new business portal, to better serve members.
Update to a new phone system.
Increase membership engagement and awareness of the benefits of being an AQHA member.
Engage AQHA affiliates and local equine groups.
Here are some updates of how we progressed in 2024.
Progress on myAQHA
Over the past year, myAQHA has made some tremendous progress in launching new tools and progressing existing features. The platform now hosts more than 25,000 users, with over 12,000 new profiles created since the first of the year. From the launch of QID, the new user ID and password platform system where members will only have to remember one username and password for all AQHA applications, to the virtual assistant tool using AI technology to find general information about AQHA and the rulebook, AQHA is moving into the future with technology.
In the spring, we launched the renew or upgrade membership feature on myAQHA in addition to adding the Horseback Riding Program and some of its tools to the platform, including a way for users to track their enrollment status and hours logged.
This fall, myAQHA was optimized for mobile use which makes using the portal on a mobile device or tablet much easier. Members also now have the option to purchase a membership e-gift card through myAQHA, which can be redeemed within the myAQHA shopping cart.
The largest addition came with the launch of the certificate manager in the fall. This new function allows members to:
View certificate copies of registration papers for any horse within their current ownership foaled or transferred on or after 2019, with the option to request a certificate copy for free on any horse within their ownership that was foaled or transferred before 2019.
Share a certificate copy of a horse’s registration certificate via email.
Update the gelding status on any stallion within their ownership
Change a horse’s status to deceased.
More than 1,300 accounts have been activated with certificate manager and those users have shared certificates via email and updated their American Quarter Horse’s status. These tools are a direct implementation based on member requests and feedback.
MyAQHA continues to evolve and grow with our team capturing feedback and thinking outside of the box for how best to serve our members.
Updated Phone System
The Association implemented a new phone system earlier this year, which was better suited to the type of call center we offer to our members. It allows us to handle incoming calls more effectively and provides us with the ability to handle technical support rather than using a third-party company. Additionally, customers speak with live member services representative located in Member Services in Amarillo.
We reduced the average customer hold time to less than a minute and a half. Often, a call is answered within seconds. The number of calls received each week has been reduced by more than 1,000 calls, and this is attributed to the new phone system being in place and because our dedicated team members are processing member requests timelier and more effectively.
AQHA HALL OF FAME
Nominations for the Class of 2026 are due April 1, 2025. All candidates for induction must meet the following qualifications for nomination: Horse Candidates
• Horse must be deceased.
• Horse must be recognized through the American Quarter Horse Association breed registry. This may include an American Quarter Horse and/
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or Thoroughbred as outlined within the current AQHA Rulebook.
• Horse must be outstanding for a multitude of years as a sire, dam, competitor or brought exceptional visibility to the American Quarter Horse breed. Human Candidates
• Person may be either living or deceased.
• Person is a member in good standing with the American
Increase Membership Engagement
This year, we created a variety of programs and added incentives to our existing AQHA programs to increase member engagement. Some of the highlights include:
Created the AQHA Fan Favorite voting to share the American Quarter Horse with all of those attending or watching equine events across the country and adding them to the AQHA Fan Zone.
Kicked off the Member Collective email, a monthly email newsletter sharing what is going on at AQHA.
Launched the new podcast “Good Horses.”
Created the Trot-to-250 Horseback Riding campaign to increase HBR program participant engagement and, more importantly, reward members for spending time with their American Quarter Horses.
AQHA now has a permanent booth space at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, which hosts a plethora of equine events throughout the year, to reach out to members or prospective members attending those events.
Enacted the AQHA “In The Know” texting system, a messaging system with the goal in mind to share important information and news fast by gathering mobile phone numbers and permissions to send SMS messaging.
Increased social media follower engagement across all AQHA platforms.
Through the efforts of the AQHA team and the passion of AQHA members, more people are being exposed to the American Quarter Horse and the joy that comes with being involved in AQHA events and membership.
Engage AQHA Affiliates
Quarter Horse Association and/or has made a significant impact on AQHA and the industry.
• Person whose activities occurred during the existence of AQHA (i.e., post 1940).
• Person’s activities should be outstanding over a multitude of years and contributed to the advancement of the American Quarter Horse industry.
• Person has conducted
themselves in a positive way that is becoming of the honor of Hall of Fame induction.
All nomination materials including a nomination letter, completed nominee summary, letters of endorsement and support information must be submitted online by April 1, 2025. Faxed and/or mailed applications are NOT eligible for consideration.
request program. We also increased educational opportunities for affiliates and their representatives during the AQHA Convention.
Throughout the year, we have also worked with our alliance partners to promote their respective disciplines while recognizing the performance of American Quarter Horses competing in those events. One way we have done that is through the implementation of the AQHA Fan Favorite Award, encouraging everyone to partake in noticing exceptional American Quarter Horse athletes at premiere equestrian events across the country.
Lastly, we added the ability for new and renewing members to share their information with the affiliate organizations closest to them. This not only supports affiliate growth but also AQHA membership engagement.
Final Thoughts on 2024
While our initiatives are a primary focus, we also had other wins that deserve to be highlighted:
Processing time for transfers and registrations is now a matter of days rather than weeks or months so long as everything is received correctly. Most transfers are processed within 48 hours and registrations are done in less than a week.
Another 2024 goal was to increase engagement with our AQHA affiliates. We started this initiative by adding additional communications to the affiliates throughout the year and to open our lines of communication to see what is happening within each affiliate and how we can best serve the affiliates. Additionally, we kick-started a new affiliate webpage that provides information and resources for affiliates, as well as individuals looking for contact information for the affiliate in their state.
Not only have we worked to increase communication, but we have also provided financial assistance through the affiliate funding
There were around 25,000 registration applications backlogged at the beginning of the year. That has been reduced to approximately 5,000 at the end of November. What’s remaining is actively being reviewed and worked to attempt to get what’s needed to allow the registration to be completed.
Member Services provided onsite services at 30 events this year. At these events, they processed more than 4,700 transfers, 1,900 registration applications, 1,700 memberships and a variety of other services.
As we approach the end of 2024, you still have the opportunity to make changes in your Association by submitting your rulechange proposal forms by December 31 and to also register for the 2025 AQHA Convention, which is March 28-31 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. That’s where members and the AQHA Board of Directors consider rule-change proposals and discuss critical industry and Association issues.
We are excited for the new year and what it will bring for AQHA and the equine industry!
Apply for More Than $400,000 in Foundation Scholarships
The deadline to apply for an American Quarter Horse Foundation scholarship is January 15.
January 15 is the deadline for 2025 American Quarter Horse Foundation scholarship applications. Applicants wishing to obtain scholarship funding from the Foundation for the 2025-26 academic year can download the scholarship guidelines for a complete list of criteria and requirements.
The Foundation will award scholarships totaling more than $440,000 for the 2025-26 academic year. Since its inception in 1976, the Foundation scholarship program has awarded more than $10 million in financial assistance to more than 1,600 young horse enthusiasts and industry members.
The AQHF scholarship program’s selection process focuses on the student’s passion for advancing our industry using the three C’s of leadership development:
Competence determines what you can do.
Commitment determines what you want to do.
Character determines what you will do.
To be considered for a Foundation scholarship, please complete the online scholarship application. In addition to the application, several support materials are requested.
Eligibility of applicants is based on the individual criteria and requirements of each scholarship. Applicants must be AQHYA or AQHA members. Become a member here. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, financial need and American Quarter Horse involvement, as well as the applicant’s leadership and communication skills.
For questions about Foundation scholarships, call 806-3785021 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday, or email AQHF Programs Coordinator Ashley Owens at aowens@ aqha.org.
About the American Quarter Horse Foundation
The American Quarter Horse Foundation connects horses and people through charitable giving to support programs that preserve our horse’s legacy and further the well-being of the American Quarter Horse and the Quarter Horse family.
For more information about the Foundation, visit www.aqha. com/foundation.
AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha. com/news or subscribe to our news text “AQHA In the Know” for the latest Association updates.
Sixes Pick
The legendary stallion was euthanized due to colic.
The Four Sixes Ranch mourns the loss of Sixes Pick, a legendary stallion and one of the most iconic figures in the ranch horse industry. On December 4, 2024, he was peacefully laid to rest due to complications from colic.
The decision was not made lightly. “Despite extensive medical efforts, his condition worsened rapidly. We made the kindest decision to euthanize him, prioritizing his comfort and well-being above all else,” said Dr. Canaday, Four Sixes horse division manager and resident veterinarian.
Bred by Burnett Ranches and foaled in 1998, Sixes Pick was sired by the legendary Tanquery Gin and out of the mare Natural Pick, by Tenino Badger. He made history as the inaugural AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse world champion in 2008, setting the standard for a competition that showcases the trainability, athleticism and all-around working abilities of ranch horses.
After his retirement from competition, Sixes Pick returned to the Four Sixes Ranch to stand to the public. He sired 728 foals, and his get were widely sought after as ranch horses. With 48 moneyearners, they consistently demonstrated their value in rodeo and western performance disciplines, including VRH, barrel racing, roping and even jumping. His top performers include Take A Pick, AQHA cowboy VRH world champion and AQHA cowboy high point VRH stallion, as well as Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association performer and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Frenchmans Pick.
There is no doubt that Sixes Pick’s contributions to the ranching and equine industries are immeasurable. “It is never easy to lose a horse, but losing Sixes Pick was especially hard. He leaves behind an enduring legacy as a champion, a powerful sire and a beloved member of the Four Sixes Ranch family.”
Dr. Canaday concluded, “He was a symbol of the legacy and tradition of ranching excellence and embodied everything we strive for in our breeding program. He will be greatly missed but forever remembered.”
Equine Gastric Ulcer Treatment with Colostrum - Field Trial
By Carl Larson, DVM
Gastric ulcers in horses are common with prevalence estimated from 50% - 90% depending on the athletic activity of the horse, stress, medications, diet, and other factors. Signs that a horse may have ulcers can be subtle and include loss of appetite, dullness, a change in attitude, poor body condition, colic, and a general decrease in performance among other responses. But the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through gastric endoscopy or gastroscopy. Gastroscopy is minimally invasive and while it is a somewhat expensive procedure for the horse owner, it is the only way to confirm an ulcer and monitor how it may be responding to treatment
The typical treatment for ulcers includes administering pharmaceutical products over a period of time. While effective, this protocol can lead to the inhibition of mineral absorption, a decrease in bone density and potential rebound due to increased acid secretions following treatment. However, among horse owners and veterinarians alike, there is a swelling interest in non-pharma and more natural options for treatment. Personally, one option that I’ve had great interest in surrounds the use of nutraceuticals.
For years I have encountered and read numerous studies on the potential power and effectiveness of bovine colostrum as a natural remedy for ailments in both human and animal studies. As my interest piqued, I began to specifically consider what effects the bioactive compounds in colostrum could have on gut health and gastric ulcers in horses. Intrigued, I saw the possibility based on review of published colostrum research done by others on a variety of species under a variety of conditions. During this time, I encountered a supplement company, TechMix, who was also looking to explore this concept further for product development. With their concept product in hand, I’ve spent the last 3 years working in a controlled field trial and have documented incredible results.
I knew an evidence-based approach in real-world conditions would be paramount to my future conversations with other
veterinarians and horse owners. Many supplements exist, many anecdotal claims of efficacy for many conditions are made, and it quickly gets confusing and creates skepticism for all of us trying to sort out what is hypothetical or theoretical versus what is proven when making our choices.
The bottom-line question was of course: “Does colostrum work?” To answer that, many more questions arise surrounding supplementation—particularly how much, how often, and for how long? Gastroscopy would have to be performed on horses to make sure they actually had documentable ulcers before treatment started, they could not be on anything else that might help treat the ulcer, I would have to administer colostrum only, with no other ingredients that could contribute to helping the ulcers resolve, and I would have to perform subsequent gastroscopies during the treatment period to monitor progress. By gathering before-andafter gastroscopy images, the field trial has worked through these questions of doses, frequencies, and durations, and has brought me to an exciting conclusion.
I can confidently say that through gastroscopy, before-and-after studies, and many conversations with the people observing the horses and administering the colostrum product to them, I have found that bovine colostrum has a high level of predictable and repeatable benefits to the health of the equine digestive tract.
The value of bioactive compounds and growth factors in colostrum is indisputable and now, as a result from this trial, I’m confident in the benefit of colostrum-based products for horses at risk of ulcers and even other physiological challenges. I’m thankful for Techmix as a partner in this trial and encourage horse owners looking for nutraceutical options to ask their company representative or retailer about product options.
Carl Larson, DVM is a 2007 graduate of University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary medicine. He has been in rural mixed animal practice in central Minnesota for his entire career, enjoys and actively engages in zoo medicine, and consulting for TechMix.
Introducing a new class of products leveraging the power of colostrum.
Stewart, MN – TechMix is introducing a line of equine veterinary nutraceuticals that leverage the power of bioactive compounds derived from colostrum — Colostru-Boost™. Colostru-Boost products are powered by bioactive components from colostrum and combined with additional nutrient combinations of energy sources, direct fed microbials, and others, and are designed to help boost recovery and performance. The product line includes powder, pellet and paste options, all built on the engine of colostrum.
Powerful bioactive components derived from bovine colostrum offer a wide variety of beneficial effects that are well documented in both human and animal scientific literature. There are almost 200,000 published studies and numerous books written on the benefits that span multiple species. Colostrum is the most natural immune booster known to science and has no equal in nature. The long reaching impact on multiple body systems is unique and complex and shown to have benefits for most species
well beyond infancy. Many physiological challenges are shown to be effectively overcome through the rich and diverse bioactive components that include:
Antimicrobial growth factors
Immunoglobulins
Lactoferrin
Cytokines
High levels of proteins
And many others
Whether a horse is actively training or casually ridden on weekends, research and real-world experience confirm the power of colostrum for some types of recovery and overall physical support.
“We are excited to bring to market this new class of colostrum-based products we call Veterinary Nutraceuticals. The natural compounds in Colostru-Boost offer potential advantages related to equine health and productivity and offer veterinarians and horse owners powerful nonpharma options.” says Mike Nelson, TechMix President.
TechMix has robust product line solutions supporting equine performance during challenges they encounter. These products include our innovative Equine BlueLite®, Equine Restart®, Total Joint Complex, and Stable Complete products among many others. The TechMix product portfolio is key to keeping animals drinking, eating and producing. For more information, visit: http://www.techmixglobal.com
RLP Western Events Debuts in Casa Grande, Arizona Keeping the Western Spirit Alive!
Don’t miss this chance to discover rare antiques, collectibles, and Western treasures all in one place. RLP Western Events is the perfect destination for collectors, families, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of American heritage. Come join us in Casa Grande for a weekend of nostalgia, discovery, and celebration of the Western spirit.
Casa Grande, Arizona- January 18th/19th 2025: RLP Western Events is excited to announce its first ever western event show at the Pinal County Fairgrounds, bringing together a variety of western collectibles, turquoise jewelry, antiques, Native American items, and memorabilia from across the United States. This event will take place on January 18th-19th and will prove to all showgoers how the western spirit is alive and thriving!
Whether you are a seasoned cowboy or just a lover of antiques and collectibles, RLP Western Events is a “must see” for people of all ages. This exciting event will feature a diverse array of vendors from across the country, each bringing their unique finds to the heart of Arizona. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore booths filled with treasures, including one-of-a-kind Western artifacts and Cowboy Collectibles as well as engage with knowledgeable sellers who are passionate about the history behind the items they offer. Whether you’re looking to add a rare piece
PREVIOUS AUCTIONS
to your collection or simply enjoy browsing unique items, there is something for everyone at RLP Western Events.
About RLP Western Events: Since the Mesa Show has moved to Las Vegas, it left a need and urge for another western event to come back to Arizona. John Clark (50-year Cowboy Collector and Dealer) and Rick Peverley (RLP Auctions) saw this need and have teamed up to bring you a new and exciting show back to the area. RLP Western Events brings together the best antiques, collectibles, and Western-inspired items from across the United States. Our mission is to provide a unique shopping experience that celebrates Americana and Western culture, while offering a platform for passionate vendors to share their treasures. Afraid you can’t make it? RLP Auctions is having a Cowboy Auction offered LIVE AND ONLINE on February 2nd. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming shows, auctions, and events.
For more details, visit rlpauctions.net or follow us on Facebook at “RLP Auctions”. John Clark: 952-380-8081, Rick Peverley: 406369-2640
Sliders’ Night Out Presented by Toyon Ranch
Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch was befitting of the international scope and success of the National Reining Horse Association’s marquee event, the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. Promoted as the hottest night on reining’s social calendar, the festive event had a mix of energy, reverence, and vision that has propelled the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) to new heights since the event was established in 2018.
“I have had so many people come up to me and say that was the most moving evening they have been to in such a long time. It really hit their hearts,” said Nancy Tague, secretary/treasurer of the RHF Board of Directors and co-owner of presenting donor Toyon Ranch with her husband, John.
Held December 4 in the historic Centennial Building on the OKC Fairgrounds, Sliders’ Night Out welcomed guests from around the globe. The reception provided time for socializing and perusing live auction donations.
Following a delicious surf-and-turf dinner from Impact Catering, the program was emceed by Brian Lookabill. First up was recognition of former inductees into the NRHA Hall of Fame, with nearly two dozen men and women on hand representing people and horses who have received reining’s highest honor. Members of the NRHA Hall of Fame are VIP guests whose attendance is underwritten by the event’s major donors at the presenting, platinum, gold, silver, and hall of fame levels.
“Sliders’ was a super night for me to see where we’ve come from and where NRHA is today,” said NRHA Hall of Fame member and $1 million rider Jim Morgan, DVM. “I was thrilled to be there with my wife and see the excitement of the people that attended.”
The evening’s first award went to Markel, recipient of the 2024 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award. Remarks were given on behalf of NRHA’s longest-running corporate partner by Frank Costantini, Markel director of western disciplines, who was personally inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2001.
New NRHA Hall of Fame inductees included three mares and the sport’s highest money-earning rider, Andrea Fappani. Accepting on behalf of his mare Snow Gun was Andre De Bellefeuille of Canada. Accepting on behalf of her family’s mare Wind Her Up Shiner was NRHA non pro Mariana Vazquez of Illinois representing Smart Like Juice LLC. The final mare inducted was Wind Her Up Chic, a half-sister of Wind Her Up Shiner. Accepting was owner Tim Anderson, who splits his time between homes in South Dakota and Arizona.
Fappani of Scottsdale, Arizona, was the night’s final inductee. In his remarks, he thanked many who took him under his wing when he moved from Italy to the United States to become a reining trainer. He took the stage to a standing ovation.
In addition to honoring the sport’s legends, Sliders’ Night Out serves as the largest annual fundraiser for the RHF, helping support other core programs such as the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth leadership development, and scholarships. An appeal to donors during the event raised more than $6,000. It was the live auction that soared. The high-selling item was “One Last Slide,” a mixed media work on canvas painted from start to finish during the event by Josey Butler, Streakin’ B Art.
Additional auction items included a John Deere ZTrak Mower donated by Equine Discounts, an ICSI Services Package donated by NRHA Corporate Partner GeneTech, a custom luxe edition mink hat donated by NRHA Corporate Partner Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, a Country Cruising 5-night cruise and music festival donated by FDT Cruises, and a NASCAR Truck Racing VIP experience made possible by ThorSport Racing. The auction grossed more than $80,000.
“The messages about RHF and what it does really resonated with guests,” said Tague. “I know we’ve actually had people who have been awarded Crisis Fund grants share how deeply it was felt for them to know there was someone like RHF there to take care of them and to think about them. That’s why we do this. It’s just so inspiring.”
For nearly 25 years, members of the equine community have been doing good things through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association. With its mission of caring for and honoring the reining community, the RHF has supporters from around the world. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund providing financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarship and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame. For more information or to give, visit
Mark your calendar for the 2025 AQHA Convention, which is March 28-31 at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.
Convention schedule 25
The 2025 AQHA Convention is March 28-31 at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa in Las Vegas. Convention is a chance
2025 AQHA Convention in Las Vegas
for breeders, trainers, owners and members from all over the world to discuss issues affecting the industry and discuss proposed changes to the way AQHA does business.
Register for the AQHA 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 AIM 25 (Affiliates in Motion Rally).
Mix and Mingle with your fellow horse enthusiasts during special events and receptions, including the Saturday night Convention Party.
Honor breeders who have shaped the industry during the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet.
Meet the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and support the American Quarter Horse at the Foundation Luncheon.
And more!
Register online by January 31 to avoid late registration fees. AQHA is again offering the young adult registration, which is a special registration rate for members ages 35 and under to be involved in the Association’s governance process.
A current AQHA membership is all that is required to register for the AQHA Convention. Committee meetings are open to registered convention attendees and are conducted in two sessions: An “open discussion” session in which non-committee members can join in the discussion and a “committee member discussion” session in which the discussion is limited to committee members. Occasionally, a meeting moves into a “committee members only” session, per direction of the committee or chairperson.
*To have voting rights at the 2025 Convention, you must be an AQHA member at least 60 days prior to the first day of the 2025 Convention. Members must be in-person to vote at the 2025 Convention.
AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www. aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text “AQHA In the Know” for the latest Association updates.
Gut microbiome takes spotlight at global symposium
The 2024 Hill’s Global Symposium served as a platform to examine the science behind gut microbiome, its impact on animal health, and how this emerging field could shape the future of veterinary care.
By Tamanna Bhasin
The Hill’s Global Symposium live stream was available to all 21,000 symposium registrants from 34 countries.
Set against the backdrop of Cancun’s sun-drenched beaches and azure waters, the 2024 Hill’s Global Symposium Oct. 23 to 25 brought together a diverse group of veterinary professionals, researchers, and industry experts to discuss the role of the gut microbiome in
pet health. The “Nourishing the Gut, Nurture the Future” event offered an opportunity to dive into a topic that remains largely unexplored in veterinary circles despite its growing importance in human health. The symposium served as a platform to examine the science behind microbiomes, their impact on animal health, and how this emerging field could shape the future of veterinary care.
Featuring more than 17 industry experts, the event explored the significant
role of the gut microbiome covering topics from its potential to modify disease and maintain health to its connections with the kidneys, brain, and skin. This year’s discussions also provided insights into the gutkidney axis, highlighting the microbiome’s role in managing waste products and addressing chronic stress.
Hill’s Global Symposium keynote presenter Rob Knight, PhD, director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at the University of California San Diego, discussed the potential for the gut microbiome to help modify disease.
Unifying these topics focused on Hill’s One Health Microbiome Resource (OHMR), the first and reportedly largest reference database combining microbial profiles from humans and companion animals. A collaboration between Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Curtis Huttenhower, MS, PhD, professor of Computational Biology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Mass., the OHMR includes microbial genomes, companion animal microbial community profiles, and integrated tools for research. This key development enables the integration of human and animal microbiome research, paving the way for more personalized treatments for pets, particularly those with chronic gut issues.
Jenessa A. Winston, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, presented on the clinical utility of dysbiosis
diagnostics during the Hill’s Global Symposium.
The symposium also explored the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies into veterinary practice, highlighting their potential benefits and associated risks. AI systems are becoming increasingly vital in diagnostics, helping veterinarians identify patterns for quicker, more accurate diagnoses. The discussions emphasized the growing reliance on task-specific AI in diagnostics and treatment recommendations but also acknowledged the need for careful training to prevent errors, particularly when dealing with outliers or unique cases.
Further, the event highlighted the absence of regulatory oversight for AI in veterinary medicine, proposing a risk-based framework for its safe implementation. Ethical considerations were central to the conversation, focusing on using AI to support, rather than replace, veterinary expertise while ensuring responsible data handling to maintain trust with pet owners.
In highlighting the gut microbiome, the 2024 Hill’s Global Symposium provided a platform for veterinary professionals and researchers to explore new developments in veterinary science. Discussions on cuttingedge research and technologies emphasized the growing need for collaboration and innovation. As the veterinary community continues to embrace new ideas, events such as the symposium serve as a reminder of the importance of advancing education, research, and technology to improve pet care and overall animal health.
Jean A. Hall, MS, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), professor at the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, discussed the role of food supplemented with betaine and prebiotics on gut microbiome modulation with chronic kidney disease.
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Ari-
zona’s professional bull riding team, the Teton Ridge-owned Arizona Ridge Riders, will host their annual PBR Camping World Team Series homestand, which transforms bull riding from an individual to team-formatted competition, PBR Ridge Rider Days, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale Oct. 10-12, 2025.
Arizona Ridge Riders Homestand Oct. 10-12
Ridge Rider Days will mark the crucial final event of the 2024 PBR Teams regular season before all 10 pro-teams from around the country make their way to battle for the Championship in Las Vegas. The league’s fourth season will then conclude in Las Vegas Oct. 24-26 when the teams will go head-to-head in the PBR Teams Championship.
A combination of grit, determination and resilience wrapped into
one steadfast group of athletes, the Ridge Riders team features a collection of the world’s top competitors under the leadership of General Manager Casey Lane and Coach Colby Yates. In 2024 the Ridge Riders closed out the regular-season dominating their homestand event, riding four of their five bulls on Sunday afternoon, downing the Missouri Thunder 348.0 – 87.25 to go 3-0 in Desert Diamond Arena. Courtesy of the flawless weekend in Glendale, the home state team finished the 12-event regular season No. 5 in aggregate
points, ahead of the Austin Gamblers and Missouri Thunder, heating up when it counted most as they made their way to the wild card Ride-In Round in Las Vegas.
The bull riding action for the 2025 PBR Ridge Rider Days at Desert Diamond Arena begins at 7:45 p.m. MT on Friday, Oct. 10, 6:45 p.m. MT on Saturday, Oct. 11, and 1:45 p.m. MT on Sunday, Oct. 12.
Tickets for the three-day event are on sale now, and range in price from $35 to $130. They can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR. com, at the Desert Diamond Arena Box Office, or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800732-1727.
PBR Elite Seats are available for avid fans in Glendale who want an exclusive VIP experience while enjoying the world’s top bull riding circuit. These tickets, available in three tiers, offer premium seats, personal on-site concierge at the PBR fan loyalty booth, and more. For more on elite seats, visit Ticketmaster.com, or call 1-800-732-1727.
PBR’s return to Glendale comes on the heels of a triumphant 2024 for the Teams journey please visit arizonaridgeriders.com, @arizonaridgeriders on Facebook and Instagram, or @AZRidgeRiders on Twitter.
For more information about the PBR Camping World Team Series visit PBR.com or @PBR on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Legendary tie-down roper Ernie Taylor died at his home in Hugo, Okla. He was 81 years old.
Taylor qualified for the National Finals Rodeo eight times from 1968 to 1975 and won the RCA Tie-Down World Championship in 1973. He also served as a mentor to some of the most prolific cowboys in PRORODEO history.
“He was the very best friend I ever had,” ProRodeo Hall of Fame tie-down roper Roy Coo-
EIGHT-TIME NFR TIE-DOWN ROPER
ERNIE TAYLOR PASSES AWAY
per said. “I looked up to him. He’s the Oklahoma Outlaw. And he had the very best horse in the world. Even today, there’s no better roping horse in the world than Scorpion.”
Taylor was born Nov. 8, 1943, to Red and Agnes Taylor in Hugo, Okla. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, grandson Tripp Taylor and sister Glenda Fry.
“He was a great guy,” ProRodeo Hall of Famer Phil Lyne said. “I liked being around him because he was always in a good mood...I talked to him a couple of times a year, just calling and visiting with him. There a lot of boys up there in Oklahoma that I’m good friends with and visit with once in a while.”
Taylor graduated from Hugo High School in 1961 before
joining the United States Army. He attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Okla.
“Ernie brought me up here to Oklahoma because they wanted a world-champion rodeo team (at Southeastern Oklahoma State),” Cooper said. “He was my very best friend. He called me every day.”
He got his RCA permit in 1963 and quickly made his mark on the PRORODEO scene with eight straight NFR appearances.
Taylor finished third in the NFR average in 1973 to secure his only world championship. In his final NFR appearance in 1975, he finished as the reserve average champion.
“He was a mentor to me. He took me around for my first year,” Cooper said. “I loved him. I still love him, and I’ll be at his funeral on Saturday. His son called me a while ago and asked if I could make it out there. I said, ‘hell, I’ll have somebody drive me.’”
Taylor took pride in his role as a father and grandfather and was a member of Chisum Trails Cowboy Church.
He’s survived by his sons, Ernie Taylor and wife Krystle and Will Taylor and wife, Alex; grandchildren Clancy, Jaxtyn and Tymber Taylor; his sweetheart of 16 years, Frances Anderson; stepdaughter, LeAnne Gentry and husband Donny; and niece and nephew, Kimberly Bolding and Drake Fry.
United States Prevails in USMCA Dispute on Biotech Corn
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2024 – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States has prevailed in its dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) challenging certain Mexican biotechnology measures concerning genetically engineered (GE) corn. The USMCA panel agreed with the United States on all seven legal claims, finding that Mexico’s measures are not based on science and undermine the market access that Mexico agreed to provide in the USMCA.
“We commend the dispute settlement panel for its thorough and impartial assessment, which affirms that Mexico’s approach to biotechnology was not based on scientific principles or international standards. Mexico’s measures ran counter to decades’ worth of evidence demonstrating the safety of agricultural biotechnology, underpinned by science- and risk-based regulatory review systems,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This decision ensures that U.S. producers and exporters will continue to have full and fair access to the Mexican market, and is a victory for fair, open, and science- and rules-based trade, which serves as the foundation of the USMCA as it was agreed to by all parties. It is also a victory for the countries around the world growing and using products of agricultural biotechnology to feed their growing populations and adapt to a changing planet.”
“The panel’s ruling reaffirms the United States’ longstanding concerns about Mexico’s biotechnology policies and their detrimental impact on U.S. agricultural exports,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “It underscores the importance of science-based trade policies that allow American farmers and agricultural producers to compete fairly and leverage their innovation to address climate change and enhance productivity. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Mexican government to ensure a level playing field and provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable agricultural products on both sides of the border.”
Javier AlvarezMalo Palos
The Mexican reining pioneer died December 11
Longtime AQHA member
Javier Alvarez-Malo Palos of Apapataro, Mexico, died December 11. Javier, born in 1954, leaves behind his wife, Iris, and three sons.
Javier was the first person to bring the sport of reining to Mexico. Throughout the years, Javier and Iris opened their
home to AQHA, including for an on-site services booth at their ranch in the state of Queretaro. Many approved reining events were held at the ranch.
“The panel’s conclusion backs up our long-held position that agricultural trade policies must be grounded in science and must not disrupt trade in agricultural products,” said Ambassador Doug McKalip. “This ruling is a critical step in ensuring that U.S. farmers can continue to compete fairly in the global marketplace. We have worked tirelessly with the interagency and industry stakeholders for almost four years to address this issue, and we remain committed to ensuring Mexico complies with its obligations under the USMCA and eliminates its USMCA-inconsistent measures. This outcome supports our efforts to maintain a strong, science-based trade relationship that benefits American producers and consumers in both the U.S. and Mexico.”
The panel issued its final report to the Parties on December 20, 2024. Under USMCA rules, Mexico has 45 days from the date of the final report to comply with the Panel’s findings.
From January through October 2024, the United States exported $4.8 billion of corn to Mexico, the United States’ largest export market for corn.
Background
The present dispute challenged two sets of measures reflected in Mexico’s February 2023 presidential corn decree: (1) an immediate ban on the use of GE corn in dough and tortillas, and (2) an instruction to Mexican government agencies to gradually eliminate the use of GE corn for other food uses and in animal feed. The United States established the panel on August 17, 2023, under Chapter 31 of the USMCA. The United States brought six legal claims under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter and one legal claim under the National Treatment and Market Access for Goods Chapter of the USMCA, as reflected in the United States’ request to establish a dispute settlement panel. The United States prevailed on all seven claims.
USTR officials have worked closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on this matter. The U.S. Government, in consultation with stakeholders, will continue to work to obtain Mexico’s full compliance with its USMCA commitments.
Sun Circuit
Judges 2025
Join us for another unforgettable Sun Circuit where winning extends beyond the arena and the memories last a lifetime.
Your 2025 Judges
Jonathan Meilleur
Buddy Fisher
Dean Bogart
Liz Baker
Shannon Holbin
Chris Jones
Brendan Brown
Michele Tidwell
Daren Wright
Pierre Brierre
Judd Paul
Sandy Curl
Rhonda Repogle
Sissy Anderson
Steve Meadows
Theodore Grose
Lynda Danielson
Milt Alderman
Tom Neel
Fielding Rogers
Chris Benedict
Frank Craighead
Gary Wells
Andi Paul
Leo Fourre
Arizona sues Saudi-owned company over groundwater use for Alfalfa
AGDAILY Reporters December 16, 2024
Arizona’s lawsuit claims that excessive groundwater pumping threatens La Paz County.
After Saudi Arabia dried up its own aquifers, Fondomonte purchased 10,000 acres near Vicksburg, Arizona, and an additional 2,000 acres around Blythe, California.
Saudi-owned Fondomonte Arizona extracted 31,000 acre-feet of water in 2023 for Saudi alfalfa exports.
Arizona seeks to halt pumping and establish an abatement fund.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against Fondomonte Arizona, LLC, a Saudi-owned company that had leased the state’s farmland to grow alfalfa in La Paz County.
The lawsuit alleges the company’s excessive
$10,000 Added Sun Circuit Open Roping Timed Event Challenge Sun Circuit Adds $17,000 to Ropings
Ropers can score AQHA points AND cash at the 2025 Sun Circuit with two team roping and two breakaway roping events. Plus there are jackpots in most all of the AQHA roping classes.
Exhibitor must have entered and shown to all 8 judges in the Open Heading or Open Heeling to be eligible. Example: The Exhibitor shows the Open Heading the first round (3 judges) then shows the Open Heeling the 2nd round( 3 judges) then shows the Open Heading the third round(2 judges). Exhibitor has fulfilled the requirement. In the Timed Event Challenge, exhibitor may ride a different horse than he/she showed in AQHA classes.
An exhibitor who has fulfilled the above requirement may enter the Sun Circuit Timed Event Challenge one time .
An Exhibitor who has shown at least one horse to each judge in the AQHA Open Heading and has shown at least one horse to each judge in the AQHA Open Heeling may enter twice.
groundwater pumping in La Paz violates Arizona’s public nuisance law by threatening communities’ public health, safety, and infrastructure in the Ranegras Plain Basin in La Paz County.
The complaint, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, also alleges that Fondomonte’s actions have had widespread effects, including declining groundwater levels and escalating land subsidence — harming everyone reliant on the Basin for water.
According to Mayes, these actions constitute a public nuisance under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2917, defined as any activity that injures health, obstructs property use, or interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by a community.
“Fondomonte’s unsustainable groundwater pumping has caused devastating consequences for the Ranegras Plain Basin, putting the health and future of the residents of La Paz County at risk,” said Mayes. “Arizona law is clear: No company has the right to endanger an entire community’s health and safety for its own gain.”
The lawsuit alleges that since 2014, Fondomonte has extracted extraordinary amounts of groundwater — approximately 31,196 acre-feet in 2023 alone — to grow alfalfa for export to Saudi Arabia.
For comparison, one-acre foot can supply water to three singlefamily homes for an entire year. Mayes says that this excessive pumping has significantly accelerated the depletion of the Basin’s aquifer.
The state of Arizona is seeking a court order to declare Fondomonte’s activities a public nuisance, enjoin the company from further excessive groundwater pumping, and require the establishment of an abatement fund.
Arizona’s governor, Katie Hobbs, announced her intent to terminate the leases with Fondomonte in October 2023. Then, on March 7, 2024, it was noted that the state terminated the company’s leases and stopped the groundwater pumping in the Butler Valley.
Although the company lost its leases from the state, Fondomonte applied for and received approval for a new well on its dairy last summer.
Arizona’s alfalfa yields are some of the highest in the world — the state produces an average of 8.3 tons of alfalfa per acre compared to the national average of 3.2 tons. State 48’s climate means they can produce eight to 10 cuttings per year, but while Arizona has plenty of sunshine days (generally around 300), water is a precious commodity.
Fondomonte had used the leases to grow alfalfa and then exported it to feed dairy cattle in Saudi Arabia — 8,100 miles away. The country has moved a large portion of its alfalfa production to the United States in response to limited aquifers and a growing dairy sector.
Extend Feeding Times of Stabled Horses with Haynets and Hay Balls
By Kentucky Equine Research
Stabled horses sometimes spend only a few hours per day consuming feed and forage, a far cry from the 8-12 hours horses would spend eating if given free-choice access. Using haynets or hay balls significantly extends feeding time compared to feeding off the ground or from a manger.
When roaming freely, horses spend most of the day consuming forage. Certain management practices of stabled horses such as offering high-calorie, large grain meals with limited forage or feeding limited amounts of hay and feed due to weight gain concerns, can leave horses without feed for long periods.
“The potential consequences of leaving horses without feed include the development of stereotypic or unwanted behaviors such as chewing wood or eating bedding. Gastric ulcers may form from reduced buffering of stomach acid. The more horses are stabled the less socialization they have,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor for Kentucky Equine Research.
Unfortunately, stabling is unavoidable for many intensely managed horses, so identifying strategies that prolong feed intake would be beneficial.
To explore the effect of various feed management tools on feeding time, a group of Icelandic horses was recruited and divided into four groups. Horses were fed using a haynet, hay ball, off the floor, or from a manger. Horses were all offered 3.5 kg (as fed) of haylage per meal twice daily, which was approximately 10 g dry matter per kg body weight (1% of body weight per day).*
“Results showed that horses fed from the haynet and hay ball took significantly longer to consume the entire ration. Times were 178 minutes and 183 minutes per meal, respectively, which means the horses spent 6 hours per day eating. In contrast, horses fed from the floor or manager took 154 minutes and 160 minutes, respectively, approximately 5.2 hours per day,” Whitehouse said. “The hay net and hay ball extended feeding time by 13%.”
According to the research team, “simple feeding methods extend the feed intake time of maintenance-fed horses to resemble natural foraging time more closely.”
“Extending feeding time allows owners to satisfy the desire to chew and stimulate saliva production in response to eating, potentially improving both health and welfare,” Whitehouse said.
She added, “It is also important to note that this study fed a restrictive amount of hay due to the higher energy value of the haylage. When managing horses with lower energy needs such as easy keepers or sedentary horses, it is important to source lower calorie forages that allow for larger amounts of forage to be fed, ideally 15 to 20 g dry matter per kg body weight per day.”
Horses continuously secrete gastric acid, which is neutralized by saliva, feed, and forage. When horses don’t have access to nearconstant forage, the risk of gastric ulcers increases.
“Providing a digestive buffer can help extend the period of buffering in the stomach when access to forage or voluntary intake may be restricted,” shared Whitehouse.
This study also showed that weighing the hay took approximately 40-50 seconds per horse. Filling the hay ball (2.5-3 minutes) took longer than filling the haynets (20-30 seconds).
CALLING ALL COWBOYS AND COW GIRLS
If you’re already showing in the Junior or Senior Cow Horse at Sun Circuit, then join us for this fun and rewarding challenge. Add GC Herd Work and Muley Steer Stopping to your schedule and see if you’ve got what it takes to be crowed the 2025 Arizona Golden Cowboy. Sponsored by Corey Cushing Performance Horses Horse must enter, compete, and pay entry fee for each of the respective classes below to be eligible.
Paid on Scores totaled from the following classes and judges: Golden Cowboy Herd work Tuesday 3/4 – Judge Neel Muley Steer Stopping Wednesday 3/5 –Judge Meadows Jr. or Sr. Cow Horse Thursday 3/6 -Judge Rogers
The CDC has confirmed the first severe human case of avian influenza (H5N1) in the US, involving a patient from Louisiana with a history of exposure to backyard poultry. This marks the first documented severe H5N1 infection in the country and follows global patterns of severe illness associated with poultry contact.
The first severe human case of avian influenza in the US is confirmed
The patient is the first such case in the US to be severe enough for the person to be hospitalized. Thus far, all previous patients in confirmed cases have had mild symptoms not requiring hospitalization. The case was confirmed by the CDC on December 13, and the Louisiana Department of Health has not released additional information about the patient, citing privacy concerns.
The patient’s infection was identified as the D11 genotype of the virus, which is commonly found in wild birds and has previously been linked to severe cases in regions like Canada and Washington state. Unlike the B313 strain, which has caused milder symptoms in dairy workers exposed to infected cattle, the D11 genotype appears to be more serious.
that although the D11 genotype appears to be more virulent, there has been no person-to-person transmission of the virus detected. Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH, director of the NIH’s ational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), recently spoke with Contagion about mutations and human-top human transmission. “The virus would still likely need to acquire additional mutations to acquire the ability to spread effectively among humans,” Marrazzo said.
With this first severe case, the US now has 61 confirmed human cases of H5N1. Last week there were 58 cases, with the overwhelming majority of cases confirmed in California. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating avian influenza outbreak in the state.
Genetic testing is ongoing to assess whether any mutations indicate increased danger or potential human-to-human spread, but no other related cases have been reported so far. The CDC continues to assess the risk as low to the public. It is important to note
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. Building on California’s testing and monitoring system—the largest in the nation—we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information. While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus,” Newsom said in a statement.
In California, there have been 34 human exposure incidents in the state overall and all but 1 of the cases have been linked to commercial agriculture and related operations. The one outstanding case was classified as having an unknown source. These figures reflect the overall exposure risk in the state tied to agricultural and animal operations.
The proclamation follows the detection of additional bird flu cases in dairy cows. While the risk to the public remains low, the declaration aims to provide state and local agencies with the resources and flexibility needed to respond swiftly and effectively.
For the Louisiana case, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of avian infleunza in the US that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death.
$1,000 Added Champion: Buckle Reserve: Sun Circuit Spurs
Amateurs Cow Horse Exhibitors Can Earn Cashin Sun Circuit Spectacular
Jackpot Fee $100 – (100% jackpotted). You must enter at show office
Horse must exhibit in Amateur Cutting Tuesday March 4 and AQHA Amateur Boxing Wednesday March 5. Horse will be given a Cow Horse Herd work score in Amateur Cutting separate from the score obtained in the AQHA Cutting class. Horse’s score from the Cow Horse Herd work and Amateur Boxing on the respective dates will be totaled to determine final placings.
Champion: Buckle Reserve Sun Circuit Spurs
Jackpot Fee $100(100% jackpotted). You must enter at show office Horse must exhibit in Amateur Cutting Tuesday March 4 and AQHA Amateur Cow Horse Wednesday March 5. Horse will be given a Cow Horse Herd work score in the Amateur Cutting as well as the score obtained in the AQHA Cutting class. Horse’s score from the Cow Horse Herd work and Amateur Cow Horse on the respective dates will be totaled to determine final placings.
Sun Circuit Debuts English Versatility
The ideal English Versatility horse is ridden with light contact, carries its head at a natural angle and its nose should be in front of vertical. Horses also demonstrate an obvious lengthening of stride when extending gaits.
English Versatility is poised to do for Hunt Seat riders what ranch classes have done for western enthusiast: demonstrate the handiness and fun of riding a versatile, forward moving horse with light contact. Sun Circuit is offering Open and Non-Pro English Versatility on the 2025 Schedule. While not an AQHA approved class at this time, both the Open and Non-Pro will offer circuit awards for champion and reserve.
Horses work individually in this pattern class that combines elements of working hunter mixed with a bit of trail, the spirit of ranch riding, the flow of dressage and the elegance of equitation. Rules for the English Versatility at Sun Circuit pull heavily from the vision for the class developed at APHA by Sandy Jirkovsky, Dave Dellin and others. Their goal was to design the class to be approachable, doable with or without a trainer and appeal to a wide range of all arounders from youth to select. They also expect to interest breeders who want to showcase the versatility and ability of their horses.
The ideal English versatility horse travels with forward movement and demonstrates an obvious lengthening of stride when extending gaits. Horses are to be ridden on light contact. The overall manners, responsiveness and smoothness of the English versatility horse while making transitions, as well as the quality of movement are of primary considerations. Importantly, the horse’s head should be carried at a natural angle that is suitable to the horse’s conformation
at all gaits. Ideally, a horse should carry its head no lower than level and its nose should be in front of vertical.
Patterns will have 10 to 15 maneuvers that include the walk, trot, and canter in both directions; extended trot, stop, back, 180 forehand turn either direction, change of lead (simple or flying) either direction, leg yield, and trot or canter over a jump, cross rail, cavelettis, ground poles or raised rails. There is a maximum height of 2’6” on any jump or 12” on any raised rails. Horses will be penalized for being over bridled, having a too high or too low head carriage, having short vertical strides or being out of frame. Other points can be lost for ticking a pole, or knocking down poles or obstacles
As more people are getting to know English Versatility, enthusiasm is mounting. It especially speaks to anyone who recalls a fondness for mixing up their training routine: working on their horsemanship skills in the arena, trotting cavaelettis, maybe taking a small fence or two, then cantering out across a field and down a trail. Riders who have tried English Versatility share that it is the same amount of hard work as any other class, but it’s more fun both on the training side and the showing side.
One goal that proponents of the class share is that after experiencing the movement and carriage in English Versatility, riders will take some of that lightness back to under saddle and equitation. They hope that riders will look at things differently and find that moving more forward and a little more up hill benefits their horse in many ways.
Complete rules for the Sun Circuit English Versatility can be found at https://www.suncircuit.com/english-versatility/
RANCH REWARDS
Sun Circuit Offers Added
Money Events In Ranch
You will want to cash in on theses Ranch Events. Open and Non-Pro exhibitors have the opportunity to let their horses shine on a world stage in Bar 54 Ranch Riding Derbies.
L1 Horses get to show they have what it takes to excel in Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding, Working Western Rail and have the conformation to impress in Halter by entering the Kristin Brock Show Horses / 13 Moonstruck L1 Open Ranch Stakes.
Parkinson
Performance Horses
Youth Boxing Spectacular
$1,000 Added Champion: Buckle plus $500 Reserve: Sun Circuit Spurs plus $300 3rd: Bronc Halter plus $200
You must enter at show office Horse must exhibit in Youth Cutting Tuesday March 4 and AQHA Youth Boxing Friday March 7.
Horse will be given a Cow Horse Herd work score in the Youth Cutting as well as the score obtained in the AQHA Youth Boxing class. Horse’s score from the Cow Horse Herd work and Youth Boxing on the respective dates will be totaled to determine final placings.
A big Thank You to Kimes Ranch for sponsoring All Youth Cutting Cattle Fees and to SJ Ranch/Cre8ive Events for covering the Youth 13 & Under NRCHA Boxing fees.
Youth Cattle Awards
Best of Show – Youth Reining and Cattle Division (One Horse/One Rider) Champion: Rod Patrick Calf Skin Boots Sponsored by Rod Patrick Boots
Reserve: Sun Circuit Spurs Sponsored by Avila Stable/ Professionals Choice Bob Avila Collection Classes that can be counted towards the award include: 3 yr. old Youth Geldings, Aged Youth Geldings, Youth Performance Halter Geldings, 3 yr. old Youth Mares, Aged Youth Mares, Youth Performance Mares, Youth Cow Horse, Youth Boxing, Youth Reining, Youth Heading, Youth Heeling, Youth Tie Down, Youth Cutting, Youth Breakaway Roping Youth Cowhorse Circuit Award Champion: Jeff Smith Saddle Sponsored by Ken Wold Training Stable
Reserve: Logo’d Saddle Pad Youth Cutting Circuit Award Champion: Professionals Choice Pad Sponsored by Professionals Choice/AD Tack
Youth Cow Horse Herd Work Circuit Award
Champion: Professionals Choice Pad Sponsored by Professionals Choice/AD Tack
Equine Gastric Ulcer Treatment with Colostrum - Field Trial
By Carl Larson, DVM
Gastric ulcers in horses are common with prevalence estimated from 50% - 90% depending on the athletic activity of the horse, stress, medications, diet, and other factors. Signs that a horse may have ulcers can be subtle and include loss of appetite, dullness, a change in attitude, poor body condition, colic, and a general decrease in performance among other responses. But the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through gastric endoscopy or gastroscopy. Gastroscopy is minimally invasive and while it is a somewhat expensive procedure for the horse owner, it is the only way to confirm an ulcer and monitor how it may be responding to treatment.
The typical treatment for ulcers includes administering pharmaceutical products over a period of time. While effective, this protocol can lead to the inhibition of mineral absorption, a decrease in bone density and potential rebound due to increased acid secretions following treatment. However, among horse owners and veterinarians alike, there is a swelling interest in non-pharma and more natural options for treatment. Personally, one option that I’ve had great interest in surrounds the use of nutraceuticals.
For years I have encountered and read numerous studies on the potential power and effectiveness of bovine colostrum as a natural remedy for ailments in both human and animal studies. As
my interest piqued, I began to specifically consider what effects the bioactive compounds in colostrum could have on gut health and gastric ulcers in horses. Intrigued, I saw the possibility based on review of published colostrum research done by others on a variety of species under a variety of conditions. During this time, I encountered a supplement company, TechMix, who was also looking to explore this concept further for product development.
“I can confidently say that through gastroscopy, before-and-after studies, and many conversations with the people observing the horses and administering the colostrum product to them, I have found that bovine colostrum has a high level of predictable and repeatable benefits to the health of the equine digestive tract.”
With their concept product in hand, I’ve spent the last 3 years working in a controlled field trial and have documented incredible results.
I knew an evidence-based approach in real-world conditions would be paramount to my future conversations with other veterinarians and horse owners. Many supplements exist, many anecdotal claims of efficacy for many conditions are made, and it quickly gets confusing and creates skepticism for all of us trying to sort out what is hypothetical or theoretical versus what is proven when making our choices.
The bottom-line question was of course: “Does colostrum work?” To answer that, many more questions arise surrounding supplementation—particularly how much, how often, and for how long? Gastroscopy would have to be performed on horses to make sure they actually had documentable ulcers before treatment started, they could not be on anything else that might help treat the ulcer, I would have to administer colostrum only, with no other ingredients that could contribute to helping the ulcers resolve, and I would have to perform subsequent gastroscopies during the treatment period to monitor progress. By gathering before-andafter gastroscopy images, the field trial has worked through these questions of doses, frequencies, and durations, and has brought me to an exciting conclusion.
I can confidently say that through gastroscopy, before-and-after studies, and many conversations with the people observing the horses and administering the colostrum product to them, I have found that bovine colostrum has a high level of predictable and repeatable benefits to the health of the equine digestive tract.
The value of bioactive compounds and growth factors in colostrum is indisputable and now, as a result from this trial, I’m confident in the benefit of colostrum-based products for horses at risk of ulcers and even other physiological challenges. I’m thankful for Techmix as a partner in this trial and encourage horse owners looking for nutraceutical options to ask their company representative or retailer about product options.
Carl Larson, DVM is a 2007 graduate of University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary medicine. He has been in rural mixed animal practice in central Minnesota for his entire career, enjoys and actively engages in zoo medicine, and consulting for TechMix.
UC Davis First to Produce Equine Embryos By In Vitro Fertilization with Frozen Sperm
By Amy Young
Researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine marked a milestone in equine assisted reproductive technologies with the first successful use of frozen-thawed sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF) production of equine embryos.
These promising results, just published in Theriogenology, have the potential for broader clinical applications, as well as valuable opportunities to study fertilization and embryo development.
Although IVF is commonly used in many species from livestock to humans, it has historically met with little success in horses. Recent advances demonstrated IVF embryo production, but only using high quality, fresh sperm, which limits its use. Little is currently known about the use of IVF in equine reproduction, including how embryo development proceeds and whether it differs significantly from other approaches.
Pouya Dini, DVM, Ph.D., Ph.D., DECAR, DACT, an equine reproductive specialist, and his team at the UC Davis Veterinary Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, including Ph.D. student Soledad Martin-Pelaez, DVM, DACT, and Professor Emeritus Stuart Meyers, DVM, MS, Ph.D., DACT, recently reported using frozen-thawed sperm to successfully fertilize equine oocytes and create embryos. They analyzed stages of embryo development, which were compared to those achieved with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the current clinical practice for in vitro production of equine embryos in which a single sperm is injected directly into an oocyte. Overall, development rates were no different, although IVF cycles proceeded faster and embryos were larger, perhaps suggesting a more advanced developmental stage.
In vitro production (IVP) of equine embryos is routinely performed worldwide. It enables production of offspring from mares and stallions that are unable to reproduce using traditional techniques and provides new opportunities for genetic advancement and reproductive success. nomic influence of fertilization techniques on equine embryos.
The Miniature Horse Association of Arizona Promoting the American Miniature Horse Breed
By Delores Kuhlwein and Marcia Sizemore
On November 8, 1983, two Arizona miniature horse enthusiasts, Joan Solheim and Hermeen Peterson, invited every miniature horse owner they knew to a meeting. Their purpose: to officially form a miniature horse club.
The Miniature Horse Association of Arizona was launched, and two meetings later, on January 10, 1984, a constitution and bylaws were adopted. The first charter officers elected were: President Joan Solheim, Vice President Mike Peterson, Recording Secretary Nancy Thurston, Corresponding Secretary Janet Strubhar, Treasurer Gar Dutton, and Directors at Large were Ardith Elmore, Hermeen Peterson, Larry Strubhar, and Allan Solheim.
In April 1984, the club also approved a rough draft design of a club logo submitted by artist/ member Jan Garbero, who continued to do artwork for the club until retirement. In September 1984, the finished logo artwork was approved, and sisters Jan and Joan remained dedicated for many years to facilitating the passion for the miniature horse. In the early days, fundraising activities included garage sales, candy bar sales, and silent auctions, and meetings were held at various members’ homes, just as they are today. In no time, the club’s potluck dinner meetings became legendary for their delicious food, a representation of the welcoming atmosphere of the club itself.
The MHAA Today Today, the MHAAA also boasts the same hospitality for miniature horse lovers, with a thriving membership and member-driven events, such as the upcoming 38th Annual Touch of Class Horse Show. The show offering a full slate of AMHA and AMHR classes is now held together with the Kick Off Arizona Show (since 2014),
and the dates span Thursday, April 10, 2025, to Sunday, April 13, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
The registered 501c3 non-profit organization and its members offer much more in the way of camaraderie than shows, however. Mini horse lovers will discover a variety of clinics, fun shows, therapy team activities, trail drives, and gatherings, as well as an annual awards banquet in January, all offered for both the new and the seasoned miniature lover.
In addition, many mini horse enthusiasts learn that sharing their love of the miniature horse to be extremely gratifying, inspiring the “My Mini and Me Program.” This program promotes the miniature horse to the public by encouraging members to participate with their minis in the public venue and to participate in Club activities/ meetings. End-of-the year awards are given to members who collect the most points.
Since the beginning, promoting the American Miniature Horse breed through showing, education, sponsorship, and sportsmanship at meetings, driving events, and specialty Miniature Horse shows has remained the objective of the Miniature Horse Association of Arizona and its members.
Today’s leadership, President Julianna Myers, Vice President Rebecca Hubal, Secretary Tammy Schreiber, Treasurer Mary Ronek, Social Secretary Alma Ramirez, and Board Members Laurie Davidson, Barbara Lunsmann, Marcia Sizemore, and Donna Vollmer, all welcome new members with open arms. Monthly Board Meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of the Month via Zoom. All members are welcome to join in and listen, and General Club Board meetings are held quarterly at which all members can vote. To learn more about the MHAA and join the fun with like-minded mini horse lovers, email Mary Ronek at GMRminis@gmail,com, visit us online at MHAAfoundation.com, and follow us on Facebook!
PHOTOS: TRINITY MILLER
Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian congratulates select US Endurance athletes on their FEI Endurance Elite Athletes status. Special recognition is extended to the athletes that have achieved the FEI Endurance Elite Athlete status during 2024. An Elite Endurance Athlete is defined as someone who, in their lifetime of competing within FEI Endurance, has reached
US Equestrian FEI Endurance Elite Athletes
the following milestones for 1*/2*/3* level of competition.
Bronze Level - 10 completions within the applicable * level.
Silver Level - 20 completions within the applicable * level
Gold Level is - 30 comple-
tions within the applicable * level
The following athletes have been awarded the FEI Endurance Elite Athlete status.
Senior Athletes
Karen Binns-Dicamillo - 2* & 3* Bronze
Melody Blittersdorf - 1*, 2*, & 3* Bronze
Holly Corcoran - 2* Bronze & 3* Silver
Jessica Dicamillo - 1*, 2*, & 3* Bronze
Thomas Rajala - 2* Bronze (achieved 2* Bronze status in 2024)
Heather Reynolds - 3* Bronze; 1* & 2* Silver (achieved 1* Silver status in 2024)
Jeremy Reynolds - 1* Bronze; 2* and 3* Silver
Stephen Rojek - 1* & 2* Bronze; 3* Gold
Kelsey Russell - 1* & 3* Silver; 2* Gold (achieved 3* Silver status in 2024)
Meg Sleeper - 3* Bronze
Cheryl Van Deusen - 1* Silver; 2* & 3* Gold
Young Rider/Junior
Avery Betz-Conway - 2* Bronze
Annamaria Clarke – 2* Bronze (achieved 2* Bronze status in 2024)
Uma Kraskin - 2* Bronze (achieved 2* Bronze status in 2024)
Paints top 2024 NCHA Futurity
By Jessica Hein
The 2024 NCHA Futurity boasted payouts exceeding $5 million this year. Two Paints were among the exhibitors clinching prestigious championship titles and fat checks at the premier competition hosted by the National Cutting Horse Association November 11–December 7.
Sarah Morine of Brock, Texas, and Smart Look Arising scored a 221.5 to top this year’s Non-Pro Futurity, scoring $67,861 for the win. They also earned nearly $5,700 in APHA Chrome Cash. Smart Look Arising is a 2021 bay solid mare by Badboonarising and out of Smart Lookin Laney (QH). Sarah owns the mare, who was bred by Rayburn Brazzel of Abilene, Texas.
Marcos Chocron-Arocha of Aledo, Texas, and Pocca-
hontas took home not one but two championship titles. First, they scored a 219.5 to win the Intermediate Amateur championship. The pair improved on that effort with a 220.5 to win the Amateur championship, too. They earned paychecks worth $72,059 between the two classes, plus over $9,500 in Chrome Cash payouts. 14 of the 20 Open Futurity finalists were Paint-bred 17 of the 22 Non-Pro Futurity finalists were Paint-bred 18 of the 31 Amateur Futurity finalists were Paint-bred 18 of the 33 Intermediate Amateur Futurity finalists were Paint-bred
A total of 342 APHA-registered horses competed for over $188,000 in exclusive Chrome Cash payouts at the 2024 NCHA Futurity. Chrome Cash is a class-within-a-class incentive for APHA horses; entry fees and the generous support of Chrome Cash sponsor Badboonarising funded the purses.
The 2024 Western Horseman Stock Horse of Texas World Show crowned 13 Division World Champions and two World Champion Collegiate teams during an event that highlighted the versatility of the ranch horse. Riders from 16 states competed in eight classes over two go-rounds to earn a composite score that determined the top horse and rider pairs. The World Show is the culmination of a years’ worth of competition for the association.
“Our goal is to provide a world-class competition that is welcoming to all levels of riders,” said Jill Dunkel, Stock Horse of Texas (SHTX) executive director. “From the superb ground in each arena to quality cattle, exhibitor parties and time to fellowship with friends, the Stock Horse World Show aims to be a highlight of the year.”
The pinnacle event is also the final chance for riders to earn points toward year-end prizes. A lot is riding on the show, and the atmosphere is charged with competitiveness and sportsmanship.
“The success of the SHTX World Show is a strong indication of how contagious and positive the culture of a common community of like-minded horsemen, and women, can be,” said SHTX President William Lewis. “The Stock Horse World Show is unlike any other, with two full gorounds of competition for riders vying for cash and prizes plus bragging rights. More so, it is a way for us to reward the hard work and effort SHTX members make year-round competing with our association. It is not only fun but fulfilling to watch riders achieve their goals.”
Kate Stavinoha riding Cocktails N Style earned the Youth World Champion title.
2024 Western Horseman Stock Horse 13 World Champions
Kate Stavinoha riding Cocktails N Style earned the Youth World Champion title.
The 2024 Stock Horse of Texas World Champions:
Level 1 Novice – Aaron Muehlstein riding Cool Cadillac
Novice – Jennifer Rose riding Wine Makes Her Dance Intermediate – Samuel Neason riding Wichita
Limited Non-Pro – Treylyn Hancock riding GVG Pepto Chic
Non-Pro – Stefani Wagley riding Boon Doxx
Novice Youth – Sienna Gonczeruk riding Gunner Scotch On Ice
Youth – Kate Stavinoha riding Cocktails N Style
Level 1 Open – Sonja Alves riding Smart With Chicks
Open – Pete Kyle riding KR Smart Dreamer
Junior – Isaiah Chandler riding Vintage Smart, owned by Sylvia Brown
Collegiate:
Overall team – Division I, Texas Tech University (Black Team); Division II, Oklahoma State University
Limited Non-Pro – Treylyn Hancock riding Slyd My Way
Non-Pro – Cutter McLaughlin riding This Cats Forever Novice – Bella BridgesSmith riding TAMU WR SmartBalance
The show offered fun for all ages with the World Show Welcome Party sponsored by the National Reined Cow Horse Association and Nutrena, a lunch
Pete Kyle and KR Smart Dreamer earned the Open World Champion title.
time pizza party from Lazy E Arena to spotlight the 2025 The Gathering show and National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance National Show, as well as the crowd-pleasing Classic Equine Fence Work Showcase. Saturday, October 26, featured the Adequan Awards Party that included the Zoetis Dog Races.
Two side-pot incentives were awarded during the World Show. The Texas Quarter Horse Association Triple Threat All-Around, awarded to a horse bred by, owned by and shown by a Texas resident paid eight spots, with the biggest check going to Sonja Alves and Smart With Chicks, earning $2,500. The top payout in the American Paint Horse Association Chrome Cash incentive was awarded to Bruce Logan and Tagging it, winning $570 for owner Bruce Thompson.
SHTX begins the 2025 show season with the kick-off event in Bryan, Texas, March 6 through 9, where the 2024 year-end champions will be recognized. The grassroots, non-profit organization accepted members in 1997, and while it has grown considerably, the mission to help people ride a better horse remains. Each show offers clinics and practice opportunities to learn, while the levels within divisions allow riders of all experience a place to show. For more information, visit stockhorsetexas.org.
More information on the show is at stockhorsetexas.org/worldshow.asp.
Announcing PresidentElect Mike Holloway & BOD nominees
By Jessica Hein
The APHA Board of Directors officer team elected Mike Holloway as 2025 president-elect. The president-elect is selected from the existing members on the APHA Board of Directors; electing officers are the current APHA president (Kelly Boles Chapman), current president-elect (Diane Alves), immediate past president (David Lands) and chief executive officer (David Dellin). Mike will assume the role of presidentelect in March 2025, and take office as president in 2026. Mike has been part of the Board of Directors since 2022 and is from Brandon, Mississippi.
NLDC-Selected Nominees
The Nominating & Leadership Development Committee recently selected four candidates for the APHA Board of Director spots coming open in 2025. Nominees are:
Paul Caliendo, Pilot Point, Texas James Howard, Wayne, Oklahoma Laurie Roden, Phoenix, Arizona Kevin Smith, Magnolia, Texas
Each nominee brings exceptional experience, commitment and vision to the table. The NLDC is confident the nominees’ leadership will be instrumental in steering APHA toward continued success.
Their videos, bios and resumes are available for review. Explore their profiles and learn more about their valuable contributions to the APHA community.
The nominations for positions on the Board of Directors and the NLDC. Members include David Lands, Kelly Boles Chapman, Diane Alves, Lisa Laplace, Diane Paris, John Briggs, Mark Kuhlwein, Delena Doyle and Sandy Curl.
Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted. Please credit the Paint Horse Journal.
Yuma Farmer John Boelts Steps Up as Arizona Farm Bureau President
Arizona – November 21, 2024 -- During the 103 Annual Meeting of the Arizona Farm Bureau, Yuma farmer John Boelts stepped up as Arizona Farm Bureau President as Stefanie Smallhouse stepped down. President Boelts will finish out Smallhouse’s last year of her current 2-year term with the option of running for election in November of 2025.
John Boelts, and his wife Alicia, farm 3,000 acres of fresh vegetables and melons, durum wheat, cotton, forage crops, and seed crops along with their partners in Yuma. John has served two terms as Yuma County Farm Bureau President, four years as Arizona Farm Bureau 2nd Vice President, and the last seven years serving as 1st Vice President.
President Smallhouse stepped down to pivot to family and their farm and ranch businesses going forward. Her seven years as president led the organization through some challenging times including the ongoing water issues in Arizona and also brought focused direction and policy successes to the organization.
“My memory is filled with so many stories from our members across the state and I will have a lasting connection to them regardless of whether our paths cross again,” said President Smallhouse. “My peers from other states, who share similar experiences to my own and have advised me or sharpened my skills along the way, will always be treasured. John is ideal to step into the Arizona Farm Bureau presidency role and I’m excited for how he will carry the organization forward.”
John and Alicia have three children, John, Matthew and Daisy.
Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Reaches $6.5
Million in Donations
Driven by guest donations, restaurant chain raised singleyear-record $1.5 million in 2024 to support future of agriculture
Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project is celebrating another impactful year of its mission to support and secure the future of agriculture, officially passing $6.5 million in total donations since its creation. With the help of outstanding guest participation in national and local fundraising efforts, the restaurant chain raised a record $1.5 million to benefit the program in 2024.
Founded in 2013 and funded by generous guest contributions, the Thank You Farmers Project directly supports people and organizations engaging in climate-smart agricultural efforts that produce nutritious food. The program benefits local organizations in Culver’s communities.
Futurity Impact Group: Driving Growth and Record-Setting Investments in Reining
In 2020, the late National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Famer Doug Carpenter and NRHA past president Frank Costantini challenged the NRHA Board of Directors committed to elevating the NRHA Futurity by increasing its purse with a vision for sustained growth over five years. Thanks to the determination of a small group of sponsors and leaders, over half a million dollars was raised to support this ambitious goal. Today, that vision has not only been maintained but has also been revitalized, with a dedicated team of supporters continuing to drive its success to include $475,000 investment earmarked for the 2025 Futurity purses.
On the same day the board increased its commitment to the 2025 Futurity purse, The Futurity Impact Group—comprising John and Nancy Tague, Bob Santagata, Rick Clark, Tim Anderson, Leonardo Arcese, and Jennifer Anderson—has already pledged an impressive $100,000 toward the 2025 Futurity. To date, members of the Futurity Impact Group have invested $500k directly into the futurity purse since the program began. This initiative adds another $300,000 over the next three years. The NRHA has added $50,000 annually, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the event’s future.
This combined investment ensures that every Level (L) 4 Open Futurity finalist in 2025 will take home a minimum of $25,000—a testament to the group’s unwavering dedication to supporting reining athletes.
The impact of these efforts is evident. In 2019, the L4 Open Champion purse stood at $142,500. By 2020, the contributions of original Futurity Challenge Donors had propelled it to $250,000. Since 2021, the L4 Open Championship prize has reached a record-breaking $350,000, making it part of the World’s Richest Reining.
NRHA’s overall annual investment in the Futurity has surpassed $800,000 since 2021, elevating the total event purse to over $3 million. Looking ahead, planned investments of over $475,000 for the 2025 Futurity promise to further solidify its status as a premier event in the equestrian world.
