BRIDLE & BIT Magazine January 2024 Edition

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Ariat World Series of Team Roping Shatters Event Record with $18,025,500 Cash Payout at 17th Finale in Las Vegas Albuquerque, New Mexico The Ariat World Series of Team Roping concluded nine recordbreaking days of competition, running December 9-17 at the South Point Hotel, Arena, Equestrian Center and Exhibit Hall, paying team ropers from all walks of life an unprecedented $18 million.

This, the 17th rendition of The Finale, began with the Riata Buckle Open to the World and worked its way down to the novice ropers in the #7 Yeti Finale.

For the past decade, catering to the recreational team roper, the Ariat WSTR Finale cash payout has grown steadily by a $1 million per year, at $14 million in the 14th year, $15 million in the 15th and last year $16 million during the 16th Finale. In 2023, the payout shot past all predictions and expectations, increasing $2 million and setting the new bar at more than $18 million.

“Qualification events have been very strong all year so I felt confident that the Finale would surpass $17M but when I totaled up the final numbers on the final day, my hands were literally shaking” said Connie Gentry, President of the Western Sports Group division of Equine Network.

“I added and re-added; but I guess since the 2020 event was cancelled because of COVID, it fits that 18 years later we hit $18M.” The 2023 Ariat WSTR Finale set more records than ever before.

The roper attendance was a monumental 4400 ropers making up 5894 teams, and this high roper participation was reflected in the individual division payouts with five ropings paying out over $1 million and three divisions paying out over $2 million apiece.

The highpoint of the week was the incredible $2,651,800 payout in the #9.5 Ariat Finale, which paid the winning team $400,000 plus H Holden Custom Bronzes, Cactus Saddles, Yeti Coolers, Gist Buckles, Mule Deer Foundation Rifles, Ariat apparel, and many more prizes. The son and father duo of Lorenzo and Antonio Carbajal (respectively) from Arizona captured the title by roping four steers in 31.31 seconds. Lorenzo is one of only two ropers in 17 years to win two Finale ropings, but the first in history to win the same roping twice. He won this same division in 2018, and while he was heading for his father this time around, Lorenzo was heeling during the prior win. Adding to the emotion of the story, Antonio was heeling on the same horse that Lorenzo rode in 2018. Although no horse’s earnings records have been officially kept until 12

recently, it is safe to say the Carbajals’ heel horse is in contention for the winningest heel horse in WSTR history.

To put on an event of this magnitude, quality roping cattle are of highest priority, and it took nearly 1,000 head of horned cattle running in three arenas simultaneously to accommodate all of the Finale contestants and an additional 1000 head for the outdoor events. Even with these large turnouts, most ropers were done in time to enjoy the nightly NFR performances or have an early dinner at one of the South Point restaurants.

The partnership between the South Point and the Ariat World Series of Team Roping evolved over the years to include what is now one of the top Western trade shows and shopping experiences in town. From the main concourse of the arena through the entire exhibit hall space, the South Point hosts thousands of vendors ranging from Western boutiques, art, toys, gifts and furniture, to roping dummies, Cactus and Fast Back Ropes, and custom-shaped Resistol Hats.

“Attendance was incredible this year,” said Steve Stallworth, General Manager of the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center. “230,000 people went up the escalators into the arena and trade show this year. Compared to the same days last year, we were sometimes up 10,000 people.

Whatever everyone is doing in the roping and Western world is dang sure working!”

The 2022-2023 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Cody Johnson not only graced the Finale crowds by singing the National Anthem twice, but he also took home a check in the Yeti #10.5 and #7 Finales.

Thousands of amateur team ropers were handed checks over the nine days of competition, lives were changed, champagne was poured, and lasting memories were made by recreational ropers from many walks of life who filled their pockets—already looking forward to once again qualifying for the Ariat WSTR Finale XVIII in Las Vegas, Dec 7-15, 2024.

-About the WSTR: For the past 18 seasons World Series of Team Roping has strived to provide personal service to a small but influential group of ropers who share our philosophy of easier, smaller and richer ropings. It is our goal to continue improving our service to this elite group. For more information on the WSTR or to become a member visit WSTRoping.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/WorldSeriesOfTeamRoping and @wstroping on Instagram.

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The 2024 American Performance Horseman Athletes Announced Five of the National Reining Horse Association’s most accomplished professionals will compete for $1 million in prize money at The American Performance Horseman (TAPH) presented by Teton Ridge.

The top five riders who qualified to represent the reining community are NRHA $8 Million Rider Andrea Fappani, NRHA $2 Million Rider Brian Bell, NRHA $4 Million Rider Casey Deary, NRHA $2 Million Rider Cade McCutcheon, and NRHA $3 Million Rider Jason Vanlandingham.

These NRHA Professionals will join the top five riders from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) and National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) to compete for a $1 million payout in a first-of-its-kind competitive exhibition format.

“This is an event that’s showcased in the same venue as Major League Baseball’s World Series.

Let that soak in,” said Billy Smith, NRHA Commissioner. “It’s a rare and splendid opportunity to tell our story to a worldwide audience.”

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com.

The American Performance Horseman debuted in 2023 and was the largest event of its kind. In 2024, TAPH will again join The American Western Weekend on Friday, March 8th, 2024, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

For more information and to purchase tables or tickets, please visit americanrodeo.

Notes related to other year-end standings and rankings lists: The reiners selected will be the top five NRHA Professionals determined by total 2023 earnings in NRHA Categories 1-10 and does not include nominator incentives. TAPH will utilize a modified version of an NRHA pattern. Earnings for the event will be recorded in NRHA

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as Category 11 money.

NRHA Top 20 Professionals, Non Pros, and Owners lists for 2023 will be published on nrha. com/results. (These include Category 11 earnings.)

NRHA World Title Top 10 Standings for 2023 are published on nrha.com/results At present, the ReinerSuite team is testing the 2024 Eligibility Tool so it can be released by the second week of January Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the reining horse in a fun-filled, family atmosphere. NRHA’s mission is to promote the reining horse worldwide while celebrating and advancing the finest traditions of Western horsemanship. To learn more about NRHA, how to join, or to become a fan, visit nrha.com.

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NFR average win long time coming for Derrick Begay

By Quentin Jodie | Dec 16, Reprinted with Permission: Navajo Times Publishing Company- https://navajotimes.com/

It’s been a long time coming for Derrick Begay.

The 10-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier won his first-ever average title inside the famed Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Diné cowboy won the aggregate title with his best friend, Colter Todd, in the team roping competition as the pair secured the title with a 4.4 run in the 10th round on Saturday night.

The duo was the only team to rope all 10 draws during the PRCA’s final rodeo event of the year. They finished with a 69.0 aggregate, which paid them a whopping $78,747 in the aggregate race.

“This is the 10th time I made the National Finals Rodeo, and I’ve never been close to winning the average (title),” Begay said.

“So, getting the average buckle is something that I’ve always wanted. It’s the next best thing to a gold buckle.”

Begay acknowledged that he’s still coming to terms with winning the average race as he moved up to No. 4 in the world with a year-end total of $269,125, with $131,009 coming at the NFR. “It’s still kicking in,” Begay said. “It’s been a long week. This is what every cowboy wants to do: to come here and do good, and luckily enough, we got by this week by catching 10 steers.

“I’m glad that I got to do it with my best friend,” he added.

Like his partner, this was Todd’s first average title win at the NFR after three previous tries.

“This is pretty special,” Todd said. “The trouble with this rodeo is the rounds pay so much, so you want to start out by winning

Team ropers Derrick Begay (left) and Colter Todd captured their first-ever average title win at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev. The pair were the only team to rope all 10 steers with an aggregate of 69.0 seconds. rounds and placing good and then just see how it starts to shake out.

“It’s crazy that we were the only ones to catch 10 because there’s so many guys that can (rope),” he added. “I never thought that we would be the only team to do that. I was just glad to not mess up too bad this week.”

With his NFR winnings of $131,009, Todd finished third in the world with $284,292.

Colter Todd, Derrick Begay and Erich Rogers

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Happy New Year from Al Dunning Training Stables & AD TACK!

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.

We had a super fun filled and successful year with many milestones in 2023!

Starting in January we attended the Jump Start Your Year Show held by the AzCHA. Al also went to the Art of the Cowgirl to help with the cutting portion of the World’s Greatest Horsewoman. February and March the team was showed hard at AzCHA Shows and the AZQHA Sun Circuit. Al gave commentary at the Cactus Classic Reining show, and made a trip to Vegas to judge at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes. In April, the barn showed at another AzCHA cutting. Al also took a trip to Wisconsin for the Midwest Horse Fair to give some clinics and represent AD Tack. May & June saw more horse shows, and another clinic, this time for the Canadian Quarter Horse Association. Al also participated in a live virtual session with Martin Black. In June, we also welcomed our new office manager, Reilly Dhaliwal to Al Dunning Training Stables and AD Tack, if you stop by the office, make sure to say hello!

Amidst the whirlwind of competitions and clinics, Al and Becky managed to steal some precious moments away at their cabin in Iowa. Fishing, golfing, and quality family time provided a much-needed respite from their busy schedules. August proved to be another action-packed month, with Al lending his expertise as a commentator at The Run for The Million reining and cutting event, as well as serving as a judge for the Cow Horse Challenge. Al’s influence extended beyond the arena, as he was featured on a podcast by the Converse Cowboy during his time in Vegas.

In September Al spent some more time in the judge’s chair at the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity. The fall was filled with more shows and working horses at home.

At the South West Cutting hosted by California Ranch Company in Temecula, California, Al & Crispy Kreme known as “Donut” owned by CH De Haan won the Open on the first day. This win officially put Al over 1 Million in NCHA earnings. At the next show, CH and Donut also made the Unlimited Amt Wow Finals, finishing 3rd in a tough pen of horses! To celebrate this achievement, Ranch owner, Kris Charton hosted a wonderful barn party for Al when everyone got home.

In October, the team headed to Oklahoma City for the AQHA World Show. Everyone had a great show, Al’s Assistant, Marilyn Brandt and Manteca Moe known as “Mo”, owned by Temmy Ev26

ans were the L2 World Champion and L3 Bronze Champion in the Senior Cutting. Temmy & Mo were also Reserve World Champion’s in the Amateur Cutting and Mckenzie Parkinson with How Sweet Rey Is known as “Ivy” were the Bronze Champions in the Amateur Cutting!

In November, Ryan Goldsmith came out to the ranch along with a few of Al’s phenomenal sponsors, and we spent the day filming some promotional clips.

Here is their feature on Lubrisyn!

We finished out the show year with another AzCHA Cutting and the AzQHA Dorn Parkinson Memorial show. In December, Al & Marilyn gave a clinic for the Arizona Cutting Championship Show, and AD Tack ran a booth for the whole weekend.

The Bridle & Bit Magazine also did a cover story on Al and the Almosta Ranch, complete with interviews from Al, Becky, and Kris Charton.

Al, Becky & the family then got to sneak away for their Bi-Annual family trip to Hawaii to celebrate Christmas with the Merril’s, Miller’s, & their families.

This amazing year would not have been possible with out the fantastic help receive along the way! Marilyn Brandt, Al’s right hand, provides the absolute best care imaginable to our horses, managing interns and working tirelessly behind the scenes, at home, and at the shows. Special thanks to our interns Sumer Opinker, Mckenna Hollander, Callie Campbell, Shelby Gray, Andrea Renaud, Sophie Patterson, and Sydney Harrison for all their hard work through out this year.

Almosta Ranch’s new owner, Kris Charton is also making some amazing upgrades to our facility! If you’ve come out lately, you’ve noticed the new covered arena, complete with new footing, fans, and lights. She has also started to build a new barn on the property!

Were looking forward to 2024! Al will be getting his knees replaced at the beginning of the year and will have to spend some time coaching from the sidelines. Don’t be fooled, this might slow him down for a second, but we have a busy year ahead of us. Al kept 5 acres of land when he sold the ranch, and Mckenzie & Shadd Parkinson have been busy building their new home on half of that land. Their new house looks amazing and they should be moving in around February! Al and Becky’s new house has just started being built too!

Watch for Al & the rest of the team at the Arizona Cutting’s, AzQHA Sun Circuit, Cactus Classic, The Run for the Million & the AQHA World Show.

Al will be giving a clinic at the 2024 AZQHA Sun Circuit on March 1st!

Congratulations to all of our customers who bought and sold horses with us this year!

CH De Haan on his purchase of Smart Mate Pat known as “Pat” Bronwyn McCormick on her purchase of Metallic Little Gun known as “Steve” and Sculpted known as “Henry” Don Dieser on his purchase of Manteca Moe known as “Mo” Congratulations to our two Team AD Members, Lindsay Moss & Mario Moreno, who completed their accreditations this year!

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Art of the Cowgirl offers fun, interactive events for the entire family to experience the Western lifestyle

The Wrangler All Women’s Ranch Rodeo presented by COWGIRL Magazine and Kimes Ranch World’s Greatest Horsewoman presented

by Western Horseman competitions are mustsee spectacles at Art of the Cowgirl. However, throughout the five-day event, several family-friendly opportunities allow attendees of all ages to experience elements of the Western lifestyle.

The Art of the Cowgirl main event kicks off Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, with arena competition and educational clinics and workshops (preregistration to participate in clinics and workshops required). In the evening, join the Art of the Cowgirl crew, master horsewomen and artists, featured presenters and other influential guests at the Cowgirl Fiesta. This ticketed event includes a catered dinner, live music, dancing, camaraderie and fun under the Arizona stars.

For those in the market for a handy ranch horse or performance prospect, a select group of horses will be auctioned Saturday afternoon in the highly anticipated Elite Horse Sale. The horses, trained and consigned by some of the best horsewomen, will be available to preview during the day. Online bidding available at cci. live.

“The Elite Horse Sale brings together some of the best cowgirls and horses in the industry. It is a key element to our event and brings people together to enjoy seeing the horses sell at our event and meet the girls who poured so much into them.”- Mesa Pate, Horse Sale Director.

Saturday is also Family Day at Art of the Cowgirl and will feature activities for young cowboys and cowgirls, including a dummy roping at noon with prizes for winners in each age division.

“This is a family event and we always try to add more for the youth each year. This year we have more opportunities for youth to learn hands-on as well as our annual youth dummy roping with great prizes and camaraderie for the kids,” shares Jaimie Stoltzfus, COO of Art of the Cowgirl. “Family is a core value at Art of the Cowgirl and we hope families come to enjoy our event.”

New this year is the Maker Experience, sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Making Supplies in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This addition offers participants hands-on opportunities to try different Western art forms. Instructors include fine artist and photographer Lisa Norman of Buffalo, Wyoming, who will teach an adult paint-and-sip class, an adult graphite drawing class and a youth painting class. Patricia Dagnon, a past Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship recipient from northern Washington, will guide adult students in making leather bookmarks and help kids stamp a halter noseband. Shari Tammietti of St. George, Utah, will lead a class on making permanent jewelry, and Savanna Simmons of 36

Lusk, Wyoming, will instruct students on stamping a copper bracelet. Tuition ranges from $30 to $75; advanced registration is suggested.

“The Makers Experience is meant to be an approachable experience to make art for beginners or those who have dabbled a little,” says coordinator Savanna Simmons. “We will offer one to three-hour courses in leather-working, fine art and metalsmithing.”

Throughout the weekend, attendees can peruse a curated trade show featuring handmade, one-of-a-kind gear, accessories, apparel and other items made by female artisans. They can also sit back, soak in the sun and enjoy live music from top Western musicians, including Carin Marie; mother-daughter duo Joni and Olivia Harms; Andy Hedges and his young daughter, Maggie Rose; Elana James; Little Jane and the Pistol Whips, Brigid Reedy and Trinity Seely.

Tickets and class registration are available at ArtoftheCowgirl. com. A five-day pass is $195, and Day passes will be available starting December 15th online for $55 each.

Workshops allow Western women artisans to collaborate with and learn from experts It’s estimated that mastering any skill takes at least 10,000 hours of deliberate practice, and after achieving that goal, most people remain students in their fields for a lifetime. Opportunities to learn and collaborate in a creative, supportive environment are also imperative. Art of the Cowgirl offers an inspiring place for women to gain exposure, experience and knowledge in various Western trades through educational workshops held during the Art of the Cowgirl main event, January 17–21, 2024, at Horseshoe Park Equestrian Center in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Gaining the confidence and knowledge to start a hobby or small business in the Western industry can be especially daunting for women in agriculture due to family obligations, responsibilities at home, and financial and geographical boundaries. Art of the Cowgirl aims to reduce some of those barriers to entry through its fellowship program, which unites recipients with experts in their fields for extended one-on-one learning opportunities. The workshops help raise funds for the fellowship program while giving women expert advice, hands-on experience and stepping stones to pursue their passions.

“Art of the cowgirl offers a wonderful opportunity to participate and learn in a community that seeks to raise up women of all skill levels,” says Traditional Cowboy Arts Association saddlemaker continued on page 40

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More Workshops

John Willemsma, who will teach a workshop on drawing for leather tooling.

The event will offer 18 workshops instructed by Art of the Cowgirl’s masters, such as Willemsma, Robin Brown, Teresa Black and Trina Morris, as well as guest presenters. Topics include horsemanship, photography, creative writing, purse making, drawing for leather tooling and entrepreneurship.

“If you are seeking to expand your artistic skills, horsemanship or Western craft, these workshops are so rich and full of handson, expert knowledge,” notes Phyllis Burchett and Kimberly Beers, instructors for the photography workshop. “At the heart of Art of the Cowgirl is a community sharing artistic skills and knowledge.

We have often witnessed Art of the Cowgirl workshop instructors being completely open in sharing their expertise. This open learning environment is one of the reasons we wanted to be involved in Art of the Cowgirl events.”

Making its debut at Art of the Cowgirl, Boss Mares, Inc., a newly formed non-profit organization supporting female business owners and entrepreneurs in the Western industry, will hold two two-hour workshops featuring three successful businesswomen in the Western industry who will share advice with attendees to help them energize their creativity and take their businesses to new levels.

Collaboration is a common theme at Art of the Cowgirl, and the workshops provide the perfect place to learn from the industry’s best, celebrate successful women and honor Western traditions.

“Art of the Cowgirl is another avenue to tell the story of the West,” notes Willemsma. “Workshops allow people to be part of that story.”

Most workshop registrations include a free five-day pass to the event, which includes discussions and demonstrations, All Women’s

SHOP LOCAL FIND US ON For Personal Service

Cell: 602-390-3555

EMAIL: bridleandbit@aol.com

Disclaimer

The Publisher and Editor cannot be held responsible for errors or any consequences arising from the use of information contained in this publication; the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher and Editors, neither does the publication of advertisements constitute any endorsement by the Publisher and Editors of the products advertised.

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Ranch Rodeo and World’s Greatest Horsewoman competitions, live entertainment, a quick-draw contest and trade show, and the Elite Ranch Horse Sale. For more information, visit ArtoftheCowgirl. com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. ### About Art of the Cowgirl Founded by Montana horsewoman Tammy Pate in 2018, Art of the Cowgirl is a five-day gathering that celebrates cowgirl artisans and their contributions to the Western lifestyle and culture through educational workshops, discussions and demonstrations, ranch rodeo and the World’s Greatest Horsewoman competition, a trade show and the Elite Ranch Horse Sale. Proceeds from the event fund educational fellowships that unite emerging artists with masters in their respective fields.

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WNFR Team Roper Buddy Hawkins & EQUICOR Team With Rein in Cancer

EQUICOR Saddle Pads and Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Team Roper Buddy Hawkins partnered to raise money for Rein In Cancer during the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on December 11.

Pink night is always special at the WNFR. Tough Enough To Wear Pink was created nearly two decades ago when cowboys and cowgirls began to wear pink in the arena to bring attention to the need for early detection and a cure for breast cancer.

This year a special pink EQUICOR saddle pad was used by Buddy Hawkins as he competed on December 11. It was auctioned

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off to the highest bidder after the run to benefit Rein in Cancer.

Cheryl Cody, President of Rein in Cancer, was excited about the opportunity. “Just about everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way – themselves, their family or their friends – and people in the horse world have been amazingly generous in participating through creative fund-raising. We so appreciate EQUICOR for this special promotion,” she said.

EQUICOR CEO Bryan Toliver said, “As a small business, we want to be able to give back and share our success. Rein in Cancer is a great organization and

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EQUICOR is proud to partner with Buddy Hawkins to raise money for the fight against cancer.”

Hawkins agreed and added, “It’s an honor to be able to contribute to a great cause!”

Rein in Cancer was begun in 2007 by three friends, Shorty Koger of Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Cheryl Cody of Pro Management, Inc., and Healthcare Professional Tracie Clark. The three still steer the 501-C-3 organization, after raising millions of dollars. Rein in Cancer has funded and helps maintain the nutrition clinic at the University of Oklahoma’s Charles and Peggy Stephenson Cancer Center, which is available to all patients, regardless of ability to pay. The organization also provides direct payments to those in the western performance industry undergoing cancer treatments.

Through the years Rein in Cancer has orchestrated fundraising efforts at equine events across the country, from rodeos to local events along with fundraisers at various National Reined Cow Horse Association and National Reining Horse Association events throughout the country. Even the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show and the All American Quarter Horse Congress have joined in the cause.

For information on Rein in Cancer, visit ReinInCancer. com.

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FEI Working Group proposes key changes to equestrian helmet testing standards

An international expert panel gathered by the FEI Medical Committee has put forward a set of key proposals to strengthen the current testing standards for equestrian helmets as a means to enhance the safety of athletes in equestrian sport.

Tasked with reviewing current equestrian helmet testing standards and related scientific literature, the FEI Helmet Working Group was established in April 2023 and is made up of a panel of international experts including engineers, standards experts, medical doctors, helmet manufacturers, athletes and representatives from horse racing.

“While the FEI continues to work on reducing horse and rider falls, measures are needed in parallel to reduce the risk of significant injury when falls do occur. The FEI Helmet Working Group focused on how helmets could be even more effective at reducing the risk of serious head injuries,” FEI Medical Committee Chair Dr. Mark Hart explained.

“There are currently different testing standards around the world for equestrian helmets, with different criteria. Moreover, some of the protocols currently used for testing helmets may not reflect the research and technological advancements that have been made over the past several years.

“Helmet requirements are very sport specific.

And, as the International Federation for equestrian sport, we believe that it is our duty to take the lead on assisting manufacturers with creating helmets that specifically cater to the demands of our sport and better protect our athletes’ heads.

“The Working Group has diligently reviewed the existing testing standards as well as the relevant scientific literature, and we are confident that their conclusions will provide a clearer and more robust framework for manufacturers producing helmets in the equestrian industry.”

FDA issues Priority Zoonotic Animal Drug draft guidance

Editor’s note

The FDA has announced draft guidance aimed at helping animal drug sponsors pursue Priority Zoonotic Animal Drug (PZAD) designation for new animal drugs. These PZADs have the potential to prevent or treat a zoonotic disease in animals that has the potential to cause serious adverse health consequences for, or serious or life-threatening diseases in humans. The guidance includes vector-borne diseases and is intended to expedite the development and review of these therapies.

The FDA is accepting public comments on the new draft guidance for 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. The public should submit either electronic or written comments on the draft guidance

by February 16, 2024, to ensure that the agency considers your comments on this draft guidance before it begins work on the final version of the guidance.

Comments can be submitted electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, or in writing to Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All submissions received must include the Docket No. FDA2023-D-3740 for “Priority Zoonotic Animal Drug Designation and Review Process.”

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Following an initial in-person meeting and frequent online discussions, the FEI Helmet Working Group arrived at the following key conclusions: Scientific testing criteria needs to be improved through new computer modelling and simulations which better reflect real life accidents. This will allow for a change in helmet standards that offer athletes better protection from head injuries.

Additional testing measures and updated brain energy transmission thresholds must be incorporated into the current testing protocols to better account for the varied forces that occur in equestrian falls. The FEI Helmet Working Group recommends that these new testing protocols are introduced as a requirement by the FEI around 2027 in order to allow manufacturers the time to make the necessary adjustments to their production lines.

A new and improved injury reporting system should be established in order to track head injuries, and measure and evaluate the effectiveness of changes to the testing procedures.

The FEI Helmet Working Group’s technical recommendations, which are published on the FEI’s website, will now be shared with the helmet manufacturing and testing industries for feedback. The FEI intends to work collaboratively with manufacturers and helmet standard bodies to achieve these goals, which should be viewed as a new, quickly achievable step forward in allowing helmets to further reduce the transmitted energy to the brain when a fall occurs. Meanwhile, the FEI Helmet Working Group will continue their efforts to improve helmet effectiveness as new research and technology become available.

“The progress made by the Working Group represents a significant leap forward not only for athletes in our sport, but also for the entire equestrian industry”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“Our vision is that the FEI Helmet Safety Working Group’s conclusions marks the start of a journey that will see the international sport governing body contributing to the elaboration of increasingly safer helmet testing standards meeting both the athletes’ needs and the interests of the manufacturers.”

As part of the FEI’s commitment to athlete safety, the FEI has supported since 2012 the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, which has been held every four years since 1997. A peerreviewed consensus statement is published six months after each meeting, summarising evidence-informed principles of concussion prevention, assessment and management, and emphasises the areas requiring more research. The FEI was a member of the conference Organising Committee for the 2016 and 2022 editions.

About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org

The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm. The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Para Driving, Para Dressage, Endurance and Vaulting.

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WCRA to take on new venture with Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, a million-dollar team competition produced by PBR 0 $450,00 the

go ing to am w inning te

Kick-Off Party was a Big Hit! One of the six teams in revolutionary rodeo to be comprised of WCRA qualifiers.

By Kyle Jones

FORT WORTH, Texas – The World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) has announced they will join forces with PBR (Professional Bull Riders) for the revolutionary new Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, a reimagined rodeo produced by PBR in partnership with Kid Rock. Six teams, each led by a legendary rodeo head coach, will compete in bracket-style competition at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on May 17 for a $1 million purse.

To form the six teams in the new rodeo, five will be drafted by the coaches from any and all eligible rodeo contestants. The only path for non-drafted contestants to compete is by declaring eligibility through the WCRA’s state-of-the-art Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) and earning a leaderboard position in the top 20 at Rodeo Corpus Christi on May 8-11, 2024.

The 2024 WCRA Team, “The Free Riders,” will qualify to the team as the first and second-place athletes from Rodeo Corpus Christi. The draft for the remaining five teams will take place in February-March 2024.

The six teams, comprised of two athletes per discipline, will go head-to-head in barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping in a team format, competing in a bracket-style competition featuring Kid Rock live in concert. Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, scheduled for Friday, May 17, will lead into the PBR World Finals – Championship at AT&T Stadium on May 18-19.

“Our latest move to introduce a team format will open more opportunities for any rodeo athlete to compete as part of a team for a $1 million payout,” said WCRA President Bobby Mote. “Our goals when launched were to improve rodeo, increase the payouts, and increase the sport’s exposure. After five years and nearly $17 million in payouts, we believe this new direction with our major events can continue to do just that and introduce rodeo to a whole new market and mainstream media.”

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The $1 million purse for Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo will be broken out with $450,000 going to the winning team, and the remaining $550,000 will be paid out to competitors in various ways.

“The new teams format will benefit more athletes than the Triple Crown, while the payout and competition at WCRA majors will remain great,” said Mote. “This reimagined vision of rodeo and rock and roll will be a rodeo experience like no other. The rodeo format features simultaneous head-to-head competition in AT&T Stadium in a tournament-style bracket for a million-dollar purse.”

Each discipline will be showcased as the teams battle through the first three rounds of competition. All teams will go head-to-head in a randomly seeded Round 1, with the winning team from each showdown automatically advancing. The top performer of the three losing teams will earn a Wild Card berth in Round 2. The four advancing teams will then compete head-to-head in Round 2, with the winners earning a spot in the final round, determining the discipline victor – each discipline finish earns points for each team to qualify for the ultimate TEAM SHOWDOWN – the Top 2 Teams competing one final time for the Team title.

WCRA will also announce four last-chance qualifiers for the 2024 event in the coming months.

Nominations for the May 8-11 Rodeo Corpus Christi are open now and will close on April 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. For information on how to nominate and earn a position, visit wcrarodeo.com.

WCRA will change its focus from The Triple Crown of Rodeo format to the teams rodeo format beginning in May 2024. All athletes currently eligible for the Triple Crown of Rodeo will qualify until their TCR run ends at 2024 Rodeo Corpus Christi. No current TCReligible athlete (event champions from WCRA Rodeo Carolina) has more than one win.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo, a nomination process on the VRQ will be used, similar to the qualification process for the Women’s Rodeo World Championship and The Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo. The 2025 Free Riders will be made up of the champions from the 2024 WCRA Rodeo Carolina on October 3-6 and 2025 Rodeo Corpus Christi.

Since launching in May of 2018, the WCRA and its partners have awarded more than $16,800,000 in new money to rodeo athletes.

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Stetson Wright captures fifth-consecutive All-Around Title

Story and photo by PRCA Superstar Stetson Wright has added another world championship to his resume. The Milford, Utah, cowboy clinched his fifth career PRCA All-Around World Championship and eighth overall. Despite being sidelined after Round 2 of the 2023 Wrangler NFR in his two events – saddle bronc riding and bull riding – because of a right hamstring strain, Wright clinched the all-around crown with $479,621.

“This is awesome,” said Wright, 24, about winning the allaround title. “Through everything that happened here recently, the humbling experience that I have been a part of. To know that I blew everybody out of the water so much that I didn’t have to win a penny at the Finals in order to win this is pretty special. This will be a world title I will not forget. I stopped thinking about world titles after I pulled myself out of the NFR. I just wanted to be healthy, and it is pretty special to win something like that when you’re not even able to finish the richest ten days of the year.”

Wright’s world title collection consists of all-around titles in 2019-23, bull riding (2020, 2022) and saddle bronc riding (2021).

Wright joins a select group of ProRodeo Hall of Fame cowboys – Joe Beaver, Roy Cooper, Don Gay, Larry Mahan, Don McLaughlin, Rich Skelton, Harry Tompkins and Fred Whitfield – who have won eight PRCA World Championships. There are only 18 cowboys in PRCA history to win at least eight world championships.

ProRodeo Hall of Famer Trevor Brazile has the PRCA record with 26 world championships, including a record 14 in the allaround.

“My goal is to break Trevor’s (all-around) record and the way 60

I’m going to do that is being wise enough to know when to hold’em and when to fold’em. This was a week of folding them and just trusting that everything my dad (Cody, ProRodeo Hall of Fame saddle bronc rider) is telling me is going to pan out for the best. If I’m going to get there, I have to be healthy for the next ten years.

“I’m super happy with my decision (to opt out of the NFR with his injury). I knew (Nelson) Wyatt has a chance to win the allaround and before I made the decision, it wasn’t just the bronc riding title and the bull riding title. It was everything. As good as those team ropers and timed-event guys are they are likely to win ten rounds because they are so fast.”

Wright acknowledged he doesn’t expect anything from the sport of rodeo – it has to be earned.

“The way I go about is that I never think I have anything won, until I’m holding that gold buckle,” Wright said. “That’s when I know the fight is over. Me having to throw in the towel before this (NFR) got started was a hard pill to swallow. When you hear everybody call you Superman, you start believing your invincible and then you realize really quick that you’re just as human as everybody else. That was the hardest thing for me. I have dealt with injuries, but I have never had my body not cooperate with me and not fire.

It would shut off and shutdown, but I could still ride, that wasn’t the case this time. I’m at peace with my decision. Eight-time world champion sounds better than seven.”

Wright is hoping to have surgery Dec. 18, and he has no timetable for his return.

“I will be back when I’m 100 percent,” Wright said. “I will be back, so everybody still believes in Superman.”

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Ky Hamilton clinches first career PRCA Bull Riding World Championship

Story and photo by PRCA

The emotional rollercoaster ride that was the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge for bull rider Ky Hamilton ended with a gold buckle and average buckle.

Hamilton finished atop the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $595,414 and clinched his first career PRCA World Championship on Friday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Hamilton, who is a native of Mackay, Australia, is the first Australian to capture a PRCA Bull Riding World Championship. Hamilton broke the single season bull riding mark, breaking Stetson Wright’s mark of $592,144 in 2022.

Hamilton also captured the RAM Top Gun Award for the first time in his career by earning $239,060.

The Top Gun Award was created in 2010 and is given to the contestant who wins the most money at the Wrangler NFR in one event.

“It means everything.

That’s what I came over here to do. By the time I started riding when I was 12, I told everyone that all I wanted to do was be a bull riding world champion. To come over here and get that done, it’s just the icing on the cake.”

Hamilton joins ProRodeo Hall of Famers Dave Appleton (all-around, 1988) and Glen O’Neill (saddle bronc riding, 2002) as the only native Australians to win PRCA World Championships.

Although Hamilton was given a re-ride in Round 9 – which he took as the first bull out in Round 10 Saturday night and was bucked off – he clinched the world crown based on how things folded in Round 9.

No bull rider in the field could surpass Hamilton atop the world standings even if a cowboy was the lone rider in Round 10 ($99,053) and won the average ($78,747).

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Hamilton was bucked off Championship Pro Rodeo’s Dark Thoughts as his re-ride bull from Round 9 as the first competitor in Round 10 and then he was scheduled as the last rider out for Round 10 aboard Rafter G Rodeo’s Western Haulers Hurricane, but opted not to take the ride.

Hamilton, won the average with 514.5 points on six head and became the first Australian to do so since Greg Potter of Ridgelands, Queensland, Australia, accomplished the feat with 502.5 points on six head in 2003.

Hamilton had a drama-packed NFR for the ages on the way to his inaugural world championship.

Hamilton wasn’t supposed to compete in Round 6 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on Wednesday morning – until he did.

Just 16 hours after losing consciousness and suffering a concussion when he was bucked off in Round 5, Hamilton was back in the yellow bucking chutes, Wednesday morning for Round 6, and winning money.

Hamilton split third in Round 6 with his 85.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Love The Grind’s Bouchon.

Hamilton was knocked out during his ride aboard Honeycutt Rodeo’s Bales Hay’s MAGA during Round 5. Hamilton, who smacked heads with the bull, was sent to University Medical Center Trauma Center in Las Vegas for evaluation and observation.

That was just the opening act for Hamilton. In Round 7, HamilPRCA PHOTO BY CHICK THOMPSON ton claimed the victory with an 88-point ride on Duane Kesler’s Alberta Prime Devil’s Advocate. He also was the lone rider on Wednesday night – earning him a $99,053 payday. In total, Hamilton earned $114,654 for his 16 seconds of work in Round 6 and Round 7.

Hamilton won three rounds total at the 2023 Wrangler NFR – Round 1 with his 86.5-point ride aboard Cervi Championship

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Rookie Keenan Hayes Makes PRCA History with World Championship tric 90-point ride on J Bar J’s Straight Ringer in Round 10 of the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge before 17,620 spectators at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The ride allowed Hayes to finish with $434,050, which is a PRCA Bareback Riding single-season earnings record. The record was $425,843 by Clayton Biglow in 2019.

“It was awesome, me and Jess (Pope) were over there fighting with some buckskin horses that’s mostly what we were thinking about just getting out on those horses, so it was really fun,” said Hayes, 20.

PRCA PHOTO BY CLAY GUARDIPEE Stories by PRCA

LAS VEGAS – It was a fitting end to an amazing season for bareback rider Keenan Hayes Saturday night.

The Hayden, Colo., native became the first cowboy to win a PRCA Bareback Riding World Championship in his rookie season.

Hayes secured his spot in the PRCA record book with his elec-

Hayes placed in five rounds and finished first in the average with 850 points on 10 head. That garnered him a $78,747 check. Jess Pope, the 2022 PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion finished second in the world standings with $315,095 and second in the average with 845.5 points on 10 head.

“I was just worried about getting my hand ready and just let the ride take care of itself and it ended up working out,” Hayes said. “We knew what it was (being the first rookie to win the bareback world championship), I didn’t want to think about it too much, I just knew I had to get the job done.

“I mean I knew it was all going on but like I said I was trying not to think about it much just go out do my job for something I’ve worked for my entire life, it’s pretty awesome,” Hayes said. “No, I’m not surprised at all (how I did this season), like I said I’m sure blessed that God gave me this ability and that I get to show it to everyone, it’s just an amazing experience that I wanted to get done my whole life.”

Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston wins World Championship No. 4 Zeke Thurston sealed the deal Saturday night on his fourth PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding World Championship.

Thurston split sixth place in Round 10 with an 86.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight to propel himself to the world championship and average title.

The Big Valley, Alberta, cowboy now has world championships in 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Thurston had yet another stellar NFR. He won four rounds – Round 1, Round 5, Round 8 and Round 9 and placed in eight of the 10 rounds.

“I really wanted to go out there tonight and put an exclamation point on the week. That horse was a little bit all over the place and it sure wasn’t a perfect ride, but we weathered it and here we are,” Thurston said.

Thurston shattered his previous single-season earnings mark of $399,916 by finishing atop the 2023 world standings with $456,356.

Thurston joins Brad Gjermundson, Clint Johnson, and Pete Knight with his four world championships. Only Dan Mortensen and Casey Tibbs with six and Billy Etbauer with five have more saddle bronc riding world championships.

“Yeah, that’s a big deal for me,” Thurston said about joining saddle bronc royalty with at least four world championships. “It’s what I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a little boy. It’s just proof that if you work hard enough and chase your dreams, it’s possible.”

Thurston also won the NFR average with 863 points on 10 head. This was the third average title for Thurston as he also won the NFR in 2016 and 2022.

“It’s huge,” Thurston said about representing Canada and capturing another PRCA World Championship. “You get to come represent the country of Canada and some of the very best bronc riders 74

have come from there. It’s special to keep that legacy rolling.

“I just had to go ride my broncs, each and every one of them.

Consistency is the key, but you have to ace everyone that they draw you regardless of what kind of horse it is. I feel like I was able to accomplish that this week.”

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Tyler Wade

Story by PRCA

LAS VEGAS – If you’re cowboy, there’s no better place in rodeo to perform your best than the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge.

Team Ropers Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp Win Header, Heeler Titles

That’s exactly what team ropers Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp did during Round 8 Thursday night.

The duo tied the world and NFR record with a lightning fast 3.3-second run before 17,616 fans Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“Honestly, Wesley ropes so good that I just try and set him up every night,” Wade said. “It just happened fast and he’s able to shut the run down so fast. It’s special.”

With their $30,706 victory, Wade is second in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $226,834 and Thorp is first in header standings with $233,061.

“It’s awesome. I feel like it was the confidence boost that we needed right there,” Thorp said. “It’s been a slow week and we’d felt that we’ve not gotten the ball rolling. To draw a good steer and make that kind of run, it was unbelievable.”

Wade/Thorp now share the world record with Chad Masters/ Jade Corkill at the Wrangler NFR Finals Rodeo, 2009; Brock Hanson/Ryan Motes in Nacogdoches, Texas, 2012; Kaleb Driggers/ Junior Nogueira at the Wrangler NFR Finals Rodeo, 2017; Clay Smith/Jade Corkill in San Antonio, Texas, 2021 and Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves in Oakley, Utah, 2021.

“I think the most important thing is we get to go at the end of the round,” Thorp said. “But, with the run that we are trying to make it doesn’t play a factor into what we’re trying to do. It depends on the 76

steer you draw and how you attack the angles. We’re going to continue to do what got us here and not change the game plan for this arena.”

An all business, efficient run in Round 10 was all that separated team ropers – header Tyler Wade and heeler Wesley Thorp – from coveted world championships.

Well, the duo clocked a 5.4-second time and that left them third in the average with a $50,517 check, catapulting them to capture gold buckles.

Wade was making his sixth NFR appearance and finished a career-best eighth in the 2022 world standings. That’s not the case anymore.

Wade finished with $308,057 in the world standings and Thorp earned $325,284.

“I don’t know yet. It hasn’t sunk in. I told Thorp I don’t know if I’m a world champion or not. I know he is cause he already has one. I just let him guide me,” Wade said. “I think the whole time we weren’t trying to do anything different other than give ourselves a chance. Take the risk we needed to take when we needed to take them, and it could not have worked out better in our favor. Every time we needed to step up in the round and make a run, we drew the best steer. It felt like God’s timing more than anything.”

Thorp won his lone world championship in 2019.

“This is unbelievable because all I can think about are the times you are down throughout the year, and you have to find something to pick you up,” Thorp said. “How do you get that low to this spot right here. This is everything when you get here because it makes you realize that you just have to be ready for any opportunity that comes.”

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TIE-DOWN ROPER HAVEN MEGED MAKES NFR HISTORY IN ROUND 7

Move over ProRodeo Hall of Famers Trevor Brazile and Cody Ohl and world champion Shad Mayfield. There’s a new tie-down roper who is the Wrangler National Finals

Rodeo record holder – Haven Meged. The Miles City, Mont., cowboy clocked a lightning fast 6.4-second run to win Round 7 Wednesday night before 17,185 fans at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“Honestly, I don’t really know because it happened so fast,” said Meged about his historic run. “I had a good calf and just tried to take full advantage. It’s pretty cool to break an arena record because there’s been a lot of guys here. To be etched

in the record books with the best guys in the world who have roped before me, it’s just a dream come true.” Meged, the 2019 PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion, broke the NFR record of 6.5 seconds shared by Ohl (2003); Brazile (2015) and Mayfield (2022).

Speaking of Mayfield, he was the next roper to go in Round 7 after Meged and stopped the clock in an amazing 6.1 seconds, but his calf got up, which nullified the run.

2023 NCHA METALLIC CAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FUTURITY OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION A special congratulations to the newly crowned 2023 Open Futurity Champion, Wesley Galyean and Lone Woolf, owned by Billy Wolf.

FORT WORTH – The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) congratulates Wesley Galyean of Claremore, Oklahoma aboard Lone Woolf on their Open Futurity championship at the 2023 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity.

Lone Woolf is owned by Billy Wolf of Weatherford, Texas. In the Open Futurity finals, Galyean showed Lone Woolf to a score of 228.5.

The pair will go home with an estimated $318,649.29, not including bonus incentives, along with the coveted title of Open Futurity Champion.

This is not Galyean’s first Open Futurity Championship title. In 2004, Galyean was the youngest rider to ever receive the title of Open Futurity champion at the age of 16 riding Spots Hot. Now in 2023, Galyean did not only win the Futurity on Lone Woolf, but additionally qualified for the Open Finals on Empress owned by the 3G’s Partnership. Despite a saddle malfunction, Galyean and Empress finished third in the Open Futurity Finals.

When being asked how being crowned a twotime Futurity Champion felt, Galyean repeatedly proclaimed, “God is Great.”

Galyean also stated in an interview with Courtenay DeHoff, “I am just super blessed and thankful for everybody.” It truly does take a village.

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The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce a historic milestone in the world of reining, as the legendary stallion Wimpys Little Step becomes the second stallion to reach $13 million in offspring earnings. This remarkable achievement underscores Wimpys Little Step’s enduring legacy as a preeminent sire in the reining industry and further solidifies his impact on

Wimpys Little Step Jumps to $13 Million the sport.

Wimpys Little Step is by NRHA Hall of Famer Nu Chex To Cash and bred by Hall of Famer Hilldale Farm. He was destined to follow in the footsteps of greatness from the

very beginning.

The stallion, out of Leolita Step, is now owned by Silver Spurs Equine.

Wimpys Little Step only entered the show pen six times, yet the stallion earned

$185,757 with NRHA $7 Million Rider Shawn Flarida at the reins. The pair won the AllAmerican Quarter Horse Congress Level 4 (L4) Open Futurity and the 2002 NRHA Futurity L4 Open Championship.

The stallion’s offspring show great talent in the show pen with NRHA professionals and non pros alike and stay consistent as they age. At the 2023 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, Courtney Battison and Xtra Little Balou (out of Lil Chic Balou) took home Reserve Championships in both the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro bringing the 10-year-old stallion’s earnings to $58,037. The pair has earned $56,333 together in non pro classes.

As the second all-time leading sire for NRHA, Wimpys Little Step’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, shaping the future of the sport and contributing to the ongoing success of reining horses and their riders.

Wimpys Little Step’s topearning offspring include: Wimpys Little Chic, out of Col lena Chic Olena, owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, bred by Double Run Farm, NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) $516,556 RC Fancy Step, out of Sonita Wilson, owned by Molly Morgenstern, bred by Bernie Paetzel, NRHA LTE $364,455 Wimpys Little Buddy, out of All Thats Dun, owned by Madalyn Roberts, bred by Jenny Bertolini, NRHA LTE $285,358 Wimpyneedsacocktail, out of Seven S Mimosa, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, bred by Sherry Thompson, NRHA LTE $280,379 Xtra Dun Step, out of All Thats Dun, owned by Jennifer Groehn and Jerry Douglas, bred by Xtra Quarter Horses LLC, NRHA 94

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BLM releases funding opportunity to support wild horse and burro work

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Bureau of Land Management today announced up to $7.5 million in funding is being made available to public and private organizations to support the BLM’s mission of managing and protecting wild horses and burros on public lands.

Partnerships formed through this funding opportunity will

support activities critical to managing and protecting wild horses and burros on public lands, such as applying fertility control to slow herd growth, monitoring herd and land health, and improving rangeland habitat for wild horses, wild burros and other wildlife.

The current population of wild horses and burros on

public lands was an estimated 82,883 animals as of March 2023. While this number is only slightly higher than the 2022 estimate of 82,384, it remains more than three times the number of animals that would be in balance with available resources.

With few natural predators capable of controlling herd

growth, the health and welfare of wild horses and burros and their habitat depend upon effective management actions that control herd size, protect animal and habitat health, and prevent overpopulation. Overabundant populations of wild horses and burros are at risk of starvation and drought impacts and can cause substantial damage to rangeland forage plants and soils, outcompete native wildlife species for scarce water, spread invasive plant species such as cheatgrass, reduce sage-grouse populations, limit post-fire ecosystem recovery, and negatively impact authorized grazing. Excessive herds of wild horses and burros may also consume high volumes of vegetation, cause erosion, foster ecological type conversion to annual grasslands, and hamper rangeland restoration projects, which all can contribute to additional carbon releases to the atmosphere.

Thanks to support from Congress, the BLM has removed nearly 70,000 animals from the range and treated nearly 5,600 with fertility control since 2018 as part of its strategy to reduce the threat to these animals caused by overpopulation, overgrazing, and severe drought. During the same time period, the BLM also significantly increased the number of animals placed into private care, finding homes for more than 42,200 animals in support of its efforts to reduce overpopulation on the range.

Additional details on BLM’s priorities for funding, as well as instructions for submitting a proposal, can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The deadline to submit project proposals is March 1, 2024.

The BLM also recently released an associated funding opportunity to support adoptions and other off-range operations, which closes on Jan.15, 2024, and a funding opportunity (and request for proposals) to support new research projects, which closes on Feb. 1, 2024. Additional guidance on applying for funding is available on the BLM’s website.

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Emma Cameron of New Mexico Crowned 2024 Miss Rodeo America

Emma was crowned as Miss Rodeo America 2024 on Sunday, December 10th at the South Point Hotel and Casino.The 24 yearold from Santa Fe represented her home state at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant as the 2023 Miss Rodeo New Mexico, becoming the 3rd from her state to hold the coveted national title.

Montana Silversmiths jewelry, and a selection of Justin Boots and Greeley Hat Works hats.

In addition to the title, Emma earned the Written Test, Personality and Horsemanship Awards.

This year, thirty-one contestants represented their states in the weeklong national pageant consisting of a horsemanship competition, a written test on equine science and rodeo knowledge, extensive interviews, extemporaneous speaking, and a fashion show. The top five contestants – from Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Washington – each answered a question about what Miss Rodeo America represents and how she would relate that to someone who was not familiar with the organization.

During her reign as the official representative of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Emma will travel around 50,000 miles and appear at nearly 100 rodeo performances, as well as make appearances at schools, civic groups and other special events in order to educate the public and create awareness about the sport of rodeo, its sponsors, and its opportunities.

Emma will also serve as a spokesperson at a variety of promotional events and model

After graduating with honors from Cornell University, Emma worked as a commodity risk management analyst in Kansas City before moving back to the Southwest where she worked as a diagnostic technical specialist in the animal health industry. In her spare time, she enjoys rodeoing, showing ranch riding and reined cow horses, weightlifting, and working with 4-H and youth rodeo organizations. In the future, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career representing producers to ensure sustainability of the agriculture industry.

Outside of the rodeo and agricultural arenas, foster children and children who face less fortunate circumstances as they try to learn who they are in the world have always held a special place in her heart.

The Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold crown is accompanied by more than $20,000 in educational scholarships and prizes including a wardrobe of Wrangler jeans and shirts, an assortment of

in commercial advertisements for western clothiers, publications, sponsors and other service providers to the western industry.

As Miss Rodeo America 2024, Emma began her duties by attending press conferences immediately following her coronation and spent the remainder of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge attending appearances with Miss Rodeo America 2023, Kennadee Riggs of Arizona. She was introduced for the first time in the Thomas & Mack Center during the third performance of the WNFR on Sunday, December 10th.

Photo Provided by Sherry Smith Photography sherrysmithphotography.photoreflect.com 100

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2023 NCHA BROKE SPUR RANCH WORLD FINALS OPEN WORLD CHAMPION Along with winning the Open World Championship, Jaime Snider marks a 234 in the Open World Finals 4th Go on Countin Hot Checks, owned

by Jamie Hill.

FORT WORTH – The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) congratulates Jaime Snider of Rising Star, Texas aboard Countin Hot Checks on their Open World Championship at the 2023 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals.

Countin Hot Checks is owned by Jamie Hill of Bastrop, Texas. In the Open World Finals 4th Go, Snider showed Countin Hot Checks to a score of 234, tying the all-time arena record.

The pair will go home with an estimated $19,312.00, at the World Finals alone, along with the coveted title of Open World Champion. Over the duration of the hauling year, Snider and Countin Hot Checks won an excess of $100,000.00.

When asked about Countin Hot Checks in an interview with Courtenay DeHoff, Snider stated, “He’s just been incredible his whole life … and to go out like that just shows how good he is.”

The 2023 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals was at the historic Will Rogers Complex inside the Watt Arena in Fort Worth, Texas from November 25 through December 2. To learn more about the National Cutting Horse Association, including upcoming events,

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US Equestrian Recognizes Cecile Hetzel Dunn with 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award and Marin McKee as 2023 Junior Equestrian of the Year Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Junior Equestrian of the Year Award, to be presented at the 2024 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky. Cecile Hetzel Dunn is the winner of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, while Marin McKee is the 2023 Junior Equestrian of the Year. Dunn and McKee will be recognized at the Pegasus Awards Dinner on Sunday, January 14.

Cecile Hetzel Dunn (Weirsdale, Fla.) has been involved with horses all her life and shared that passion with her daughters Martha Rattner and Merri Murdock-Krehl and her late husband Norman K. Dunn.

Her love of the horse started at an early age, where she learned to ride her pony before she could walk. Dunn’s equestrian career began in earnest as an instructor at her family’s Arabian farm in South Miami, Fla. Dunn branched out into officiating and became a licensed USEF judge at age 21. During her officiating Cecile Hetzel Dunn career of nearly 50 years, Dunn held ‘R’ judge licenses for Andalusian/Lusitano, Arabian, Connemara, Friesian, National Show Horse, saddle seat equitation, Saddlebred, Welsh, and Western. She also held C1 and C2 steward licenses and shared her knowledge with others as a clinician.

After graduating from Stephens College, Dunn worked at Northwestern State University to develop their equestrian studies program. She then returned to her alma mater as a professor and director of their Equestrian Department. Dunn then went to Salem International University to develop their Equine Careers and Industry Management degree program as well as a horsemanship teaching certification program. As a professor and coach, she inspired young equestrians by helping them set realistic goals and guiding them toward future endeavors.

Following her years in higher education, Dunn served as the Arabian Horse Association Region 6 Director, a member of the US Equestrian Board of Directors, and a member of various AHA and USEF committees. Dunn has dedicated her life to equestrian sport, and the industry is better for her years of service and involvement.

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Junior Equestrian of the Year – Marin McKee Marin McKee (Medical Lake, Wash.) is a member of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) who competes in hunter seat equitation, showmanship, sport horse under saddle, ranch horse riding, Western horsemanship, and Western pleasure classes. She earned top results across disciplines in 2023, tallying numerous wins at the IEAHC Memorial Day Classic and six Top-10 finishes at the AHA Youth/Mid-Summer National Championship Show.

In addition to her competitive results, McKee served as the AHA Region 5 Youth Director from 2020 to 2023 and the Vice President of the AHA Youth Board from 2021 to 2023. During her service, she promoted the Are U Okay campaign for mental health awareness with Tshirt giveaways, awareness days at local shows, and kindness boards featuring words of encouragement to fellow competitors. McKee was named the 2023 AHA Youth of the Year for her contributions to the Arabian horse community.

McKee is a student at Rocky Mountain College pursuing an equine sciences degree with a pre-veterinary concentration and an emphasis on nutrition and Marin McKee (Anna Llolyn Photography) rehabilitation. She is also minoring in equine management. McKee is also a member of the college’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Team. After graduation, she plans to become a certified veterinary technician and manage an equine facility.

“To have the horse acting as a positive force in your life can bring out a better you,” McKee said in her application essay. “The amazing thing is the horses’ presence is enough to boost your morale, and you do not have to own them to experience their joy.”

Pegasus Awards In addition to the above awards and the Equestrians of Honor, the Pegasus Awards are made up of numerous honors for a renowned group of equestrians.

Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Award – Dragonsmeade Farm Kip Rosenthal Memorial High Score Equitation Award – Carlee McCutcheon Find more information and for a full schedule of the 2024 US Equestrian Annual Meeting, visit www.usef.org/annual-meeting and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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AAEP presents awards to equine veterinary leaders

The 2023 recognitions were presented at the organization’s 69th annual convention in San Diego, California.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recently celebrated the achievements of industry leaders with special awards. The recognitions were presented earlier this month, during the President’s Luncheon at the 69th annual AAEP convention in San Diego, California.

Distinguished Educator-Mentor Award 1

Ryland Edwards, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR, a partner and hospital director at Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Connecticut, received the Distinguished Educator-Mentor Award.

This award honors an individual who by her or his actions and commitment has demonstrated a significant impact on the development and training of equine practitioners through mentoring, according to AAEP. Edwards received his veterinary degree from the University of Georgia in 1990, followed by a large animal medicine and surgery internship and a large animal surgery residency at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He spent 8 years in academia at the University of Wisconsin prior to joining Fairfield Equine in 2005.

Throughout his career, Edwards has trained and mentored 54 interns and residents, instilling an infectious enthusiasm for equine medicine along with critical thinking and high-level, hands-on skills to provide new practitioners with a strong foundation for future success, according to AAEP. He embraces the opportunity to encourage and support their career growth and trajectory during their time together and throughout each mentee’s professional journey.

Beyond formal relationships, Edwards advocates for any student or young equine veterinarian who comes through his practice, whether they’re applying to veterinary school or seeking to advance their career.

“Dr Edwards has always had a sincere and genuine interest in the career development of pre-vet students, veterinary student externs, veterinary interns who visit or work at his practice, as well as young referring veterinarians,” said nominators Tom Divers, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC; and Susan Fubini, DVM, DACVS, in an AAEP news release.1 “He has always been willing to help every aspiring or young equine veterinarian that comes his way. From day one, he treats them all as colleagues and somehow always seems to remember their names and their career pathways, even many years later.”

Distinguished Service Award 2

Distinguished Educator-Academic Award 3

Michelle Barton, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-LA, assistant dean of clinical academic affairs at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, Georgia, received the AAEP’s Distinguished Educator–Academic Award for her substantial contributions to the body of knowledge on equine endotoxemia and impactful training of veterinary students, graduate students and residents.

The award recognizes an individual who by her or his actions and commitment has demonstrated a significant impact on the development and training of equine practitioners.

Barton received her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana. Following a large animal medicine and surgery internship at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, she completed a 4-year combined large animal internal medicine residency and PhD in physiology at the University of Georgia. A faculty member, she holds the Fuller E. Callaway Endowed Chair and is a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor. While overseeing the third- and fourth year DVM program and students, Barton continues to teach and provide service in the Large Animal Teaching Hospital.

Distinguished Life Member Award4

Julia “Julie” Wilson, DVM, DACVIM, executive director of the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine and partner in Turner Wilson Equine Consulting in Stillwater, Minnesota, received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award. This honor recognizes exemplary service to the AAEP or a similar organization.

As cofounder and past president of the Equitarian Initiative, Wilson has provided leadership and structure to the program that has grown since 2012 to serve the needs of working equids and their caretakers in 9 developing countries around the world and a Native American reservation in the US, according to an AAEP news 106

release. Many of these projects partner with host country veterinary school faculty and students to increase sustainability of program outcomes. Wilson has led the Equitarian project in Honduras since 2012 and participates in at least one other project each year with the program. Her advocacy for working animals and the families who depend on them extends to service on the boards of directors for Brooke USA Foundation and World Equine Veterinary Association.

Wilson and Merriam also established the annual Equitarian Workshop in Mexico for veterinarians and students. The workshop has served as a catalyst for many current leaders of international working equid programs, according to the AAEP. “No one has worked more tirelessly and effectively for working equids,” said nominator Susan White, DVM, MS, DACVIM, in the release. “Julie has done this by bringing together the widest group of organizations and individuals and fostering cooperation and inclusion. She has an exemplary global reputation as an equid welfare ambassador.”

Wilson received her veterinary degree from Cornell University. During her 35 years of membership in the AAEP, Wilson has served on the board of directors; as chair of the International Committee; and as a member of the Foundation Advisory Council, Welfare and Public Policy Advisory Council as well as the Abstract Review, Membership, Nominating, Pediatrics, Scholarship, and Student Relations committees.

The American Association of Equine Practitioner presented its 2023 Distinguished Life Member Award to Kenton Morgan, DVM, who earlier this year retired as managing veterinarian, equine technical services with Zoetis. The honor was bestowed in recognition of his legacy of volunteer leadership and assistance to the AAEP during his nearly 40 years of membership.

Since joining the AAEP in 1984, Morgan has served on the board of directors; chaired the Professional Conduct and Ethics Committee and the Biological and Therapeutic Agents Committee; and served on the Member Engagement, Nominating and Pediatrics committees.

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2024 Team Wrangler Professionals The 2024 team is as versatile as the American Quarter Horse, comprising top AQHA Professional Horsemen from across disciplines – from halter to all-around and roping to racing.

Team Wrangler, a joint effort between Wrangler and the American Quarter Horse Association, promotes educational outreach for the horse industry. The 2024 team is as versatile as the American Quarter Horse, comprising top AQHA Professional Horsemen from across disciplines – from halter to all-around and roping to racing.

The team is comprised of 24 professional horsemen and

-women selected through one of the following criteria: Top point earners category where the top individual in the six categories of halter, pattern, timed events, over fences, rail and cattle from August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022, which coincides with the Nutrena AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Shows qualifying period.

Affiliate MVP selection where six professionals were selected as State Affiliate MVPs

in 2022 and were voted on by the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Council.

Open voting where a ballot that had all AQHA Professional Horsemen in good standing listed and posted on the website for members to vote and select 12 professional horsemen and -women.

The members of the 2024 Team Wrangler are: Cory Bourque of Abbeville, Louisiana Bradley Boyd of Princeton, Kentucky Jennifer Burton of Grayslake, Illinois Terry Cross of Weatherford, Texas Katie Dove of Midland, Texas Shelley Fitzgerald of Yukon, Oklahoma James Flores of Midwest City, Oklahoma Matt Gouthro of Staunton, Virginia Micah Hansen of Gretna, Nebraska Jessica Johnson of Pickerington, Ohio Whitney Lagace of Higganum, Connecticut Clay Logan of Grandbury, Texas Todd Marler of El Paso, Texas Tom McBeath of Union, Mississippi Keith Miller of Reidsville, North Carolina Peter Oen of Maysville, Oklahoma Kevin Oliver of Canyon, Texas Tom Robertson of Saline, Michigan Beckey Schooler of Adrian, Michigan Melissa Sexton of Okanogan, Washington Teresa Sullivan of Lake Tapps, Washington Michelle Tidwell of Madisonville, Texas Dan Trein of Seville, Ohio Sandra Vaughn of Hernando, Florida

For details on having a Team Wrangler clinician conduct a clinic for your next equine event, contact Karen McCuistion at kmccuistion@ aqha.org.

About Wrangler

Wrangler®, of Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB), has been an icon in authentic American style for 75 years. With a rich legacy rooted in the West, Wrangler is committed to offering superior quality and timeless designs.

Wrangler and AQHA members share the same spirit and appreciation for the western way of life.

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The American Quarter Horse Association will begin transitioning to microchips in place of lip tattoos to identify racing American Quarter Horses.

The American Quarter Horse Association will begin the transition to microchips in place of lip tattoos to identify racing American Quarter Horses effective January 1, 2024.

Any horse that was not previously tattooed as of January 1, 2024, will have their microchip number scanned and used as part of the identification verifi-

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AQHA Racing Transitions to Microchip Identification

cation done by an approved AQHA-contracted identifier.

Horses who were identified by tattoo before January 1, 2024, shall be allowed to continue to utilize their tattoo as a means of

identification.

AQHA is currently in the process of building an application named QHChip, and training will be provided for

identifiers soon.

Once a horse is microchipped and inspected by an official identifier, the information will be available on the identification platforms, both in InCompass Solutions and the QHChip app.

To be eligible to run, a horse that has already been microchipped must still be presented to an AQHA identifier to have its identification verified and

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thereby be entered into the QHChip and InCompass Solutions databases. The cost to verify the identity of a racing Quarter Horse will remain $120.00.

Other breed organizations have transitioned to using this technology. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and contains a 15-digit numerical code unique to that horse that can never be altered. There are numerous benefits to microchipping. It validates breed integrity, as the ID number is recorded with the American Quarter Horse Association on the horse’s permanent record. Microchipping can result in increased efficiencies in entering horses in races and can also help recover an animal in case of natural disaster or theft.

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Applying Practical Equine Rehabilitation hold the position for a few seconds. Gradually work up to a 20- to 30-second hold.

For any of the above exercises, evasions can include twisting the neck, moving sideways, backing up, dropping a held leg. Placing the horse against a wall or corner can help prevent some evasions.

Proprioception and strengthening exercises can go hand in hand

By Jane Manfredi, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS-LA, DACVSMR (Equine), RVC PG Cert Equine prehabilitation (prehab) and rehabilitation (rehab) strategies that maintain and improve horse health and recovery can be easy to incorporate into your clinical practice. Rehabilitation techniques to support musculoskeletal health and quicken return to function post injury have become integral parts of equine practice and a focus of interest for horse owners.

These techniques complement general strengthening and controlled exercise plans, can be performed on the farm, and range from core strengthening, baited stretches, pole work, surface work, ice, heat, physiotaping, double lunging, and jangles.

Below are guidelines to help practitioners identify current prehab and rehab techniques that can be performed on the farm, to apply appropriate prehab and rehab strategies for various clinical scenarios, and to identify which strategies have scientific backing of their efficacy.

Core strengthening exercises Topline and abdominal muscles are important for sustained musculoskeletal health. Core muscle groups that are important for postural stabilization of the horse include: multifidus, longissimus, biceps femoris, gluteals, quadriceps, and the abdominal musculature.1,2 Baited stretches can be performed as a horse is encouraged to reach for a desired treat.

This can improve the range of motion laterally and will activate different muscle groups depending on whether the lateral bend is directed towards the hip, stifle, or barrel while bending around the owner.

Ventral or rounding stretches can be directed to the level of the chest, fetlocks, or between the front legs. Both the lateral bending and ventral rounding exercises are increased in difficulty if the horse accomplishes them while resting or elevating one leg off of the ground.

Non-baited stretches. For horses not food-motivated or for those that treats might put them at risk for laminitis, examples of non-baited exercises to improve the topline musculature +/- the abdominal muscles include: sternal lift (fingers tickle under the sternum), tail tuck (fingers or a hoof pick tickles by the tailhead), a combination of the two, and rocking back (accomplished by lifting one front leg and rocking the horse back onto its haunches by pushing on the shoulder). A lateral tail pull is a great exercise targeting the quadriceps, which is great for stabilizing stifles in instances where there is intermittent locking of the patella.

Horses should perform the exercises after they have been ridden and repeat the exercise at least three times, or ideally, five times a week. When horses first start, they may only be able to 112

Proprioception and/or strengthening To aid with proprioception, devices like tactile stimulators can be intermittently used to increase the flight arc of leg. The horse does habituate to this device over time, but it can be useful in the short term or if there is asymmetry between heights attained with each leg. It is important to note this device does not work by adding weight to the leg, but through the tactile stimulation of the coronary band.

Physiotape or kinesiotape has mixed results for improvement of muscular control in the human literature; however, in horses it continues to be used for various musculoskeletal injuries (sacroiliac pain, intermittently locking patellas, hock pain), weakness, and neurologic issues. In the horse, its use on the brachiocepalicus and extensor carpi radialis muscles of the forearm did not result in any joint movement changes.Kinesio taping also did not improve back flexion and extension overall at the trot, though some individual horses showed positive responses.

Resistance bands aim to improve back and abdominal musculature (improves core and strengthens the circle of muscles) via tension place around the abdomen or semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles. Use while ridden or with a double lunge and/or side reins to ensure that the horse’s back does not hollow are critical to building the topline.

Use of the resistance bands in a four-week exercise regimen showed some support for increasing muscular stability.Horses with insulin dysregulation and/or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID or Cushing’s) may benefit from these resistance exercises. Double lunging is also useful for horses that cannot take the extra burden of the rider’s weight but still need to be started back in work.

Cavaletti/poles. Electromyography has shown cavaletti poles activate various muscles during stance and swing phase in dogs.

In the stance phase in horses trotting over poles, there is a suggestion that the forelimb adductors are activated.Increasing the height of the trot poles increased joint flexion via flexor muscle activation to increase hoof height.

Having poles placed unevenly or up or down a hill also encourages coordination that can be helpful in addressing some neurologic cases.At the walk, poles can increase joint range of motion during the swing phase of the stride.

Surfaces. Changes in exercise surfaces play important roles in

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Equine Rehabilitation

human rehabilitation, as different firmness surfaces affect joint angles in horses as well as humans. While different surfaces have not been investigated extensively in horses, some preliminary work with soft, somewhat unstable cushions has been performed. The type of injury should also be considered, with rehabilitation of a soft tissue injury ideally occurring

on a firmer surface, while rehabilitation of a bone/joint injury should occur on a softer one.

Treadmills. Land and water treadmills have had unique roles in rehabilitation of horses from injury and for muscle strengthening. In a carpal chip model, walking in the water treadmill resulted in clinical improvements in the limb, greater positional stability, and decreases in joint inflammation.

Water height is important to consider for maximizing the

flexion and extension of the joint of interest. Water height (stifle level) and treadmill speed also influences how hard horses have to work in the treadmill.

Back movement is also facilitated with the water treadmill.

Ice, heat and pressure have all been parts of athletic approaches to joint and muscular health. Some systems incorporate both cooling and pressure, while a pre-wet ice sleeve works predominantly as a cooling device. Regular wraps and products that claim to increase blood flow to the area via ceramic particles have also been part of a pre and post competitive regime.

In summary, rehabilitation techniques support equine musculoskeletal health and quicken return to function post injury. Rehab techniques can be employed by veterinarians, technicians, or owners. Core exercises, like baited stretching, are easy to do and can be modified for horses that are not food-motivated or those that have endocrine disease.

Proprioception and strengthening exercises can go hand in hand.

Devices such as resistance bands, tactile stimulators, and physio tape have a place in practice settings.

Jane Manfredi, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS-LA, DACVSMR (Equine), is an assistant profes-

sor in the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Manfredi graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College (Prince Edward Island, Canada), and spent time in a private mixed large animal private practice and at two Chicago racetracks before completing a large animal surgical residency at the University of Minnesota. Manfredi completed a PhD at Michigan State in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology and became boarded in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation before joining the faculty.

Her research interests include osteoarthritis, rehabilitating the performance horse, and metabolic syndrome.

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Kiley Hamilton Wins 2023 USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award

by US Equestrian Communications Dept.

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce that Kiley Hamilton (Linden, Calif.) has been named the 2023 USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award winner.

Hamilton is a competitive Western dressage rider, an active member of the Linden High School FFA Horse Judging Team, and an aspiring equine veterinarian. She was nominated for this award by the Western Dressage Association of America.

Hamilton trains and competes in Western dressage with LLH Smart Lisa Lena, a 2010 Quarter Horse mare owned by Hamilton’s longtime trainer Ann Marie Moznett-Avansino of Wild Wine Farm, and this year made her successful debut at the WDAA World Championship Show. Additionally, she has apprenticed with an equine veterinarian and expanded her working knowledge of horse management by working for Jason Richards at 7M Ranch, a reining, ranch riding, and Western pleasure training and boarding facility.

“While Kiley has been one of my highest achieving students academically and one of our most active members in our FFA chapter, her involvement outside of Linden High School is much wider,” wrote Jana Colombini, Hamilton’s agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor. “Kiley manages an impressive grade point average while dedicating all her free time to the equine industry. Kiley can be found putting on riding clinics, training horses, competing, and cleaning stalls. She works very hard to train and compete at high levels while still finding time to give back to young people who are learning to ride for the first time. Kiley dreams of pursuing a career as an equine veterinarian. As her high school veterinary science teacher, I can attest that Kiley is already demonstrating the demeanor, handling abilities, and techniques that it takes to accomplish that career.”

Genevieve Rohner (Park City, Utah), nominated by the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association, was awarded the reserve 2023 USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award winner. Rohner is an aspiring Paralympian who was first named to the USEF Para Dressage Emerging Athletes

List in 2020 at just 12 years old. She represented the U.S. for the first time as part of a CPEDI3* team in 2022. At age 14, her first year of FEI eligibility, she became the youngest classified para dressage athlete in the world. She earned her USEF Interscholastic Athlete Letter each year from 2018-2022. She gives back to the equestrian community as a volunteer at Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship.

“Genevieve has chosen to spend countless hours volunteering at the therapy center where she began riding at age four, exercising horses, helping out with therapy rides and any other way she can be useful,” wrote Mandy Pomeroy, an English teacher at Ecker Middle School. “She has chosen this because it’s her true passion.

There’s nowhere else she’d rather spend her time.”

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Veterinary students awarded $530,000 in scholarships from The Foundation for the Horse

The 29 recipients were recognized during the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ annual convention in San Diego, California.

Students from more than a dozen veterinary schools were presented with scholarship awards totaling $530,000 during the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) 69th Annual Convention in San Diego, California. The scholarships were awarded by The Foundation for the Horse, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the welfare of horses, and funded in partnership with other organizations.

The 29 scholarship recipients are pursuing careers in equine practice. Their awards included 4 new scholarships totaling $75,000 as well as ongoing scholarship programs.

These scholarships reward veterinary students at colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and in an AAEP student chapter, and their long-term goals in equine practice. Applicants apply during their second and third year of veterinary school and are required to have documented support of AAEP members and their clinical instructors.

Recipients of the foundation’s ongoing scholarship programs including the following awards: Four students received $75,000 Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarships: Anne Brien, Kansas State University Megan Elcombe, University of California, Davis Bailey Fritz, Kansas State University Meg Lemons, University of Georgia Ten students received $10,000 Zoetis Foundation Scholarships: Amanda Ayers, University of California, Davis Gabriella Balaa, University of Missouri Briana Blackwelder, North Carolina State University Nicole Gonzales, University of California, Davis Fred Holcomb, Texas A&M University Emma Kerr, Cornell University Ryan Lurch, Lincoln Memorial University Angela Mangine, University of Pennsylvania Ashley Nixon, University of Guelph Shelby Rivkin, Michigan State University Five students received $5000 Merck Animal Health Scholarships: Alexandra Bettencourt, Texas A&M University Scarlett Loya, University of Pennsylvania Lauren Obermeyer, The Ohio State University Harrell Phillips III, Kansas State University Cassidy Scatena, Texas A&M University Five students received $5000 Oakwood Foundation Scholarships: Madeleine Edwards, North Carolina State University Haven Erengil, Texas A&M University James Ford III, Lincoln Memorial University Kaitlyn Lomsnes, University of Calgary Sara Zunker, Texas A&M University Additionally, Claire Long from Texas A&M University received the $5000 Dr. Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship. New scholarship program awards are as follows: Hannah Quail from the University of Florida received the $50,000 Ellen DiBella Memorial Scholarship.

Annie Gerding from The Ohio State University received the $10,000 Richard & Anne Stirlen Foundation Scholarship Honoring Dr. Gus Abuja.

Meghan Poth from University of California, Davis, received the $10,000 Richard & Anne Stirlen Foundation Scholarship Honoring Dr. Laura Javsicas.

Tessa Beiter from Cornell University received the $5,000 Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Scholarship.

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Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse annually awards more than $1 million annually in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the US and developing countries.

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By Catie Staszak Less than two weeks after the Swedish Warmblood Tornado was made a permanent member of Skylar Wireman’s (USA) string, the pair topped the first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ of their respective careers.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd at Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Coliseum (USA), 19-yearold Wireman and Tornado

Whirlwind victory for Wireman in Fort Worth

bested a six-horse jump-off and were one of just two doubleclear efforts on the evening.

The winning time was 36.54 seconds. Nicolas Gamboa (COL), in his own right just 23 years old finished second with NKH Mr. Darcy (36.79 seconds). Jill Humphrey (USA) and Chromatic BH finished third for the second consecutive leg after earning the same finish

last out in Las Vegas (USA); the pair finished with a single knockdown in 34.69 seconds.

“It doesn’t feel real. It’s incredible. That horse is incredible. Every time I’ve jumped a bigger track, he’s just gotten better and better.”

After a foot-perfect first round, things did not go entirely to plan for Wireman in the jump-off. Humphrey navigated

Anderson Lima’s (MEX) short course first and put pressure on those behind her after executing a bold inside turn to the jump-off’s fourth fence. Wireman planned to replicate the turn, but she ended up leaving out a stride to the fence that preceded it, making the turn more difficult.

When Tornado struggled to execute the move, Wireman made a split-second decision to bypass the effort and go swiftly around a fence to the next vertical. “[My coach Peter Wylde] told me to go around if I did six [strides]. Apparently I missed that note! He said to do seven [strides] and go inside, but I saw six, and I tried to still go inside and quickly rerouted.”

While some time was lost in the moment, Wireman made up enough before and after to fend off Gamboa—along with a pair of Irish Olympians in Shane Sweetnam and Darragh Kenny, both of whom incurred faults with RR Combella and VDL Cartello, respectively. “[Tornado] was just flying,” Wireman said. “I just [thought], ‘I better stay on!’”

Wireman has only been partnered with Tornado since June, when fellow rider Nick Haness (USA) asked the young professional to campaign the horse with an aim to sell him.

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VS Code Blue owned by Katherine K. Tobin

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