Road To The Horse Program

The World Championship of colt Starting

Competitors

VICKI WILSON NICK DOWERS

Wild Cards

BEN BALDUS WADE BLACK BOOGER BROWN

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Welcome to Road to the Horse 2019!

It is my genuine pleasure to welcome you to Road to the Horse, the world’s premier test and demonstration of colt-starting.

Whether you are a first-time attendee or have been here many times, we thank you for choosing to attend this great event.

Throughout this weekend, you will enjoy seeing demonstrations of exceptional skill and ability working with horses as these talented horsemen and women compete. With the addition of the Wild Card competition, we will actually crown two champions in 2019.

Created by my good friend Tootie Bland and her late husband, Steven, Road to the Horse has become one of the horse world’s “must-see” events and has been a catalyst for one of the strongest movements in horse training—natural horsemanship.

I think we all can agree that Road to the Horse has helped us become better horsemen and -women who appreciate the natural abilities of these wonderfully versatile animals. These training methods have also greatly improved our individual relationships with horses and are a large reason for the continued success of Road to the Horse.

It is with these ideals in mind that Morris Magazines, LLC, parent company to Western Horseman and Quarter Horse News, is proud to be a part of this prestigious event.

My thanks to Tootie and her team, as well as to Dr. Glenn Blodgett of the Four Sixes Ranch, for all they do to make this event truly special.

I am committed to seeing that Road to the Horse remains true to its roots as we continue to help advance these training methods that are so crucial to the well-being of these animals we love.

My family and I have lived in the South all of our lives where Southern hospitality thrives. It’s our goal and hope that you will experience that same hospitality during your stay in Lexington and at Road to the Horse.

Warmest regards to one and all,

William S. Morris, III

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Road to the Horse 2019 EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday March 22, 2019

7:00 am: All Day Ticket Sales for Legacy – Road to the Horse 2020 8:00 am: Doors Open to Roadies 8:30 am: Open to Public Meet and Greet 9:30 am: Opening Ceremonies Rider Kiesner | Whispery Pines Percherons Introductions: Clinicians | Wild Cards Running of the RTTH 2019 Remuda from the 6666 Ranch Clinician Draw | Set Round Pens 10:45 am: Wild Card Challenge 1:45 pm: INTERMISSION 2:15 pm: Round 1 – Road to the Horse 2019 Recap & Reveal Scores 6:30 pm: End of Day 1

Saturday March 23, 2019

7:00 am: All Day Ticket Sales for Roadies – Road to the Horse 2020 8:00 am: Doors Open Roadies 8:30 am: Doors Open Public 9:30 am: Opening Ceremonies Wild Wild West | Rider Kiesner Whispery Pines Percherons 10:30 am: Wild Card Challenge 1:30 pm: Intermission | Set Round Pens 2:30 pm: Round 2 – Road to the Horse 2019 Re-cap & Reveal Scores 6:30 pm: End of Day 2

Sunday March 24, 2019

7:30 am: All Day Ticket Sales for Public – Road to the Horse 2020 8:00 am: Doors Open 9:00 am: Cowboy Church | Section 101 11:30 am: Opening Ceremonies |Championship Sunday Wild Card Challenge: Rail Work | Obstacle Course 15 min Break Road to the Horse 2019: Rail Work | Obstacle Course First Clinician – Colt No. 1 & 2 Second Clinician – Colt No. 1 & 2 And the Winner is…

Photos on stage with the Road to the Horse 2019 World Champion and the 2019 Wild Card Challenge Champion

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Welcome to Road to the Horse 2019 It is an honor to welcome you to the 2019 Road to the Horse as we spend the week celebrating the history of the horse! Since 2011 Four Sixes Ranch has provided the horses for this first-class event and every year it proves to be more exciting than the last. So get ready for a great experience.

The American Quarter Horse has evolved from a quarter of a mile sprinter to the most diversified, versatile horse in the world. Its origin can be traced to the colonial era, by way of English settlers who imported their native horses, including Thoroughbreds, and the Spanish who brought horses known as Spanish Barbs or Iberians.

The Quarter Horse breed began in the East when colonists bred their stallions to the Chickasaw Indians’ mares. The result was a quick, powerful horse that was the fastest at running a quarter of a mile, also known today as 440-yards, and soon earned celebrity status as they were raced down the streets of Colonial towns. As the West developed and Texas was settled, these horses also gained a reputation as a reliable mount used by cowboys and ranchers as they drove their cattle across open range on big drives to northern railheads.

After the Civil War a legendary race horse named Steel Dust, who was foaled in 1843, was brought to Texas and became the most influential sire in the West. The stallion was soon well-known as a quartermile match racer and cemented his fame when he was matched against, and beat, Kentucky-bred horse Monmouth. Steel Dust followed the victory with several more high-profile wins before retiring to stud, the demand for his foals was high. Embraced and coveted by cowboys and ranchers, these horses came to be known as “Steeldusts,” named after the legendary sire who set the standard for desirable characteristics— muscular frames, small ears, intelligence and quick speed.

It wasn’t until 1940 that Anne Burnett Tandy (granddaughter of the Four Sixes Ranch founder Captain Samuel “Burk” Burnett) hosted a dinner party for a group of men interested in creating an official registry for the Steel Dust horses of Texas. From this meeting the American Quarter Horse Association was born and has grown to register more than 6 million quarter horses to date.

The roots of the American Quarter Horse run through our history as far back as the first settlers of this great land. Today they play a significant role in the daily operation of the Four Sixes Ranch and we take pride in the fact that our brands of nearly 150 years are represented on the horses that you will see in this prestigious event.

I feel that those attending this week share our passion for the horse and I hope that you enjoy this year’s Road to the Horse.

Sincerely,

Dr. Glenn Blodgett

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Contents

ROAD TO THE HORSE 2019

FEATURES 06 VICKI WILSON International show jumper and two-time Road to the Horse World Champion

08 NICK DOWERS NRCHA Open Futurity Champion and Road to the Horse World Champion

10 THE WILD CARD COMPETITION Meet our Wild Cards Ben Baldus, Wade Black and Booger Brown

20 THE REMUDA Learn more about the stunning colts in the Road to the Horse 2019 Remuda from the 6666 Ranch

26 THE INSIDE SCOOP Wilson and Dowers are no strangers to Road to the Horse. What’s their strategy coming into 2019?

28 THE COWBOY CODE Road to the Horse Co-Founder Steven Bland exemplified what it meant to be a cowboy

30 THINGS GET A LITTLE WESTERN On the trail with Road to the Horse Co-Founder Tootie Bland 02 24 33 34 38 40 43 47 52 55 57 58 60 68 75 76

THE SCHEDULE REMUDA SIRES HOSTS MEET THE JUDGES A MONTAGE OF MEMORIES THE FOUR SIXES RANCH MEET DR. GLENN BLODGETT THE ENTERTAINERS THE AWARDS MARTIN SADDLE GIVEAWAY WILD WEST TEST COWBOY TERMINOLOGY CONTESTANT CHILI RECIPES THE ROADIES THE MARKETPLACE THE HORSE CLINICIAN

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Vicki Wilson Vicki Wilson grew up on horseback and has always had a passion for riding. She is now one of New Zealand’s most successful and well-respected show jumping riders, being known for her competitive edge at the highest levels. She has gained international recognition through bareback and bridleless demonstrations, including jumping displays, and she has tamed wild horses around the world. Alongside her sisters Kelly and Amanda, Vicki starred in the top-rated television series Keeping Up with the Kaimanawas, a show in which the sisters train wild horses. Two documentaries and four best-selling books also share the Wilsons’ experiences working with horses around the globe.

Vicki is regarded as one of the country’s

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top horse trainers. She specializes in fixing problem horses and starting colts, having started hundreds of horses over the last 20 years. She takes a holistic approach to horse welfare and has a strong philosophy based on producing happy horses who love their work.

Accomplishments

* Won Puissance title, jumping a six-foot wall bareback on a five-foot tall horse, at the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show in 2011 * 2014 Taupo Christmas Classic World Cup * 2015 Equidays Hyundai Derby Winner * Five-time Lowry Medallion Winner and 9-time Nationwide Cup Winner (more than any rider in history) * Road to the Horse 2017 World Champion of Colt Starting * Road to the Horse 2018 World Champion of Colt Starting

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Nick Dowers While many things set Nick Dowers apart from his peers, his unique training philosophy clearly tops the list. Dowers began riding at a young age, using horses on his family’s Triple D Ranches in the Great Basin region that stretches through Nevada, Oregon and Utah. This background instilled in him a sincere appreciation for the horse as his partner, as well as a belief that work outside of the arena is crucial. Nick Dowers embodies the ideals of Western heritage, and he has dedicated his life and career to sharpening his horsemanship skills. He believes the best way to teach a horse is by harnessing its mind and creating a positive relationship. As a National Reined Cow Horse Association Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, his philosophy focuses on blending natural horsemanship and performance horse training techniques to develop a balanced, confident athlete. Strong family values and a sincere love for horses have earned Dowers the respect of his fellow horsemen. The Dyer, Nevada, native has trained under the likes of Bryan Neubert, Joe Wolter, Bill Van Norman, Andrea Fappani and Annie Reynolds. His lifetime

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earnings exceed $584,000.

Nick met his wife Jackie in high school. After graduating, Jackie went to the University of Nevada, Reno for Nursing—only an hour from where Nick was attending school—and they maintained a long-distance relationship through her schooling and later his traveling for work. They were married in 2006. Nick and Jackie welcomed daughter, Tuli, in 2008, followed by son, Crue, in 2010. The couple had their third child, daughter Jovi, in the summer of 2012.

Accomplishments

* Lifetime NRCHA earnings of more than $584,00 * 2011 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Intermediate & Limited Champion * 2013 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open World Champion * 2014 & 2016 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Hackamore Champion * 2016 Road to the Horse World Champion of Colt Starting * 2016 NRCHA Derby Open Reserve Champion * 2018 Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Two-Rein Champion

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The Road to the Horse 2019 Wild Card Challenge At Road to the Horse 2019, three gifted horsemen will showcase their skills in the Wild Card Challenge. They will each start an untouched 6666 Ranch colt, during three days of competition, in true Road to the Horse style. The winner is guaranteed a much-sought-after competitor position at Road to the Horse 2020.

The Wild Card competitors will take center stage each morning, prior to the start of the main Road to the Horse competition. Fans will be able to watch every minute of colt-starting action from these talented first-time Road to the Horse competitors, as they each bring their own unique style of horsemanship to the event. The 2019 Wild Cards are Ben Baldus, Wade Black and Booger Brown.

Ben Baldus

Ben Baldus has won more than $260,000 in reining, reined cow horse and ranch versatility competition. He has been a finalist at multiple National Reining Horse and National Reined Cow Horse Association aged events. Riding SEVEN S WOODROW in 2018, he clinched his second American Quarter Horse Association World Championship in open versatility ranch horse. He won his first AQHA world title in the same event riding My Boots Are Tuff in 2014. During 2017, he was the leading open rider in ranch horse competition and ranks 2nd among all-time leading ranch versatility money-earners, according to Equi-Stat.

Ben began showing at age 12. He was introduced to reining and cow horse competitions while working for the historic Waggoner Ranch in Electra, Texas.

After several years there, Ben and his wife, Cameron, established their own business in 2016, training performance horses and conducting horsemanship clinics. They are based in Bowie, Texas.

Learn more about Ben Baldus at www.BaldusHorsemanship.com.

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Wade Black

Wade Black was born on the Stampede Ranch in Nevada. At a very young age he was roping, moving cows and working with the cowboys on the ranch, which was managed by his father. Wade went on to earn a rodeo scholarship in saddle bronc riding at Montana State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, and a master’s in Equine Nutrition. Wade has spent time in Kentucky training racehorses, in Texas training cutting horses, and at different cow camps in Idaho and Oregon.

Horsemanship is in Wade’s blood.

Wade now directs the Equine Science Program at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon. Learn more about the college’s equine program at www.tvcchorseproduction.com.

Learn more about Wade Black at www.trainingforthecross.com.

Booger Brown Booger Brown is an accomplished horseman and renowned horse trainer who has trained and shown cutting horses and various types of performance horses. Booger is a clinic instructor and hosts horsemanship clinics across the country. He has a love for all animals and is well respected and trusted within the horse community, with many asking for his assistance when they are having challenges with their horses.

Booger is one of the stars of the award-winning and fan-favorite series, The Cowboy Way, which can be seen on the general entertainment television network INSP. Booger lives in Geneva, Alabama, with his wife, Jaclyn, and their son, Matthew.

Learn more about Booger Brown at www.BoogerBrownAlabama.com.

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The Remuda

The Road to the Horse 2019 Remuda includes 11 well-bred geldings from the historic 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. They are all nominated to the American Quarter Horse Association’s Ranching Heritage Program.

#1 SIXES BODY

(SIXES PICK x MISS BUSY BODY) SIXES BODY, sired by SIXES PICK, is a beautiful, well-balanced buckskin with great conformation traits that everyone can relate to and a superior pedigree. This is not the first foal sired by SIXES PICK to participate in Road to the Horse; you may recall the 2011 RTTH Champion PERFECT PERFORMANCE (aka TRES), ridden by Chris Cox. His dam, MISS BUSY BODY (foaled in 1995), has produced ranch horse money-earners NU CASH COW and BUSY HAIDIN. She is a daughter of TUF N BUSY, who earned 252.5 AQHA points; finished 4th in AQHA World Senior Heeling twice; was an AQHA Performance Champion; earned Superiors in Heading, Heeling and Reining. TUF N BUSY has sired the earners of 3,743 AQHA points. One of his leading foals was IM A TUFF BUENO, an AQHA Champion who earned $37,726 and 1,126.5 AQHA points.

#2 LITTLE RIVER KING

(WR THIS CATS SMART x LITTLE RIVER LADY) LITTLE RIVER KING is sired by leading cutting, reined cow horse and ranch horse sire WR THIS CATS SMART, whose foals are winning at major events across the country. This gelding may be the one to take home the 2019 Road to the Horse Championship!

His dam, LITTLE RIVER LADY (2007), has produced 7 AQHA foals. She is a daughter of PLAYGUN, who earned $183,538 in his career and was an AQHA High Point Junior Cutting Champion. He is an AQHA Top 10 All-Time Sire of ranch horse & cowboy events point-earners; and an AQHA Top 25 All-Time Sire of reined cow horse point-earners. His foals have earned more than $9.4 million and 9,066 AQHA points.

#3 SIX LIMITS

(GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS x PLAYIN SIX) SIX LIMITS is one of four geldings at the 2019 Road to the Horse sired by the young, up-and-coming sire GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS, a son of AQHA World Champion Versatility Ranch Horse SIXES PICK. PLAYIN SIX (2009), his dam, has produced four AQHA foals. She was sired

by PLAYIN STYLISH, who earned $118,764, was the NCHA Horse of the Year, and won the NCHA Open Super Stakes and the Augusta 4-Year-Old Open Futurity. PLAYIN STYLISH has sired the earners of more than $4 million and 3,020 AQHA points. One of his top foals, STYLISH LITTLE OAK, won the NRCHA Open Staffle Bit Futurity and earned $125,703. Another, PLAYIN ATTRACTION won $111,705 and was the NRCHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion.

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#4 GUTHRIE POWDER

(GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS x BLUE GUNPOWDER MS) GUTHRIE POWDER is sired by GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS and demonstrates the stallion’s same great conformation and eye appeal. This gelding is a half-brother to Tri-State AQHA Ranching Heritage 5/6-Year-Old Working Ranch Horse Open Champion SIXES BLUE POWDER. BLUE GUNPOWDER MS (2003), his dam, is a daughter of PG GUNPOWDER, who won $18,739 and was a semi-finalist at the NCHA Open Futurity. His top foals include RL GUNPOWDERS LENITA ($17,753 and 179.5 AQHA points), SWEETNLOUS GUNPOWDER ($52,327 and NCHA Bronze Award), WS SNICKELFRITZ ($21,533 and NCHA $2,000 Limited Rider Co-World Champion), and GUNPOWDERS LIL FLICK ($10,764 and Ranch Cutting Horse Association Year-End All-Age Open Champion).

#5 GUTHRIE BYPASS

(GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS x PADDYS TOPAZ) This is a beautiful buckskin gelding sired by GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS. GUTHRIE BYBASS is a half-brother to up-and-coming Four Sixes stallion JESSES TOPAZ (by MR JESS PERRY) and to EYESA TOPAZ ($49,771 in lifetime earnings and NBHA World Barrel Racing Finals Senior 1D Champion; NBHA World Barrel Racing Senior 1D Champion).

His dam, PADDYS TOPAZ (2006), is a half-sister to FRENCHMANS TIGER ($12,859, Fizz Bomb Classic Barrel Futurity Reserve Champion), FRENCHMANS CLIPPER ($3,250), and FRENCHMANS LITTLEGUY (Fizz Bomb Barrel Futurity Jackpot Open 2D Reserve Champion). Out of the female family of Hall of Fame horse CASEYS LADYLOVE.

#6 ROCKIN OATS

(ROCKIN W x SIXES OATS) This gelding hails from Road to the Horse royalty! He was sired by NCHA Open Futurity Champion ROCKIN W, the sire of 2015 Road to the Horse World Champion ROCKIN HISTORY, ridden by Chris Cox. ROCKIN OATS’ dam, SIXES OATS, is a full sister to the 2016 Road to the Horse World Champion, SPEEDY CREAM, ridden by Jim Anderson.

His dam, SIXES OATS, is a daughter of STOLI, who earned a speed index of 99, was a Champion Racing 3-Year-Old, won 10 races, including the All American Derby [G1], and earned $332,237. Foals by STOLI have won more than $16 million. His top foal, STOLIS WINNER, recorded a speed index of 112, earned more than $2.2 million, and won the All American Futurity [G1].

#7 FUTURE CITY LIMITS

(GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS x STYLISH FUTURE) FUTURE CITY LIMITS was sired by GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS and is out of the great performer STYLISH FUTURE, an AQHA Reserve World Champion Versatility Ranch Horse. This gelding is a half-brother to BLANCA CITA, who earned 4,037 AQHA points.

His dam, STYLISH FUTURE (2003), earned $5,333 and 23 AQHA points.

She was an AQHA Reserve World Champion in Versatility Ranch Horse, and she is a half-sister to NATURAL FUTURE ($3,933 in RHAA earnings), OUTSTANDING CHOICE (Houston AQHA Ranching Heritage Overall Limited Open Champion), and WARES THE FUTURE ($1,506).

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The Remuda

#8 PICKS W

(ROCKIN W x PICKS ATTRACTION) PICKS W is sired by ROCKIN W, an NCHA Open Futurity Champion and sire of 2015 Road to the Horse World Champion ROCKIN HISTORY, ridden by Chris Cox. This horse has a lot of action and athletic ability.

His dam, PICKS ATTRACTION, is by PLAYIN ATTRACTION, the sire of the 2016 Road to the Horse World Champion SEVEN ATTRACTION, ridden

by Nick Dowers.

PICKS ATTRACTION (2009) is a full sister to PLAYIN WITH PICK ($12,616 in earnings). She is a half-sister to SIXES PICK (AQHA World Champion Versatility Ranch Horse) and SIXES BATTLEGROUND (Fort Worth Inv. Ranch Horse Overall Open Champion).

#9 DOUBLES BOTTOM

(NATURAL BOTTOM x NATURAL DOUBLE) This attractive gelding shows the same athleticism as his sire NATURAL BOTTOM, the 2017 RHAA Senior National Champion and Horse of the Year. Some of you may recognize his handsome face, as NATURAL BOTTOM was the “man behind the mask” in the 2018 Road to the Horse marketing campaign.

DOUBLES BOTTOM’S dam, NATURAL DOUBLE (2004), is a full sister to PERFECT PERFORMANCE, the Road to the Horse 3-Year-Old Challenge Champion.

#10 JESSES STEP

(JESSES TOPAZ x NATURAL STEP) JESSES STEP was sired by the intelligent and athletic buckskin stallion JESSES TOPAZ, whose oldest foals are now 3-year-olds. JESSES TOPAZ is out of the same female family as AQHA Hall of Fame Horse CASEYS LADYLOVE, the matriarch to FRENCH FLASH HAWK (aka “BOZO,” with more than $1.5 million won in barrel racing) and FRENCHMANS HAYDAY (more than $440,000 earned in barrel racing and roping). This gelding is eligible for Select Stallion Stakes, Future Fortunes and Pink Buckle.

His dam, NATURAL STEP (2008), is a full sister to SIXES WIMPY (Colorado RCHA Fall Open Futurity Rein Work Co-Champion). Her dam is NATURAL SENSE ($5,510, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Champion). NATURAL STEP is a daughter of WIMPYS LITTLE STEP, the NRHA Open Futurity Champion who earned more than $185,000. WIMPYS LITTLE STEP is the AQHA #1 All-Time Leading Sire of Ranch Riding Point-Earners, and his foals have won more than $11 million and 10,416 AQHA points. His top foal was WIMPYS LITTLE CHIC, who won the NRHA Open Futurity, earned $516,556, and was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame.

#11 BILLY DIXON SHOT

(PLAYIN ATTRACTION x SOMEONE FOUND) BILLY DIXON SHOT was named after American scout and buffalo hunter Billy Dixon, who was active in the Texas Panhandle in the late 1800s. He became famous during the Second Battle of Adobe Walls in 1874 when he shot a Native American warrior from nearly a mile away with his .50 caliber rifle. Dixon never claimed credit for his “long shot,” but with the combination in this gelding’s pedigree of race and performance, he should be steady on the rein and able to go the distance. So the name BILLY DIXON SHOT is fitting.

He was sired by PLAYIN ATTRACTION, an NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Reserve Champion. His dam, SOMEONE FOUND (2009), is a daughter of FIRST N KOOL, who recorded a speed index of 106, four race wins, and $92,393 in earnings. FIRST N KOOL has sired the earners of more than $3 million.

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Sires

The 6666 Ranch stands some of the industry’s greatest performance and ranch stallions. The 3-year-old colts in this year’s Road to the Horse Remuda are sired by the following standout studs.

SIXES PICK

(TANQUERY GIN x NATURAL PICK, by TENINO BADGER) This 1998 stallion won the first AQHA World Championship in Versatility Ranch Horse. At the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships, he also won the conformation and trail classes and finished reserve in the cutting. SIXES PICK earned his Superior in Versatility Ranch Horse.

He is an AQHA Top 10 All-Time Sire of Ranch Horse Point-Earners and Equi-Stat’s #3 All-Time Leading Sire in Ranch Versatility. His top foal, TAKE A PICK, earned $21,240 and was named AQHA World Champion in Versatility Ranch Horse, Cowboy division.

WR THIS CATS SMART

(HIGH BROW CAT x THE SMART LOOK, by SMART LITTLE LENA) Foaled in 1999, WR THIS CATS SMART finished third at the NCHA Super Stakes Classic and won $236,514 in lifetime earnings. In 2018, he was NRCHA’s #2 Leading Sire and the NCHA’s #8 Leading Sire. He is Equi-Stat’s All-Time Leading Sire in Ranch Versatility. Overall, his foals have earned more than $11.8 million and 2,664 AQHA points. His top foals include TELES BOUT THIS CAT ($230,047 in lifetime earnings, NCHA Non-Pro Horse of the Year); VELVET REVOLVER ($230,047 NCHA Non-Pro Super Stakes Co-Champion); TUCKERS SMART CAT ($182,541: NRCHA Open Hackamore World Champion 2 years).

GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS

(SIXES PICK x JIM N NICKS DI, by ELS SCOTTISH NICK) This 2012 stallion by SIXES PICK has earned money in both halter and versatility ranch horse events. On the top side, GUTHRIE CITY LIMITS traces to legendary stallions such as DOC OLENA, PEPPY SAN BADGER and TANQUERY GIN. On his dam side, he traces to DOC BAR, JACKIE BEE and THIRSTYS BOY. His first foals are now 3-year-olds. At the 2018 Return to the Remuda Sale his 2-year-olds averaged $15,000, and his yearlings averaged $12,000.

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ROCKIN W

(DUAL REY x BOON SAN KITTY, by HIGH BROW CAT) ROCKIN W won the NCHA Open Futurity, finished in the top 10 at the NCHA Open Derby, and earned $329,722 during his show career. The 2006 stallion is sired by leading performance sire DUAL REY and out of superstar BOON SAN KITTY, who won $565,504 in cutting competition.

He is also a full brother to RW ROCKIN ($202,578 lifetime earnings), and a half-brother to BOON SAN SPOON ($171,207) and THE BOON ($76,156).

ROCKIN W has sired the earners of $874,065, including ROCKIN SALLYCAT ($125,033: split 3rd NCHA Open Futurity).

NATURAL BOTTOM

(PLAYBOYS BUCK FEVER x NATURAL INGREDIENT, by PEPPY SAN BADGER) In 2017, NATURAL BOTTOM won the Ranch Horse Association of America Senior National Championship and was named the RHAA Senior Horse of the Year. The 2011 stallion has also racked up AQHA points in Ranching Heritage Competition. He is a half-brother to SUNSHINE INGREDIENT ($7,557 lifetime earnings and 41 AQHA points) and to the dams of SELECT GUNS ($16,373) and GINNIN INGREDIENT ($14,633). His first foals are now 3-year-olds.

JESSES TOPAZ

(MR JESS PERRY x PADDYS TOPAZ, by PADDYS IRISH WHISKEY) This 2011 stallion is by MR JESS PERRY, who earned a speed index of 113 and was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame. MR JESS PERRY is an AQHA Supreme Race Horse, won several prestigious futurities, and earned $687,184. He has sired 146 stakes winners and the earners of more than $55 million. JESSES TOPAZ, whose first foals are now 3-yearolds, is out of a daughter of PADDYS IRISH WHISKEY, whose foals have earned more than $1.4 million, according to Equi-Stat.

PLAYIN ATTRACTION

(PLAYING STYLISH x GINNIN ATTRACTION, by TANQUERY GIN) Foaled in 2002, PLAYIN ATTRACTION won the NRCHA Open Futurity Reserve Championship and earned $111,705. He also shined in cutting competition, claiming the Tunica Summer Circuit Open Cutting Futurity Championship. PLAYIN ATTRACTION sired PADDYS PRINCE, who has won $25,214, earned 35.5 AQHA points, and won the open reining division at the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships. He ranks in Equi-Stat’s Top 10 All-Time Leading Sires in Ranch Versatility.

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The Inside Scoop WITH VICKI WILSON AND NICK DOWERS

This year, you’re working with three colts. Will that change your game plan?

Wilson: With three colts, fitness is going to be key. I must make sure that I am fit enough to go out and give those colts that best that I can. It’s also about getting them to work both individually and happily together in the pen. The colts must work well together, yet also happily independent and confident as well.

Dowers: I really like the three-colt format because it gives us a chance to get something done with one colt, then give him a break. In the long run, the horses are going to progress faster. It’s going to be optimal learning for the colt because you’ll have a lot of flexibility in what you’re doing.

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How has your strategy changed over the years?

Wilson: For me, there is no real strategy. It’s about going to the competition and displaying your horsemanship the best you can. Each year you grow, and you learn from the colts and the other competitors. It’s about bringing everything that can help that colt on the day.

Dowers: For me, the main thing that has changed is about trying to pick the right colt for the format that I am in. As far as horsemanship goes, everything generally stays the same for me. There are a few little things we tailor just for the event, you must fast track some things and you have a clear end goal in mind rather than when you’re working with a colt at home.

For me at home, I have the test in two years, at the futurity. But at Road to the Horse, the test of your horsemanship is in three days. At Road to the Horse, you must tailor your end goals towards the event, while staying true to who you are.

When competing at Road to the Horse, which of your horsemanship principles applies the most?

Wilson: The core principle of my horsemanship that applies most at Road to the Horse would be developing the try. This is a principle that applies to any horse, or any athlete. It’s about understanding how to ask a question and teaching the colt how to answer, problem solved. Essentially, it’s about setting these horses up with tools that they can use for the rest of their life and I believe that is incredibly important. Road to the Horse is over three days, which can be very challenging. But it’s amazing how the colts come away from the event keeping those core concepts.

Dowers: You’ve got to do it on their time. I think Leroy was a great example. If I had tried to sidetrack and pushed through some things with Leroy, and do things that he was not ready for, it could have been a disaster. I think the most important thing is to go slow to go fast, and to make sure to always go at their pace. You just can’t push them any faster than their pace allows.

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The Cowboy Code A TRIBUTE TO ROAD TO THE HORSE CO-FOUNDER STEVEN BLAND

BY TOOTIE BLAND Steven Bland was a simple cowboy. Hailing from West Texas, rodeo was in his blood.

Steven’s passion was horses, and he had a way with them that bordered on magical.

Steven earned numerous titles during his distinguished rodeo career from the bucking chutes to the roping pen.

Steven was an accomplished All-Around Champion Cowboy and was honored with the prestigious Bill Linderman Award, a title awarded only a select few in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Steven and I launched Road to the Horse in 2003, and I continued with the event after Steven passed away unexpectedly in 2005. Today, Steven “Dooky” Bland’s legacy lives on in Road to the Horse, and his belief in me and our shared love of the horse inspires me year after year.

As we celebrate the Wild West at Road to the Horse 2019, there were few cowboys who followed the cowboy code as faithfully as Steven. Cowboys are heroic, and not for what they do but for the ethical principles they hold in their heart, such as loyalty, honor, and courage. Whether we are

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horsemen, horsewomen, leaders, ranch hands, teachers, family members, football coaches or cashiers, we all need to be more like cowboys.

One of most unforgettable memories I have of Steven unfolded after he had passed. As I opened my mail, I saw a letter from a small-town stranger in Wisconsin.

Accompanying the letter was a newspaper clipping. The letter opened with “You don’t know me, but Steven Bland is my hero.”

The stranger recalled: I was stuck on the side of the road with my horse and a broken-down rig.

We were amid a huge snow storm and everyone was blowing by me, too busy to lend a hand. I was just a wanna-be cowboy, trying to make it to one of the few rodeos I get to compete in each year.

Out of the snow storm, a red truck and horse trailer comes blazing past but then immediately puts on the brakes.

After taking a little bit to get the rig shut down, a tall cowboy comes walking out of the snow towards my crippled rig, his collar up, and his hat tipped down.

After evaluating my broken truck and trailer, Steven assessed my horse. He doctored his scratches he’d sustained, then jumped him in his trailer, with his own horse. Before I knew it, we were two strangers, headed to the rodeo together.

After we arrived, Steven jumped out the truck and said, “Hey, I picked this guy up. He is going to ride my horse.” Steven saddled his horse, threw me up, and backed us in the calf roping box. I didn’t win money that day, but I caught that

calf, and felt like I won the world. It was the greatest moment of my life. Ma’am, your husband is hell of a man.

As I finished his letter, I unfolded the 1974 newspaper clipping that accompanied the letter. The title read “Cowboy Rescues Lady and Baby from Burning Car.” The newspaper writer had asked why this man had risked his life to save the mother and baby from the burning car and the man explained that he was inspired by a Texas cowboy named Steven Bland. The stranger had stated that at that very moment he asked himself, “What would Steven Bland do?”

That stranger’s letter stays rooted in my heart. Steven not only stopped to help a stranger. He went on to give the stranger everything in the world that meant the most to him: his rope, his saddle, and his horse. That day he gave an amateur cowboy the ride of his life on a World Champion Calf Roping horse.

Steven’s kindness that day had inspired this man to live a life worth living. This man went on to save a mother and baby, purely a tribute to the example that Steven had shown him.

Steven lived by the cowboy code because it was the right thing to do. Steven exemplified what it was to be a cowboy.

One thing that made this stranger’s letter to me so compelling was that Steven had never mentioned it to me. Steven didn’t offer aid in order to boast or brag. To Steven, he was just a cowboy, on the rodeo road, living by the cowboy code.

“Steve was always a hero of mine, inside the rodeo arena and out. He was the first great all-around cowboy I ever met. As a kid I looked up to him because of the way he could rope and ride. In my later years I grew to appreciate the way he treated people.”

CODY LAMBERT

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Things get a little Western…

WITH RTTH CO-FOUNDER AND PRODUCER TOOTIE BLAND

Describe your life using film titles…

True Grit… because of my tenacity and relentless drive

The best western movie ever made…

Lonesome Dove was a TV Series but will always be a favorite for me, watch it every Christmas, also like John Wayne in Liberty Valence

It’s a rainy day. You’re binge watching western movies.

What’s on the playlist:

Paint Your Wagon, Red River, Dances with Wolves, The Cowboys, Tombstone, Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, True Grit, High Noon... I could go on forever

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Favorite character on Lonesome Dove and why: I am in love with Gus, he’s my guy

You’re picking your cow pony for the day, what color would it be?

Color is last on my mind, I want the Boss Wrangler’s horse… he always rides the best in the Remuda

What we find in your saddle bag on the trail?

Red lipstick, pocket knife, sling shot and black licorice

What song would you be singing to on the trail?

I tried Happy Trails once and everyone rode off!

What kind of boots are at the end of your bedroll?

Ropers, Buckaroos, or a combination of everything?

Custom boots with my Swan Spurs

Chaps, chinks or woollys?

Chaps for showing, Chinks for working and Woollys for fun

Straw hat or felt hat?

Both

Who would you be: Zorro or the Lone Ranger?

No doubt… Zorro

What western outlaw would you have been?

Big Nose Kate or Belle Starr

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Matt West HOST

Born and raised in northeast Oklahoma, Matt West has always been fascinated with the cowboy lifestyle. After receiving a degree in agriculture from Northeast Oklahoma A&M and then attending Oklahoma State University, it was a dare that put Matt behind the microphone for the very first time. Beginning his career in amateur rodeo, West has since earned his PRCA card and continues to work various PBR events across the country and even in Canada. It is his strong faith and continued family support that West credits for his quick success, but also notes that it is his extended rodeo family and new friends that he has met along the way, that has kept him traveling and doing what he loves to do. Road to the Horse 2018 will be West’s seventh year as the host of Road to the Horse.

Richard Winters

H O R S E M A N ’ S

H O S T

For over 35 years Richard Winters has dedicated himself to honing his horsemanship skills and to passing this knowledge on to others. As a highly sought-after trainer, horsemanship clinician, and expo presenter, Richard’s horsemanship journey has earned him colt starting and horse showing championship titles. Obtaining his goal of a World Championship in the NRHA became a reality where he is also an AA Rated Judge. Richard captured the Road to the Horse Colt Starting Championship title and returned for five consecutive years, as the Horseman’s Host. Richard is also the author of From Rider to Horseman published by Western Horseman. Richard and his wife, Cheryl, currently live in Ojai, California, where Richard serves as the Horse Program Director at the historic and prestigious Thacher School. Both Richard and Cheryl count it a privilege to work with some of the country’s best and brightest young people, using horses to teach lasting life lessons. Learn more about Richard Winters at www.winters ranch.com and www.thacher.org.

Craig Cameron

SOCIAL MEDIA HOST Craig Cameron has had a lifetime of education, learning from the greatest, most important teacher of them all – the horse. From working on the family ranch as a child to riding bulls in the PRCA, to becoming a world-renowned horseman and horse trainer, the native Texan lives the cowboy life every day. Craig is the author of two bestselling Western Horseman books and for over a decade has been the host of the award-winning series ‘RIDE SMART’ on RFD TV. He has been recognized with many honors, including the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Hero’s Hall of Fame and two Silver Telly Awards. Craig was also the Road to the Horse 2010 World Champion. He is the creator and founder of the popular Extreme Cowboy Racing and the Guts and Glory 100 Mile Ride for Special Ops. Craig lives with his wife Dalene and son Cole on their unique Double Horn Ranch in Bluff Dale, Texas. Learn more at www.CraigCameron.com.

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The Judges The Road to the Horse Judges Panel combines the best equine experts across various disciplines, each judge lending their professional experience and personal expertise to carefully evaluate each competitor.

The judging of Road to the Horse is based on specific coltstarting criteria, while protecting the well-being of the horse.

Judges consider that every horse is an individual and that there are many methods of horsemanship that are “natural” or respectful of the horse. Judges watch and score every moment of interaction at Road to the Horse. It is not just the performance in the obstacle course that decides the next World Champion, but every step taken from beginning to end.

K ] DY MI NK AR TW OR [ ILL US TR AT IO N BY CIN

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Bill Enk JUDGES STEWARD

Bill Enk has made his home on the central coast of California, in Paso Robles, for 45 years. He has been involved in the horse business for 50 years, which has included breeding, training, buying and selling horses. Events that include cattle—working cow horse, cutting and roping—are his main interest, but he has also competed in other disciplines. Judging has been a natural extension for his keen interest in horses. He is currently the Director of Judges for the National Reined Cow Horse Association. His duties include putting on educational judging seminars and monitoring the judges at NRCHA events. At American Quarter Horse Association World Shows, he also helps with the educational seminars and monitors the judges. In addition, Bill has judging credentials with AQHA, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the National Reining Horse Association. Along the way he has judged most major Western performance horse events, including the NCHA Futurity, NRHA Futurity, the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, and the AQHA World Show.

Sandy Collier

Inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 2011 and into the NRCHA Hall of Fame in 2012, Sandy Collier has built a successful horse show record that is reflective of her hard work, dedication, talent and integrity as a horse trainer. She is the first and only woman horse trainer to win the prestigious NRCHA Open World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity. She also won a co-reserve title at the Snaffle Bit Futurity and has qualified for the event finals multiple times. She has been an NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion, an NRHA Limited Open Champion, and an AQHA World Champion. She has ranked among the year’s top five reined cow horse riders, and has ranked in the top 10 for NRCHA earnings. Sandy has judged all the major NRCHA events, as well as the AQHA and NRCHA World Championship shows. Sandy’s highly respected training methods are the result of a lifetime of success, her positive mental attitude and her personal style as a perfectionist. She has a wealth of advice for riders of every discipline and shares 30-plus years of professional experience through her hands-on horse training clinics and training videos. Her rare talent as an educator and speaker may even exceed her exceptional talents as a horse trainer. Road to the Horse 2019 will be Sandy’s first year to judge the event.

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Mike Kevil

For 45 years Mike has developed his own training practices that include patience, consistency and understanding the horse. Today, he has numerous horses in his training program and a full waiting list. “Improving the skills that I have, and eager to learn more, is what keeps me going.” Although he admits that he does not get hung up on terms such as “horse whisperer,” he continually strives to become a good hand. Mike is the noted author of Starting Colts, published by Western Horseman, and its DVD counterparts, Starting Colts Volumes 1 and 2 available through Western Horseman. Mike competed in Road to the Horse in 2008, and 2019 will be his tenth year of judging the event.

Cody Lambert

Cody Lambert is a Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee and 10-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding and saddle bronc riding. Cody started his professional rodeo career in 1980 and has earned numerous titles. Cody co-founded the Professional Bull Riders association and qualified for the first three PBR World Finals. After the 1996 PBR World Finals he retired from competition and inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor, making him one of the first recipients along with Ted Nuce, Jim Shoulders and Harry Tompkins. Cody currently serves as Vice President of the PBR Board of Directors, as well as the organization’s Livestock Director. This will be Cody’s ninth year judging Road to the Horse.

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Bryan Neubert Bryan Neubert was raised on his family’s ranch near Salinas, California. Starting in his high school years he was blessed to have the opportunity to work with some great horsemen who were eager to share what they had learned with him. He has spent the rest of his life educating himself and practicing horsemanship with this foundation in mind. He spent 20 years cowboying and starting colts on ranches in Nevada and California, and 13 of those years leading cowboy crews. During the last 30 years he has kept a busy schedule traveling around the United States and Canada helping people and horses learn some of what he has been blessed to learn in colt starting, horsemanship, cow working and ranch roping clinics. There are also more private, longer clinics at his home place in Alturas, California. Bryan and Patty, his wife of 41 years, have been fortunate to raise three children, Jim, Kate and Luke.

They all make their living starting colts, many that are destined for the reining, cutting and reined-cow horse worlds. Road to the Horse 2019 will be Bryan’s third year as a judge.

Jeff Williams

For more than 20 years, Jeff Williams has been starting colts for numerous longtime clients that include Haythorn Land & Livestock, King Ranch, Beggs Ranch, Matador Ranch, Espuela Ranch, and the Muleshoe Ranch. Many of the horses he starts bring top bids at prestigious ranch horse sales. He also judges Ranch Horse Association of America events. Not only does Jeff have an in-depth and lifelong understanding of the elements that create a perfect foundation for a developing colt, this is a cowboy who lives every day in the saddle. Road to the Horse 2019 will mark Jeff’s fourth year as a Road to the Horse judge.

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“It doesn’t matter if you hate him or love him, Clinton Anderson changed my life forever when he stood on his colt, cracked his Aussie whip at the very first Road to the Horse and gave all 200 of us a moment we will never forget!

I can still to this day remember exactly where I was standing, what I was wearing and how that felt. I thought I would never see anything more amazing in my life, but how wrong I was.”

– Tootie Bland on Road to the Horse

“Road to the Horse 2007 was Chris Cox’s first appearance and first win. At the end of the finals for his Freestyle he just rode his horse around, except the horse looked like it had been ridden for 30 days.

It loped off easily and controlled. He rolled back on the fence and then he slowed his horse to a walk with slack in his reins. Then to top it off, without holding onto the horse at all, the colt followed Chris as he walked out of the arena. He didn’t make it all the way out because there was a bale of hay he had to walk by.

Everybody else was celebrating, so you can’t blame the horse for stopping to have a celebratory snack.

He earned it.”

– Mike Kevil

“I can’t decide which my favorite is. I can still see Guy McLean’s face as he recited that poem from the platform during the obstacle course in 2013. And then there’s 2007, when Chris Cox left the arena with his horse following behind him. But then there’s Craig Cameron’s mile wide smile as he and his scruffy little colt won in 2010! I’ll go with Chris Cox, 2008!”

– Laura Hurr

“It was Road to the Horse 2013. Obbie Schlom came out riding to the song ‘This Girl is on Fire.’

I thought it was such a great way to start the event, and I think it was one of the first times we had fire in the arena. It was so memorable to me.”

– Debbie Sullivan

2003 2007 2008 2013

“I’ll never forget the year our fellow crew member, Justin Agerton, was introduced during the opening in his full military uniform.

I happened to be standing with Christie Bryan, whose son, Justin Bryan, had just enlisted in the Marines. It was a very emotional moment!”

– Sandra Rowlett

“I won’t forget Road to the Horse 2016.

Richard Winters was navigating the obstacle course and I looked over to the side stage and there was Clinton Anderson, Nick Dowers, Sarah Dawson, Dan James, Craig Cameron, and on and on. It was like the greatest hits of Road to the Horse rock stars and everyone was just cheering for Richard. Not for the cameras, judges or social media. It was the thread that pulls us all together to celebrate this event. It was the family we had become.”

– Aaron Fenner

2016

A Montage of Memories

We asked the RTTH crew to tell us about their most unforgettable Road to the Horse moments.

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“I’ll never forget my first year at RTTH, when the One Arm Bandit first went out with the wild buffalo, and they climbed to the top of his trailer.

Unbelievable.”

– Ryan Pohl

“My memory has two parts. The first being my very first RTTH way back when, seeing Clinton Anderson riding his horse in a demonstration ride.

I was awe struck.

My jaw dropped.

I had never seen that before and it brought tears to my eyes. Right then and there, I was hooked on RTTH. My second memory was the day we got our very first crew jackets from Road to the Horse.

It was and still is my favorite jacket!

I love Road to the Horse.”

– Lillian Yochum

“It was Road to the Horse 2016, and we missed our flight out of Dallas to Lexington. We were desperate to get there that day. We were all so frustrated. Bobbie was telling us you get more bees with honey. What a day!”

– Verna Doan

“It was Road to the Horse 2011, when we got so big in Murfreesboro that we had to build a tent outside for our vendors, and then it was almost blown away by a tornado! Also, who can forget the countless early morning staff meetings we have at the arena? They are a very special memory. Seeing Road to the Horse 2015 on RFD TV was also another very special moment for me.”

– Nic Dugger

“It was Road to the Horse 2008, when my brother Mike Kevil, competed.

I thought it was crazy that people would line up to talk with him! I knew he was brilliant and had a gift with starting colts, but I didn’t realize that he had a following. I love that this became a family event for us, with my husband and daughter also on the Road to the Horse crew for many years. Yes, we’re working and we’re having fun.”

– Penny DiBrito

2016 2011 2008

“I can’t explain the butterflies in my stomach when I’m trying to find the best vantage point for the perfect photograph of the running of the Remuda. Every year, as I wait for the gates to open, I think of all the hard work and dedication that it took to create this one moment. It’s like the perfect storm: Right here, right now. If you’re in love with horses, it’s unforgettable.”

– Tammy Sronce

The Road to the Horse crew shares a unique bond, and if you’re looking for a box to put us in, well, there really isn’t one. We’re a mixed bunch of dreamers, doers, and shakers. We share challenges, heartaches, and triumphs. Although our production notes are stacked high, it’s the magical unscripted moments that keep the fire in our hearts burning. Enjoy this montage of memories from some of our hardworking crew members.

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Four Sixes Ranch

The historic Four Sixes Ranch (6666) is part of the famous Burnett Ranches LLC, which is among the most storied family-run businesses in Texas history.

Founded by Captain Samuel “Burk” Burnett in 1868 – when, at the age of 19, he purchased 100 head of cattle wearing the “6666” brand from Frank Crowley of Denton, Texas. One of the first ranchers in Texas to buy steers and graze them for market Burnett negotiated with legendary Comanche Chief Quanah Parker (1845-1911) for the lease of the Indian lands.

Not only was Burnett able to acquire the use of some 300,000 acres of grassland, he gained the friendship of the Comanche leader.

As the 19th Century drew to a close, the end of the open range was apparent. The only protection the cowman had was the private ownership of land. A purchase around 1900 of the 8 Ranch near Guthrie, Texas, in King County from the Louisville Land and Cattle Co., and the Dixon Creek Ranch near Panhandle, Texas, from the Cunard Line marked the beginning of the Burnett Ranches empire. The 8 Ranch became the nucleus of the present day 6666 Ranch.

Captain Samuel “Burk” Burnett passed away on June 27, 1922. His will provided for the appointment of two trustees to manage his holdings. They, along with their successors, ran the 6666 Ranch until 1980, when Burk Burnett’s great-granddaughter, Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion, took the reins into her capable hands.

Located in the small town of Guthrie, Texas, with a population of 184, the ranch headquarters is approximately ninety miles east of Lubbock and has grown to become one of the largest individually owned properties in Texas. As you might imagine the 6666 Ranch is both slow paced and fast moving while seamlessly blending the time-honored traditions of nearly 150 years with the 21st century. A fully operational cattle and horse ranch it boasts one of the most sophisticated equine breeding facilities and fully equipped veterinary clinics in the country.

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Four Sixes Ranch Quarter Horses Burnett’s granddaughter, Anne Burnett Tandy who in March 1940, along with her husband James Goodwin Hall, hosted a dinner party for a group of men interested in creating a registry for the Steel Dust and Billy horses of Texas. Among her invitees were Robert Denhardt, George Clegg, Jack Hutchins, Robert Kleberg Jr., W. B. Warren and J. H. Minnick.

The following day American Quarter Horse Association was born.

The 6666 Ranch is now owned and operated

by Tandy’s daughter Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion, who shares the same passion for the American Quarter Horse as those before her. Since the start, the 6666 Ranch carefully breed for cow sense, speed, gentle disposition and conformation. Known for its world-class American Quarter Horses used for ranch work, arena competition, and on the racetrack the breeding program has consistently produced and developed some of the most highly recognized racing and western performance quarter horses worldwide, earning the ranch numerous awards and distinctions from the American Quarter Horse Association.

These early stallions made an impact on the industry: Joe Hancock, Hollywood Gold, Grey Badger II and Tanquery Gin. In more recent years the operation included famous race stallions Dash For Cash, Special Effort and Streakin Six. Today the 6666s offer the services of more than 20 AQHA Stallions that specialize in a variety of disciplines.

AQHA bestowed the inaugural Legacy Award on the ranch in 1997 to recognize 50 consecutive years of breeding American Quarter Horses. In 1994, the Four Sixes Ranch was honored with the Best Remuda Award in recognition of its outstanding band of working cow horses that tend thousands of the ranch’s cattle. It’s no wonder why the Four Sixes is known for “Horses with a History; Brands with a Background.”

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SEE VICKI WILSON AT BREYERFEST 2019 ®

©Kelly Wilson

JULY 12-14 KENTUCKY HORSE PARK, LEXINGTON, KY

Tickets on Sale Now! www.BreyerHorses.com

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Coming Soon!

JULY 2019

15/02/19 1:04 AM

Glenn Blodgett, DVM

Glenn Paul Blodgett, DVM, was born in Perryton, Texas, on December 21, 1948, and was raised on his family’s ranching and farming operation in Spearman, Texas.

Blodgett always had a strong interest in animals, and his fondest childhood memory was getting his first horse, “Smokey,” when he was 10. As he grew, his love for horses did, too. Fortunately, the family ranch manager, Dale Hawkins, nurtured that love by teaching him basic horsemanship skills, and also showed him how to handle a horse and work cattle. At the age of 12, Blodgett became more involved in the family operation—driving tractors, combines and later grain trucks. But he always returned to the horses and cattle whenever time allowed.

Blodgett’s teenage years helped prepare him for the rigors of veterinary school and ranch management. When he wasn’t assisting the family with grain harvesting and ranching, he had an active extracurricular schedule filled with several sports, calf roping, team roping, band, 4-H and FFA activities. He was an active member of the Spearman Chapter of the Future Farmers of America showing livestock. While in high school, Blodgett’s passion was cultivated as he had the opportunity to work with local veterinarian Dr. Hal Rinker, which helped him to settle on a path to becoming a veterinarian.

After graduation from high school, Blodgett began working diligently toward his goals. He first attended his father’s beloved Texas Tech University for one year before transferring to Oklahoma State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. From Oklahoma State, Blodgett set his sights on veterinary school at Texas A&M University. He graduated from A&M in 1974 and began working at the Spur Veterinary Hospital in Spur, Texas. Two years later, Blodgett returned to his Spearman, Texas, roots to open Hansford County Veterinary Hospital with Dr. Tom Latta.

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In 1982, Blodgett began working for Burnett Ranches, which includes the famed Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, as the ranch veterinarian and manager of the horse division where he works today. The Four Sixes Ranch’s state-of-the-art equine breeding and production facility operates under the direction and management of Blodgett. Each breeding season, 1,200 to 1,500 mares are be bred either on site or with transported semen. The ranch currently offers the services of more than 30 race- and performance-bred stallions.

During his tenure at the Four Sixes Ranch, the ranch has become an industry leader, producing some of the most highly recognized racing and Western performance Quarter Horses. The ranch has earned numerous awards and distinctions, including becoming an American Quarter Horse Association All-Time Leading Breeder of Performance Horses, Race Money-Earners and Race Winners. In 1993, the ranch won the prestigious AQHA Best Remuda Award.

Blodgett’s professional contributions are immense. He has been committed to the betterment of the Quarter Horse breed and steadfast in his involvement dating back to 1991 when he began serving Texas as an AQHA Director. He has served as chairman of the Stud Book and Registration Committee and also served on the AQHA Hall of Fame Selection Committee from 1995 to 2009. In 2011, he was elevated to director-at-large and in 2012 was elected to AQHA’s Executive Committee. In 2015, Dr. Blodgett served as the AQHA President.

His service to the industry has reached beyond AQHA. As a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners for 41 years, he received the AAEP Distinguished Life Membership Award in 2016. Blodgett has served on the organization’s Board of Directors as well as the Racing Ethics and Ethics Ad Hoc committees. In addition, Dr Blodgett served on the first Texas Racing Commission and served as the commission’s vice chairman from 1993 to 1995.

Blodgett has been recognized by numerous organizations. In 1990, he was named the Equine Practitioner of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. In 1991, he received the AQHA Register of Merit Award. In 1992, he received the Joan Pew Award from the Association of Racing Commissioners International.

In 2004, he was awarded an adjunct professorship in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. In 2006 he was named the Oklahoma State University Graduate of Distinction in Animal Science. In 2011, he was named Outstanding Texas A&M University Alumni. In 2012 he received the AQHA Racing Council Special Recognition Award. In 2013 Blodgett was inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame. In 2017 he was awarded the Golden Spur Award by the National Ranching Heritage Center. And in 2019 he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

He also continues to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation. He teaches at Texas A&M University as an adjunct graduate faculty member, and he mentors 25 to 30 senior veterinary students each year at the Four Sixes Ranch.

With all of his accolades, some may think that his personal life would pale in comparison, but that assumption could not be farther from the truth. Blodgett married his high school sweetheart, Karen. Married for 50 years, Glenn and Karen are also co-workers as Karen is the office manager for the horse operation at the Four Sixes Ranch. They have two daughters. Blodgett’s family is of the upmost priority, and at the end of the day, more than anything, he is proudest of his family and wants to continue to be a good husband, father and grandfather.

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Top 10 Things to Look for When Selecting a Horse WITH DR. GLENN BLODGETT, DVM

1. Balance 2. Athleticism 3. Good back (prominent withers) 4. Big soft eye with width between the eyes 5. Sloping shoulder

6. Short cannon bones 7. Deep heart girth 8. Thick-walled hoof 9. Short back and long underline 10. I always try to select a variety of sires and colors if possible

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[ IMAGE COURTESY OF AQHA ]

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Rider Kiesner

Rider Kiesner has travelled around the world and has been featured at the country’s largest rodeos, including four appearances at the National Finals Rodeo and six at Cheyenne Frontier Days, known as the “Daddy of ‘em All.” Rider is a fifth-generation cowboy and is the son of a horse trainer. He has loved rodeos and Western events his entire life. He began performing with his family as they traveled around the country performing a variety of Western acts.

At the young age of 26 he has a huge list of accomplishments, including two World Champion All Around Western Performer titles, four World Champion Trick Roper titles, and two World Champion Gun Spinning titles. He is a four-time PRCA Dress Act of the Year Nominee. Rider has performed in 49 states (lacking only Hawaii) and has also entertained crowds in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Oman, Dubai, Lebanon and France. Rider had been featured at Cavalia, the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals and the RAM National Circuit Finals. Learn more at www.RiderKiesnerEntertainment.com.

Holly Spears

Nashville Recording Artist Holly Spears is a small-town girl with big dreams, who is based in northern Kentucky. Her new single “Farm Girl” recently reached #10 on New Music Weekly’s Country Internet Chart and #10 on the NMW Main Country Chart. Spears has also reached #6 on the NMW Country Top 30 Indie Artists. Not bad for an Indie Artist who owns her own record label, Girl on a Mission Music, LLC. Holly found her way into acting in a Western movie called Nail 32, where she also landed five songs. You can also find Holly’s music in a movie called Virtuous, which stars Erik Estrada. Holly’s music has also been featured in television commercials, television music videos and on YouTube. Make sure to check out her “Farm Girl,” “Cowboy Up,” and “Sunshine” YouTube videos to see her horse, Pretty Girl. Holly Spears loves sharing her industry knowledge with music students. You can find her albums Boots and Bling, Heartache to Hope, Audience of One, The Songs of Christmas and Redemption Road, as well as her new single, “Farm Girl” on iTunes and on her website. Keep up with Holly’s musical journey on www.hollyspears.com, Facebook @HollySpearsFanPage and Instagram under holly.spears.

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Whispery Pines Percherons Sam and Kellie Rettinger have been involved in the equine industry their entire lives and are owners of Whispery Pines Percherons in Kingsville, Ohio.

Sam grew up with draft horses and began driving and showing them at a young age. In addition to showing, Sam currently trains their horses to work and complete logging projects on the couple’s farm. Kellie grew up riding and showing Quarter Horses in hunt seat, Western pleasure, gaming, and cutting. After meeting Sam more than 13 years ago, she began to drive, ride and show draft horses in saddle seat, Western pleasure and Roman riding classes.

The Rettingers bring their horses to several events each year to show in different hitch and riding classes. They also provide carriage rides with their Percherons for a variety of events, including weddings, birthdays, hay rides and winter sleigh rides. Percherons performing at Road to the Horse 2019 include Ace, Octane, Tony, Hawke, Candyman, and Super Sam. Learn more at www.WhisperyPines.com.

SOUTHEAST

HOOFBEATS

“The magazine for the serious equestrian” www.SoutheastHoofbeats.com

Streaming via Farm and Ranch TV network on ROKU, ChromeCast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. For additional channel availability go to www.CarolinaHoofbeatsTV.com CushingMediaProductions.com Bringing you the finest equine entertainment 48 ROAD TO THE HORSE  2019

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Miss Devon and the Outlaw Miss Devon, Academy of Western Artists Western Music Female Performer of the Year, is noted for her vintage sock-rhythm guitar style and warm swing-time cowgirl vocals. Her lively persona was perfectly suited for the singing voice of Jessie on the Grammy-winning Disney album Woody’s Roundup featuring Riders in the Sky. Jessie is the beloved cowgirl character in the animated film Toy Story 2. Miss Devon has made appearances at Pixar Studios and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, as well as with Radio Disney, Riders in the Sky, Michael Martin Murphy, the Texas Playboys, Red Steagall and Billy Mata. She played the part of Becky in Bob Terry’s original YouTube series, Sundown, and has frequently been spotted on RFD-TV and Starz-Encore’s Western Channel. She is the longtime artistic director of Cowtown Opry, a 501c3 Western music mentoring organization in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

When Outlaw Jessie Del joins Miss Devon on the stage, things get more fun than puttin’ socks on a rooster. According to witnesses, this Western gent is the duo’s rowdier half, getting his nickname, as Miss Devon says, “Because it’s plumb illegal what he does with ‘Milk Cow Blues!’ ” Like all outlaws, Jessie has been known to disappear into at least a dozen alias personalities, including his new acting role as the bartender Jessie Banks on Bob Terry’s original Western web series, Sundown Western.

Learn more at www.MissDevonandtheOutlaw.com.

The Finest In

Custom Made Saddles Three Forks, Montana

406- 285-6730 www.broggersaddles.com IG: @broggersaddles FB: Marc Brogger Custom Saddles

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Morgan Swanson Morgan Swanson at the young age of 17 is the undisputable professional mounted shooter’s “Girl Wonder.” Although her shooting career only began five years ago, she has soared to the top of the organization and may be the best female to ever compete. Morgan has championships in all firearms divisions, from shot-guns to rifles and her magnificent cowboy action .45. Her secret weapon is her AQHA mare, Tin Doc Girl. This young beauty has a thriving modeling career and participated in the Annie Oakley Festival in Ohio. Morgan will be performing as Annie Oakley and will exhibit her amazing shooting skills just as it happened in the Wild West.

®

Maintenance

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Rodeo Zone

Rodeo Zone would like to welcome you to “Road to the Horse.” We hope you have a great time and invite you to come check us out over at Sprocket Ranch. We are debuting our newest edition to Sprocket Ranch, the Motor Pony. The Motor Pony was developed by Rodeo Zone Tech and is our most popular design for all ages 5-100+ years! You can use the Motor Ponies to practice rodeo events like barrel racing, pole bending, and team roping with our MiniMoto Steer. Ride them on your property, take them camping, or enjoy them at any event. If you don’t get a chance to visit us at the event, check us out online at www.rodeozonetech.com.

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RTTH Awards

Horsemanship’s Most Coveted Title

The Road to the Horse 2019 winning competitor will walk away from the event with a cash prize, a Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle, a custom trophy saddle from Martin Saddlery (which features the prestigious Steve “Dooky” Bland Memorial Concho), and the coveted Road to the Horse World Championship of Colt Starting title.

Past RTTH Contestants

(Winners in bold)

2003 – Curt Pate, Josh Lyons, Clinton Anderson 2005 – Craig Cameron, Clinton Anderson, Van Hargis 2006 – Van Hargis, Martin Black, Craig Cameron, Stacy Westfall 2007 – Chris Cox, Stacy Westfall, Clinton Anderson 2008 – Mike Kevil, Tommy Garland, Ken McNabb, Chris Cox 2009 – John Lyons, Tommy Garland, Richard Winters 2010 – Richard Winters, Craig Cameron, Ken McNabb 2011 – Pat Parelli, Chris Cox, Clinton Anderson 2012 – International: Team Australia – Guy McLean & Dan James Team Canada – Jonathan Field & Glenn Stewart Team USA – Craig Cameron & Pat Parelli 2013 – Dan James, Sarah Winters, Guy McLean, Obbie Schlom 2014 – Jim Anderson, Antoine Cloux, Jonathan Field, Dan Steers 2015 – Chris Cox, Jim Anderson, Trevor Carter 2016 – Clinton Anderson, Nick Dowers, Richard Winters 2017 – Sarah Dawson, Kate Neubert, Rachelle Valentine, Vicki Wilson 2018 – Vicki Wilson, Nick Dowers, Dan James

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The Traveler Award

Thanks to the American Quarter Horse Association, the owners of the winning colt and the ranch that bred the colt will both receive The Traveler Award, which is an honor that will be noted on the colt’s record permanently on file with AQHA. Traveler was an American Quarter Horse Foundation Sire inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 1994.

2011 – 6666 Ranch and Chris Cox 2012 – 6666 Ranch, Guy McLean and Dan James 2013 – 6666 Ranch and Guy McLean 2014 – 6666 Ranch and Jim Anderson 2015 – 6666 Ranch and Chris Cox 2016 – 6666 Ranch and Nick Dowers 2017 – 6666 Ranch and Vicki Wilson 2018 – 6666 Ranch and Vicki Wilson

Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award

The Road to the Horse Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award goes to the horseman or horsewoman that excels in their power of observation to correctly analyze the best approach, and then apply that method as smoothly as possible for the horse’s best interest.

2013 –Guy McLean 2014 – Jonathan Field 2015 – Chris Cox 2016 – Nick Dowers 2017 – Kate Neubert 2018 – Dan James

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Nick Dowers

Road To The Horse Champion NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion

New 2019 Products

Come See Us in the Booth or visit us online at martinsaddlery.com

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[ RT TH 2018 SADDLE GIVEAWAY WINNER ]

Road to the Horse 2019

OFFICIAL PROGRAM MARTIN SADDLE GIVEAWAY: Simply fill out the entry form inside the Road to the Horse 2019 Official Program and drop it at the Road to the Horse Roadie Booth for your chance to win great prizes from our sponsors throughout the entire event.

The grand prize of a custom Road to the Horse 2019 Martin Trophy Saddle will be drawn on Sunday, March 24, 2019. The winner will be selected by a random draw and must be present to win.

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1. The Great Trail Drive era ranged from: a.) 1865 – 1895 b.) 1805 – 1840 c.) 1835 – 1865

3. Cowboys sang songs at night for entertainment and to_______. a.) Go to sleep b.) Soothe the cattle c.) Scare away animals

2. The number of cattle that went down the Chisolm Trail? a.) 5 million b.) 3 million c.) 1,500,753

4. How old was Annie Oakley when she made her first shot? a.) 5 years old b.) 8 years old c.) 10 years old

5. A Pony Express rider covered _______ miles in 24 hours. a.) 85 b.) 150 c.) 250

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

How well do know your WILD WILD WEST?

ANSWERS: 1-A, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-C, 6-B, 7-C, 8-A, 9-A, 10-A.

6. The Pony Express lasted ______ months before being replaced with the telegraph. a.) 12 months b.) 19 months c.) 36 months 7. Which state had American’s first Gold Rush? a.) California b.) Georgia c.) North Carolina

9. Camels once roamed the Texas Plains. a.) True b.) False

8. Joseph Glidden submitted the patent for barbwire in: a.) 1874 b.) 1888 c.) 1892

10) Cowboy slang for eggs were prairie droppings a.) True b.) False

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Cowboy Terminology HOW MUCH COWBOY SLANG DO YOU KNOW?

Bag: mammary glands of a breeding cow Banana bag: a leather bag that’s fastened behind the cantle to carry all sorts of items Bedgrounds: camp yard area Blew up, pulled the pin, bogged his head: a horse bucked Brogans: lace-up packer-style riding boots Calve out: a) to help the cows calve out; b) slang for wrecking an item beyond fixing (i.e. we drove the truck until it calved out) Cavvy, cavviata, remuda: herd of horses the cowboys draw from every day to ride; some ranches ride only geldings because they believe mares have temperaments that are too disruptive; others ride both Chilled [to be]: to develop and harbor a fundamental fear resulting from a specific traumatic event like a violent buckoff Choust [chouse]: to push (cattle), put pressure on, chase Circle: the area an individual is responsible for when he’s riding; b) a collective gather when many cowhands join their individual circles together to create a big circle or “work” Cold country: areas of the ranch where cows rarely, if ever, hang out Cork [caulk), traction shoes: titanium-tipped studs that screw or rivet into the horseshoe for winter traction Cowboy up: grab another gear, get going and quit complaining Crummie: a ranch four-by-four pickup truck with a crew cab (four doors)

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Cut: a small group of cattle sorted from a herd or intentionally cut off and driven from a herd Dead spot: a limp area on a cowboy’s rope usually resulting from tying a knot Dead-man: staked-down rope for holding calves at branding Drag: the back of a herd Dumped, piled, turfed, ironed out, flattened: bucked off Flank: (n) the side of the herd where the drag begins to flare; v) to flip a calf on his side Graft: a process to give a leppie (orphan) calf a new mother Gummer cow, shelly cow: an old cow (few teeth left, just gums), shells for horns Gunsel: a person with little practical knowledge related to cowboying Heavy cow: pregnant cow Hot country: where cows live and hang out Jigger boss: second in command officially Jingle, wrangle: run the horses into the catch pen Kack, rig, wood: saddle Lead-off man: the person in charge of the work, might not be an actual boss Leggin’s: chinks (short chaps), shotguns (straight legged) or batwings Long-trot: covering a lot of distance at a fast trot Long yearling: a critter that’s about a year and a half old Longhandles: long underwear

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Mash: to push the herd hard McCarty, mecate: a continuous looped rein with a lead rope at one end Oreana, maverick: a 3- or 4-year-old critter that has never been caught or branded Oxbows: round stirrups Point: the front of a herd Pop your dallies: pull up on dallies to release them quickly Remnants: cattle that were missed in a gather Rep: a representative of a neighboring ranch who visits and works for a few days Ride for the brand: to display an unconditional loyalty to the ranch that pays your wages; to not leave them hanging by quitting in the middle of turnout or fall works without a good reason Riggin’: saddle, saddle and gear, portion of the saddle that secures it to the horse Rim out: leave the area on the trot Rimfired: bucked off when the rope goes around the horse’s hindquarters Rimrocked: stopped by rough country; can’t ride any farther Rodear: buckaroo term for (v) to encircle or surround; (n) gathering place. Cowboys and Southwestern cowpunchers call it a “roundup” or “herd.”

Savvy: understand Short line: a short piece of rope that cowboys use in many ways including to tie cattle down

Shorten up: ride up close to your roped critter, coil up your rope and re-dally Slick: not branded Sliver: an animal in a sort or cut that’s not supposed to be there (example: a calf in with the yearlings) Sougans: bedroll blankets, quilts Springer: a cow that’s going to have a calf within the next three days or so Spur ridge: an extension of the boot heel that gives the spur a place to sit (spur counter) Stampede string: a string attached to a cowboy’s hat so it doesn’t fly off Straggle: to go searching for remnants Sunfish: when a horse bucks by jumping high and twisting his belly toward the sun Swing: the side of the point (in a herd) Swingbag: an old cow that’s bag is so pliable it swings Taps (tapaderos): long, heavy leather stirrup covers (might be blunt, short and rawhide called bulldogs) Top out: ride your horse to high ground for a look around, and to be seen by others on the circle Untrack: walk a horse 10 or 20 feet before you get on him Wet cow: cow nursing a calf Wildrag: a silk, cotton or polyester scarf for the neck, square and usually very large Work: (n) a specific activity like a branding or gather Yearling: a critter just a bit older than a year Reprinted with permission from Western Horseman

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Recipes

Ben Baldus’ Cowboy Chili Makes 6-8 Servings 3 lbs. Ground Beef 2 Yellow Onions- Diced 4 Cloves Garlic- Microplaned 5 Tablespoons Chili Powder 4 Tablespoons Paprika- Hungarian Hot 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano

2 Teaspoons Ground Sea Salt 1 Tablespoon Fresh Cracked Pepper 12 oz. Kidney Beans- Soaked and Drained 30 oz. Tomato Sauce + 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste 3 Large Fire Roasted Tomatoes- Roughly Diced 1 Cup Water + 4 Drops Liquid Smoke

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it begins to brown. Add diced onion and garlic and cook until soft. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper and coat the meat with the spices. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste and roasted tomatoes and the water/liquid smoke and lower temperature to a simmer.

Cook on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour for flavors and texture to develop.

Serve with a cornbread slice, crema or sour cream and cheddar cheese for garnish.

Enjoy!

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Booger Brown’s Hamburger Chili Recipe Ingredients

Hamburger Meat

Brown Onions and Bell Peppers

2 or 3 cans of Hunts Chili Starter

1 or 2 cans of Rotel Chili Starter

1 or 2 cans of Bush Chili Beans

Stewed Tomatoes

Crushed Red Chili Flakes

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions Cook beef, bell peppers and onions in large saucepan over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until beef is crumbled and no longer pink, stirring occasionally; drain.

Add remaining ingredients; Add Hunts Chili Starter (2 or 3 cans, depending on how much you are fixin’). Rotel Chili Starter (1 or 2 cans). Bush Chili Beans, stewed tomatoes, crushed red chili flakes then salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes I add a little jalapenos or jalapeno juice if I want to spice it up a little.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 10 minutes, stirring several times. Sorry, I don’t have the exact measurements. I usually don’t measure anything!

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Recipes

Nick Dowers’ Chili Recipe Ingredients 4 lbs ground beef 1 large onion 3 cloves garlic 1 tbs cumin 3 tbs chili powder 1 tsp oregano 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes 1 8 oz can tomato sauce

2 cups water 1 8 oz green chilies 2 15oz cans kidney beans 1 2 jalapeños, chopped, seeds removed 2 green bell peppers, chopped 1 - tbs salt 1 - tsp pepper 2 - tbs sugar

In a large stock pot, brown beef with onion and garlic. Drain off fat. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

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Vicki Wilson’s Pulled Pork Chili

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili - This amazing, sweet heat style pulled pork chili is mouthwatering!

Everything you love about pulled pork made into a hearty chili that’s packed with BBQ flavor and perfectly hearty for those cold fall and winter evenings!

Prep Time - 10 minutes | Cook Time - 8 hours | Total Time - 8 hours 10 minutes | Servings 6

Ingredients

2 Pounds Boneless Pork Roast

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Pepper

1 Teaspoon Chili Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Cumin

1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 Small Red Onion, Diced 2 Cups Beef Broth 1 28 Ounce Can Tomato Sauce 1 28 Ounce Can Diced Tomatoes 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce 2 14 Ounce Cans Chili Beans 1 Teaspoon Hot Sauce, Optional

Instructions In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne.

Season the pork roast well on both sides and place into your slow cooker.

Add the onion, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, chili beans, and hot sauce to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Shred the pork using two forks and stir the chili well. Serve immediately.

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Wade Black’s Four Bean Hamburger Chili Recipes

Ingredients: 1.5 lbs. ground hamburger (browned and drained) 1 can kidney beans 1 can pinto beans 1 can black beans 1 can great northern beans 1 can corn

1 small/medium yellow onion (chopped) 1 small/medium red onion (chopped) ¼ cup barbecue sauce ¼ cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce Pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste Beef broth (optional)

First, go through and brown the ground hamburger. While the hamburger is browning, dump all four cans of beans into a strainer, draining and rinsing them prior to putting them into the slow cooker.

Chop up both onions and add them in; along with the barbeque sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Frank’s Buffalo Sauce. After the hamburger is browned (about 7-10 minutes), add it to the pot, close the lid, and set it to cook on low for 3 hours. Whenever you get a chance, open the lid and stir things around, just to make sure everything got mixed in.

Beef broth is optional. Some people may prefer chili to be more in the form of a soup. If you’re one of those individuals, I suggest adding in one can of beef broth, to give the mixture a little bit of added moisture as it cooks.

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RTTH Roadie

What is a Roadie?

Glad you asked? Here’s how to spot us:

By RTTH Roadie Laura Hurr

• We’re the ones who come early, park up front, and stay late.

start to play. For we are instantly back in Lexington, imaging the Remuda galloping into the arena.

• We’re instantly drawn to any kind of RED ROPE. It’s a sign to us. A promise of friendly faces, short lines and discounts.

• The fabulous Remuda. We already know their names and we have a favorite for this year before they even enter the arena. We study them carefully.

• We have an extensive T-shirt collection of all things RTTH. DVD’s with special places on our shelves.

Programs from years gone by with our favorite signatures.

• We know things. Sires and dams, who recited poetry at obstacle #10 and what year. We know whose horse followed him out of the arena, which “Team” won and when.

• Our favorite colors are sorrel, gray, yellow, bay, road, and well, I guess, all of them.

• We bring signs, wave flags and we know when to yell “declare”!

• We know who Popcorn is and Troubadour and good ol’ number Seven.

• We know our section, row, and seat number as well as our birthday, for we are Legacy people.

• We are friends, we are family, we are faithful followers who meet up each year as we gather once more at the Road to the Horse.

• We zone out a bit whenever we hear “Thunderstruck”

• We are Roadies.

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Join our family and receive these VIP benefits:

Join now at the Roadie booth or online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com.

Roadie VIP Parking Save time and distance with VIP parking at the event. Roadies park FREE at the front of the Alltech Arena. General public parking will be $5 a day, or $15 Thursday thru Sunday.

Road to the Horse Merchandise Discounts Roadies receive a 10% discount when they shop at www.RoadtotheHorse.com and at the Road to the Horse booth at the event.

Legacy Purchasing Period Found your favorite ‘spot’ at Road to the Horse? Then make it your Legacy. Legacy Seats are yours forever as long you continue to purchase tickets to Road to the Horse. Once you choose your seats, you’ll receive a notice each year that it’s time to buy your tickets and those seats are already reserved in your name during a special Legacy Purchasing Period.

Western Horseman Booth Discount At the event, Roadies will receive a 10% discount at the Western Horseman booth.

Early Bird Notices Be the first to know the latest news before anyone else! Roadies receive email updates of the latest breaking news and information straight from Road to the Horse before it is released to the general public.

Red Rope Roadie Entry Your VIP Red rope awaits you at entry, at Friday’s Meet N Greet, and at the RTTH Booth!

Road to the Horse TV Relive your favorite Road to the Horse moments anytime, anywhere, on any device!

2019  ROAD TO THE HORSE

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You know what we love about Road to the Horse fan photos?

The tears. Joy. Passion. Empathy. The complete “I’m right there with you” faces. Over the course of a few days, strangers become part of each round pen, each horse, each clinician. Right there in their pocket. All on one enchanted journey, together. It’s hard to explain it until you’ve lived it. Photographs provide us with a glimpse of how thousands of people in the same arena, watching the same event, hold their breath at the same time, coach the clinicians at the same time, and love the horse all at the same time.

We all know what’s supposed to happen next. Still, no one can script it. Yeah, that’s us out there: biting our nails, crossing our fingers, praying, whispering, cheering, and screaming.

2019  ROAD TO THE HORSE

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Road to the Horse 2019 Crew

Founder/Producer: Tootie Bland Chief Operations Officer: Debbie Sullivan Director of Operations: Tammy Sronce Remuda: AQHA 6666 Remuda Burnett Ranches Manager: Dr. Glenn Blodgett Road to the Horse Host: Matt West Horseman’s Host: Richard Winters Social Media Host: Craig Cameron 2019 RTTH Judges Steward: Bill Enk Judges: Sandy Collier Mike Kevil Cody Lambert Bryan Neubert Jeff Williams Entertainers: Ms. Devon & the Outlaw Morgan Swanson Rider Kiesner Rodeo Zone Whispery Pines Percherons Kellie & Sam Rettinger & Team Production Manager: Stormy Mullins Technical Director: Aaron Fenner AV System Designer: DJ Myers Lighting Designer: Shawn Beaulieu Lighting Technician: Tommy Giles Lighting / Wireless Tech: Michael Bowen Lighting Spot Opt: Trevor Conrad Front of House Audio: Brice Clark Production Assistant: Matt Gwynn Music Director: Brad Narducci Led: Star Sports, Inc, Led Engineer: Greg Teagarden Led Assistant: Clint Huff Music Entertainment: Holly Spears Upper Level Production Manager: Mark DiBrito Upper Level Production Assistants: Don Bailey Mike Rost Upper Level Production Crew: Pedro Salazar Upper Level Production Crew: Santiago Flores Front End Manager: Stormi Bryan Front End Manager Assistant: Paige Harvey Front End Assistant: Julia Pohl

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Sponsorship: Kathryn Barkey Facebook Live: Craig Cameron & Dani Licklider Marketing/Photographer Assistant: Amy Jackson Volunteer Coordinator: Sandra Rowlett Vendor Coordinator: Tonya Ward Vendor Coordinator Assistant: Laura Hurr Etix: Molly McGlothlin 6666 Horse Manager: Phil Fox 6666 Remuda Cowboys: Jessie Waite-Perkins Monte Hollar KHP Location Manager: Jamie Gaddis Arena Director: Carter Edmondson Arena Coordinator: Justin Agerton Arena Coordinator Assistant: Richard Bryan Arena Assistants: Norm Brown Chris Bryan Dakota Bryan Santiago Flores Ryan Pohl Pedro Salazar Bob Schweyer Lilllian Yochum Skip Yochum Arena Tractor Driver: Justin Cawood Remuda Manager: Stormy Mullins Official Veterinary Pharmacy: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute RTTH Production Office Director: Debbie Sullivan RTTH Production Office Assistant: Penny DiBrito RTTH Production Office Financials & Tabulations: Sonya Sidhu Scoring & Tabulations Head Timer: Ida Mae Gracia Head Scribe: Ken Ball Scribes: Alaina Alderman Stephanie Meredith Lexie Stovel Sarah Trovillion EMT Services: Shelly Roby Travel & Accommodation Coordinator: Debbie Sullivan Costumer and Specialty Act Coordinator: Deb Smith Assistants: Shanda Masterson Nagel Brandi Swanson Devon Clevenger Morgan Swanson

2019 LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

JUNE 20-22

American Flag Carrier: Morgan Swanson RTTH FILM CREW: Film Producer/Writer: Tootie Bland Film Producer/Director/Editor: Nick Helton Assistant Director: Kelly Campbell Technical Director: Carl Babcock

2019 « ROAD TO THE HORSE

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Camera Crew: Justin Allen Amy Bailey Becky Embry Matt Grimm John Heflin Gary Mosley Camera ENG: Ric Hine Video: Dave Greenlee Graphics: Clark Bradshaw Utility: Kyle Belamy Utility: Kim Breetz Utility: Bobby Clifton ENG Utility: Willie Howell Mobile Television Facilities Provided by: TNDV Television, Nashville, TN Film Technical Producer: Nic Dugger Web Streaming: Ride Pass Merchandise Design/Supplier: Amy Moorhouse Merchandise Lead: Glenna Wright Merchandise Assistant: Verna Doan Merchandise Crew: Bobbie Massey Merchandise Crew: Christie Bryan Ground Transportation Captain: Tim Gelnaw Suite Hostess: Leanne Lambert Assistant Hostess: Sherry Smajstrla Official Photographer: Tammy Sronce Morris Magazines, LLC: Billy Morris Patty Tiberg Scott Ferguson Ernie King Sherry Brown Candice Madrid Volunteers: Boys & Girls Haven Central Kentucky Riding for Hope Hardin County Trailblazers 4-H Club Mercer County 4-H Horse Academy

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Steven “Dooky” Bland The Bailey Family of Reedley, CA The Bland Family of Trent, TX 6666 Ranch: Dr. Glenn Blodgett Burnett Ranches LLC: Mrs. Anne W. Marion Kentucky Horse Park Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police Laura Prewitt, KHP Executive Director Nicole Rivera, KHP Sales Account Executive Robert Magers, Levy Restaurants Jasmine Causey, Levy Restaurants John Pohl, Director of Sports & Equine Sales Lexington Convention Center City of Lexington and the Commonwealth of Kentucky

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VENDOR BOOTH ARNALL’S NATURALS AUSTRALIAN SADDLE CO BLACK FOREST SADDLES BLUE SKY SAGE HORSEBACK ADVENTURES BLUEGRASS VIBERSHIELD BOWS BY LISA LUANN BUCKWILD INNOVATIONS CAT’S TACK & HORSEY SERVICES CHAINED LEATHER CLICK HEAT COMFORT FIT SADDLE SHOP, LLC COUNTRY CHARM QUILTS COUNTRY COBBLER OF GATLINBURG CR RANCHWEAR LLC CREEKSHOP DC CREATIONS DERBY FENCE CO DOUBLE D HORSE EAGLE BRAND COWBOY TACK EARTH DELIGHTS EAST FORK STABLES, INC EQUESTRIAN ENTERPRISE ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR - THE BRA LADY EZ KUT PRODUCTS FERNWOOD DESIGNS ART STUDIO FLAT HAT RAGS FLEECE CORNER FLITZ INTERNATIONAL, LTD

234 273-274 241 250 261 226 210-211 287 251-252 280 231-232 265-266 286 284-285 227-228 257-260 270 262-263 239-240 288 296-297 212-213 275 229 207 245-246 254-255 267

BOOTH VENDOR 271-272 279 202-206 283 269 298-300 295 277-278 268 235 242 233 236 243 301-304 201 244 256 276 247 248 292-294 230 249 281 282 208-209 289-291 237-238

FREELANCE DESIGN, USA GENEVA LAKES JEWELRY GRAHAMS BOOTS HAWTHORNE PRODUCTS HORSE N AROUND AMERICA LAKELAND LEATHERWORKS LAMEAWAY OF TN LIVE FOR THE RIDE MASSAGING INSOLES MOONSTRUCK LEATHER LLC MUDDY CREEK RAIN GEAR MY GIRLZ CLOTHING CO MY STUFF NELSON MANUFACTURING NEWT’S HAT COMPANY NUT HAUS RANDY BUTTER’S SPURS SAWHORSE JEWELRY DESIGNS SMOKEY VALLEY FARM INC SPURR’S BIG FIX SUPREME HORSE WALKER, LLC TERRA LEATHER THE FUN COMPANY THE HORSE EDUCATION COMPANY THE ORIGINAL CINCH HOOK TRACE WEAR (TRACINGS LLC) VALLEY VET SUPPLY WESTERN HORSE COMPANY, LTD YOUNG LIVING

2019 « ROAD TO THE HORSE

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Baxter Black

BY BAXTER BLACK, DVM

The Horse Clinician “ARE YOU TEACHING HIM A LESSON?” she asked, eager to please,

As I tried to keep from barfing, my head between my knees.

“You hung on like a wind sock! It just tickled us to death!”

Is she serious? I’m drooling, I can’t hardly catch my breath.

“When you leaned yourself up forward and kissed him ’tween the ears, The whole class just went crazy! I guess you heard the cheers!”

That must be how I broke my nose and split my upper lip, But I guess it looked like kissin’. “I just love your horsemanship!”

“The way you tame the savage beast, the techniques that yer usin’.”

When my tailbone hit the cantle, I felt my sphincter loosen.

“You reckon you could show us how you did it once again?

Be nice to get some photos.” What? To show my next of kin?

I guess there goes my living will. I’m a victim of the forces.

The way this looks, I might as well go back to shoein’ horses.

“It was really so impressive, the way you made him load At full gallop, sittin’ backwards, from a way on down the road.”

So, that’s how I hit the trailer. Think I lost a pound of flesh.

Thank goodness it was rusty and my tetanus shot was fresh.

“Could you show us that maneuver where you circled like a fan With nothin’ but your buckle touchin’, holdin’ out both hands?”

Now where’d I put my Dramamine?

It was here the other day.

I’m feelin’ kinda woozy.

Did Ray Hunt start out this way?

I thought it would be easy to be a horse clinician.

Now it’s gonna take a miracle to explain this exhibition.

How I really was in full control, above the rising panic, Though I looked like the propeller on the back of the Titanic!

“It’s what I call the daisy,” I modestly explained.

“It takes a master trainer to achieve what I’ve attained.”

“You should concentrate on basics, skip the fancy stuff,” I warned.

Besides, I thought, any gunsel can accidentally hook his buckle on the horn!

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First Published • April 2008 Western Horseman

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C I N C H J E A N S . C O M

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my Horse This is

™

“Horses are part of our lifestyle on the ranch. Showing is just an extension of that. It's basically a test for my horse and me. I use a tailor-made training program to fit each individual horse's needs, whether he is destined for ranch work or the show pen. Nutrition is the same. Every horse is a bit different. With Cactapuss, I knew that if I did my job showing him, he had the talent to win the Snaffle Bit Futurity. But if your horses aren't fit come finals night in Reno, you aren't going to be competitive. To keep your horse strong and sound, you have to be on the right program-for me, that's Platinum.”

Time for the Diamond | “Cactapuss” 2010 AQHA Stallion

Nick Dowers | Platinum Client since 2009 NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, 2014 & 2016 Open Hackamore Champion & 2016 Road to the Horse World Champion Nick Dowers is a sponsored endorsee and actual client

This is

my Platinum

Nick supplements Cactapuss with:

PLATINUM PERFORMANCE® CJ The Equine Omega-3 Wellness & Performance Formula + Complete Joint

PLATINUM GASTRIC SUPPORT Helps Maintain Equine Stomach and Hindgut Health

1-800-553-2400 PlatinumPerformance.com

TO FIND THE RIGHT PLATINUM PERFORMANCE® FORMULAS, CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE, OR SPEAK WITH YOUR EQUINE VETERINARIAN. © 2018 PLATINUM PERFORMANCE, INC.

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