TEE BOONE & Jay McLaughlin earn the Open Champion title in the 2022 Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station.
The days are growing noticeably shorter this time of year, and cooler. It’s a season when stews and chilis grace stove tops, and many turn their focus to indoor activities and holiday preparations. For the cow horse family those things are also true, though they form a background to the business of the barns and arenas.
It’s a time of year when three-year-olds may be getting a bit of rest before their Derby years kick off in 2023. Two-year-olds are being evaluated to see if they are on track and showing potential to be a standout for next year’s National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®. Maybe the pace of the work has relaxed slightly from the past few months, but it certainly hasn’t stopped. There is no pause button for our sport—we’re driven by the next show, the next chance to come out on top of a field of great horses and horsemen.
In October, Lee Deacon aboard Tornado Jonez rose to the top of a field of 30 Open Finalists to claim the title of 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion. Lee and Brandy Ragland’s bay gelding marked a 656.5 to tie for ninth in the prelims, making him one of four Intermediate-eligible riders to secure a spot in the Open Finals. When all was said and done, the duo’s 221-plus scores in each round of the finals earned them a 4.5 point lead for the win in the Open and Intermediate, earning a check for $245,000.
The emotion Lee showed as he pumped his arm in triumph in the arena and as he hugged his horse in the alley while waiting for his victory lap resonated with all of us. That’s the feeling that keeps us all striving.
In 2023 we will certainly have much to strive for. We will kick off the year with the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions, which will feature the richest payout for the World’s Greatest Horseman in history thanks to the support of Western Bloodstock, BDB Breeders and Hashtags. In March five of NRCHA’s top Open riders will compete in a one-of-a-kind format at Globe Life Field in Teton Ridge’s The American Performance Horseman.
And that’s just the beginning of a year full of premier and sanctioned events that reflect the growth and health of cow horse and NRCHA. Then, just under a year from now, we’ll be back in Fort Worth to launch the careers of a new crop of cow horse hopefuls at the industry’s toughest and most rewarding futurity – the Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Metallic Cat. This is your sport, and your family, and there’s never been a better time to be a part of it.
We’ll see you in the New Year!
Volume 27, Number 6
Official Publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association
Published by Morris Equine Group a division of MCC Magazines, LLC
256 North Hwy 377 | Pilot Point, TX 76258
Phone: 940-488-1500 | Fax: 940-488-1499 info@nrcha.com | www.NRCHA.com
President: Corey Cushing
Vice President: Paul Bailey
Secretary: Todd Crawford
Treasurer: Trey Neal
Executive Director: Dr. Anna Morrison
Accounting Manager: Kasydi Valentine
Data Entry & Results Assistant: Taylor Meek
Media & Communications Manager: Callie McCarthy-Boevers
Membership & Affiliate Shows Manager: Tina McCleary
Premier Event Manager: Emily Konkel
Programs Manager: Jennifer Bishop
Sponsorship Assistant: Bailey Carter
Director of Judges: Bill Enk
Official NRCHA Photographer: Primo Morales
Official NRCHA Videographer: Equine Promotion
Vice President: John Lunn
Editor: Kate Bradley Byars
Managing Editor: Jennifer Denison
Production Manager: Sherry Brown
Art Director: Susan Sampson
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Reined Cow Horse News (ISSN 23803975) is published six times a year by Cowboy Publishing Group. Known office of publication: 2112 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107. All contents are copyright of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior written permission from the NRCHA. Opinions expressed in articles and advertising in Reined Cow Horse News do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of the NRCHA or its officers and members. Accuracy of material is the sole responsibility of the authors. Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender’s risk and the NRCHA accepts no responsibility for them. Please address all submissions to: Reined Cow Horse News, 256 North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258. Subscription rate is $25 a year. Periodical postage paid at Pilot Point, Texas, 76258 and additional mailing offices. USPS number, 024-906. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reined Cow Horse News, 256 North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258.
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As horse trainers and competitors, we are often so laser focused on our goal that we get locked in. All of us who competed in the 2022 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, and win, lose or draw, we felt stress.
One thing I was told at the very beginning of my career is that there is life after the Futurity. It is one of the most exciting times for us as trainers; it’s our Super Bowl. But whether we have a bad show or a great show, there is a lot more for a horse and for us as competitors after that 3-year-old year.
But before we start looking ahead, don’t forget to take a breath, especially now during the end of the year holidays. This should be a time we let down, but many of us are already focusing on goals for next year.
Our cow horse family is so much a part of our lives. They understand the ups, the downs and the perseverance needed to be successful. But don’t forget to take time with your family outside the competitive arena. Time spent with loved ones can help you recenter, organize your thoughts and streamline your priorities. At the end of the year, many of us take time to reflect and the result can change how we look at the next year, how we approach training our horses and how we approach this business.
Maybe this year was a success for you and now the priority is to stay focused and maintain that momentum. If things didn’t go as well as planned, it may be time to alter your program or make a change that sets you on the right course. Before you throw in the towel or make a big change, remember there is a lot more to a reined cow horse’s career than only our Futurity.
Making the Snaffle Bit Futurity® Finals is always a goal, and that gold buckle that comes with the spotlight victory lap and having your and your horse’s name join the others on the banners that hang in the Will Rogers Coliseum is the goal of most reined cow horse competitors, but there is more after the Futurity. When I reflect on earning more than three million dollars in this incredible industry, yes, three Futurity titles helped me. But the purses given for our events today are taking our sport to new heights at all levels: the Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Metallic Cat, the derbies, and Western Bloodstock, BDB Breeders and Hashtags World’s Greatest Horseman. Not to mention special events like The Run For A Million and the American Performance Horseman, presented by Teton Ridge.
Remembering that if one horse show doesn’t work out that doesn’t mean none will work out is important for me. I’ve had rough shows and wanted to dive back in and alter my program the very next day. At the end of this year, let the time you put into our lifestyle, the dedication and you and your family have to the horse, and the effort you put in stand for itself. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! After the New Year, we can put our noses back on the grindstone for our next premier event.
KATE BRADLEY
One of the perks of being involved with judging a major event is the time you get toyou spend with your judging teammates.At this year’s National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, one of the teammates was the cow horse legend Bobby Ingersoll. Traditional training methods are important to him, from the snaffle bit to the hackamore, two-rein and the finished product, a bridle horse.
Bobby wrote this “History of the Hackamore” in his room one night while we were in Fort Worth, Texas, because he thought it was important knowledge to pass on to all of us.With his permission, I’m going to share it with you.
“The use of the hackamore is important to the horse in his training and bridling.The art of the hackamore is a Spanish tradition handed down from many years ago by the Spanish Vaquero horsemen on the West Coast. They started their horses in a hackamore; today most horses are started in the snaffle bit.[The hackamore was used] to save the mouth on young horses so they would later have a softer mouth for their bridle years at an older age.
“The hackamore is a nose band that fits on the bridge of the horse’s nose.It is made of a braided rawhide or leather, and works on the nose and under the chin of the horse. The reins are made out of twisted horse mane hair that they called the mecate. The mecate gives a good balance to the hackamore and signals to the horse with a light feel to his nose and the chin.Unlike a snaffle bit, you have very little leverage.
Riding in a hackamore is about quick contact and release. It takes a lot of slow time to put a horse in the hackamore. The hackamore is a must for putting the horse straight up in the bridle at an older age and expect the horse to have a soft mouth forever.” —Bobby Ingersoll
Traditions are passed on through generations by word of mouth.Thanks to Bobby for sharing this with all of us!
Until Next Time,
Bill Enk NRCHA Director of Judges
The Youth kept busy at this year’s National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, with a plethora of activities. There was an activity planned 11 of the 17 days at the horse show.
Starting out the week was a trip down the street to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame. Next, the kids could go to the boot races, sponsored by Classic Equine on October 9th, and the next day they could use their creativity and paint with Streakin B Art. From scavenger hunts to stick horse races, there were kids having fun everywhere.
In addition, there was a costume lead line on October 16, and it was a huge hit. The John Justin Arena was full of unique costumes and dressed-up equine companions. The stick horse cutting, sponsored by Bet He Sparks, was a new activity. Kids got to “cut” ducks on stick horses! The kids had a blast and it was a great activity.
Lastly, the National Reined Cow Horse Youth Association had a used tack silent auction. This was the first year for the auction, and all proceeds went to the Youth Fund.
The Youth are blessed with so many great sponsors, and without them we couldn’t put together the great activities that we do! We would like to thank Classic Equine, Streakin B Art, Bet He Sparks and so many others! In addition, the Youth really appreciate our directors: Todd Crawford, Sarah Clymer, Kristen Cushing and Bailey Carter!
—Tylor Todd
The top three Western performance horse events are headed to The American Rodeo in an unprecedented new event, The American Performance Horseman, debuting on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Globe Life Field. Reined cow horse, in addition to cutting and reining, will be included in Teton Ridges’ 2023 The American Rodeo event in Arlington, Texas, as part of its 10th anniversary celebration.
The announcement came during the 2022 The Run For A Million event on the same day the Cow Horse Challenge and Cowboy Invitational occurred, maximizing the impact of the announcement’s reception. Several of the cow horse competitors in the running to qualify for The American Performance Horseman were also competing that night.
How is it going to work? The top five year-end money earning professionals in cutting, reined cow horse and reining will come together to compete for $1 million in prize money in a competitive exhibition format. The highest show earnings from the 2022 show season, as tracked by each association, will determine the top five. Standings will be finalized and announced following each discipline’s 2022 futurity event.
Fusing the elements of history and competition, The American Performance Horseman is an ode to the past, present and future of the Western performance horse sports. Riders will compete for team and individual prize money but most importantly, the prestigious title of champion as part of The American Rodeo weekend festivities.
“The American Rodeo is an unrivaled celebration of the
American West and represents the richest weekend in all of Western sports,” said Joe Loverro, President of Teton Ridge Sports. “As Teton Ridge continues to make great strides to bring the iconic events in the Western industry to a broader audience on an elevated platform, it was only natural to create an event to pay homage to the most prestigious competitors in Western performance sports and their incredible equine athletes.”
The American Performance Horseman is the creation and vision of Teton Ridge. It elevates Western equine sports through multiple platforms, with innovative and interactive technology. The prestigious competitive exhibition is supported by the American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association and the National Reined Cow Horse Association. All are excited for their respective communities to be celebrated and showcased in this unparalleled and innovative format.
“The American Performance Horseman isn’t another horse show, it’s a celebration of Western horse sport and our athletes at the highest level,” stated NRCHA Executive Director Anna Morrison. “With a shortened format showcasing the top five riders of the year in each discipline, it will pack the excitement of our industry’s top talent in an hour-long production that will bring the sports we love to an entirely new audience.”
This event offers fans a groundbreaking new way to embrace and support the legacy of the American West. For more information, visit americanrodeo.com.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association gained its first Three Million Dollar Rider, Corey Cushing, during the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Following the Open Bridle, Cushing surpassed this benchmark, bringing his lifetime earnings to $3,002,327.
“There is an endless list of people and horses that have helped me get to this spot in my career. I am really proud of this accomplishment. I am truly dedicated to this sport and I take a lot of pride in what I do.” Cushing said.
“I accredit much of my success to the equine athletes I get to ride along my wife, Kristen, and my customers I have had throughout my career.”
The NRCHA began recognizing the Million Dollar Rider Club in 2006 and has accumulated nearly 25 riders since its inception. Ted Robinson was the first NRCHA rider to surpass $1 million in earnings, and Todd Crawford was the first to earn $2 million. Ten years after Crawford became the first Two Million Dollar Rider, NRCHA now welcomes their first Three Million Dollar Rider.
“Our association has an incredible history of talented horsemen, many of whom are recognized in our Hall of Fame, and others with million dollar rider banners hanging above our arenas. These banners celebrate countless hard-fought victories and inspire our next generation of greats,” said Anna Morrison, NRCHA executive director. “For the first time, our riders have a brand new milestone to chase. Congratulations to Corey on becoming NRCHA’s first Three Million Dollar Rider.”
For a complete list of NRCHA Million Dollar Riders, visit nrcha.com.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association welcomed two to the elite Million Dollar Rider Club this summer: Matt Koch, of Elizabeth, Colorado, and Nick Dowers of Dyer, Nevada.
Koch crossed the million dollar mark following his run aboard XIT Ranch’s Smart Ladies Sparkle at The Run For A Million in Las Vegas, Nevada. The pair secured a check for $3,500, well surpassing the amount needed for Koch to pass the milestone.
“It was neat to be able to do it on the mare [Smart Ladies Sparkle] here in Vegas,” Koch said. “I have had her for her whole career, and it was good to be able to cross it on a horse that means a lot to me.”
First introduced to the reined cow horse while working with Robbie Boyce, Koch desired to develop a nice all-around ranch horse. That groundwork in his training program led him to a career in the show pen.
“I have to thank all of the different ranches I have worked for who have allowed me to go show and supported me along the way,” Koch said. “Crossing this milestone was never something that was on my mind during my career. You look up at the banners during the Snaffle Bit [Futurity] at all the people who have achieved it, and I still can’t believe I am joining them.”
Koch credits his cow-horse achievements to his wife, Brianna, and the
people who have helped and supported him from the beginning, along with good horses that have allowed him to succeed in the show pen.
“Robbie Boyce was one of the first guys to help me in this sport. Chris Dawson has been there since the very beginning along with Darren Miller, Todd Crawford and Brad Lund,” Koch shared. “When it comes to horses, SDP Blue Blood was the horse that got me in the door, and without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
When asked about his future goals, Koch joked, “Well, I got this done. Now we can go on to the next thing!”
Nick Dowers first won a premier NRCHA title in 2011. In August, the horseman crossed the Million Dollar Rider earnings mark when he earned the National Stock Horse Association Futurity Open Champion title aboard Cabanna Boy.
With $1,006,910.74 in NRCHA earnings, Dowers is now part of an elite group of reined cow horse competitors. The rancher, horseman and trainer started out working horses on his family’s Triple D Ranches in western Nevada. He attended Feather River College in Quincy, California, and began to focus on training horses through their equine program. He was especially motivated by a guest clinician and renowned colt starter, Bryan Neubert.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a while! I have dang sure wanted it to hap-
pen, for sure. I’m happy,” said Dowers. “The one thing I’m most proud of as far as the million dollars is that all but about $40,000 [was earned on] horses I’ve started, trained and done all the work. The other is horses from Annie [Reynolds] that I didn’t start and train. It’s a pretty dang small group of horses for these earnings, and the horses over the years.”
By 2013, Dowers had put the tiny town of Dyer on the map as he and the family-owned horse Time For The Diamond (by One Time Pepto) earned the Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion title that year. The process of starting a 3-year-old and showing it through the bridle years, as Dowers has done on many of his money-earning mounts,
continues to drive his training program.
With the backing of his family and owners that stay the course, like Clinton Marshall and Trigg Marquiss, Dowers says that he has the confidence to continue training a horse even when there are bobbles in the process.
“Along those lines, too, my family, my parents, my wife and everybody that supports me all the way—I definitely couldn’t do it without them! They help where need be and that is crucial,” Dowers continues. “I feel a lot of satisfaction in the fact that of all the horses I’ve bought for Clinton or Trigg Marquiss or myself, the success rate on buying yearlings is super high. We have had very few that have not turned out to be really good horses. That has been fun, learning what to look for and what suits me to work, and replicate that over and over. It’s been cool.”
to the winner’s circle but also into the Million Dollar Rider Club.
Despite more than a dozen years of consistent reined cow horse success, Dowers still has show pen goals to achieve. Notably, to earn the Champion title at the NRCHA Derby and the Stallion Stakes. Additionally, he’s gunning for a World’s Greatest Horseman
title. For a competitor from an unincorporated town of less than 400 people, situated 90 miles from where he went to school, he’s made quite an impression on the Western performance horse industry.
“I’ve been out here in the middle of nowhere, doing what I’ve been doing in a place I shouldn’t be able to do it, just by hard work and determination,” Dowers said. “When I was starting out, I remember somebody said I won’t be able to be a top-flight trainer until I move to Texas or Arizona. I thought to myself, ‘You just watch.’
“People should realize they can do it, too, if they put their mind to it,” he continued. “There is nothing holding you back but yourself.”
For a complete list of riders in the NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Club, visit nrcha.com.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association lost past NRCHA Director of Judges and Hall of Fame horseman Ronnie Richards on September 16, 2022. Richards, also a former NRCHA board of director, was long committed to the success of the cow horse industry and a staple in the West Coast cow horse community.
Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Richards was 8 years old when his family moved to Sacramento, California. He was 12 when he obtained his first horse, “Nita,” a Standardbred-Thoroughbred cross that had been used for racing. Richards began his path toward a reined cow horse career when he won his first stock horse class on the mare. It wasn’t until he was 18 that Richards hung his shingle as a trainer in Irvine, California, showing in American Horse Shows Association-sanctioned open horse shows that included stock horse, pleasure horse and hunter-jumper events.
In California, Richards saw success early on and won the 1961 California’s Richest Stockhorse Event on Lucky Libra. He was a fixture in the show ring at West Coast events, like the Cow Palace. Through the years, he was a 17-time finalist in the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and won Reserve Champion in 1981 aboard Me O Lena (by Doc Olena).
Additionally, Richards served as a judge in multiple associations and the NRCHA Director of Judges, and was crowned the 1997 NRCHA Stock Horseman of the Year. He continually gave back to NRCHA and in 2001 was honored with induction into the NRCHA Hall of Fame.
He passed away September 16. During the Reno Futurity, his longtime friend, Bobby Ingersoll, paid tribute to Richards, who he called “Double R.” “Double R showed back when we called it the California Reined Cow Horse Association and later the National Reined Cow Horse Association, always a threat in the arena. He was one you had to beat not only in a futurity but in the hackamore and bridle divisions. I don’t know anybody who had a better eye for a horse than him … He was not only my best friend, but he was my mentor. He helped so many young trainers and riders; he loved helping them,” he said. “We loved you, Ronnie. God bless you and your journey; you will be missed.”
Richards has two daughters, Susie and Laurie, and with his wife, Karin operated Double R Ranch in Paso Robles, California. The NRCHA offers condolences to all who knew and loved Richards.
On October 8, Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC announced that senior sire WR This Cats Smart died due to colic complications. The stallion, sired by High Brow Cat and out of The Smart Look, was 23 years old.
“This horse has been a blessing to our family,” said Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC Owners Arthur and Catherine Nicholas. “It is a real compliment that breeders shared our faith in his ability as a sire and bred some of the best mares in the industry [to him]. I am sure the impact he has made in the industry will be felt for years to come.”
An earner of $236,514, WR This Cats Smart was a finalist in 24 major National Cutting Horse Association aged events as a 4-, 5- and 6-year-old. His accolades include winning the 2005 NCHA Open Finals Championship under Tim Smith, who described the stallion as “A star all the way—so very smart and stylish.”
His first foals arrived in 2005 and his brilliance passed down to his offspring, which have earned more than $16 million and dozens of NCHA, National Reined Cow Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Association World Championships. Since 2010, he proved to be a true all-around sire as his offspring have been competitive in multiple disciplines, including cutting, reined cow horse, reining, breakaway roping, heading, heeling, barrel racing, ranch, sorting and team penning.
WR This Cats Smart’s NRCHA offspring helped the stallion rise to No. 3 on the association’s All-Time Leading Sire list with more than $4.4 million in earnings, as of October 8. Of his reined cow horse money earners, nine have more than $100,000 and Shine Smarter, a 2012 mare out of Shiney Tari, has earned more than $214,571.
“Not only was WR This Cats Smart a talented performer and remarkable sire of performance horses, but he provided our cowboys with some of our best ranch horses. The impact he has had on the Wagonhound is significant and will be realized for generations to come through his influence on our breed-
ing program,” added Wagonhound General Manager Dustin Ewing.
In 2020, Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC joined the NRCHA as a Breeder Sponsor. Since 2010, WR This Cats Smart stood to the public at NRCHA Corporate Sponsor Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. The NRCHA offers its condolences to all of the stallion’s connections.
“WR This Cats Smart undoubtedly made his mark on the industry and our team is proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of his success. He will be greatly missed by us all,” Four Sixes Ranch Horse Division Manager Dr. Glenn Blodgett commented.
WR This Cats Smart laid to rest at age 23.NRCHA $4 Million Dollar Sire WR This Cats Smart
Thank you to these supporters contributing to the added money purse for the 2022 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® , presented by Metallic Cat!
Larry & Kathy Barker
Best Kept Secret Ranch
Bet He Sparks
Bet Hesa Cat Syndicate
BMW Quarter Horses
Brazos Valley Stallion Station
Call Me Mitch
D Lazy K Ranch
Double F Ranch / Roy & Sherri Fischer
Dual Smart Rey / Strawn Valley Ranch
DuraPro Health
Fults Ranch / Alvin & Becky Fults
Gardiner Quarter Horses
Hartwood Farms
Hat 6 Ranch
Honeysuckle Rose Boutique
Hooray / Eric & Wendy Dunn
Ann Matthews
Matthews Cutting Horses
Milum Performance Horses
Kit & Charlie Moncrief / Moncrief Quarter Horses
Ophir Creek Ranch
Red Arrow Ranch LLC
Rocking Nine Four Ranch
Carol Rose
Royal Wealth Planners / Bryant & Carrie King
Steve and Lori Roseberry
Spahn Law Firm PLLC
Stuart Ranch
War Ponies, Elite Paint Cowhorses
Woodglen Investments
Don Murphy and Andrea Fappani discussed reined cow horses on Fappani’s podcast, “Along For The Ride.”
National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame member Don Murphy lent a hand to new-to-cow-horse competitor Andrea Fappani, who is a National Reining Horse Association $7 Million Dollar Rider, when he decided to go down the fence. The lessons learned were more than only on horseback—they were also heard in Fappani’s podcast, “Along For The Ride with Andrea Fappani,” produced by Jim Essick.
The two horsemen discussed everything from the evolution of cow horse into the divisions and classes today to the challenges in obtaining cattle, and changes in equine conformation and breeding in today’s performance horse industry.
The point that got Fappani listening was Murphy talking about the right position to circle.
“In the old days, when they boxed the cow, and how I still teach at clinics, when you box the cow it is like holding a cow at the end of a corral with a gate in the center and a gate on either end,” Murphy explained. “You’re supposed to show the judge you can go to the gate on either end and shorten up and hold [the cow]in the center. The long fence is like if you’re in a 1,000-acre pasture and you’ve got to get a stray out … you’ve got to go down the fence, turn the cow on the fence and hold it on that fence to get it out the gate, and shorten it in the center.
“In the old days, we did at least four turns so that you were done in the center of the pen. You had to circle in the middle of the pens, not on the ends. If you were on the end, you had to get the cow to the center [to circle]. It is because when you were through—and this was a little before my time—there was a 6-foot gate on the side of the grandstand, and you had to put the cow out the gate when you circled it. It was a control deal … That’s where it came from and most people don’t know that.“
“There is a lot more to it,” Fappani laughed. “I had no idea!”
Katie Dove’s uncalculated path brought her to reined cow horse the long way around.
By Larri Jo StarkeyAll her life, Katie Dove wanted a pony. “I’m the only one in my family who has loved horses,” Dove said, with a laugh. “You know, the typical horse-crazy girl that dreams of a black Pegasus, flying horses, and getting a pony for Christmas on the porch.”
Dove’s parents weren’t connected to horses; however, her father’s transfer from California to Texas when she was 10 years old moved her closer to her dream.
“I was just convinced that meant I was going to get a horse, because every kid in Texas must ride a horse to school,” she recalled. “It didn’t happen.”
Dove took the long way around to reined cow horse, and there were few signs along the way that she would become a trainer for Shenandoah Bar M Ranch in Midland, Texas.
“When I was 15, my parents got me 10 riding lessons at an English farm for Christmas,” Dove recalled. “That’s where I started riding, but they weren’t going to pay for more. So, I went out and found Sally Fisher, an all-around trainer who was looking for someone to feed and clean stalls in exchange for riding lessons.”
Finding a way to make things happen is a consistent theme in Dove’s equestrian career. Every day, she fed horses and cleaned stalls in the mornings, then took riding lessons in the afternoons. The pattern continued until she left home for college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Once at college, she still did not have a horse, so she joined the equestrian team.
One day during her freshman year, Dove saw an ad for a Thoroughbred mare priced at $1,000. Without thinking twice, she laid down money earned working at a bar.
“The mare was turned out with a bunch of cows on cattle feed and had a goiter,” Dove said. “She was 17.2 hands, not really broke, but she had Jockey Club papers. So, I bought her. I took lessons from Kathleen O’Shea at Blarney Stone
Equestrian Center, a hunter-jumper barn in Lubbock, and continued working at the bar. That paid for board.”
Dove won jumper of the year on the mare, but for her second horse she chose something just a little bit shorter. Her boyfriend at the time, Trey Dove, had a tie-down roping horse he allowed her to borrow to ride. Within a month, the pair was jumping and entering events.
“We just ran fast and jumped high,” Dove said. “He was either going to go and win it—we were blazing fast—or sometimes he would do a calf rope style stop refusal and send me rocketing over the top.”
A man who will let someone jump his calf horse is a man worth keeping, Dove reasoned, and the couple married and moved to Midland. Dove had a master’s degree by that time, and she started teaching. She also started team roping with her husband and father-in-law. From there, she competed in Stock Horse of Texas and American Quarter Horse Association ranch riding and ranch versatility. With success in SHTX and AQHA, Dove found reined cow horse and was ready to compete in the National Reined Cow Horse Association.
She taught math and science during the school year then started horses in the summers using techniques she had learned from watching clinician Clinton Anderson and other trainers. Her big break came in 2012 when Troy Martin at Shenandoah Bar M Ranch gave her the opportunity to train and manage his horse operation.
Dove’s experience teaching and experience in a wide variety of equestrian disciplines came together once she had customers to train. She was able to show client horses herself and coach the owners to ride them.
Step by step, Dove was figuring out what she wanted to do with horses.
Reined Cow Horse News: So, how did you get into cow horse?
Katie Dove: I had been training and showing Stock Horse of Texas, AQHA ranch riding and AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse with success. I found the most exciting aspect of this were the cattle classes, and I was eager to get to the next level in my training and showing career with NRCHA. I was training a stallion named Doc Seas Whiskey, who was really talented, so I just dove right in and entered the Snaffle Bit Futurity®. I was in awe of the amount of tal ent of both trainers and horses at that level. We had a lot of fun, and though we didn’t win, we showed pretty well. I knew then that I for sure wanted to continue to learn everything I could and become an NRCHA cow horse trainer.
RCHN: Besides Sally Fisher, which trainers have helped you the most?
KD: There are really too many to list. I have learned so much from just sitting and watching trainers at shows and working on what I was seeing. Even before I really got into showing NRCHA, Shawn Hays came up to me at the AQHA World Show and said, “Hi, that’s a really nice horse.” He was talking about Sister Sour Mash, and I was like, “Oh, my gosh, Shawn Hays is talking to me!” Shawn has always been a big help and I am still seeking his guidance a lot these days.
Everyone has always been very welcoming and helpful. Being fortunate to show in Texas with so many top trainers, you get little bits of advice here and there and I always welcome it. Jay McLaughlin has really been a friend and willing to tell me what I need to do or work on. I have been blessed to be able to learn a lot from Robert Chown over the years. He was gracious enough to let me ride and coach me the week before the 2021 [American Paint Horse Association] World Show. It was much of what we worked on that helped me win the APHA world championship in senior working cow horse that year.
RCHN: What did you bring with you from the hunterjumper world to the cow horse?
QKD: Really a lot of balance and seat. Being comfortable going a little faster with an element of danger. Being able to go fast and make good decisions on the fly.
ARCHN: Did you intend to become a trainer?
KD: My first degree is in animal science. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I always knew it would be with horses. My goal was just to be successful with whatever I did. I have always loved training horses, and in 2012 when Troy Martin at Shenandoah Bar M Ranch gave me that opportunity, I felt like that was the path that God was paving for me.
RCHN: When will you be able to say, “I’m a success now?”
KD: I always think that it’s going to be that next trophy or belt buckle, but that’s not it at all. I think I’m more blessed than anything, but for me what makes success is when I come out of the pen feeling confident. When I showed well, and I really rode my best. If I come out and I’m glowing, like I put on a show, that is successful to me. When me and the horse are just clicking, on a big stage or at a local stage, it really doesn’t matter. I just like to do my very best and have fun doing it!
RCHN: What’s an average day like for you?
KD: Being a mother and running most everything at the barn myself, I have to be a multitasker. I have a great group of clients and fit in a lot of lessons. If it’s a homeschool day, [my son] Tucker and I get up and start saddling horses and ride out together. If it’s a cattle work day, he turns back for me. He does his homework in the afternoons, then I’ll give him a riding lesson. In the evenings, we go to karate and jiu jitsu, which I am working hard at myself.
We do a girls’ group here on Saturdays. Many of my riders are 50-plus, and they are all branching out because working with cows is so much fun.
They say, “I’m too old to do that.” And I say, “If you keep on saying it, you will get too old. Just go do it. If you want to do it, just go do it.”
And we’re having fun.
With a plethora of hunter-jumper farms and shows nearby, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, might seem like an unlikely sort of place to produce a competitive reined cow horse rider, but it’s where Kelsey Delaplaine Fulmer called home for many years. Fulmer grew up in an English saddle, competing at various hunter-jumper events all over the eastern United States, but one fateful day in college piqued her interest in Western riding and eventually led to a successful cow horse career.
Despite her English background, Fulmer grew up familiar with the Western lifestyle on her family’s 125acre ranch. The Delaplaines farmed crops, like corn and hay, and Fulmer and her brother showed Limousin
cattle in 4-H and the National Junior Limousin Association. Although Fulmer loved cattle, her passion was always her horses.
After high school, Fulmer signed on to ride for the University of Georgia’s National Collegiate Equestrian Association hunt seat team in 2009. During practice one day, the English and Western teams decided to try something different.
“We had a switch day where the English girls got to ride Western and vice versa, and I rode a reining horse,” Fulmer recalled. “I was like, yep, I’m trading in my English stuff; I’m a reiner now.”
Fulmer continued riding for the hunt seat team until she transferred to West Virginia University. While there,
she qualified for the national show as the regional high point rider for both the school’s Western and English teams. Then, at the 2013 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championship Horse Show, she claimed the all-around high point rider award.
During her time on the collegiate equestrian team, Fulmer found her “home away from home.” During a school trip one summer, she traveled to Texas and was immediately smitten with the state.
“I knew this is where I want to live,” Fulmer said.
It would be a few years before she could make it happen, but from that point on, moving to the Lone Star State became one of her biggest goals.
Fulmer graduated from WVU in December of 2013 with dual majors in Agribusiness Management and Animal and Nutritional Sciences, and a minor in Equine Management. She put away her English saddle and continued reining. Then, a month after graduating, and years of crossing paths with him at cattle shows but never actually meeting, she was introduced to her future husband, Brett Fulmer. Shortly into their relationship, Fulmer brought up her dream of moving to Texas and was thrilled to find Brett felt the same way. She found a job that took her to Cleburne, Texas, in 2015, with Brett following along.
“That’s all she wrote,” Fulmer said. “Now, it’s home, and I’m never going back.”
Fulmer continued reining until 2019, a few months after she had to put down her stallion, Boom Sail Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Cheeky Boom x Smart Chic Olena). Burned out in the reining pen, she switched to ranch versatility and bought a horse specifically for Stock Horse of Texas events. She soon
realized that of the four disciplines involved in the sport, she really only enjoyed two.
“I found the reining and cow work classes to be my favorite, and I didn’t really care for the pleasure or the trail,” Fulmer said. “I decided I wanted to focus more on the cow side, so I ended up selling that horse and bought Starlight Driver.”
She and the gelding by Hydrive Cat and out of Starlights Lynn by Grays Starlight had a rough start, but with Brett’s encouragement, Fulmer made it through the challenges.
“I didn’t think it was going to work out, but he was [supportive and said,] ‘You’re not getting another horse— you’re going to figure him out,’ ” Fulmer said, with a laugh. “I’m so thankful we did, because ‘Driver’ and I have such a strong bond, and the relationship we’ve built, the confidence he’s given me, the rider he’s made me … That horse is very special to me.”
Since she purchased Driver in mid2019, Fulmer and the horse have had great achievements together. The pair won the National Reined Cow Horse
Association $5,000 Non Pro Limited and $1,000 Non Pro Limited National Standings in 2020. The next year, they were the $1,000 Non Pro Limited World Champions and the $5,000 Non Pro Limited Reserve World Champions. For her first solid year showing in the reined cow horse, Fulmer was pleased with how far they had come—so much so that she purchased the gelding’s dam, Starlights Lynn, to begin her own breeding program.
Fulmer’s success in the cow horse pen hasn’t been limited to Driver. With only a couple of years of reined cow horse competition under her belt, she piloted LookAtLittleSister (out of Smart Playing Chic x Smart Chic Olena), to the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Limited Non Pro win.
“She was such a blessing to be able to own and show, and she helped me accomplish my goal of winning my first Futurity,” Fulmer said. “I sold her to one of Erin Taormino’s customers in March, and Erin is now showing her. I am thankful I am getting an embryo out of her so that I can get one of her babies.”
With several world championships, national standings berths and an NRCHA Futurity title to her credit, Fulmer has made big waves since entering the cow horse field. But that’s not the only way she’s immersed herself in the association.
Fulmer’s family owns the Delaplaine Foundation, a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, “dedicated to the enrichment of communities and families within Maryland, nearby states and the District of Columbia by supporting programs to strengthen the arts and sciences, educational advancement, health, human services, historical preservation and spiritual enlightenment,” according to its mission statement. The foundation focuses on giving back to Frederick’s community, which is home to her grandfather, World War II veteran George Delaplaine Jr., and his ancestors.
It was through the Delaplaine Foundation that Fulmer was also able to give back to the NRCHA, an association she’s grown to love the past few years she’s been involved. This year, the foundation made a grant to the NRCHA Foundation to support clinics in each region through its Youth Clinic Program, including the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association’s Free Youth Clinic in July.
“I wanted to help give kids opportunities that maybe they wouldn’t be able to have on their own,” Fulmer said. “I would love nothing more than a kid that our family helped to one day, down the road, become a professional in the industry or win something and
say it had to do with going to the clinic.
“I was very blessed growing up with the support of my family financially to be able to do the horse stuff,” she added. “My life revolves around horses and always will, and I’m very thankful I was able to grow up that way. I want to be able to pass that along to other kids, as well.”
Inc., a business that distributes lawn and garden, animal health and pest management supplies. The job not only keeps her connected to the agriculture industry but also allows for a flexible schedule so she can ride and show.
On the side, Fulmer operates Twisted K Designs, her photography, graphic design and equine marketing company. She is also mom to son Brice, who was born in August of 2022.
“He’s already spent many times in the stroller outside while we work with the horses,” Fulmer said. “I’m going to be really sad if he ends up not liking them, but I think he kind of has no choice! I had a horse, Cinch, that I’d had for 12 years that was supposed to be his horse, but I lost him unexpectedly on August 11. Luckily, I’ve got lots of other ponies for him to choose from.”
Even with everything else keeping her busy, Fulmer, 31, still has many goals she’d like to accomplish in the cow horse. They include winning the national standings for the Box Drive, along with a world title in that division; showing Driver’s half-sister at next year’s NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity; going down the fence in 2024; and, one day, riding into the show pen on one of her own home-raised prospects.
In the meantime, she’s thankful for the support of her husband Brett, and said none of it would be possible without his help.
Balancing riding with the foundation, multiple jobs and her family requires work, but for Fulmer it’s all worth it. To sustain her hobby, she is a territory sales manager for BWI Companies
“He is a huge part of my success in the horse industry,” she said. “He does so much behind the scenes for me and my horses. His world literally revolves around me, and now our son, too.”
In the four years he has worked for Ben Baldus, A.J. Black has gone from knowing little about reined cow horses to winning his first championships.
Story by Jennifer Denison
Growing up, there were a few constants in A.J. Black’s life: faith, family and horses. Black’s father served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and the family frequently relocated throughout the southeastern United States and the Midwest. Wherever they lived, however, Black found a way to ride horses.
“We had horses when I was really little and for the longest time we rode friends’ horses—they were glorified trail horses we rode for fun,” Black remembered. “We moved to Missouri when I was in high school and stayed there a while and bought some pleasure horses. My older sister, Jessica, and I rode the most, and my parents would ride here and there, but my two younger brothers, Colton and Levi, weren’t that interested.”
The Black children were homeschooled and when Black was done with schoolwork, he would ride “anywhere and everywhere,” even racing the school bus. He rode a quirky rescue horse, but Black was determined to train him.
“I started watching training videos on YouTube from Buck Brannaman, Clinton Anderson and other clinicians, and would try to use [their techniques] to make my horse better,” he recalled. “Some of it worked, and some of it didn’t.”
When he graduated from high school, Black went to work for Miracle Mountain Ranch, a Christian-based summer camp in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania, to gain experience with horses. There he learned basic horsemanship, riding instruction and equine management. His plan was to work there for a year and then go to college back in Missouri for ministry. His trajectory changed when Texas reined cow horse and ranch versatility trainer Ben Baldus, a former Miracle Mountain student, called the school in the summer of 2018 looking for his next fulltime assistant, and the staff suggested Black.
Black was flattered to be considered for the position; however, he told Baldus that he needed to think about the offer.
“I had no idea what he was talking about,” admitted Black, with a laugh. “I’d never heard of reined cow horse or ranch versatility, so I went on YouTube and learned as much as I could about it. The first video I watched was of Sarah Dawson riding Shiney Outlaw, and I thought it was awesome!”
Though Black had no experience with performance horses and had never worked a cow, Baldus was willing to give him a try for a few months based on Black’s basic horsemanship skills.
Four years later, Black is still working at Baldus’ facility in Gainesville, Texas.
“He rode well and had some natural feel and timing for a horse, and I thought he’d be a really good fit, so I hired him,” observed Baldus. “He’s worked really hard and has a teachable attitude. He really wants to learn and has been open to coaching [Non Pro riders]. He’s applied himself and come a long way the past three-and-a half to four years.”
Black credits his accomplishments to Baldus’ easy-to-understand coaching and ability to identify how a person learns best.
“Not knowing anything about cow horses, it’s been a huge opportunity for me to learn from Ben from the ground up,” said Black. “He’s such a great communicator and gives us an opportunity to ride a lot of horses and feel what they need. The way Ben rides and coaches is easy for people to pick up quickly and go be successful. He’s big on keeping things simple for the horse and rider.”
Though Black had experience with riding instruction, he said the most challenging part of being a trainer’s assistant has been coaching Non Pro clients.
“It’s been hard for me to coach someone else on training; it didn’t come naturally to me at all,” he confessed. “I also have a very intense personality and that would come across when I was coaching someone. Ben told me it’s okay to not be so intense and just be patient and nice.”
Not much has changed in Black’s
daily duties since he started. The morning starts early with feeding and cleaning stalls. Then saddling and warming up horses for Baldus, coaching Non Pros, and then riding the eight to 12 horses in his string. The day ends with feeding again.
“Ben always says we work halfdays,” Black said, jokingly, clarifying that they often work 12 hours out of a 24-hour day.
“We all have a good sense of humor, though, and like to have a good time” he said. “We give each other a hard time, even before showing, and that keeps things light and fun.”
Baldus emphasizes teamwork and communication in his program. One of his goals as a trainer is fostering future open riders by giving them a string of their own horses to train, encouraging them to coach other riders and helping operate the business. He also gives them the chance to test their progress in the show pen.
In his first year of showing, Black has found success in the Intermediate and Limited Open divisions riding several clients’ horses. Some of his accolades include third place in the Level 1 Limited Open at the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® on CR High On Love (CR Highlight x CR Tuff Hearted Cat x Woody Be Tuff), and third place in the Level 1 at the NRCHA Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian™. He also earned the Level 1 Open Champion at the 2022 Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes aboard Tuesdays Tuff Kitty (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Tuesday x High Brow Cat). The duo followed up with a Level 1 win at the Eastern Derby.
He and Shake Dat (Sannman x Reyzurtop x Hes A Peptospoonful) won reserve in the Level 1 at the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association PreFuturity Horse Show. At the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity Finals, he made it back to the Intermediate Open and Limited Open Finals on Watch Me Be A Rebel (Metallic Rebel x Watch Me Mate
“Stepping into the show pen over the last year was a brand-new experience for him,” said Baldus. “He started with some Derby horses and 3-year-olds and over the summer focused on growing in knowing what a horse is thinking and feeling and what is making it tick, mentally. A.J. is great at feeling horses’ body parts and movement and the mechanics of the maneuvers. I think he’s really grown in the last six months into feeling what a horse is feeling and thinking about its thoughts.”
Though showing was “terrifying” at first, Black says he takes Baldus’ advice and focuses on making clean runs and “doing what I can but not overdoing
it.” His mentor is always at the back gate when Black exits the arena.
“If the replay is running, [Ben will] sit there and watch it with [his training assistants] and coach us right there while it’s fresh in our minds,” he said. “Or, sometimes, when it’s too cold to ride we go to Ben’s house, and he pulls up different rides on his TV and we watch them, and he coaches us through them, so we do better next time.”
Working for a prominent trainer has given Black a real taste of what it’s like to train professionally. Despite the ups and downs, he says he hopes to one day have his own facility and train cow horses. Until then, he’s building his skills, one horse and one ride at a time.
“When I first got offered this job, someone told me to make sure to find a trainer to work for whose style and
horses you like and enjoy watching,” remembered Black. “Then forget everything you know and learn that trainer’s program in its entirety, from the ground up, to the best of your ability.”
Observing Baldus and other top horseman, as well as experiencing the show pen, has made him want to learn more and keep pushing to get all the information he can.
“I enjoy the challenge of learning to train horses to do a job and getting them so broke that anyone can ride them,” said Black. “One of the great things about cow horse is that everyone pushes each other and wants to see everyone else succeed. It’s cool to come out the back gate after having a good run and some of the top guys are there, saying, ‘Hey buddy, good job, that was awesome!’ “
Bailey Carter may be new to the reined cow horse arena, but she is all in for NRCHA.
Reined Cow Horse News: Tell us about your position, it involves different aspects of the association.
BC: I am the sponsorship assistant and work with Anna [Morrison, NRCHA executive director] on the deliverables and agreements on the sponsors. I work with Callie [McCarthy-Boevers, media and communications manager] to ensure those deliverables are coming through and then work with Anna to ensure contracts are ready when they come up for renewal. On the Youth side of things, I plan activities for the shows coming up, coordinate fundraisers and clinics, and keep track of the scholarships. Then, there are awards. I coordinate the awards for each of our premier events then the special awards like Million Dollar Rider, Sire and now, the Boss Mare dams.
Bailey Carter is far from her original career path, and that is just fine with her. The 24-year-old is the sponsorship, awards and youth programs assistant. Carter leaped into the office-based job with the National Reined Cow Horse Association though she didn’t have much experience with cow horses.
From Bowling Green, Missouri, Carter showed in 4-H and reining early on, then moved to barrel racing. Rodeo led her to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where she majored in Animal Science. Her plan was to become an equine veterinary technician and specialize in equine sports medicine. But in 2022, she decided to pursue a career that was less clinic based and more office based.
“I decided that as much as I loved the vet tech side of the equine industry, I needed to develop more of a professional career,” she explained. “While I wasn’t familiar with the cow horse industry, I thought this position would be a great way to get started on that goal. Honestly, I didn’t really know anything about cow horse except that it was an event that had reining and cutting aspects and its own fence work. I hadn’t ever seen a cow horse show.”
Carter started with NRCHA during the 2022 Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was truly baptism by fire, and it ignited a passion in Carter.
“It was super exciting even though [Stakes] was a blur! I met the whole team at Stakes. Getting to watch the first couple of runs was cool, and one thing that stood out was the energy in the building during the runoff between Justin [Wright] and Phillip [Ralls] for a spot in The Run For A Million,” she said. “I was a little terrified because it was so new, but I was also thinking that I could get used to this excitement!’
RCHN: What were some challenges you faced starting without a background in cow horse?
BC: What came easily was talking to our sponsors—they are amazing to work with and super helpful! Obtaining products from them has been super easy. The biggest learning curve was beginning to learn the industry—the classes, the limited aged events and horse show classes, and being familiar with those events. That was the start I needed, then building from there I was able to get a feel for the awards program for each of those classes. Figuring out the system here was a challenge. There are perpetual awards given every year, special awards and others that have a meaning behind the award. I dug through those to find out why we give some and what is the meaning behind it. The awards took a lot of research to see what was done last year or a few years back so that we can do as well or better in giving out awards that the members are excited to receive.
RCHN: You’re finding your feet in this job. What are your goals for next year in this position?
BC: One thing I look forward to is getting to know our members a lot more. They are the reason we get to do the jobs we do. Figuring out what they like on the awards side and what we can do on the Youth side to help grow the younger association is what I am looking forward to. I continually learn about the association and its history and want to grow my cow horse knowledge.
here is something about the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Perhaps it is the city itself, long known for bringing together gamblers and risk takers. Or maybe it is the rounded white walls that are like those of Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, where so many cow horse memories were made. No matter the reason Las Vegas brings out something special, cow horse always shines under the lights, and it was no different at the 2022 The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge and the Cowboy Invitational, held August 18, 2022.
The second year that National Reined Cow Horse Association competitors joined the event, co-produced by Taylor Sheridan and Amanda Brumley’s Brumley Management Group, saw 16 of the NRCHA’s top Open riders qualify for the $170,000
added purse in the Cow Horse Challenge, presented by Teton Ridge. This year, though, the cowboys came to town in the Cowboy Invitational, presented by XIT Ranch, where 11 ranches with strong horse programs were invited to rein and go down the fence (see sidebar “Ranch Ready”).
The spectators both in the seats at the South Point Hotel and Casino’s Equestrian Center and those watching at home all saw something special.
“It is thrilling to showcase our sport under such a big spotlight,” said NRCHA Executive Director Anna Morrison. “To have our top bridle horses and riders here for a second year is an honor. Highlighting our connection to ranching by launching our cowboy class through the Cowboy Invitational is truly special. We couldn’t be prouder for cow horse!”
By Kate Bradley Byars
The Cowboy Invitational kicked off Friday night with gritty rein and fence works, followed by steer stopping. In the end, 18-year-old Broc Schwartzkopf of Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC in Douglas, Wyoming, sat atop the leaderboard. Schwartzkopf’s composite 649.5 was one point higher than reserve. He rode a seasoned cow horse in the event, Raise A Smart Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Raise The Best x Mr Sun O Lena), aka “Bodie”, a 2012 gelding owned by Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC.
Qualified NRCHA Open riders took to the arena and truly left it all on the dirt with exciting reining runs followed by edge-of-your-seat cow works that brought the crowd to its feet. It took qualifying for the event from more than 180 entries from two Open Bridle shows—the DT Horses Western Derby and the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes—to decide the field of 16.
With a 454 (R:225/C:228.5), Corey Cushing and Hott Rod (Hottish x Sugars Smart Kitty x High Brow Cat), a 2015 stallion owned by Lynne Wurzer, claimed the championship. For Cushing it was a thrill, but the entire night was truly one for his memory book.
“Our fence work was phenomenal— every single rider! The cowboy class was exciting! A lot of those guys, it was their first time to Las Vegas let alone be [showing] on a stage like that,” Cushing said. “One guy was sitting at the back gate, white knuckled with his right hand on the button of the reins of the romals—so Todd Crawford and I started talking him through making sure he placed his hands right. He went in and did a good job, so it was good! Those riders did a good job! It was an incredible night.”
With reined cow horse drawing new faces in the seats and new riders in the saddles, it continues to showcase a true all-around horse that can rein and work a cow. Here are the 2022 The Run For A Million Champions.
It should feel old hat for Corey Cushing and Hott Rod to take one down the fence, yet every time the trainer from Weatherford, Texas, does so, he says it is special. The pair marked at 228.5 on their cow run following a solid 225.5 rein work.
“He is so incredible. The way that he does things in the arena, his presence, you can’t train that kind of thing. I am super proud of him and blessed I have him,” Cushing said.
The pair teamed up to win the 2022 Hashtags and Western Bloodstock World’s Greatest Horseman in February, and in Las Vegas added another $50,000 to Hott Rod’s earnings, which brought them to $351,514.01. In October, at the Snaffle Bit Futurity®, Cushing kicked off the NRCHA $3 Million Dollar Club.
“Winning this was just as exciting as the World’s Greatest Horseman. The crowd is great and that show means a lot to people,” Cushing said of the Cow Horse Challenge. “All year long, we [reined cow horse competitors] talk about the World’s Greatest, and this show is the same thing for those people going to The Run For A Million. There is so much good cama-
Each rider had to qualify into one of eight spots at either the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes or the DT Horses Western Derby in the Open Bridle class to make the 16-rider field for Las Vegas. The riders picked their mount after qualifying. Here is the complete competitor list in order of placing.
1. Corey Cushing riding Hott Rod, owned by Lynne Wurzer
2. Chris Dawson riding CSR Lay Down Sally, owned by Meredith Graber
3. Phillip Ralls riding Call Me Mitch, owned by the Estelle Roitblat Estate
4. Erin Taormino riding Hazardouz Material, owned by Linda Mars 5. Luke Jones riding Mr Comin In Hot, owned by Kit & Charlie Moncrief 6. Kyle Noyce riding SJR Smooth Lil Oak, owned by Janie Dvorak-Compton 7. Shawn Hays riding MoonshineAndTwoAdvil, owned by Angela Massey 8. Brad Barkemeyer riding CR Tuff Taffy, owned by Vaquero Enterprises 9. Justin Wright riding Scooter Kat, owned by Eric Freitas
10. Randy Paul riding LenaLilToTheWright, owned by Linda Katz 11. Sarah Dawson riding Shine Smarter, owned by Linda Mars 12. Todd Bergen riding Smartly Starstruck, owned by McSpyder Ranch 13. Matt Koch riding Smart Ladies Sparkle, owned by XIT Ranch 14. Todd Crawford riding Bet Lucky 13, owned by Robert & Allysn Light 15. Nick Dowers riding Santiago Time, owned by Clinton Marshall 16. Kelby Phillips riding Kreyzy Horse, owned by Bosque Ranch
raderie and there are so many people cheering, but years ago, it was you guys are reiners, you guys are cow horse riders. I’ve never been like that, but you see it a lot. It was pretty cool how both disciplines are pulling for and cheering for each other now. That is what is so cool about it!”
Special commentators Bob Avila, Al Dunning and Bobby Lewis were on hand to ensure the crowd was aware of what they were watching on the live feed. It was a night of excitement as run after run down the fence inched the scores higher.
“The competition was incredible! The horses were incredible! These horses have all been through ups and downs during their years and some shined out, and some didn’t, but it’s not the end for any of them,” Cushing said. “We all get excited at times due to the money or the stage we are showing on, but these horses are there for us. We kept it all positive!”
Not many 18-year-olds can say they hit it big in Las Vegas, but Broc Schwartzkopf can make that claim. The young many from Douglas, Wyoming, piloted Raise A Smart Cat for Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC in the Cowboy Invitational, presented by XIT Ranch, and bested the other 10 ranch riders to earn $7,500. Quite a ride for Schwartzkopf, who hadn’t piloted “Bodie” for very long.
“I’ve only ridden him about six months now. Right before my high school state finals, Dustin [Ewing], the ranch manager, asked me if I wanted to try him [to show],” he recalled. “I ended up taking him to the [cow horse] finals at the state and high school rodeo. When this deal came up, he asked if I had a horse I could show and I knew this horse could do it and be the one.”
While the rider may not have an NRCHA earnings record, the gelding did. Under Nick Dowers, who trained the horse and piloted him at the 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity, Phillip Ralls and Justin Wright, along with previous owner Bill Stevenson, Raise A Smart Cat has $62,381.58 in NRCHA earnings. In 2016, Dowers rode the gelding to win the Open Hackamore Classic after toping the rein and cow work, coming back from a 47th spot in the herd work. Ralls showed the horse as a catch ride in 2017 at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes, winning the preliminary herd and rein works, then finished fifth in the Finals.
Schwarzkopf was right: the gelding was the one.
“He is just honest and wants to please,” he said. “He has an unreal stop on him, turns good and is just real levelheaded in everything he does. I knew that this was the only time I was going down the fence in this arena, so I was going to make the best of the cow. When that cow came out high headed, I knew that was the one I could be big on. I let it all out there and it worked.”
The final rider out in the fence work, Schwartzkopf had a one-point lead that held over Reserve Champion RA Brown of the RA Brown Ranch riding Ima Wynna RAB, owned by Rob Brown. He and Bodie also showed in the Cowboy Class at the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Metallic Cat.
“I’ve never been under a crowd like that, and it made me want to win even worse, the way the crowd was cheering,” he said.
Eleven ranches sent riders to represent their horse programs and their horses’ skills at the 2022 Cowboy Invitational, presented by XIT Ranch. The added $10,000 and bragging rights had them stepping up their game. Here is the complete competitor list in order of placing.
1. Broc Schwartzkopf, Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC, riding Raise A Smart Cat 2. RA Brown, RA Brown Ranch, riding Ima Wynna RAB 3. Elwyn McCleskey, Tongue River Ranch, riding TRR Hillbilly Rock 4. Brad Shadle, Singleton Ranches, riding SCR Metallic Chic 5. LeeRoy Montalvo, King Ranch, riding Coronel Del Rancho 6. Frank Kelton, WT Waggoner Ranch, riding Waggin A Gun 7. True Burson, 6666 Ranch/Burnett Ranches LLC, riding Smart Playin Pick 8. Clint Jones, Pitchfork Land and Cattle, riding Goodluck Cat 9. Cody Gonsalves, Holy Cow Performance Horses, riding Nabisco Roan 10. Clay Forst, Stuart Ranches, riding Seven S Crazy Horse 11. Donald Bogle, Bogle Brothers Ranches, riding Steel Core Cat
ANNIES SMART CAT LTE $86,638
WR This Cats Smart - Shiney Nu Annie, by Shining Spark Open Two Rein Champion
Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC
LTE $92,273
WR This Cats Smart - Shiners Diamond Lady, by Shining Spark Open Bridle Reserve Champion
Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC Owned by XIT Ranch LLC • Shown by Matt J. Koch
CATS NU SHINE LTE $78,818
WR This Cats Smart - Shiney Nu Annie, by Shining Spark Open Hackamore Classic - 8th, Open Hackamore (HS) Finalist
Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC Owned by Clinton J. Marshall • Shown by Nicholas S. Dowers
CREEK HEAVEN LTE $34,219
WR This Cats Smart - She Cat Seven, by Seven From Heaven Cowboy Class & RHAA Cowboy Class Reserve Champion
LTE $117,013
WR This Cats Smart - Shiney Miss Marker, by Shining Spark Intermediate Open Hackamore Classic & Intermediate Open Hackamore (HS) Reserve Champion, Open Hackamore Classic & Open Hackamore (HS) Finalist
Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC Owned by Lori Adamski-Peek • Shown by Brandon C. Buttars
WR This Cats Smart - Sue C Shiner,
LTE $40,586
Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC Owned by Rob A. Brown • Shown by R. A. Brown II CAT WALKS
WR This Cats Smart - Autumn Amanda, by Autumn Acre Open Hackamore Classic - Split 6th, Open Hackamore (HS) - Split 5th Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC • Owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses TX LLC • Shown by Sarah L. Dawson
LTE $32,301
WR This Cats Smart - Secrets Blue Angel, by One Time Pepto Open Hackamore Classic Finalist
Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC Owned by XIT Ranch LLC • Shown by Matt J. Koch
Consistent success in limited age events has helped Justin Wright secure his place as the fifth rider to earn more than $2 million in the NRCHA.
Cow horse is in Justin Wright’s blood. His family raised, trained and sold horses in San Juan Bautista, California, where he grew up. Yet, becoming a cow horse trainer wasn’t always on Wright’s mind. Today, with more than $2 million dollars in National Reined Cow Horse Association earnings, he couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
“Growing up, it was horses, horses, horses and all different types of them,” recalled Wright. “We ran some cattle, did some ranching and were kind of involved in every aspect [of the horse industry] you could think of, including training.”
Wright’s parents, Walter and Sharon, bred 50 to 60 broodmares to the few stallions they owned, and often sold the offspring as yearlings. They trained the horses that didn’t sell on the family ranch. Wright’s older brother, Greg, established himself as a cutting horse trainer, but at the time Wright was more interested in veterinary medicine.
“As I got older, I knew I wanted to be involved with horses in some way but didn’t really know which direction that was going to be until I got in my mid-teens,” Wright said. “When I was younger, we did a lot of breeding and I showed an
interest there, but as I got through high school and knew I didn’t want to go to school for another eight years, I got into horse training.”
Soon, the young trainer was a fixture at West Coast cow horse events. He made the Finals at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® as a Non Pro and enjoyed the process of training a horse in the snaffle bit.
“From the time I was born, we would go to the Snaffle Bit [Futurity],” said Wright. “I paid attention, but it just was so overwhelming to think about how to train horses to do that, compete and build a customer base.”
In 2009, Wright gave up his Non Pro card to begin training for the public. Four years later, longtime family friend, Eric Freitas, invited him to train out of his facility in Santa Maria, California. Since then, his name has been a staple in limited age event cow horse competition, including earning the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion title.
In 2021, Justin Wright achieved his lifelong goal of earning a Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion title.
Today, Wright and Gloria Brigantino live in Santa Maria with their three children: Lyla, 7; Turner, 6; and Lefton, 2. At the NRCHA DT Horses Western Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona, Wright became the fifth rider to earn more than $2 million in the NRCHA and join the elite Two Million Dollar Rider Club.
Reined Cow Horse News: Explain how you got started training reined cow horses for the public.
JW: In 2009, I gave up my Non Pro card. I had shown for six years [riding for my family], and I didn’t know what to do but give up the card, make [training] a full-time career and train for the public.
I trained at the ranch for another four years, then my dad passed away [in 2012]. Mom and I wanted to move, so I started searching around. I moved up to Galt [California] for a short time, then the opportunity with Eric Freitas came along. He was building a facility and he offered his place for me to work out of. He was a family friend forever, and I had known him since I was a little kid. I was probably 5 or 6 years old when he would come buy a colt or two from my dad every year. He was generous, and he came at the exact right time and gave me an opportunity I can never repay him for.
It was a struggle, there was four or five years of being an Open trainer showing my own horses or begging for anything to show. I had some horses to show, but they weren’t at the quality to go. The year after I gave up my [Non Pro] card, I had a really good Futurity horse and I made the Finals, and that gave me some hope we could do it. When we moved down [to Santa Maria] in 2014, the people we were surrounded by and the horses we were able to get our hands on changed everything.
RCHN: You’ve focused a lot on snaffle bit horses, starting as a Non Pro. What drives you and how did those horses prepare you for being an Open rider?
JW: I remember every Futurity horse I had, how difficult it was to figure it all out and how many horses I screwed up trying to do it. It really became a passion of mine. All of them were so monumental, and I can remember each horse I had and the amount that they taught me. Every year it was a different lesson, and some lessons I had to be reminded of, for sure. There were so many horses, good, bad or indifferent, that I learned so much from. It is hard looking back because there were some horses I didn’t know were as great as they were, and some horses that were tough that taught me a lot, too. I was so naïve and dumb to the whole [training process], that it is hard to look back. I am grateful to them all.
RCHN: When you were coming up as a trainer, who helped you most?
JW: My dad was an unbelievable horseman. Looking back, there were so many things I should have learned from him, or even to this day I go back to things he told me then that made absolutely no sense, but 15 years later I understand. He taught me a lot about a horse.
As I branched into showing and trying to be a reined cow horse trainer, there were so many guys that stepped up with a lending hand, would see something and make a comment to me, or when I had a question, they would take the time to explain it to me. I never went to work for a trainer or was an assistant for anybody. I look back and am thankful because I learned the hard way, and I learned at the horse shows or rode with different trainers.
Early on, I went down and rode with Ted Robinson; I tried to go there once a year. He was fun to work with. I spent a few years going and riding with John Ward, and that was educational about the whole horse industry, breeding, training and selling. Todd Bergen, I tried to find a week out of the year that I could ride and learn from him. Once a year, I tried to get to Texas to go ride with my brother, Greg. But the goal was to build a training program.
I’ve got a lot of friends in the industry that were very good, and we get to be around each other at shows or rid-
2022 Western Derby Open Bridle Spectacular Champion on Scooter Kat
2022 Western Derby Open Derby Reserve Champion on Zak 34
2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion on Zak 34
2020 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Derby Champion on Scooter Kat
2020 NRCHA Derby Open Derby Champion on Scooter Kat
2019 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Derby Champion on Scooter Kat
2018 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Reserve Champion on Scooter Kat
2018 Reno Futurity Open Champion on Metallic Flame
2018 National Stock Horse Association Futurity Open Champion on Scooter Kat
2018 NRCHA Derby Open Derby Champion on Shiners Diamond Cat
ing at home with them. You have to stay around someone who will push you. I’ve had great assistant trainers or business partners that I’ve worked around, and every day we push each other and try to learn from one another.
I could go for days listing people who have helped, so it is hard to single out one person; it is everybody. Watching people school or work their horses, that is important.
RCHN: Which horses kickstarted or propelled your career?
JW: When I first moved to Eric’s, I struggled with the herd work. Morgan Cromer let me come ride. Her client, Stephen Silva, had a 3-year-old that she was cutting on and she gave me the chance to show him at the 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity and Steven showed him in the Non Pro. We both made the Finals on him, then she went on to show him at the Pacific Coast Reined Cow Horse Futurity. That horse taught me a lot about catching the feel of a horse that worked a cow.
That next year, 2016, I had Step To The Light and I think I was maybe third, and then Shiners Diamond Cat in 2017. She was a fun mare and we got on a roll there. To get a little bit of confidence that you can do it and maybe continue to do it, that is important. At that time, being a little bit insecure about what you’re doing [as a trainer] and being the new kid, those horses were very special.
Following that up with Scooter Kat, a once-in-a-lifetime horse that I was incredibly grateful for. Scooter Kat has taught me and shaped our program more than anything or any horse. He is a brilliant animal.
Wright’s three children are a familiar sight at the barn. He and Gloria focus on family, and Wright has begun to limit his training horses to enable more family time.
Growing up on the Wright family ranch, a young Justin was horseback daily and heavily influenced by his father, Walter.
He helped shape where I wanted to go in my training program. He really trained himself and made me realize that maybe I didn’t need to train those horses as hard as I was doing it. He made it simple. He showed me what it was supposed to be about, making it easy on a horse. Getting through that 3-year-old year is so stressful and our emotions as a trainer can do damage.
The neat thing about the Futurity is that every year we get to start over and have a clean canvas. You only get one shot at it, and you don’t want to be painting over things. It’s our job to not screw it up. Making it simple and easy on the horse, where you’re not creating problems, the better job we do and stay focused means it is easier on the horse. We want to move forward day in and day out, and not create issues that will set you way back.
RCHN: What is it like to guide a horse like Scooter Kat, and how he has helped you as a trainer and horseman? What does he mean to you as a horse?
JW: That horse gave me because he was so eager to win, and he was confident in what he did. Every time I walked in [the arena] I felt good about it, which is hard to not be second guessing when you walk in a show pen. He taught me more than I can explain.
I’ve shown some bridle horses here and there, but it had been a long time. He has taught me so much more than I knew existed. It makes [training] fun. I was always wrapped up in the young horses and it was never a big goal of mine [to train bridle horses], but that has changed. It is important, and the way our industry is moving, these bridle horses are important. This is what we do, and this is the reason the cow horse started, to make a finished product. I never paid close enough attention to that, but [training Scooter Kat] has been a lot of fun, and I look forward to having him as a bridle horse and I look forward to the next ones.
RCHN: You’re a Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion and multiple limited age event champion. What drives your training program with young horses and helps them find success early on?
JW: It is a fun process because it is so challenging. You learn so much every year about training horses, showing horses and preparing horses to be show horses. I’ve been infatuated with trying to make a Futurity horse, then a Derby horse. It was difficult—and I said it last year after
the Futurity—that it consumed my whole life to win the Futurity. I let it bother me and I dwelled on it to a point that it was working against me, maybe. Instead of thinking I want this horse to compete at the highest level it can and do as good as it can in whatever event, there was several years that I had a chance and could have won the Futurity, but trying to make it happen kept me from that goal. I got too nervous or psyched out about it. But last year, with Zak 34, I had a great set of five very nice horses and all of them had some success at one of the pre-futurity events. I wanted to do the best I could on those horses and just stay consistent in the Finals. I think that was a big factor in it. Zak is an unbelievable horse, and I knew it would be me that kept him from winning the Futurity and I wanted to eliminate that, just stay out of his way with my nerves or emotions.
RCHN: You’re based in California, which boasts a couple of Hall of Fame members and top NRCHA trainers. What draws people to the reined cow horse industry in your part of the country?
JW: We are fortunate and spoiled. Where we live, the people are amazing, and it is a great community. Sometimes I think people have a misunderstanding about California; it is a beautiful state. California is where the cow horse was, and even back when I was a little kid, I remember there were a lot of cutters there, too. A lot of people have moved, and events have moved, and I don’t know what it is, but Texas has been the place horse trainers have gathered over the last decade. That has given us opportunity in California, and there are still people there with an interest in cow horse.
Our weather is so consistent, and our average temperature is 70 degrees. Our winters are as warm as the summers are, and rarely in the summer do we have to quit because the summers are too hot. I’ve thought about if we have to move, it would completely change our training program because we have been able to work 3-year-old horses all summer long without heat or humidity.
RCHN: Aside from other horsemen, who has supported you the most through your career?
JW: I’d like to thank all the people who have given me the opportunity to live my dream every day. Without the customers and owners of the horses, it would be hard to do what we do. Having a good group of friends and a support
group means a lot, whether it is somebody you call when you have a problem or somebody at the show that helps you through it. You can’t do it on your own; it takes a big group.
Gloria does a great job with the kids and keeps everything running smooth. She’s given up a lot for my dreams to come true. The kids are either out helping us grain horses or being with us at the barn, and it is a lot of fun raising them there. In the career I have, the family does sacrifice with us being on the road like we are. The family does sacrifice there some, but at the same time you can’t find a better industry to raise a family in and share these great moments. The kids come to the barn and they ride with us. If we had office jobs, you couldn’t bring your family to work, but in this industry, you bring your family to work every day and that is what it takes to have success.
Jared Jones—I can’t say enough about him. He is inspiring to work with every day. He is eager to learn and an unbelievable horse trainer and showman. Kristy Vincent is
there keeping the older show horses going and helping me with 3-year-olds. Cain Eaton is there and has done all the 2-year-olds this year; he has a strong passion for the cow horse and takes a lot of pride in his horses. From the crew that stays home that nobody sees to the crew that goes to the shows, we have a solid team. The association is one big family; it’s a safe place and the kids have their friends they’ve grown up with and [other] parents who are like aunts and uncles.
RCHN: What goals do you have left to achieve, or rather, what drives you in this industry?
JW: Everything! Everything we’ve gotten to [win] and do, I’d like to do again. Our industry is at such a high right now, and there are a lot of bright things in the future. I can’t wait to see it all unfold and, hopefully, be part of it. It is sure easy to find goals in this industry because of the difficulty of it and the challenges in it. There is always a next step.
Bred by Burnett Ranches LLC • Owned by Knight Land and Cattle Co • Shown by G. Leon Lewis
by Pretty Boy Boon Open Futurity Finalist
Bred by Beverly L. Servi • Owned by Brett Haag Shown by Ben Baldus
LTE 2
Bet Hesa Cat - Annie Oak E, by Olena Oak Bred by Donna Waddell • Owned by Roger and Cynthia Bias Shown by Cynthia L. Bias
Bet Hesa Cat - CDS Catalena Cash, by CD Olena Bred by Ken or Toni Williams • Owned by Jessica Halford Shown by Cody Halford
Bet Hesa Cat - Shesalittleredboon, by Peptoboonsmal Sale Incentive Non-Pro Futurity - 4th Bred by Kit and Charlie Moncrief Owned and Shown by Debbie R. Crafton
Bet Hesa Cat - Cowgirl Curly, by Smart Little Lena Non-Pro Boxing Futurity Chrome Cash & Select Non-Pro Boxing Futurity Champion
Bred by David S. and Kathy L. Locker • Owned by Deb and Harry McCandless • Shown by Deb McCandless
Bet Hesa Cat - RJJ Miss Viagra Pep, by Dual Pep Open Bridle - 8th
Bred by Wilderness Stables & Tack Ltd • Owned by Teton Ridge Shown by Corey D. Cushing
Bet Hesa Cat - Girl Like That, by Playgun Limited Non-Pro Bridle - 8th Bred by Amy Doris Bell Estate Owned and Shown by Katy L. Thomison
Bet Hesa Cat - Miss Hickory Hill, by Doc’s Hickory Novice Horse Hackamore Classic - 4th, Limited Open Hackamore Classic - 8th
Bred by James L. Eakin • Owned by Lesley Marshall Shown by Wes R. Housler
Bet Hesa Cat - Lil Miss Pepto, by Peptoboonsmal Select Non-Pro Boxing - 3rd Bred by Garrett Johnson • Owned and Shown by Diane M. Clare
Bet Hesa Cat - R A B Twistin Dodger, by Hesa Eddie Hancock Limited Non-Pro Bridle - 4th, Int. Non-Pro Bridle - 6th, Limited Non-Pro Boxing - 5th
Bred by Landy Warren Owned by R. A. Brown Ranch Shown by Lanham W. Brown & Josey S. Brown
Bet Hesa Cat - Wee Quejana Gal, by Quejanaisalena Non-Pro Hackamore Classic Reserve Champion, Non-Pro Hackamore (HS) Champion
Bred by Debbie Crafton Owned by Molly Mae Mirassou Shown by Debbie R. Crafton
Bet Hesa Cat - Christa Lena Hickory, by Doc’s Hickory Limited Non-Pro Boxing - Split 10th
Bred by Jamey Mazzotta Owned and Shown by Khyman Taylor
Bet Hesa Cat - PRF One Time Candi, by One Time Pepto
Owned by
(Dual Rey - Shes Twice As Smooth, by Smooth As A Cat)
Growing up on the northeast edge of the Great Plains, within a region known for its extensive and isolated rangeland, a young Shannon Lawlor had no inkling how deftly her life path would traverse down that vast corridor of grasslands and old cattle trails, transporting her work to the heart of the Western performance horse industry in Texas.Lawlor has loved horses her entire life. From the ponies of her youth, through the decades spent riding and training them, to her true calling as an artist, the horse has always been the central theme, and most often that horse has been a cow pony.
If you might think that all of the lines of her life experience have converged to bring her to the place she is at now, you would not be incorrect. No minute with a horse has been wasted. No experience in the saddle unnecessary. Each meticulous routine of saddling up, every gentle slide of a curry brush over a hide, each forelock pulled out from behind a browband— this lifetime with horses laid the groundwork for the education of her craft, granting her the intelligence behind the paint brush with which she paints today.
There is an unadorned honesty to a Lawlor horse portrait. It is raw, real and authentic. Her work is praised for its ability to capture the individuality and character of an animal.
“I go back to what I hear often, when people see my paintings—people who know horses,” said the Canadian artist.
“They consistently say, ‘I don’t know how you get them to look the way they do, like individuals.’ Even if there are four horses in one painting, they each exude their own character.
“That goes back to my life with horses, prior to painting them for 17 years. Every pony I rode as a child, every mane I groomed, every hoof I picked, every horse I’ve swung my leg over, all of these individuals have taught me about painting the character, and the essence of an individual horse,” Lawlor continues. “I know which photo to chooseout of a photo shoot. I just know by instinct, it’s one of those things you can’t pass on to someone else.”
There has been no piece in her career that has more poignantly showcased her genius as an equine portrait painter than her Metallic Cat portrait, a life-size painting that was unveiled to his owner, Bobby Patton,during the evening performance of the 2021 National Cutting Horse Association Futurity.
Lawlor’s path to the epicenter of the Western performance horse world began with a visit to the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® in 2019.As a horsewoman she was an aficionado of the cow horse.As an artist, she was curious aboutother opportunities. Soon thereafter, she became a sponsor of the NRCHA and later, the NCHA.
Her long-time adoration of artists such as George Stubbs, an 18th-century painter best known for his depictions of royalty, as well as the famous equine portrait, “Whistlejacket,” and
Orren Mixer, known for his paintings of the great foundation Quarter Horsesof the 1960s and 70s, icons such as Three Bars and Doc Bar, combined with her trip to the Futurity served her an epiphany.
“I had the idea to infuse an enduringvisual element to the culture of the West, representedthrough myart,” she recalled. “I feel it an important element to have my work representing the Western performance horse industry, a part of what will eventually be the history of Americana, of the West. Personally, as an artist, and as an aficionado of the West, I believe the horses, contributing to the success of the breed and disciplines they excel in should be immortalized, becoming ‘must-have’ heirlooms, to ultimately behanded down from generation to generation.”
Lawlor’s process for a portrait is pragmatic and thorough. For instance, her process with the Metallic Cat painting was extensive.
“I researched Metallic Cat, because I wanted to know how he came to be the horse he was. I wanted to know his history, how he got his name, how he got his barn name, ‘Denver.’ I looked at photos and listened to interviews with owners and riders. It gave me a sense of who the horse was and the significance of his impact on the industry,” she said. “Eventually, I received a few reference photos from Darrell Dodds, and that’s when I saw the reference photo I needed. I said, ‘that’s it, that’s the one.’ Mr. Doddsgenerously let me use it as my main reference.”
There is a symbolic power in the essence of this stallion’s painting caught in a moment of stillness between the intense action of a cutting horse. There is a sense of freedom and majesty in the horsesLawlor paints. A sense of play. A Lawlor portrait elevates the representation of the sport through the art of the horse. Her incredible use of color resonates the brilliance of the horse’s coat, and each piece of tack, each strand of mane is ultimately correct.
“My work represents the modern West. It is a distinctly different style than that of say, Orren Mixer, who immortalized stallions such as Doc Bar and Shining Spark,” Lawlor explained.
The style has changed, the gear has changed and the style of Western performance horse sports have changed, but the idea is the same: to immortalize the great horses of our Western performance horse industry.
To have a Lawlor portrait is to have a piece of the legacy of the Western performance world—the horses, owners and riders. We get the sense from Lawlor that her current work has been almost pre-ordained. There is a lightness in her reverence to these incredible animals, and it is juxtaposed with an intenseness behind her charming demeanor, a focus in her eyes.
“I feel like it is part of my responsibility,” Lawlor said. “The people I have met and the choices I have made brought me to this place. I don’t think you meet people by accident. It was never my intention to position myself as a portraitist, and yet here I am, and I do feel the calling for this work. I do feela sense of responsibility and I take it very seriously, that I’m in a position to immortalize the best in the industry. It’s a very exciting time to serve the West in this way.”
Visit SHANNONLAWLOR.COM for all original paintings, fine art prints and commission inquiries.
Lee Deacon not only made his first Open Finals, he took home the Champion title in the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity®, making him the first Australian to do so.
By Kate Bradley Byars Action Photos by Primo Morales
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, crowned Lee Deacon and Tornado Jonez the 2022 Open Champion in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, October 22, in front of a sold-out crowd at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The win was the first for both the Australianborn rider and the bay gelding’s owner, Brandy Ragland.
“Unreal. It’s unbelievable,” Deacon. “ In 2016, I made the Limited Finals and that is the last time I made any Finals. I’m very thankful, humbled and grateful. I can’t believe God would allow me the blessing of this and I don’t want to take it for granted. Now, how can I use this to glorify him. I hope I’m an example for any one of these guys who are working as hard as we do, they can achieve it if you just don’t quit. We all face adversity. It’s tough but we keep going. It’s our dream.”
Deacon and the 2019 gelding, bred by the Missi Jonez Partnership, sired by Stevie Rey Von and out of Missi Jonez (by Travelin Jonez), marked a 224 in the cow work in set two of three in the Finals. Then, Deacon returned to the back gate to cheer on his fellow competitors. In the end, his composite 667 (H:222/R:221/C:224), held to take the Open and Intermediate Open titles.
Along with Brandon Buttars, Tack Louthan and Cayley Wilson, Deacon was one of only four Intermediate Open riders to qualify for the Open Finals, which included multiple past Futurity Champions, including Sarah
Fort Worth, Texas – October 6-22, 2022
1.Tornado Jonez; Lee Deacon; 19G (Stevie Rey Von x Missi Jonez x Travelin Jonez); Brandy Ragland; 667 (H:222/R:221/C:224); $200,000.
2. Vince Von; Sarah Dawson; 19G (Stevie Rey Von x Hottness x Spots Hot); Wendy Buehler; 662.5 (H:222/ R:226.5/C:214); $100,000.
3. Nothing But Blu; Cayley Wilson; 19S (Once In A Blu Boon x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat); Alicia Bolls; 662 (H:217/R:225/C:220); $75,000.
4. A Reyl Rebel; Nick Dowers; 19S (Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Dual Rey); Clinton Marshall; 661.5 (H:219/R:226.5/C:216); $50,000.
5. Bossy Boons; Shane Steffen; 19G (CD Lights x Meradas Boonsmal x Peptoboonsmal); Winston Hansma; 660 (H:217.5/R:220/C:222.5); $40,000.
6 (TIE). Pride And Joyy; Chris Dawson; 19G (Stevie Rey Von x Fun N Fancy Free x Peptoboonsmal); Baby Daddy Stallions; 657 (H:216/R:221/C:220); $32,500.
6 (TIE). Itchin Ta Shine; Sarah Dawson; 19S (Call Me Mitch x Sheza Shinette x Shining Spark); Holy Cow Performance Horses; 657 (H:218/R:222.5/C:216.5); $32,500.
8. Tagging It; Corey Cushing; 19G (Metallic Cat x Dual Rey Tag x Dual Rey); Teton Ridge; 655.5 (H:217/ R:221.5/C:217); $25,000.
9. No Intro Needed; Todd Crawford; 19S (One Time Royalty x Shez Sinsational x Dual Pep); Monica Duflock; 652.5 (H:216/R:220/C:216.5); $23,000.
10 (TIE). SJR Stylish N Smooth; Matt Koch; 19M (Smooth As A Cat x Stylish Little Oak x Playin Stylish); San Juan Ranch; 651.5 (H:215.5/ R:222/C:214); $20,500.
10 (TIE). Nu One Time Blues; Matt Koch; 19S (One Time Pepto x Nu Bay Be Blue x Nu Cash); Ryan Sellers; 651.5 (H:214.5/R:224.5/C:212.5); $20,500.
Aboard Tornado Jonez, owned by Brandy Ragland, Lee Deacon marked a 224 down the fence to hold on to win the Open and Intermediate Open Snaffle Bit Futurity® titles.
Dawson, who qualified three entries back to the Finals, Two Million Dollar Rider Club members and past Champions Todd Bergen and Todd Crawford, Three Million Dollar Rider and three-time Futurity Champion Corey Cushing, and Million Dollar Riders and past Champions Nick Dowers, Kelby Phillips and Justin Wright.
For Deacon, who originally came from Queensland, Australia, to work for Chris Dawson in 2016, the 2022 show was much different than his previous attempts to earn a spot in the Finals.
“The truth of it is, I made this [Futurity event] an idol in my life. I made it too important. God had to teach me to lose,” Deacon said. “He’s taken it away from me; I had two years off with injury. I’ve gone through a lot to learn He is important in my life and not only this. I’m not here to be a hero horse trainer. I’m here for my friends. The fact He’s allowed me to win this is phenomenal.”
While Deacon hasn’t let up on the pressure he puts on himself to train a horse in a manner that benefits it in the long run, he isn’t as focused on only the win. That fit well into the plan that 18-year-old owner Brandy Ragland and her mother, Della Ragland’s plan, too, seeing that the gelding was originally purchased to be a Non Pro horse. Instead, the bay became their first Snaffle Bit Futurity entry.
“Della had shown in the cutting and wanted to get a cow horse,” Deacon explained. “We bought her a bridle horse, and she wanted something to go Derby on. They went off on their own and bought this horse, then asked if we wanted to ride him. She said if he was good enough for the Futurity, go ahead. They are awesome people! They have not put one ounce of pressure on me throughout this horse’s career. They are laid back, fun and along for the ride.”
Throughout the process of training Tornado Jonez and competing at the
Futurity, it felt like a family affair for Deacon. He and his wife, fellow NRCHA professional Ashley Deacon, train together at their Marietta, Oklahoma, facility, and are friends with both Chris and Sarah Dawson.
“I got to see Chris win every major event [in 2012] with Travelin Jonez and that was a major education,” he said. “Now, I won on a Stevie Rey Von out of a Travelin Jonez mare. My life has been changed by knowing [Chris and Sarah Dawson]. He’s been there since day one. Sarah has been awesome. I listen to Chris
and watch Sarah. It’s a special dynamic between the four of us It’s special to keep it all in the family.”
As Deacon awaited the scores coming through on the third set, he said he tried not to pay attention to where he was sitting, instead he was at the back gate cheering his fellow competitors.
“No matter where you are sitting, good or bad your run is, you get off your horse and you come to the back gate to cheer on your brothers and sisters. That is the example that has been set for me,” he said. “We are all rooting for each other and that is what is special about the cow horse family. We need to hold on to that tightly.”
Hold tightly, like Deacon did to the dream of becoming the first Australian to win the Futurity, and to achieve that goal. The 33-year-old has achieved the goal he envisioned when he was working on a cattle station at 16 and pursuing his dreams in another country at 27.
“My goal was to be a horseman and train whatever horse I desire. I hope I’m an example for any one of these guys who are working as hard as we do, they can achieve it if you just don’t quit. We all face adversity. It’s tough but we keep going. It’s our dream,” Deacon said.
The pair earned $200,000 in the Open and another $45,000 in the Intermediate Open. For being the high-scoring Stevie Rey Von offspring, Tornado Jonez added another $20,000 to his payday.
The Reserve Champion was Sarah Dawson aboard 2019 gelding Vince Von (Stevie Rey Von x Hottness x Spots Hot), owned by Wendy Buehler and bred by Fults Ranch LTD), scored a 662.5 (H:222/ R:226.5/C:214) and the $100,000 paycheck. Additionally, Vince Von was the high-scorer for the Open Sale Incentive, paying $27,594. Dawson rode three of her four Futurity entries in the Finals, including leading the preliminary composite going into the Finals night.
Flint Lee believed Sugs Brudder Light could be a champion even though her road to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity wasn’t smooth. A fall in the fence work kept her out of the Reno Futurity money, driving Lee’s hopes for a bright NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity.
“I kind of knew this mare was great,” Lee said. “I felt like she was giving me everything and didn’t get her time in the spotlight, and I was hoping this would be her show. My other two horses went out in the prelims and she hung in there. We drew up way late in the herd and kind of had some heck. Going into the reining and the fence, I told myself and told her that we have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and we are going to leave it all on the line.”
The 2019 mare bred and owned by Janet Kubichek’s is by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Peanutbruddernjelly (by Docs
Following his 224 fence work, the crowd and those on the back of the bucking chute erupted in
of Lee Deacon’s electric run.
Sugs Brudder) and has a competitive older sibling that helped Lee to know he had talent in this prospect.
“Janet has been an amazing woman and a life-changing client for me,” said Lee. “I’ve shown her horses four or five years.
We’ve had a couple Futurity horses but nothing we went big with. That is, until “Polly” showed up in Fort Worth, Texas. Lee scored a 655.5 (H:211/R:220/C:224.5) to take the title and the $20,000 payday back to Nevada.
“I love her,” Lee said of the mare. “She flaps her lip the whole time you’re on her, every day. She requires a lot of reassurance that she’s doing the right things and doesn’t handle you being upset with her, but she’s been a fun mare since day one.”
Leon Lewis had an idea of the kind of mare he could train when the ranch he works for purchased Bet Sheza Pick (Bet Hesa Cat x Playin With Pick x Playin Attraction) from breeder Burnett Ranches LLC. His first NRCHA earnings were aboard Playin With Pick.
“They’ve been good to me, those mares,” he said. “I really like how this mare moves; she’s quick footed. From Day One in the round pen, she displayed characteristics of a good stopper and is a really smart mare. She’s almost too cowy but that makes her really good down the fence.”
The Level 1 Open Champion from Midway, Texas, grew up in Guthrie, where his father worked for the 6666 Ranch. The talent in Bet Sheza Pick may have been in her genes, but Lewis says that mare felt green headed into the Futurity.
“She kind of surprised me a little bit. I thought she was a little greener going into the show, but she grew up while we were there,” he said.
To earn the win, the pair scored a 648.5 (H:216/R:217.5/C:215), and Knight Land and Cattle picked up a check for $16,500.
For complete results from the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, visit nrcha.com/snaffle-bit-futurity/.
Nothing But Blu (Once In A Blu Boon x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat), bred and owned by Alicia Bolls, and Cayley Wilson rode to a 662 composite (H:217/R:225/C:220) to earn reserve and $35,000. The pair finished third in the Open, adding another $75,000 to their earnings.
RESERVE CHAMPION, LADIES CHAMPION, SALE INCENTIVE HIGH SCORE, OPEN CHROME CASH CHAMPION, GELDING INCENTIVE HIGH SCORE
Sarah Dawson piloted Vince Von (Stevie Rey Von x Hottness x Spots Hot), a 2019 gelding bred by Fults Ranch LTD and owned by Wendy Buehler, to a 662.5 (H:222/R:226.5/C:214), earning reserve and $100,000. An additional $27,594 was paid for the preliminary high score in the Open Sale Incentive, $1,240 for the American Paint Horse Association Chrome Cash Incentive and for the NRCHA Gelding Incentive another $6,570.
Riding Janet Kubichek’s bred and owned 2019 mare Sugs Brudder Light (Pale Face Dunnit x Peanutbruddernjelly x Docs Sugs Brudder), Flint Lee scored a 655.5 (H:211/R:220/C:224.5) to take the title and the $20,000 payday.
Riding Burnett Ranches LLC bred and owned 2019 mare Paddys Future (WR This Cats Smart x Paddys Gin x Paddys Irish Whiskey), Terry Riddle marked a 653 (H:216.5/R:215.5/C:221) to earn reserve and $15,000.
Bet Sheza Pick (Bet Hesa Cat x Playin With Pick x Playin Attraction), a 2019 mare bred by Burnett Ranches LLC and owned by Knight Land & Cattle Co., and G. Leon Lewis rode to the win with a 648.5 to earn $16,500.
Playin For Reyl (Dual Smart Rey x The Last Playday x The Bug Doctor), a 2019 gelding bred by Michelle Horton and owned by Kathleen Haydon, and Sawyer Sanders scored a 648 and earned $12,500 for reserve.
Nu Passport (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Nu Annie x Shining Spark), bred and owned by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC, was piloted to the high score for an American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Heritage Bred horse by Justin Wright to claim the title based on preliminary scores.
Debbie Crafton’s fourth fence run was the highest scoring, taking her and Biscuits R Smokin to the 2022 Champion title in the Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat.
by Kate Bradley Byars Photos by Primo Morales
On Friday, October 21, Debbie Crafton piloted four of the 18 horses in the Non Pro Finals for the 2022 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Aboard 2019 mare Biscuits R Smokin (Hickory Holly Time x IC The Biscuits x Dual R Smokin), bred by Bobby Lewis, Crafton earned a 659 composite, topping not only her other entries but also the entire field to take home the Champion title and a $40,000 payday.
“This is what we work for,” Crafton, who also won the 2020 Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity, said. “I love 3-year-olds and the Derby horses, that is my comfort place. I am used to riding all these and it is a mindset to go and do my job as a rider. [The adrenaline] kind of carries you. There was a moment where I felt like I could use a cup of coffee, but I knew as soon as I got back up [to the arena] I could get back to it.”
With five horses to pilot in the Non Pro preliminary rounds, Crafton made 15 runs before the Thursday herd work Finals, where she rode four times, then another eight rides on Friday in the rein and cow works. Her final cow work was aboard “Biscuit,” and it finally all came together how Crafton had envisioned it would when practicing at home.
“For me, I am always pushing myself to be all I can be, that is why I showed four,” she said. “The others, I felt like I made mistakes as a rider so on Biscuit, I played out the runs in my mind that I do at home—position, focus on the cow—and I laid out a classic run with two big turns, got out and got circled. That was a good cow with some feel. That mare can really run, and I have a lot of confidence in her and she was spot on. I was so proud of her.”
Fort Worth, Texas – October 6-22, 2022
1. Debbie Crafton; Biscuits R Smokin; 19M (Hickory Holly Time x IC The Biscuits x Dual R Smokin); Debbie Crafton; 659 (H:216.5/R:218/C:224.5); $40,000.
2 (TIE). Abbie Phillips; Purdy Talker; 19M (Purdy Boy Flash x Money Talks Smart x Smart Mate); Kelby Phillips; 652 (H:218.5/R:217/C:216.5); $20,000.
2 (TIE). Sophia Buttars; Dollar Signs; 19M (Hickory Holly Time x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On); Sophia Buttars; 652 (H:217.5/R:219.5/C:215); $20,000.
4. Tammy Jo Hays; Show With Style; 19S (Smooth Talkin Style x Smart Kitty RG x High Brow Cat); Walter Greeman & Tammy Hays; 650 (H:215/R:219/C:216); $12,904.10.
5. Cody Halford; WCR Who Spooked It; 19G (Shine N Spook x Whiz Dun A Creme x Who Whiz It); Jessica Halford; 649 (H:210/R:221/C:218); $9,678.08.
6. Myles Brown; Oh Cay Lette Rey; 19S (Lenas Telesis x Lette x Oh Cay Quixote); Myles Thomas Brown; 648.5 (H:216/R:220/C:212.5); $7,742.46.
7. Debbie Crafton; SJR Diamond Luna; 19M (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat); Debbie Crafton; 648 (H:211/R:216/C:221); $6,452.05.
8 (TIE). Brent Ratliff; Seven S Red Hot; 19G (Stevie Rey Von x Seven S Wild Flower x Nic It In The Bud); Brent Ratliff; 644 (H:213/R:215/C:216); $4,731.51.
8 (TIE). Cynthia Bias; Bet N On The Oak E; 19M (Bet Hesa Cat x Annie Oak E x Olena Oak); Roger & Cynthia Bias; 644 (H:211/R:217.5/C:215.5); $4,731.51.
8 (TIE). Cody Halford; The Gamblerr; 19G (Bet Hesa Cat x CDS Catolena Cash x ); Jessica Halford; 644 (H:213/ R:216/C:215); $4,731.51.
11 (TIE). Debbie Crafton; SJR Kinda Caddy; 19G (Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda PinkCadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie Crafton; 643 (H:213/R:215.5/C:214.5); $3,226.03.
11 (TIE). Lanham Brown; RAB SmartKittyCat; 19M (WR This Cats Smart x Sparks Smart x Genuine Masterpiece); RA Brown Ranch; 643 (H:216.5/R:213/C:213.5); $3,226.03.
Crafton and the mare scored a 224.5, the high score of the Non Pro Finals. Aboard San Juan Ranch-bred 2019 mare SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat), Crafton also rode to the second-high cow work score of 221 to finish in seventh place. Crafton’s SJR Kinda Caddy (Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda PinkCadilac x Peptoboonsmal), also bred by San Juan Ranch, finished tied for 11th place. The 2019 gelding is a full brother to the 2018 stallion SJR SumKindaRockstar that Crafton showed to win the 2022 Non Pro Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station.
“[SJR] Kinda Caddy is by Smooth As A Cat and SJR Diamond Luna is out of a daughter of Smooth As A Cat. Clearly, I get along with Smooth As A Cat’s pretty well,” Crafton said. “They seem to really fit me and are really good-minded horses. Coming into it, [I felt like] SJR Diamonds Luna and Biscuits R Smokin are the two I knew were capable of winning it. The other two I knew were sure enough finalists, but those two could win it. Going into this thing, in the prelims Biscuit held really steady. I felt very confident going into the Finals.”
While Crafton bested a Non Pro field of 21 riding for a $150,923.27 purse, for her, it was hanging out with her second family.
“The love of this sport,” she said. “I love the people here! All these people here are my family. I have my family at home, but I love these people and this sport. It is just an amazing sport.”
There was a tie for the Reserve Champion title, and two best friends shared it happily. Sophia Buttars of Snowville, Utah, rode 2019 mare Dollar Signs (Hickory Holly Time x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On) to a composite 652 (H:217.5/R:219.5/C:215) to earn her share of the second place check at $20,000. That score also landed
her atop the Intermediate Non Pro to earn an additional $10,000, as well as the Limited Non Pro for another $4,000.
Tying with a 652 (H:218.5/ R:217/C:216.5), Abbie Phillips, of Weatherford, Texas, and Purdy Talker (Purdy Boy Flash x Money Talks Smart x Smart Mate), bred by Beechfork Ranch and owned by Kelby Phillips, also earned $20,000. Following the event, the past Non Pro Futurity Champion said that the joy of sharing the title with her friend was a much larger reward.
Complete results from preliminary and Finals rounds in all Non Pro divisions are available at nrcha.com.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO, LIMITED NON PRO
Usually when Sophia Buttars is cheering, it is because her friends or her husband are making a heck of a run. But on Friday, October 21, she was cheering her own fence run on her own horse, Dollar Signs, in the Non Pro Finals at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Those cheers carried into the night as Buttars was named co-
Reserve Champion in the Non Pro, and the Champion in both the Intermediate and Limited Non Pro divisions.
“This is my sixth Futurity horse since my first in 2010. Every day that I swing my leg over my horse, that is what I wanted, to be a Futurity Champion,” she said. “When it happened for Abbie [Phillips] last year, I thought it was so awesome and that someday it would be my day. If you do it enough, someday it will happen for you. Keep entering and stay good in your mind and on track— don’t doubt yourself—because there are so many variables in this event. I’d tell myself, just keep trying because eventually it will happen for you!”
Yet, it almost didn’t. In June, Buttars had her NRCHA professional husband, Brandon, ride the mare because she felt Dollar Signs was an Open-caliber competitor. He agreed. Throughout the Futurity, Buttars offered to scratch the Non Pro levels if that was best for the mare to compete in the Open with Brandon in the saddle.
“My mindset going into this show was that if he made the Open Finals,
I was going to scratch for the good of my horse,” Buttars recalled. “We got the draw and found out we both drew up the same day in the preliminaries to go down the fence. Those are two hard runs in one day for any horse. He was five sets before me, and I told him that if he made it [to the Finals], I would gladly skip to the office and scratch. But he told me that she was fine and talked me into showing her. I made the Non Pro Finals and ended up being fifth—it was the craziest!”
That trend of both Buttars having solid runs lasted until Brandon’s cow work, when the mare slipped. When it was all said and done, Buttars belief that trying hard and staying the cow horse course held strong, and she has several gold buckles to prove it.
Riding a 2019 mare she wasn’t supposed to add to she and husband Brandon Buttars’ barn, she checked off her biggest goal and earned $20,000 in the Non Pro, $10,000 to win the Intermediate and another $4,000 in the Limited. Plus, her American Paint Horse Associationregistered horse tied for the high score to earn $650 in the Chrome Cash. The mare more than lived up to her name.
“I’ve never had a 3-year-old as honest and consistent, no matter a Non Pro or Open on her,” Buttars said. “She makes the same run every time. I can’t say enough about her. We’ve never had a horse like her before, ever!”
In 2022, Kyle Birkenfeld made his third attempt at earning a title at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, and this time, he captured the win. Aboard his 2019 gelding TAMU Bettin A Dual (Bet Hesa Cat x TAMU A Dualin Reina x Aggies Twelfth Man), bred by TAMU Department of Animal Science, Birkenfeld rode a 634.5 (H:205/R:212.5/C: 217) to earn $7,500.
The Texas A&M University graduate and former member of the Stock Horse
Team became familiar with the university’s breeding program while at school.
“We tried the first ones from A&M while I was in college. We went through a few others and they get some neat donated breedings,” he recalled. “This mare [TAMU A Dualin Reina] had produced a little bit of cow horse earnings, and my little brother was down there looking through the horses and picked this one out.”
Since day one when the yearling joined the family ranch near Nazareth, Texas, he wanted to be good, says Birkenfeld.
“When he first [got to us] he was pretty small, but now he’s a leggy horse and really grew up,” said the 32-year-old. “From day one, he wanted to be good, soft and hold a pretty frame, and I never had many bad days on him.”
That trend continued into the show in Fort Worth, where their scores landed atop the field of Level 1 Non Pro competitors. Now, Birkenfeld will aim at another futurity before planning for derby events on the gelding.
“My horse, like every other one I’ve taken down there, had strong and weak points but I thought that I had a horse that was maybe the best all-around horse I’ve taken,” Birkenfeld said. “I felt I had a good fence horse. You just have to prepare the best you can and find out what you have at the show. He rose to the occasion for me.”
Vanessa Stevens and homebred and trained 2019 gelding All That Shine (All That Boon x Circle N Shine x Nu Circle N Cash) took the title after breaking the a tie going into the cow work. With a 638 (H:213/R:207.5/C:217.5) “Circle” helped Stevens to check off a big goal and also earn $7,500.
“This was the first time I showed at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, but I had shown in Reno last year and Idaho
the year before,” she said. “I did the preFuturity and also in Reno, so my goal was to ride him better here than I did before. My goal is always to fix my mistakes. We were tied going in, and it broke with the cow work. I didn’t know I had won! We were pretty far down going into [the cow work], so I was elated. My horse is super good on a cow and I just had to be smart. I’m honored to have won it.”
Stevens, who along with her husband, Charles, bred the gelding on their S C Ranch located on the island of Hawaii, brought this gelding over to their Turning Point Ranch in Ventura County, California, when he was a 2-year-old. However, when it came time for their biggest event, Stevens came to the Fort Worth show without her husband— Charles.
“One of the challenging things about this show was that my husband couldn’t be there but had to be in Hawaii doing cattle work. Jake Gorrell helped me out during the show,” she said.
The couple are ranching heritage breeders that own her 2019 gelding’s parents, All That Boon and Circle N Shine. The pair’s score also put them atop other American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Heritage Bred entries for the award.
First time Snaffle Bit Futurity competitor Tara Carter hit a home run with This Cats Shiny (WR This Cats Smart x Shiners Little Rita x Shining Spark). As a yearling, she and husband Trevor Carter first passed on purchasing the horse in the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales®, but wound up with the horse in their barn for training.
“I feel like he probably picked us! He caught our eye and we also liked the he was [AQHA Ranching] Heritage Bred, but we decided not to buy a horse,” she recalled. “That night at the Finals, Tripp
Townsend introduced us to Spencer Duke and he said he just bought a horse that he would like to send [Trevor] for training—it was the same horse!”
When the opportunity to purchase “Shiny” came along, the Carters jumped on it.
“We decided to enter him in the Futurity so he didn’t get put on the backburner, but we didn’t want to pressure him down the fence, so I showed him,” explained Tara. “He performed so well, we bought a slot for the Open.”
The 2019 stallion, bred by Michelle Cannon, did double duty with Trevor showing in the Intermediate Open to make the Finals and Tara in the Boxing. With Tara in the saddle, the pair earned the Level 1 Non Pro Boxing win with a 632 (H:213/R:204/C:215) to take home a check for $850.
“Trevor coached me on other horses, but I didn’t ride Shiny much so that I could stay out of the way of his development,” she said. “He is the kind of horse that will do well and we can continue showing. We are fairly new to this sport, so we want to have a horse of our own entered so we can get experience under our belts. It makes sure we are always learning more so we can be better for all the horses in our barn. We look forward to showing him so he gets better, we get better and then he is ultimately better for our kids to ride!”
PRO RESERVE CHAMPION (TIE)
With a 652 (H:218.5/R:217/C:216.5), Abbie Phillips, of Weatherford, Texas, and Purdy Talker (Purdy Boy Flash x Money Talks Smart x Smart Mate), bred by Beechfork Ranch and owned by Kelby Phillips, earned $20,000 for tying for Reserve Champion.
PRO
CHAMPION
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO CHAMPION, LIMITED NON PRO CHAMPION, NON PRO CHROME CASH CHAMPION (TIE), SALE INCENTIVE HIGH SCORING HORSE Sophia Buttars and Dollar Signs (Hickory Holly Time x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On), a 2019 mare, scored a 652 (H:217.5/R:219.5/C:215) to earn multiple titles at the 2022 Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. The pair’s score was highest among horses sold through the Western Bloodstock NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales®, earning the incentive check of $11,826.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION, LIMITED NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION, GELDING INCENTIVE Cody Halford rode 2019 gelding W CR Who Spooked It (Shine N Spook x Whiz Dun A Creme x Who Whiz It), owned by Jessica Halford and bred by Marsha Halcrow, to a 649 (H:214/ R:219/C:219). For the Intermediate, the pair earned $8,000, in the Limited an additional $3,034.24, and for the Gelding Incentive another $2,512.
Kyle Birkenfeld and his 2019 gelding TAMU Bettin A Dual (Bet Hesa Cat x TAMU A Dualin Reina x Aggies Twelfth Man), bred by TAMU Department of Animal Science, rode to the win with a 634.5 (H:205/R:212.5/C: 217) to earn $7,500.
Aboard Peptos Nine Three (Sweet Peptos Promise x Little Lindas Dually x Dual Pep), a 2019 gelding bred by the Daube Company and owned by Shannon and Ronda Hall, Whitney Hall rode to a 631.5 (H:205/R:200.5/C:215.5) to earn $6,000.
Eric Freitas rode his 2019 gelding Nacho Librey (WR This Cats Smart x Reylishious x Dual Smart Rey), bred by Gloria Brigantino, to the win with a 640.5 (H:217/R:214.5/C:209) to earn $120.
Danny Poole bred and owns 2019 gelding My Last Dollar (Mamas Money Talks x Sweet Stylish Girl x One Stylish Pepto). The pair scored a 598 (H:190.5/R:198.5/C:190.5) to earn $80 and the reserve title in the division.
Debbie Crafton and 2019 mare SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) tied with the high preliminary score of 648 to earn $650 for the Chrome Cash Incentive through the American Paint Horse Association.
NON PRO RANCHING HERITAGE BRED CHAMPION
RAB SmartKittyCat (WR This Cats Smart x Sparks Smart x Genuine Masterpiece), a 2019 mare bred and owned by the RA Brown Ranch, was the high-scoring American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Heritage Bred horse in the Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity with a 652.5 with Lanham Brown in the saddle.
Vanessa Stevens and 2019 gelding All That Shine (All That Boon x Circle N Shine x Nu Circle N Cash), bred and owned by S C Ranch Co Inc., took the title with a 638 (H:213/ R:207.5/C:217.5) to earn $7,500. The pair’s score also put them atop other American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Heritage Bred entries for the award.
NON PRO BOXING RESERVE CHAMPION
With a 638 (H:209 /R:214.5 /C:214.5), Laney Fjelstad rode 2019 gelding Unbelevabley Shiney (Dont Stopp Believin x Shiney Attire x Shining Spark), bred by WW Ranch LLC and owned by Kenneth Schueller, to reserve and $6,500.
Tara Carter and This Cats Shiny (WR This Cats Smart x Shiners Little Rita x Shining Spark), a 2019 stallion owned by Carter Ranch Horse and bred by Michelle Cannon, earned the win with a 632 (H:213/R:204/C:215) to take home a check for $850.
Gary Hawkes rode his 2019 gelding Sendin Smoke Signals (Siagla Rey x Shes Dualn Fine x Kit Dual), bred by Jose Isidro Sigala, to a 626 (H:210 /R:208 /C:208) to earn $700.
Deb McCandless rode Bet Hesa Cowboy II (Bet Hesa Cat x Cowgirl Curly x Smart Little Lena), a 2019 gelding bred by David and Kathy Locker and owned with Harry McCandless, to the wins with a 618 composite. She earned $50 for the Select and an additional $500 in the Chrome Cash Incentive.
Throughout the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity®, riders, horses, owners and breeders, as well as NRCHA staff, received praise for their work in the industry.
Aged event horses may be the focus during the Snaffle Bit Futurity® and the Hackamore Classic, but the National Reined Cow Horse Association honored those that helped drive the industry to today’s standards at the 2022 event—stallions, broodmares and riders. Throughout the calendar year between the 2021 event and now, multiple milestones were hit and honored. Here is a roundup of those recognized during the show.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association President’s Awards recognizes an individual, or individuals as was the case this year, that go above and beyond to assist the membership and the association, and often behind the scenes.
In 2022, NRCHA President Corey Cushing honored Show Managers Morgan Tweedy and Christopher Jeter with the honor.
Both Jeter and Tweedy serve as back gate stewards, facility managers and general fix-it men for the association. Most members are familiar with one, or both, of them serving as a staple in the reined cow horse family.
Since the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, four riders achieved Million Dollar Rider status: Clayton Edsall of Weatherford, Texas; Sarah Dawson of Perrin, Texas; Nick Dowers of Dyer, Nevada; and Matt Koch of Elizabeth, Colorado. For more on our elite Million Dollar Club members, visit nrcha.com. For more information, read page 20.
At the DT Horses Western Derby, Justin Wright, of Santa Maria, California, surpassed the $2 Million Dollar earnings mark to become the fifth member of the $2 Million Dollar Rider Club. Read more about him on page 72. Wright joined the other two-million-dollar riders and the million-dollar riders to be recognized on the arena floor.
During the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Metallic Cat, Corey Cushing, of Weatherford, Texas, became the first $3 Million Dollar Rider in the NRCHA. For more on Cushing’s accomplishment, see page 18.
Million Dollar Sire
Owned by Strawn Valley Ranch of Strawn Valley, Texas, Dual Smart Rey (Dual Rey x The Smart Look x Smart Little Lena), a 2002 Quarter Horse, has NRCHA earners of $1,038,613.54 as of December 1, 2021. The stallion earned more than $330,000 and the NCHA Open Super Stakes Champion title in the arena. Duals Lucky Charm, owned by JB6 LLC, is Dual Smart Rey’s highest money-earning reined cow horse, with $273,753.
Woody Be Tuff (Nitas Wood x Tuffs Junie x Tuff Wood) sired the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion Zak 34 (a 2018 stallion out of Cat Digs Lucinda), which helped to catapult him over the million-dollar mark to claim $1,176,601.12 in reined cow horse offspring earnings. Owned by the Center Ranch in Centerville, Texas, the 2001 sorrel Quarter Horse stallion sold in December at the 2021 Western Bloodstock NCHA Futurity Sale to Kaleb Terlip and Melanie Smith, of Solo Select Horses and now stands at the Lazy E in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
The 1999 stallion WR This Cats Smart (High Brow Cat x The Smart Look x Smart Little Lena) bred by Wiens Ranch Co., Sedalia, Colorado, and owned since 2004 by NRCHA Breeder Sponsor Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC, Douglas, Wyoming, began his performance career in the National Cutting Horse Association arena. The sorrel became a finalist at 24 major NCHA aged events as a 4, 5, and 6-year-old. Shine Smarter (x Shiney Tari x Shining Spark), a 2012 mare who has earned $214,571.51, is the top earner of the stallion that has lifetime produce earnings of more than $4,588,370. The stallion stood at the Four Sixes Ranch until his death in October.
As of January 5, 2022, red roan stallion One Time Pepto, owned by Matthews Cutting Horses, has sired NRCHA earners of more than $4,078,998.37. Sheri and the late Jeffrey Matthews of North Carolina have owned the 2001 stallion sired by Peptoboonsmal and out of One Time Soon, by Smart Little Lena, and bred by David and Clare Capps. When the horse achieved NRCHA Million Dollar Sire status in 2014, there were only 61 NRCHA earners to his credit. Now, 232 offspring have contributed to the stallion’s astounding $4 million mark. The foals continue their sire’s show pen success, where under trainer Matt Gaines, One Time Pepto earned more than $330,000 in the cutting pen. The stallion has seven offspring with more than $100,000 in earnings, and the total continues to climb.
Following the conclusion of the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes, Metallic Cat’s offspring had earned more than $5,064,486, making him the first sire to cross the $5 million threshold in NRCHA. Owned by Bobby Patton’s Rocking P Ranch, the 2005 stallion by High Brow Cat and out of Chers Shadow (by Peptoboonsmal) became the NRCHA All-Time Leading Sire in September of 2021. Metallic Cat became an NRCHA Million Dollar Sire in 2018 and surpassed the Two Million Dollar mark less than a year later. By 2020, he had passed the Three Million Dollar mark before becoming a Four Million Dollar sire in the fall of 2021.
With more than 380 money-earning offspring in the NRCHA, Metallic Cat has become a household name in both the reined cow horse and the Western performance industries. His top performers, Call Me Mitch, Metallic Train, Cats Picasso, Ricato Suave, Hazardouz Material and Moonshineandtwoadvil, each have earned more than $100,000 in the NRCHA.
In 2022, the NRCHA is recognizing top producing mares, or Boss Mares, in a special ceremony. There are National Reined Cow Horse Association special awards for riders and sires that hit earnings marks, and now, NRCHA dams with offspring earning $500,000 or more are joining that group. The Boss Mares group features eight mares for 2022 recognition during the Open Finals.
SHEZA SHINETTE (Shining Spark x Chicks And Chex x
Chic Olena) has offspring surpassing $646,498.93 and her high-earning offspring is Hes Shinettes CD (by CD Olena) $184,006.18. She
SOULA JULE FOREVER (Soula Jule Star x Forever Sparked x Shining Spark) has offspring surpassing $574,339.76 and her high-earning offspring is Jule Smart Rey (by Dual Smart Rey) $170,857.74. The mare is owned by Teton Ridge.
SCOOTERS DAISY DUKES (Dual Smart Rey x Scooters Playmate x Freckles Playboy) has offspring surpassing $572,357.48 and her high-earning offspring is Scooter Kat (by Kit Kat Sugar). The mare is owned by Aaron Cook $336,878.38.
SMOKE TIME TUCK (Doc Tom Tucker x Ima Smoke x Mr Fools Smoke) has offspring surpassing $551,633.96 and her high-earning offspring is Tuckers Smart Cat (by WR This Cats Smart) $167,115.36. She was owned by Bar 11 Quarter Horses, represented by Layne Lewis for Skip Brown.
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE: MAGICAL LENA (Little Lenas Legend x Swayback Magic x Early Tink) has offspring surpassing $573,887.44 and her high-earning offspring is Magicality (by Very Smart Remedy) $102,844.31. The mare was owned by Joyce Pearson.
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE: LIL MISS SHINEY CHEX (Shining Spark x Lil Miss Smarty Chex x Smart Little Lena) has offspring surpassing $632,038.40 and her high-earning offspring is Blind Sided (by Peptoboonsmal) $212,763.96. She is owned by DT Horses LLC.
SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL (Shining Spark x Zans Diamond Jackie x Zans Diamond Sun) has offspring surpassing $527,417.38 and her high-earning offspring is CD Diamond (by CD Olena) $140,320.46. She is owned by San Juan Ranch, John and Brenda Stephenson.
After carrying Jay McLaughlin to the Hackamore Classic Open Championship, Tee Boone was crowned with his first major NRCHA event title.
Showcasing the traditional vaquero style of training for reined cow horses, the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station, is always a fan favorite. This year’s event drew 120 entries in the Open alone, which ended October 12. When it was all said and done, Tee Boone (Once In A Blu Boon x Skeets My Bro x Docs Curious Cat) and Jay McLaughlin had risen to the top of the leaderboard with a composite 665.5, winning $24,500.
McLaughlin, of Amarillo, Texas, and the stallion, who is owned by J.T. III (Trey) and Sandra Neal and was bred by Charlotte Farms Inc., started off the week by marking a 219.5 in the herd work. The respectable score tied them for seventh before they faced the rein and cow works later in the week.
“He got cut really good [in the herd work],” McLaughlin said. “He’s always been very cool-looking out of the herd. The cattle were perfect for him the other night, very even this year, and everything just kind of lined up.”
Going into the combined rein-cow work a couple of days later, McLaughlin and Tee Boone drew up fifth. McLaughlin knew he was going to have to give the judges something to remember them by as they watched 115 more horses and riders, spread over two days, ride after them.
“I was either going to go out big or go big,” McLaughlin said. “With the rein and fence work being together, it takes a pretty special horse in itself. They have to dang sure be legged up because you’re doing two gos pretty hard. He was very in tune. Every step, he was with me the whole run.”
Tee Boone and McLaughlin tied for ninth in the reining with their 221 score, and their big 225 in the fence work was the second-highest score marked, elevating their composite total to a one-point lead that held through the remainder of the class. McLaughlin was pleased to win Tee Boone’s first major NRCHA title after hauling and showing him in the hackamore for the last year-and-a-half.
“He’s pretty simple to train,” McLaughlin said. “He does pretty much everything you ask, and there’s never an argument. He’s a good hackamore horse.”
The 5-year-old stallion is currently leading the NRCHA Open Hackamore National standings with 199 points and $5,484.39. McLaughlin said he is on track to become a bridle horse in the future. In the meantime, the stallion has been doing double-duty in the show pen and breeding barn, standing at stud at Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital. The Neals are expecting his first foal crop in 2023, and McLaughlin was excited to garner them a win before those foals are born.
“This is their first major event win,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve ridden their horses since 2010 or 2011, and they’ve always had some Open horses with me, but never really gotten to win. They’ve been bridesmaids several times, and they’ve been in the top five several times, but nothing big, so this was neat.”
Seven S Party Favor (Stevie Rey Von x Seven S Party Girl x Matt Dillon Dun It), who was bred by Terry Stuart Forst, and Lee Deacon took Reserve with their 664.5 composite (H:217/R:221/C:226.5). The duo won $17,871.84 for owner Lynne Faust Performance Horses.
With a 665.5 composite, Tee Boone earned his owners J.T. III (Trey) and Sandra Neal their first premier event championship at the 2022 NRCHA Hackamore Classic, carrying Jay McLaughlin to the Open win.
Fort Worth, Texas – October 6-22, 2022 Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. Tee Boone; Jay McLaughlin; 17S (Once In A Blu Boon x Skeets My Bro x Docs Curious Cat); J.T. III (Trey) & Sandra Neal; 665.5 (H:219.5/R:221/C:225); $24,500.00.
2. Seven S Party Favor; Lee Deacon; 18G (Stevie Rey Von x Seven S Party Girl x Matt Dillon Dun It); Lynne Faust Performance Horses; 664.5 (H:217/ R:221/C:226.5); $17,871.84.
3. Juliette Jonez; Sarah Dawson; 18M (Travelin Jonez x Shine Smarter x WR This Cats Smart); Linda Mars; 663.5 (H:221/R:221.5/C:221); $14,680.44.
4. Snapdragons; Zane Davis; 17S (Gunnatrashya x Catnaps x High Brow Cat); Shane Law; 663 (H:217.5/ R:223/C:222.5); $12,765.60.
5. Ricato Suave; Clay Volmer; 17S (Metallic Cat x Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey); Shaleah Hester & Madeline Fountain; 662.5 (H:221.5/R:220/C:221); $9,574.20.
6 (TIE). Bad To Tha Boon; Erin Taormino; 17G (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On Merada x Bet On Me 498); Kathleen Pinkley; 661.5 (H:215/R:222.5/C:224); $7,021.08.
6 (TIE). Autumns Smokin Cat; Sarah Dawson;18M (WR This Cats Smart x Autumn Amanda x Autumn Acre); Holy Cow Performance Horses TX LLC; 661.5 (H:221/R:219/C:221.5); $7,021.08.
8. Cats Nu Shine; Nick Dowers;18M (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Nu Annie x Shining Spark); Clinton Marshall; 660.5 (H:218.5/R:222.5/C:219.5); $5,106.24.
9. Son Of A Mitch; Phillip Ralls;17G (Call Me Mitch x Jackies Sparkle x Nic It In The Bud); The Trust/ Billie Jo Ralls DTD; 659.5 (H:218/R:220.5/C:221); $3,829.68.
10. Lil Starlight Cat; Lance Johnston;17S (High Brow Cat x Lil Foxie Starlight x Grays Starlight); Kenneth & Karen Haugland; 659 (H:213.5/R:221.5/C:224); $3,829.68.
The 2018 gelding Seven S Party Favor (Stevie Rey Von x Seven S Party Girl x Matt Dillon Dun It), who was bred by Terry Stuart Forst, and Lee Deacon rode to a 664.5 composite (H:217/R:221/C:226.5), taking home the Open Reserve Championship and Intermediate Open Championship. The pair collected a total of $25,478.01 for owner Lynne Faust Performance Horses.
The 2022 NRCHA Western Derby Champion, CR Hes A Tuff One (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat) and Brendon Clark, were in the money again at the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, scoring a composite 651.5 (H:214.5/R:222.5/C:214.5) for the Limited Open win. Clark and the 2018 Center Ranch-bred stallion, who is owned by Jill Olerich, garnered $2,446.74.
Tamarack Ranch LLCbred TR Guns And Roses (One Time Pepto x Miss Silver Gun x Colonels Smoking Gun) and Garrett Cooper were the Level 1 Open Champions after compiling a score of 647.5 (H:217.5/R:216/C:214). The 2017 mare collected $3,730.14 for owner Karla Steckel.
Brandon Buttars navigated This Cats The Mark (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Miss Marker x Shining Spark) to a score of 658 (H:216.5/R220/C:221.5) for the Intermediate Open Reserve title. The 2018 gelding, bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC, is owned by Lori Adamski-Peek, who banked $5,850.90.
With a 651 (H:219.5/ R:215.5/C:216), PSR Poison Cat (Metallic Cat x Supercats CD x CD Olena) and John Love collected the Limited Open Reserve title for owner Sandhills Remuda LLC, who received a check worth $1,914.84. The 2018 stallion was bred by Hartman Quarter Horses Inc.
Craig Cowley and his homebred 2017 stallion, Home Creek Twilight Cat (Metallic Cat x Homecreek Dusk x Brooksipep), who is registered through the Australian Quarter Horse Association, claimed the Level 1 Open Reserve Championship with their composite 643 (H:212.5/R:211.5/C:219). They banked $2,919.24.
With a 654 composite (H:219/R:212.5/C:222.5), SJR Diamonds Justify (CD Diamond x Highly Unlimited x High Brow Cat) and Matt Koch finished tied for 17th in the Open and won the Open Novice Horse Championship. The 2018 gelding is bred and owned by San Juan Ranch, who received a check worth $2,356.20 for the title.
Roadreyge (Dual Smart Rey x Princess Clarence x Peptoboonsmal) carried Luke Jones to a total score of 650.5 (H:215.5/ R:215.5/C:219.5), nabbing the Open Novice Horse Reserve Championship and a paycheck worth $1,851.30. The 2017 stallion was bred by Lannie Louise Mecom and is owned by Thomas and Melissa Sims.
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Debbie Crafton brought three horses to the Hackamore Classic and swept the top three spots in the Non Pro class.
It takes a lot of hard work to land in the upper ranks at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station. To pilot three horses to the highest scores in the Non Pro requires an extreme amount of talent and skill. There’s no doubt Debbie Crafton has both after securing the top three placings in the class—out of 41 entries—on October 13.
Crafton took home the Championship with San Juan Ranchbred SJR SumKindaRockstar (Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal), riding to a 660 composite (H:222/R:216/C:222). She was second and third on Hesa Wee Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Wee Quejana Gal x Quejanaisalena) and FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey), scoring a 656.5 (H:218/R:217.5/C:221) and 650.5 (H:221/R:212.5/C:217), respectively. All told, Crafton banked a total of $12,670.25 at the event.
“With the incredible success I’ve had on them all year, I just was hoping we could end the last premier show with the same bang we’ve been doing all year,” Crafton said of her top three sweep. “We lucked out, and it worked really well. They’re such a blessing, those horses.”
Crafton has won major NRCHA titles this year with Hesa Wee Bet and FoundLoveAtHooters, but this was 4-year-old SJR SumKindaRockstar’s first big event win.
“He’s been a player—he’s made the Finals at all the premiers—but he hadn’t been the winner yet, so it was fun to have him come in and be the winner, and then the other two just follow suit and do their trade-off like they’ve been doing,” Crafton said.
By Kristin Pitzer Photos by Primo MoralesCrafton thought maturity made all the difference for the stallion, fondly known as “Wilson.” For most of this year, she’s taken care of him and given him time to get seasoned and stronger. In the last 90 days or so, he’s stepped up and figured out his job, and that confidence was apparent during the Hackamore Classic.
“This show, he had a feeling of ‘game on,’ ” Crafton said. “I showed him the best that I’ve ever showed him—I allowed him to be good out of the herd and didn’t get in his way this time. He’s always really good in the rein work and good down the fence, but this show, and the last couple shows I showed him at, I knew he was there. He read that cow great. As a matter of fact, I think he read it better than I did.”
Crafton plans to continue showing Wilson in derbies next year. Hesa Wee Bet and FoundLoveAtHooters will move into the two-rein, and she can’t wait to see what all they can accomplish there.
“I can’t brag enough about those two horses,” she said. “I don’t understand how horses can be so consistent and so loyal as they are. They know their job and they wait on me. They’re just wonderful.”
Debbie Crafton also took home the Non Pro Reserve Championship with Hesa Wee Bet, a 2017 gelding (Bet Hesa Cat x Wee Quejana Gal x Quejanaisalena) bred by Molly Mae Mirassou. The pair scored a 656.5 (H:218/R:217.5/C:221) and banked $3,956.
Fort Worth, Texas – October 6-22, 2022 Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. Debbie Crafton; SJR SumKindaRockstar; 18S (Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie Crafton; 660 (H:222/ R:216/C:222); $5,500.
2. Debbie Crafton; Hesa Wee Bet; 17G (Bet Hesa Cat x Wee Quejana Gal x Quejanaisalena); Debbie Crafton; 656.5 (H:218/R:217.5/C:221); $3,956.
3. Debbie Crafton; FoundLoveAtHooters; 17G (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey); Debbie Crafton; 650.5 (H:221/R:212.5/C:217); $3,214.25.
4. Myles Brown; OverTheLegalLimitRAB; 18G (One Time Royalty x Billie Travis x Continental Fly); Rob Brown; 648.5 (H:216/R:212.5/C:220); $2,719.75.
5. Kenneth Schueller; Tuff Reyzin; 18G (Woody Be Tuff x Reyzin x High Brow CD); Kenneth Schueller; 647 (H:215.5/R:212.5/C:219); $2,225.25.
6. Tammy Jo Hays; Stylin Kat; 17M (Kit Kat Sugar x Stylin Tonette x Docs Stylish Oak); Walter Greeman & Tammy Hays; 646 (H:219/R:215.5/C:211.5); $1,730.75.
7. Julia Winders; Dual Smarty; 17G (Dual Smart Rey x Cats Gabriella Acre x Cats Merada); Julia Winders; 645.5 (H:219/R:213/C:213.5); $1,730.75.
8. Karey Louthan; Surely This Time; 18G (Surely A Pepto x Its That Time Again x A Chic In Time); Karey Louthan; 645 (H:211/R:217/C:217); $1,236.25.
9. Tylor Todd; Voodoo Whiskey; 17G (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whiskey On Wheels x Paddys Irish Whiskey); Tylor Todd; 643.5 (H:210/R:215/C:218.5); $1,236.25.
10 (TIE). Paul Bailey; Peptilion; 17G (One Time Pepto x Sparktilion x Shining Spark); Paul & Amy Bailey; 641 (H:215.5/R:210/C:215.5); $865.38.
10 (TIE). Cutter McLaughlin; SCR King Of The Road; 17G (Sannman x SCR Crackin Light x Boonlight Dancer); Jay & Wendy McLaughlin; 641 (H:211/ R:214.5/C:215.5); $865.38.
Debbie Crafton rode a trio of horses into the top three spots in the Hackamore Classic Non Pro, claiming the Championship and $5,500 with SJR SumKindaRockstar.With a 645 composite score (H:211/ R:217/C:217), Karey Louthan and Surely This Time (Surely A Pepto x Its That Time Again x A Chic In Time) won the Intermediate Non Pro Championship. Louthan collected $2,377.41 with her homebred 2018 gelding.
Paul Wilinski and Brothers Belledancer (Brother Jackson x Belle E Dancer x SMF Lenas Award), a 2017 mare bred by the University of Arizona. The pair scored a composite 637.5 (H:217.5/R:206.5/C:213.5) and collected a check worth $912.92 for the titles. They were also the Select Non Pro Reserve Champions, which came with another $80.
A composite 636 (H:213.5/R:213.5/C:209) led to the Level 1 Non Pro Reserve Championship and a $1,631.25 paycheck for Jace Sheridan and Blinded By The Storm (Blind Sided x Dew It Flo x Mr Peponita Flo). The 2017 stallion was bred by Julie Gibbons.
Peptilion (One Time Pepto x Sparktilion x Shining Spark) carried Paul Bailey to a 641 (H:215.5/R:210/C:215.5) for the Limited Non Pro Championship and Intermediate Non Pro Reserve Championship, amassing $3,043.09. The 2017 gelding was bred by Michelle Cannon.
Landon Brown and Loudacris (Cattalou x Tina Bars Queen x Tina Bars Peppy) were the Level 1 Non Pro Champions after scoring a 637 composite (H:211/R:211/C:215).
Alexis Stephas bred the 2018 gelding, who garnered $1,957.50.
After scoring a 639.5 composite (H:215.5/ R:213.5/C:210.5),
Jecca Ostrander and Boxo Opus Magnum (WR This Cats Smart x Opus Chic x Smart Chic Olena) won the Select Non Pro Championship. Ostrander’s Box O Quarter Horses collected $120 with the homebred 2018 gelding.
With a 652.2 (H:216/ R:215/C:221.5), Lucinda David and Seven S Johnny Reb (Blind Sided x Seven S Prairie Rose x Real Gun) won the Non Pro Boxing and a check worth $1,904.85. The 2017 gelding was bred by Terry Stuart Forst.
Wing Anda Prayer (Meteles Cat x Wings Ofa Lena x Quejanaisalena) carried owner Calley Satriana to the Non Pro Boxing Reserve Championship after scoring a 644.5 (H:213/ R:215/C:216.5). Satriana and the Marcus Vinicius T. Guimaraes-bred 5-year-old mare banked $1,523.88.
Callie Turner rode Bitsy Bay Boon (Once In A Blu Boon x Bakers Miss Kitty x Sophisticated Catt) to a composite 629 (H:210/ R:205.5/C:213.5) for the Level 1 Non Pro Boxing Championship. Bitsy Bay Boon, a 2017 stallion bred by Walter Knight, collected $560.25 for owner Matthew Turner.
Tommy and Susan Marvin’s homebred 2018 stallion Smooth Krackel (Spots Hot x MK Smooth Mate M S x Smooth As A Cat) carried Kenli Worley to the Level 1 Non Pro Boxing Reserve title, which came with a $336.15 check, after scoring a 628.5 (H:214/ R:205.5/C:209).
Quit Your Mitchin (Call Me Mitch x Masters Nu Fox x Master Merada) and Jess Garvin rode to the Select Boxing Championship after scoring a 641.5 (H:208/R:217.5/C:216). The 2017 gelding bred by Lindsey James banked $90 for owner Diane Edwards.
With a 623.2 (H:209/ R:209/C:205.5), Becky Stockett and Katcinco (Hick Chicaroo x Kat Five x High Brow Cat) were the Select Boxing Reserve Champions. Stockett and the 5-year-old mare bred by Latigo Canyon Ranch collected a check worth $60.
Having competed in dog trials for less than four years, James Butler and 6-year-old “Gus” nabbed Champion and Reserve Champion titles.
The sport of rodear mirrors cow horse in several ways: The talent needs to know how to read cattle, multitask and maximize animal teammates’ abilities. A well-executed rodear run is a masterful display of horsemanship and being in the right place at the right time.
For the sixth year, the MARS Equestrian™ National Finals Rodear took place at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Saturday night, October 8, the top five competitors in the Green Dog, Non Pro and Open competed for more than $42,000 in added money in the John Justin Arena.
The last draw in the Open, 6-year-old Border Collie “Gus” and handler James Butler of Center, Texas, navigated to a perfect score of 135 in 5 minutes, 28 seconds. Along with the bragging rights came a check for $10,000.
“I didn’t think I had a chance; I was sure the underdog coming in,” Butler admitted. “You’d rather be lucky than good.”
Bulter may had had a little more than just luck on his side as he and his gelding, Curlenas Starlight (Shady Lil Starlight x Pecas Curlena x Pecas Olena), acted as a visual barrier while Gus meticulously wove the three Corriente steers through a series of panels, a circular roundabout and challenging lightning-bolt shaped alley with plenty of gaps before loading them in a trailer at the end of the arena.
“The lightning bolt is really, really challenging. If you don’t keep the cattle flowing, you’ll get in a wreck. And [I
thought] the trailer load was going to be my biggest challenge and it worked really sweet,” Butler said.
Until Gus and Butler stepped into the pen, not a single Open team had put together a perfect score of 135. His success may have come from having navigated the course once before in the Non Pro division, minutes before his Open run. In the Non Pro, Butler and Gus finished Reserve Champions behind Mike Thompson and “HP,” adding $3,500 to their total payday.
To qualify for both divisions, Gus and Butler competed in the Rodear American Cowdog Semi-Finals in Greenville, Texas, earlier in October. The top 20 teams in
each division were invited from across the United States to try to qualify for the national finals.
“Qualifying was really tough, the cattle were a challenge,” Butler said. “I didn’t think I made it, I actually left. They called me and said I [made it].”
Butler has only been competing in rodear events for about three years, making him a relative newcomer in a field of veterans. He partnered on Gus with Jeremey McBride in 2020 and has been attending trials with the Border Collie ever since.
“It took us a little while to click, I ran him in a couple of other national finals and had him real close [to winning]. My mistakes cost him and finally tonight, he got it,” Butler said. “When you’re in public he likes to act like a teenager, but when you’re working stock, it’s go time.”
Gus was initially trained by Rick
With one of the fastest times of the entire evening and a perfect score, Mike Thompson and HP brought home the Non-Pro Championship, worth $7,500.
Morgan, and Butler said Gus’s continued education has been a group effort with McBride and others.
Champion in the Non Pro division was Mike Thompson and HP. They scored a perfect 135 and navigated the course in
5 minutes, 16 seconds, earning $7,500 for the championship.
In the Green division, Mike Collins and “Tug” scored a 135 and completed the course in 5 minutes, 5 second, earning $5,000.
Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie topped the $10,000-added Cowboy Class, presented by XIT Ranch.
Article by Abigail Boatwright Photos by Primo MoralesKelsey Thomas has made it a habit of winning the Cowboy Class Invitational events. Since the events started in 2019, she’s captured two titles with her mare Kit Kat Jerrie. Formerly an invitation-only event, the Cowboy Class became an official National Reined Cow Horse Association class this year, and Thomas came back with “Elvira” to win her third championship title.
The class consists of rein work, cow work and modified steer stopping. To be eligible to compete in it, riders must work on ranches and livestock operations and have earned less than $15,000 in NRCHA Open and Non Pro money outside of the Cowboy Class. In addition to the $10,000 purse provided by XIT Ranch’s sponsorship, competitors vied for prizes that included a Tad Sanders custom saddle and Gist champion buckle.
“I think the Cowboy Class is a great event because it brings us back to our roots in terms of how this whole performance industry started,” said Drew Knowles of XIT Ranch to NRCHA’s “Back Gate Report.” “I think the cowboy class gives these cowboys and cowgirls a chance to show everybody just how good their using horses are and just what they can do.”
Thomas and her husband, Buddy, purchased “Elvira” (Kit Kat Sugar x Jerries Dual Legacy x Smart Little Jerry) in May of 2019 as a 4-year-old broodmare for their cow horse and cattle operation, Love Ranch, in Rising Star, Texas. In October of that year, Thomas showed Elvira at the Snaffle Bit Futurity®’s inaugural Cowboy Class and won. Then the duo dominated the Art of the Cowgirl’s World’s Greatest Horsewoman competition in February of 2020, earning a spot to compete in the 2021 Hashtags and Western Bloodstock World’s Greatest Horseman.
Even with her clear talent, Elvira fits the stereotype of the red mare, Thomas said, jokingly.
“She rules the roost. It’s just whatever makes Elvira happy, basically,” Thomas said. “She’s kind of a real quirky mare. You’ll know if she doesn’t like something, it’d be obvious.”
The mare is an asset when she enters the show pen, though.
“She’s real cowy, and she’s got a big stop, but she’s also quick,” Thomas said. “She’s fast. So that always helps going down the fence.”
The pair competed earlier in the week in the Limited Open Bridle, scoring a 149 in the cow work and a 140.5 in the reining.
“The reining is what I’ve been focused on because of that,” Thomas said. “Nelle Murphy gave me some things to work on, so I went home and worked on those things, and it worked awesome, because we won the reining today.”
RA Brown II and Lost Creek Heaven secured the Cowboy Class reserve title with a composite score of 446. The 2015 sorrel mare (WR This Cats Smart x She Cat Seven x Seven From Heaven) was bred by Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC and is owned by Rob A. Brown of Stinnett, Texas.
Thomas said they worked on adding speed with control, which paid off. Their resulting 149.5 score landed them in first place. After the reining pattern, the duo’s first cow proved tough to work, but with a second cow, they scored a 147 and placed fourth.
“My first cow wouldn’t hardly drive down the fence, so I got a new cow,” Thomas said. “I left the box with a lot of
cow, but I saw how a lot of them were getting tired, so it worked out well.”
In the steer stopping, the pair had a clean catch, scoring a 153 to tie for third place. With a composite score of 449.5, Thomas and Elvira won the class.
“I think she’s an amazing mare, and for her to add more money and accolades to her résumé was just the cherry on top,” Thomas said.
The 2015 mare Smart Ladies Sparkle (WR This Cats Smart x Shiners Diamond Lady x Shining Spark), bred by Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC and owned by XIT Ranch, and pilot Matt Koch scored a 441.5 to take reserve and earn $9,040.
Scooter Kat (Kit Kat Sugar x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey) and Justin Wright earned the win with a 449. The 2015 stallion, bred by Taylor Carbo and owned by Eric Freitas, earned $11,300.
Seven S Reyzor (Dual Smart Rey x Seven S Stylish Page x Peptos Stylish Oak) and Ryan Gallentine took reserve with a 292, earning $1,452 for owner John Houston. The 2016 gelding was bred by R.T. Stuart Ranch LLC.
Cuttin Wright Up (Hes Wright On x Isabellena x Quejanaisalena), a 2011 gelding bred by Garth and Amanda Gardiner and owned by David Beckett, and Brandon Buttars rode to a 293 for the win to ear $1,848.
Blu Boon Shining (Once In A Blu Boon x Azucar De Munyeca x Cats Merada), a 2016 gelding bred by Furst Ranch and owned by Erica Keeney, and Jed Lawrence marked a 292 to earn $2,100 and the win.
Parke Greeson piloted 2016 stallion SCR BetThisTime (Bet Hesa Cat x PRF One Time Candi x One Time Pepto), bred by Milton and Bridey Greeson and owned by Sarco Creek Ranch, to the win with a 292 to earn $5,232.50. In the Non Pro Two Rein, the pair marked a 291.5 to earn $2,100.
With a 290, Amy Bailey and 2012 gelding Electra Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x Electras Boots x Doc O Boots), bred by WT Waggoner Estate and co-owned with her husband, Paul, to the top spot to earn $2,437.50.
Hope Mills and her 2014 mare Sparkin Metallic (Metallic Cat x Sparking Train x Shining Spark), bred by Garth and Amanda Gardiner, tied with a composite 292 (R:145/C:147). She and Greeson flipped to determine the winner. They earned $4,095.
Clark Weaver and Lillys Vaquero (Cat T Masterson x RS Lilly Starlight x Grays Starlight), a 2013 gelding bred by Kurt Harris, took reserve with a 289 to earn $1,950. For the Limited win, the pair added $1,828 and winning the Select they took home an additional $760.
Aboard Smooth Santanna (Smooth As A Cat x Smart Mariah x Smart Little Lena), a 2013 gelding bred by Daniel Perez, Paul Wilinski rode to reserve with a 288.5 to earn $1,462.40. The Select division win added $570 to Wiliniski’s earnings.
Lannie-Jo Lisac and LooksLikeLuckToMe (Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep), a 2013 mare bred by Kevin & Sydney Knight, took the win with a 291.5 to earn owners Timothy and Katherine Miller $1,605.
Landri Lisac and her 2014 gelding Cat Walks Into A Bar (WR This Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark), bred by Garth and Amanda Gardiner, took reserve with a 291 and earned $1,284.
Lane Jones and 2016 mare LA Smart Chicoreys (Smart Chic Olena x Dual Reys Belle x Dual Rey), bred by David Pratt, scored a 277 for the win.
Annies Smart Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Nu Annie x Shining Spark), a 2016 stallion bred by Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC and owned by Rocking BS Ranch, and Lance Johnston took the win with a 296 composite to earn $5,376.
Hazardouz Material (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey), a 2016 stallion bred by Taylor Carbo and owned by Linda Mars, and Erin Taormino rode to a 294 for reserve and $4,224.
Debbie Crafton rode her 2016 gelding Logicality (Magicality x Boonlight Angel x Boonlight Dancer), bred by Anne Reynolds, to the win with a 293.5 and earned $2,625.
Me And Mrs Jonez (Travelin Jonez x Shine Smarter x WR This Cats Smart), a 2017 mare bred by Richard and Cheryl Winters and owned by Wendy Buehler, and Chris Dawson rode to a 445.5 composite to take the win and $15,751.
The front is smooth and inviting. And it’s got a bold middle flavor that I love but can’t really describe. The finish is warm honey-almond with a smokey tinge on the very back end. It’s damn good.
Bozeman, Montana | ghostwooddistilling.com
— Kory Pounds, Professional Cowboy, Cutting Horse Champion, Whiskey Advocate
The 2017 gelding Bad To Tha Boon (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On Merada x Bet On Me 498), bred by Aaron Ranch and owned by Kathleen Pinkley, and Erin Taormino rode to a 444 to earn $11,606.
Heather Greeson piloted HesaStylin (Mr Playinstylish x ShesaLittleRedBoon x Peptoboonsmal), bred by Kit and Charlie Moncrief, to the win with a 293 to earn owner Sarco Creek Ranch $4,450.
Talen Barry and 2006 gelding Smart Rem N Be (Very Smart Remedy x Be Bob To Reno x Bob Acre Doc), bred by Stan and Lynne Warren and owned by Jared Barry, rode to a 287 to earn $1,083.75.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING RESERVE CHAMPION, LIMITED NON PRO BOXING RESERVE CHAMPION, YOUTH BOXING 13 & UNDER RESERVE CHAMPION (TIE)
DJ Crafton rode Doctor Spark (Very Smart Remedy x Magic Sparkles x Shining Spark), a 2013 gelding owned by Debbie Crafton and bred by Joyce Pearson, to a 285 and $867. For the Limited Non Pro, the pair added $732.80 in earnings, and a 285.5 score tied the pair for reserve in the Youth Boxing 13 & Under.
Treylyn Hancock and her 2016 gelding Slyd My Way (Zezes Pepto Cat x Pastels Play Girl x Pastels Smart Lena), bred by Tom and Lorna Neel, rode to the win with a 290 to earn $916. In the Youth Boxing, the duo’s 289 earned an additional $1,084.50.
Cheryl Chown rode 2016 gelding The Metal Doctor (Metallic Cat x The Doctress Orders x Dual Rey), bred by Day Creek Ranch LLC and owned with her husband, Robert, to a 293 and an additional $3,560 in the Non Pro Boxing.
Taking the reserve spot, Cheryl Chown rode Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak), a 2016 mare she and co-owner Robert Chown bred, to a 285.5 and $348.
Hunter Hays and Red River Rivalry (Soula Jule Star x Shiners Miss Lena x Shining Spark), a 2011 stallion bred by Carol Rose and owned by Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays, rode to a 290 to earn the win and $1,385.75.
Cole Hawk and 2007 gelding Playoff Time (A Chic In Time x Uno What Weeno x Smart Little Uno), bred by Broken B Ranch and owned by Hawk Family Trust, tied for reserve with a 285.5.
Kelsey Fulmer and her 2015 gelding Starlight Driver (Hydrive Cat x Starlights Lynn x Grays Starlight), bred by Vicki Guilfoil, took the win with a 288 to earn $1,587.50.
Christa Morris-Stone and her 2017 mare Smoking Pistol Whiz (Smoking Whiz x Mrs Pistol x Custom Pistol), bred by Rebecca Adams, pocketed $1,270 with a composite 288, which tied but the cow score of 144.5 earned reserve.
The following teams are winners and pictured in additional event coverage.
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE RESERVE CHAMPION
Kit Kat Jerrie (Kit Kat Sugar x Jerries Dual Legacy x Smart Little Jerry) took Kelsey Thomas to the reserve title and the champion title in the Cowboy Class. In the Limited Open Bridle, the 2015 mare bred by Milton and Bridey Greeson and owned by Buddy Thomas, earned $1,650 for the pair’s 290.5.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION
Seven S Party Favor (Stevie Rey Von x Seven S Party Girl x Matt Dillon Dun It), a 2018 gelding bred by Terry Stuart Forst and owned by Lynne Faust Performance Horses, and Lee Deacon took the win with a 447.5 to earn $2,360.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE CHAMPION
This Cats The Mark (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Miss Marker x Shining Spark), a 2018 gelding bred by Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC and owned by Lori Adamski-Peek, and Brandon Buttars rode to reserve with a 441.5 to earn $1,888.
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION
Home Creek Twilight Cat (Metallic Cat x Homecreek Dusk x Brooksipep), a 2017 stallion bred, owned and shown by Craig Cowley, took the win with a 430.5 composite to earn $1,950.
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE CHAMPION
TR Guns And Roses (One Time Pepto x Miss Silver Gun x Colonels Smoking Gun), a 2017 mare bred by Tamarack Ranch LLC, and Garrett Cooper rode to reserve with a 430 and earned owner Karla Steckel $1,560.
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This 2020 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion recognizes the power of nutrition. She’s been a Platinum client since 2013.
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Bisphosphonate. For use in horses only.
Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert)
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION: Clodronate disodium is a non-amino, chlorocontaining bisphosphonate. Chemically, clodronate disodium is (dichloromethylene) diphosphonic acid disodium salt and is manufactured from the tetrahydrate form.
INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome in horses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to clodronate disodium should not receive OSPHOS. Do not use in horses with impaired renal function or with a history of renal disease.
WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. HUMANWARNINGS: Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental human exposure.
PRECAUTIONS: OSPHOS has been associated with renal toxicity. Concurrent administration of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored. Use of bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or diseases affecting renal function is not recommended. Horses should be well-hydrated prior to and after the administration of OSPHOS due to the potential for adverse renal events Water intake and urine output should be monitored for 3-5 days post-treatment and any changes from baseline should elicit further evaluation As a class, bisphosphonates may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Sensitivity to drug associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient. Renal and gastrointestinal adverse reactions may be associated with plasma concentrations of the drug. Bisphosphonates are excreted by the kidney; therefore, conditions causing renal impairment may increase plasma bisphosphonate concentrations resulting in an increased risk for adverse reactions. Concurrent administration of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored. Use of bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or diseases affecting renal function is not recommended. Administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with abdominal pain (colic), discomfort, and agitation in horses. Clinical signs usually occur shortly after drug administration and may be associated with alterations in intestinal motility. In horses treated with OSPHOS these clinical signs usually began within 2 hours of treatment. Horses should be monitored for at least 2 hours following administration of OSPHOS.
Bisphosphonates affect plasma concentrations of some minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, immediately post-treatment, with effects lasting up to several hours. Caution should be used when administering bisphosphonates to horses with conditions affecting mineral or electrolyte homeostasis (e.g. hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypocalcemia, etc.).
The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in horses less than 4 years of age The effect of bisphosphonates on the skeleton of growing horses has not been studied; however, bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast activity which impacts bone turnover and may affect bone growth.
Bisphosphonates should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in breeding horses or pregnant or lactating mares.
Bisphosphonates are incorporated into the bone matrix, from where they are gradually released over periods of months to years The extent of bisphosphonate incorporation into adult bone, and hence, the amount available for release back into the systemic circulation, is directly related to the total dose and duration of bisphosphonate use. Bisphosphonates have been shown to cause fetal developmental abnormalities in laboratory animals The uptake of bisphosphonates into fetal bone may be greater than into maternal bone creating a possible risk for skeletal or other abnormalities in the fetus. Many drugs, including bisphosphonates, may be excreted in milk and may be absorbed by nursing animals.
Increased bone fragility has been observed in animals treated with bisphosphonates at high doses or for long periods of time. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and decrease bone turnover which may lead to an inability to repair micro damage within the bone. In humans,atypical femur fractures have been reported in patients on long term bisphosphonate therapy; however, a causal relationship has not been established.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions reported in the field study were clinical signs of discomfort or nervousness, colic and/or pawing. Other signs reported were lip licking, yawning, head shaking, injection site swelling, and hives/pruritus.
POST-APPROVAL EXPERIENCE (December 2018): The following adverse events are based on post-approval adverse drug experience reporting. Not all adverse events are reported to FDA/ CVM. It is not always possible to reliably estimate the adverse event frequency or establish a causal relationship to product exposure using these data.
The following adverse events are listed in decreasing order of reporting frequency: renal failure, polyuria, polydipsia,abdominal pain, anorexia, lethargy, hypercalcemia, behavioral disorder, discomfort, hyperkalemia, hyperactivity, recumbency, hyperthermia, injection site reactions, muscle tremor, urticaria, hyperglycemia, and fracture. In some cases, death has been reported as an outcome of the adverse events listed above.
INFORMATION FORHORSE OWNERS:Owners should be advised to:
• NOT administer NSAIDs.
• Ensure horses have access to adequate water before and after administration of OSPHOS.
As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In field studies and post-approval experience the most common side effects reported were signs of discomfort, nervousness, and colic. Other signs reported were: renal insufficiency/failure, anorexia, lethargy, hypercalcemia, behavioral disorders, hyperkalemia, hyperactivity, recumbency, hyperthermia, injection site reactions, muscle tremor, urticaria, hyperglycemia, and fracture. In some cases, death has been reported as an outcome of these adverse events. The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in horses less than 4 years of age or breeding horses. OSPHOS should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding. NSAIDs should not be used concurrently with OSPHOS. Concurrent use of NSAIDs with OSPHOS may increase the risk of renal toxicity and acute renal failure. Use of OSPHOS in patients with conditions affecting renal function or mineral or electrolyte homeostasis is not recommended. Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com.
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of licensed veterinarian.
* Freedom of Information Summary, Original NewAnimal DrugApplication,approved by FDA under NADA # 141-427,for OSPHOS April 28, 2014. DechraVeterinary Products US and the Dechra D logo are registered trademarks of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. © 2019 Dechra Ltd.
• Observe their horse for at least 2 hours post-treatment for signs of colic, agitation, and/or abnormal behavior.
• If a horse appears uncomfortable, nervous, or experiences cramping post-treatment, hand walk the horse for 15 minutes.
If signs do not resolve contact the veterinarian.
• Monitor water intake and urine output for 3-5 days posttreatment.
• Contact their veterinarian if the horse displays abnormal clinical signs such as changes in drinking and urination, appetite, and attitude.
Manufactured for: DechraVeterinary Products 7015 College Blvd., Suite 525, Overland Park, KS 66211 866-933-2472
© 2019 Dechra Ltd.OSPHOS is a registered trademarkof Dechra Ltd
All rights reserved Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-427
By Sally Harrison
An enthusiastic crowd was on hand October 21, at Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to kick off two days of the 2022 National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales®. The result was a strong first-day Select Yearling and Broodmare Session average of $24,826, an increase of more than $1,500 over the 2021 Session.
The first day’s Session I high-seller was Rey Of Diamond at $100,000. The yearling Stevie Rey Von daughter was consigned by Stevenson’s Quarter Horses/Bill Stevenson and purchased by Triple D Ranch of Dyer, Nevada. A half-sister to Shiners Diamond Cat (LTE $145,992, by WR This Cats Smart), Rey Of Diamond is out of Shiners Diamond Lady (by Shining Spark), who is also the dam of Smart Ladies Sparkle (LTE $82,145, by WR This Cats Smart).
Yearling filly Little Shining Cat brought $74,000, the Session’s second-highest price, from Triple D Ranch. Consigned by Wagonhound Land and Livestock LLC, Little
Shining Cat is by WR This Cats Smart and out of the Shining Spark daughter Shining Madonna, a producer of barrel racing money-earners.
The second day of the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales saw an average of $28,765 for the Select Two-Year-Old’s Session. Stevies Got Genes, consigned by Bubba and Madison Garcia, and Meradas Outlaw, consigned by Tom and Carmen Buckingham, each brought the top price of $50,000. Stevies Got Genes, purchased by Cooper Smith of Whitesboro, Texas, and in training with Bubba Garcia, is by Stevie Rey Von and out of NRCHA NonPro Futurity champion SDP Got Fancy Genes (LTE $48,040, by RC Fancy Step).
The sale concluded on Saturday, October 22, with Session II of the Select Yearling and Broodmare Sale, where three yearlings sold for $100,000 or more. Both Session I and Session II of the 2022 Select Yearling and Broodmare Sales exceeded 2021 Sale averages. The 2022 Sales also topped 2021 with four yearlings selling for $100,000 or more, including Friday’s Session I high-seller Rey Of Diamond, a filly by Stevie Rey Von.
The high-seller, Stevies Blondie,
consigned by Justin Wright, brought $115,000 from Jose Felizardo Elizondo of San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nueva Leon, Mexico. The palomino Stevie Rey Von daughter is out of ShineyDiamondJackie, an AQHA point-earner by Shining Spark and a full sister to four major NRCHA money earners.
Two red roan fillies each commanded $100,000, the Sales’ second-highest price. Halle Berry, consigned by Ty Smith, was purchased by Tyson Benson of Brock, Texas. The Metallic Cat daughter, out of One Sparkling Time (LTE $42,213, by One Time Pepto), is a full sister to 4-yearold One Metallic Spark (LTE $30,392), a NRCHA Futurity Open finalist and first performer out of One Sparkling Time.
Couldya Woodya, consigned by Gardiner-Miller Horses was purchased for $100,000 by Daniel Ruiz of Laredo, Texas. The Woody Be Tuff daughter is out of Abbey Road (LTE $42,292, by One Time Pepto), the dam of four moneyearners, including Hustle And Flo (LTE $45,082, by Metallic Cat), a NRCHA Open Futurity finalist.
For complete sale information, visit westernbloodstock.com
Returning for its sixth year, the ARHFA World Championship had fast steers, handy ropers and a pile of cash to award competitors.
By Lillian KentThe American Rope Horse Futurity Association joined forces for the sixth year with the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Spanning three days, October 20-22, Open and Non Pro headers and heelers had the chance to swing at more than $800,000.
Event founder Jay Wadhams worked alongside Dean Tuftin, of DT Horses, to pair the then-12-year-old roping futurity with the Snaffle Bit Futurity when it
The event has three ‘judges.’ Two people and the clock. Starting with a score of 70, horses are evaluated on their ability to stand in the box, rate, turn and handle the steer. The time component is subtracted from 80, meaning a 7-second run earns riders a 73. All three scores are combined for the total.
“It’s very prestigious to win this event because it’s so hard to win. Just like the Snaffle Bit over here, it’s not easy to win,” Wadhams said.
“When I bought PJ as a 3 year old, she had a dull coat and lack of muscle tone. Before starting training, I put her on ProForce Fuel. Within just a few weeks, she started shedding out, gaining weight and building muscle! ProForce Fuel helped her grow while maintaining energy for training and helped her bounced back from exercise quickly without feeling muscle sore. Now, I keep her on ProForce Fuel for competitions, and she doesn’t drop weight when traveling and always has energy at the show, even on the last day!”
moved to Texas in 2016. Since then, the growth had been undeniable.
“Every year it’s gotten bigger. The first year [in Fort Worth] we paid out $232,000 and this year our final payoff was $812,000. In six years, it’s close to quadrupled,” Wadhams said.
Though there was initially some apprehension about bringing the ropers into cow horse territory, Wadhams described it as a symbiotic relationship with ropers venturing into the sale arena and barns to buy prospects and well-broke horses alike.
“The growth is all because of the money. If you add money, they will come,” Wadhams said. “The best way I can keep this moving forward is paying the intermediates and limited [open] guys. I have to keep those guys winning [money] because it’s a tough roping in the open.”
Wadhams has his eyes set on the $1,000,000 mark in prize money, and
of reaching the figure by 2024.
The new members of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Million Dollar Rider, Two Million Dollar Rider and sires reaching earnings marks has grown exponentially in the last couple of years due to an increase in purses supported by devoted sponsors and association growth. When the first Million Dollar honorees were awarded in 2006, it was a small group that has grown slowly through the years, and now we have a new earnings mark: Three Million Dollar Rider. What a change!
In 2006, the NRCHA Board of Directors created the Million Dollar Award, now broken out into denominations of Million Dollar Rider and Two Million Dollar Rider awards, to honor those competitors that surpass the earnings mark. It was overdue for some riders, like the first to be inducted, Ted Robinson of Ventura, California. The seven-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion had $1.8 million in sanctioned reined cow horse earnings and continues to show today.
That year, Bob Avila, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Jon Roeser, of Kuna, Idaho, were the second and third members of the Million Dollar Rider club. Avila is a three-time Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion and that year, 2006, Roeser finished as the Open Reserve Champion, to top off a show worthy of celebration. Today, the Million Dollar Rider Club has 24 members.
The longevity in reined cow horse isn’t only in the horses that grow from snaffle bit to bridle horse but also in top-level riders. Many of the first Million Dollar Club riders are still competing today or involved in the industry through training. Robinson had a hand in assisting many riders included in the Million Dollar Rider Club, and this year’s Two Million Dollar Rider, Justin Wright, mentions him as a mentor that aided him in learning the cow horse ropes.
However, the first Two Million Dollar Rider was Todd Crawford, a former NRCHA president and current Open competitor. Crawford, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, first passed the Million Dollar mark in 2006 when he won the Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion title that year. His continued success saw him cross the $2 million dollar mark to become the first cow horse rider with that earnings honor. Today, he has more than $2.7 million in NRCHA sanctioned earnings and in 2022, showed two horses in the Open Snaffle Bit Futurity.
Corey Cushing joins Robinson and Crawford as the first to hit a major milestone, earning more than $3 million dollars in sanctioned reined cow horse events. He did so during the Open Bridle Finals at the 2022 Snaffle Bit Futurity, further raising the bar for Open riders to reach.
In 2022, Metallic Cat’s offspring elevated the stallion to the first Five Million Dollar Sire honor in the association’s history. The Million Dollar Sire club started in 2006 with Nu Cash (Colonel Freckles x Nu Rendition) being honored as the first sire to have offspring earn more than $1 million dollars, though they did it in 2003. The 1984 stallion’s offspring earned Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion titles in 1987 and 1995 through 1997. Through the years, the club has grown to include 22 stallions and expanded to honor Two, Three, Four and, now, $5 Million Dollar Sires.
Looking back to those who helped launch the earnings marks to which today’s young trainers aspire, it is easy to see how the reined cow horse events can inspire greatness. As the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity purse grows from $100,000 to $200,000, the bigger purses will help more riders, and younger riders, become part of our top-level earnings marks. The sky is truly the limit, but the foundation built for these awards still stands strong.
Through Stories from the Shedrow, the NRCHA Foundation continues to preserve the heritage and traditions of reined cow horse.Presented by Kalpowar Quarter Horses
• How well has your horse been eating? This gives insight into the possible presence of stomach ulcers.
• Answers to has your horse been coughing might indicate inflammatory airway disease or exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage.
Iam a big believer that staying ahead of the game is the key to staying on top of the game. One of the keys to staying ahead of the game is keeping your horse healthy. Horse health, particularly in limited aged event horses, begins with wellness exams. We recommend wellness exams on 3-yearold horses every three months and before any major event as a 4- or 5-year-old.
Wellness exams are examinations performed by your veterinarian to determine the general health, lameness, and wellness status of your equine athlete. Your veterinarian will begin their exam by asking questions pertaining to your horse’s history. Answers to these questions may help determine if there is a chronic disease creeping up in your horse which may eventually affect its performance.
You can help with the exam by having keeping an eye on your horse on a regular basis. Questions your veterinarian may ask include:
The most important part of a Western performance horse wellness exam is the lameness exam component. In this phase, the horse is typically observed jogging in-hand or on a longe line. Your veterinarian will feel your horse’s legs for heat or swelling. They will flex the horse’s legs and look for signs of soreness. These examinations might reveal a joint problem before it becomes a performance problem. In other words, this will allow your veterinarian to treat a problem before your horse quits stopping or falling out of lead.
I have always thought that when I’m seeing a horse with a performance problem secondary to lameness that we’re playing catch up, especially if it’s in the middle of show season. It’s much better to find problems in their earliest stages before you’re seeing problems in the show pen.
In summary, you must set yourself up for success. An important part of setting yourself up for success is having a wellness examination performed on your horse. Staying ahead of the game will allow you and your horse to be on top of your game.
Joe Carter, DVM Oklahoma Equine Hospital Official Veterinarian of the NRCHA
Horse health is essential for our equine athletes.
President: Corey Cushing ❖ Vice President: Paul Bailey ❖ Secretary: Todd Crawford ❖ Treasurer: Trey Neal
Executive Committee Members: Todd Bergen, Dr. Joe Carter, Boyd Rice
Board Members: Ben Baldus, Diane Edwards, Amanda Gardiner, Dan Roeser, Jon Roeser, Jake Telford, Cayley Wilson
AFFILIATES
Chairperson: Ben Baldus ben@baldushorsemanship.com 940-923-7255
ANIMAL WELFARE
Chairperson: Dr. Joe Carter, DVM jcarterdvm@aol.com • 405-288-6460
ETHICS
Chairperson: Trey Neal trey@treyneal.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairperson: Paul Bailey paulb@cb-trucking.com • 931-260-3909
HALL OF FAME
Chairperson: Dan Roeser roeserstables@gmail.com 208-841-2052
HORSE SALES
Chairperson: Todd Crawford toddcrawford333@gmail.com
JUDGES
Chairperson: Boyd Rice boydrice1965@gmail.com • 806-282-8113
Director of Judges: Bill Enk enk.bill@gmail.com
NRCHA FOUNDATION
Staff Liasion: Anna Morrison anna@nrcha.com • 940-488-1495
NON PRO
Chairperson: Diane Edwards Diane2bph@outlook.com • 206-390-0715
OWNERS
Chairperson: Linda McMahon maclin@earthlink.net • 415-269-5563
PROFESSIONALS
Chairperson: Cayley Wilson cayleyrwilson@gmail.com • 604-300-0401
RULES
Chairperson: Dan Roeser roeserstables@gmail.com • 208-841-2052
SHOWS
Co-Chairperson: Todd Bergen tbergenhorses@gmail.com 541-778-0980
Co-Chairperson: Boyd Rice boydrice1965@gmail.com • 806-282-8113
SPONSORSHIP
Chairperson: Anna Morrison anna@nrcha.com • 940-488-1495
STALLION SERVICE AUCTION
Chairperson: Garth Gardiner gardinergarth@gmail.com • 620-635-5632
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Chairperson: Anna Morrison anna@nrcha.com • 940-488-1495
YOUTH
Chairperson: Sarah Clymer shubrick3@gmail.com • 719-330-1932
Executive Director: Anna Morrison anna@nrcha.com
Accounting Manager: Kasydi Valentine kasydi@nrcha.com
Data Entry & Results Assistant: Taylor Meek • taylor@nrcha.com
Media & Communications Manager: Callie McCarthy-Boevers callie@nrcha.com
Membership & Affiliate Show Manager: Tina McCleary • tina@nrcha.com
Premier Event Manager: Emily Konkel emily@nrcha.com
Programs Manager: Jennifer Bishop jennifer@nrcha.com
Sponsorship Assistant: Bailey Carter bailey@nrcha.com
Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association
Krystal Meade 250, 200 Quarry Park Blvd SE
Calgary AB T2C 5E3 CANADA
Phone: 403-991-4617
Email: info@cowhorse.ca Website: www.cowhorse.ca
Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association
Bronwyn McCormick 28150 N Alma School Pkwy Ste 103-520 Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Phone: 480-510-0974 Email: info@azrcha.com Website: www.azrcha.com
Atlantic Reined Cow Horse Association Lia Savas 53 Deerpath Rd Central Islip, NY 11722 Phone: 631-766-0155
Email: LiaARCHA@gmail.com Website: www.atlanticRCHA.com
Australian Reined Cow Horse Association Jay Gordon 359 Duri-Dungowan Rd Tamworth, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA 2340 Phone: +61 490 915094 Email: archa@outlook.com.au Website: www.cowhorseaustralia.com
California Reined Cow Horse Association Stacy Duesterhaus 15169 Road 223 Porterville, CA 93257 Phone: 559-999-8146
Email: califcowhorse@gmail.com Website: www.californiacowhorse.com
Central Montana Reined Cow Horse Association
Judy Blough
P.O. Box 413 Wilsall, MT 59086 Phone: 409-223-3690 Email: info@cmrcha@gmail.com Website: www.cmrcha.com
Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association MJ Anderson PO Box 88 Trinidad, CO 81082 Phone: 719-963-4770 Email: coloradocowhorse@gmail.com Website: www.coloradoreinedcowhorse.com
Current as of November 1, 2022
European Reined Cow Horse Association Augusto De Fazio via Natalia Ginzburg 1 - 11015 Ivrea (TO) ITALY Phone: +(39) 338 8860657 Email: ercha@hotmail.it Website: www.ercha.org
Gem State Stock Horse Association Callee Miller 301 Market Rd Caldwell ID 83607 Phone: 541-519-4748 Email: Cowhorse22@gmail.com Website: www.gemstatestockhorse.com
Gulf Coast Cow Horse Association Paul Kaskey 6329 Old Court St. North Port, FL 34291 Phone: 941-256-4760
Email: paulkaskey@aol.com Website: www.gulfcoastcowhorse.com
Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association
Paxton Deal 509 S 2nd St Homedale, ID 83628 Phone: 208-880-9066
Email: paxtondeal@gmail.com Website: www.idahoreinedcowhorse.com
Italian Reined Cow Horse Association
Laura Ruffino ercellino ia rilloni 22100 Como ITALY Phone: +39 347 26 22 783
Email: segreteria.ircha@gmail.com ebsite https nrchaofitaly.com
Magic Valley RCHA
Nikki Francis 3644 N 3300 E
Kimberly ID 83341
Phone: 208-539-5410
Email: vpnikki@gmail.com Website: www.intermountaincircuit.org
Mid State Cow Horse Association
Sharon Michelucci 2500 Adobe Rd Paso Robles CA 9344 Phone: 805-835-5014
Email: info@midstatecowhorseassociation.com Website: www.midstatecowhorseassociation.com
Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity, Inc
Margaret Ore PO Box 1604 East Helena, MT 59635 Phone: 406-227-7019 Email: more@mt.net Website: www.montanareinedcowhorse.com
Nevada Reined Cow Horse Association
Aubree Englert 6600 W Rome Blvd Las egas N Phone: 702-290-4231
Email: aubree.rcha@gmail.com Website: www.nvrcha.org
New York Reined Cow Horse Association
Jacob Partridge 996 Flickner Rd. Arkport, N.Y. 14807 Phone: 585-738-1057
Email: jpartridge996@gmail.com Website: www.newyorkrcha.com
North Central Reined Cow Horse Association
Jim Wilson 2409 25th Ave Rice Lake, WI 54868 Phone: 641-420-0440
Email: wilson@myomnitel.com Website: www.ncrcha.com
Northeastern Reined Cowhorse Alliance Mary Baks 13 Maple Hill Rd RR #2 alkerton ON N CANADA Phone: 519-881-8684
Email: info@walkertonequine.ca Website: www.nercha.ca
Northern Alberta Reined Cow Horse Club
Shawna Husted 27245 TWP 350
Red Deer County, AB T4G 0M4
Phone: 403-875-1369
Email: nabreinedcowhorseclub@gmail.com
Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association
Diane Edwards PO Box 260
Maple alley A Phone: 206-390-0715
Email: diane2bph@outlook.com Website: www.nwrcha.com
Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association
Lane Arnold PO Box 1053
Canyon, TX 79015
Phone: 806-341-0941
Email: panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com Website: www.panhandlecowhorse.com
South Dakota Reined Cow Horse Association
Jill Swanhorst
P.O. Box 55 Alzada, MT 59311
Phone: 605-484-5788 Email: Jswanhorst5278@gmail.com Website: www.sdrcha.com
South Texas Reined Cow Horse Association
Tina McCleary 5819 Michael Rd Sanger, TX 76266 Phone: 979-218-0633 Email: southtexasrcha@gmail.com Website: www.strcha.org
Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association
Christy McSweeny 33175 Temecula Pkwy Ste A, 754 Temecula, CA 92592
Phone: 714-785-1333 5 Email: smal4joy@gmail.com Website: ltht@airenetworks.com
Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance
Larry Westmoreland PO Box 143 Tickfaw, LA 70466 Phone: 985-320-5058 Email: srcowha@gmail.com Website: www.srchala.com
Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Gay Lenz
11587 Hunt Lane Guthrie, OK 73044
Phone: 405-818-7556 Email: glenz@glenzenterprises.com Website: www.srcha.org
Swedish Reined Cow Horse Association
Silvio Wirth
Kyrkbyn Backagarden 1 SE-512 62 Mardaklev., Sweden Phone: +46 70 676 7642 Email: styrelsen@srcha.eu Website: www.srcha.eu
Utah Reined Cow Horse Association
Nikki Francis 3644 N. 3300 E. Kimberly, ID 83341 Phone: 208-539-5410 Email: vpnikki@gmail.com Website:www.urcha.org
Volunteer Ranch Horse Association
Tammy Bledsoe 1110 Black Ridge Road Lynnville, TN 38472 Phone: 931-638-0804 Email: tammy.bledsoe@gmail.com Website: www.volrha.com
NRCHA membership privileges will be suspended for the second offense of bad checks, per rule 1.1.6.2 and for non payment of debt to NRCHA Show Management or NRCHA Approved Show Management. Additionally, all amounts for advertising in the NRCHA publication, Reined Cow Horse News, are due and payable within 30 days of receipt.
Agricultural Foundation, Fresno, CA
Desert Spring Ranch, Queen Creek, AZ
Keetch Ranch, Waddell, AZ
Del Rey Paint & Qtr Horses/Aneka Schelbeck, Cotton Wood, CA
Bynum Farms/Blair Bynum, Palm City, FL
Donnie Boyd, Sarasota, FL
Robyn Bush, Visalia, CA
Marcy Campbell, Creston, CA
Pompeo Capezzone, Castrocielo 03030, ITALY
Riccardo Capezzone, Castrocielo 03030, ITALY
Cody Christensen, Heber City, UT
Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY
Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA
Laura Delfino Martinez CA
Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL
Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA
Miguel Gonzalez, Miami, FL
A finance charge of . per month APR will be added to all past due amounts. Membership privileges shall be suspended on accounts greater than 90 days past due and this information will be published in Reined Cow Horse News. There will be a membership reinstatement fee of $75.
Current as of November 1, 2022
Babcock Ranch/Jim Babcock, Sanger, TX
Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC
Thera Myers, Oxnard, CA Steed Training/ Rick Steed, Okeechobee, FL Jill Serena, Castaic, CA
Vernon Smith, Santa Maria, CA Dream Cross/Susan Ray, TX Lazy T Shamrock Ranch/ Terry Malarkey, Star, ID
Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL
Don Stockman, Dayton, TX
Kinsey Dodson, Cleburne, TX
Oasis Ranch/Pete & Marilyn Bowling Purcell, OK
Roy Hockensmith, Frankfort, KY
Brian & Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA
Rita F. Ward, Canyon, TX
Darren Roberts, Kent, NY
Chris Anderson Marietta, OK
Nov 26 - 27 GCCHA Cracker Classic 2022
Dec 1 - 4 NCRCHA December Show
HS, cat. 1 Sarasota, FL Gulf Coast CHA
HS, LAE, cat.1, cat.2 Winona, MN North Central RCHA
as of November 1, 2022
Claudia Nichols (772) 321-9637 claudia.horseshow@gmail.com
Jennifer Schueller (641) 590-1041 jenschueller21@gmail.com
Dec 2 - 4 Dorn Parkinson Memorial HS, cat. 1 Queen Creek, AZ Arizona RCHA Shawn Martin (623) 217-3879 emailmyentries@gmail.com
Jan 10-11 National Western Stock Show HS, LAE,cat.1 Denver, CO
Jan 15 - 16 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo HS Fort Worth, TX
Jan 21 - 26 Black Hills Stock Show HS, cat. 1 Rapid City, SD
Kelsey Nichols-Rhyne (661) 889-8059 knichols06@yahoo.com
Nelle Murphy (580) 276-0761 baldnshiney@hotmail.com
Ashley Kanaman (903) 274-6888 ashleykanaman@gmail.com
Feb 3 - 5 Celebration Warm Up HS, cat. 1 Abilene, TX South Texas RCHA Tina McCleary (979) 218-0633 tina.showentries@gmail.com
MARS EQUESTRIAN............................................174
MARTIN SADDLERY ............................................125
MATTHEWS CUTTING HORSES LLC ..................34/35
METALLIC REBEL..................................................21
MILLER INTERNATIONAL 3
MONCRIEF QUARTER HORSES ..............................89
NOBLE PANELS AND GATES BC
NUTRENA FEED DIVISION ...................................167
OKLAHOMA EQUINE HOSPITAL ...........................179
OLERICH, JILL
MARQUISS QUARTER HORSES..............................27
ROCKING
ROCKING
SMARTLIC
