From our Corporate Sponsor

If This {Shorty’s} Hat Could Talk

From the show pen to the office and everywhere in between, a person’s cowboy hat witnesses and represents greatness.

By Katie Frank

Through thick and thin, sun and rain, a cowboy’s hat has been through it all. National Reined Cow Horse Two Million Dollar Rider Todd Bergen jokes that if his hat could talk, he’s not sure he’d want it to.

“It’s been there through the good and the bad, the photo shoots and in the war zone of competition,” he said. “I’ve tipped my hat because of a great run but also pulled it down over my eyes trying to get out of the arena after an embarrassing run. It’s been through it all.”

Bergen, who started wearing Shorty’s Caboy Hattery hats after he won one at the Snaffle Bit Futurity® in 2011, says in the Western industry a cowboy hat is like an extension of a person. No matter where they’re at—on the ranch or in town—a hat is a testimony of a life dedicated to the West.

Here, these Shorty’s Caboy Hattery disciples discuss why they wear the hats made in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

AS A COMPETITOR

Brad Lund knows a think or two about taking a victory lap. The Kansas-based horseman has 18 world championships to his name, including three American Quarter Horse Association Superhorse titles. For Lund, entering the show pen means not only riding a prepared horse, but also looking your best for the judge.

“At shows, it’s important that everything looks good. Not only do you want to make sure your tack and horse are clean, you want to make sure your hat is clean and looks good,” he said. It sends a message to the judge that you care about what you’re doing. As a trainer, the way I present myself also shows I care about my clients’ horses.”

Lund says that ever since his wife introduced him to Lavonna “Shorty” Kroger’s Shorty’s brand custom hats more than 20 years ago, he’s been impressed with not only the hat quality, but also the company’s customer service.

“Like a cowboy on a ranch who rides for a brand, I’m loyal to Shorty’s,” he said. “Everything they do is second to none.”

COURTESY OF SHORTY’S CABOY HATTERY

AS A HORSE BREEDER AND FASHION DESIGNER

PRIMO MORALES If anyone knows how fashion and function fit together, it’s Lindsey James. The California fashion designer creates stunning all-around show clothes in addition to competing in the NRCHA, and breeding and raising Quarter Horses for more than 20 years. Like a well-bred horse, a quality hat is timeless. She started wearing Shorty’s hats when she was a youth competitor vying to qualify for the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show.

“A quality, well-shaped hat is crucial, regardless of your riding event or what you do in the Western industry,” James said. “Over the last 20 years I have had the privilege to work with both Bobbie and Shorty not only on a personal level, but also in a professional setting, I design show clothing for all-around events and we frequently work together. The Shorty’s name is synonymous with integrity and consistency. Shorty’s company and the owners stand behind its product and always go above and beyond for any client, whether a multi-world champion or a new-to-the-sport exhibitor.”

AS AN OWNER

In business, it can be hard to stay true to your roots while staying on the cutting edge. Larry Bell has proved it is possible to do both.

Bell and his family own Kalpowar Quarter Horses and Parks Bell Ranch based in Fort Worth and Midland, Texas. He’s well-acquainted with what it means to put your name on something you believe in. He says putting your brand on something—like Shorty’s does on hats and he does on his horses—“shows the world you’re proud of your heritage.”

“My family has worn cowboy hats forever,” Bell said. “We always had a special hat for church and other special occasions. We love our cowboy ranching heritage. The cowboy hat is the beginning of declaring our pride and love for the ranching way of life.”

He remembers taking his daughter, Amy, to order her first Shorty’s hat. The impeccable fit and style combined with topnotch customer service sold him and his family for life.

“Shorty’s fits the cow horse crowd perfectly because Shorty and her team love the event, they are a ton of fun, and they could not be more friendly and encouraging to all who they meet,” said Bell. “They are an important and wonderful part of the cow horse family.”

The way a cowboy hat fits and feels is as personal and unique as each person who wears one. But the symbolism unites everyone. If a person leaving the boardroom walks past a dusty-jeaned cowboy and they’re both wearing an authentic cowboy hat there’s common ground.

Shorty’s Caboy Hattery has been a proud corporate sponsor of NRCHA for more than a decade. You can not only find them in the Oklahoma City Stockyard, but also at their booths at all the premier NRCHA events. Visit ShortysHattery.com for more information.