///////// FROM THE NRCHA PRESIDENT
KEEP REACHING
Corey Cushing, NRCHA president
The high from another outstanding National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® is still with me even as I reflect on the event. Looking back at the more than a year it takes to get to the point of showing at the Snaffle Bit, I see a lot of peaks and valleys along the road, and I know I’m not alone. The Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Metallic Cat, is a pressure-filled event. First, there is the pressure to simply train a horse to get to show there, then there the pressure is on to make the Finals, and you hope that you apply the right amount of pressure on a horse that allows it show the best it can. At times, it’s building to a peak and things are going good. Then, you hit a valley when you could have done better or a cow didn’t help you out. Look at Justin Wright’s highest peak. His mount, Zak 34, came from a valleylike moment in his owner’s life. Missy Fischer bought that horse because she felt like her son, Seth, who had passed on, was urging her to buy him. From that low point in her life, she has also now felt highest of highs winning our biggest limited age event. Justin’s been bridesmaid before and understands that everyone walks through valleys, but the peaks are what keep us going. This year’s Snaffle Bit Futurity saw peak after peak: near-record entries, new All-Time Leading Sire Metallic Cat, we celebrated Million Dollar Sire Lenas Wright On and Million Dollar Rider Ron Ralls; at the event, we saw a new Two Million Dollar Rider with Jake Telford and, on Finals night, a new Million Dollar Rider in Clayton Edsall. It is obvious that our cow horse family creates an atmosphere that foster success. It motivates others to join our association. We saw that in the enthusiasm of the cutting competitors who jumped at the chance to ride in the third annual Cow Horse For Cutters. And the roping stars sure came out for our first ever Cow Horse For Ropers—talk about fun! That is what is so appealing about reined cow horse—we have fun and we ride great horses. As we head into winter, many of us have our eyes on next year’s goals. We see those peaks we want to stand on top of, like a Futurity Champion title. Don’t be discouraged by the valleys you walk through to reach the peaks. Keep reaching and we will see you on the way!
Corey Cushing
8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS
