SouthWest Horse Trader - January 2023 Issue

elcome to the January 2023 Issue of SouthWest Horse Trader. We have reach 25 years. Wow, that’s a lot of monthly deadlines met. At the end of December and beginning of January, I did something I never do; I took some time off. I needed to take a step back and reevaluate. I think this is important for everyone to do this at some point. Are you happy? Do you enjoy your job? Are their things that need to be changed? New location? New goals? Some months we are guilty of getting caught up in social media and following the fabulous lives and accomplishments of people we really don’t know and seeing only the parts that they want you to see.

I saw one post that women were discussing Yellowstone’s Rip and Beth and their great marriage and how perfect Rip was to Beth and why their boyfriend or husband didn’t get it. Let me yell for those in the back of the room. Rip is a TV character on a TV show. There is no marriage. He is purely a fantasy husband married to a fantasy wife and reads the lines and acts the scene that some writer cooked up behind the scenes.

Even more disturbing is there are companies that have very little knowledge or care for the western culture, advertising that they are bringing the western culture to the masses. Those same companies, using huge sums of cash incentives, have manipulated organizations and exhibitors in believing that they are serving their best interest. In reality, they have diverted funds to a new venture to meet the needs of their business model.

I’m not sure of the future of the horse industry for the next 25 years. It is going down a very different path. Some industries are thriving in this new journey while others are scratching their heads and scrambling to survive.

Horse showing has reached all new heights of elitism with those in the middle and lower divisions unable to afford the cost to show. They may entice you with lower entry fees or larger purses, but stalls, office fees, etc make up the difference. And only the top exhibitors will benefit from lower entry fees and larger purses. The rest are merely making a donation.

The horse sale market is still strong. Huge numbers were posted for the Futurity/World show sales. Even monthly sales are still strong. Finding a hidden gem to develop is going to cost even a budget conscious buyer. At the same time, I see an increase in horses handing out in front pastures needing groceries. The high cost of living is driving owners to divert funds to just pay their bills.

With eggs over $5/dozen, bills soaring, and major job layoffs across the country certainly feeds the speculation of an upcoming depression economy in 2023. How will this affect the stability of the horse market? Only time will tell. w

The Dressage Foundation (TDF) is pleased to announce a grant from the Cynthia Aspden Youth and Young Adult Development Fund has been awarded to Lindsey Parker of Aurora, TX. This Fund provides up to $1,000 of financial assistance to youth and young adult riders (age 25&U) to aid in their development in dressage.

Lindsey has been riding dressage for 17 years after starting out in the hunter/jumper world. As a teenager, she trained her Welsh Cob to Prix St. Georges and is mostly self-taught. She earned her USDF gold medal at 16 years old and recently moved to Texas from Oregon. Her goal for 2023 is to get back into the show ring and spend more time as a student of dressage. Lindsey plans to use her grant funding to attend a clinic with FEI 5* judge Lilo Fore. Lindsey hopes to use her education from the clinic to share with her students and to support them through a journey of horsemanship.

Lindsey said, “Receiving TDF’s Cynthia Aspden Fund grant secures me the opportunity to strengthen and continue my dressage education with one of the greatest dressage figures out there, Lilo Fore. Thank you so much to the donors for aiding this grant, and to TDF for organizing and providing the opportunity.”

Cynthia Aspden was known as the “go-towoman” throughout her dressage community, giving freely of her time and experience to whomever needed it. Before Cynthia passed away in 2011, she made it clear that her estate gift was to be used to help youth riders in dressage. She felt that this group of riders needed to become horsemen, not just riders, as their foundation is critical for the growth of the sport.

The Cynthia Aspden Fund grant application is available on TDF’s website. For more information, visit www.dressagefoundation.org or contact Sara Weiss, Director of Grants and Programs, at (402)434-8585 / sara@dressagefoundation.org w

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The SouthWest Horse Trader is published 12 times a year by Equine Publishing Concepts, Inc. w

Ashley Maul scores 70% to claim top billing in the AA Grand Prix Freestyle at the US Dressage Finals riding Adiah HP.

That's a wrap on the 2022 AQHA World Shows which awarded more than $2 million in purse, prizes and coveted gold globes.

SOUTHWEST HORSE TRADER

In The News

TDF Announces Receipient of Cynthia Aspden Development Grant. . .4

Flarida Wins 2022 NRHA Futurity Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Angelone Takes Home the Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Married Couple do the Double at US Dressage Finals . . . . . . . . . . .9

Kinsel Wins 4th World; Morgan Capures Average. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Clutter & Schumacher Split NRHA Futurity Non Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

AQHA & Select World Championship Shows Wrap Up . . . . . . . . . . .15

On Our Cover

Martha Angelone takes the World Breakaway title after a successful National Finals Breakaway Roping. WPRA

Photo by Jackie Jensen. w

Texas Arena League Announces 2023 Dates & Locations. . . . . . . . . .18

What to do if Your Pet is Bitten By a Snake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Ruminating on Grain Overload; Avoiding Rumen Acidosis . . . . . . . .25

Alfalfa Cubes Recalled by FDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs Do You Need?. . . . . . . . . . . .26

Horse Judging Team Members Reflect on Their 2022 Season. . . . . . .27

Courtesy The American QH Journal by Shane Rux

Courtesy USDF bySusan J. Stickle

Flarida Wins 2022 NRHA Futurity Open

When Andiamoe hit the entrance to the Jim Norick Coliseum, the crowd was already cheering. They’d watched the absolutely masterful go-rounds, where Shawn Flarida and the royally bred mare had marked 228.5 and 224.5. They knew what they were in store for.

When Flarida hit the first stop, the crowd was so loud he wasn’t sure Andiamoe heard him. Regardless, Andiamoe knew the drill, sliding to a stop and scooting her way back to the center. From there, she riled the crowd up even further. On his final stop, Flarida’s smile was visible from the back gate.

As the score of 230 rang out over the audience, Flarida earned his seventh NRHA Open Futurity Championship and a payday of $350,000. With the win, he had launched himself squarely into the mix for The American Performance Horseman.

“She’s a very happy horse. I just tried to stay out of her way,” Flarida said. “She’s so determined, and she’s so confident. Sometimes I’ve just got to be there to pet her and tell her, ‘Hey, you did good.’ Very seldom do I ever have to tell her to work harder. We do a lot of petting and a lot of walking.”

Flarida called Andiamoe a clone of her mother, NRHA Million Dollar Dam Wimpys Little Chic. Flarida earned his fourth Futurity Championship on the palomino in 2007. To make the feat more impressive, Flarida

“Andiamoe is just so special. She’s amazing,” Flarida said.

Andiamoe was bred, nominated, and owned by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses.

Flarida credited his steady mindset throughout the intense week to his family, saying his son Sam Flarida is the one who coaches him throughout the process.

“From the time I get my chaps on to the time I go in, he says some of the most important things to me,” Flarida said. “Tonight, he told me to move my hand slow, to trust myself, ‘This is yours. You’ve been building yourself up to do this, and your horse is ready, and she looks cool.’ He was very instrumental in making sure I got through that gate.”

Flarida said the list of those to thank would be too long for the page, but those at the top included his family, friends, wife, Sam, and his owners.

“And my horse. She is absolutely amazing,” he said.

Finishing as the Level 4 Open Reserve Champions were Customize My Dream and NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary. The pair put together a solid 228.5 run, earning a cool $150,000 for owner Devin Warren. Customize My Dream, by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum

earned an NRHA Open Futurity Championship on Andiamoe’s father, as well, NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya.

Courtesy NRHA, by Carolyn Simancik

Shawn Flarida & Andiamoe

ANGELONE TAKES HOME THE GOLD Champions crowned at Wrangler NFBR

After crisscrossing the US figuring out how to get from rodeo to rodeo, the best breakaway ropers in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) showcased their talents at the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR).

This is the third year for the championship event and the third location. It was held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX, in 2020. Last year it moved to Las Vegas and was at The Orleans Arena. The South Point Arena is playing host to this year’s competition and the first day did not disappoint.

The stars aligned in rounds two and three for Samantha Fulton, a first-time qualifier from Miller, SD. The first calf that she ran in her first Wrangler NFBR didn’t go as planned and she got a no-time. She came back and won the next two with 2.0 and 2.1 second runs. Those two

a no-time in the fifth round on Tuesday and is hoping for more round wins.

Shelby Boisjoli from Stephenville, TX has command of the overall standings after having roped five calves in 12.4 seconds. She has won $16,565 so far. She placed second in the first and third round and tied for second in the second and fifth.

The native of Canada is one of a select group of women who is making her third appearance at breakaway roping’s championships. A year ago, she came into the competition in the top spot and finished as the reserve world champion. She started this year’s event in sixth place and is working her way up as the most consistent cowgirl here.

Taylor Munsell, the 2019 college champion from Alva, OK, set the pace in round six at 2.1 seconds for her second win in the 10-head competition. Munsell also tied with J.J. Hampton for the win in round 10. It was the first time in 2022 that Hampton got to make the victory lap, but the third final round win for the veteran roper from Stephenville. She also won round 10 in 2020 and 2021.

NFBR Overall winners: (total on 10)

• 1: Cadee Williams, Weatherford, TX, 31.90, $13,866.

• 2: Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, TX, 40.1, $11,250. (on 9)

• 3: Cheyenne Guillory, Kingston, OK, $8,895.

• 4: Beau Peterson, Council Grove, KS, 36.3, $6,541.

• 5: Erin Johnson, Fowler, CO, 43.40, $4,709.

• 6: Joey Williams, Volborg, MT, 50.5, $3,401.

• 7: Josie Conner, Iowa, LA, 51.7, $2,355.

• 8: Taylor Munsell, Alva, OK, 19.9, $1,308. (on 8)

$130,303 and earned her first world title.

“This is awesome,” Angelone said. “I left Virginia with nothing. When they started adding breakaway roping to the pro rodeos, I set a goal to go to as many as I could, win as much as I could and get a world title.”

Cadee Williams from Weatherford, TX, won the event championship by roping 10 calves in 31.9 seconds to get the second most prestigious title in rodeo. Williams grew up in Montana as Cadee Tew, married a Texan and now she and her family spend summers in Montana and compete at rodeos there.

checks added $11,660 to her earnings.

“That was amazing,” she said. “It was a lot of fun. I was super excited to come out here.”

This is the first time that Fulton has roped 10 head in a single competition. She also got

Round seven saw Joey Williams break the 2.0 second mark. Williams, from Volborg, MT, stopped the clock in 1.9 seconds for the win. Round eight got even faster as world standings leader Martha Angelone got the win at 1.8. That added $5,080 to her impressive earnings and put the seal on her 2022 world championship. It also earned her the Betty Gayle Copper Fast Time Award from the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. She finished the season with

We all knew that Martha was going to win it (the world title) so going for the average was the next goal.” Williams said. “My mare is just seven years old, so this was a real test. We do this as a family, so it’s a win for the whole family.”

The big money winner in the South Point Arena was Cheyanne Guillory, from Kingston, OK, who collected $27,037. w

WPRA

Photos by Jackie Jensen

WPRA

Photos by Jackie Jensen

WPRA

Photos by Jackie Jensen

Martha Angelone

Cadee Williams

Samantha Fulton

NRHA Open Futurity

Chic Dream out of Gunna Be Custom, was nominated by Garth Hystad, who received $7,500.

Rounding out the top three and earning $100,000 was Abby Lengel and her horse Bringnthaheat. Lengel bred, nominated, raised, and trained the talented mare by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six out of Tackie Dreams.

Level 3 Open Champions

Drawing last in the MS Diamonds Level 4 Open Finals is a coup, and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Matt Mills planned to capitalize on it. He knew the scores to beat, so when he rode into the Jim Norick Coliseum on Walla Be A Bigstar, he did so with authority.

From the very first stop to the last, it was clear Mills and the flashy palomino stallion were true contenders. Unfortunately, a bobble on a rollback sparked a judges’ review, and Mills had to sweat.

Once the review was over, his score – a 222 – was announced. It was enough to not only win the Level 3 Open Championship but also good for seventh in the L4. That meant that Mills had won the $70,000 check for first in the Level 3 and an additional $52,634 for the L4.

“I’m just really happy for that horse. He’s incredible – we had that darn rollback, but I’m really, really pleased with this incredible horse,” Mills said.

Walla Be A Big Star, by ARC Gunnabeabigstar and out of Smart Little Walla, was bred and nominated by Danny Dalton. He was trained and started by Garrett Thurner, who was showing the horse at the Kimes Ranch Tulsa Reining Classic when he first came on Mills’ radar.

“I saw him showing that week, and I could see the horse was just oozing talent. I went right to Garrett and asked him if I could

be first in line. I got a chance to try that horse there and bought him. Garrett did a phenomenal job training that horse, and I didn’t have a lot of time between here and Tulsa, but I’ve typically done pretty well in that situation,” Mills shared. “What a horse he is! I’m not going to lie – during that review, I was holding my breath wondering if we’d be drinking to celebrate or to cry.”

Making the win even more special for

Mills was that Walla Be A Bigstar is owned by his longtime clients, Tim and Marybeth Ruckman. “I’m so happy for them. They have always supported me. I also thank my other owners, including Janice Dickson and Taylor Sheridan. It’s a team effort, and it took us all to get the horse here tonight.”

Tying for reserve in the Level 3 were Martin Larcombe and Jordan Larson, who each marked 221.5.

Larcombe, who passed the million-dollar mark in earnings during the NRHA Futurity, rode Vincent Van Whoa, a stallion he owns with Andrea Costa. Vincent Van Whoa, by Spooks Gotta Gun out of FM Master Tag Chex, was also bred and nominated by Kim Adamic, who received $2,125. Larcombe and Vincent Van Whoa also finished second in the Open Prime Time for total earnings of $44,076.

Larson and HA Tune Of A Mobster took second in the Level 3 and tied for eighth in the Level 4 for total earnings of $83,964. HA Tune Of A Mobster, by HF Mobster out of HA Lena Smart Tune, was nominated by Hillis Akin Family Partnership, who received $4,198, and is now owned by Heritage Farms.

Level 2 Open Champions

Guglielmo Fontana and CD Gunnas Chex Olena earned the most frequent flier miles when traveling to Oklahoma City to compete in the NRHA Futurity. The pair made it count, putting together solid runs all week. With a 219.5 in the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals, they ended the week as the Level 2 Open Champions. They also finished tied for ninth in the Level 3 and 14th in the Level 4 for total earnings of $78,957.

CD Gunnas Chex Olena, by ARC Gunna Sparkya and out of Mistis Chex Olena, was nominated and is owned by Società Agricola CD Horses SRL.

“I’m really happy with my horse. He gave me everything. For me, it’s a dream to be here, and I’m really proud for me and my horse,” Fontana shared. “This is a dream because this is my first time to show here in the states. We decided to come here three months ago, so this is something very special. To just be here tonight, it’s like I won.”

Fontana thanked both Matteo Rondanina and Francesco Martinotti. “Matteo arranged the flight for myself and my horse, and then after showing in Ardmore, I moved my horse to Francesco Martinotti’s,” he explained. “I say

Courtesy NRHA, by Carolyn Simancik

Courtesy NRHA, by Carolyn Simancik

Matt Mills & Walla Be A Bigstar

Guglielmo Fontana & CD Gunnas Chex Olena

Married Couple Do the Double On Opening Day of US Dressage Finals

Competitors flooded into the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2022 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® for the opening day of the show on November 10. The national showcase – which competitors qualify for via Regional Championships in nine USDF regions – offers a wealth of championship titles and over $120,000 in prize money. Competition runs through Sunday, November 13.

It was an extraordinary day for one family in particular, with husband-and-wife duo Anartz Chanca and Marta Renilla both claiming championship titles. Not only did they both win, but they were each riding a horse originally intended for the other.

The first of the 2022 titles went to Chanca, who rode his own Oldenburg gelding Dazzle to an unassailable 66.765% in the Intermediate II Adult Amateur class. At 10 years old, the son of Danone I out of a Londonderry dam was the youngest horse in the field of nine starters. They scored sevens across the board from the three judges for general impression, which carries a double coefficient.

This is the second time in two years that the pair have come away with a championship win, having topped the Amateur Intermediate I Freestyle in 2021. Chanca’s rise from Training Level to Big Tour has been meteoric. His background was in endurance horses in his native Spain – and he had a stint as a jumper – but in 2013, he went down the centerline for the first time and has never looked back.

“I’m feeling very proud of Dazzle,” enthused Chanca, who is based with his wife at her family’s Woodlands Equestrian Club in Tomball, Texas. “He felt great in the arena. He’s only 10, so it’s his first year at Inter II and Grand Prix, so I’m very happy with him. This year he qualified for the Developing Grand Prix Horse at Lamplight, but he developed crazy hives which got out of control in a matter of hours, and we had to scratch. I was really worried about him. Just the fact that he qualified for this and that he’s here and healthy and going strong – I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Dazzle was originally bought for Renilla but was then sold to a junior rider. A few years later Chanca had the opportunity to buy the horse back and jumped at the chance.

“I always thought he was a heck of horse, and now he’s not going anywhere. I made that mistake once already,” grinned Chanca, who will also contest the AA Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle classes at this year’s Finals. “Being here is such a pleasure and

a gift. We have such busy lives, with kids, the horses, and my job [he is the president of the American subsidiary of an Italian company that manufactures truck parts]. We love this show; ever since we became U.S. citizens in 2018, we haven’t missed it.”

Renilla captured the Third Level Open championship riding her family’s German-bred Zalando M.R. to 73.25%, chased closely by the reserve champion Martin Kuhn, who was just 0.083% behind. It was only the third show for Renilla and Zalando as the horse had to undergo major surgery.

“My husband bought him in Germany as a project, but then he had to have surgery that took him out of business for a year,” she explained. “He had a cyst that we didn’t spot in Germany, so we had to put four screws in his hock. I started riding him as a seven-year-old at the beginning of the year, but he felt more like a four-year-old.

“I slowly developed him on the basics and when he got strong, the movements came effortlessly to him. I waited until just

before regionals to qualify, then my second show ever with him was regionals and now here we are at Third and Fourth Level and we’re champions,” added Renilla, who rates the horse as a phenomenal Grand Prix prospect. “He’s a horse that gives you 300% – almost too much sometimes. I was so impressed how he stayed with me through the whole test despite his inexperience. That shows our relationship, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have this guy in my life.”

Zalando is by Blue Hors Zack out of a Rubinstein dam, and “he combines dad’s power and hotness with the rideability of the Rubinstein line,” adds Renilla. “He’s really a special horse. Even though he was bought mainly for my husband, I stole the ride on him after the surgery, and now he’s saying he might steal him back, but I say, ‘No!’ His horse Dazzle was my horse, but he wasn’t my cup of tea.”

The couple plan to celebrate their monumental day with an early night – “a real treat” for them given their hectic home lives, full barn, and three children. w

Susan J. Stickle

Anartz Chanca & Dazzle

Anartz Chanca & Dante Rubin M.R.

Marta Renilla & Zalando M.R.

Austin based Bobby Covington & Carlson

Kelsey Broecker, Dallas, & Bravado

Susan J. Stickle

NRHA Open Futurity Cont

from page 8

a really big thank you to both of them.”

Now Fontana plans to return home, which is in Italy. “We will see with the horse. Maybe we will come back next year. I don’t know yet; I have to speak about it with the owner,” he said.

Tying for second in the Level 2 were Chuy Chavez on Post Palone and Rodrigo Nieves on Spook Lil Whiz. Each marked a score of 218.5.

Post Palone, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Blazed By Commander, is owned by Electric Shine Equine. The colt earned $20,000, with $1,000 going to breeder and nominator Alan Chappell.

Nieves and Spook Lil Whiz, by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Lil Dreamer, qualified for the Finals in Levels 4, 3, and 2, earning a total of $$44,897. Spooks Lil Whiz is owned by Renata Lemannwas nominated by NRHA Professional Eduardo Salgado, who passed away earlier this year.

Level 1 Open Champions

Graddytude lived up to her name in the NRHA Open Futurity Finals, bringing home the Level 1 Championship from the first section of Open Finals Saturday, Dec. 3. The pair scored a 216.5

and earned $13,000 for the Level 1.

“She’s a really good-minded horse,” rider Ethan Wiley said. “There is nothing that she doesn’t try to think through. Her strength, to me, is that she’s a team player.”

Graddytude is owned by Lisa and Mark Doering and was teamed up with Willey a few months prior to the Futurity.

“She’s gotten better the whole way [including] when we got to this horse show,” Wiley said. “Today, she was like a machine, and I was able to chase her in the circles. The faster we went, the better she was.”

Sired by Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Miss Little Addy Tude. She was bred and nominated by Toyon Ranch.

“I showed her at the Southwest before this, and we had a couple of turn penalties, [plus] her rollbacks were a little rough. So, we had some stuff we had to clean up,” Willey said. “Our plan [today] was to go in there and either make it or break it. I really thought I made a mistake on my first stop – I missed my timing a little bit – but that mare is so good that she saved me on that.”

Willey thanked Danny and Fred Tremblay, Mike Flarida, and wife Angie Willey.

For full results, visit NRHAFuturity.com w

Kinsel Wins 4th World; Morgan Captures Average

One year ago, Hailey Kinsel left the Thomas and Mack a little disappointed after her streak of world titles came to an end, but she was determined to not leave empty handed in 2022.

Kinsel, of Cotulla, TX, entered her sixth Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge ranked fifth but after five round wins, including the 10th, she is once again at the top of the barrel racing world with $302,172.

“This one is hard to put into words,” stated Kinsel moments after winning the 2022 WPRA World Champion Barrel Racing title. “This one is emotional. It was a different year in some ways than the last couple. Coming in chasing is a little bit fun but also a little bit of pressure. I made some errors this week and my horse so oh well and fixed it for me. She is amazing.

“Last year after making a mistake in the 10th round I wanted to make sure I didn’t do that twice, so just tried to learn from it and gosh it has been an incredible year for everyone. We had the most amazing group of women here and what a year Jordon (Briggs) had.”

Kinsel, turned in the fastest time of the NFR in the ninth round in a time of 13.34 seconds and she and Sister returned on Saturday night to win the round in another fast time of 13.35 seconds.

All totaled Kinsel won $182,783 in Las Vegas, the most of all barrel racers.

Shelley Morgan came to Las Vegas with a goal of having 10 clean runs and she did exactly that in championship form. Morgan won her first NFR average title in a time of 137.28 seconds. She was making her fourth appearance and came in ranked sixth. She finished the year third in the world with $265,030.

Jordon Briggs finished as the reserve world champion after finishing fourth in the average in a time of 142.41 seconds and won $96,741 during the 10 days in Las Vegas.

WPRA Rookie of the Year Bayleigh Choate was the only other barrel racer to have 10 clean runs and finished second in the average in a time of 138.98 seconds.

Margo Crowther was honored before the 10th round performance with the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award presented by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. She received a custom bracelet and a $5,000 bonus check. w

Courtesy NRHA, by Carolyn Simancik

WPRA Photos by Springer

WPRA Photos by Springer

Ethan Wiley & Graddytude

Hailey Kinsel & Sister

Shelley Morgan Claims Average

Clutter & Schumacher Split NRHA Futurity Non Pro

The Jim Norick Coliseum was rocking on Friday, Dec.2, for the Finals of the 2022 National Reining Horse Association CINCH Non Pro Futurity. The night was filled with all the emotions one could want in a finals, and the roar of the crowd indicated its approval.

William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom put on a show on Friday night in the Jim Norick Coliseum, marking a 222.5 to tie for the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Championship and take sole ownership of the wins in Levels 1, 2, and 3. All totaled, the pair won $119,895, with $5,994 going to nominator Alicia Rapp.

While Clutter was the man at the reins, he was adamant he wasn’t the only one in the arena.

“Kelle Smith and I have worked together all year, every day. I ride six days a week with Kelle and Sam,” Clutter said, speaking of two-time NRHA Non Pro Futurity Champion Kelle Smith, who passed away earlier this week but not before qualifying for yet another Non Pro Finals. “Kelle told me all year long that we’re Team Smith and that if I stumbled, she would pick me up, and if she stumbled, I would help her up.”

He took a pause and collected his thoughts. “Tonight, we helped each other. There is no doubt that Kelle took care of me tonight. It wasn’t easy seeing her horse in the arena tonight during the memorial. She earned it, and she deserved that, so it meant the world to me to be there for Sam. This wasn’t about me. This was for my friends, Sam and Kelle,” he said. “I’m just honored to be the guy that got to go in there and do this for them.”

Clutter and the flashy mare, by Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Green Smokin Jacket, ran into the arena with authority.

“I wanted to get in that gate, and I wanted to let the judges know I came to play. This mare was a 21 in the first round, and I knew there was a little more in the tank, and I needed every bit of it. I also needed some luck and some help,” he said. “And I definitely had luck and help tonight.”

Clutter and his father, Jay, purchased Smokinintheboyzroom a year ago, the Sunday after the Open Futurity Finals, from Max Morin. “We watched her work for five minutes, and it was a no-brainer,” he recalled.

“I think now she’s going to get a little time off to eat some grass, and we’re going to try to get some embryos out of her. Her heart is so big, and I know what she’s going to produce. We’ll get these babies and get her ready later on in the year, but right now, we’re just going take her home, pet on her, love on her, and get a couple babies.”

Clutter made sure to thank the people closest to him. “My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. I thank my wife, my kids…and, like I said, Sam and Kelle mean the world to me. She and Sam pushed me, and didn’t take any less. Also, Max did an awesome job with this mare as a two-year-old. He told me ‘You did amazing,’ but I said, ‘No, we did amazing. You put the first year on her. We finished her up and I got her shown. It was a team effort all the way.”

Tying for second in the Level 3 with scores of 220 were Indy Roper on Pretty Alrightt and Charles Wiederholt on Ima Magnum Survivor.

Roper and Pretty Alrightt, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire WImpys Little Step out of Justanother Dun It, also finished fourth in the Level 4 for total earnings of $44,593. Pretty Alrightt, owned by Tim Roper, was nominated by Lewisville Development, LP, who received $2,229 of the earnings.

Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Golden Survivor, also finished fourth in the Level 4 and won the Non Pro Prime Time for total earnings of $46,784, with $2,229 going to nominator Deana Nell.

Molly Morgenstern took the Level 2 Non Pro Reserve Championship on Aphrodites Gotvoodoo with a 217.5. The pair also finished just outside the top 10 in the Level 4 and fourth in the Level 3, for total earnings of $29,592. Aphrodites Gotvoodoo is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of One Might Aphrodite and was nominated by Double Run Farm, who was awarded $1,479.

There was another tie for Reserve, but this time in the Level 1, between Drew Collins and Chalyce Head, who both marked a 215.

Collins rode Miss Lil Joe, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash out of Custom Tag. Collins and the mare earned $11,918 thanks to additional placings in Levels 3 and 2. The mare was nominated by Darling 888 Ranch, who received $595.

Courtesy NRHA, by Carolyn Simancik

William Clutter & Smokinintheboyzroom

Gina-Marie Schumacher & Gunnin For The Night

Head teamed up with Whiz I Was A Walla, by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz out of My Tucker Surprize, to not only take the L1 reserve co-title but also place in Levels 2, 3, and 4. All totaled, the pair earned $18,088, with $904 going to nominator Jenna Kellmer.

Non Pro Futurity Level 4 Co-Champion

Gina-Marie Schumacher captured her first NRHA Non-Pro Futurity Title Friday night, Dec. 2, during a high-energy CINC Non Pro Finals. Marking a 222.5, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Schumacher tied with William Clutter for the win. Schumacher earned $60,000 for the feat and an additional $28,707 on her other two horses.

“I just rode,” Schumacher said of Gunnin For The Night. “I didn’t want to push him too much because he decides what he wants to do. I was going to go with what he wanted to do.”

The night before the finals, Schumacher wasn’t pleased with how ‘Bucky’ rode. So, her expectations were up in the air as she ran down the alley in the Jim Norick Arena.

“I was thinking, ‘That [stop] was pretty good.’ And then after his first turn, I thought, ‘Well, that’s OK,’ and after the second turn, I thought, ‘Well, it’s over. I messed up; I’ll keep riding,’” Schumacher said.

Schumacher navigated through the pattern just as she had done on her other two horses, CS O Bingo (Snip O Lution x Bingo Juicy) and CS Face The Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Face Of A Gun Model), but a bobble in her second turn had her thinking she was out of it.

The judges thought otherwise – tying her with Clutter.

Gunnin For The Nite is a gelding bred and nominated by Toyon Ranch, who received a nominating check for $3,000. He’s owned by XCS Ranch LLC and sired by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Dun It Fri Dee Nite.

According to Schumacher, Gunnin For The Night is a special and opinionated horse that gets upset easily. If he gets riled up during a training session, Schumacher shelves training for the next day.

“He has his own way of doing things sometimes. He’s very special, he can get upset about little things you don’t expect a horse to get upset about. Like there is a guy taking out the trash across the arena,” Schumacher said.

Despite his idiosyncrasies, the colt, nicknamed Bucky, surely redeemed himself with a $60,000 check.

“I thank everybody. The whole crew – they’ve been working hard all year,” Schumacher said. “They’ve been exhausted, tired, and they just keep pushing. I thank Ian, my mom, and my dad.”

Non Pro Prime Time Futurity Champion

The CINCH Non Pro Prime Time Futurity Championship went to Charles Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor with a score of 221.5. For the win, Wiederholt earned $2,190. The pair also won fourth in the Level 4, for total earnings of $46,784, with $2,229 going to breeder and nominator Deana Nell.

“I got him in August of his 2-year-old year, and he was a really green two-year-old. I gelded him and started training on him, and he’s trained up really well,” Weiderholt said. “He’s good in his mouth, and when they’re good in their mouth, it seems like they’re easy to train.”

Throughout the pattern, Wiederholt said Ima Magnum Survivor, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Golden Survivor, was with him every step of the way.

“I thank Dallas Cunningham and Brandon Freihait,” Wiederholt said.

Non Pro Youth Champion

Lane Colston brought home the CINCH Non Pro Youth Championship on HA Chic with a score of 219.5, worth $1,316. The pair finished seventh in the Level 4 as well, worth an additional $19,023 in earnings. Breeder and nominator, Hills Akin Family Partnership, received $951.

“My trainer, Jake Ballard, said, ‘Just put your hand down and go show your horse. It’s either going to go well, or it’s not,’” Colston said.

HA Chic was with Colston every step of the way, loping off with his head down and letting Colston wrap his legs around him.

“My dad bought him as a yearling, and I told him I didn’t know why he bought him,” Colston recalled. “[Later] I told him, ‘I’m glad you bought him because he’s the best 3-yearold this year.’ He’s really talented, and he’s a great horse. When we started him, he was a bit smaller, but he’s growing to be a nice horse.”

HA Chic, owned by Lane’s father, Kevin, is sired by HF Mobster and out of HA Chic A Tune. The colt is a graduate of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales.

“I thank my parents and Jake Ballard, our trainer. And everyone else who has helped along the way,” Colston said. w

Courtesy NRHA, by Carolyn Simancik

Courtesy NRHA, by Carolyn Simancik

Charles Wiederholt & Ima Magnum Survivor

Lane Colston & HA Chic

AQHA & Select World Championship Shows Wrap-Up

That’s a wrap on a successful AQHA World Championship Show! The 2022 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show; AQHA Select World Championship Show, presented by Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan); Adequan® Level 2 Championships; and Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champions saw more than 7,500 entries and 281 first-time exhibitors compete for 268 championship titles, 104 Farnam AQHA world championships, 44 Adequan® Select world championships, 106 Adequan® Level 2 championships and 14 Nutrena Level 1 Champion of Champion titles, plus, more than $2 million in purse, prizes and the coveted gold globes at this year’s event, October 27 - November 19.

Oklahoma City Leading Owner

The Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau Leading Owner is awarded to the owner who has the highest number of points accumulated for their horses entered at the Farnam AQHA World in both Level 3 and Adequan® Level 2 classes across the amateur and open divisions. The owner must have three horses entered at the show to be eligible. This year’s Oklahoma City Leading Owner is Dan Fox of Chino, California. Fox earned 122 points with 11 American Quarter Horses during the show. The American Quarter Horse Journal Reserve Leading Owner is Josh Weakly of Shelbyville, Illinois, who earned 95 points.

Farnam AQHA Superhorse

For three weeks, the top exhibitors and their American Quarter Horses competed at the World Championship Show ending November 19. The Farnam Superhorse title is awarded to the horse that earns the most points in three or more Level 3 events in three categories during the show.

The 2022 Farnam AQHA Superhorse is Hez Blazin Trouble owned by Bonnie Sheren of Studio City, California. The 2015 sorrel gelding, by RL Best Of Sudden and out of Troubles A Blazin, was bred by Stanley and Susan Scott of Ocala, Florida. In the Superhorse race, Hez Blazin Trouble earned 44 points and was shown by Texans AQHA Professional Horsemen Jason Martin, Pilot Point; Ross Roark,

Andrews; and Sarah Hauer, Pilot Point. Hez Blazin Trouble received an original Lisa Perry bronze and a $30,000 Cimarron award certificate, good toward the purchase of a Cimarron trailer.

The Reserve Nothin But Nett, is owned by Susan Johns of Scottsdale, Arizona. The 2017 brown stallion, by Machine Made and out of KM Hot Number, was bred by Bret and Candy Parrish from Pavo, Georgia. Nothin But Nett earned 38 points.

Placing third is Hot Lopin Lily, owned by Caroline Cavallo of Gillespie, Illinois. The 2017 bay mare, by RL Best Of Sudden and out of Shes A Lopin Machine, was bred by Twylla Lynn Brown from Perry, Missouri. Hot Lopin Lily earned 35 points.

Placing fourth is Strutin To The Blues, owned by Rodger Call of Midway, Utah. The 2016 gray gelding, by Strutin On The Range and out of Dance To The Blues, was bred by Olivia Hoecker from Alachua, Florida. Strutin To The Blues earned 31.5 points.

Placing fifth is Snap It Send It, owned by Evon M. Werner of Paradise Valley, Arizona. The 2016 gray mare, by VS Code Red and out of Snap Krackle Pop, was bred by Twylla Lynn Brown from Perry, Missouri. Snap It Send It earned 25 points.

The third- through fifth-place Farnam AQHA Superhorses each receive $2,500.

Farnam All-Around Amateur

The 2022 Farnam AQHA All-Around Amateur Award is presented to the exhibitor and horse team that earns the most points in three or more Level 3 amateur events in three categories during the show.

The 2022 AQHA All-Around Amateur is Morgan Ratkowski of Pleasant View, Tennessee, showing Better Buy The Minit. The 2005 bay gelding by Do You Have A Minute and out of Tickle My Asset, was bred by Kramer/Davis of Reddick, Florida. Ratkowski and Better Buy The Minit earned 51 points. Ratkowski

received a prize package that included a neck wreath, $10,000 and a Lisa Perry Bronze.

The reserve is Mallory Vroegh of Grimes, Iowa, who showed Cool Made Machine, owned by AQHA Professional Horsewoman Shannon Walker. The 2017 bay gelding by Machine Made and out of Cool Krymsun Lady, was bred by Knapp Quarter Horse Farms LC of Van Meter, Iowa. The duo earned 37 points. Vroegh received $5,000 and a silver cup.

In third-place is Johnna Letchworth of Christine, North Dakota, who showed On The Roks. The 2016 chestnut gelding by The Rock and out of Good Girl Rosy was bred by Angela and Susan Clark of Sweet Home, Oregon. Letchworth and On The Roks earned 24 points.

The fourth-place is Sara Poppleton of Largo, Florida, who showed Un Forgettab Lee. The 2015 bay gelding by Un Forgettable out of Big Wolf (TB) was bred by Laura Te Grotenhuis of Marshall, Illinois. Poppleton and Un Forgettab Lee earned 22 points.

The fifth-place is Melissa Wahrmund of Kerrville, Texas, who showed Krymsun Kryptonite owned by Barbara D Gonzalez. The 2012 brown gelding by One Hot Krymsun and out of Sweet Talkin Jeannie was bred by Rick

Courtesy The American QH Journal by Shane Rux

AQHA SUPERHORSE Hez Blazin Trouble

Morgan Ratkowski & Better By The Minit

Courtesy The American QH Journal by Shane Rux

by Laura

American Cutting Horse Association hosted its 2022 Championship Show November 9-12, at Bell County Expo Center in Belton. When the dust settled, year-end champions included Catchyalater (Open/Mark Johnson/Ben Johnson and $50K Non-Pro/Mark Johnson), Paul Myers (Non-Pro), Martha Wilson (Sr-Non-Pro), Hot N Flashie ($25K-Nov-Horse/Camille Abbott/Cletus Hulling), The Miracle Ligiht ($25K-Nov-HorseNon-Pro/Jennifer Bowers), LH Karaeoke ($5K-NH/Eddie Bourke), Stephanie McGilvray ($1K-Nov-Rider), Wade Minter ($2500-Nov-Rider), Clara Keath (Sr-Youth), and Morgan Thornton (Jr-Youth). At the awards banquet, folks recognized included Martha Wilson (Member HOF), Cletus Hulling (OpenRider-HOF), Non-Pro-Riders HOF (Ryan Smith, Lynn Glover, Chris Woods, and Jana Lowe), Butch Lott (Hi-Pt-Open-Rider), Jennifer Bowers (Hi-Pt-Non-Pro), Catchyalater (Hi-Pt-Horse-of-the-Year/Mark Johnson & Ben Johnson), Dorothy Lemecha (Benn Todd Award), Bobbie Sue Shore and Kelsey Conn (NP-HOF/Over $75K-earnings), Stephanie McGilvray (Rookie-of-the-Year), Sawyer Williams (Most-Improved-Youth), Affiliate Shootout (Wade Minter), and McDonalds Shootout champs (Sadie Seidler/Jr & Wade Minter/Sr). January is a busy month for ACHA, with shows in Belton January 14-15 and 28-29. fmi, www.achacutting.org

South Louisiana Team Sorting Association had a big weekend November 18-0, at Port Allen. Year-end awards were presented at Friday night’s banquet, to Kinley Campbell (Youth), Audrey Devalcourt (#6-class), Harrell Smith (#9-No-Lope), E.B. Thompson (3-Man2-Gate Plus 3&4-Rated-Riders), Weeks Crawford (1&2-Rated-Riders), and Roy Sattler

(5&6-Rated Riders). The finals show Saturday and Sunday offered $20K in cash and prizes. Those events and winners were #6 (Bubba Moore/Katie Adams), Team Penning (Eli Earls/Caitlynn Boudreaux/adult-Clay Earls) Shootout (Clay Earls/Charlotte Blanchard/Kenneth Altom), 2-Man-2-Gate (Clay Earls/Nadine Kirk/Lee Earls), #10 (Cody Waguespack/Katie Adams), No-Lope (Bill Mayfield/Cody Earls), and Youth-Ranch (Eli Earls/Hallie Hornsby). Competition is always in Port Allen, with the first on January 6-7 and February 10-11.

Louisiana Stock Horse Association hosted its 2022 year-end finals November 19-20 in DeRidder. Event champions were Darrell Butler (Open/Two Man Larado plus Junior-Horse/ LC Metal Sparks), Kaylea Marionneaux (NonPro/Sheza Smart Gal), Cathryn Dionne (Amateur/Ms Wizzen Rey), Bailey Wilkes (Novice/ John Fred), Hannah Holden (Youth-14-18/

Cats Astrey), and Reese Dufresne (Youth13&Under). The new LSHA show year starts with shows January 21 at Louis A. Mouch Arena in Port Allen and then February 4 at Beauregard Parish Arena in DeRidder. fmi, 337.208.2336 /www.louisianastockhorse.com

The 18th annual Christmas Cash barrel race was held November 26 and 27 by CBT Barrel Racing and at Amarillo National Center Arena, Amarillo. Saturday’s open 1D champ was Kelly Sparks with 15.043 on One Dashing Episode, and Sunday’s was Becky Henry with 15.221 on Catch This Fury.

Ultimate Calf Roping competition in Guthrie, OK, November 27 yielded average champs Mike Bendele (#15), Stephen Perry (#13) Doug Garvin (#12), Jaron Thebeau (#11.5), Cash Evans (#11), and Zane Rampey (#10). The ropings kick off 2023 on January 14-15 in Decatur and January 27-29 in Stephenville. fmi, www.ucroping.com

South Louisiana Team Sorting Association announced board members and officers for 2023 on November 30. Board members include President Tammie Robillard, Vice-President Theresa Guidry, Secretary Audrey Devalcourt, and Treasurer Jamie Grezaffi, with board members Jeffery Barnes, Charlotte Blanchard, Chad Campbell, Cody Duplechain, Samantha Martinez, E.B. Thompson, and Andrew Zito.

The Silver Series Team Roping held December 3 at Cross Bar Arena, Mounds, OK paid well! Big winners included Sherrod Hornbuckle/Earl Steely (#12.5), Kevin Kenerick/David Trammel (#11.5), Kevin Kendrick/ Jeff Keen (#10.5), Gary Howard/Kendall Stacy (#9.5), and Raymond Campbell/Robert Berndsen). More ropings are scheduled for January 7, February 4, and March 4, with the finals set for April 28-30. fmi, see the Silver Series Team Roping Facebook page.

New Mexico Palomino Exhibitors Association announced its 2023 officers on December 9. They are President Ron Morris, Vice-Presidenst Katie Reid, Secretary Janice Mendez, and Treasure Berniece Zielke, while the Board of Directors includes Jason Turner, Jenny Vance, Marcus McClain, Mariah Montoya, and Shalene Snipes. Youth officers are Belita Martinez, VP John Turner, Secretary Jenna Mendez, and Treasurer Denny Turner.

Lost Horizon Ranch, Bryan TX, hosted its final 2022 playday December 9. Division

Cannon

Catchyalater earned the ACHA 2022 HP HOY; Mark Johnson the $50K NP & Ben Johnson the Open.

Jessica MacNaughton and Alex Schexnider were married December 8, in an outdoor ceremony in St. Francisville, LA.

AQHA World Shows

Meredith of Granbury, Texas. Wahrmund and Krymsun Kryptonite earned 20 points.

Third- through fifth-place award winners each received $1,500.

AQHA Select All-Around Amateur

The 2022 Select All-Around Amateur is Laina Banks of Schulenburg, Texas, showing Strawberri Wine.

The 2008 red roan mare by Openrange and out of Buddys Buffalo Gal was bred by Katie Green of Ocala, Florida. Banks and Strawberri Wine earned 36 points. Banks received a prize package that included a neck wreath, $10,000 and a Lisa Perry Bronze.

The reserve is Scott Allen Reinartz of Aubrey, Texas, who showed Only One Request. The 2014 bay gelding by One N Only and out of Shes Simply The Best, was bred by Darren Putnam of Cabot, Arkansas. Reinartz and Only One Request earned 33 points. Reinartz received $5,000 and a silver bowl.

In third-place is Dana Avila of Scottsdale, Arizona. She showed Magnificent Dreamer. The 2012 sorrel gelding by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Heavenly Rooster, was bred by Zachary Gregg of West Point, Mississippi. Avila and Magnificent Dreamer earned 24 points

Fourth-place is Susan Wilson of Gainesville, Texas. She showed Zippin A Breeze. The 2013 sorrel gelding by Invitation Only out of Zippin The Breeze was bred by Kathryn Frederick of Mount Dora, Florida. Wilson and Zippin A Breeze earned 21 points.

Finishing in fifth-place is Kimberly Stewart Burritt of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who showed Do You Have A Winner. The 2011 gray gelding by Good Terms and out of Do You Have A Dream, was bred by Heather Himelick of Connersville, Indiana. Burritt and Do You Have A Winner earned 19 points.

Third- through fifth-place award winners each received $1,500.

Gene Graves Super-Select

AQHA also awarded the Gene Graves Super-Select Special Recognition

Award. The award is presented to the Super-Select exhibitor, age 70 and over, earning the greatest number of points in competition at the Select World.

The 2022 Gene Graves Super-Select Recognition Award recipient is Linda Ball Sargent of Eustis, Florida. Sargent showed The Whoo. The 2017 sorrel gelding by The Lopin Machine and out of Whos Cheating Who, was bred by Scott and Linda Berwick of Clarence Creek, Ontario. Sargent and The Whoo earned the title with 11 points. Sargent and The Whoo received a specially designed plaque.

2022 Nutrena Senior Athletes

The 2022 Nutrena Senior Athletes of the Adequan® Select Show is presented to the exhibitor and horse with the highest combined age competing at the Adequan® Select World. AQHA has proudly teamed with AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena on this award since 2012.

Butch Morgan of Weatherford, Texas, and SF Check Me Out were named the 2022 Nutrena Senior Athletes of the Show.

SF Check Me Out is a 1999 bay gelding by Look Whos Larkin and out of Katie Chex. SF Check Me Out was bred by Steve M Fleming of Comanche, Texas. The pair showed in Select heading.

Morgan and SF Check Me Out will receive a prize package that includes 500 pounds of Nutrena feed and a specially designed plaque.

Top Ranching Heritage Bred Horses

AQHA Ranching Heritage-bred horses, in addition to the awards they won at this prestigious event, also earned special awards as the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse in their division. This recognition comes with a specially designed trophy and a $250 cash prize to both the owner and $250 for the breeder.

The AQHA Ranching Heritage program highlights ranches that are certified as AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders. The program is designed to showcase the qualities of a working ranch horse by recognizing the top Ranching Heritage-bred horses competing at major events.

This year, these three horses earned Top Ranching Heritage-Bred awards in

these divisions:

• Select: Big Playgun, 2009 gray stallion by Playgun and out of Big As Moon; bred, owned and exhibited by Sid Miller of Stephenville, Texas

• Amateur: CC Ms Dynamite Flit, 2004 bay mare, Doc Flit Horn by Conchas Neo Star; bred by Conchas Ranch of Lamy, New Mexico; owned and exhibited by Audra Powell of Mesilla Park, New Mexico.

• Open: Mr Comin In Hot, 2015 sorrel gelding by Mr PlayinStylish and out of Lil Sally Cat; bred and owned by Kit and Charlie Moncrief of Fort Worth, Texas; and exhibited by AQHA Professional Horseman Luke Jones of Allerton, Iowa.

Triangle Fall Sale

The 43rd Triangle Fall Sale, held October 27-29, which recently changed ownership, was held concurrently with the 2022 Farnam AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Show.

Over the course of three-days, the sale combined for a total average sale price of $11,800 with over $3.6 million in gross sales on over 400 catalogued horses, and an 81% sold.

Laina Banks & Strawberri Wine

Butch Morgan & SF Check Me Out

Courtesy The American QH Journal by Shane Rux

Texas Arena League Announces 2023 Dates and Locations

In anticipation of a record sixth year, Texas Arena League announces dates and locations

• Jan 27-29 Brookshire Polo Club, Brookshire, TX

• Feb 10-12 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Dripping Springs, TX

• Feb 24-26 Legends Polo Club, Kaufman, TX

• March 10-12 Legends Polo Club, Kaufman, TX

In addition to the regular host clubs – Legends Polo Club and Brookshire Polo Club - in 2023, a new location has been secured. Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center & Arena located just West of Austin is a 130-acre facility complete with covered arena, stalls, RV hook-ups, bleachers, and everything else needed for an event with the scope of Texas Arena League.

“We are very excited to add Ranch Park Dripping Springs to the calendar for Texas Arena League in 2023,” says TAL committee member Karl Hilberg. “With over 120 players and 280 horses competing in 2022, we needed to find a location close to some of the participants with a covered arena and plenty of stabling. With some temporary build-out to make the arena suitable for polo and lots of room for spectators, Ranch Park looks will fit the bill.”

For 2023, TAL will continue with the 4 flights as it did in 2022 – 6-9 goal and C Flight on Fridays, 0-3 goal on Saturdays, and 3-6 goal on Sundays.

New and returning sponsors on board for 2023 including U.S. Polo Assn, Galvin Insurance Agency, Patton Legacy Sports, Nutrena Feed, Royal B Threads, Catena, Casablanca Polo, Jackrabbit Tack, Elite Motion & Performance, Aubone Polo Mallets, Murrell Photography, JD Polo, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, Polo InterActive, Herk’s Store & Grill and Franks Friendly Firearms.

“Our event, flight, prize and team sponsors are a key component to Texas Arena League,” says Robin Sanchez – member of TAL committee. “TAL is the Oprah Winfrey of polo – so many prizes! We couldn’t make it happen without our sponsors.”

With four events currently on the calendar and a limit on the number of teams that can play within each day, Texas Arena League will create additional opportunities to accommodate the expected number of teams. For 2023, TAL is anticipating adding the Armadillo Division to Texas Arena League – two more weekends of arena polo, TAL points, prizes and parties - February 4-5 and March 4-5.

“There are so many players and teams showing

that we had to find a way to accommodate as many as we can. That’s why we have decided to add the Armadillo Division to Texas Arena League,” says Nacho Estrada, owner of Legends Polo Club and TAL committee member. “The league is so much fun and everyone enjoys the camaraderie. Plus, it is competitive at every level. That is what makes Texas Arena League attractive.”

For more information on Texas Arena League visit www.texasarenaleague.com and follow Texas Arena League on Facebook and Instagram. w

interest in playing 2023 Texas Arena League

Gustavo Toro reaches to hook Joss Leufrancois during 2022 Texas Arena League at Brookshire Polo Club.

Murrell Photography

Megan Flynn and Amanda Massey battle for the ball during 2022 Texas Arena League at Legends Polo Club.

James Glew reaches for the ball in front of Mark Osburn in General Patton Final during TAL at Legends Polo Club.

Murrell Photography

Fort Worth Dressage Club

The Fort Worth Dressage Club is a club devoted to dressage and dressage activities for its members. We work throughout the year to provide educational opportunities and fun activities for our members.

FWDC holds monthly meetings 4th Monday of every month.

Our website is www.fortworthdressageclub.com. Please check out our website for pictures of members and activities.

FWDC is planning its annual Awards Banquet and Silent Auction which benefits our Scholarship fund in January. We are very proud to recognize all our members achievements.

FWDC activities throughout the year include our annual awards banquet to recognize members achievements throughout the year, which also includes a silent auction to benefit our Scholarship fund, USDF/USEF Recognized show, schooling show, low cost clinic, pool party, video night and other dressage related activities. This past year we also hosted a bit fitting clinic and brought in an expert in proper bits for your individual horse. It was very well received and a great educational experience.

FWDC sends out group e-mails to members to keep them informed of club activities and other dressage events in the community. Let me know if you would like a dressage event known to other dressage enthusiasts and we will get the word out.

Join FWDC and learn more about the wonderful sport of dressage. We welcome all levels of riders on all breeds of horses! w

Competitive Trail News In The SouthWest

TEXAS TRAIL CHALLENGE CLUB PRESENTS OVER 100 AWARDS FOR 2022

Texas Trail Challenge Club hosted 22 trail competitions over 11 weekends during the 2022 season. Rides were held all over Texas, ranging north to Fort Griffin, Albany, south to Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia, west to San Angelo State Park, east to Tarrant Ranch, Bullard, and many points in between. In addition, the club hosted two clinics and two dinners. Awards for 2022 were presented at the Celebration dinner at Farris Wheel Ranch, Killeen, on January 28.

Champion Horseman for 2022 was awarded to Mary Marczak and Reserve Champion Horseman was awarded to Lynane Plumlee. Kay Prince won High Point Maverick and Reserve High Point Maverick was Devin Pantel. High Point Tenderfoot was earned by Connie Standridge and Reserve High Point Tenderfoot was Priscilla Butcher.

The Jennifer Severson award for most improved Maverick was awarded to Shelley Hilton and the Sandra Ladd award for most improved Tenderfoot went to Alex McStay. Other awards and prizes were announced first through sixth place for Junior, Tenderfoot Adult, Tenderfoot Senior, Maverick Adult, Maverick Senior, Horseman Adult, and Horseman Senior categories. Ten riders earned the Iron Rider award for riding, judging, or hosting at every ride during the year. Two riders earned the Iron Rider award for a second time, and two riders earned a third Iron Rider. Kay Prince on Geronimo won the Wrangler award for an experienced rider with a green horse. There were also honors for horses in three age categories--Geronimo ridden by Kay Prince, Possum ridden by Mary Marczak, and Abby ridden by Teresa Corgill.

Some of the prizes awarded included belt buckles, embroidered vests, jackets, conchos, personalized halters, saddle bags, and many other items. Thank you gifts were also presented to judges, secretaries, ride hosts, sponsors, volunteers, the webmaster, committee members, and the Board of Directors. Newly elected officers President Ann Stacy and Treasurer Tiffany

Dawn on Nolan

FWDC Holiday party

Kay Prince on Geronimo

If you enjoy trail riding, building a better relationship with your horse, and making new friends then consider joining Texas Trail Challenge Club. Events are scheduled for thirteen weekends in 2023 including two brand new locations. The website is www.texastrailchallengeclub.com and there are categories for every level of rider. w

from

The high seller was Metilion (Metallic Cat-Sparktilion by Shining Spark), selling for $98,000. The 2019 palomino colt was consigned by Alan and Allison Chappell of Collinsville, Texas, and sold to Daniel Schrock of Green Forest, Arkansas.

During the second day of the sale, a consignment by DK Performance Horses (agent for Emily Kirchenschlager) became the second-highest seller with a final bid of $55,000. QS Onetimelastfall (One Time Pepto-Autumn Kitty by High Brow Cat) was bought by Jody Nobles of Aynor, South Carolina.

The third-high seller was brought to the sale ring by Parker Slavin Performance Horses. Dr Taboo (Smart Chic Olena-Lenas Black Witch by Dyanmite Badger) topped the third session bringing a final bid of $40,000 from Jim Babcock. Slavin continued to have success with his consignments, including HF Borninthemob (HF Mobster-Jerrys Angel Eyes by Jerry Lees Surprise) who brought a final bid of $39,000 from Chad Turner of Wickenburg, Arizona.

If you were unable to attend the show or missed the free live webcast, be sure to check out all of the official results and winning runs at www.aqha.com/worldshow w

November 2022 SouthWest Horse

Luke Jones & Mr Comin In Hot

Janke assumed their duties alongside returning board members Membership Bill Phillips, Ride Director Karen Pantel, and Judges Director Greg Dial.

Connie Standridge on Annie

Lynane Plumlee on Fritz

AQHA World

Shows

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS BITTEN BY A SNAKE

The beginning of spring brings snake season as they slither out of their winter resorts. The changing weather also makes snakes more active, putting our curiously natured dogs and cats at higher risk of venomous bites.

It’s a good idea to take your pet to the nearest vet clinic as safely and quickly as possible if they fall victim to a snake, regardless of whether or not you believe the snake is venomous.

Dr. Lance Wheeler, a veterinary resident at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, advises pet owners to familiarize themselves with venomous snakes indigenous to their region.

Texas is home to 15 potentially dangerous snake species or subspecies, according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, with a majority of them falling into the pit viper subspecies. Pit vipers include various rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths or water moccasins. Only one snake in the cobra snake family, the coral snake, is native to Texas.

Snake bite symptoms to watch for in dogs, cats, and other household pets include shaking or twitching of the bite victim’s muscles, difficulty breathing, hind limb weakness causing collapse, loss of bladder and bowel control, vomiting, paralysis, salivation, and enlarged pupils.

It is not always easy to spot bite marks on our furry friends, because the bites are easily concealed in their fur. If your pet is showing signs of weakness and fatigue, call the vet.

Treatment for a venomous snake bite starts at home with pre-hospital care and varies slightly between pit viper envenomation and coral snake envenomation.

“With pit viper envenomation, the most important thing is to keep the pet as calm as possible,” Wheeler shared. “The higher their blood pressure, the more anxious they are; that’s going to increase blood flow and increase circulation of venom throughout the body.

“So try keeping them calm. Go to the nearest vet clinic,” he said. “I know it’s tempting to go somewhere where there’s anti-venom, but the nearest vet can always stabilize them, assess them, and then transport them quickly somewhere else if they need anti-venom.”

While it’s important to know what to do if

your dog or cat has been bitten by a potentially poisonous snake, it’s also important to keep in mind that not all venomous snake bites have high levels of envenomation. There is a chance that your pet will not have been injected with any venom, even if the snake inflicting the bite is venomous.

Your vet will run some medical tests to determine whether or not your pet needs antivenom. The most important thing for pet parents to do is get a suspected snake victim to the nearest vet hospital or clinic while remaining calm and keeping the pet as still as possible once a bite has been detected or the pet starts exhibiting envenomation symptoms.

Wheeler also advises pet owners against practicing common myths associated with snake bites before heading to the nearest clinic.

“It’s not super helpful to ice pack or hot pack these guys,” he said. “It’s not been shown to be helpful to incise or suction the bites at the site where the biting incident occurred. Also no tourniquets or compression bandages.”

Ice packs, hot packs, and tourniquets can cause dramatic tissue damage by isolating the venom in one area. Venom isolation concentrates exposure and may lead to severe damage to the muscle, skin, and other organs in the area.

Wheeler explained that suctioning a pet’s snake bite is complicated by their fur. Research on the benefits of suctioning the snake bite to remove venom suggests the time it takes to do so would be better spent getting the victim to the nearest vet clinic.

The most important thing to keep in mind is safety for both you and your pet. While identifying the snake can be helpful, you should not risk your personal safety trying to capture the snake. Doing so wastes time that you could be using to get your pet to the veterinarian. If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, take them in for veterinary care immediately.

Instead of trying to capture the snake, Wheeler recommends taking a photo from a safe distance. He also recommends leaving dead or decapitated snakes behind as they can still envenomate both you and your pet. If you’re not able to identify the snake, err on the side of caution and head to the vet clinic with your pet as quickly and safely as possible.

If you are able to safely identify the snake as venomous, pay close attention to whether the snake is a pit viper or a coral snake.

Coral snakes are easily recognizable by their bright red, yellow, and black stripes; however, they are also easily confused with scarlet kingsnakes. To differentiate a coral snake from a scarlet kingsnake, take note of the head color and the order in which their colorful stripes are patterned. Coral snakes always have a black head with a striped pattern of black, yellow, red, yellow, black.

If the snake is a coral snake, pre-hospital treatment may require pet parents to perform mouth-to-nose ventilation en route to the nearest veterinary hospital, because coral snake venom can trigger respiratory paralysis, causing the pet victim to slow or stop breathing.

Coral snake venom is the most toxic, however coral snake envenomation only occurs in about 60% of exposures to coral snakes, according to a 2011 study published by Drs. Lyndi Gilliam and Jill Brunker. While many theories exist about why coral snake exposure only results in venomation in 40% of exposure cases, Wheeler noted that it’s still important to get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible if you suspect they’ve been exposed to a coral snake.

“Nobody’s got coral snake antivenom, so just go to the nearest veterinary hospital,” Wheeler advised. “The most common cause of death from coral snake envenomation is [an abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood]. So, we need to hospitalize these guys for at least 48 hours of monitoring, because clinical signs can develop within up to 36 hours post envenomation.”

If you find your pet has fallen victim to a snake bite, stay calm and get them to the nearest veterinarian as safely and quickly as possible for examination. Doing so will help get you and your pet back outside enjoying your walks. w

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Direct suggestions for future topics to editor@cvm.tamu.edu

champions were Dakota O’Rourke (10&U), Jace Baptiste (11-17), and LeeAnn Brounkowski (18&O). The 2023 season kicks off January 21. fmi, www.losthorizonranch.org.

Three great cutting horse stallions, Stevie Rey Von, Hottish, and Metallic Rebel, accounted for 54% of the offspring winning prize money at the 2022 NCHA Futurity, according to unofficial stats shared from the NCHA Futurity Statistics and Analytics Group. This includes prize money from the Open, Non-Pro, and Amateur, totaling $4,345,570 but not the senior, gelding, chrome cash, or other incentives.

American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash incentive fund, launched in 2018 to increase payout for registered Paint horses at select events across the country, now pays at cutting, reining, reined cow-horse, roping, and all-around events across the country. Its big payouts at the 2022 NCHA Futurity distributed payouts exceeding $116K across 9 divisions, with 224 Paints vying for the cash, a 60 percent increase in Paint entries there in just a year. Among the recipients of Chrome Cash were Brandon Westfall and Ripp Tide in the Non-Pro and Grant Setnicka and Cince De Force in the Open Futurity.

The Holiday Classic Dressage Show, held December 10-11 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, was fun-filled! Saturday’s show champions were Sage Armstrong (Classical-Jr/Tabriz), Anna Reid (Classical-Sr/ Spiderman), Kate Mesches (Western-Sr/Up Poco Gold Dream), and Stacey McAlexander

(Open/Oakley), while Sunday’s were Sage Armstrong (Classical-Jr/Tabriz), Alina Dolisy (Classical-Sr/Magnificent Move), and Laura Robinson (Classical-Open/CR Gersemi), Kate Mesches (Western-Sr/Up Poco Gold Dream), and Tara Ragland (Western-Open/Light Of Mine). Overall series champions were Sage Armstrong (Classical-Jr/Tabriz), Royale Price (Classical-Sr/Titan), Laura Robinson (Classical-Open/CR Gersemi), and Kate Mesches (Western-Sr/Up Poco Gold Dream).

Arkansas High School Rodeo Association’s last fall shoot, held December 10, at Remington Gun Club, Lonoke, AR, was a great shoot despite rain. Buckle winners included Garrett Morman (trap), Madeline Castleberry (High-School-light-rifle), and Kason Lipsmeyer (Junior-High-light rifle).

The Appaloosa Youth Association announced winners of the 2022 Art Contest on December 13, with them to receive cash prizes plus recognition in the Appaloosa Journal. The 11-13 division champion was Cody Freeberg, and Eden Arthur won in the 14-18 group. To keep up with activities offered by AYA. Go to www.appaloosayouth.com

Young adult AQHA members are now eligible for nomination for the new AQHA Emerging Leaders Award, but applications are due January 15! Honorees will be recognized each year at the AQHA convention, and candidates may nominate themselves or another AQHA member. Young adult AQHA members ages 21-35 will be eligible. Nomination forms are available online. fmi, call 806.378.4330 or email youth@aqha.org

New Mexico 4-H Youth, the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service is offering participation in the third annual Virtual Horse Bowl Tournament, to be held online January 30 – February 3. There’s a $10 registration fee, and prizes will be given in novice, junior and senior levels. Register by 5 pm January 23, and contact your local Extension office for information and to register.Participants must be 4-H members but enrollment in a horse project is NOT required.

Braggin' Rights!

Bob Freeman, Fargo, OK, was announced November 21 as the recipient of NCHA’s inaugural Arthur Jackson Memorial Award. It honors NCHA judges with over 25 years of service that have the same character and devotion to NCHA as the late Arthur Jackson, Greenwood, MS.

Kammy Ray Kolz was born November 22, to Jeanna and Clint Kolz, Cat Spring, TX. She is also welcomed by siblings Emma, Tristan, and Elijah!

Sidney Dunham, Jonesboro, AR, was named as National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s December Athlete of the Month! She is a member of the Texas Christian University equestrian team, rides western, and is a sophomore.

Jessica MacNaughton and Alex Schexnider were joined in marriage on December 8 and by Brandon D’Albor, in an outdoor ceremony in St. Francisville, LA. They live in Mulvey, LA, where they are both involved in that

Bits & Spurs - Cont from page 16

Maci Atchison, Miss Oklahoma High School Rodeo Queen at the NFR

Clay Earls, Charlotte Blanchard, and Kenneth Altom were Shootout Champs at SLTSA Finals

Michelle Tidwell awards Kimberlee Spurlin with her L1-Amateur Horsemanship buckle

Jeff Keen (lt) and Kevin Kendrick were the #10.5 champs at the Silver Series Team Roping

RUMINATING ON GRAIN OVERLOAD: AVOIDING RUMEN ACIDOSIS

Ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats have a unique digestive system that allows them to gain energy from forage such as mature pasture grass and hay. The carbohydrates found in these feeds help to provide ruminants with healthy energy, but did you know that consuming high amounts of certain other types of carbohydrates can be dangerous—and even deadly?

Dr. Brian Shoemake, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, discusses the physiology behind grain overload, treatment methods, and how to safely incorporate grain into ruminants’ diets.

Ruminants are herbivores with four stomach chambers that each play a unique role in digestion. They get their name from the rumen— the first and largest chamber—which acts as a storage area and the location where microbes digest and ferment feed.

According to Shoemake, a ruminant can eat roughly 2% of its body weight in forage per day. Quality forage (which provides protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals) can adequately and efficiently maintain the dietary needs of many ruminants.

Supplementation with grain may be helpful if there isn’t enough high-quality forage available. However, feeding too much grain at once or not acclimating ruminants to the new diet can result in a condition called grain overload.

“Grain overload, also known as rumen acidosis, is typically a severe incident that occurs mostly in ruminants after excessive ingestion of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates,” Shoe-

make said.

These types of carbohydrates can come from young, immature plants; root crops like sugar beets and potatoes; and cereal grains such as wheat, corn, and milo.

“Overindulgence in these feeds causes a shift from the healthy microbial fermentation byproducts—which provide the basis of energy—to unhealthy byproducts, especially lactic acid,” Shoemake said. “The lactic acid produced causes the rumen contents to become more acidic, which disrupts normal digestion. Once the rumen becomes acidic at a severe level, other systemic symptoms develop.”

Symptoms of grain overload may include bloating, fever, profuse and malodorous diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and an inability to stand. In the most severe cases, death can occur within 24 hours of the initial grain ingestion.

As such, if you suspect that a ruminant has consumed an unusual amount of grain, it is important to seek treatment from a veterinarian quickly.

“Treatment varies based on a few factors, including, predominantly, the severity of the disease,” Shoemake said. “The first step in treatment is to stabilize the animal, which may involve relieving the bloat and dehydration.

The next step is to remove the offending feed material and then rebalance the rumen’s pH with medications or replace the rumen fluid with healthy rumen fluid from another donor animal.”

Additional therapies might include the use of pain medications and antibiotic treatment. Complete recovery of the rumen may take up to six weeks.

At safe levels, cereal grains can be included in a ruminant’s diet as nutritional supplementation, but it’s important to introduce this supplementation slowly. Ruminants can typically consume 0.5% of their body weight in grain without complications.

“Once an animal is acclimated to this amount of grain (0.5% of its body weight), more grain can be added slowly to the desired consumption level,” Shoemake said.

Before introducing additional grain, Shoemake advises consulting a ruminant nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure a safe and healthy transition and to verify that an animal is able to tolerate an increase in grain, as some cannot.

“Providing grain can increase the risk or incidence of disease for some animals,” Shoemake said. “For example, grain feeding programs in male sheep and goats can induce urinary stones that become obstructive and life-threatening.”

Incorporating grain into the diet can be beneficial for some ruminants, but, with such a close connection to the animals’ health, changes should always be made with care. w

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Direct suggestions for future topics to editor@cvm.tamu.edu

The FDA is aware of at least 98 horses in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas who showed neurological clinical signs. At least 45 of these horses have died or were euthanized due to declining health. The symptoms reported are consistent with botulism, and while further testing is underway to pinpoint the cause of the horse illnesses, horse owners and handlers should take precautions to protect human and animal health. Immediately consult a veterinarian if your horse ate this product and shows signs of neurologic illness, such as muscle tremors, difficulty eating or swallowing, difficulty standing, or collapse.

If you think your horse has become ill after eating contaminated food, call your veterinarian first. You can also report the illness to FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators at www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/consumer-complaint-coordinators. If possible, share the brand name and lot numbers of what your horse ate. w

Alfalfa Cubes Recalled by FDA Due to Botulism-Like Horse Deaths

How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs Do You Need?

This month I will finish the two-part article on a very common question I get from producers, “How many livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) do I need?” Determining how many LGDs you need is an important question to answer to stop predation and keep a ranch profitable. Hopefully after you finish reading part two of this article you will have a better answer to the question of how many LGDs you need.

Management Style

How you manage your livestock can have a large affect on how many LGDs you need for a specific ranch. Producers that have livestock spread across multiple pastures on a ranch will require more LGDs to guard those groups of animals. By combining livestock in fewer pastures and using rotational grazing producers can increase the amount of grass available to livestock while decreasing the number of dogs and their dog food bill. By placing livestock into fewer larger groups, your LGDs can more effectively protect them and their offspring from predators. This is often one of the biggest challenges for new users of LGDs to conquer. A producer must be willing to make management changes to allow the dogs to be as effective as possible or they will continue to lose livestock. LGDs are one of the best tools for producers to use to increase lambing and kidding percentages. However, if producers are resistant to changing their livestock management, the dogs can only do so much to control predation.

Fencing and Pasture Size

The quality of your fencing and the size of your pastures can influence the number of LGDs needed. Good fencing keeps livestock contained and provides a deterrent to some types of predators. The kind and age of fencing you have, also affects the number of LGDs required. Fencing that is old, easily jumped or squeezed through can require more dogs. New fencing with small woven wire openings, skirting and/or hot wire will require less dogs to protect livestock. Basically, poor fencing allows predators to penetrate it and requires the use of more LGDs. It’s important to weigh the long-term costs and management of the extra dogs to the cost of new or improved fencing.

Invisible fencing is a possibility for many ranches now that the system is GPS based. Pasture size is also an important factor to consider when deciding on how many LGDs you need. Large pastures require more dogs to protect livestock because the livestock tend to spread out more. Consider placing all your livestock together during lambing or kidding seasons so that your LGDs can provide extra protection to young livestock. Open range situations, often use herders with their dogs to protect your livestock. Range operations often need a few extra dogs to provide enough protection for livestock.

LGD Behavior

Another important consideration is your LGDs capabilities and training when deciding how many you need. If you have older, experienced dogs, you may not need as many to protect your ranch. Young dogs or pups will need extra help to provide enough protection. Young pups under 10 months of age should not be released on their own to guard livestock. It’s best to have a pair of young dogs or place a young single dog with a mature dog. Old, pregnant, or whelping dogs will require extra help to provide the proper protection for your livestock. Proper nutrition is also an important factor that can affect how LGDs guard. Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendation for feeding your LGDs.

Adding More LGDs

Once you have established a group of LGDs, don’t wait too long before you add more dogs. You should always have new pups in training in case you lose a dog, or a dog is retired. It takes about two years for puppies to mature enough to be reliable guardians. Waiting until your current LGDs are ready to retire, will leave you without adequate protection if you don’t have new pups being trained. Puppies seem to learn best from older mentors. Older LGDs will help with training by modeling appropriate behavior towards the livestock and stopping the puppies’ unwanted behavior. Mentor dogs can also teach puppies how to patrol for predators and what the proper protocols are in various situations.

Good adult working LGDs are hard to

find. Adult LGDs for sale often have some sort of a behavior issue and its unwise to purchase or take them for free. Try to find a LGD breeder that has a similar operation to yours to purchase pups from. Working with a reputable breeder of LGDs is invaluable to most ranchers.

Where To Start If Still Undecided

The best place to start is by talking to other ranchers in your area that are running LGDs if you are still undecided on how many dogs you need. Their knowledge of predators and LGDs will be invaluable to you. Consult your county extension agent for knowledge as well. They are often a good place to start. Extension Agents often know a variety of farmers and ranchers in the local area. They also have access to specialists that can provide specific information you may need. Local predator clubs and trappers are also helpful when trying to decide how many LGDs you may need.

This article was adapted from the website “For Love of Livestock”. We look forward to sharing our research with the ranching community over the next several years as the LGD bonding project continues at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center in San Angelo. Weekly progress of the puppies and the project can be viewed on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @TAMUlivestockguarddog. Don’t forget to sign up for our blog The Guardian Way sanangelo.tamu.edu/research/lgd/ and check out our YouTube channel also. For questions regarding LGDs you can email me at bill. costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or call 325-657-7311. Look for the next article on Livestock Guardian Dogs in next month’s edition. w

Bill Costanzo – LGD Research Specialist, TX A&M AgriLife Research

Texas A&M AgriLife

Photo courtesy Costanzo ourtesy Costanzo 2020

High tensile hot wire fence at a ranch in Texas

Horse judging team members reflect on their 2022 season

Making history while building relationships, forging lasting memories and finding lessons learned along the way Contributed by Maggie Berger, 979.803.1242, maggie.berger@ag.tamu.edu

The 2022 Texas A&M Horse Judging Team, housed in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Animal Science, made history this year.

The team won the All American Quarter Horse Congress for the first time in nine years and finished the season with a reserve finish at the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Collegiate Horse Judging Contest.

The team is led by Sarah Schobert, equine lecturer and horse judging team coach in animal science and graduate assistant coach, Hannah McLochlin of Plymouth, Indiana.

Winning contests is important to team members and coaches, but it is not the only reason students come from across the university to compete on judging teams. Megan Miller ’23, an animal science major on the team from Boerne and Raylee Ezzell ’23, a biology major from Wheelock, shared their experiences from the horse judging team.

What have you gained from being on the team aside from bettering your horse judging skills?

Miller: Honestly, it has been immeasurable. Although I feel as though I could write a book about everything I have learned from this team, I have a hard time believing words alone could encompass the amount of wisdom and growth I have personally seen within myself, nor the gravity of the relationships I have built. After being on the team, I gained lifelong friendships. Our team is truly a family of its own.

On a personal level, horse judging has and continues to teach me numerous lessons. Over this growth curve, I have developed my confidence, leadership abilities, patience and my understanding of the true meaning of perseverance. Although preparing for the contests was challenging enough, we had to learn better time-management skills, as our personal lives and full-time student workload could not simply be put on pause. Lastly, horse judging has helped me grow professionally. Our coach prioritized each of our career paths beyond graduation and facilitated preparation for success. To do this, we have had professional inter-

2022 Texas A&M Horse Judging Team

views and been provided with feedback. We have also been taught proper etiquette, attire and various ways to stand out to future employers. On top of this, being on the team has exposed each of us to many of the companies and leaders within our fields of interest.

Ezzell: Judging provided many valuable skills outside of the confines of a contest. It improved my critical thinking, taught me to apply previously learned information to make decisions under pressure, improved my memorization ability and taught me how to explain my decision-making process in an organized manner. No matter what profession you go into, these are skills that will make you more successful in any field.

What was it like winning the Congress and being reserve at the World Show?

Miller: Winning Congress with my team will be one of the greatest and most memorable accomplishments of my life. Making history by itself was rewarding enough, but coming from a team, who as a majority, was brand new to judging made it that much more special.

Coming back two weeks later and earning the reserve champion title at the World Show as a team was proof of our continuous hard work and dedication. The most memorable part of this contest was reaching our team goal of having each team member place in the top 10 in a category.

Ezzell: It was really special to see this team be successful. Most of my teammates had very little judging experience when we started in January, but throughout the spring and fall, I saw each of them grow tremendously. This team continually worked hard and always made sure we were supporting and encouraging each other. Having such a supportive group of teammates made the win even better because we were all genuinely proud of each other. I think that every person on our team would agree that our successes proved that when you put the time and effort into a goal, you can see

Miller: Take the leap of faith. Judging can transform you in more ways than you can ever imagine and provide you with friendships that will undeniably last a lifetime. This program is truly life changing. The most amazing thing about this program is that students who have decided to try it can provide their own unique testimony as to how much they’ve learned and how they want to continue being a part of it for the rest of their lives. That is something powerful.

Ezzell: Give it a try even if you are unsure. When I talked to Coach Schobert for the first time about judging, I didn’t think I was good enough to be judging at the collegiate level. But throughout my time on the judging team, I have seen that if you are willing to dedicate the time and put in the work, the coaches will ensure you are not only prepared, but competitive. It is easy to doubt yourself, but don’t let fear hold you back from opportunities. Being on the judging team has been the highlight of my college experience. It has helped me grow as a horsewoman, made me a better person and given me my best friends. w

2022 Horse Judging Team

The 2022 team representing Texas A&M is comprised of students both within and outside the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

• Hailey Bell ’23, Department of Animal Science, McKinney.

• Raylee Ezzell ’23, Department of Biology, Wheelock.

• Megan Miller ’23, Department of Animal Science, Boerne.

• Kelsey Morgan ’24, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Molalla, Oregon.

• Kensi Parker ’23, Department of Animal Science, Boerne.

• Grace Ritter ’23, Department of Animal Science, Nome.

• Courtney Wall ’23, Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Bryan.

• John Wofford ’23, Department of Animal Science, Rusk

success even when you start out as underdogs.

What advice would you give to future students interested in joining a horse judging team?

Courtesy TX A&M, AQHA Congress by Shane Rux

Bits & SpursCont from page 24

cattle and horse industries. Jessica is also pursuing a Masters of Animal Science Degree in Reproductive Physiology at Louisiana State University.

Lindy Thorn, Nowata, OK, and Misty Greeson’s Phil N Dangerous laid down a whopping score of 228 to win the 2022 NCHA Open Futurity in Fort Worth December 10, with a whopping 228! A female had not won the Futurity since 2000! It was a good week for owner Misty Greeson. A few days earlier, she rode Lil Maddy Rey, dam of Phil N Dangerous, in the NCHA World Finals Unlimited Amateur to win the show championship and end up 7th in the yearend standings.

Maci Atchison, Stillwell, OK, is the 2022 Miss Oklahoma High School Rodeo Queen and looked FINE while attending the NFR in Vegas December 10!

Margo Crowther, Fort Myers, FL, received the 2022 Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Cowgirl Award December 10 at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Though she lives east of the SWHT area, she earned a business degree from Tarleton State University in Texas! This was her first year to qualify for the NFR. A big check from San Angelo added to her winnings in a big way!

Jada Trosper, Ponder, TX, won the Jackpot at the Expo in Glen Rose, TX, December 14. She and Sun N Sevens posted a time of 14.946.

of knowledge of it. Among other things, he was quite influential in education programs for judge in AQHA, NCHA, and NRCHA judges.

Michael Nikovitch, 90, Fort Worth, TX, died November 22. He had been an active leader in Pony of the Americas, and he and his family had been active in those shows.

Losses

Sam Rose, 68, Valley View, TX, died November 18. He grew up in the horse industry and had an unmatched wealth

Kelle Smith, 60, Marietta, OK, died November 28 at the NRHA Futurity, having competed and earned another spot in yet another NRHA Futurity Finals. The owner of Kelle Smith Reining Horses, she had already won countless titles and 2 NRHA Futurity Non-Pro championships. w

Royale Price & Titan were Classical-Sr series champs at the Holiday Classic Dressage Show

Sage Armstrong & Tabriz were Classical-Jr series champs at the Holiday Classic Dressage

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