2020 June NCHA Cutting Horse Chatter by NCHACutting

/// OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION ///

JUNE 2020

CHATTER

/// CUTTING HORSE CHATTER JUNE 2020 VOL. 73 NO. 6 ///

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

CUTTERS PUT A POSITIVE SPIN ON THE COVID-19 CRISIS

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Kubota is a proud sponsor and equipment provider of the NCHA. For special NCHA member discounts, visit the NCHA.KubotaUSA.com website. KubotaUSA.com *Based on EDA tractor sales data of under 40 horsepower models from 2009 to 2019. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. Up to 20% off MSRP on select models plus Standard Rate Financing (Promotional Rate Financing not Applicable). KTC reserves the right to cancel this program entirely, modify or amend any aspect at any time without prior notice. Purchase price is eligible for cash or applicable standard rate finance offers. Freight to the dealer will be added to quotes. Dealer delivery to customers may be added. Please see your dealer for details or KubotaUSA.com. This program applies only to members in good standing with the National Cutting Horse Association and other qualifying national or regional equine organizations. Please see dealer for details. Offer expires 12/31/20.

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Sire of performers $6,663,133 Two Time Sire of NCHA Horse of the Year

High Brow Cat x Laney Doc Dam PE $1,500,000

LTE $303,000 5 Panel Genetic N/N

Breeding Fee  $3,650

Includes chute fee & first shipment of cool semen

ICHI SANGRIA

2020 Eastern Nationals Open Reserve Champion Score 225 2020 Eastern Nationals $25K Novice Reserve Champion Score 223 LTE: $181,934

Sire of 2019 top 5 Leading Dam:

ICHIS MY CHOICE Produce earning

$208,639

Owned by EE Ranches Shown by Guy Woods

EE Ranches Stallion Station Owned by Jo Ellard • jo@eeranches.com

WWW.EERANCHES.COM

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Call for Information 

P.O. Box 829 • Whitesboro, TX 76273 (903) 564-3692 • (903) 564-3513 (fax) Breeding manager - Steve Adams - steve@eeranches.com

5/14/20 9:38 AM

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A Matter of Trust

rust and communication are vital components of any relationship, whether that relationship is between two people, a business and its customers, or between a rider and his horse. These two components are found in the building blocks of every strong and lasting relationship. Take, for example, our horses; we start building this relationship from day one. As they progress through their training, we introduce new training methods, surroundings, and experiences. Along each new step, we continue to communicate with the horse, allowing for the building of trust between both horse and rider. When the fall of the horse’s 3-yearold year rolls around, the horse has the confidence and trust in us, as the rider, to walk into the herd, have us drop our hand to their neck, and watch the magic come together. It all comes to fruition only because we have spent the time and effort to build a strong relationship.

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

As legendary horseman Tom Dorrance explained, the true unity and willing communication between the horse and a person was not something that can be handed to someone. It is learned, it has to come from the inside of a person and inside of a horse. This is the same relationship I want for our association’s leadership and its members. It is no secret that our association has been faced with difficult challenges resulting from this pandemic. However, I believe that it has allowed us to reopen the lines of communication from our staff and leadership to our members. As shows across the world have been canceled, communication is all we have. From increased communication comes increased trust. As our staff and leadership continue to communicate with our members through these open lines of communication, those building blocks of trust will be placed. Like with our horses, this has to be learned, and learning does not happen overnight. The association has continued to move forward during this pandemic, and I believe it has made great strides on building this trust. Our staff has remained readily available to answer our members’ questions and concerns. As the country continues to reopen, we are looking forward to a great, safe Western Nationals Championship presented by 6666 Ranch and Metallic Cat Summer Spectacular this summer. I hope you will join us. With a focus on creating relationships built on trust and communication, our goal, as the staff, is to provide a successful, fun, and welcoming association for not only our members, but for the future generations to enjoy for years to come.

Jay Winborn

CHATTER

Official Publication of the National Cutting Horse Association Publishing Partner Morris Media Network The National Cutting Horse Association

260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-1862 (817) 244-6188; FAX (817) 244-2015 • nchacutting.com

NCHA STAFF Executive Director Jay Winborn Chief Financial Officer Lance Bryson Director of Shows Shianne Megel Director of Judges Pete Fanning Director of Membership Services Julie Davis Director of Sponsorship Todd Barden Director of Data Jimmy Vecera Manager of Marketing & Communications Callie McCarthy NCHA OFFICERS President: Ron Pietrafeso 11775 Pony Express Road, Elbert, CO 80106, (303) 489-1550 President-Elect: Steven Norris 224 E. Cheyenne Mountain Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, (719) 761-1200 Vice President: Ora Diehl 301 14Th St Sw, Ruskin, FL 33570, (813) 990-7258 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (term ends) Ernie Beutenmiller (2020) Region 3, 1932 Hwy 50 E., Union, MO 63084, (314) 808-3020 Byron Green (2022) Region 4, 325 S. South Street, Campbellsburg, IN 47108, (812) 620-0451 Rock Hedlund (2020) Region 2, P.O. Box 163, Wilton, CA 95693, (916) 761-7427 Skip Jones (2021) Region 7, 10101 S. Washington, Amarillo, TX 79118, (806) 679-9919 Matt Miller (2022) Region 8, 3111 Pine Road, Poolville, TX 76487 (817) 629-6858 Tommy Neal (2020) At Large, 2412 College Hills #102, San Angelo, TX 76904, (325) 227-3741 Sharon Overstreet (2022) Region 5, 4855 Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville, FL 34739, (407) 908-3201 Lachlan Perks (2021) At Large, 401 Olive Branch Road, Weatherford, TX 76087, (815) 505-0860 Tatum Rice (2022) At Large, 10309 Granbury Highway, Weatherford, TX 76087, (817) 694-3642 Ronnie Smith (2020) Region 6, 18913 FM 2755, Royse City, TX 75189, (214) 202-0303 Kristen York (2021) Region 1, P.O. Box 1268, Saratoga, WY 82331, (970) 449-3047 CUTTING HORSE CHATTER Editor: Susan Morrison Graphic Artist: Tammy Fernandez Director Manufacturing and Production: Sherry Brown Advertising Coordinator: Nancy Hughes Contributors: Sally Harrison, Jennifer Horton, Kristin Pitzer

nchacutting.com

Cutting Horse Chatter (ISSN 1081-0951) is published 12 times a year by the National Cutting Horse Association, 260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Telephone (817) 244-6188. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas, and additional mailing offices. The subscription rate of $6.00 is included in the National Cutting Horse Association’s annual membership dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Cutting Horse Chatter, 260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-1862. Publications Agreement No. 40791503.

Sustaining Affiliate Member: American Humane Association Member: American Horse Publications, Livestock Publications Council

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5/12/20 9:02 AM

INSIDE THIS ISSUE JUNE 2020

DEPARTMENTS

32 Industry Outlook

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the cutting calendar, but trainers have found a bright side to staying home, and look forward to the rest of the year.

NEWS 8 Youth Connection 10 Industry News 160 Late-Breaking News

34 Cattlemens Derby & Classic

Cutters flocked to Graham, Texas, and Sanctus and Rodrigo Taboga take home the 4-Year-Old Open championship.

NCHA Member Hall of Fame Inductees

SHOWS 20 Achievement Buckles 22 Upcoming Aged Events 135 Limited Age Events

42 Bubba Cascio found early success with cutting horses.

137 Coming Events

44 Frank Merrill is a lifelong horseman with a long list

NCHA

of achievements.

46 Alice Walton has made cutting horses, art and philanthropy her focus.

48 Bronc Willoughby’s goal is to leave a legacy for NCHA.

142 Summer Spectacular Entry Forms 145 Youth Scholarship Cutting Entry Forms 146 Futurity Entry Forms 148 Foal Nomination Form 149 Membership Forms 156 NCHA Directors 157 NCHA Standing Committees

50 NCHA Profile

Hydie McAlister is riding high these days, both in the show pen and with her business.

158 Staff Directory

STANDINGS 18 Rookie of the Year Standings

52 Spotlight on Sponsors

Learn more about the National Cutting Horse Association’s major sponsors.

26 Leading Sires and Dams 112 Top 50 Open 114 Top 50 Non-Pro 120 Regional Leaders 122 Top 50 Restricted/Limited

/// OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION ///

JUNE 2020

/// CUTTING HORSE CHATTER JUNE 2020

ON THE COVER

VOL. 73 NO. 6 ///

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

CUTTERS PUT A POSITIVE SPIN ON THE COVID-19 CRISIS

126 Area Leaders

CHATTER

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

MASON GERBER MERRILL, left, the son of Tyler and Katy Merrill, and BRAYDEN CHARTIER, the son of R.L. and Mica Chartier, have been spending a lot of time horseback with their parents during the COVID-19 quarantine. Read about how trainers are handling their businesses during the pandemic on page 32. Photo by Mica Chartier.

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5/14/20 12:51 PM

Cinca Im Hot

Boon San Spoon

Lte $265,969 Her Yearlings by Metallic Cat & Metallic Rebel & Her 2YO Full Brothers Sell!

Rockin Sallycat

Lte $125,033 Her Yearlings by Metallic Cat & Smooth Talkin Style & Her 2YOs by Spots Hot Sell!

Lte $171,207 Her Yearlings by Metallic Cat Sell!

Rocking P Ranch Production Sale

Consignments Include

BOONOSA 2019 red roan stallion (The Boon x Ms Mimosa, by Freckles Playboy). Dam Earner of $177,404 - PE $282,283 HER CATNISS 2019 sorrel mare (Spots Hot x Louellas Cat, by High Brow Cat). Dam Earner of $305,305 - PE $125,304 HOT REYZ 2018 bay stallion (Spots Hot x Reycine, by High Brow CD). Dam Earner of $2,481 & full sister to earners of $433,993 KATANNA 2018 bay mare (Sigala Rey x Reeds Instant Magic, by Abrakadabracre). Dam Earner of $80,958 - Producer of money earner METALLIC ARROW 2018 sorrel mare (Metallic Cat x Ms Mimosa, by Freckles Playboy). Dam Earner of $177,404 - PE $282,283 METALLIC CINCIN UP 2019 sorrel stallion (Metallic Cat x Cinca Im Hot, by Spots Hot). Dam Earner of $265,969 METALLIC IM HOT 2019 sorrel stallion (Metallic Cat x Cinca Im Hot, by Spots Hot). Dam Earner of $265,969 METALLIC KALUPA 2019 red roan mare (Metallic Cat x Desires Kalupa, by Dual Rey). Dam 1/2 sister to earners of $857,143 METALLIC LITTLE LENA 2018 red roan stallion (Metallic Cat x TF Smartlittle Linda, by Smart Little Lena). Dam Earner of $139,036 - PE $276,796 METALLIC REY JAY 2019 red roan stallion (Metallic Cat x Rey Jay Play, by Dual Rey). Dam Earner of $215,177 - PE $214,117

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METALLIC SADIE 2019 red roan mare (Metallic Cat x Sadie Dual, by TR Dual Rey). Dam Earner of $22,065 & 1/2 sister to earners of $67,083 METALLIC SALLY CATT 2019 sorrel mare (Metallic Cat x Rockin Sallycat, by Rockin W). Dam Earner of $125,033 METALLIC SAN 2019 sorrel stallion (Metallic Cat x Boon San Spoon, by Hes A Peptospoonful). Dam Earner of $171,207 - PE $19,731 METALLIC SPOON 2019 red roan stallion (Metallic Cat x Boon San Spoon, by Hes A Peptospoonful). Dam Earner of $171,207 PE $19,731 MY METALLIC PEPTO 2018 bay roan mare (Metallic Cat x Peptacular, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam Earner of $110,362 - PE $328,306 PAT THE SPOT 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Pattie Rocks, by Rockin W). Dam Earner of $23,299 & 1/2 sister to earners of $569,378 PATTIE ROCKS 2013 sorrel mare (Rockin W x Stylish Baby Doll, by SR Instant Choice). CS - Spots Hot ‘21; ET - Metallic Cat ‘21; Earner of $23,299 & 1/2 sister to earners of $569,378 PENDING 2019 bay stallion (Spots Hot x Gettin Dark, by Metallic Cat). Dam Earner of $56,201 PENDING 2019 red roan mare (Metallic Rebel x Money Talks Smart, by Smart Mate). Dam Earner of $7,571 - PE $587,954

PENDING 2019 red roan stallion (Stevie Rey Von x One Sallycat, by One Time Pepto). Dam Earner of $48,260 - PE $129,591

PEWEE REESE 2016 red roan stallion (The Boon x Boon San Baby, by Boon San). Dam Earner of $244,725 - PE $10,277

PENDING 2019 bay roan stallion (Smooth As A Cat x Peptacular, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam Earner of $110,362 - PE $328,306

REBELIN HOT 2019 sorrel mare (Metallic Rebel x Cinca Im Hot, by Spots Hot). Dam Earner of $265,969

PENDING 2019 red roan stallion (Metallic Rebel x Peptacular, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam Earner of $110,362 - PE $328,306

SADIE DUAL 2013 sorrel mare (TR Dual Rey x Sadie The Cat, by High Brow Cat). CS - Metallic Cat ‘21; Earner of $22,065

PENDING 2019 sorrel stallion (Dual Smart Rey x Pinkys Little Sue, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam Earner of $63,361 - PE $102,054

SPOT A ROCKING 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Rockin Sallycat, by Rockin W). Dam Earner of $125,033

PENDING 2019 sorrel stallion (Cat Ichi x Rey Jay Play, by Dual Rey). Dam Earner of $215,177 - PE $214,117 PENDING 2019 sorrel mare (Spots Hot x Rosa De Montana, by Dual Smart Rey). Dam 1/2 sister to earners of $593,417 PENDING 2019 sorrel mare (Spots Hot x Royal Cat Rosita, by High Brow Cat). Dam Earner of $7,343 & 1/2 sister to earners of $58,738 PENDING 2019 red roan stallion (Metallic Cat x Spots Super Hot, by Spots Hot). Dam Earner of $9,500 & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,378,431 PENDING 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Rockin Sallycat, by Rockin W). Dam Earner of $125,033 PENDING 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Cinca De Maya, by Dual Rey). Dam Earner of $107,750 - PE $494,012 PENDING 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Sofie Rey, by Dual Rey). Dam Earner of $149,237 - PE $230,406 PENDING 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Rockin Sallycat, by Rockin W). Dam Earner of $125,033

SPOT BOON BABY 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Boon San Baby, by Boon San). Dam Earner of $244,725 - PE $10,277 SPOT CINCIN UP 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Cinca De Maya, by Dual Rey). Dam Earner of $107,750 - PE $494,012 SPOT SAN BABY 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Boon San Baby, by Boon San). Dam Earner of $244,725 - PE $10,277 SPOT THE REY 2018 sorrel stallion (Spots Hot x Reycine, by High Brow CD). Dam Earner of $2,481 & full sister to earners of $433,993 STARDUSTH 2018 sorrel mare (Sigala Rey x WH Cat And Mouse, by Wild Haired Cat). Dam Earner of $14,786 TALKIN BOON 2017 sorrel gelding (Smooth Talkin Style x Boon San Baby, by Boon San). Dam Earner of $244,725 - PE $10,277 TALKIN UP SALLY 2019 sorrel mare (Smooth Talkin Style x Rockin Sallycat, by Rockin W). Dam Earner of $125,033 THE BOONS BABY 2015 sorrel mare (The Boon x Boon San Baby, by Boon San). CS Metallic Cat ‘21; Earner of $3,340

5/14/20 5/13/20 9:46 3:48 AM PM

Smooth N Cattacular

Rey Jay Play

Lte $215,177 Pe $214,117 Her Yearlings by Metallic Cat & Cat Ichi Sell!

Lte $122,533 Yearling full brother by Smooth As A Cat Yearling ½ brother by Metallic Rebel 2YO ½ sister by Metallic Cat Sell!

Short N Smooth Lte $300,304 His 4-YO Full Sister Sells!

Other Early Consignments Include BINGO WITH GRANDMA 2008 sorrel mare (Dual Pep x Bingo Legacy, by Bingo Hickory). Colt - Crimson Bet; CS - Crimson Bet ‘21; PE $29,552 & 1/2 sister to earners of $307,735 BIT OF A CAT 2003 chestnut mare (High Brow Cat x Bit Of Starlight, by Grays Starlight). Colt - Crimson Bet; CS - Crimson Bet ‘21; Earner of $14,094 - PE $1,447 & 1/2 sister to earners of $131,982 DRIVIN ZEE DUALLY 2014 sorrel mare (Hydrive Cat x Zee Dualy, by Dual Pep). Colt - Crimson Bet; CS - Crimson Bet ‘21; Money Earner & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,353,308 DUALS PLAY KITTEN 2007 sorrel mare (High Brow Cat x Duals Play Kit, by Kit Dual). CS - Sigala Rey ‘21; Earner of $8,660 - PE $13,472 & 1/2 sister to earners of $430,233 HOTT BOUNCER 2019 sorrel stallion (Hottish x That Check Bounced, by Im Countin Checks). Dam Earner of $51,641 & 1/2 sister to earners of $422,677 HUG A REBEL 2019 red roan stallion (Metallic Rebel x Reynie Day Huggs, by Dual Rey). Dam Money Earner - PE $5,493 & full sister to earner of $375,842

JUST PLAYIN SMOOTH 2016 sorrel mare (Smooth As A Cat x Playin Shorty, by Playin Stylish). Full sister to earners of $331,875 KAT 2011 chestnut mare (High Brow Cat x Nyoka Pep, by Dual Pep). CS - Dual Smart Rey ‘21; Earner of $25,880 & 1/2 sister to earners of $448,073 LIKE A HAWK 2019 sorrel stallion (Catty Hawk x Boons To Molly, by Mr Boonsmal To You). Dam 1/2 sister to earners of $276,005 MOCHA LIGHT 2006 chestnut mare (Light N Lena x Dual Tari, by Dual Pep). CS - Sannman ‘21; Earner of $41,682 & 1/2 sister to earners of $273,276 PENDING 2018 sorrel mare (Bamacat x Fancy Blue Moon, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam Earner of $12,634 - PE $217,334 PENDING 2018 palomino mare (Boon A Little x FBW Sablena, by Bobby Doc Lena). PENDING 2018 brown stallion (Once In A Blu Boon x Bit Of A Cat, by High Brow Cat). Dam Earner of $14,094 - PE $1,447 & 1/2 sister to earners of $131,982

PENDING 2018 red roan mare (Crimson Bet x Smart Lil May, by Smart Little Lena). Dam Money Earner - PE $27,205 & 1/2 sister to earner of $57,856 PENDING 2018 bay roan stallion (Crimson Bet x Isabelle Light N Doo, by CD Lights). Dam 1/2 sister to money earners PENDING 2018 chestnut stallion (Kit Kat Sugar x Play A Bet, by Bet On Me 498). Dam Earner of $37,824 - PE $100,509 PENDING 2018 sorrel stallion (Kit Kat Sugar x Bingo With Grandma, by Dual Pep). Dam PE $29,552 & 1/2 sister to earners of $307,735 PENDING 2019 red roan stallion (Crimson Bet x Peponitas Dinky Doo, by Peponitas Acre). Dam Earner of $61,496 - PE $2,952 PENDING 2019 red roan stallion (Crimson Bet x Isabelle Light N Doo, by CD Lights). Dam 1/2 sister to money earners PENDING 2019 red roan stallion (Crimson Bet x Desires Dance Hall, by Bamacat). Dam Money Earner & 1/2 sister to earners of $881,084 PENDING 2019 red roan mare (Crimson Bet x Bingo With Grandma, by Dual Pep). Dam PE $29,552 & 1/2 sister to earners of $307,735 PENDING 2019 sorrel stallion (Kit Kat Sugar x Travalin Ms Dually, by Travalena). Dam 1/2 sister to earners of $8,803

PENDING 2019 red roan mare (Meteles Cat x FBW Sablena, by Bobby Doc Lena). PENDING 2019 sorrel mare (Woody Be Tuff x CR Miss N Cats Meow, by Miss N Okie). Dam PE $169,295 & full sister to earners of $325,581 REBEL LU 2019 red roan mare (Metallic Rebel x Lu Sea Lu, by Smart Mate). Dam Earner of $29,731 & 1/2 sister to earners of $302,181 REYDIO FLYER ONE 2019 brown stallion (Dual Smart Rey x One Catty Angel, by One Time Pepto). Dam Money Earner REYNIE DAY HUGGS 2003 sorrel mare (Dual Rey x Huggs Olena, by Smart Chic Olena) CS – Metallic Rebel ’21; Money Earner & full sister to earner of $378,668 SHELDEN COOPER 2016 sorrel gelding (Bet Hesa Cat x Minute Mate, by Smart Mate). Dam PE $66,225 SKYE LIGHT 2009 sorrel mare (Light N Lena x Nyoka Pep, by Dual Pep). CS - Sannman ‘21; Producer of money earner & 1/2 sister to earners of $473,953 SMART LIL MAY 2008 sorrel mare (Smart Little Lena x Amanda May, by Playgun). Filly - Crimson Bet; CS - Crimson Bet ‘21; Money Earner - PE $27,205 & 1/2 sister to earner of $57,856

Sales are Webcast & Absentee Bidding Available Visit www.westernbloodstock.com for contracts & information Jeremy & Candace Barwick 1510 Ft Worth Hwy, Ste 110 Weatherford, Texas 76086

817-594-9210 - office 817-596-0430 - fax 254-485-2542 - Jeremy's cell

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5/14/20 5/13/20 9:47 3:49 AM PM

YOUTH CONNECTION

Hey NYCHA, BY MATTIE DUKES, SENIOR PRESIDENT, NYCHA

e are one month away from the Summer Spectacular! I can’t wait! Youth week will be full of fun events, such as the scholarship cutting, World Finals (top 15), Family Fun Night, dance, talent show, banquet, art contest, speech contest, essay contest, and so much more. This show has always been one of my all-time favorites and I think this year will be another great one. The schedule should be out or will soon be, so keep your eye open for that. There have been some changes to the schedule to ensure that youth are

able to make it to the High School Rodeo finals in Nebraska, which are right after the conclusion of the Summer Spectacular youth week. The high school rodeo is another great opportunity that I would recommend y’all doing. It is a lot of fun and another way to show off your skills in the arena. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Can’t wait to see you all soon! In Your presence is fullness of joy! Psalm 16:11

Hello Fellow Cutters!

Hey NCHA!

BY FAITH CORRELL, SENIOR REPORTER, NYCHA

BY RILEY FARRIS, JUNIOR REPORTER, NYCHA

uly is fast approaching, and you all know what that means! The Summer Spectacular is almost here! I am so excited to see everyone and share with you all of the awesome things we’ve been working on. The officer team has decided the theme for the 2020 Youth Convention is Leaving A Legacy. This year has started out as one that is going to leave its mark, and we want to leave our mark, too! Don’t forget that along with the main event—the showing—we also have a lot of extra activities, so make sure you get involved in all of the other fun things we have planned. Please remember that if any of you need anything, you can reach out to any of the officer team. Please feel free to contact us with any ideas or news you would like to share. Thank you! Whatever you do, do with all your heart, working for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

FAITH CORRELL 8

MATTIE DUKES

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

e are in June now and I know it’s been tough not getting to go to any shows, but it will get better! Coming up is the NCHA Summer Spectacular, and I am so ready to go and see everyone. We hope to see everyone there. Hopefully our break has provided some good practice time and everyone will be prepared to show up and show out. I would like to wish everyone well and tell you to stay safe and healthy! If you wish to add anything to an article for the Chatter or newsletter, feel free to contact me! God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

RILEY FARRIS

SKEET FOAL CROPS HAVE IT !

maker

D O Y O U H A V E I T ?

KIT KAT SUGAR HAS SIRED: SCOOTER KAT (Scooters Daisy Dukes, by Dual Smart Rey). $195,697: NRCHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion; 2019 NRCHA Open Stakes Champion; NSHA Open Fut. Champion. SUGRSPIZNEVRTHINGNIZ (Jewels Gotta Lizzy, by Lizzys Gotta Player). $177,817: 2019 NCHA Open Super Stakes Reserve Champion; 2019 Arbuckle Mountain 4-Year-Old Open Futurity and Bonanza Open Derby Reserve Champion. EXS N OHHS (Reycy Moon, by Cats Moon shine). $127,935: 3rd, 2019 NCHA Open Derby; finalist in the NCHA Open Super Stakes. DMAC DOGGFATHER (Graciela Dual, by Dual Pep). $123,937: finalist in the NCHA Open Futurity; top 10, 2019 NCHA Open Super Stakes; 2019 PCCHA Summer Open Derby Champion. SWEET TOOTHE (One Sweet Sis, by One Time Pepto). $119,011: 2019 NCHA Amateur Horse of the Year; NCHA $100,000 Amateur and $100,000 Senior Amateur Futurities’ Champion. JUSTA LIL BROWNSUGAR (Travs Scooter, by Smart Lil Scoot). $86,677: NCHA Senior Non-Pro Futurity Champion. KATS IN MY DAISEYS (Daisy May Rey, by Dual Rey). $83,964: split 4th, 2019 NCHA Open Super Stakes. I RECKON SO (Just As Reckless, by CD Royal). $76,634: 2019 NCHA Non-Pro Futurity Co-Champion; 2020 Bonanza Non-Pro Derby Reserve Champion (Gelding Champion). NOTHING COMES EASY (Smooth Little Cat, by Smooth As A Cat). $69,724: NCHA Amateur Futurity Champion (Gelding Champion). SUGAR N MY SHAYK (Short A Shay, by Shorty Lena). $69,059: 2019 NCHA $100,000 Amateur Super Stakes Co-Champion. SMART SUGAR KITTY (Dual Smart Kitty, by Dual Smart Rey). $60,180: 2019 Abilene Spectacular Open Derby Champion. ETCH N SKETCH (Reychell Rey, by Dual Rey). $58,112: top 12, NCHA Non-Pro Futurity; 2019 Breeders Inv. Non-Pro Classic Reserve Champion. KATS PAYDAY (Jerrys Lil Mistress, by Smart Little Jerry). $57,825: 5th, PCCHA Fall Open Futurity; 2019 Idaho Open Derby Co-Reserve Champion. RINGO (Lil Bit Reckless, by CD Royal). $57,019: 5th, 2019 Augusta 4-Year-Old Open Futurity (Gelding Champion). IMA REY KAT (Bee Gee Olena, by Red Rey King). $50,657: 2020 Abilene Spect. Amateur Classic Reserve Champion.

Standing at -

2020 Breeding Fee $3,500 Herda - N/N

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Owned by

254.485.8280 • brazosvalleystallionstation@gmail.com www.brazosvalleystallionstation.com

Barbara Allsup

5/13/20 5:17 PM

INDUSTRY NEWS

Bobbie Broussard, 1920-2020

John Tolbert NCHA Hall of Fame Rider John Tolbert, 64, of Andrews, Texas, passed away April 28. Tolbert’s many accomplishments as a trainer include the 1993 NCHA Futurity championship win on Bobs Smokin Joe, and the 1985 NCHA Super Stakes co-championship on Boons Sierra. He also claimed two NCHA Futurity reserve championships, in 1984 on Boons Sierra and in 1991 on Mr Peponita Flo, and was champion of the 1988 PCCHA Futurity on Lenas First Patent. Tolbert grew up in Goliad, Texas and studied Range Science Management at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. It was while breaking colts at the famous Scharbauer Cattle Company, west of Midland, Texas, that Tolbert attended the stock show in Odessa, Texas. “It was one of the first big cuttings that I’d ever seen,” he remembered. 10

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

Broussard sent Bob Acre Doc to Peewee Clements for breaking, and Clements advised him to put the colt on cattle. Gene Cook took over then, and later NCHA Hall of Fame Rider Sam Wilson, who stood Bob Acre Doc’s sire, bought half-interest in the stallion. Wilson won the 1986 NCHA Classic on the horse, and later showed him to win the 1991 NCHA World Championship. Houston attorney Suzan Cardwell bought Bob Acre Doc in 1990, and showed him herself to win the 1994 NCHA Non-Pro World Championship. Bob Acre Doc retired with career earnings of $381,703, and was inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame in 1991. Glade Knight bought Bob Acre Doc in 2001. The stallion sired NCHA money earners of $9.4 million, including NCHA Futurity Open champion Bobs Smokin Joe, Non-Pro champion Peponitas Acre and Open World Champion Bobs Hickory Rio. A long-time resident of Delcambre, Broussard served in the United States

“We got to see all of the greats, but Matlock [Rose], in particular, I never will forget. He was riding [NCHA World Champion] Peponita. I had heard about him and about Peponita, but just watching him warm that horse up was one of the highlights of my life. I will never forget that day. I never got to ride any horses that he trained, but after I got to cutting, I learned a lot just by watching him.” Tolbert joined NCHA in 1978 and became professional trainer in 1981. He realized his first major success in 1984 with Boons Sierra, and although he never had an opportunity to show a horse trained by Matlock Rose, he did show Peponita’s son, Mr Peponita Flo, in the 1991 NCHA Futurity, where they were narrowly defeated, 224 points to 223.5, by Little Tenina and Greg Welch. In addition to his 1993 Futurity win with Bobs Smokin Joe, Tolbert also showed the Bob Acre Doc gelding,

Bobbie Brousard, breeder of NCHA Horse Hall of Fame member Bob Acre Doc.

Coast Guard. He was a shrimper prior to buying the Ice House in Delcambre, serving shrimp boats in the area for many years. He is survived by his son, Robbie Broussard and wife Darlene of Delcambre; daughters, Peggy Broussard of Delcambre and Bonnie Hebert and husband Kenneth of Henry; one brother, Herman Broussard and wife Leona of Delcambre; his sister in law, Nettie Broussard of Henry; four grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eta LeBlanc Broussard; and three brothers, Jimmy, Kern and Wayne Broussard. Evangeline Funeral Homes of Delcambre was in charge of arrangements.

NCHA Riders Hall of Fame member John Tolbert, with Clayton Tolbert in 1995.

owned by Ping Gough, to win the 1994 Abilene Spectacular and to claim the reserve championship in the 1994 NCHA Derby. “It’s really fun being associated with a guy that’s a real cowboy,” said Graham, Texas rancher Gough, after the NCHA Futurity win. “John is a real cowboy and a real horseman.” Funeral arrangements had not been announced at press time.

TOP: NCHA FILE PHOTO; BOTTOM: SALLY HARRISON

Edmond Robert “Bobbie” Broussard, Sr., breeder of NCHA World Champion Bob Acre Doc, passed away April 8 at the age of 99. Broussard, who ran mixed cattle on his farm at Delcambre, Louisiana, was hoping to raise a ranch horse when in 1980 he bred his 16-year-old Sapp Head mare to Son Ofa Doc, on the advice of NCHA Hall of Fame Rider John Carter. Sapp’s Sandy had been a handy mare at home, but she had no performance credentials, and her only previous breeding had resulted in illfated twins. The mare herself died a few weeks after giving birth to Bob Acre Doc and Broussard hand-raised the colt on a homemade mash of Calf Manna, crimped oats, honey and milk. “I force-fed him a little bit at a time, three or four times a day,” he said of the colt, whose name came from a country railroad depot, Bob Acre, not far from Broussard’s home. “It took me a long time until he started eating by himself, but I never got discouraged with him.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Mary Sue “Sissie” Ellis Morris Mary Sue “Sissie” Morris passed away April 28. Born in Columbus, Ga., she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Tyler Ellis. She attended Louisiana State University and graduated from the University of Georgia, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She did further study at the New York School of Interior Design. At the University of Georgia, she met William S. “Billy” Morris III, and they were married in January of 1958, launching a lifelong devoted partnership. She would go on to raise a family, serve her church and community, and support the family business as an active director, as it grew from a single daily newspaper, The Augusta Chronicle, to become a diversified international media company, Morris Communications. She took great interest in the beauty of the natural world, expressed through gardening and inspiring fellow gardeners. She was an active member of the Sand Hills and Suburban garden clubs, and a member of the board of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens for many years. She worked with beautification projects for the city and community, and her beautiful floral arrangements graced the homes of family and friends.

Mrs. Morris had a reputation as a gracious hostess, be it with company employees and farm staff to kindergarten classes and church groups, to political dignitaries and even royalty. Family members said she was as comfortable on horseback in jeans or fly fishing in waders as she was greeting dignitaries in evening attire. Her photos from trips to faraway places were often not of landmarks and monuments, but of plants, trees, flower beds and floral displays. She taught Sunday School at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she also served terms as deacon and elder. She served on the boards of many of Augusta’s civic and cultural organizations including the Augusta Symphony Guild, Augusta Preparatory School, and Historic Augusta, and was a founding director and trustee of the Morris Museum of Art. She was a member of the Augusta Town Committee of the Colonial Dames in America, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a past volunteer for the Girls Club and a board member of the Widows’ Home. She was a member of the Junior League of Augusta, the Augusta Assembly and Augusta Country Club. A strong and gentle influence for her beloved children

Mary Sue “Sissie” Morris, wife of Augusta Futurity producer William S. “Billy” Morris.

and grandchildren, she also had many lifelong friends, who steadfastly saw one another through years of joys and sorrows and many travel adventures. The Morris family has been involved with cutting horses for many years. Survivors include her husband; three children, Will and Caroline Morris, John Tyler Morris, and Susie and Lee Baker; and five grandchildren, William S. Morris V; Gray Sullivan Morris, Lee House Baker Jr., Mary Ellis Baker, Alden Elizabeth Baker and Benjamin Morris Baker. A private graveside service was held.

Longtime NCHA member Gerald “Jerry” Louie, 85, of Chico, California, passed away due to an apparent heart attack on April 25. Raised on a farm in Kingman, Kansas, Jerry Louie enjoyed success mainly at West Coast events, as well as at the NCHA Western Nationals, and worked tirelessly to support the sport that he fell in love with at a California club cutting in 1981. “When I went to a cutting the first time, I saw something that was special, and it has had a major impact on my life ever since,” said Louie, who was a three-term (nine years) NCHA Executive Committee member, as well as a Regional Director for nearly three decades. He 12

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

also worked on many NCHA standing committees, including the Promotion and Development Committee, and Budget and Compensation Review Committee; and was chairman of the Non-Pro Committee. As an NCHA Bronze Award winner, some of Louie’s proudest moments came as the winner of the 2006 Pacific Coast CHA Non-Pro Cutting Stakes, riding Playitagun; winner of the Big D Derby 5/6-Year-Old Non-Pro on Little Commander Dry; winner of the NCHA Breeders Cutting Amateur on Jokerlena; as well as a third-place finish on Jokerlena in the 1990 NCHA Super Stakes Non-Pro Classic. Louie served in the U.S. Marines and was an entrepreneur, developing Chabin, a

Jerry Louie, longtime NCHA member and cutting competitor.

manufacturing company, that he eventually sold. He also was an avid sports fan. Brusie Funeral Home in Chico handled arrangements.

TOP: COURTESY OF MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS; BOTTOM: NCHA FILE PHOTO

Jerry Louie, 1934-2020

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The news about Junie Wood, 2014 NCHA Horse of the Year and one of NCHA’s Top 20 all-time leading money earners, with $525,774, was shared April 10 on Facebook by her owner, Slate River Ranch. “It was with heavy hearts yesterday that we had to lay our mare Junie Wood to rest. She was diagnosed with kidney disease a few weeks back and unfortunately we had to make this tough decision.” Bred by Craig Crumpler, Wichita Falls, Texas, and sired by Nitas Wood, Junie Wood was a full sister to Woody Be Tuff (LTE $351,063), sire of NCHA and NRCHA earners of $6 million, and also bred by Craig Crumpler. Josh Crumpler, Craig’s son, trained Junie Wood, who they called Lucy, and Craig showed her to the 2013 NCHA Futurity Non-Pro championship. “My dad is a Doc Quixote man from way back,” said Crumpler of his father, Paul Crumpler, who won the 1973 NCHA Non-Pro Futurity on Doc Quixote, sire of the earners of $9.5 million, and maternal

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

grandsire of both Junie Wood’s sire and dam. Tuffs Junie, Junie Wood’s dam, is the producer of 12 NCHA earners of more than $1.2 million. “I named her Junie Wood because her mom is Tuffs Junie, and I thought I owed it to her to put that [Junie] in her name,” said Crumpler, who sold Junie Wood to Slate River Ranch at the 2013 NCHA Futurity. Under John Mitchell for Slate River Ranch, Junie Wood never missed a beat, with a 229-point win in the 2014 NCHA Super Stakes, and eight more major wins, plus a reserve championship in the 2014 NCHA Derby, during her limited age event career. In addition, she also carried Slate River Ranch owner and non-pro contestant Glade Knight as a money earner in major Non-Pro and Non-Pro Senior divisions, as well as Mitchell’s daughter, Jade, as winner of the 2017 NCHA Junior Youth World Finals. “The horsemen that I respect know what it means to win so many in a row,” said Mitchell after Junie Wood’s 2015 NCHA Super Stakes Classic championship win, which was preceded by wins in the 2014

Junie Wood, pictured with John Mitchell, was a leading NCHA money earner.

NCHA Super Stakes, the 2014 Southern Futurity, the 2014 Brazos Bash, the 2015 Abilene Spectacular, the 2015 Bonanza and the 2015 Cattlemen’s Derby. “You have to be lucky to win, but when she has a shot, she still pulls it off. She’s a special horse.” At the time of her death, Junie Wood had produced one NCHA money earner, 4-yearold Ethell (LTE $12,511), by Metallic Cat, bred and owned by Slate River and shown by Mitchell. In addition, she has six other registered foals, two each from 2017, 2018, and 2019.

NCHA FILE PHOTO

Junie Wood

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ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

STANDINGS

Rookie of the Year – Weekend Shows

Senior Youth Rookie of the Year

Results Processed through 05/04/20

(Point Year 6/1/19-5/31/20)

1-2 Carson-Rose Canter.............Jonesville, NC .......................... 21 1-2 Isabelle Picklo ......................Magnolia, TX ............................ 21 3 Colton Miller .........................Sequin, TX ................................ 18 4 Hunter Beason......................Philadelphia, MS ........................ 9 5-9 Gavin Hershberger ...............Litchfield Park, AZ ..................... 7 5-9 Molli Kinchen ........................Tickfaw, LA ................................. 7 5-9 Gwen Gaughan .....................Las Vegas, NV ............................ 7 5-9 Maggie McCarthy .................Bedias, TX .................................. 7 5-9 Acey Pinkston .......................Stephenville, TX ......................... 7 10 Michayla Schmitt ..................Newark, OH................................ 6

1 Ele Hop .................................. Greeley, CO..................... $3,852.02 2 Jackie Mitchell ...................... Helotes, TX ..................... $2,231.42 3 Jaira McKeown ..................... Minden, NV ..................... $2,035.03 4 Carol Wood ........................... Ione, CA............................$1,856.61 5 Chrystal Ainsworth ............... Georgetown, LA ..............$1,734.20 6 Mica Collins ........................... Washington, TX ...............$1,633.21 7 Marcelle Leblanc .................. Fort Worth, TX ................ $1,582.80 8 Sadie Grant ........................... Santa Maria, CA ...............$1,549.94 9 Jesse Stratton Espinosa ...... Palo Cedro, CA ............... $1,504.00 10 Dakota Presley ...................... Meridian, MS ....................$1,325.72

Junior Youth Rookie of the Year

Rookie of the Year – Limited Age Events

(Point Year 6/1/19-5/31/20)

Results Processed through 05/04/20

1 Daisy Allen ............................Fortuna, CA .............................. 27

1 Dillon Gentry ..........................Baxter, TN........................$4,166.67

2 Mica Collins...........................Washington, TX ........................ 23

2 Taylor Sheridan ......................Weatherford, TX ............$3,400.00

3 Taylor Jo Budge....................Whitt, TX ................................... 13

3 Charlee Teague .....................Stillwater, OK.................. $2,555.00

4 Noah Edwards ......................Duluth, MN ............................... 10

4 Rachael Lacy ..........................Crested Butte, CO...........$2,194.31

5 Myla Hochstein .....................Columbiaville, MI ....................... 9

5 Travis Edwards......................Greenwood, AR...............$1,782.50

6-10 Will Erwin ..............................Evans, GA ................................... 7

6 Wendy Masterson ..................Guthrie, TX ..................... $1,460.00

6-10 Annie Kate White ..................Philadelphia, MS ........................ 7

7 Kaci Fisher..............................Abilene, TX ...................... $1,174.03

6-10 William Nix IV ........................Blackville, SC ............................. 7

8 Emilee Radford ......................East Aurora, NY............... $1,127.38

6-10 Reese Collins ........................Washington, TX .......................... 7

9 Stacie Dixon Pettitt................Clermont, GA..................... $988.00

6-10 Audrey Tree...........................Payson, UT ................................. 7

10 Melissa Spinella .....................McDonough, GA................ $900.00

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5/6/20 1:52 PM

INDUSTRY NEWS

June 2020 Achievement Buckles

AMANDA RAY

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CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

DUAL SMART REY HAS SIRED: DUAL SMART KITTY (Cats Peptolena, by High Brow Cat). $317,758: NCHA Open Futurity Champion; Abilene Spectacular Open Derby Champion; PCCHA Summer Open Derby Champion. ROLLZ ROYCE (Show Biz Kitty, by High Brow Cat). $304,349: NCHA Open Super Stakes Reserve Champion; 2019 NCHA Super Stakes Open Cl assic Champion; 2019 NCHA Open Cl assic / Chal l eng e Champion; 2020 Cattlemens and The Ike Open Classics’ Champion. CAROLENA REYN (Carolena Moon, by Peptoboonsmal). $276,043: NCHA Non-Pro Super Stakes Co-Champion. STOP TOYING WITH ME (Letithappen Captains, by Smokin Trona). $252,999: Breeders Inv. Non-Pro Derby Champion; 4th, NCHA Non-Pro Futurity and top 10 Open. DUALS LUCKY CHARM (TRR Ms Pepcid Olena, by Pepcid). $233,364 NRCHA & NSHA Open Futurities’ Champion; 2020 NRCHA W orl d’s G reatest Horseman Co-Reserve Champion. SUEPER TROUPER (Ichis My Choice, by Cat Ichi). $216,152: 2019 NCHA Non-Pro Super Stakes Co-Champion (Gelding Champion). HISS N VINEGAR (Hissy Cat, by High Brow Cat). $201,706: 2019 NCHA Open Super Stakes Champion. STYLISH LOOK BELLA (Stylishious, by Docs Stylish Oak). $174,020: NSHA I nt. Open Futurity Champion, NCHA Bronze. DRESSEDIN SMARTSTYLE (Stylish Play Lena, by Docs Stylish Oak). $152,472: split 7th, 2019 NCHA Open Super Stakes. B NIMBLE (AUS) (Dennys Treasured Freckle, by Bobs Freckle). $151,231: NCHA Non-Pro Co-W orl d Champion. LOU LOU LOUISE (Miss Woody Two Shoes, by High Brow Cat). $138,799: top 10, NCHA Open Futurity; 6th, NCHA Open Derby. DAINTYS KUAL KITTY (Kats Dainty Gal, by High Brow Cat). $122,673: NCHA Bronze Award. DUAL SMART ROSIE (Spins Peppy Poco, by Docs Spinifex). $119,359: Bonanza Non-Pro Classic Champion. LIL MADDY REY (Miss Madelines Cat, by High Brow Cat). $113,922: NCHA Limited Open Classic/Challenge Reserve Champion. REY N STYLE (Stylish Little Curly, by Docs Stylish Oak). $102,717: finalist in the NCHA Open Futurity, Super Stakes, and Derby. SCOOTERS DAISY DUKES (Scooters Playmate, by Freckles Playboy). $96,453: NCHA $5 0,000 Amateur Super Stakes Champion.

Standing at -

2020 Breeding Fee $5,000 Herda - N/N

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Owned by

254.485.8280 • brazosvalleystallionstation@gmail.com www.brazosvalleystallionstation.com

Strawn Valley Ranch

5/12/20 9:06 AM

UPCOMING EVENTS

EVENTS JUNE

The Non Pro Plus the Open ........................................................................... Ardmore, OK .................................................... June 5-14 PCCHA Core Balance Derby ...................................................................... Las Vegas, NV .............................June 5-14 CANCELED Transwest Western Nat’l Championships 6666 Ranch ............................Denver, CO ................................................. June 20-27

JULY

Metallic Cat NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular ................................Fort Worth, TX ............................................... July 7-Aug 2

AUGUST

Cascades Futurity ........................................................................................... Redmond, OR ...................................................... Aug 7-16 West Texas Futurity ............................................................................................Amarillo, TX ......................................................Aug 8-16 Idaho Futurity .......................................................................................................... Nampa, ID ................................................... Aug 21-30

SEPTEMBER

El Rancho Futurity & LAE ...................................................................Rancho Murieta, CA ...................................................... Sep 4-13 Cotton Stakes ............................................................................................ West Monroe, LA ...................................................... Sep 6-13 Black Elk Fall Spectacular .................................................................................Ponoka, AB ...................................................... Sep 8-13 Western States ................................................................................................. Loveland, CO ....................................................Sep 14-17 Brazos Bash ................................................................................................. Weatherford, TX ................................................... Sep 16-27 Canadian Spectacular .........................................................................................Stavely, AB ................................................... Sep 23-27 All American Quaerter Horse Congress ................................................. Columbus, OH .........................................Sep 29 to Oct 4 Michelle Lynn Holsey ............................................................................................. Bryan, TX .........................................Sep 30 to Oct 3

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CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

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Standing at -

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5/12/20 9:06 AM

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5/13/20 5:24 PM

BACK FOR 2020

Breed to Metallic Cat in 2020 To be eligible for the Metallic Cat Incentives. To be paid out at the Summer Spectacular in 2020.

Owned by: Bobby Patton Contact: Debbie@rockingp.com

Jillpiggott@rockingp.com

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Contact: 254.485.8280 brazosvalleystallionstation@gmail.com brazosvalleystallionstation.com

5/13/20 5:24 PM

STANDINGS

Leading Sires of 2020 Rank Sires

2020 $

1 METALLIC CAT.......................................................................$1,524,272 2 DUAL REY.................................................................................$665,801 3 HIGH BROW CAT......................................................................$515,830 4 ONCE IN A BLU BOON.............................................................$387,383 5 HOTTISH.................................................................................. $363,855 6 SMOOTH AS A CAT ................................................................... $348,114 7 KIT KAT SUGAR ........................................................................ $298,158 8 DUAL SMART REY .................................................................... $274,012 9 WOODY BE TUFF ..................................................................... $216,738 10 HIGH BROW CD ....................................................................... $198,010 11 BOON TOO SUEN......................................................................$156,418 12 ONE TIME PEPTO.....................................................................$135,952 13 IM COUNTIN CHECKS..............................................................$134,666 14 SPOTS HOT ............................................................................... $96,278 15 BET HESA CAT........................................................................... $93,927 16 WR THIS CATS SMART ...............................................................$91,924 17 HYDRIVE CAT ............................................................................$90,990 18 CAT ICHI ..................................................................................... $70,910 19 HALREYCIOUS............................................................................ $69,913 20 THOMAS E HUGHES ..................................................................$57,384 21 BAMACAT ................................................................................... $54,841 22 LIZZYS GOTTA PLAYER .............................................................. $48,410 23 THIRD CUTTING ..........................................................................$48,174 24 SWEET LIL PEPTO ......................................................................$46,376 25 AUSPICIOUS CAT ...................................................................... $45,039 26 HES A PEPTOSPOONFUL.......................................................... $44,955 27 CATS MERADA............................................................................. $41,162 28 ONE TIME ROYALTY...................................................................$36,767 29 CATTY HAWK.............................................................................. $35,931 30 PEPTOBOONSMAL.................................................................... $33,582 31 DUAL R SMOKIN ....................................................................... $33,286 32 REYS DUAL BADGER.................................................................. $31,827 33 JAZARELL CAT ............................................................................$24,715 34 DOCS STYLISH OAK................................................................... $24,521 35 CD LIGHTS ................................................................................ $23,287 36 CAT BELUE ................................................................................. $21,944 37 SMART SUGAR BADGER ............................................................$20,651 38 HIGH BROW COUGAR................................................................ $19,548 39 LIGHT N LENA ............................................................................ $19,483 40 LIL CATBALOO ...........................................................................$18,666 41 THAT SLY CAT..............................................................................$17,942 42 CD OLENA.................................................................................. $16,207 43 REYDIOACTIVE...........................................................................$13,856 44 SOPHISTICATED CATT ...............................................................$13,660 45 C SPOT CUT ................................................................................. $13,117 46 SMART MATE..............................................................................$12,625 47 INSTANT STARLIGHTS................................................................$12,392 48 CD ROYAL ....................................................................................$11,744 49 ROCKIN W ................................................................................... $11,672 50 CATS MOONSHINE.......................................................................$11,617 26 CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

Rank Sires

2020 $

51 MR PEPPYS FRECKLES ............................................................... $11,501 52 NITAS WOOD...............................................................................$11,288 53 HIGH BROW JACKSON ...............................................................$11,039 54 DUALIN BOON ...........................................................................$10,406 55 DEALNWITHACOOLCAT .............................................................$10,255 56 NRR CAT KING COLE ...................................................................$10,211 57 NEAT LITTLE CAT ......................................................................... $9,815 58 BET ON ME 498 ........................................................................... $9,707 59 EBR KITTY HAWK .........................................................................$9,436 60 CAT T MASTERSON...................................................................... $9,120 61 BOON A LITTLE ..............................................................................$9,114 62 LITTLE DULCES REY.....................................................................$8,872 63 MR BLACK AND DECKER ............................................................ $8,632 64 MISSISSIPPI CAT ......................................................................... $8,598 65 CAT A REY ................................................................................... $8,465 66 RASCAL CATS.............................................................................. $8,086 67 CATS QUIXOTE JACK .................................................................... $7,791 68 SMART TIME PEPTO 10 ................................................................$7,695 69 WILD HAIRED CAT........................................................................ $7,459 70 SMART LIL SCOOT .......................................................................$7,329 71 DUAL PEP......................................................................................$7,160 72 MANDALAY REY ...........................................................................$6,702 73 LAREDO BLUE............................................................................. $6,507 74 PLAYGUN......................................................................................$6,479 75 SIGALA REY................................................................................. $6,385 76 PRETTY BOY CAT .........................................................................$6,372 77 METELES CAT.............................................................................. $6,330 78 SMART MORIAS CAT .....................................................................$6,148 79 PURDY BOY FLASH..................................................................... $6,068 80 PEPTO TAZ ...................................................................................$5,752 81 COWBOY CATTYLAC....................................................................$5,720 82 STYLIN CAT ................................................................................. $5,506 83 ATHENA PUDDY CAT................................................................... $5,496 84 QUEJANAISALENA .......................................................................$5,397 85 HICKORYS INDIAN PEP...............................................................$5,200 86 CAT N A HAT ............................................................................... $4,885 87 SMART ROYAL REY ......................................................................$4,790 88 DESIRES LITTLE REX....................................................................$4,700 89 FLO RIDER....................................................................................$4,587 90 CATS GOTTA DIAMOND ............................................................... $4,477 91 STARLIGHTS GYPSY......................................................................$4,123 92 QUITE A BOON.............................................................................$3,789 93 PEPPY PLAYS FOR CASH............................................................. $3,779 94 BLESSED TWICE...........................................................................$3,702 95 SINFUL CAT................................................................................. $3,624 96 CATTY REY ................................................................................... $3,571 97 BOBS HICKORY RIO.................................................................... $3,565 98 PEPTO JACK.................................................................................$3,344 99 SMART LITTLE LENA ................................................................... $3,309 100 BETS CD........................................................................................$3,137

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STANDINGS

Leading Dams of 2020 Rank Dams

2020 $

1 NEVER REYLINQUISH .................................................................$79,148 2 SHOW BIZ KITTY ........................................................................$76,786 3 TWICE AS REYCY ...................................................................... $63,087 4 DONAS COOL CAT .................................................................... $60,840 5 SOFIE REY................................................................................. $58,529 6 HIGHBROW SUPERCAT.............................................................. $57,795 7 ARC CATTY DUAL........................................................................ $53,121 8 CAT MOM DO.............................................................................$50,337 9 MISS STYLISH PEPTO ................................................................ $49,881 10 LIL FOXIE STARLIGHT ............................................................... $48,852 11 SMART CAT MORIA ................................................................... $46,934 12 MISS ELLA REY ......................................................................... $46,507 13 DESIRES KATRINA..................................................................... $46,304 14 SMART LOOKIN MATE................................................................$45,749 15 LITTLE BOW PEEPTO ..................................................................$44,172 16 SHEZA STYLISH COUGAR......................................................... $43,666 17 EAZEE E......................................................................................$42,770 18 SPECIAL NU KITTY .................................................................... $42,355 19 JUSTA LIL FRECK ...................................................................... $40,663 20 HOLLY IS SMOOTH ................................................................... $39,629 21 MISS WOODY TWO SHOES....................................................... $36,942 22 CATS SMART LADY .....................................................................$36,771 23 CINCA DE MAYA........................................................................ $34,998 24 CATALANEY............................................................................... $34,649 25 MY LIZZY BABE......................................................................... $34,259 26 ROYAL RED RINPOCHE............................................................. $33,495 27 CATRINA STARLIGHT.................................................................$32,809 28 ONE SWEET SIS ........................................................................$32,002 29 TOO SMART TOODIE.................................................................. $31,458 30 REY N STYLE.............................................................................. $30,531 31 LIL LENA LONG LEGS................................................................$30,050 32 REYCY MOON ........................................................................... $29,992 33 LITTLE PEPTO GAL..................................................................... $28,774 34 SWEET SHORTY LENA .............................................................. $28,428 35 SWEET SMOKE LENA................................................................. $28,412 36 SUES SO SMART ....................................................................... $28,345 37 SMART LOOKIN HI BROW...........................................................$27,571 38 A LITTLE REYLENA.....................................................................$26,847 39 CAT COUNTIN CHECKS ..............................................................$26,714 40 REYHANNA.................................................................................$26,301 41 FRECKLESAREINSTYLE..............................................................$26,077 42 SPOTS A PLAYIN ....................................................................... $26,042 43 SPECIAL NU BABY......................................................................$25,778 44 CAROLENA MOON.................................................................... $25,395 45 REYAL MONEY ..........................................................................$25,290 46 CAT BLACK I.............................................................................. $24,359 47 BET ON HOUSTON..................................................................... $24,195 48 SWEET ABRA.............................................................................$23,502 49 HISSY CAT................................................................................. $23,455 50 STYLISH LITTLE BOW.................................................................$23,327 28 CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

Rank Dams

2020 $

51 YOU N ME BABY ....................................................................... $23,294 52 DUALS PLAY KIT......................................................................... $22,841 53 MEMOREY................................................................................. $22,365 54 SOME KINDA SWEETY ...............................................................$22,315 55 PG SPECIAL EDITION ................................................................$22,065 56 RUBY BAGONIA......................................................................... $22,043 57 SOME LIKE IT HOTT ................................................................... $21,273 58 PRIME TIME KAT......................................................................... $20,781 59 DESIRES CAT.............................................................................. $20,701 60 MS SILVER PITCHFORK............................................................. $20,384 61 JESSIES STARLIGHT MS.............................................................$20,312 62 BEE GEE OLENA........................................................................ $20,288 63 PLAYIN T ETTA ........................................................................... $20,138 64 REY TO PLAY..............................................................................$19,803 65 MY OTHER TOYS A CAR.............................................................. $19,781 66 MATES MEMORY........................................................................ $19,524 67 MYLANTA LANO......................................................................... $19,507 68 UNO TASSA MIA......................................................................... $19,454 69 DESIRE SOME FRECKLES .......................................................... $19,366 70 MISS PEPTONSTILETTOS........................................................... $19,339 71 A LITTLE BIT WICKED................................................................. $19,273 72 CATS BARMAID CHICK...............................................................$18,909 73 KARMA KAT................................................................................$18,829 74 VELVETS BEST SHOT ..................................................................$18,641 75 DUAL SMART KITTY .................................................................... $18,571 76 STYLIN PLAYGIRL.......................................................................$18,520 77 STELLA STARLIGHT.................................................................... $18,428 78 DONT LOOK TWICE.....................................................................$18,391 79 QUITE THE CAT..........................................................................$18,328 80 RISTOS FAIR LADY ..................................................................... $18,234 81 WOOD SHE BE NEAT...................................................................$18,215 82 PLAY LIKE CLAY .........................................................................$18,206 83 CD CINCO DE MAYO..................................................................$18,040 84 STYLISH PLAY LENA ................................................................... $17,746 85 KD SHORTY..................................................................................$17,701 86 CATSA MOVIN ..............................................................................$17,613 87 SPOOKYS ROXY GIRL ..................................................................$17,132 88 REYS MY WAY ............................................................................ $17,096 89 DESIRES SOME CAT....................................................................$17,027 90 PRETTY PURDY PISTOL ..............................................................$16,736 91 LOUELLAS CAT............................................................................$16,661 92 QUICK TO DUAL.........................................................................$16,365 93 REY DOWN SALLY........................................................................$16,151 94 BOONS FRECKLE LENA .............................................................. $16,134 95 CR APRIL BOON..........................................................................$16,051 96 MOMS STYLISH LADY................................................................$16,000 97 JUST AS RECKLESS ...................................................................$15,964 98 LIL PUMA.................................................................................... $15,942 99 DUAL REY TAG ...........................................................................$15,693 100 ARIEL REY ..................................................................................$15,650

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INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

Biding Time

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the cutting calendar, but trainers found the bright side of being quarantined at home. INTERVIEWS BY JENNIFER HORTON AND KRISTIN PITZER COMPILED BY SUSAN MORRISON

t the end of December of 2019, as cutting horse trainers and owners were enjoying some holiday time after the NCHA Futurity, officials in China confirmed a cluster of cases of pneumonia from an unknown cause. By early January, that outbreak had a named cause: COVID-19, a new form of coronavirus. It wasn’t until a few weeks later, on January 21, that the United States had its first confirmed case. And by January 30, the outbreak was declared a global public health emergency. Cutting events continued as usual, though, including the Abilene

Spectacular, Augusta Futurity and The Ike Futurity. Few would have expected that in six short weeks everything would change. By early March, cancellations were the norm. On March 26, NCHA announced the cancellation of the Kit Kat Sugar Super Stakes. The disappointment among cutters was palpable, and many wondered how this would affect the industry. As it turns out, although cutters love to show and have missed those opportunities, many also have been taking advantage of being at home to spend more hours on their young horses and time with their families.

Some who live close by essentially quarantined together. Trainers R.L. Chartier and Tyler Merrill are neighbors in Weatherford, Texas, and have spent time working horses together. Their sons, Brayden Chartier and Mason Merrill (pictured on the cover) have been mounted on reliable horses to “help” their parents work and enjoy family time. “They’re quite the pair,” Chartier said. “That’s been good, and I get to spend a lot of time with them.” We asked several trainers how the shutdown had affected them and their business, and what their plans are as shows began to reappear on the calendar.

What has been the biggest change for you since the pandemic and quarantine began?

that I’ve had have stuck with me and left the horses in training. I might have had one horse that left right when it first began. It was a client that lives close by, and it just didn’t make any sense for him to leave his horse here if we weren’t going to shows, but for the most part, we’ve been business as usual. We’ve been working horses every day. I’ve really been focusing a lot on my 3-year-olds, but we’ve been working the show horses enough to keep them in shape and have them ready to go whenever we get a chance.

be done that you don’t tend to because you’re on the road so much, so it was good and bad.

Scott Amos, Loma, Colorado: Basically not anything except that our travels have been shut down. As far as working on the farm and training horses, it’s been kind of nice to stay at home and enjoy it. I’m actually enjoying training horses again. Cara Brewer, Jay, Oklahoma: The lack of shows. While we’re at home there’s not much change. It’s still the same get up, go work horses, take care of my son. We spend a lot of time with family. We’ve kept on with [homeschooling our son, Brand]. We used to meet with the teacher once a week. We can’t do that, so that’s a small change. We live out in the country and we don’t have a lot of people come over. So just the lack of shows, it’s a very odd feeling not to have a goal to work toward. Russ Carroll, Forney, Texas: I’ve been very fortunate that the clients 32

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

R.L. Chartier, Weatherford, Texas: It hasn’t really affected me any as far as losing horses or anything like that. Obviously, our show horses went on board and exercise just to stay in shape. But other than that, it didn’t change much other than being home a lot for me, and getting to spend time playing with the kids and doing stuff you don’t usually get to do. It was a bad thing for income, winnings and things like that, but there was also a lot of stuff that needed to

Russ Miller, Saint Anthony, Idaho: Really, the biggest change is that we just don’t have any cuttings to go to. We’re right here, we go to the barn every day and work, and then come back into the house. Fortunately for us, our clients have all left their horses here, because they want to go cut when we can cut again.

What is the worst part of it? Amos: I think it just takes away from regular ordinary life. I think it puts kind of a shadow over people. When they’re forced to stay home and not live their lives as they normally do, it just puts kind of a black cloud over everything. I have a senior and, you know, it’s hard on them because of rodeo season and sports and everything affiliated with school. And then the poor elderly that have gotten sick from it. It’s sad.

Dirk Blakesley, Augusta, Kansas: The horse part’s all been good. My daughter didn’t get to play softball, so that’s been hard on me. My son didn’t play baseball. That’s the only part that’s been bad for me. But not having shows, you miss out on winnings. That part did hurt [ financially], if I’m just counting the weekend stuff. That could catch up after two or three months probably and start to bother you. At this point it hasn’t hit us hard, like I’ve heard [it has for] some of them. Brewer: Missing two of our biggest shows, the Super Stakes and the BI [Breeder’s Invitational], is a huge hit for the economics of it. Carroll: I think the worst part would just be not having a cutting to go to. I’m fortunate to have really supportive clients that have kept some older horses in training when they really didn’t have to, just really for my benefit more than anything, because without any cuttings to go to, they could have easily kept them at home until it got closer to a show. So, yeah, just the fact we haven’t had a cutting to go to, it makes it a little hard for some of those people to justify spending the money to have their horse stay in training. But luckily, at least in my case, those people chose to do that just mainly to be supportive. Miller: “I guess, just for me, the worst part of it is the unknown. Our society in January and February was rolling on and everybody was happy. Within a 30-day period, everything just stopped—the economy and everything else. That’s the scary part for me. Tyler Merrill, Weatherford, Texas: We’re we’re kind of a social family. And we just haven’t been able to do any social events, or have people over. I guess that would be an unfortunate thing. I mean, it’s not bad, nothing bad has happened to us, but it’s just been kind of a lull.

What is the best part of it? Blakesley: Just getting to stay home and spend a lot more time at home with my kids and wife; that’s a good

part. There really hasn’t been a good part or a bad part toward the horse end of it on my deal. But I have enjoyed the time with the kids home. I’ve had a lot of extra help here since they were both stuck at home and couldn’t go do anything with their friends! We have gotten a lot of projects done that have been on hold for a while.

Merrill: I think we’ve grown closer as a family and kind of got rid of some of the modern things that we really don’t need, and went back to sitting down at the table and reconnecting, that kind of stuff. A lot of projects have gotten done. Some greener horses that, this time of year when we’re [usually] gone don’t get attention, have gotten better.

Brewer: We’ve gotten to spend a lot of time at home, with the 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds. And with my family, there’s been a lot of quality time. Jim Haworth and I have quite a few broodmares here and I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with the babies. I’m pretty sure most of our horses are ready for us to go back to a show!

What has been the most surprising thing?

Miller: Actually, the best part of it for us is being home. We’re fortunate we have our kids. They’re here, so they’re all riding every day. The kids have been homeschooled, because school’s been out. The grandkids have spent a lot more time here. I think we’ve had more family time without having baseball practice, gymnastics, piano, all that other stuff. We’ve had more time to just spend together. Carroll: I think it’s been just life slowing down a little bit, and knowing that I’ve got a full week and a full weekend to work my colts and get done here at the ranch what we need to get done, so there hasn’t been any rush. We’ve been able to work at kind of a slower, more relaxed pace. And with that being said, I’ve been able to probably have a little more quality time with my family. My family goes with me on the road anyway. We homeschool our two children. But it’s just been slower and a little more relaxed. So that’s probably been the nicest thing about it. Chartier: Getting to spend a lot of time on these 3-year-olds. This time of year, usually you’ve got the Super Stakes and then you go over to the BI and you get to haul some with you, but you can’t take them all. So you get to spend some quality time on just being on them and in good weather. It’s not 110 degrees like it is in the summertime. It’s just been good to spend time on the horses.

Amos: I don’t know if it’s surprising, but I’m really blessed. I’ve got loyal customers that really stuck with me and supported me through all this, and didn’t take any horses home. Blakesley: Probably just how wild it got shutting all the businesses down. I feel bad for those people that don’t have work. It’s surprising to me that it went that far. Where I live it just hasn’t gotten that bad, so it’s hard to wrap my brain around having an entire hospital full. It’s surprising how they shut the schools down, it happened so fast. That really surprised me. We’re very fortunate living in the country during this deal. We can get out. We just do the same thing every day that we’ve always done. We don’t go to town as often. Brewer: At first it was just such an odd feeling and I wasn’t very comfortable not having a show to look forward to. Now I’ve gotten in the rhythm of it and I’ve enjoyed being home and enjoyed spending a lot of time with the colts, and with Brand and my husband. I’m just getting the social distancing down and now we have to go back to shows! I’m sure it’s controversial, but I think it is time for us to go back to work.” Carroll: I just keep going back to my clients. I don’t know that it’s surprising, but it’s shown me how fortunate I am to work for people that don’t just think of themselves, and put their trainer in their line of thoughts, and his livelihood. And I think it just shows we’re pretty fortunate to be in the industry that we’re in. CONTINUED ON PAGE 115 JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

CATTLEMENS DERBY

The Cattlemens Derby & Classic March 2-8, 2020 | Graham, Texas PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUZANNE SYLVESTER

4-Year-Old Open CHAMPION:

Sanctus, shown by Rodrigo Taboga, owned by Scott Durham; 223; $22,000

Tweezin My Brown, shown by Lloyd Cox, owned by Kathleen Moore; 222; $18,000

Co-Reserve Champions:

Twice In Santiago, shown by Adan Banuelos, owned by Double Dove Ranch; 222; $18,000

4th: Cinca Metallica, shown by Jesse Lennox, owned by Rocking P Ranch LLC; 220.5; $13,000 5th-6th: Hollys Got Chrome, shown by Michael Cooper, owned by Rose Valley Ranch; 219; $9,200 5th-6th: Stole A Kiss, shown by James Payne, owned by Kathleen Moore; 219; $9,200 34

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

4-Year-Old Limited Open CHAMPION:

Lil Metallic Ace, shown by Clay Johnson, owned by WR Diversified Holdings LP; 221; $6,000 Co-Reserve Champions:

Old Towne Road, shown by Steve Oehlhof, owned by Rose Valley Ranch; 219; $4,420

Co-Reserve Champions: Ahhh Honey Honey, shown by Clay Johnson, owned by William & Billie Aylesworth; 219; $4,420

4th-5th: True Smooth, shown by Zeb Corvin, owned by Stella Swanson; 215; $2,500 4th-5th: Purdy Sweet, shown by Armando Costa Neto, owned by Fazenda Barrinha Corporation; 215; $2,500

4-Year-Old Non-Pro CHAMPION:

Lance Cooper showing Wiskeemakesmefriskee, owned by Michael & Jennifer Cooper; 219.5; $6,800

Reserve Champion:

Ryan Rapp showing Too Suen To Drive, owned by Philip & Mary Ann Rapp; 219; $5,350 3rd: Brad Wilson showing Sumkinda Kitkat, owned by Brad Wilson; 218; $4,350 4th: Bobby Ray Hawkins showing Im A Platinum Kitty, owned by Bobby Ray & Mary Jo Hawkins; 217; $3,380 5th: Austin Adams showing One Blu Fox, owned by Austin Adams; 216.5; $2,900 JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

CATTLEMENS DERBY

4-Year-Old Unlimited Amateur CHAMPION:

Lee Gandy showing Spending Benjamins, owned by Lee Gandy; 222; $4,500

Reserve Champion:

Jacob Taurel showing Bet On Banner, owned by David Taurel; 217; $3,400 3rd: Alyssa Turner showing Missin Kittens, owned by Bruce & Kathy Morine; 216.5; $2,400 4th: Parke Greeson showing Blu Boon Cat, owned by Sarco Creek Ranch; 214.5; $1,900 5th: Robert Masterson showing Peek A Smoothee, owned by Robert Masterson; 214; $1,500

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4-Year-Old $50,000 Amateur CHAMPION:

Debra Mullins showing Greater Expectations, owned by Debra Mullins; 218; $3,500

Reserve Champion:

Alyssa Turner showing Missin Kittens, owned by Bruce & Kathy Morine; 216; $2,500 3rd: Troy Hayden showing Mr Cool Rey, owned by Troy Hayden; 213; $1,500 4th: Amy Roberts showing Lotta Skeet, owned by Amy Roberts; 211; $1,250 5th: Tye Baca showing MC Hammer Time, owned by Tye Baca; 192; $1,000

TO ALL NCHA MEMBERS

ZERO TOLERANCE The National Cutting Horse Association is increasingly aware of the sensitivity of its members and the general public in assuring that its activities show the utmost respect for the cutting horse as an animal and that any perception of inhumane treatment is avoided. The Executive Committee, upon the recommendation of the Judges’ Rules Committee, other standing committees and many members has instructed the staff that a “zero tolerance” policy must be followed in connection with the enforcement of Rule 35.A. 35.A. Zero Tolerance Policy Inhumane treatment or excessive training of a horse in any manner is strictly prohibited. Both owner and rider of any horse entered in an NCHA approved or sponsored event, by said entry, consents to the implementation of any action allowed by this Zero Tolerance Policy (Rule 35.A) by either show management or judge. This includes any act which the general public would perceive to constitute inhumane treatment or excessive training of a horse. Any act of inhumane treatment, mistreatment or intent to mistreat a horse will be dealt with in the strongest possible manner as provided for in this Standing Rule. This Zero Tolerance Policy covers acts occurring not only in the show arena, but also those occurring anywhere on the show grounds–the warm-up area, practice pen or any other location. The “ Zero Tolerance” policy encompasses all of the following acts: 1. Excessive Training: Excessive Training includes: excessive jerking; cueing; whipping; use of lip wire or similar device; slapping or hitting a horse on the head, or any other part of the body, one time or more than one time, in any manner, either with the rider’s hands, reins or any other object; using a bit in such a way that a horse is caused to bleed from its mouth or face; using any object held in the rider’s hand to hit a horse; or any other act which may cause trauma or injury to a horse. 2. Inhumane treatment: Inhumane Treatment is the exhibition of a lame or injured horse, or a horse that appears lame or injured, or a horse with any other health abnormality, which could thereby result in the horse’s undue discomfort or distress. Your cooperation in promoting the welfare of our cutting horse athletes through enforcement of our rules is appreciated and absolutely essential to the ongoing success of the NCHA and its affiliates. Very Truly Yours,

Ron Pietrafeso, NCHA President

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www.mwchaps.net JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

CATTLEMENS DERBY

5/6-Year-Old Open CHAMPION:

Rollz Royce, shown by Beau Galyean, owned by Thomas Guinn; 226; $18,000

Reserve Champion:

Lady Metallic, shown by Grant Setnicka, owned by Sheryl & Thomas Peterson; 221.5; $16,000 3rd: Cool N Hot, shown by Kobie Wood, owned by Kobie & Paula Wood; 220.5; $13,000 4th: Exs And Ohhs, shown by Lloyd Cox, owned by Barker Ranch CH LLC; 220; $10,000 5th: Stylish Hailee, shown by James Payne, owned by Kathleen Moore; 219.5; $7,500

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

5/6-Year-Old Limited Open CHAMPION:

Metallic Rabbit, shown by Cara Brewer, owned by Jim Haworth; 223; $5,200

Reserve Champion:

Metallic Jack, shown by Neil Roger, owned by Lachlan Perks; 220; $4,200 3rd-4th: Our Little Hottie, shown by Cara Brewer, owned by A.D. Woods; 217; $2,650 3rd-4th: Bill Oreylly, shown by Armando Costa Neto, owned by Fazenda Barrinha Corporation; 217; $2,650 5th: C Spot Betty, shown by Andy Sherrerd, owned by Mark & Eva Gardiner; 0; $1,470

5/6-Year-Old Non-Pro CHAMPION:

Jessica Gonsalves showing Mean Bean, owned by Double G Cutting LLC; 220; $6,910

Reserve Champion:

Nadine Payne showing Blu Velvet, owned by James & Nadine Payne; 216.5; $5,410 3rd: Kathleen Moore showing Summer Time Fun, owned by Ty Moore; 216; $4,410 4th: Ali Good showing Cat Belue, owned by Ali Good; 213; $3,410 5th: Paula Wood showing Cool N Hot, owned by Kobie & Paula Wood; 211; $2,410 JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

CATTLEMENS DERBY

5/6-Year-Old Unlimited Amateur CHAMPION:

Austria Arnold showing Cat About Houston, owned by Austria Arnold; 222; $4,000

Reserve Champion:

Andrea Sutten showing Wicked Metal, owned by Von & Andrea Sutten; 219; $3,000 3rd-5th: Scott Rorah showing Smoothtalknsonovagun, owned by Strawberry Patch Ranch LLC; 216; $2,100 3rd-5th: Lisa Crossen showing Metalic Knight, owned by. Lisa Crossen; 216; $2,100 3rd-5th: Traci Shehady showing You Cant Buy Love, owned by Traci Shehady; 216; $2,100

5/6-Year-Old $50,000 Amateur CHAMPION:

Sara Selby showing Boons Suzy Q, owned by Sara Selby; 219; $2,900

Reserve Champion:

Duce Barlow showing Showshawna Rey, owned by Barlow Livestock Inc.; 214.5; $2,200 3rd: Alyssa Turner showing Adventure Of Faith, owned by Bruce & Kathy Morine; 214; $1,900 4th: Jessica Floyd showing Smooth Lil Kit Kat, owned by Jessica Floyd; 213.5; $1,500 5th: Corrie Rousey showing Sweet Memoreyz, owned by Corrie Rousey; 212; $1,300 40

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

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5/11/20 11:28 AM

MEMBERS HALL OF FAME

Bubba Cascio

From showing cutters to training racehorses, this legendary horseman has found success and built a life. BY SUSAN MORRISON

harles W. “Bubba” Cascio was meant to be a horseman. His name is associated with great running Quarter Horses like Dash For Cash, Dashingly and Rocket Wrangler. But before that, there were cutting horses—and some great ones, including a life-changing mare named Royal Jazzy. Cascio didn’t start out wanting to be trainer; by the time he was a teenager, he hoped to be a jockey. His father, Jake, trained race horses for Lester Goodson in Magnolia, Texas, and Cascio—born in 1932—rode some before he outgrew the job description. So he turned to cutters, and it was a good move. “Matlock Rose had come there to train performance horses,” Cascio

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

recalled. “I was about 16 years old, and he got to putting me on some cutting horses. That’s where I got started. We got to be friends. He taught me a lot.” Cascio worked for Rose for about five years, and then hauled alongside his mentor. He showed horses including Poco Mona, a daughter of Poco Bueno and a three-quarter sister to the great Poco Lena; and Calamity Jane, a mare that helped put Paints on the map in the cutting world. But Royal Jazzy was the cutting horse that was most special to Cascio. When she came up for sale, he was newly married and didn’t have the $5,000 he needed. Rose advised him to buy the mare and loaned him the money. Just a few months later, Cascio and Royal Jazzy won the last of the

money he needed to pay back Rose. He and the mare won the cutting at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas four years in a row—starting when she was just a 3-year-old—and also won major cuttings in San Antonio and Houston, Texas, and Denver, Colorado. For half a dozen years, Cascio trained race horses in the morning and rode cutters in the afternoon. He made the major shows, but said he never hauled for the world. But Royal Jazzy earned more than $28,000 and was in the NCHA Open top 10 in 1961 and 1962. “Everybody who ever saw this mare work thought she was one of the best horses in the world,” said Cascio, who twice turned down what was big money at the time for Royal Jazzy. “It was a lot of fun owning a horse that everybody wanted.” Cascio, who now lives in Tolar, Texas, with his wife, Judy, called Rose his biggest influence in cutting. “We were just like brothers,” he said. “We had a lot of fun and had a lot of success.” Cascio went on to train successful running horses for more than 40 years, and won the All American Futurity twice, with Three Oh’s in 1968 and Rocket Wrangler in 1970. Dash For Cash won two world championship titles. Cascio is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame and Texas Racing Hall of Fame, but said the NCHA Hall of Fame induction means the most to him. “This is where I started my career, as a cutting horse guy,” he said. “I’m so proud getting into the NCHA Hall of Fame.”

NCHA PHOTO

Bubba Cascio is known as a racehorse trainer, but got his start showing cutting horses.

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MEMBERS HALL OF FAME

Frank Merrill

With a long list of achievements and service in the NCHA, AQHA and other equine and civic organizations, this lifelong horseman joins the Members Hall of Fame. BY KRISTIN PITZER

ll his life, Frank Merrill wanted to be a cowboy. Born to non-horsey parents Ralph and Scotti, Merrill started riding at 5 years old through a polo club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 50 miles south of his hometown of Fremont. While those “flat-seat” days could have easily pointed him toward the polo world, Merrill was enamored with cutting horses. Sixty years and a lifetime of NCHA involvement and achievements later, Merrill was recognized for his contributions by induction this year into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame. “I’m totally surprised, overwhelmed and very humbled,” Merrill, 71, said of his induction. Merrill jumped into the horse industry with both feet, leaving Michigan State University with one year left until graduation to apprentice for Matlock 44

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

Rose and George Tyler in 1969. He then went to work for Jerry Wells, where he helped with breeding duties and gained a wealth of knowledge. “It was a horseman’s graduate school,” Merrill said with a laugh. “I went to ‘Tyler and Rose University,’ and I went to graduate school with Jerry Wells. There was no accreditation involved. It was on-the-job training and a lot of hard work.” Merrill purchased 100 acres of land in Purcell, Oklahoma, in 1972, and started building Windward Stud. He married Robin Severinsen three years later— after years of trying to convince her to go on a date—and the pair had three children: McKenzie, Megan and Tyler. Over the 34 years the Merrills owned and operated Windward Stud, Merrill managed more than 110 stallions and was the syndicate manager of at least 12. Many were top Quarter Horse

racing and performance stallions, with some Thoroughbreds mixed in. He and Robin retired from the commercial breeding business in 2003 and had a complete dispersal. Their children all moved to Texas, and all are involved in the cutting industry, and the Merrills eventually followed, buying a place in Poolville in 2012. A past president of the American Quarter Horse Association, Merrill has been involved with the NCHA’s leadership since the 1990s, when he joined the Limited Age Committee. He’s served on several other committees since then and is currently chairman of the Competition Committee, a trustee of the NCHA Foundation and an NCHA Director. He’s also the manager of the Dogwood Foundation and operates M5 Performance Bloodstock, an equine consulting and appraisal business. With so many years of service to the industry under his belt, Merrill has worked hard to grow the NCHA. While he enjoys showing as a non-pro at the top levels of the association, Merrill is most passionate about youth involvement. He continues to channel his efforts into increasing membership and enthusiasm in young riders. “My biggest fear is that we haven’t got enough youth in numbers following in our footsteps to sustain our horse industry as we know it today,” Merrill said. “I want our youth numbers and participation to grow, and I want them to be sustainable. In other words, I want those youth to do what my kids did and enjoy their youth years, but go on to become fine horsemen in their own right.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK MERRILL

Frank Merrill has been involved in many facets of the horse industry, from standing stallions to showing cutting horses.

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MEMBERS HALL OF FAME

Alice Walton

Cutting horses, art and philanthropy have been top priorities in this Arkansan’s life. BY SUSAN MORRISON

lice Walton has been an influential force in the cutting industry, but if you ask her, she’ll tell you that horses have been a guiding force in her life. When she was in third grade, her grandfather gave her and her brothers a horse named Bambi. By the age of 13, with a loan from her father, Sam Walton, she bought her first horse. From that point on, there was no turning back. Walton says Pat Patterson was an early influence in cutting, and her first trainer was Kenneth Galyean. “He taught me and my mare to cut,” she says. Walton became a leading breeder and owner, and her Rockin W Ranch, established in 1983 and sold in 2017, was home to some legendary horses. One of her favorites was Boon San Kitty, a fourth-generation Walton-bred mare and NCHA Horse of the Year who produced 2009 NCHA Futurity Open Champion Rockin W, shown by 46

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

Tony Piggott. Boon San Kitty was the daughter of Boon San Sally, a mare Walton describes as “the start of everything; she was the queen.” “The minute Rockin W was born I knew he was great, so I named him after my ranch,” Walton said. Although Walton had a complete dispersal of her cutting horses in 2015 and later sold her ranch, the influence of horses is still strong. “I’ve learned more from my relationships with animals, particularly horses, than almost any other relationships I’ve had,” she said. “When people and horses get together, people learn a heightened sensitivity to nonverbal communication that is so helpful in reading people and making decisions in your life. I really feel like my relationship with horses has been one of the biggest advantages I’ve had in my life.” Walton said working with young trainers, including Eddie Flynn and Jesse Lennox, was a rewarding part of the business.

“Working with young trainers has always been one of the things I’ve loved most,” she said. “Working with someone who maybe wasn’t proven but had the right touch and love for horses was so rewarding.” With a current focus on the arts and philanthropy, Walton has numerous irons in the fire. She founded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is chairwoman of the museum’s board of directors. She is a board member of the Walton Family Foundation, which focuses on education, the environment and the Walton family’s home region of Northwest Arkansas and the ArkansasMississippi Delta; and founder of the Alice L. Walton Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to increasing access to the arts, improving education and advancing economic opportunities. She also recently announced the formation of the Whole Health Institute, with a goal to drive transformation in healthcare delivery and the ultimate goal of making “whole health” and well-being affordable and accessible nationwide. Her work in education has extended to the cutting industry, where she was instrumental in creating a scholarship program for youth members. Walton has received numerous awards for her philanthropic efforts, but said induction into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame “holds a special place in my heart.” “I am so fortunate to share [this honor] with my ranch family who grew with me, challenged me, and supported me in the cutting horse world,” she said. “The NCHA plays a tremendous role in bringing great horses and people together. The cutting horse community represents the best of how we look after each other, something we need now more than ever.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALICE WALTON

Alice Walton is shown with The Boon, who sold at her 2015 dispersal sale. The stallion is a son of her beloved Boon San Kitty.

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MEMBERS HALL OF FAME

Bronc Willoughby

This Members Hall of Fame inductee’s goal is to leave NCHA “better when I leave than it was when I got here.” BY JENNIFER HORTON

uccess in the arena put him into the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame, with $1.3 million in lifetime earnings. His volunteer service has placed Bronc Willoughby into the Members Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to NCHA and the industry. His father, Jim Willoughby, was a horse trainer. “He rode reiners, cutting horses, and whatever back in the day,” said Willoughby, who chose cutting. “It’s the most fun you can have on a horse.” In 1976, Bronc called trainer Tom Lyons for a job. “I loaded up what little I had and drove to Arizona. When I got to Phoenix I had about five bucks left to my name,” said Willoughby. He worked for Lyons two and a half years before striking out on his own. 48

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

“When I hung my shingle and started training horses, I planned on being here a long time. I wanted NCHA to get better,” he said. “If I could help, I felt it was my obligation. I took that to heart.” He got his judges card and became a director, and served on “nearly every committee NCHA has had,” he said, Willoughby has chaired the Judges, Professional Trainers and Cattle committees. He also spent six years on the NCHA executive board in the early 1990s. “The original Grievance Committee was Punk Carter, Lindy Burch and myself during my first stint on the executive board,” he remembered. After stepping back for a few years, Willoughby felt he could provide guidance again to the executive committee. He served two more terms, including as president in 2008-2009. “We accomplished a lot, including creating what became the Mercuria

[cuttings],” said Willoughby. They began as the World Series of Cutting, with the support of the 6666 Ranch, before Mercuria became the title sponsor. “When Bill Freeman passed away I was president. Terry Riddle and Sharon, Bill’s sister, came to me. We put together a big memorial service for Bill during the Summer Spectacular,” he said. “It was quite a tribute to a very special person.” Willoughby also was part of the committee that created the Bill Freeman Memorial Award and continues to serve on the selection committee. He also said he is proud of the Whitney and Greg Welch Memorial Youth Sportsmanship Award. Willoughby’s daughter and Whitney Welch grew up the best of friends. Following the death of Whitney and three friends in an accident caused by a drunk driver, Bronc and his wife, Patti, approached her father to create a youth sportsmanship award. When Greg passed away from cancer, his name was added alongside his daughter’s on the award. Willoughby said watching youth riders grow up and stay involved in cutting has been rewarding. “It’s cool to see kids I’ve known since they were just starting to ride develop into responsible adults and see how NCHA has influenced them,” he said. He has called upon the younger professional trainers to step up, get involved and take their turn caring for their association and its future. “I want to thank my wife [Patti] for putting up with me for so long and all I’ve put her through to get us where we’re at today,” he chuckled, adding that family ties are part of what makes NCHA strong. “It’s been great,” said Willoughby of his life in cutting. “NCHA is awesome. We’ve got lifelong friends and we made a great place to raise kids. “It’s all about family. It always has been for me, and always will be.”

NCHA PHOTO

Bronc Willoughby is a trainer who has been involved in many areas of NCHA.

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NCHA PROFILES

Hydie McAlister

This NCHA amateur exhibitor is riding high in the show pen and in business. BY JENNIFER HORTON

ydie McAlister found her way to cutting about 15 years ago. Like a notuncommon story, McAlister was dating a guy who had a cutting horse. She tried it. She liked it. She bought her first cutting horse, a green 4-year-old gelding named Trouble Aint Smart, from Merritt Wilson, and nicknamed the horse “Jellybean.” Bypassing the entry-level $2,000 Limit Rider class, McAlister spent the next three years showing Jellybean (Smartest Little Pep x Im In Trouble Again x Smart And Trouble) in the Amateur classes at aged events. At weekend shows, they entered the Novice/Non-Pro and the $50,000 Amateur classes. The horse outlasted the guy, and she has been an avid cutter ever since. A Houston native, McAlister grew up competing as a youth in American Quarter Horse Association shows during her junior high and high school years and into college. In 1982, she won the youth hunt seat equitation class at the All American Quarter Horse Congress on Enterprise Joe, a gelding by Poco Bueno. Then, as sometimes happens, she was out of the 50

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show arena for several years before she and Jellybean hit the sandbox. What draws her to the sport of cutting? “Oh gosh, where do I begin?” she asks with a smile. “These amazing horses, the competition and challenge of it, the wonderful people I have met and all the fun places I get to go to show. In my previous horse life, we did not travel very far outside of Texas. We would go to Louisiana, Oklahoma and Ohio for the Congress. In cutting, I can list seven states I go to on a regular basis. The feeling of it all coming together is addictive!” McAlister showed Gato George (Cats Merada x Short Candy x Shorty Lena) to earn right at $50,000 in limited showing and one summer of weekend shows. “He won $18,000 between Gonzales and Brenham showing in the $25,000 Novice Horse/Non-Pro and $50,000 Amateur,” she recalled. The 2006 gelding is enjoying retirement with her. An Unlimited Amateur exhibitor, McAlister rides with NCHA Hall of Fame Trainer Tarin Rice, where she’s been for the past three years.

“Tarin, Katie, the kids, and Evan [Moffitt] and Garrett [Hampton] are class acts,” she said. McAlister’s wins at the 2019 El Rancho Futurity helped push her NCHA lifetime earnings over $155,300. To say her monthlong road trip to shows in Idaho and California was a success would be an understatement. She made five finals and scored three wins. McAlister showed Ms Shuga Rey (Kit Kat Sugar x Etta Rey x Dual Rey) to win the 5/6-Year-Old Non-Pro with a 223, her career high score to date. She followed that up by showing Amens Smooth Freckle (Smooth As A Cat x Frecklesareinstyle x Docs Stylish Oak) to win both the 5/6-Year-Old Non-Pro $200,000 Limited and Unlimited Amateur. She and Smoothie marked a 220 in both classes. “Fun does not even begin to describe that show,” McAlister recalled. “It was so incredibly special and amazing!” She was quick to thank the people who helped make it possible: Tarin Rice, Morgan Cromer, R.L. Chartier, Monty Buntin and Evan Moffitt, along with Carol Ward and her team at El Rancho. “After my Non-Pro run with Shuga, I was good. Okay, I was great,” she said. Happy with her win there, McAlister knew whatever happened next would be fine, and anything more would be gravy. And when she stepped up onto Amens Smooth Freckle, it just kept working. “What a ride and thrill,” she said. “In 15 years of working at this sport, trying to get better, riding better horses, all the rides to the herd that did not work the way one wants, and then the stars aligned. My mares did their job, I did mine, my help was amazing, the cows were good and the judges approved!” McAlister said she considers herself fortunate to have her two mares in her barn. Amens Smooth Freckle (“Smoothie”) finished out her aged events year as a 6-year-old in 2019. McAlister bought the mare midway through her 4-year-old year. Once they worked through their transition period, the pair really began to click.

SETH PETIT

Hydie McAlister, shown on Amens Smooth Freckle at the 2019 El Rancho Futurity, has been an avid competitor and supporter of the sport of cutting.

SETH PETIT

“She is a big, strong, beautiful mare with a sweet disposition,” said McAlister. They made multiple finals in Fort Worth and won the West Texas Futurity Classic Unlimited Amateur in 2018. The mare’s earnings now exceed $39,500. McAlister looks forward to showing her in the NonPro and Novice Horse/Non-Pro classes. Ms Shuga Rey is now a 6-year-old. McAlister describes her as a big sorrel mare with a ton of intensity. “She moves low, strong, big and fast! If you are not ready, she will unseat you,” McAlister said. “But wow, when you are in sync with her it is one amazing ride! I can’t wait to show her this year. She was a little green when we found her, but she takes her job seriously, and just keeps getting better.” Rice recently won the Open Classic at the Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation Cutting with a 152 on the mare. “She just loves her job,” said McAlister saud of Shuga, whose earnings currently exceed $26,400. Along with Shuga at the 2020 aged events, Hydie plans to show Short Kit Kat, a 5-year-old gelding (Kit Kat Sugar x Short Candy x Shorty Lena) she has in training with Casey Green. “I want to get Smoothie to $50,000, so I’ll do some weekend non-pro classes with her,” she said. Smoothie has also taken a jumpstart into motherhood with embryo transfers. McAlister tends to have futurity horses every other year. But her weanling stud colt out of Smoothie by Reyzin The Cash, and the CR Gotcha Covered out of Smoothie that she expects in the spring may give her back-to-back futurity prospects. McAlister acknowledges there are hurdles to showing in NCHA competition as an amateur. “Unfortunately, I think as a blanket statement, the amateur is not taken as seriously by the cutting industry as one would hope,” she said. “We have so many amazing and very competitive amateurs investing a lot of time and capital competing today. The show pen in the amateur division has become fiercely competitive. However, sadly, those of us that have occupations outside the cutting pen means that we are short on time that we can dedicate to the sport. “This is not to say that we, as a group, don’t want to get better,” she stressed. “We

do! Believe me, there is not one person in that cutting pen that is not a competitive person and does not want to get better. We just may not have the time to dedicate to accomplish that dream to get to the level we would like to achieve. “But this is just my opinion. In my 28-day run to Idaho and California, I can definitely say that riding every day, and showing multiple times a day, was a positive factor in my results. I wish I could do that all the time, but, unfortunately, my business does not allow that.” McAlister is principal and co-founder of McAlister Assets, LLC. Balancing a challenging professional career with cutting is not easy, especially for one who admits she’d rather be at the barn in a saddle all day than riding an office chair. For a number of years, McAlister rode with a trainer closer to her Houston, Texas, home, so the move to Tarin Rice’s northwest of Fort Worth, a five-hour drive, was a commitment. “Being able to trust Tarin and his team to handle everything and have my horses at their best and ready is a great help,” she said. “Those that know me will say, ‘Hydie likes to do it herself,’ and they are correct, but I am getting better! “Over the last nearly two years, I haven’t been able to ride much. The company comes first. Sadly, this was coupled with horses that were facing injuries. As for showing, I go when I can. I am surrounded by great shows, both weekend and aged events. At this juncture in my life, I pretty much just show up at the show and trust that Tarin has my horses right.” McAlister enjoys showing at both weekend and aged events, but admitted she leans toward the aged events now. “When I was competing in AQHA, all we did was weekends, holidays and all summer. Having the predetermined schedule at an aged event allows me to plan my time better,” she said. McAlister Assets, and its subsidiary, RCR Rail Co., is a strong supporter of NCHA as sponsor of the Triple Crown events’ Unlimited Amateur, as well as corporate sponsor of the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association’s Non-Pro and Amateur. For McAlister, the reason is simple. “The people in the cutting pen have been very good to McAlister Assets. There is a time and place when we must all give

back to the thing we love; you can only take for so long. Horses and showing horses— cutting horses to be specific—is a passion. I have received so much from being a part of this sport and it is my turn to give back. It is nice to finally be in a position to do so.” McAlister grew up in commercial real estate. Her father, Jim McAlister, Sr., was an integral part in assembling the original 20,000 acres for what is now The Woodlands, Texas, for George Mitchell, before he started his own firm, McAlister Company, in 1973. It was natural for McAlister to continue in the family business after her graduation from Texas Tech University, and she and her father formed McAlister Investment Real Estate in 2008. “The cutting arena is where I met Sharon Beach, my business partner in McAlister Assets,” she said. “I was looking for a horse for my dad. I mentioned it to a friend at a cutting who I had known when we both showed Quarter Horses, so she knew my dad. She introduced me to Sharon, who had a horse for sale. The horse didn’t work out, but we became friends. “There’s not a ton of single gals my age at the cuttings. It was fun to have a running partner that went to the same shows as me. It was on a trip to Colorado that I witnessed her amazing work ethic, and I told her one day she would work with me. The rest is history!” Also an amateur cutter, Beach joined McAlister Investment Real Estate in 2017. The two founded McAlister Assets, LLC, in 2018. “After my dad passed in January 2018, I stepped out on my own and asked Sharon if she would like to start this new company with me. She agreed and it has been a ride,” McAlister said. “I am very proud of what she and I have accomplished in such a short time. Since February 2018, we have formed five partnerships, acquired 10 tracts of land and raised over $70 million in private equity. We have started two rail park developments, with the first one opened in November 2019 and the second to follow mid-year 2020. A third will be coming online right behind.” “Not too bad for two girls that met riding cutting horses,” she said with a grin. “We are both so very fortunate to be able to learn from and increase what my dad started. It is an honor to carry on.” JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Mayor Betsy Price, the 44th Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas, recently won a record fifth term in 2019.

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

nown by many as Cowtown, Fort Worth, Texas has a rich tradition including both cattle and horses alike, but her story actually began in the military. Originally called Camp Worth, named in honor of war hero General William Jenkins Worth, her official name became Fort Worth in 1849. As the military moved out, the cattle continued to move in. Due to her prime location along the Chisholm Trail, Fort Worth quickly became a major hub for driving cattle. By the early 1900s, the Fort

Worth Stockyards had grown to be one of the largest cattle markets in the country. It was during this time that the city earned the nickname Cowtown; a nickname that has remained true to this day. “You can’t say Fort Worth without thinking cowboy,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, “and you can’t say cowboy without thinking horses.” Fort Worth is home to multiple major horse shows throughout the year including the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Triple Crown events. The sport

Like the tradition of riding in every Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Grand Entry (right), Mayor Betsy Price never misses an opportunity to welcome fans and competitors to the NCHA Futurity at Will Roger Coliseum (left). 52

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY CITY OF FORT WORTH; COURTESY CITY OF FORT WORTH; TAYLOR BREEDING

City of Fort Worth

of cutting has deep roots here, and Mayor Price has even competed on a cutting horse during the Celebrity Cutting hosted by the Careity Foundation at the NCHA Futurity. “Cutting horses and Fort Worth just go together,” said Mayor Price. “It’s a sport that helps define our city’s culture.” The culture of Fort Worth, also known as Funky Town, is something that truly sets her apart. With family friendly activities, the “honky tonk” nightlife, and diverse communities, Fort Worth has something for everyone. Under the leadership of Mayor Price, the city has grown to be the 13th largest city in the United States. Despite being one of the largest, Fort Worth continues to have a small city feel. “There will always be great food, good music, and friendly faces to turn to here,” said Mayor Price. “From the incredible growth we have had, I can tell you it is a great city for young professionals, families, and all alike. Being Mayor of Fort Worth has truly been an honor.” Whether you call her Cowtown, Funky Town, or simply Fort Worth, her diversity and rich history provide a vibrant place to visit and an even better place to live.

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Breeder’s Invitational BY TAYLOR BREEDING

t a Chili’s restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas, three friends – Benny Martinez, Glenn Drake and Bob O’Bannon – were debating who had the better stallion. After much deliberation, they decided to put it to the test and the idea behind the Breeder’s Invitational was born. Martinez, Drake and O’Bannon along with Jeff Oswood and Gary Leslie officially formed the organization in December of 1997. The Breeder’s Invitational is designed to promote and enhance the cutting horse industry, especially the stallion owners. To become a member, stallion owners pay an annual $125.00 for each mare bred with a minimum of ten mares and maximum of 80 mares. The payout system of the Breeder’s Invitational is based on the breed year, so the first participants instilled a lot of trust in the gentlemen to create a quality event for their horses to participate in five years later. Jesse Lennox and John Sanislow, following John’s win in the Open Classic at the Breeder’s Invitational. 54

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

They certainly delivered. The inaugural Breeder’s Invitational was held in Reno, Nevada in 2003, and after three total years in Reno, the Breeder’s Invitational moved

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BX PHOTOGRAPHY

Von Sutten and Bonnie Martin receiving their finalist awards from Bob O’Bannon.

to the South Coast, Paula Gaughan’s brand new facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. It seemed that exhibitors wanted a location closer to home and Breeder’s Invitational listened. After three years in Las Vegas, the Breeder’s Invitational found its permanent home in Tulsa, Oklahoma and hasn’t looked back. From the show grounds to the restaurants and hotels, Tulsa has proven to be a fantastic home for the show. The Breeder’s Invitational prides itself on being a user-friendly horse show. The staff wants to ensure that exhibitors and spectators alike have a wonderful experience and want to come back year to year. In addition to the excellent experience, the Breeder’s Invitational offers generous payouts. Since the very beginning, 10 percent of the earnings of every horse that makes the finals of the 4-year-old division is paid out to the breeders on a 60/40 split between the stallion owner and the mare owner. Over the first twelve years, this has equated to nearly $1.4 million dollars. Over the first twelve shows as a whole, the Breeder’s Invitational has paid out approximately $20 million. This, paired with the excellent exhibitor experience, makes it easy to see why the Breeder’s Invitational has grown into one of the most premier events in the cutting industry. Breeder’s Invitational is looking forward to another great event in 2021.

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

The famous “Postcard of Texas” mural emblazons the side of Brumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings.

Brumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings BY TAYLOR BREEDING

TOP: COURTESY BRUMBAUGH’S FINE HOME FURNISHINGS; BOTTOM: LAUREN ERWIN

rumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings was founded in 1966 by Larry Brumbaugh. Initially located on the north side of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Brumbaugh’s sat just north of Billy Bob’s Texas for 35 years. With the onslaught of growth and need for additional space, the Brumbaugh family built a 50,000 square foot showroom on the west side of Fort Worth, Texas where it resides today. Throughout the growth, it has remained family owned and operated. Attracting visitors from around the world, Brumbaugh’s distinct “Texas to Tuscan Style” is evident throughout the entire store. Visitors come for more than furniture, they come for the experience. From their furniture and hand-knotted rugs to chandeliers and everything in between, Brumbaugh’s Furniture is sure to have what you’re looking for. Recently, Brumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings launched a new line, The Elizabeth Collection. With a nod to her family name and Texas roots, The Elizabeth Collection, designed by Larry’s

daughter Elizabeth, brings a different color palate with a modern spin on traditional western pieces. The timeless quality of this craftsmanship makes this modern collection the heirloom of tomorrow. The Brumbaugh family has had a longstanding relationship with the sport of cutting and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). Larry has been involved in the horse industry since the 1960s. When Elizabeth began showing cutting horses in 2001, Brumbaugh’s Furniture had already been a sponsor of the NCHA and, since that time, has continued their support. Not only does the family sponsor the NCHA, but they are heavily involved with all aspects of the industry. From actively showing, owning, and breeding horses; the Brumbaugh family is truly committed to the industry. Brumbaugh’s Fine Home Furnishings is more than a retail store that sponsors the National Cutting Horse Association;

it is a true testament to the family aspect of the cutting horse industry. From their family owned business to their family involvement in cutting horses, Brumbaugh’s Furniture strives to translate these values to their customers, both in and out of the horse industry.

[LEFT TO RIGHT] Sally Brumbaugh, Larry Brumbaugh, and Elizabeth Quirk. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

7 Ranch

Title Sponsor of the NCHA World Finals BY CALLIE MCCARTHY

aving a strong sense of integrity, good work ethic and faith in the Lord are what brought Jackie and Stella Swanson to own the 7 Ranch. Both Jackie and Stella were born and raised in West Texas. Jackie was born in Lamesa, Texas and raised on a cotton farm. Stella was born in Ballinger, Texas. Sadly, at the age of 13, her father passed away, and her mother and sister were forced to leave their family home and move to Midland, Texas. The pair was married in 1974. After working for several years and building both of their careers in oil industry, Stella and Jackie purchased 450 acres in Midland County, the first of the two parcels of land that would make up the 7 Ranch. It was there they started buying cattle and horses. “We wanted a place where our children, grandchildren and friends are able to enjoy each other’s company and be surrounded by God’s beautiful creation,” Stella said. Both Jackie and Stella had a passion for ranching and the outdoors. Some of their favorite things about the ranch is gathering cattle, working horses, and hunting. After their retirement from the oil industry, they decided it was time to get back to doing just that. 56

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In 2016, Jackie and Stella purchased the Ballinger Ranch, which was around 7,000 acres, and the final parcel of what is now, 7 Ranch. It was then that their cattle and horse business really took off. As the business grew so did Stella’s interest in cutting. It was at a local cutting that Jackie and Stella met Zeb Corvin, a cutting horse trainer out of Canyon, Texas. It was Corvin’s personality and how he interacted with his clients that drew Jackie and Stella to him, and the three forged a friendship. This friendship developed and eventually Corvin and the

Tin Man, ridden by Zeb Corvin, 2019 Limited Open Futurity Reserve Champion.

PHOTOS SETH PETIT COURTESY 7 RANCH

Rosa Del Pepto, ridden by Zeb Corvin, 2019 Open Futurity Finalist.

Swansons became partners on cattle and things have just blossomed from there. “I remember watching Zeb [Corvin] and his family working alongside other cutters and their families at the show, even though they were all competing with each other,” Stella said. “Seeing people and horses work together is a wonderful feeling. That is what made me fall in love with the sport.” Corvin always had a passion for horse and even as a child wanted to be a horse trainer. He always had worked on ranches, with cattle and horses, but the sport of cutting opened a competitive side and he has not turned back. Corvin now trains all of 7 Ranch’s horses, along with training for the public. The 2019 NCHA Futurity was certainly deemed a successful trip for both 7 Ranch and Corvin. They ended up Reserve in the Limited Open Finals on Tin Man and tied for third on Rosa Del Pepto, and also made their first Open Futurity Finals on Rosa Del Pepto. “We feel very blessed and are thankful to the Lord,” Stella said. “We aspire to pay it forward and share our faith with others.” Because of their humble beginnings, it is very important to Jackie and Stella that they give back and give back through the Lord. After spending time at cuttings and watching how cutters help each other, regardless of the fact they are competing against each other for big prizes and checks. Cutters will take the time to help and cheer for one another. Jackie and Stella knew these are the kind of people and sport they wanted to be involved with and support.

and Stronger Together

Craftsmanship

to last a lifetime!

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA

GistSilversmiths.com 800-456-4478 • 530-644-8000 Proud Sponsor & Official Buckle Maker

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Cinch

Official Western Apparel and Outerwear BY TAYLOR BREEDING

across a multitude of disciplines ranging in ages from 25 to 65 years old. Viewed as both an aspirational and a lifestyle brand, Cinch is proud to have a premium position in the western lifestyle market. Cinch offer highquality products from performance jeans and shirts all the way down to socks with great fit and styling, all while staying true to where and why they started.

PHOTOS COURTESY CINCH

nitially targeted towards team ropers with the goal of providing them with functional and fashionable clothing to match their lifestyle, the Cinch brand was launched nearly 25 years ago in 1996. As the Cinch brand naturally grew and matured in the western market, so did the target consumer. Since their beginning, Cinch has expanded to include the elite horsemen and women

To accommodate the growing demand for products, Cinch releases over forty styles each month, not including their styles that are available year-round. All of Cinch’s designs are created by their in-house team of designers and product developers. The warehouse works tirelessly to fulfill orders for both the retailers and the consumers that have supported Cinch all along. Despite the growth, Cinch’s commitment to quality has remained unwavering. In addition to the high-quality products they produce, Cinch is proud to partner with many individuals and associations in the western industry that love their products too. With over 100 professional cowboys and trainers as endorsees, and as partner with some of the largest events in the western industry from youth rodeos to the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Summer Spectacular, Cinch is truly a western lifestyle brand. The lifestyle brand Cinch has created pairs perfectly with the cutting industry. The cutting industry is full of elite horsemen and women making Cinch, with their stylish and quality products, an easy choice for their apparel needs whether that be in the show pen or in the practice pen. As long-time partners of the NCHA, Cinch is proud to be the “Official Western Apparel and Outerwear of the National Cutting Horse Association.”

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

For nearly 34 years, sisters Debbie Hughes and Georgia Wille developed a business for the whole family.

Tioga Territory Official Merchandise

isters Georgia Wille and Debbie Hughes started Tioga Territory in 1986. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, their family was involved in the quarter horse racing. After moving to Kansas, they expanded into different equine disciplines such as barrel racing, showing performance horses and riding in a successful all-Palomino Drill Team. Their Father was a true south Texas Quarter Horse man and was one of the first to hire a lady jockey at the south Texas racetracks. Similarly, he was encouraging of his daughters when they came to him with their business idea. His support gave them the confidence they needed to begin a new chapter, which is exactly what it was. Debbie’s husband was a professional trainer, so they were always going to world and national shows, spending money at the tradeshows. After deciding it would be nice to make money instead of spending it, they formulated a plan to start an equine 60

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

focused embroidery business. The sisters opened a small retail store in their hometown and attended a few World Championship Breed Shows. Both enjoyed the travel and tradeshows. Finding their niche when they focused on event merchandise, Tioga Territory moved into a larger facility, added two more road crews and has not looked back. Tioga Territory is proud of the longevity and relationships they have with the associations they represent, including the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). In the midnineties, they started attending cutting shows, and in 2001, became the Official Merchandiser and Sponsor of the NCHA. The travel is what the sisters enjoy most. They could write a book about the fun people and places the cuttings have taken them, from hosting a ghost tour at the Haunted Hotel at the Western Nationals in Ogden, Utah to the Polo Ranch Cutting in the Big Horn Mountains of Sheridan, WY where

they made the least amount of money but had the most fun. The memories they have created with cutters, other vendors and NCHA staff will be cherished forever. Debbie and Georgia always knew they could work together, and it has been proven over the past 34 years through their great working and personal relationship. They are not only sisters and business partners but are best friends. Tioga Territory is a family business as Georgia’s son, Michael is their accountant and IT guy, and Debbie’s daughter, Jessica, does purchasing, designing and heads up a road crew. They have been blessed with great employees that are just like family, whether related or not. Debbie and Georgia know they could not have accomplished what they have without the skills and talents of those that work at Tioga Territory. It has been an awesome way to make a living being surrounded by great co-workers and fabulous customers ...and horses! What could be better?

PHOTO COURTESY TIOGA TERRITORY

BY DEBBIE HUGHES

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Show Pro Industries sign at their office in Springtown, Texas.

Show Pro Industries, LLC BY TAYLOR BREEDING

PHOTOS COURTESY SHOW PRO INDUSTRIES

here are very few, if any, people in the world of cutting that aren’t familiar with the Pro Cutter Training Systems. Since the first one was built in 1985 in Billings, Montana, Pro Cutter has grown to be a household name with a strong presence in all 50 states as well as 17 foreign countries. Lloyd Estes, a successful businessman and former executive with Fortune 500 companies, first attended a cutting in 1984 at the Calgary Stampede, and the rest was history. After purchasing a cutting horse for himself, Lloyd quickly realized the need for electronic training equipment as having live cattle to train on was not always an option. Lloyd saw an opportunity to create something new. He and his son, John, worked countless hours in their garage designing a system that could be used to train cutting horses, both young and seasoned. In the fall of 1985, Lloyd headed to Fort Worth, Texas with the first Pro Cutter and set up a booth at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity tradeshow. By the end of the show, he had 26 new orders for Pro Cutters. Lloyd returned to Montana just long enough to pack up his belongings before permanently moving his entire operation to Texas. John, who was still in college during this time, began studying engineering

and graduated with his master’s degree. Pairing John’s engineering knowledge with Lloyd’s business experience, the father and son duo formed Show Pro Industries, LLC with the goal of offering a superior training tool at an affordable price. While Lloyd and John have enjoyed huge success with their product, they both feel very fortunate to be able to work every day with the greatest group of people anywhere – cutters. Lloyd has been very much involved with cutting horses on a personal level. As a member of the NCHA for the past 35 years, he has been active in breeding, training, and showing cutting horses. Intensely aware of all the factors involved in raising and preparing horses for the show pen, Lloyd’s goal has always been to make a positive contribution to the success of the industry as a whole. One of Show Pro Industries newest innovations is a patented panel horse walker on an eight degree slope. Currently in production, this product will be released in the coming months. Show Pro Industries feels this walker will revolutionize the way horses are both trained and maintained. “We feel we are partners with our customers and are truly vested in their success,” John said. “Our products are merely a tool to achieve that goal.”

ProCutter operating system.

Lloyd Estes riding Sugar Smoothchick at the 2015 NCHA Futurity. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Rios of Mercedes

Official Boot and Title Sponsor of the Amateur Division BY TAYLOR BREEDING

s one of the oldest boot makers in the history of cowboy boots, Rios of Mercedes knows what it takes to stand the test of time. Rios of Mercedes was established by the Rios family over 160 years ago in 1853. In the 1960s, Don Zeferino Rios, the last of the Rios family line, sold the company to a group of investors. At the same time, Trainor Evans and his stepfather moved to south Texas to manage the factory. Within a year of moving down there,

the Evans opened a subcontract factory where they made fancy stitching for Rios of Mercedes. Soon after, Lucchese and Nocona began contracting their fancy stitching to the Evans as well. This subcontracting business proved to be profitable enough for the Evans to purchase Rios of Mercedes in 1975, bringing it back to a family business. Under the leadership of the Evans, Rios of Mercedes has grown substantially. In 1987, the second line of boots was launched: Anderson Bean. The name for Anderson

[LEFT] The Rios of Mercedes Factory in Mercedes, Texas. [RIGHT] Karen and Trainor Evans, Ryan and Jode Vaughan & their daughters Grace, Ellie and Macie. 62

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

PHOTOS COURTESY RIOS OF MERCEDES

Rios of Mercedes understands the importance of quality and craftsmanship in each pair of their boots.

Bean was inspired by the maiden names of Trainor’s mother and grandmother. The Rios of Mercedes family of boots has continued to grow and now includes Olathe Boot Co., HorsePower, Macie Bean, and Miss Macie. Rios of Mercedes, Anderson Bean, and Olathe Boot Co. have always been made in Texas. Trainor says his favorite part of working at Rios of Mercedes is the bootmakers. “I’ve never met more humble and dedicated workers,” said Trainor. “They want to be the best, and I have watched lasters or stitchers take a boot apart and start again if it wasn’t turning out the way they had envisioned.” Rios of Mercedes welcomes visitors to its factory and invites you to see first-hand how their boots are made. Understanding the importance of quality, Rios of Mercedes never cuts corners on their boots. Each animal hide stretches differently, and the Rios of Mercedes team knows how to make the best possible boot that will stretch both where and when you need it to, while simultaneously holding your foot in place. In addition to quality boots, Trainor Evans has had a long appreciation for the sport of cutting. His childhood hero was Fern Sawyer, a cowgirl who had cutting horses and took the Evans kids under her wing. Growing up around the sport, Trainor was happy to partner the National Cutting Horse Association. Rios of Mercedes is proud to continue to be the “Official Boot” and the title sponsor of the Amateur Division of the National Cutting Horse Association.

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Gist Silversmiths Official Buckle Maker BY TAYLOR BREEDING

After a trip to the NFR, life changed for Gary as he was drafted into the Marines where he spent two years serving the United States during the Vietnam War. It was during this time that Gary began to dream about his future, specifically about becoming a professional silversmith. Gary decided that once he returned home, not only could he win buckles, but he could create them.

PHOTOS COURTESY GIST

ary Gist knows what it takes to make a champion. He spent the majority of his youth team roping with his father, Byron. The two were quite successful and went on to compete at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) twelve times. In 1964, at 18 years of age, Gary and his father won the Average at the NFR and finished second in the world standings.

In the late 1960’s, Gist Silversmiths was born. What began as one man’s dream has grown into a giant accumulation of the visions of all involved, and it is still morphing to this day. Gist Silversmiths is a family business and Gary’s sons, Chad and Branden, play vital roles in the company today. The buckles they create represent achievements and special moments in people’s lives, and Gist Silversmiths does not take this opportunity lightly. It takes twenty-eight different steps to create one custom buckle, and each step has employees committed to making it the best. Additionally, every single piece is made by hand in the United States. Gist Silversmiths is dedicated to building a quality product, no matter the customer’s price point. Whether a customer is looking for a minted, semi-custom buckle or a high-end gold buckle with precious stones, and everything in between, Gist Silversmiths is happy to discuss concept to design and finally materialization of that idea. With a dedicated staff that averages 14 years each with the company, and the senior master engraver with over 40 years, Gist Silversmiths has the experience to understand what the client wants and how to meet those needs in the best possible way. With over 50 years of creation of beautiful award buckles, Gist Silversmiths is proud to be the “Official Buckle Maker of the National Cutting Horse Association.” Gist believes what a champion gets should be worth what a champion gives!

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

CLEAN PLACES, FRIENDLY FACES In 1964, Tom and Judy Love founded Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores in Oklahoma. Today, Love’s serves our Customers at more than 480 locations across the country, and we are proud to say we are still family-owned and operated from our home state. To learn more, visit us at loves.com.

1-800-OK-LOVES www.loves.com

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Suzanne Sylvester Photography BY: CALLIE MCCARTHY

rom a young age Suzanne Sylvester has had a passion for photography and horses alike. Over the years, she has shown everything from threeday eventing to reiners. In the 2005, Sylvester was first introduced to the sport of cutting when a friend of hers was needing help turning back. “I told them I had no idea what I was doing but I will come learn and help as much as I could,” Sylvester said. A few months later, she climbed aboard her first cutter and she was hooked. “Cutting is one of the biggest rushes you will ever feel riding a horse,” Sylvester said. “It is a technical sport, that requires a lot of skill. These horses

Susan Sylvester riding PG Zorra at a Redwood Empire Cutting Horse Show in 2011 66

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

have such a big heart and try that they are amazing to watch.” Much like her career in the show pen, she has photographed all sorts of disciplines, but cutting has become her favorite. According to Sylvester,

photographing cutting horses is one of the most challenging sports because you not only have to get their true personality to emerge through the photo but also you have to capture the perfect moment between the rider, horse, and cow. Over the years, Sylvester has developed a style of photography that utilizes the lighting and angles to showcase the true athleticism of these horse and riders. The ability to trust these animals, think outside of the box and show a different perspective is her key to capture photos. “I think my lighting and the ability to read the horses and cattle is what makes my photography unique,” Sylvester said. “I am not afraid to get to close or dirty to get that perfect shot.” Throughout the year, Sylvester stays busy photographing around 15 cutting horse shows, she works with ranches to photograph and video sale horses, and design stallion and ranch ads. Additionally, she has recently launched new facets of her business to include custom framing and custom embroidery. S. Sylvester Photography will be supplying custom framing awards at all of the NCHA Triple Crown events along with the individual portrait sessions for all NCHA World Champions.

TOP: COURTESY SUZANNE SYLVESTER; BOTTOM: TED PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY SUZANNE SYLVESTER

Susan Sylvester began her career as a professional photographer in 2008

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Resident trainer, John Mitchell, the late Junie Wood, NCHA Horse of the Year.

Slate River Ranch BY: TAYLOR BREEDING

PHOTOS COURTESY SLATE RIVER RANCH

rowing up on a ranch in Utah, it is safe to say that horses have always been in Glade Knight’s blood. His father was heavily involved in rodeo, roping and cutting during the 1950’s, and held the title of Utah/Idaho champion in 1954. His father’s passion for the sport and the western lifestyle was passed on to Glade. Glade was drafted during the Vietnam War and was brought to Virginia. Following his service, in 1975, he bought a beautiful ranch in Buckingham, Virginia and decided to stay. He named the property Slate River Ranch after the Slate River that flows along the perimeter of the ranch. As soon as he could, Glade started competing in weekend cuttings. In 1997, Glade expanded Slate River Ranch to Weatherford, Texas: the heart of the cutting horse world. John Mitchell oversees Slate River Weatherford and has grown it into one of the top breeding and training facilities in the cutting horse industry. An example of this success came in 2002 with That Sly Cat. Bred and trained at Slate River Weatherford, That Sly Cat has a lifetime earnings of $104,793.

In 2008, Slate River Ranch became the first ranch to win both National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Top Owner and Top Breeder distinctions. They won both awards again in 2010 and once more in 2016. Slate River Ranch also won Top Breeder in 2013 and 2014. In 2014, Slate River Ranch shifted their focus away from stallions to their

mare power and has acquired some of the best in the business. Slate River Ranch’s mares have more than $1.8 million in combined earnings, including the late Junie Wood, NCHA Horse of the Year and a spectacular mare. After an incredibly successful show career, Junie Wood retired in 2018 with over $500,000 in earnings. While she is dearly missed, Junie Wood’s legacy will continue through her offspring. Committed to improving genetics through sound breeding, Slate River Ranch believes that great horses are born out of great dams. Their philosophy has proven to be successful as their mares have produced high quality foals with combined earnings of approximately $2 million. Glade’s love and passion for the cutting industry, along with the tradition of the cowboy lifestyle, has made his business a natural choice. “It’s a lifestyle we all enjoy that blends people from all walks of life,” said Glade. Slate River Ranch is looking forward to getting back to what we all enjoy: cutting. From the people to the horses, the ranch to the showing, we are very appreciative of the support during this time and are looking forward to getting back together soon.

Slate River Ranch is dedicated to improving genetics through breeding of these top-performing mares. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

BY LINDSEY MISSEL AND KELSEY PECSEK

f you’ve been to a major cutting recently, you’ve probably seen a Quarter Horse News journalist capturing the action in the arena and behind the scenes. QHN is the trusted source of news and information for the Western performance horse industry. The award-winning semimonthly magazine provides the most comprehensive and timely coverage of the industry, focusing not only on cutting, but also reining and reined cow horse. QHN is dedicated to providing readers with the news they need to be successful owners, breeders and riders in the industry. One-of-a-kind statistics,

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

how-to articles, features, event coverage and results make each issue useful, educational and entertaining. As an independent publication, QHN is dedicated to presenting the news in an unbiased way with balanced viewpoints on controversial and sometimes difficult issues. Its website, www.QuarterHorseNews.com, is also recognized as a highly credible source of current news, statistics and sale results. QHN is on the breaking edge of current events, keeping readers up to date online through its website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Additionally, the Quarter Horse News Flash newsletter arrives every week in thousands of subscribers’ inboxes.

PHOTOS COURTESY QUARTER HORSE NEWS

Quarter Horse News

QHN is also able to help advertisers with video production and promotion for their respective companies. It’s a new venture for the brand and acts as another way to serve the industry. Equi-Stat, a comprehensive results database exclusive to Morris Equine Group, operates in close tandem with QHN. Information researched and compiled by Equi-Stat allows QHN to present a more accurate and complete picture of the industry. QHN annually produces two unique publications — the Quarter Horse News Stallion Register and Quarter Horse News Sales Price Guide. These resources are sent to all readers as part of their subscription. Published since 1998, the QHN Stallion Register is the leading resource for stallion and mare owners in the industry, with pedigrees, performance records and sire records for hundreds of stallions all in one place. The Stallion Register is also published online at www.StallionRegisterDirectory.com. The Sales Price Guide is the most comprehensive sales resource available in the industry. The issue features sale results, statistics and analysis from the top Western performance horse sales each year. QHN was formed by a small group of investors and began publishing Dec. 5, 1978, as a weekly newspaper with a focus on Quarter Horse racing. The newspaper started as a five-person operation, occupying 200 square feet of office space. More than 30 people now work at Morris Equine Group’s Fort Worth, Texas, office.

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Western Horseman

the word authentic around Western Horseman—it carries a lot of weight. Similarly, the staff appreciates being in a position to introduce equine professionals, families and their ranches, artists and craftsmen to the world. Educating those who want to learn, providing a place to highlight traditions, and sharing the stories of hard-working people is extremely gratifying for the whole Western Horseman staff. These days we’re proud to bring print articles to life by creating videos for our website and social media platforms. The same authentic content found in the magazine is now reaching our 450,000 Facebook fans, 150,000 Instagram followers and daily visitors to westernhorseman.com. Western Horseman has also branched out and is able to help advertisers with the production and promotion for their respective companies. It’s a new venture for the brand and acts as another way to serve the industry. Pick up an early issue of Western Horseman and it won’t take long to see a horse and a cow together in a photo. A reader can follow the evolution of cutting and performance horses through the pages of Western Horseman. While these days we give credit to our sister publication Quarter Horse News for following cutting more extensively, the sport has naturally found its way into nearly every issue of Western Horseman in one way or another. The love of a good cow horse is part of the foundation upon which Western Horseman was built, after all.

BY LIZZIE IWERSEN AND DANI LICKLIDER

PHOTOS COURTESY WESTERN HORSEMAN

anuary 2020 marks the 84th year of publication for Western Horseman magazine. While there have been many changes since 1936, once thing remains the same— Western Horseman’s role in providing the most trusted and authentic content in the Western horse world. Its quality earned the coveted Best Overall Publication nod twice, at the 2017 and 2018 American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards. The magazine also won a 2019 Western Heritage

Award from the National Cowboy Museum & Hall of Fame. One reason for having such a lengthy lifespan is the fact that the majority of the staff have been raised around, owned, ridden, or had some sort of connection to the industry. If you’re a horse person, you know there is no faking it. When readers pick up a Western Horseman or look at our online offerings, they recognize the content is authentic and has come from a place of knowledge and experience. We like JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Scott Chartier riding Halreyzn Swinger marked a 223 to win the 2015 NCHA Eastern Nationals Non-Pro.

Official Equine Insurance Provider and Title Sponsor of the NCHA Futurity BY TAYLOR BREEDING

s an avid horsewoman who successfully competed in disciplines from barrel racing to National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) competitions, June Roberts McGee was easily able to recognize the need for efficient and affordable risk management solutions across the performance horse industry as a whole. In 1991, June founded Justin Insurance to fulfill that need. Specializing in performance horse mortality coverage, Justin Insurance quickly became a leading agency throughout the United States. While Justin Insurance focuses on the western performance horse, in 2002, a partnership with Clay Ward Agency was formed. Clay Ward Agency is a leading agency focusing on Thoroughbred racing. Because many clients prefer to ‘keep their coverage under one roof,’ Justin Insurance offers farm and ranch owners’ property and casualty, personal horse

June McGee riding Sweet Toothe marked a 222 to win the 2020 Arbuckle Mountain Futurity 5/6 Intermediate Amateur. 70

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

owner liability, event liability, and care, custody and control. The agency now offers automobile coverage to its farm & ranch clients at very competitive rates. Six years ago, Justin Insurance added Scott Chartier to run the farm and ranch division, and he recently became a partner in the agency. From large breeding or training operations to small ranchettes, our farm

TOP: HART PHOTOGRAPHY; BOTTOM: SUZANNE SYLVESTER

Great American Insurance & Justin Insurance

and ranch package can be tailored to fit each client’s specific needs. Most NCHA members will qualify for coverage if they own horses or livestock. Items such as tack, farm equipment and personal belongings can be covered in addition to structures such as houses or barns. Obtaining coverage for your horses is also very easy. If the horse is valued at $100,000 or less, receiving coverage is as simple as a phone call. For horses valued above $100,000, Justin Insurance will need to speak to a veterinarian that has seen the horse within 30 days prior to the start of coverage. Underwritten by Great American Insurance, policies are offered with the broadest coverage including major medical and mortality at the most competitive rates. Justin Insurance has represented Great American, the Official Equine Insurance Provider of the NCHA, for the past 26 years. Among other things, Great American has sponsored the Summer Spectacular or the Futurity for many years with their monetary contribution going directly to the purse. Justin Insurance is proud to partner with Great American and support the National Cutting Horse Association. “We support the industry, not to win new business, but to thank a discipline that has supported us over the years,” said June.

I nvestment R ail- S erved I nd u strial Parks

RCR Taylor Logistics Park Taylor, TX

Good Luck to all Amateurs in the 2020 NCHA Summer Spectacular For information on McAlister Assets or RCR Rail Co, contact Hydie McAlister 713-501-4802 • hydie@mcalisterassets.com

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Sharon Beach 817-992-5257 • sharon@mcalisterassets.com

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

[ABOVE] Dr. Molly Bellefeuille treating a horse’s back using the Pulse Vet’s shock wave therapy. [RIGHT] Clint Allen, NCHA Hall of Fame Rider, aboard DMAC Wise Guy.

PulseVet

Official Shockwave Treatment

hen it comes to our horses, quality is everything. This is especially true in the treatment and prevention of injuries. Top veterinarians know that when it comes to quality shock wave therapy, there is only one choice: PulseVet. The mission of PulseVet is to improve the quality of life of the animals we love by developing, validating and providing advanced therapies at the highest level of support and service. PulseVet is proud to offer the only shock wave generator that is made in the United States. Not only is PulseVet the only shock wave made stateside, but it is also the only shock wave treatment that is backed by science – over twenty years’ worth. As a result of this science, PulseVet treatments are covered by equine medical insurance. 72

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As the “Official Shock Wave Treatment of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA),” PulseVet understands the needs of the cutting horse. Dr. Molly Bellefeuille, NCHA member and owner of Northern Star Equine, knows what it takes to keep cutting horses healthy. She has faithfully used PulseVet therapies for several years, both for prevention of injuries and for recovery purposes. As a non-invasive treatment option, PulseVet’s shock wave therapy is effective at removing inflammation while increasing blood flow in areas such as the back, the sacroiliac joint (SI-joint) and the neck and poll, two areas that often get overlooked in performance horses. It is also effective in treatment of soft tissue injuries such as tendon or suspensory tears or strains. In all instances,

PulseVet improves the recovery and regeneration of tissue. Dr. Bellefeuille has also found success in treating stifle injuries, specifically in cutting horses, with PulseVet treatments. Horses are generally treated with a series of three treatments over a one to two month period. PulseVet is also effective as a preventative to soft tissue injuries by reducing tissue inflammation during the acute and initial phase of tissue regeneration. It is important to remember that not all shock wave generators are the same, so be sure to ask for PulseVet treatments by name. PulseVet is proud to be the only shock wave treatment made in the United States and backed by twenty years of science. To find a veterinarian near you that utilizes PulseVet, visit www.pulsevet.com/find-a-vet/.

TOP LEFT AND INSET: COURTESY PULSEVET; RIGHT: CUTTING HORSE CENTRAL

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Coyote Rock Ranch located in Terrebonne, OR

Coyote Rock Ranch BY TAYLOR BREEDING

PHOTOS COURTESY COYOTE ROCK RANCH

n the high desert country of central Oregon, surrounded by splendid mountain vistas and exquisite rock formations, sits the secluded Coyote Rock Ranch. As home to some of the top cutting horse broodmares in the industry, Coyote Rock Ranch is a horse lover’s paradise. In everything they do, Coyote Rock Ranch aims to create premium cutting horse athletes. Penelope Knight, Owner, and Sue Hagerty, Director of Operations, have been refining their breeding operations over the past ten years to reach this goal. The success of Coyote Rock Ranch begins with its original stallion, Drag And Fly, affectionately known as Drago. Drago

holds the championship Senior Tie Down title at the 2012 American Quarter Horse Association World Show among numerous other notable accomplishments. It was the heart and athleticism that Drago consistently showed that inspired Coyote Rock Ranch to produce their own premium equine athletes. With an impressive string of broodmares, including Lil Dusty Lola and My Lizzy Babe, Coyote Rock Ranch is a boutique breeder with the ability to give an individualized focus to each prospect. The staff works tirelessly to start the horses with a solid foundation before they are sold or sent to a trainer. Even after a horse is sold, Coyote Rock Ranch continues to follow that horse’s

show career. By knowing how their horses perform, Coyote Rock Ranch is able to further refine their breeding program. In addition to Mrs. Knight’s commitment to the success of Coyote Rock Ranch, she is dedicated to equine health and equine practitioners on both a local and national level. Coyote Rock Ranch provides three scholarships through The Foundation for The Horse for third year veterinary students. The entire staff at the ranch looks forward to the announcement of these scholarship recipients each year as they all share Mrs. Knight’s passion for giving back to the equine community. Furthermore, Coyote Rock Ranch is committed to supporting the sport they love as a proud sponsor of the National Cutting Horse Association. From breeding the highest quality horses to supporting their careers in the show pen, Coyote Rock Ranch is the home of Quarter Horse champions.

[LEFT TO RIGHT] Coyote Rock Ranch is home of quarter horse champions • Reysin Autumn ridden by Tim Smith • Coyote Rock Ranch specializes as a boutique breeder with the ability to give individual focus to each prospect. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Brazos Valley Stallion Station’s owner Jeremy Barwick with NCHA World Champion, Hashtags.

Brazos Valley Stallion Station Official Corporate Partner

t is no secret that Jeremy Barwick loves the sport of cutting. He has been involved with the sport since his childhood and began training cutting horses professionally in 2000. After his third National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Open World Championship with Dual Rey Me in 2009, Jeremy began to see other possibilities within the cutting horse industry, specifically within the breeding segment. Prior to the start of Brazos Valley Stallion Station, Jeremy had already began evolving the breeding and raising practices within his own program. After overseeing the Strawn Valley Absolute Dispersal Sale with long time owner and friend D.R. Horton, the idea of standing Dual Smart Rey came into focus and Brazos Valley Stallion Station was formed.

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

Located in Stephenville, Texas, Brazos Valley Stallion Station has quickly grown to where it is today. With well-respected stallions from not only the cutting and cow-horse industry, but also the barrel racing and rope horse industry, Brazos Valley Stallion Station offers a dynamic stallion roster to provide mare owners with options and ideas they may not otherwise have. The facility at Brazos Valley Stallion Station was custom built specifically with the horse in mind. In order for horses to flourish, they need space, and Brazos Valley Stallion Station provides an abundance of space for both mares and stallions. The entire staff at Brazos Valley Stallion Station is committed to serving their customers and horses, and they work tirelessly around the clock to ensure the best care. In addition to

their breeding services, Brazos Valley Stallion Station offers rehabilitation and sale fitting services. As a mare owner, a stallion manager and a former trainer and rider himself, Jeremy Barwick understands the investment that goes into the horse industry. With his knowledge and experience, Jeremy manages Brazos Valley Stallion Station to give each party the best chance of success. “It has to all work together,” says Jeremy. Brazos Valley Stallion Station has an inherent connection to the sport of cutting as each cutting horse begins with the thought of which mare to breed to which stallion years before they step into the show pen. Brazos Valley Stallion Station is honored to continue to be a part this sport and the National Cutting Horse Association.

MEGAN PARKS

BY: TAYLOR BREEDING

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

North Texas Chevy Dealers

Official Truck and Title Sponsor of the NCHA Futurity

he North Texas Chevy Dealers are comprised of 45 Chevrolet Dealerships in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Area that have come together to deepen their commitment within their local communities through grassroots

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

marketing and local events, including the National Cutting Horse Association! They are proud to have the opportunity to showcase their latest product portfolio including the Chevrolet Silverado, the Chevrolet Silverado HD, the Chevrolet Traverse and the Chevrolet Blazer – just

to name a few! Chevrolet makes trucks, cars and crossovers for people that know what’s really important in life – family, fun and adventure! To learn more about their great products, visit www.ntxchevy. com and find your nearest North Texas Chevy Dealer today.

PHOTO COURTESY NORTH TEXAS CHEVY DEALERS

BY CODY LYNCH

In 1853, our boots were handmade.

In 2020, our boots are handmade.

At Rios of Mercedes, quality has been a way of life since 1853. That’s 167 years of our craftsmen handmaking extraordinary boots with artist-like devotion. | riosofmercedes.com – THE OFFICIAL BOOT OF THE NCHA AND SPONSOR OF THE NCHA AMATEUR CLASSES –

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

World championship trophy won by Doc’s Starlight in 1977.

Cowboy Trailer Sales Official Trailer Dealer

owboy Trailer Sales, originally known as Cowboy Conversions, began designing and installing living quarters for trailers in 2006 in Crockett, Texas. Established by Lee Holsey, it did not take long for the business to grow, and Lee soon began selling trailers in addition to building living quarters. Now, Cowboy Trailer Sales has not only horse trailers and living quarter trailers available, but they also sell livestock trailers, RVs, and more. Offering both a new and used inventory, Cowboy Trailer Sales is proud to be a dealer of Platinum Trailers, Merhow Trailers, Galyean Stock Trailers, Swift-Built Trailers, CM Trailers, WW Trailers, Tiger Trailers, and Signature Living Quarters. While people can purchase a trailer from anywhere, Cowboy Trailer Sales prides themselves on offering customer service that is unmatched by anyone else in the market. Pairing their excellent customer service with a state of the art service facility, Cowboy Trailer Sales is set up to take care of their customers for years after selling them a trailer. 78

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Cowboy Trailer Sales is a family owned and operated business that understands what customers are looking for in a trailer because they are horse people themselves. For over 50 years, the Holsey family has been involved in the horse industry, specifically within the cutting horse industry. Lee Holsey began riding cutting horse at 10 years of age, and he has continued to ride to this day. The passion for the horse was shared with his mother and father, Linda and Barry Holsey, as well as his uncle, Lee Lucas Holsey, who were also all involved in the horse industry. Lee now enjoys sharing the cutting horse industry with his two daughters, Hannah and Holly, who both compete in cuttings. With a love of the sport of cutting running through the family, it was a natural fit for Cowboy Trailer Sales to become involved with the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). In 2010, Cowboy Trailer Sales had their first booth at the NCHA Futurity. Cowboy Trailer Sales is proud to be the “Official Trailer Dealer of the NCHA” and would like to thank all of the customers who have supported them over the years!

[FROM TOP TO BOTTOM] Lee Holsey standing in front of a custom mural depicting the men who influenced him throughout his life with regards to horses and business. • Lee showing Liz Mac 1980. • A Cutter Bill saddle won at the Cauble Arena in 1978.

PHOTOS COURTESY COWBOY TRAILER SALES

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

6666 Ranch cowboys at sunrise.

6666 Ranch

Presenting Sponsor of the NCHA National Championships

he goal of the historic 6666 Ranch, headquartered in Guthrie, Texas, is to produce the best ranch horse possible. With some of the most well-respected stallions and broodmares in the industry calling it home, the 6666 Ranch has taken this goal to new heights. The 6666 Ranch has been honored with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Best Remuda Award, the AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Performance Horses, and the AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Race MoneyEarners and Winners. In 1993, the 6666 Ranch began marketing their breeding services to the public. That same year, the ranch started to stand stallions and saw immense growth in their stallion popularity when cool transported semen was invented. Focusing on two segments – racing and western performance – 6666 Ranch currently stands more than thirty stallions including world champions in

a variety of performance events such as the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). Once frozen semen became the best practice, the ranch began to internationally market their stallions. The cutting and cowhorse bred stallions saw the most popularity initially in Australia and later in south and central America. In addition to their stallion services, 6666 Ranch offers embryo transfer and veterinary services. The 6666 Ranch, along with neighboring ranches, offer the “Return to the Remuda” sale held the first Saturday in October. This select sale markets weanlings through finished horses, including stallion prospects and broodmares by ranches that are all dedicated to producing quality horses. The 6666 Ranch produces horses that are marketable to the public whether someone is looking for ranch horse breeding stock, performance horses in cutting and reined cowhorse events, or racing prospects.

The 6666 Ranch has always supported the cutting industry and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). Over the years, the ranch has shown several horses in NCHA competition including Royal Fletch, 2000 NCHA Open Futurity champion. Additionally, the ranch has bred several successful cutting horses including futurity winners and world champion horses. Continuing their support of the industry, the 6666 Ranch is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the NCHA Eastern and Western National Championships. With their unwavering commitment to producing quality horses, both on the ranch and in the performance arena, the 6666 Ranch is looking forward to another great year.

[LEFT TO RIGHT] The annual Return to the Remuda Sale hosted at 6666 Ranch. • Bet Hesa Cat – NCHA Open World Champion. • Dr. Glenn Blodgett in the Reproductive Services lab. 80

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: WYMAN MEINZER; NATHAN CANADAY; DON SHUGART; WYMAN MEINZER

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

Top Professionals Trust Pro Cutter to Train and Tune their Equine Athletes for the World’s Toughest Competitions

Show Pro Industries P. O. Box 1235 Springtown, TX 76082 817.523.4055 Email: showpro@flash.net

www.procutter.com

We’re located 3.5 miles north of Springtown, TX on Hwy 51. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Frost Bank Tower at dusk, one of downtown Austin’s most recognizable architectural icons.

Frost Bank

ith a rich Texas history, Frost was established in San Antonio, Texas in 1868. The bank was initially located in the back of a mercantile store where T.C. Frost provided the necessary supplies for Texans to prosper on the frontier. The bank grew steadily into the twentieth century and received trust powers from the Federal Reserve Board in 1919. Frost survived the Great Depression of the 1930s, which was no small feat as over 5,000 banks permanently closed during the depression. In 1977, Frost merged with Cullen Bankers, Inc. based out of Houston, Texas. They were soon faced with another economic collapse when the oil and real estate markets crashed

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

in the 1980s, along with the Texas banking system. Cullen/Frost was the only bank to survive this economic catastrophe without any federal assistance or takeover. After the turmoil of the 1980s, the 1990s brought lots of exciting changes to the company. Cullen/Frost moved to the New York Stock Exchange in 1997. Shortly after, in 1998, Frost Insurance was established. Fast forward to 2020 where Frost provides both individuals and businesses with the financial tools and advice they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. Offering banking, investment and insurance services, Frost had an incredible staff that is committed to serving the community. At Frost, everyone is significant.

While they do have online banking, Frost is a relationship-based bank that focuses on doing their business face to face. With excellent customer service, whether you are in the bank or calling on the phone, customers can be sure that they will be taken care of quickly and effectively. With their own rich history, Frost appreciates the rich history of the sport of cutting and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), which also dates back to the 1800s in Texas. The first known cutting horse contest was held in Texas in 1898, and the sport has grown to be one of the most popular equine sports today thanks to the support of businesses like Frost, the primary banking partner of the NCHA.

ADOBE STOCK

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Big Sky specializes in websites for horse people, designed by horse people.

Big Sky Internet Design Official Sponsor of the NCHA Youth Stallion Auction BY: TAYLOR BREEDING

with his family before deciding to make a career change into software development in the mid-nineties. In 2008, the family moved to Texas where they have remained ever since. Despite Tom’s career change, the family remained very involved in the cutting horse industry. Both JT and Jessica were heavily involved in the National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA) while growing up. The family hauled all around the country, and both children used scholarship money they earned through the NYCHA to attend and graduate from Texas A&M University.

PHOTOS COURTESY BIG SKY INTERNET DESIGN

s horse people themselves, Tom and Carrie Bruch at Big Sky Internet Design understand what horse people need in a website. From auctions and associations to horse sales and stallion promotion, Big Sky Internet Design has created and operated nearly every type of equinerelated website. Based out of Bryan, Texas now, Big Sky Internet Design traces its roots back to Montana where Tom and Carrie lived on a ranch with their son, JT, and daughter, Jessica. Tom trained and showed cutting horses

In addition to the children’s involvement, Carrie served on the NYCHA Board of Directors for multiple terms. The family’s close ties to the NYCHA is what led them to want to give back to the association and the cutting horse industry as a whole. Big Sky Internet Design is proud to be the “Official Sponsor of the NYCHA Stallion Auction.” Big Sky Internet Design was established in 1998. For over 20 years, the company has provided their customers with the most knowledgeable and experienced team available. What sets Big Sky Internet Design apart is their responsiveness to their customer’s needs. If a customer needs a change to their website, Big Sky Internet Design will have their website updated within 24 hours. Big Sky Internet Design offers eyecatching websites with a clean, easy to use design. Each site is customized to the customer and is guaranteed to meet their needs. Because of their attentiveness and attention to detail, Big Sky Internet Design is proud to have long-standing relationships with their customers, some over 15 years. Additionally, the people at Big Sky Internet Design know the difference between a foal and a weanling because they are horse people themselves. Being involved in all aspects of the industry from sales to training to owning to board positions, Big Sky Internet Design knows the industry because they are the industry.

JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Nate, Eddie, and Travis Priefert, along with their father Bill.

Priefert

Official Ranch Equipment BY TAYLOR BREEDING

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

operated business to this day, and we are currently on our third generation of family leadership. Additionally, all of our products continue to be produced in the United States. As ranchers ourselves, the Priefert family understands the needs of the rancher. Our highly innovative equipment is designed to solve a problem or streamline a process. With safety features for both animals and handlers alike, Priefert is committed to providing the best and safest product on the market. Being family owned, Priefert has complete control over the quality and durability of the equipment we produce, and we are dedicated to manufacturing

In 1964, Marvin Priefert invented the first gliding-action, fully-opening head gate.

the highest quality products at the greatest value. Our family uses the products we create daily, and knowing they are built to last, we proudly display the Priefert name on each piece. Priefert has extended their family atmosphere to the entire western industry. From cattle to equine to rodeo, we get to partner with the best of the best. One of those partners is the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) where Priefert is the “Official Ranch Equipment” provider. Although none of the Priefert family participates in the sport of cutting, we recognized the need that cutters have for both horse and cattle equipment. One product in particular that brought Priefert and the cutting industry together was the Priefert Panel Walker. This walker allows for multiple horses to be safely conditioned at the same time. With our exceptional value and high-quality products, Priefert is proud to serve the members of the cutting industry. We are looking forward to seeing you in the show pen again soon!

PHOTOS COURTESY PRIEFERT

family owned and operated business, Priefert was founded in 1964 by Marvin Priefert. Marvin initially had plans to move to his family’s citrus farm in south Texas, but fate had a different plan. Marvin found himself in the heart of cattle country where he created his first headgate in effort to help out his neighbor. This creation became the foundation of Priefert Mfg., a ranch and rodeo equipment company. With humble roots, Priefert has grown from a dirt floor shop in Marvin’s backyard to a production facility of over 200 acres and hundreds of employees. Despite the growth, Priefert is proud to continue to be a family owned and

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Kiser Arena Specialists Official Arena Tool BY TAYLOR BREEDING

n the horse world, everyone knows everyone. Thankfully, for the reiners of the 1987 futurity, someone knew Bob Kiser. Bob had a large grain farm in Illinois and was called in to fix the footing that was not safe to ride on at the futurity that year. With his farming background and love of reining horses, not only was Bob able to fix the footing, but he was able to build a custom drag suited for the riding arena. He returned year after year to handle the footing at the reining futurity and Kiser Arena Specialists was born. In 2000, Jim Kiser, Bob’s son, joined the business. Jim trained reining horses and after having multiple open futurity finalists, decided he wanted a career change. Prior to Jim joining the business, Bob sold a few drags here and there, but with the addition of his son, they took selling drags and taking care of the ground to a new level. Managing the footing at world class events such as the American Quarter Horse World Show and the National Reined Cow Horse Association Futurity, it was easy to see that the Kisers had found their niche.

Bob Kiser (left) along with his son Jim, continually strive to improve the footing used in the performance horse industry. 86

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It didn’t take long for Frank Merrill to ask about Kiser Arena Specialists joining the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) team. In addition to Merrill, Dave Bryan and Chris Benedict were instrumental in creating the partnership

TOP: BEE SILVA; BOTTOM: COURTESY KISER ARENA SPECIALISTS

Nearly $100 million in prize money has been awarded on footing that was prepared by Kiser Arena Specialists.

between Kiser Arena Specialists and the NCHA. Kiser is proud to continue to be the “Official Arena Tool of the NCHA.” Jim says the best part of working with Kiser Arena Specialists is knowing that we’re improving the performance horse industry whether that be at cuttings, reinings or cowhorse events. Jim enjoys not only working with but having friendships with industry leaders across the board. While this is their business, the entire Kiser team takes pride in being able to advance all of their disciplines through better drags and better, safer ground. Approximately $100 million has been given away as prize money on footing that Kiser Arena Specialists has prepared. In addition to their drag equipment and construction of arenas, Kiser has expanded into property and facility design and excavation work. Kiser has the ability to take a raw property completely through the process to a finished, turn-key facility. Additionally, Kiser Arena Specialists will be opening a physical shop in the near future near Sanger, Texas. In addition to Kiser’s equipment, this storefront will feature everything one would need in terms of ranch equipment including a tractor dealership and the full line of Priefert products.

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

The new state of the art Hat Bar at South Texas Tack in Brenham, Texas.

South Texas Tack BY: TAYLOR BREEDING

Established in 2003, South Texas Tack, also owned by the Martins, a part of the Mecom family, continues on its deep roots of excellence in the ranching and western industry by providing years of knowledge, resources, and experience under the same roof. South Texas Tack also has the unique opportunity to represent their values of both quality and tradition in the products they carry in the retail store. With years of ranching in their family, the lifestyle that South Texas Tack sells is sincerely a piece of their genetic makeup. South Texas Tack truly cares about the needs of their customers. In an effort to continually meet the needs

PHOTOS COURTESY SOUTH TEXAS TACK

o look at South Texas Tack means to look at the beginning of deep ranching roots in Texas. Two hundred years ago, land that was part of a Mexican settlement became Los Corralitos, Texas, and on that land, Rancho San Jose de Los Corralitos was established. A building on this ranch is documented in the Texas Ranching Heritage Museum as the beginning of the ranching industry in Texas, dating back to the 1700s. Fast forward to the early 1900s, and this ranch was purchased by the family of its current owners: the Mecoms.

of their customers, South Texas Tack has developed new brands including LetsRope.com and WesternWomen.com. Whether you are visiting the retail store in Brenham, Texas to shop for your latest tack and apparel needs or to enjoy a meal from one of the food trucks at the South Texas Tack Feedyard, you are sure to find a fun and friendly atmosphere. Much like their ranching history, South Texas Tack has a long history with the sport of cutting. Nancy Martin grew up working on cattle ranches with her mother, Lannie Mecom, and they always had cutting horses around. Nancy spent much of her youth years hauling to cutting shows. Now, Nancy and her husband, Steve, share the love of cutting and hope to pass it along to their daughter, Elle. South Texas Tack is proud to be a sponsor of the National Cutting Horse Association and the sport their whole family loves.

JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Kit Kat Sugar ridden by Pete Branch, 2012 NCHA Super Stakes Reserve Champion

Kit Kat Sugar

Title Sponsor of the NCHA Super Stakes

rom the very beginning, Kit Kat Sugar showed signs that he was going to be something special. The sorrel stallion (High Brow Cat X Sugar N Dulce) was bred and owned by the late Lonnie Allsup and his wife, Barbara Allsup. Despite his passing, Mrs. Allsup continues to keep her husband’s legacy and love of cutting alive. Kit Kat Sugar, known as Skeet, went into training with the Allsup’s long time trainer Pete Branch. In addition to Kit Kat Sugar, Pete Branch rode and trained Skeet’s dam, Sugar N Dulce, and his granddam, Little Badger Dulce. Little Badger Dulce was arguably one of the best horses that has ever been in the industry with lifetime earnings of $657,275.71 in National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) competition. Additionally, she was the NCHA Horse of the Year in 1993. 88

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As a two-year-old, Pete began to see just how special Kit Kat Sugar would be. “There was no doubt he was going to be a really good horse,” Pete said. A successful career from the start, Kit Kat Sugar and Pete Branch made the Open Futurity finals in 2011. His success carried throughout his entire four-year-old year and Kit Kat Sugar and Pete Branch won Open titles at the Brazos Bash, the Calgary Stampede, the Bonanza Cutting, and the El Rancho Futurity among several other limited age event wins. “There were lots of really cool times on that horse,” Pete said. “The one that I remember best was my run on him at the El Rancho. He was a 231 and it was a really, really fun run. There were certain things that he’d do during a run that would make you go ‘wow, I can’t believe he can do that.’”

Not only did the pair go on to claim the reserve championship in the Open at the NCHA Super Stakes in 2012, but Kit Kat Sugar was crowned NCHA Open Horse of the Year in 2012. After his four-year-old year, Kit Kat Sugar retired from the show pen and entered into his breeding career where his success continued. In addition to his athletic ability, Skeet has a really good mind and a sweet disposition. He surpassed the $1 million milestone as a sire in 2019. Also in 2019, Kit Kat Sugar became the title sponsor of the NCHA Super Stakes. Kit Kat Sugar’s granddam won the Super Stakes, so sponsoring the Super Stakes was an easy choice for the family. While this year’s event was forced to cancel, they are eager to get to show again and look forward to a great Kit Kat Sugar Super Stakes in 2021.

PHOTO FORREST COURTESY KIT KAT SUGAR

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Kubota Tractor Corporation, NCHA’s New Official Equipment Provider, is known for reliable, long-lasting products.

Kubota Tractor Corporation Official Agriculture Equipment Supplier

rom growing up on a cattle ranch in east Texas, Kelcey Cockrell – a product manager at Kubota – knows the value of hard work, commitment, and a good horse. She spent a lot of time playing with her childhood best friend who grew up on the ranch next to them. This ranch was managed by her friend’s grandfather, Wallace “Tooter” Dorman, who owned Chiquita Pistol, National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Triple Crown winner in 2002. With several people in her hometown involved in cutting, Kelcey constantly saw the commitment and hard work that went into getting Chiquita Pistol, and so many others, trained and competition ready. Even the horses they used on the ranch often had cutting bloodlines. The partnership between Kubota and the NCHA brings an exciting opportunity for Kelcey, and the entire Kubota team, to give back to 90

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hardworking people in communities just like hers in Leon County, Texas. When Kubota started as a foundry company in the late 1880s, the focus was on creating cast iron pipes for clean water supply. To this day, Kubota continues to provide clean water treatment systems in countries worldwide, but the company has made their mark in additional sectors, such as agriculture and construction, as the top selling compact and subcompact tractor in the United States. Kubota takes pride in their products and their reputation of quality, reliability, and longevity. “For Earth, For Life” is more than a slogan for Kubota, it truly is a way of life. Kubota is committed to producing products that will last. From front to rear, every subcompact, compact, and utility tractor is fully built by Kubota with a purpose, allowing for maximum efficiency and lifespan of the tractor. Leaning on the values she was taught by her community growing up,

Kelcey takes pride in her work and makes sure to do things right. Kubota echos that sentiment through and through. A large amount of Kubota equipment is made in the United States from Land Pride implements in Kansas to RTVs, Skid Steers, subcompact tractors, and more in Georgia. Before any product goes to market, Kubota ensures that the product is ready and working properly. Having products that are lasting and dependable is of highest priority. With a dealer network of over 1,100 dealers, Kubota has someone nearby to serve NCHA members and their families. In addition to providing working equipment at NCHA produced shows, Kubota has created a website with exclusive discounts and information for NCHA members that is found at ncha.kubotausa.com. Kubota is grateful to be a part of the cutting industry and is looking forward to continuing this exciting partnership.

PHOTO COURTESY KUBOTA

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

YOUR TRUSTED LEADER IN INSE T ONTROL

IT WORKS! TRUSTED • PROVEN • POWERFUL

A NEW WAY TO SPRAY, CONTINUOUS AT ANY ANGLE! 2

www.pyranhainc.com

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FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED MADE IN USA

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Dennis Moreland in the Dennis Moreland Tack booth.

Dennis Moreland Tack BY: TAYLOR BREEDING

“It makes you smile when you’ve got products you made 25, 35 years ago and they’re still using them,” said Dennis. “Something was right.” Dennis stands behind every single product he makes. As a rider himself, Dennis understands what horsemen are looking for in their tack from the quality of leather to the weight of the bridle reins. Each piece of equipment is put on a horse to ensure that it is sized and fitted properly and, most importantly, that it is safe. Additionally, Dennis is quick to listen to his customers’ wants and needs and will provide a quality, safe product to fit those needs. While the product he creates has remained timeless, Dennis Moreland

[TOP TO BOTTOM] Bill Freeman 1982 Futurity Champion • Dennis Moreland helping a customer. • 1976 NCHA Futurity Greg Ward & Tom Lyons

Tack has changed with the times. In addition to the physical storefront in Weatherford, Texas, there is an online storefront. Dennis is proud to ship specialized orders all across the world. In 1976, Dennis Moreland Tack had its first National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) tradeshow booth, and in addition to the booth, Dennis Moreland Tack donated a pair of bridle reins to each finalist that year. Dennis has gladly continued to support NCHA programs throughout the years. From fostering excellent customer relationships to creating a functional, quality product, Dennis Moreland Tack is definitely doing something right. 2019 NCHA Futurity Champion

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

PHOTOS COURTESY DENNIS MORELAND TACK

s a cowboy in Nebraska, Dennis Moreland often found himself needing good, quality pieces of tack. Unfortunately, the tack he wanted was always hard to find. When asked to make the equipment, local saddle makers claimed to be too busy, and after a while, they told Dennis to “make it yourself.” Fortunately for Dennis, that is exactly what he did. In 1976, Dennis Moreland Tack was formed. With a focus on quality and functionality, products made by Dennis Moreland Tack are built to last – and they do. Barns all over the country still have useful equipment hanging in them today that Dennis made in the 70s.

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Santa Cruz Animal Health & San Juan Ranch BY TAYLOR BREEDING

PHOTO COURTESY SANTA CRUZ/SAN JUAN RANCH

he parent company of both San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Animal Health, Santa Cruz Biotechnology was founded 29 years ago. Santa Cruz Biotechnology is a world leader in developing products for the biomedical research market. Under the current ownership of John and Brenda Stephenson, San Juan Ranch has quickly become a world class breeder of performance horses in the disciplines of cutting, reining, and working cowhorse. In only ten years, San Juan Ranch became a National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRHCA) Million Dollar Breeder. Additionally, three NRCHA futurity winners were bred by the ranch and continue to call it home: Stylish Little Oak, CD Diamond, and SJR Diamond Mist. The ranch’s sister division, Santa Cruz Animal Health, has quickly

become a leader in the development and distribution of animal healthcare products. Santa Cruz Animal Health products include an affordable line of high-quality, comprehensive UltraCruz® Animal Health Supplements in addition to grooming and critical care products. All of Santa Cruz Animal Health’s products are made in the United States. Developed by a team of experts with a vast experience in both breeding and showing horses, the UltraCruz® Animal Health product line is used daily in the care of the ranch’s performance horses, livestock, and companion animals. Santa Cruz Animal health strives to provide their customers with the highest quality product available. UltraCruz® Animal Health Supplements are all AAFCO or NASC regulated, and the products can be

found at retail locations in Paso Robles, California as well as two Texas cities: Dallas and Weatherford. The products are also available online at scahealth. com and though retailers such as Amazon, Chewy, eBay, and Walmart. As long-time breeders of cutting horses, both San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Animal Health have an organic relationship with the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). The staff at Santa Cruz Animal Health and San Juan Ranch enjoy visiting the NCHA events where they have the opportunity to meet so many of their customers. “When a customer tells you what a difference our products have made for their animal, it makes this job so worth it,” said Megan Lundquist, Santa Cruz Animal Health Sales and Sponsorship Coordinator. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Rocking P Ranch is not only a leading stallion owner but fast becoming a leading breeder as well.

Rocking P Ranch

Title Sponsor of the Summer Cutting Spectacular

ocking P Ranch is home to two of the industry’s top stallions, Metallic Cat and Spots Hot. Proudly owed by Bobby Patton, the Rocking P Ranch is located in Fort Worth, Texas. Rocking P Ranch first emerged in the sport of cutting in 2015. Although Rocking P Ranch is relatively new to the industry, they have a love of the horse, an admiration for the athleticism and cow sense that is bred into each of their horses, with a huge competitive spirit. That same competitive spirt and cow sense can be found in Rocking P’s two stallions. Both Metallic Cat and Spots Hot won the NCHA Futurity and now have gone on to sire NCHA Futurity Champions themselves. “There is no question that both of these studs are superior athletes with huge accomplishments in the show pen and as sires.” Debbie Roberts, Marketing Manager at the Rocking P, said. “But their unique personalities are what makes them so special to us.” Metallic Cat is smart beyond belief, the way he reads situations is incredible, shared Roberts. If you have ever watched runs of Metallic Cat in the

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

show pen there is no question, he has a unique ability to read a cow. What really sets him apart is his gift to read people. “He has never been an overly affectionate horse, he takes to people slowly,” Roberts said. “But when you win him over, you have a friend for life. He loves his people.” As for Spots Hot, his quiet and affectionate disposition crossed with his athleticism has made him a top sire in the industry. He has such a kind soul and he loves everyone he meets. “I swear if you open up his stall door, every time you turned around you would be running into him, he would be looking at you like – ‘what ya doing, can I help?’ He is the in your pocket type,” Roberts said. Along with owning these great stallions, Rocking P Ranch is excited to move into the next phase of developing their breeding program. They are now investing in some amazing broodmares to add to the program. The ranch’s dedication to producing tomorrows champions comes from watching the sport evolve and figuring out which mare will produce the next great cross with their stallions. The inaugural Rocking P Ranch Production Sale is slated for this summer

during the 2020 NCHA Metallic Cat Summer Spectacular and will be produced by Western Bloodstock. The goal is to make this an annual event. A majority of the horse selling will be yearlings, by Metallic Cat and Spots Hot, out of some of our great broodmares including, Cinca De Maya, Cinca Im Hot and Ray Jay Play. A full list of sale horses and event information will be available on westernbloodstock.com. In addition to the breeding program, Rocking P Ranch loves to pay it forward and give back to the sport of cutting. Three years ago, Patton stepped up and asked to be the title sponsor of the NCHA Summer Spectacular. In addition, he also wanted to give back to the breeders, trainers, owners and competitors in the industry, by starting the Metallic Cat incentive program. In 2020, Patton will pay out $300,000 in prize money during the Derby and Classic Challenge, in the Open, NonPro and Unlimited Amateur classes. This incentive is for the highest placing Metallic Cat offspring in each class, whose owners have a paid breeding to Metallic Cat in 2020 For the full details on the incentive, visit metalliccat.com

PHOTOS COURTESY ROCKING P RANCH

BY CALLIE MCCARTHY

Save Th e D ate!

JULY 3 - 5, 2020 Will Rogers Memorial Center | Fort Worth, Texas

World Champion Classes NO QUALIFYING REQUIRED! • Amateur • Novice Amateur • Open (Junior & Senior) • Open Solid Paint-Bred • Youth Pre-Entry Deadline May 15 Entries accepted until 5 p.m. the day before the class. Late fees apply after May 15 Cutting classes will no longer be held in September.

Chrome Cash Challenge Classes

$18,000 ADDED

NO QUALIFYING REQUIRED! • 4-Year-Old Cutting Challenge - $5,000 added + $1,000 Texas-Bred Incentive * • 5- & 6-Year-Old Cutting Challenge - $5,000 added + $1,000 Texas-Bred Incentive * • Non-Pro Cutting Challenge All Ages - $5,000 added + $1,000 Texas-Bred Incentive * * Texas-Bred Incentive paid to the top 3 placing horses foaled in Texas. Solid Paint-Bred horses now eligible to compete with Regular Registry horses in Challenge Classes!

American Cutting Horse Association

$10,800 ADDED (minimum) JULY 3–5 • Two complete shows - one judge each day • Open to all breeds • Circuit awards in each class • High-Point Horse award overall • High-Point Paint Horse award in each class For more information: apha.com/ywcs • showing@apha.com

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

[ABOVE AND RIGHT] Rod’s Western Palace is your source for all things Western, from apparel and tack to everything in between.

Rod’s Western Palace Official Spur Maker

n these uncertain times, all of us at Rod’s Western Palace are very concerned for the people who have been sick, who have lost loved ones, and who have lost their jobs. Please know that our thoughts are with each and every one of you. While we are all anxious to return to normal, Rod’s is doing our part to keep our employees safe while serving our loyal customers. The office employees are working from home while our warehouse employees are practicing social distancing with additional cleaning being done to ensure safety. We are appreciative of the customers who have continued to support Rods. com with their purchases and their encouraging words during this time. Rod’s Western Palace was established in 1976 by Dan Evans. Dan remained CEO for over two decades before handing the reins to Scott Hartle. Scott began working on the sales floor of Rod’s while he was in college. Soon after, he was promoted

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

to Assistant Manager and then a became a partner in the business in 1988. In 1990, Scott’s father, Charles, joined him to make Rod’s Western Palace their family business. Rod’s has successfully grown over the years through their physical location, catalog and online storefront. Today, Rod’s occupies two stores and two warehouses on approximately six acres in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, Rod’s is a major retailer and sponsor of the All American Quarter Horse Congress as well as a number of regional shows in the Midwest. In late March, Rod’s Western Palace released their newest endeavor: Country Grace. Country Grace is a line of women’s clothing and home décor that celebrates God’s grace and the blessings we share in life and in business because of that grace. Combining country charm with modern style, Country Grace aims to describe your lifestyle while nurturing and empowering your spirit. The cowboy values such as honesty,

hard work and patriotism are what initially attracted Scott to the western industry. Rod’s is the “Official Spur Maker of the National Cutting Horse Association” now but has always had a relationship to the industry. Both Dan Evans and Scott Hartle rode cutting horses, and while Scott does not show anymore, he has always loved going to the barn. This love played a large role in his love for the business. “It’s in our blood to service the horse people and the people who enjoy the western lifestyle,” Scott said.

PHOTOS COURTESY ROD’S WESTERN PALACE

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

The Cattle Saver BY TAYLOR BREEDING

PHOTOS COURTESY THE CATTLE SAVER

s a member of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) since 1977, Dick Thompson understands the cutting horse industry through and through. Dick has over 40 years of experience in raising, training, and showing horses and joined the NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame in 2007. With his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the cutting horse industry, it was easy for Dick to see that there was a need for a training tool as keeping a constant supply of fresh cattle around can be difficult and expensive. To combat this problem, Dick and his wife, Cheryll, created The Cattle Saver in 2014. Designed to provide an affordable, dependable tool to train horses, The Cattle Saver is manufactured by hand in Denton, Texas. Whether you are looking to start a young horse or tune up a seasoned horse for show, The Cattle Saver is the perfect solution. In addition to assembling The Cattle Saver themselves, Dick and Cheryll will hand deliver each product. Each Cattle Saver comes with a one-year warranty, and Dick and Cheryll stand behind every product they make. The Cattle Saver is the most dependable product on the market, but Dick will personally come and fix yours should a customer experience a problem. The Cattle Saver is proud to be used at the practice pen at all NCHA produced shows. While most of their sales occur at the shows, the Thompson’s focus more on being a friendly, welcoming face in the practice pen more than showing off their product. As a sponsor of the NCHA for the past six years, The Cattle Saver would like to say thank you to the NCHA and the members, participants, owners, and trainers that have purchased and used The Cattle Saver product. Dick and Cheryll are looking forward to seeing you at the next show! JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Western Bloodstock Official Sale Company BY TAYLOR BREEDING

estern Bloodstock, LTD was formed in 2000. As he grew up in the cutting horse industry, Jeremy Barwick always looked to Col. Ben Emison, one of the founders of Western Bloodstock, as a great friend and mentor. Jeremy even went to auctioneer school because of Col. Emison. In 2013, Jeremy struck a deal with Ben and Milt Bradford, another Western Bloodstock founder, that offered Jeremy a once in a lifetime opportunity with Western Bloodstock. With years of side by side instruction from Ben and Milt, Jeremy has continued on with the Western Bloodstock legacy as the current owner.

[LEFT TO RIGHT] Col. Steve Friskup, Col. Don Green and Jeremy Barwick. 98

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Western Bloodstock strives to provide the best service to the cutting horse industry by bringing the most value to the seller and the best product

PHOTOS JIM ARNOLD

[LEFT TO RIGHT] Col. Steve Friskup, Col. Wade Cunningham, Jayson Jackson and Jeremy Barwick.

to the buyer with every horse that goes into the sale ring. On the auction block at the sales, Jeremy says he finds himself in the best seat in the house. “There are months of planning each detail and then to be a part of it all collectively working together,” Jeremy says, “it’s one of my favorite aspects of Western Bloodstock.” Additionally, Jeremy enjoys getting to visit with customers and the horses that they are raising and training each year. From weanlings and yearlings to two-year-old and finished horses, Jeremy enjoys seeing the individual horses grow, mature, and build their own show records throughout their career. These moments equate to the building blocks of pedigrees that will eventually be seen in the Western Bloodstock sale catalog pages. Western Bloodstock has found their niche in providing the best market for buyers and sellers of cutting and cow horse bloodlines. The sport of cutting is something Jeremy has always loved. From growing up in the cutting horse industry to training and showing and now breeding and raising his own cutting horses, Jeremy is truly passionate about all aspects of the cutting horse industry. Western Bloodstock is a natural extension of that. With the focal point of the cutting horse, Western Bloodstock is proud to be the “Official Equine Sale Company of the National Cutting Horse Association.”

Nominate your foals today!

IN AVERAGE ADDED MONEY OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS

APOLLO CREED BAMACAT BET HESA CAT BLUE ONE TIME BLUEGRASS CAT BOON A LITTLE BOON SAN BOONS SONSCOOT BROTHER TUFF WOOD CANTEBURY CAT CAT BELUE CAT ICHI CAT MAN BLUE CATS MERADA CATTY HAWK CD DIAMOND CD LIGHTS COOL N HOT COPY CAT -QHC CR GOTCHA COVERED CR HIGHLIGHT DANDY CAT

SUBSCRIBED STALLIONS

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ONE TIME PEPTO ONE TIME ROYALTY PATROAN PEPTO BRO CD PG HEAVILY ARMED PLAYGUN PURDY BOY FLASH PURRN LIKEASMOOTHCAT RASCAL CATS RED HOT METAL REYDIOACTIVE REYS DUAL BADGER REYZIN THE CASH ROCKIN W ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLUES ROLLZ ROYCE SANNMAN SHINEY OUTLAW SIGALA REY SMART ARISTOCRAT SMART TIME PEPTO SMOOTH AS A CAT

SMOOTH TALKIN STYLE SPOTS HOT STEVIE REY VON STUNNED STYLIN WITH PEPTO SWEET LIL PEPTO THE ANIMAL THE BLUEZ MAN THE BOON THE REYL MCCOY THIRD CUTTING THOMAS E HUGHES TOO HOT TO COPY TR DUAL REY WAR BIRD DOG WILEY CAT WOODY BE TUFF WR THIS CATS SMART

V is it our web s ite f or m ore inf orm ation

nchacutting.com

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

McAlister Assets

Triple Crown Title Sponsor of the Unlimited Amateur Division BY TAYLOR BREEDING

business partner, Sharon Beach. Sharon, like Senior, put herself through college to earn multiple degrees. Hydie and Sharon immediately had a friendship, and shortly after meeting, Hydie recruited Sharon to join McAlister Investment Real Estate. In 2018, the pair went on to establish McAlister Assets. In a heavily male-influenced industry, these two women have taken the rail and real estate investment world by storm. Since its inception, McAlister Assets has grown into a successful firm with $106 million in projects under management. Senior passed away in 2018, but Hydie and Sharon proudly continue his legacy today. He was a very philanthropic man, and both women share this passion. McAlister Assets donates the first five percent of the company’s income to philanthropic endeavors. Giving back to a sport that has given them so much, McAlister Assets is proud to sponsor the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Triple Crown Unlimited Amateur division and the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association (PPCHA). Both women continue to regularly compete. In 2019, Hydie was champion of the 5/6-year-old Non-Pro, Limited Non-

Sharon Beach and Hydie McAlister have a passion for business and cutting horses alike.

Pro and Unlimited Amateur classes at the El Rancho Futurity, and Sharon won the 4-year-old Limited Amateur at the PCCHA Futurity & Stakes. McAlister Assets gives back in more ways than one. Both Hydie and Sharon are NCHA Directors, and Sharon has served as Chairman of the Governance Committee for the past four years. She also played a large role in the creation of the first NCHA Collegiate Judging Contest and chaired the 2016 National Youth Cutting Horse Association World Finals and youth week. With a nod to the lessons Senior taught, McAlister Assets is proud to continue to support the National Cutting Horse Association.

[LEFT] Hydie McAlister and Amens Smooth Freckle marked a 220 to win both the 5/6 Unlimited Amateur and the 5/6 Limited Non-Pro at the 2019 El Rancho Futurity [RIGHT] 2019 PCCHA Cutting Stakes Limited Amateur Champion, Sharon Beach riding Smart And Lethal. 100

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT: COURTESY MCALISTER ASSETS; BOTTOM LEFT: CUTTING HORSE CENTRAL

strong company starts with a strong foundation. The foundation of McAlister Assets, a real estate and rail served industrial park investment firm, began years before the company did with Jim McAlister Sr., affectionately referred to as Senior. Senior was known as a hardworking man putting both his brother and himself through college. With a strong sense of vision and experience through master planning The Woodlands, Texas under George Mitchell, Senior started his own successful real estate investment company in 1973. Carrying his success into all aspects of life, Senior and his wife, Rhetta, were both successful in quarter horse performance competition and passed along this passion to their daughter, Hydie. Hydie and Senior shared more than a love of horses; they shared a love of business. In 2008, they created McAlister Investment Real Estate. Whether in horses or in business, Senior instilled the importance of passion, hard work, fairness, and most importantly, enjoyment of what you do. It was horses – cutting horses – that would introduce Hydie to her next

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Hank FM carriage passing The Ranch office during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) parade.

95.9 The Ranch 92.1 Hank FM BY TAYLOR BREEDING

PHOTOS COURTESY THE RANCH/HANK FM

undance Square in Fort Worth, Texas is home to two wildly popular local radio stations: 95.9 The Ranch and 92.1 Hank FM. Owned by the same independent radio group, LKCM Media, these two sister stations have built a solid brand with loyal and passionate listeners over the past 18 years. While both radio stations focus on superserving the greater Fort Worth area, they do have different focuses when it comes to

the music they play. The Ranch focuses on the unique Texas country and Americana music of primarily independent artists, whereas Hank FM plays only the greatest country music hits from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. The popularity of Hank FM has led the radio group to recently open a second Hank FM station simulcasting in the Wichita Falls, Texas area on FM 95.5. Both radio stations have found a successful marriage between tradition and innovation. With digital showcase

studios on Main Street in Fort Worth, they deliver content over 100,000watt FM radio. Additionally, an app was created that allows the stations to share Texas culture and music for listeners to enjoy around the world. Approaching 1,000,000 downloads, this app has been a huge success. The station is sincerely committed to their deep North Central Texas roots and made appearances on location over 700 times last year. The people – both listeners and employees – and the culture truly set The Ranch and Hank FM apart. The Ranch and Hank FM have more in common with the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) than both calling Fort Worth, Texas home. The radio station actually has their own horse on staff, complete with his own business cards and Facebook page. Chuko RanchHorse is owned by The Ranch’s popular midday host, Malone, and makes regular appearances in the community. Continuing with their vast community involvement, the radio stations have maintained a strong relationship with the NCHA since 2003, supporting all three NCHA Triple Crown events in Fort Worth, as well as the Celebrity Cutting hosted by the Careity Foundation that is held during the NCHA Futurity. “We’re very committed to this community and North Central Texas,” Gerry Schlegel, President of LKCM Media, said. “We live here, we raise our families here, and we’ve got really great people in our employees, our listeners, our stakeholders, and our customers.”

[LEFT TO RIGHT] Malone, popular mid-day host at The Ranch. • Malone riding in the Celebrity Cutting. • Chuko RanchHorse and Malone at the FWSSR parade. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

BY MARK DUNLAP

ince the early 1950’s, M. L. Leddy’s been involved with the cutting horse industry. Leddy’s has made saddles for Buster Welch, J.T. Fisher, Matlock Rose, and many of the notable figures of the early days of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), as well as many of the current champion cutters of today. Leddy’s began building boots and saddles in the early 1920s in Brady, Texas. In 1936, Leddy’s moved to San Angelo, Texas to begin expanding its operation and footprint in Texas. Leddy’s began its Fort Worth, Texas operation, located in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, in 1941. Leddy’s has enjoyed a long relationship with the NCHA and its members,

[LEFT] M.L. Leddy’s owner, Wilson Franklin. [RIGHT] The iconic Leddy’s sign located at their Fort Worth Stockyards location. 102

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

traveling to many shows and events throughout the United States. Although we no longer attending as many events, Leddy’s continues to be supportive of the NCHA through providing year end saddle

PHOTOS COURTESY ML LEDDY’S

M.L. Leddy’s

awards at the NCHA Futurity and World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. M. L. Leddy’s has continually been supportive of the NCHA. Our annual contribution to the NCHA is well over $50,000 annually, and we have always honored our commitments to the association. Additionally, Leddy’s has and always will continue to provide the finest products available, whether it is our handmade boots, saddles, and leather products or products from our hat program, custom tailored clothing for both men and women, and handcrafted buckles and belts. We are extremely proud of the commitment to service made by every employee of this company. Many of our employees have worked a majority of their careers with Leddy’s, showing pride in the product and building enduring relationships with the repeat customers that buy our products either in our stores, online, or an event. Leddy’s is third generation company owned by M.L. Leddy’s grandson, Wilson Franklin and his wife, Martha. All saddles are made in the Fort Worth location and we invite our customers to come by to see the great products we make. The M.L. Leddy handmade boots are still made in our San Angelo boot shop and tours of the shop are available. Custom boot measures are available in both locations. If quality products and great service are important to you, we hope you will come visit our stores in the near future. We thank you for your business.

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Holiday Inn Express Fort Worth Downtown

PHOTOS COURTESY HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS FORT WORTH DOWNTOWN

BY TAYLOR BREEDING

hether you are coming to Fort Worth, Texas for one of the National Cutting Horse Association’s (NCHA) Triple Crown events or are coming for a weekend getaway, the Holiday Inn Express Fort Worth Downtown offers the perfect location and friendly staff to meet all of your accommodation needs. Centrally located in Fort Worth, functioning like the heartbeat of the city, guests can get to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the Cultural District, Texas Christian University, the Convention Center, Downtown, and of course, Will Rogers Coliseum within a ten minute or less drive from the hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Fort Worth Downtown has just completed a multimillion dollar renovation, so guests are visiting a like-new hotel during their stay. Hotel amenities including an indoor pool, spacious rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast. Holiday Inn Express is able to mix the uniqueness of the city of Fort Worth with the convenience and high standards of the IHG brand. The IHG brand is committed to delivering true hospitality to all of their guests. The Holiday Inn Express Fort Worth Downtown has been home to both NCHA staff and judges during the NCHA Triple Crown events for many years. After years of seeing familiar

faces, the Holiday Inn Express staff says it feels like family coming to visit. Holiday Inn Express looks forward to seeing you on your next visit to Fort Worth, the Cty of Cowboys and Culture.

JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores Official Fuel Stop and Travel Center BY TAYLOR BREEDING

committed to providing their customers with “Clean Places, Friendly Faces” at every stop. Each time you stop into one of Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, you’ll be greeted with the trademark “Welcome to Love’s!” For over 55 years, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores has provided professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to stop. With gasoline, diesel fuel, fresh coffee, restaurants and more, there is something for every traveler at Love’s.

PHOTOS COURTESY LOVES TRAVEL STOPS

ounded in 1964 in Watonga, Oklahoma by Tom and Judy Love, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores remains family owned and operated to this day. Since its establishment, Love’s has grown to include over 510 locations in 41 states across the United States. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores employs more than 26,000 team members from coast to coast. The team members at Love’s are

To continue to meet their customer’s needs, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores are constantly adding more services and amenities such as fenced in dog parks and the addition of healthy, fresh-to-go food options. Love’s understands that convenience and timeliness are necessities when spending time on the road and has created the Love’s Connect mobile app to get their customers back on the road quickly and safely while saving them money. Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores knows that cutting horse riders, trainers and owners spend countless hours and miles traveling to shows across the country. They are proud to be the “Official Fuel Stop and Travel Center of the National Cutting Horse Association.” Stop in to one of Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores on your next trip across America’s highways to see their Highway Hospitality for yourself.

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Seth, left, and Ted Petit.

Video West Productions Official Photographer and Videographer BY TAYLOR BREEDING

106

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Videographer and Photographer of the NCHA,” Video West Productions fully covers the NCHA produced events. Video West Productions is unique in that both Ted and Seth can simultaneously shoot photographs while videoing a run. This allows them to cover events that otherwise would only have a videographer or a photographer, but not both. It takes a lot of practice to capture both photo and video at the same time. Seth jokes that playing video games growing up helped his brain to be able to click multiple buttons at the same time. With all the photos and videos they capture, record keeping is of high priority to Video West Productions. All photography and video footage since 2014 has been digitized and is readily accessible any time the customer requests it. Seth never thought that he would be where he is today in such a short time. On being the official photographer and videographer at the 2019 NCHA World Finals Seth said, “sitting here going

wait a minute, this has never happened before and I’m the one doing it. It was a lot of fun, for sure.” From humble beginnings in a feedlot in Bakersfield, California to covering the largest events in the cutting horse industry across the country, Video West Productions has grown to be a household name.

Seth, left, and Ted Petit.

PHOTOS COURTESY VIDEO WEST PRODUCTIONS

ideo West Productions was founded by Bear Waters over 30 years ago. Al, Bear’s brother, primarily ran the business until his passing in 2005. At the same time, Ted Petit was getting into photography, specifically photographing cutting horses in the Bakersfield, California area and was looking to begin his business. As fate would have it, Bear and Ted got connected and Ted purchased Video West Productions. Ted started videoing shows in Bakersfield and recruited his son, Seth, to help with the content editing process. Ted also starting videoing the PCCHA events in 2005 and has been videoing for them ever since. Joining the business full time in 2016, Seth quickly developed his videography and photography skills. After catching the eye of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), Video West Productions was recruited to video the Triple Crown Events beginning in 2014. Now, as the “Official

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University.

SpringHill Suites Official Host Hotel BY TAYLOR BREEDING

PHOTOS COURTESY SPRINGHILL SUITES/MARRIOTT

nterestingly enough, J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott began the Marriott brand not in hotels, but as a root beer stand in Washington D.C. in 1927. This root beer stand quickly grew into a successful restaurant franchise known as Hot Shoppes. In 1957, after 30 years of the successful restaurant franchise, Marriott made an unprecedented shift into the hospitality and hotel business. Bill, J. Willard’s son, was the manager of the world’s first motor hotel in Arlington, Virginia. This proved to be a steppingstone for Bill to eventually become CEO of Marriott International. Under the leadership of Bill, Marriott International has flourished to include over 30 distinct brands and more than 7,000 properties across 131 countries and territories around the world while staying true to the guiding principle of the A&W root beer stand: good food and good service at a fair price.

One of Marriott’s many properties is the SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University located in Fort Worth, Texas. Sitting near to both Texas Christian University and Sundance Square, SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University is surrounded by local hot spots that present an abundance of dining, shopping, and entertainment options for guests to enjoy.

With its close proximity to Will Rogers Coliseum, SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University has been a natural partner with the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) since the hotel opened. “It is the highlight of our year when we get to welcome NCHA members into the hotel,” said Hank Lattimore, General Manager. Whether guests are looking for somewhere to stay for one night or for the entirety of the NCHA Triple Crown events, SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University hopes to be your home away from home when travels bring you to Fort Worth, Texas.

The A&W Root Beer franchise grew to become Hot Shoppes in 1927. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

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NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Official Beef Cattle Nutrition Partner BY TAYLOR BREEDING

s a growing company, Livestock Nutrition Center (LNC) has the unique ability to provide their customers with a small company feel but the resources of a larger company. Focusing on consultative sales and honestly assessing a customer’s options based on their specific feeding scenario, LNC creates custom feeding programs based on solid nutrition that is backed by proven science.

Livestock Nutrition Center’s approach can be described in three words: custom, nutrition, service. The staff at LNC is here to serve people, not just sell them a product. Focusing on building customer relationships, Livestock Nutrition Center has helped customers in ways that go beyond the scope of their business. From discussing cattle health and markets to technology and equipment, and of

{LEFT] Customer visit in Cameron, Texas. [RIGHT] Dave Stewart, NCHA professional trainer, and Cody McLeod, LNC Area Sales Manager. 108

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

PHOTOS COURTESY LIVESTOCK NUTRITION CENTER

Livestock Nutrition Center

course nutrition, LNC has many customers that will call up the staff just to talk cattle in general. “To me, that says a lot about our business model as well as the kind of people we employ,” said Cody McLeod, Area Sales Manager. One thing many customers do not realize is that Livestock Nutrition Center offers a full range of products in addition to custom blend feed. “Anything a cow eats, we can touch,” says a member of the management team. We provide commodities, grain, roughage, protein tubs, minerals, cubes, and more. By offering these products, Livestock Nutrition Center has the unique opportunity to tailor nutrition programs to the individual producer based not only on their needs and goals, but on their existing resources too. It is no secret that cutters need cattle. “In my mind, every cutting horse operation essentially serves as an independent preconditioning operation or grow yard,” said McLeod. Cattle in this phase of production are at the very core of the Livestock Nutrition Center business, so it is easy to see how LNC and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) are a natural fit. The partnership between LNC and NCHA began a few years ago when LNC started feeding cattle for the NCHA Triple Crown events. Today, Livestock Nutrition Center is proud to continue its relationship with the NCHA as the “Official Beef Cattle Nutrition Partner.”

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Platinum Performance Official Corporate Partner BY LAUREN THOMPSON

latinum Performance® was created out of clinical necessity by Dr. Doug Herthel at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in 1996. A true pioneer in the veterinary profession, he was always looking for a better way to not only practice medicine but also find answers to the complex problems being faced by veterinarians. As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Herthel created a threeprong approach to healing which included stem cell therapy, hyperbaric oxygen and nutrition. Looking to improve both the quality and speed

[ABOVE] Platinum Performance Advisors. [RIGHT] Platinum Performance’s office and manufacturing facility in Buellton, California. 110

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

of healing, he developed Platinum Performance® Equine to support his patients after surgery. Platinum Performance® Equine is our original foundation formula and the cornerstone to who we are as a company. Because of the comprehensive nature of this formula, the ingredients work synergistically to transform health at the cellular level. Platinum Performance was so successful in his own practice, Dr. Herthel wanted other veterinarians and horse owners to benefit from the formula that could help address so many areas of equine health.

PHOTOS COURTESY PLATINUM PERFORMANCE

Doug Herthel, DVM (1946 – 2018), Founder of Platinum Performance, Inc.

It is because of our company’s heritage that Platinum Performance formulas are only available directly for Platinum Performance or veterinarians still today. After over two decades of clinical experience and results, we know that good nutrition is good medicine and can make a significant difference in a horse’s health and performance and impact the effectiveness of other veterinary therapies. It is because of this that we always recommend discussing nutritional decisions together with your veterinarian. Everything at Platinum begins and ends with our clients and their horses. We love horses and we are all horse owners and care takers too. Being able to understand first-hand that love and passion that we share with our clients and to have the ability to help them make decisions that will keep their horses healthy or help solve an issue— that’s everyone’s favorite part. Platinum Performance has an unwavering commitment to quality, and equally as important, to our clients, always putting efficacy first. All of the raw ingredients that we use are expertly sourced and selected for effectiveness. In every step of the process, from raw ingredients to finished formulas, the product is tested and tested again. Platinum Performance has been a corporate partner of the National Cutting Horse Association since 2006. We feel honored to have served the cutting community for so many years and to have the opportunity to continue into the future. We value being a trusted partner that helps riders and their veterinarians achieve their goals in cutting and many equestrian sports.

NCHA SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

2019 filly by Dual Rey out of the mare Little Dirty Deeds.

Holy Cow Performance Horses

Title Sponsor of the NCHA Youth World Finals and NCHA Youth Judging Contest BY TAYLOR BREEDING

R PHOTOS COURTESY HOLY COW PERFORMANCE HORSES

aised on the San Lucas Ranch in Santa Ynez, California, Nancy Crawford-Hall has been around horses her entire life. Her grandmother purchased the ranch in 1924, and the family will celebrate their 100th branding at the beautiful ranch in four short years. Though she did not begin riding herself until she was 42 years of age, Nancy has always had a keen eye for horses. Nancy established Holy Cow Performance Horses, LLC in 1999. Shortly

after, she purchased her first horse – a cutter – who unfortunately was injured before making it to the futurity. After making some adjustments and shifting her immediate focus to reined cowhorses, Nancy purchased a two-year-old mare, Sheza Shinette. This mare, shown by Sandy Collier, went on to win the American Quarter Horse Association Junior Working Cowhorse World Title in 2002. After returning home from the world show, Sheza Shinette nearly died. She was

in the intensive care unit for three months. Nancy credits the late Dr. Doug Herthel for saving her mare’s life. After the mare recovered, Nancy decided to breed her to preserve the bloodlines. Sheza Shinette is now 21 years old and has solidly established herself as the top producer in the reined cowhorse industry. Though wildly successful with reined cowhorses, Nancy’s first love has always been cutting. The first horse she ever rode was an 18-year-old cutting horse, Sugs Classy, owned by the late, great John Rockey. “To ride a cutting horse, there is nothing like it,” says Nancy. Unfortunately, a neck injury halted Nancy’s riding career, but her passion is as strong as ever. “I had to change my focus,” Nancy said. “Since I couldn’t ride anymore, I hired the best trainers and bred the best horses. I’ve been extraordinarily lucky and have met some fabulous people along the way.” In 2012, Holy Cow Performance Horses, LLC expanded to include a Weatherford, Texas division in the heart of the cutting industry where Nancy resides today. Not only does Nancy’s operation breed, train and show cutting horses, but they are supportive of the industry as a whole. Holy Cow Performance Horses, LLC is the title sponsor of the National Cutting Horse Association Youth World Finals and Judging Contest. Holy Cow Performance Horses, LLC was formed with the intention of creating the best-bred animals one could make. This has always been Nancy’s passion, and it’s safe to say that she has succeeded.

[LEFT] 2019 colt by Hes Shinettes CD out of the mare RBR Lady Boon. [RIGHT] 2020 colt by Smooth As A Cat out of the mare Sheza Dancingdiamond. JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

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NCHA WORLD STANDINGS

Pictured below: 1. Kreepin Cat 3. Sir Long Legs 4. Metallic Cash Flo 5. Peepaboo 6. Somethingtobelievein 7. Dual Reys Magic 9. Moms Stylish Player 10. This Isa Third 13. Hott Nu Cowboy 14. Superfly 15. CR WRS Royal Tee

TOP 50 OPEN

Pictures of Top 15 contestants who are not shown should be mailed to: Cutting Horse Chatter, NCHA, 260 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107 or e-mail to NCHAproduction@morris.com Results Processed through 05/04/20

1. KREEPIN CAT {G}, MARK SENN, AUGUSTA, GA, 12 shows, 19. CHECK COUNTER {S}, FIVE STAR LAND AND LIVESTOCK, $16,201.66, ridden by CRAIG THOMPSON. WILTON, CA, 7 shows, $5,416.31, ridden by STEVE SCHLESINGER. 2. PEDEL TO THE METALL {S}, FAITH MOUNTAIN RANCH, HOUSTON, TX, 17 shows, $13,627.45, ridden by 20. SPOONFULLA CAT {G}, JONATHAN & JUDY ROGERS, ASCENCION BANUELOS; COOKIE BANUELOS. ROCKDALE, TX, 4 shows, $4,796.24, ridden by 3. SIR LONG LEGS {S}, LEW HALL, LAKELAND, FL, 7 shows, JONATHAN ROGERS. $13,588.03, ridden by AUSTIN SHEPARD. 21. A TALE OF THE CAT {S}, ATOC PARTNERS LLC, HICO , TX, 4. METALLIC CASH FLO {M}, E T JONES, DALLAS, TX, 12 7 shows, $4,737.73, ridden by RANDY CHARTIER. shows, $12,360.81, ridden by BRETT DAVIS. 22. METALLICS MVP {S}, BILLY WOLF, WHITESBORO, TX, 3 5. PEEPABOO {M}, ALEXA STENT, ALEDO, TX, 15 shows, shows, $4,459.34, ridden by BEAU GALYEAN. $11,942.89, ridden by PAUL HANSMA. 23. SOME KINDA HIGHBROW {G}, MICHELLE LEMASTER, 6. SOMETHINGTOBELIEVEIN {M}, BRETT & JODY LAS VEGAS, NV, 8 shows, $4,361.34, ridden by GAVIN MCGLOTHLIN, PERRIN, TX, 5 shows, $11,264.18, ridden by JORDAN. BRETT MCGLOTHLIN. 24. SWEAT SON {S}, DAVID HOUSE, TULSA, OK, 7 shows, 7. DUAL REYS MAGIC {G}, GERALD GILLOCK, LAS VEGAS, NV, $4,261.17, ridden by ANDY SHERRERD. 15 shows, $10,793.03, ridden by TODD BIMAT. 25. REYNING CATS {M}, JERRY & SUZANNE RAVA, PASO 8. LITTLE JACKSON CAT {M}, DAWN CHAPMAN, CHANDLER, ROBLES, CA, 4 shows, $4,178.64, ridden by RUSS AZ, 15 shows, $10,566.19, ridden by MIKE WOOD. WESTFALL. 9. MOMS STYLISH PLAYER {G}, ROBERT TREGEMBA, 26. WATCH ME NAE NAE {M}, FAZENDA BARRINHA LAWRENCE, KS, 11 shows, $8,673.06, ridden by KENNETH CORPORATION, WEATHERFORD, TX, 7 shows, $3,954.03, PLATT. ridden by ARMANDO COSTA NETO. 10. THIS ISA THIRD {G}, CHRISTINE KING, SCOTTSDALE, AZ, 27. METALLIC ALLEY {M}, DENNIS LEVERING, 11 shows, $7,940.79, ridden by MIKE WOOD. COTTONTOWN, TN, 5 shows, $3,853.08, ridden by 11. BLUES HOT {G}, DON & G ROSE JOHNSON, WADDELL, AZ, JAMES BRADLEY MITCHELL. 10 shows, $7,373.11, ridden by CODY LAMONT. 28. PARADOX CAT {S}, SHANNON LAMB, GAINESVILLE, TX, 6 12. ONE ALLEY CAT {S}, TOM WATSON, OVERLAND PARK, shows, $3,735.56, ridden by GAYLON WELLS. KS, 7 shows, $7,248.42, ridden by GAVIN JORDAN. 13. HOTT NU COWBOY {G}, CIRCLE R CUTTING HORSES LLC, 29. CREY ZEE {M}, KEVIN & SYDNEY KNIGHT, WEATHERFORD, TX, 3 shows, $3,544.05, ridden by OCALA, FL, 7 shows, $7,089.14, ridden by CULLEN TATUM RICE. CHARTIER. 14. SUPERFLY {G}, KT RANCH LLC, ROOSEVELT, UT, 2 shows, 30. CAT A REY {S}, BARBARA BROOKS, NASHVILLE, TN, 5 shows, $3,505.22, ridden by JESSIE PRITCHARD. $5,934.68, ridden by CODY LAMONT. 31. DUAL REYISH {S}, BILLY WOLF, WHITESBORO, TX, 4 15. CR WRS ROYAL TEE {G}, ROCKING P RANCH LLC, FORT shows, $3,394.72, ridden by AUSTIN SHEPARD. WORTH, TX, 8 shows, $5,833.27, ridden by JESSE 32. DRAGGIN A HAWK {G}, BRENT & SHERI KUEHNY, LENNOX. ELMORE CITY, OK, 4 shows, $3,267.35, ridden by ROWDY 16. REYSIN AUTUMN {M}, COYOTE ROCK RANCH LLC, LARSON. TERREBONNE, OR, 11 shows, $5,538.24, ridden by TIM 33. LIL METALLIC CAT {S}, J & L PERFORMANCE HORSES SMITH. LLC, HACKBERRY, LA, 6 shows, $3,046.47, ridden by 17. SHOW BIZ KIT KAT {M}, SUSAN HANSELMAN, PIEDMONT, CHRISTIAN MILLER; HAYDEN UPTON. OK, 8 shows, $5,498.99, ridden by NATHEN ANDERSON. 34. A DUAL NAMED SUE {M}, COWAN RANCH LLC, PAYSON, AZ, 5 shows, $3,012.11, ridden by TOSTEN 18. CREYZY TRAIN {M}, RONALD KNUTSON, SPOKANE, WA, 8 shows, $5,433.69, ridden by CASEY CROUCH. PETERSON. More than 96% of the horses competing in NCHA events are Registered American Quarter Horses 112

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

35. METALLIC BOOM {S}, DECORDOVA CATTLE CO, GROSEBECK, TX, 4 shows, $2,998.10, ridden by ED FLYNN. 36. SEVEN S SILKY CAT {M}, TERRY FORST, WAURIKA, OK, 5 shows, $2,805.16, ridden by BOYD RICE. 37. TALIATE {G}, SHANNON LAMB, GAINESVILLE, TX, 6 shows, $2,700.50, ridden by CASEY GREEN. 38. METALLIC TRACKS {G}, BILL CARTER, MOUNDS, OK, 4 shows, $2,695.27, ridden by ANDY SHERRERD. 39. ROLLZ ROYCE {S}, THOMAS GUINN, PHILADELPHIA, MS, 3 shows, $2,685.23, ridden by BEAU GALYEAN. 40. CANDY GIRL (U) {M}, SANDERO RANCH LTD, LAC LA BICHE , AB, 5 shows, $2,662.22, ridden by ROPER CURTISS. 41. JUNIE BOB JONES {M}, LINDA WILSON, YOAKUM, TX, 2 shows, $2,654.10, ridden by KATHY DAUGHN. 42. COOL CAT DUAL REY {S}, GLEN NELSON, MESA, AZ, 6 shows, $2,578.32, ridden by JADE KELLER. 43. LITTLE REY WHIRLACAT {S}, BARBARA ALLSUP, CLOVIS, NM, 5 shows, $2,576.63, ridden by W BRANCH. 44. COOL N HOT {S}, KOBIE & PAULA WOOD, STEPHENVILLE, TX, 4 shows, $2,572.10, ridden by KOBIE WOOD. 45. HEVVY METAL {G}, JERRY & PATTI GANN, LEIGHTON, AL, 4 shows, $2,511.11, ridden by TODD GANN. 46. JUAN TIME {G}, BOBBIE KAY DAVIS, TEMPLETON, CA, 4 shows, $2,392.44, ridden by BRENT ERICKSON; MORGAN CROMER. 47. EIGHT MILE {S}, NANCY BURKES, HIBBING, MN, 3 shows, $2,392.32, ridden by J P BELL. 48. CATTYS HOPE {M}, ROSE VALLEY RANCH, WEATHERFORD, TX, 4 shows, $2,307.53, ridden by MICHAEL COOPER; R L CHARTIER. 49. PEPSI BOON {S}, JERRY & LUANN JEFFRIES, NAYLOR, MO, 6 shows, $2,292.37, ridden by RYAN MOORE. 50. BOWMERANG {G}, PETER & NORA STENT, GARDNERVILLE, NV, 2 shows, $2,246.56, ridden by PAUL HANSMA.

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For information on becoming a member visit www.nchacutting.com

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bobbie.cook@morris.com JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

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NCHA WORLD STANDINGS

TOP 50 NON-PRO

Pictured below: 1. Mary Jo Milner 2. Cheyenne Johnson 3. Alexa Stent 4. Susan R Dunne 6. Carol Anderson Ward 9. Michelle Cowan 10. Lucchese Johnson 11. John Kratzer 13. Jennifer Palmer 14. Elizabeth Quirk 15. Jill Roth

1. MARY JO MILNER, SOUTHLAKE, TX, 17 shows, $18,577.59, (LITTLE PEPTO CAT).

18. MADALYN COLGROVE, BOLIGEE, AL, 5 shows, $5,121.41, (SMOOTH MAGICK; SWEET BABY MARIE).

35. WILLIAM MOORE, WILLISTON, FL, 4 shows, $3,177.88, (CATSCRATCH SISTER; SMARRT LIL PEPTO).

2. CHEYENNE JOHNSON, PINE LEVEL, AL, 7 shows, $14,056.88, (CR TUFF BOO BEAR).

19. G ROSE JOHNSON, WADDELL, AZ, 8 shows, $5,105.33, (BLUES HOT).

36. PAGE BOWMAN, SIMPSONVILLE, KY, 5 shows, $3,029.33, (DUAL SMART FELINA; SWEET AUTUMN BOON).

3. ALEXA STENT, ALEDO, TX, 13 shows, $10,084.32, (BOWMERANG; PEEPABOO). 4. SUSAN R DUNNE, CLINTON, NC, 11 shows, $9,754.13, (HAL RAISER). 5. DAWN CHAPMAN, CHANDLER, AZ, 16 shows, $9,255.84, (CLAYS LITTLE KIT CAT; LITTLE JACKSON CAT). 6. CAROL ANDERSON WARD, RANCHO MURIETA, CA, 6 shows, $8,967.10, (CRAFTY WITH COWS). 7. BLAKE GRAHAM, ROCKLEDGE, GA, 5 shows, $8,778.60, (LEGAL DREAM). 8. JODY MCGLOTHLIN, PERRIN, TX, 9 shows, $8,018.51, (SOMETHINGTOBELIEVEIN). 9. MICHELLE COWAN, ARDMORE, OK, 12 shows, $7,893.90, (LITE THESE KATZ UP; SHES FULL OF HOPE). 10. LUCCHESE JOHNSON, TULIA, TX, 13 shows, $7,028.18, (DESIRES ROLEX; YALL IM COUNTIN). 11. JOHN KRATZER, DALLAS, TX, 9 shows, $6,785.52, (PLAYIN HEAVY METAL). 12. HALEY STRADLING, LINDELL BEACH , BC, 3 shows, $6,560.12, (SWAMPWARE). 13. JENNIFER PALMER, WEATHERFORD, TX, 6 shows, $6,506.64, (NIKI BLUE). 14. ELIZABETH QUIRK, DENHAM SPRINGS, LA, 5 shows, $6,408.48, (CATILLAC REYS). 15. JILL ROTH, PASO ROBLES, CA, 7 shows, $6,279.34, (BEA PURE CAT). 16. GLEN NELSON, MESA, AZ, 11 shows, $5,908.63, (COOL CAT DUAL REY). 17. ALANNAH CHALMERS, WEATHERFORD, TX, 8 shows, $5,481.68, (SMOOTH VERY SMOOTH).

20. CADE SHEPARD, SUMMERDALE, AL, 4 shows, $5,050.48, (BARNEY ROSS; CHEXY LOUELLA). 21. MARK SENN, AUGUSTA, GA, 1 shows, $5,023.60, (KREEPIN CAT). 22. SUSAN HANSELMAN, PIEDMONT, OK, 9 shows, $4,823.25, (SHOW BIZ KIT KAT). 23. DENISE SEIZ, CEDARTOWN, GA, 4 shows, $4,780.68, (WILLIE J REY). 24. JAMES FIGIEL, WEATHERFORD, TX, 8 shows, $4,662.44, (RUE DU ICHI). 25. KATHERINE WHITBY, RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA, 6 shows, $4,587.06, (DUAL RIDER). 26. CHAD BUSHAW, WEATHERFORD, TX, 6 shows, $4,263.11, (BITTERSWEET; LHR ROYAL FLUSH; METALLIC SEA REY; VELVETS REVOLVER). 27. HOLLY JACKSON MUENCH, MARIETTA, OK, 7 shows, $4,244.40, (CD PRETTY CAT). 28. KRISTIN HAHN, BRENHAM, TX, 3 shows, $4,066.81, (LIGHT BLUE SMOOTHY). 29. ROBERT PARSONS, CONGERVILLE, IL, 6 shows, $3,597.62, (BP IRON MAN; TERRIS QUESO CAT). 30. BLAKLEY COLGROVE, BOLIGEE, AL, 2 shows, $3,523.35, (CAT MAN BLUE). 31. JUDY ROGERS, ROCKDALE, TX, 4 shows, $3,486.30, (SPOONFULLA CAT). 32. KYLIE KNIGHT RICE, WEATHERFORD, TX, 4 shows, $3,432.08, (REYHANNON).

CUTTING HORSE CHATTER • JUNE 2020

38. JANET WESTFALL, GRANBURY, TX, 2 shows, $2,968.97, (LAGUNA GIRL). 39. BONNIE MARTIN, LAS VEGAS, NV, 2 shows, $2,890.81, (REYSIN KITTENS). 40. COLETTE BENSON, LAC LA BICHE , AB, 6 shows, $2,614.39, (CANDY GIRL (U)). 41. GAVIN CALLAHAN, MC CONNELLS, SC, 2 shows, $2,511.98, (TIME N TEQUILA). 42. TAMMY JONES, WICHITA FALLS, TX, 5 shows, $2,428.07, (JAZAREY). 43. JORDAN ELIZABETH THOMPSON, MEMPHIS, TN, 3 shows, $2,355.66, (SDP LIL ICHI MADDIE). 44. AMBER WILSON CZISNY, MARIETTA, OK, 3 shows, $2,319.64, (COLDSTONE CAT). 45. KAREN BRODY, SANTA BARBARA, CA, 6 shows, $2,272.20, (SMOOTH CLASSICAL). 46. LACHLAN PERKS, WEATHERFORD, TX, 2 shows, $2,269.20, (METALLIC JACK). 47. MEGAN SKINNER PINE, DANDRIDGE, TN, 5 shows, $2,216.23, (AHH MOMMA MIA; MK HALS SMOOTH GIRL). 48. MARK TIMOTHY SIMPSON, DRY RIDGE, KY, 2 shows, $2,129.27, (SUPEREY).

33. MICHELLE LEMASTER, LAS VEGAS, NV, 5 shows, $3,342.52, (SOME KINDA HIGHBROW).

49. NATALIE RECTOR, ROGERSVILLE, MO, 5 shows, $2,120.12, (PS MAGGIE POO; SMOOTH REYN).

34. MAURA COSTA, WEATHERFORD, TX, 5 shows, $3,247.76, (BILL OREYLLY).

50. LISA HALDANE, PHOENIX, AZ, 4 shows, $2,108.36, (REYDIRKULOUS; STYLISH SCOTTI).

More than 96% of the horses competing in NCHA events are Registered American Quarter Horses 114

37. RYANN PACKARD, MINERAL WELLS, TX, 4 shows, $3,021.10, (HIGH STYLIN CD).

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Merrill: It’s still hard to believe that something like this could happen to us. You see all the unfortunate things overseas and in third-world countries, and then we’re over here living the life and don’t ever think that anything could happen to us. Then this happens and kind of shuts everything down. It’s just how fast everything can happen. It’s crazy. Miller: The most surprising is how fast the economy shut down. That would be the most surprising, and the most scary—just how quickly everything shut down.

What has this experience taught you? Blakesley: That’s kind of a big question, that might take a little more thought. I’m sure I’ve learned several things out of it. Probably to be a little more financially prepared. Maybe hold back a little more cash. This time I’m one of the fortunate ones where it’s not hit me harder, not yet anyway. A person might sure enough want to be prepared for something like this. Brewer: Just to appreciate everything and the people you have around you. When you don’t get to go see your friends or coworkers. I think you appreciate the people around you more. We see my parents every day, but I know it’s been very scary for them. Carroll: I think you just have to not take anything for granted [just] because things are kind of good and going in a good direction. I don’t think you’re necessarily waiting for something bad to happen, but you definitely need to capitalize on the good times. And make sure that you’re doing things the right way all the time, [in case] something like this does happen, I’m not patting myself on the back, but I think because I’ve treated my customers very fairly and been very diligent in doing that, [so] I think that’s probably why they’re more likely to take care of me when the time comes. I think it’s just reiterated that that’s definitely very important.

Chartier: I guess a lot of patience, just being able to be home and spend time on the colts and make them grow. Even patience with your kids. It’s helped everybody grow up just a little more. I think that it’ll all go by us at some point, hopefully, but that’s just what I think. It might take longer than some people hope, but it’ll pass. Miller: It’s taught me that you never take anything for granted. And you have to be a little prepared. We live in such a good area where we are. Everything’s kind of run along, other than you don’t go out to eat on the weekends. You stay home, so you have to plan for things like that. We have to feel pretty fortunate. We’ve gone through this COVID-19, we’ve been shut down. But we’re still pretty blessed to be able to have all the things we still have and do.

What are your expectations for the remainder of the year? Brewer: I expect that there’s going to be some very, very well-trained colts for the small futurities and for Fort Worth! I didn’t feel the pressure of “hurry up and go” because we were trying to get ready for a horse show also. A lot of colts [have] come on a lot stronger a lot sooner than they normally would. Quite a few of mine are farther along [than] where they would normally be in July or August, and it’s May. We see videos on Facebook and a lot of these colts looks like they’re ready to show right now. It takes somebody to realize that we have to back off. There’s no way that we can hold them at this level for another six [or] seven months. They can’t mentally or physically take it. I have a colt that’s been mature for a very long time and it took my husband to remind me, “You can’t keep him at this level, you’ve got to slow down.” So we’ve slowed back down, go do a walk, go do trail rides, just to keep their minds fresh and their bodies from getting sore. Carroll: I just want to get back out there as soon as possible. I’ve got a mare that I’m going to try to get in the Top 15 of the $5,000 Novice. I think the sooner we can get back to normal, the

better. I know that there’s some things precaution-wise that we can do, but I think if you just give people a chance to make some common sense-based decisions for themselves, I think things will work itself out. So just really looking for the shows to open up and just move forward as normal as possible the rest of the year and try to finish out the year the best we can. Industries like ours, we’re a drop in the bucket compared to the overall big picture, but you get us out, moving around, and get rigs on the road, get people filling up with diesel and spending money at restaurants again, just us, our little group just in itself getting out on the road, then that’s just gonna help everybody. Chartier: My expectations aren’t any different [than usual]. You try to get these 3-year-olds prepared for the Futurity and for the future. Obviously, the Futurity is not the last show, it’s the first show they’re going to go to, but that’s obviously our main show and everybody tries to get prepared for that and do the best they can there. Miller: I know people are getting antsy about going [to shows]. I have, just in the last few days, allowed some of my customers to come work their horses. My customers are all out of state. They come from Wyoming and Montana, and I’ve not let them come. They’ve all been really good about understanding that part. We’re waiting to see what NCHA and the government [says], when we can kind of free up and start moving around a little bit. We do have some cuttings that are scheduled throughout Montana, Utah and Idaho, so as soon as we’re able to move around I know there’s going to be shows. I’m hoping for our fall futurities. I like to go to those futurities, and I’ve got some futurity colts this year and derby horses. We’re looking for especially the fall futurities to be able to roll on. I’m really heavily involved with the Idaho Futurity and that’s been such a good show for us and for everyone that’s came to it. We’re really hoping and planning that our Idaho Futurity, which is toward the end of August, will be able to go.” JUNE 2020 • CUTTING HORSE CHATTER

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May 4th, the NCHA Foundation was excited to launch our first live webinar. “Doc Talk” began with the esteemed Dr. Glenn Blodgett, Horse Division Director and Ranch Veterinarian at the 6666’s Ranch. With such uncertain times we’re living in, we wanted to let our members ask him for recommendations on dealing with breeding season during a global pandemic! Below is a summary of some of the thoughts and advice we received. NCHAF: Stallion Stations/training facilities have quite a bit of traffic in a day—mares arriving and departing; vets, farriers, couriers, etc. I think many of us feel insulated in our isolation and forget that we don’t know where those coming into our ranches have been. What extra precautions have you been taking to manage all of that traffic at the 6666’s? Dr. Blodgett: All the interns at the 6666’s are college kids and I’ve sat down one on one with them and discussed where they’ve gone, or where they plan to go on their days off. We’ve had some good discussions on the precautions and what they should and shouldn’t do. Additionally, we aren’t allowing our couriers or farriers to bring their families with them when they have business on the ranch. So far it’s working. NCHAF: Have you had to turn anyone away? Dr. Blodgett: We’ve always had a number of tour groups wanting to come through and observe our stallions. We’ve had to limit that quite a bit, and the few that have come we’ve enforced good social distancing. NCHAF: Breeding facilities are already familiar with bio-security protocols. What measures should we all be taking right now that should stay as best practices? Dr. Blodgett: Well, being a veterinarian, animal welfare and animal health is at the top of our list, and biosecurity is very important to us too. We’ve always had a strict protocol here for all the animals and we feel good about what we’ve implemented. I tell people when they start here, they’re going to find out what normal is and what abnormal is. Many of the viruses that horses get, can be like the Covid19 that humans get, and can be transmitted by aerosol. I think today if people watch the news and listen to the news – if they didn’t know about disease transmission before, they’ve really missed out.

The way we handle traveling with your horses to some extent has always been like social distancing. We don’t want them using a community trough. Feed and water in your own buckets, try to minimize any nose to nose contact with other horses, or prevent it completely would be ideal. And pay attention to who is around you and we even recommend having a thermometer on hand. Same with when animals come to you when you’re back home. It’s best to keep them separate for a few days to ensure they aren’t sick when they arrive. NCHAF: It’s sounds much like how we’re being told to interact as humans right now. I know for many of us it’s counterintuitive to take as good care of ourselves as we do our horses. You recently had a scare at the 6666s didn’t you? Dr. Blodgett: Well we had a part time employee that cleaned here, but also worked 2 days a week at a nursing home. One of her patients contracted the virus and died from it. She had to be quarantined from everyone including her whole family. Fortunately, they had been following all of the bio security protocols in the nursing home – she was always gloved and masked there, and it worked! She was ok, this was a success story. When you do what you’re supposed to do, you have another layer of protection. What we’re going through also is highlighting the importance of vaccination. We don’t have a vaccine for this virus yet and we sorely need one. They do exist for our animals though, so I encourage anyone who doesn’t have a vaccination program to talk to their veterinarian and get on one. NCHAF: Questions have also come in regarding a concern that this virus can be transmitted from animals to humans. What are your thoughts there? Dr. Blodgett: We have seen just a few cases where it has showed up in animals, but so far I am not aware of any humans who have contracted it from animals. NCHAF: Do you have any parting thoughts for us as we head into the summer? Dr. Blodgett: I think we’ve been used to being cautious with our horses, but not necessarily with ourselves. I think all of us will be better at bio security and being more careful. At least that is what I recommend to folks. Continue to be careful as we go through this migration to a more “normal” way of life. The NCHA Foundation thanks Dr. Blodgett, one of our trustees and chair of our animal welfare committee. You can view the entire webinar on our Facebook page.

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