///////// 2021 NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY
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ACK TO
RANCHING ROOTS
By Lillian Kent Photos by Primo Morales
The Ranching Heritage Challenge is an exciting reminder of the origin of cow horse, and the 2021 rendition saw more than $17,000 in added money.
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uilding a loop and making a catch in the storied Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, is intimidating, but more than 50 riders were up to the task in the American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Heritage Challenge on October 16. Sponsored by Nutrena and John Deere, the event boasted $17,500 in added money, as well as prizes from sponsors Classic Equine and Box O Quarter Horses. Competing under a two-judge system in a variety of classes, including reining, cow work, boxing and ranch riding, competitors cinched up their ranching heritage-bred horses to carve themselves a piece of the pie. Held concurrently with the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, the event was a change of pace from
116 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS
OPEN WORKING RANCH HORSE—7-YEAR-OLD & UP
Chris Dawson of Perrin, Texas, rode Reyzinette (Dual Rey x Sheza Shinette x Shining Spark) to the win with a composite 290.5 (R:145.5/C:145). The 2014 stallion was bred and is owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses of both Weatherford, Texas, and Santa Ynez, California, who earned $1,700 for the win.
the intense limited-age action happening nearby in the John Justin Arena. But despite the easy-going atmosphere, the parameters tested even seasoned reined cow horse competitors with reining, fence run and steer stopping. Cowboys from
ranches such as the famed 6666 Sixes Ranch, R.A. Brown Ranch and Durrett Cattle Co. were among the entrants, and The Challenge has proved its staying power with competitors coming back from previous years.
