Cowboy Up

from Reined Cowhorse August - September 2021

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A clinic at the Four Sixes Ranch brought together the showmanship of the NRCHA and the workmanship of wage-earning cowboys for a special event.

Story and Photography by Kate Bradley Byars

Early morning arrivals at the clinic included local riders as well as ranch hands from Colorado and Kansas. Above: The historic Four Sixes Ranch is home to a strong ranch horse breeding program that includes historic running Quarter Horse bloodlines such as Dash For Cash, immortalized in this statue. Right: Ashley Taylor, from Circle Bar Ranch in Truscott, Texas, and NRCHA Programs Manager Elizabeth Ellis, embody the friendly spirit of the weekend’s event.

Fifty-five riders participated in the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s 2021 Cowboy Clinic, hosted at the Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, June 19-20, 2021. The two-day event included a full day of herd work, rein work and fence work instruction that was followed by a mock horse show. Despite the hot temperatures, the attendees, clinicians and spectators were in for a cool treat at the iconic ranch.

In 2019, the NRCHA returned to its roots, conducting the first of two clinics focused on benefitting working ranch hands and cowboys wanting to move into the reined cow horse arena. The outcome of the clinics resulted in the inaugural Cowboy Class at the 2019 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, which provides wage-earning working cowboys a division tailored to their entry into the show pen. The Cowboy Clinic continued the association’s outreach.

Glenn Blodgett, DVM, opened the ranch’s horse facilities to clinic participants, and he coordinated a cowpuncher-style food truck, while also ensuring that horses and riders alike survived the Texas heat by staying hydrated. The historic ranch, which was founded in 1870 and owned by the Burnett Ranches LLC, annually has entries at NRCHA events, including the Snaffle Bit Futurity. It was the perfect host to meld the showmanship and higherlevel horsemanship of the arena with the athleticism and cow savvy ranch participants brought to the clinic.

Ranch cowboys and wage-earning day workers were invited to learn more about reined cow horse from professionals trainers such as NRCHA Hall of Fame and Two Million Dollar Rider

Clinic attendees not only learned from top NRCHA riders, they also met ranching legends like Boots O’Neal.

Horses and riders of all ages enjoyed a break from the West Texas heat and sun when working on fence work in the large covered arena. With Jordan Williams (left) and Terry Riddle looking on, participants worked the ranch’s cattle in the round cutting pen. There were three riding rotations: rein and herd work outside, and then fence work in a covered pen. Each rider learned in two areas before lunch, then one afterward.

Todd Crawford, the Four Sixes’ resident trainer, Terry Riddle, Ben Baldus, Robert Forst, NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Kelby Phillips and Jordan Williams. Crawford and Baldus teamed up to work on rein work, Riddle and Williams tackled herd work, and Phillips and Forst coached riders down the fence. On Sunday, for the mock show, Baldus served as the judge, ensuring riders could see how their run fared in the NRCHA judging system.

The ranching community is a natural fit for NRCHA to grow its membership base from while staying true to its traditional roots. Participants in this clinic and other cowboys and cowgirls have the chance to show in reined cow horse with their peers in the Cowboy Class that will be held at the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity this October.

With coaching from Kelby Phillips (shown here) and Robert Forst, riders boxed a cow then worked it down the fence. Even when not the focus of attention, other clinic participants were rapt to learn.

From left, NRCHA professionals Jordan Williams, Todd Crawford, Kelby Phillips, Robert Forst, Ben Baldus and Terry Riddle, the Four Sixes Ranch resident horse trainer, all gave their time to assist clinic participants in their desire to learn more about reined cow horse.

Western The Evening Session for Qualification for the Evening Session (Yearlings, Broodmares & Breeding Stallions) Qualified Yearlings, Broodmares & Breeding Stallions Yearling Requirements  Must be out of a mare with one of the following: • Won $100,000 • Open/Non-Pro World Champion • Won a Triple Crown Event Open/Non-Pro • Producer of -

- $200,000 in offspring earnings - Triple Crown Open / Non-Pro Event Champion - Open / Non-Pro World Champion Breeding Stallion Requirements

 HERDA test results required  Contact Jeremy Barwick Contact for  Must be nominated to the NCHA Super Stakes breeding stallion qualification breeding stallion qualification

Stallion Foal Program 254-485-2542 (cell)

 Radiographs required

(all yearlings / all sessions)

Limited to the First 60 Qualified Completed Entry Contracts Broodmare Requirements

 Must be 15 years of age or younger  Must be in foal or selling with an embryo  If oldest foal crop is less than 4 years old

must have won $100,000

 If oldest foal crop is at least 4 years old

must have produced earners of $100,000

 5 Panel Test Results required

(all broodmares / all sessions)

WesternNCHA Futurity Sales AllWeek! December 6th - 11th -Now Accepting Consignments for All Sales NCHA Futurity 2-Year-Old Sale 2-Year-Olds on Cattle Nominated to 2022 NCHA Futurity Absolute Catalog Deadline - September 24th Will Rogers Equestrian Center, Fort Worth, Texas