COAST TO COAST COW HORSE
❖ NRCHA DERBY DRAWS BIG ENTRIES AT WESTWORLD
❖ INAUGURAL EASTERN DERBY HIGHLIGHTS
❖ CROSS-COUNTRY HORSE SHOW CHAMPIONS
Nick Dowers and High Stressin Cat
Chris Dawson and CSR
Lay Down
Sally
EVENT COVERAGE
38
Scooter Kat Sweeps Scottsdale
A familiar team atop NRCHA score charts, Scooter Kat and Justin Wright take another championship title to California.
46 Smokin’ in Scottsdale
Derby Non Pro Champion Toni Hagen Heath and Reserve Champion Erin Mendes had the horse show riders dream about at the 2020 NRCHA Derby.
52 Simply Spectacular
The Grand Canyon may be the tourist attraction to Arizona, but the Spectaculars brought the Derby crowd to its feet in Scottsdale.
68 Winner’s Circle
During the Jack and Phoebe Cooke Memorial NRCHA Derby competitors vied for wins in multiple horse show classes.
84 Excitement Back East
Moving the Eastern Derby location did not faze exhibitors that attended the inaugeral premier event.
92 Run Off on the River
Two Non Pro competitors put all they could into conquering a final cow.
100 Made of Strong Stuff
The 3-year-old horses in the Pre-Futurity took on challenging cattle to earn high marks in the show pen.
110
Two for the Money
Chris Dawson piloted not one, but two horses to Spectacular titles at the Dom Conicelli Memorial NRCHA Eastern Derby.
120 Circuit Winners
Two sets of horse show classes named circuit champions at the AgriCenter ShowPlace Arena near Memphis, Tennessee.
CIRCLEUP
the cover: At the NRCHA Derby in June, Nick Dowers and High Stressin Cat took the Open Bridle Spectacular (left). In July, at the Eastern Derby, Chris Dawson rode CSR Lay Down Sally to the Open Bridle Spectacular win. (photos by Primo Morales)
Erin Mendes nearly swept the Non Pro divisions at the NRCHA Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona.
SUCCESS IN TRYING TIMES
In this year of change, I’m proud to say we just finished up two National Reined Cow Horse Association premier events and that they were more than successful, in my opinion. Both, the Jack and Phoebe Cooke Memorial Derby and Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian™, experienced tremendous growth over previous years. Growth at anytime is good, but growth during a pandemic is incredible.
The NRCHA Derby, historically held in Paso Robles, California, was moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, this year. Unfortunately, due to government restrictions the iconic state fairgrounds on the California central coast was unable to host the event. After planning the event at five different venues, WestWorld of Scottsdale became the host venue for 2020. In spite of these challenges, the Derby saw a 30-percent increase in entries over 2019.
The NRCHA’s newest premier event, the Eastern Derby, overcame its own
challenges, as well. Once again, a new venue was needed, and the AgriCenter ShowPlace in Memphis, Tennessee, welcomed us with open arms. This show saw a 150-percent increase in entries over 2019.
Honestly, it is difficult to pinpoint the reason for the growth. Are people itching to get out? Is it because of new venues and locations? Or is it simply that cow horse is growing that much? Personally, I believe it is the latter. This is the greatest sport, the best association and most wonderful group of people. Every single person involved in the NRCHA plays an important role in the prosperity of the cow horse lifestyle.
To say this is a difficult year would be an understatement. It has been taxing on all of us in countless ways. The most normalcy I have felt this year is at horse shows amongst our cow horse friends and family. Our events feel like a safe place to take a break from this crazy world in which we currently live. I want to personally thank you each and every person who helped make our horse shows a success.
Three NRCHA premier events down and two to go. Let’s keep the positivity flowing!
Sincerely,
Corey Cushing
Volume 25, Number 4
Official Publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association
Published by Morris Equine Group a division of MCC Magazines, LLC
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NRCHA OFFICERS & DIRECTORS:
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Vice President: Paul Bailey
Secretary: Frank Prisco
Treasurer: Trey Neal
NRCHA Foundation: MJ Isakson
NRCHA STAFF
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REINED COW HORSE NEWS
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Contributing Writers: Abigail Boatwright, Kate Bradley Byars, Katie Navarra, Allison Walker, Bonnie Wheatley
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Reined Cow Horse News (ISSN 23803975) is published six times a year by Cowboy Publishing Group. Known office of publication: 2112 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107. All contents are copyright of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior written permission from the NRCHA. Opinions expressed in articles and advertising in Reined Cow Horse News do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of the NRCHA or its officers and members. Accuracy of material is the sole responsibility of the authors. Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender’s risk and the NRCHA accepts no responsibility for them. Please address all submissions to: Reined Cow Horse News, 256 North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258. Subscription rate is $25 a year. Periodical postage paid at Pilot Point, Texas, 76258 and additional mailing offices. USPS number, 024-906. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reined Cow Horse News, 256 North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258.
Corey Cushing, NRCHA president
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BENEFICIAL DEGREES OF SAFETY
By Ben Self
Many people say that riding horses is the most dangerous sport in the world. Statistically it ranks in at number three, behind bull riding and cheerleading. It is understood that riding horses can be unsafe. After all, the average horse weighs around 1,000 pounds and we trust them to carry us on their backs. Horses are instinctively caring creatures, but they can travel up to 40 MPH and have 224 pounds of force with a kick. There is plenty of opportunity for things to go wrong.
Despite the safety issues, those of us who enjoy competing in reined cow horse have a strong desire to ride horses. We seldom feel the weight of the inherent danger horses possess. Instead, we feel safe in their presence. No matter how many times we fall off, we get back on. We would not be competing in reined cow horse if we were trying to play it safe. Afterall, most activities that are fun in life have an element of danger.
We are not on earth to be safe; we are on earth to live a full life. If you want to play it safe, you don’t drive a car. If you want to play it safe, you don’t get married. If you want to play it safe, you don’t have kids. Complete safety doesn’t exist, but there are degrees of safety. Yes, we shouldn’t be foolish by not being cautious about certain things in life, but we cannot obsess over safety.
While not the case in NRCHA, in general the equine industry has seen decline in youth interest in horses. We have yet to see the long-term effects of that impact on the horse industry. My hope is that safety concious parents will allow their horse crazy kids to pursue their horse passion in spite of some inherent risks. The benefits far outweigh the risks. Enrolling your child in riding lessons with a reputable trainer on kid-safe, broke, older horses is the best long-term medicine for a kid.
2019 SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY OWNERS FUND DONORS
Kathy and Larry Barker
Beechfork Ranch/Kelly Krum
Larry and Ellen Bell
Bet Hesa Cat Syndicate
Brazos Valley Stallion Station
Michelle Cannon
Carroll’s Cutting
CD Lights
CR Sis, LLC/Luna Construction/ Silvera Produce Sales, Inc.
Dom Conicelli Estate
Cutting Horse Central/Mark Michels
Gardiner Quarter Horses
Hooray Ranch/ Eric and Wendy Dunn
Kathryn Phillips
Kit Kat Sugar/Barbara Allsup
Kevin and Sydney Knight
Roxanne Koepsell Performance Horses
Jeffrey and Sheri Matthews
Alvin and Becky Fults
Kit and Charlie Moncrief/ Moncrief Ranches
Russ Mothershead
Oswood Stallion Station
Rockin W
Carol Rose
Russell Ranches/ James, Ellen and Erin Russell
San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Smooth Talkin Style/ Holmes & Hill
Stuart Ranch
Beverly Servi
Wharton Family Quarter Horses
Wrigley Ranches LLC
WR This Cats Smart
FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR
The National Reined Cow Horse Association brethren were certainly ready to horse show at the 2020 Jack and Phoebe Cooke Memorial NRCHA Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona!It was HUGE! As Benny Guitron used to say, when everyone was worn out and starting to complain about the long hours, “this means business is good and I’m all for it.”
The cattle ran like the guy who just robbed the liquor store and the burglar alarm went off. It became apparent that the horses that were put in a controlling position on the cow when they left the boxing end ofthe arena had the definite advantage. This, combined with the riders reading the cow and setting up the turn before it actually happened, was another place that drew the attention of the judges.When it worked, most of the time the three parts of the turn (entry, turn itself, exit) were done precisely and correctly. That’s really hard to do on a high-speed runner, and consequently, they were rewarded withplus scored turns. One occasion, for trainer Lyn Anderson in the Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular, adouble-plus turn was in order.
It is important to remember that when a horse doesn’t exit the turn in a controlling position and the cow forces the rider to make a loop, usually they have lost their working advantage and have earned a one-point A penalty. Staying consistent with this penalty all the way through is a must for correct placings.When the cow gets far
enough away from the horse that the horse does not have any influence on the direction the cow goes, it is usually a one-point A.
The circling turn is getting to be a non-factor. We reviewed two potential circling turns, one was, and one wasn’t. No one wants to put themselves in a potentially compromising position, so on a two-turn run, they just switch sides and finish their runs. It usually shows position and control so some credit can be earned, depending on how good the first circle is executed.
Now, one thing that is starting to show up is the half circle, or hook. Rule 19.3.3.3, page 76 of the NRCHA Rulebook, states “the contestant shall take the cow to an open part of the arena and maneuver the cow smoothly AT LEAST 360 degrees in each direction without interference from the fence.” The first circle is basically up to the rider to fulfill the circling requirement. The second circle is up to the judge that has the responsibility to end the work.Making a rider re-circle, if
they made a short circle or a hook, (a hook is when the position on the cow is reached to properly make their circle, but instead, immediately doubles back, switches sides and completes the second circle) usually affects the integrity of the run.
Here’s what you can expect on a short circle: If the short circle is not enough of a circle to grade, a re-circle should be expected. If the circle is 180 degrees, or a little more, and is enough of a circle to grade, but is considered “short,” expect a minus in that circle.The 360, or close to it, requirement was not achieved. If making the circles correctly isn’t that important, why do 95-percent of the riders execute them properly?A strong finish is a must!
The Derby magnified the importance of position and control, degree of difficulty, and a strong finish.All the better runs had these ingredients.
Until Next Time,
Bill Enk NRCHA Director of Judges
Lyn Anderson makes a plus-plus scoring maneuver in the Derby’s Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular, for a score of 224.5.
PRIMO MORALES
As Heard on COW HORSE FULL CONTACT
On episode 25, National Reined Cow Horse Association judge and cow horse trainer Fielding “Bozo” Rogers, of Gainesville, Texas, joined Cowhorse Full Contact podcast hosts Russell Dilday and Chris Dawson. Discussing his start in cow horse, including showing in Reno, Nevada, during the introduction of many new, young cow horse trainers on the scene, Rogers talked about the importance of how events are judged to growing the sport.
“To me, the judging really is fun now... Our judging system has gotten so about giv-
ing credit where it is due. You sit there and you mark on all that you can and the next thing you know, the good one comes to the top… our system today is so good and so honest compared to what we grew up seeing. I remember going to Reno—the first time I went to Reno—and I’d won the Kansas Futurity and I go out there pumped up thinking I was going to win Reno, and they showed me… Les Vogt was standing there and he said, ‘You know, if we don’t change our judging with some of these young guys coming in and start marking them with what they should be marked, this thing is going to die.’
And sure enough, it dang near did. The cow horse deal nearly died there three or four times. But now, you look at our cow horse association and it is so big and growing. I think a lot of it is due to judging. There are so many knowledgeable people that have the judges’ card now that show horses. It is so fun to judge with the guys that are still showing because they know degree of difficulty.”—BOZO ROGERS
IT STARTS WITHIN.
CLAYTON EDSALL
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NRCHA HALL OF FAME BANQUET RETURNS OUT WEST
A new West Coast venue set to entice NRCHA members to banquet.
The Hall of Fame Banquet honors the NRCHA’s members and their horses.
The annual National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame Banquet is making a change. The banquet that has been held during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® is moving out West and will now be held with the NRCHA Stallion Stakes each Spring in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The inductees that would be celebrated in October are set to now be honored at the new banquet hall located in the South Point Hotel & Casino, the same venue as the Stallion Stakes horse show, in 2021. The show dates are tentatively set for March 26 through April 3.
a wonderful host to our horse show, and now competitors and visitors can attend the banquet without ever leaving the show facility.”
When the banquet was held during the Snaffle Bit Futurity, it shared the spotlight with the premier event. But now in the spring at the Stakes, the Hall of Fame Banquet can shine in an environment that allows for more time spent at the celebration.
The South Point Hotel and Casino boasts world class catering, a banquet hall equipped with premium audio/ visual equipment, and best of all, a onestop spot for all the reined cow horse event’s festivities.
“We welcome and hope that many of our past Hall of Fame members will join us at their old stomping grounds on the West Coast,” said Corey Cushing, NRCHA president. “Having the banquet at the Stakes gives us more time to celebrate our valued members.”
For more information on the 2021 Stallion Stakes, visit nrcha.com.
“We are excited about this move and to honor our next Hall of Fame inductees on the West Coast, where cow horse originated,” said Allison Walker, communications coordinator. “The South Point is The Who’s Who of the reined cow horse world put on their best for the Hall of Fame Banquet.
Larry Bell receives an award from Smokey Pritchett at the 2017 banquet.
EMPTY STALLS
The NRCHA says goodbye to two past champions, Masteroani and Roosters Chicaroo.
We are saddened by the passing of two past National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® champions: Masteroani (Master Remedy x Just Docs Socks x Docs Fri Dee Bar), the 1994 NRCHA Open Champion and Roosters Chicaroo, the 1999 Non Pro Champion.
Kalpowar Quarter Horses’ Ellen and Larry Bell owned the stallion for the last 17 years. In 1994, John Ward rode Masteroani to the championship. Masteroani has sired 11 performers earning $39,327.45 in competition. He was laid to rest on June 28, 2020.
Jo Ann Carollo suffered the loss of Non Pro Champion Roosters Chicaroo (Gallo Del Cielo x Meerly Chic Olena x Smart Chic Olena) in June. A solid show horse with $60,025 in lifetime show earnings, Carollo rode What A Rey, by TR Dual Rey and out of Roosters Chicaroo, to the 2011 National Cutting Horse Association Limited Non Pro Champion win.
HIGH SIGN NUGGET IN ApHC HALL OF FAME
The Appaloosa cow horse stallion is set to be inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame.
Annually, the Appaloosa Horse Club’s board of directors’ votes to recognize outstanding ambassadors of the breed into the association’s Hall of Fame, and this year High Sign Nugget (High Sign x Hen Penny x Top Stuff’s Big Mo) joins the prestigious company. Owned by Jim Dobler of Thunderstruck Ranch in Alberta, Canada, the Appaloosa sired winners of $440,000 across cutting, reining and reined cow horse. Deceased for more than five years, High Sign Nugget met all the criteria for induction, and then some. As a performer, High Sign Nugget won ApHC Bronze Medallion honors in working cow horse in 1997 and 1999, and also earned a register of merit in senior reining and working cow horse. He also won year-end awards in cow horse and cutting. His offspring, though, truly made his mark on the industry.
The sire fathered more than 200 registered Appaloosa performers. Among those is gelding You CD Signs (out of Big CD Lights by Play Mia CD) that Cody Crow piloted to the National Reined Cow Horse Association Limited Open Bridle Championship at the 2020 Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas. The horse is owned by Ardith Alcorn of Gallop, New Mexico, but was bred by Dobler and Heather McLevin.
High Sign Nugget’s impact on the Appaloosa cow horse industry is widespread and will be recognized at this year’s induction ceremony. In addition, Mr Shining Gun (Shining Spark x Bucks Miss Smoke x Traylor Smoke) also joins the induction class, having earned money in multiple events, including working cow horse. Congratulations to these cow horses on the achievement.
Ellen and Larry Bell with Masteroani.
Jo Anne Carollo and Roosters Chicaroo.
MEET LANCE SCHEFFEL
From learning the sport at the side of a legend to running his own family-oriented facility, Lance Sheffel has a foothold on reined cow horse in Wisconsin.
Interview by Bonnie Wheatley
Lance Scheffel and his wife, Jodie, operate a thriving reined cow horse training operation out of their home base in beautiful Rice Lake, Wisconsin, proving that cow horse popularity is alive and well in all regions of the United States. For 10 years, LRS Performance Horses is a family-run facility dedicated to the training, showing and coaching of enthusiastic non pro and youth riders.
Scheffel’s reined cow horse journey has taken the Wisconsin native full circle, first to the central valley of California working for National Reined
Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame horseman Benny Guitron, then back home again to Rice Lake.
“I was a kid when I saw some cutting and cow horse and thought it was something I’d want to try,” said Scheffel. “I grew up around horses and was roping, but I saw it and wanted to learn more.”
Larry Kasten, former head of the equine science program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, suggested that Scheffel go to work for a reined cow horse trainer if he really wanted to learn the ins and outs of the
discipline. Kasten connected the aspiring trainer with legendary horseman Guitron and that’s where Scheffel’s education began in earnest.
“I flew out there to California and spent a week there at Benny’s for sort of a trial period,” said Scheffel. “I decided in about the first 30 seconds there that I didn’t know anything and had a lot to learn. I ended up spending five years there, from 2004 to 2009.”
Lance met Jodie while in California and the two married and returned to his home state. In fact, Jodie’s roots run deep in the reined cow horse industry with her father, Michael Stabbe, a veterinarian from Clovis, California, owning the 1979 then-California Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® champion Aledo Bay (Bueno Chex x Frando Bars x Aledo Bar), ridden by Billy Arthur. Jodie shows in the boxing classes as well as ranch riding.
“We had the opportunity here for a great facility to work out of,” said Scheffel. “We’re very diversified as far as roping, cow horses, cutters, ranch riders. We keep 40 stalls full and have a busy lesson program. Most of our clientele is a built from the ground up type deal. We’ll have a youth rider come for a lesson and end up getting more interested in showing and we help them pursue that.”
Lance Sheffel and his family live the reined cow horse lifestyle in Wisconsin.
Reined Cow Horse News: Tell our readers what’s your favorite show pen and why?
Scheffel: I enjoy showing at the Snaffle Bit Futurity® and the Celebration of Champions. I like it anytime we get to show in Fort Worth, but any cow horse show we get to attend is a big deal. Our North Central Reined Cow Horse Association affiliate has about one show a month, so we get the opportunity to show quite a bit out here too.
What does it mean for you to be a part of the performance horse industry and NRCHA in particular?
AQI was raised around horses and cattle and as a kid I roped, but when I was somewhere between the ages of 12 and 15 I saw some cutting and cow horse and knew I wanted to learn more about those events. I always knew from a young age that I wanted to have horses in my life. Our kids Isy, 10, and Colton, 3, are able to work and travel with us. Isy loves the horses and is a junior member of the NRCHA, she cuts and ropes and also does the ranch riding and all of it. I think it’s a great environment for raising a family. Our kids have friends they meet at the shows that they see through the years. The people you meet and experiences you have really make it a great family environment.
I still remember that conversation to this day. So, when we came back to Rice Lake after leaving Benny’s, that’s what I did. I got a Shining Spark stud and a Smart Like Juice mare and showed them and it worked out.
Who other than Benny have influenced your career the most?
Benny, Larry Kasten and Donna Fox would be the main three. Donna Fox lives north of us and she got me started in the right direction with riding colts, knowing what a lead was because I had no idea.
What’s the most rewarding part of training
The coolest thing is to have horses I’ve trained go on with my non pros, or any non pro for that matter, and be able to enjoy success. That’s a huge deal to my program is to see horses with our foundation that are 13 and 14 years old still showing and winning with non pro or youth riders. Our business is very centered on non pros and youth riders, so it’s important that the horses we train have career longevity beyond their futurity and derby years. Benny had a very large non pro clientele, so I think that exposure to it stuck with me.
If you could ride any cow horse, living or deceased, in the show pen, what horse would it be and why?
Any good one! That’s a tough one to answer with just one horse because there are so many good ones. So seriously, I think any good horse, and you draw a good cow with it, that would be great.
Best piece of training advice you’ve ever received?
It was one thing Benny told me when I was getting ready to go out on my own. Jodie and I were eating dinner with Benny and his wife one night and he said, “When you leave, you go find two good bridle horses. A lot of people say go get a futurity prospect or a derby horse, but go get two bridle horses, good ones, that way they’ll teach you about showing and winning and you won’t be trying to learn that on one you’re trying to train at the same time.”
If you didn’t train horses, what sort of career do you think you would have?
Probably something like being a hunting guide out West; something where you work outdoors without a lot of people around.
Do you have a favorite personal horse?
Lil Red Storm, a 2001 stallion (Acres Of Red x Dry Lil Storm x Dry Doc). Jodie and I both showed him and he really helped me learn how to show a cow horse.
Specific goals in your career that you are pursuing?
I would say my goal is just to be a good horseman more than anything. And to be successful with my family, that’s about as good as you can ask for.
NOTABLE NON PRO
Roy Durbin’s array of interests led him to serving his country and attending Olympic games, but today his focus is on competing in reined cow horse.
By Bonnie Wheatley
There are people who pursue diverse interests in life, and then there are others who take them up a notch. The latter describes Roy Durbin. A full and fascinating list of experiences characterizes Durbin’s 69 years of life, and about five years ago he added reined cow horses to the mix.
Durbin grew up in northern California near San Jose, but his father, an electrician, mother and three siblings all relocated to southern Oregon after Durbin graduated from high school. He played sports and participated in other typical high school activities. That was also where, at age 15, Durbin met his wife of 50 years, Rita. The couple has two daughters, Rebecca and Tina, and lives in Aurora, Colorado.
As an adult, Durbin’s list of interests range from collecting memorabilia from the Olympics to playing the bagpipes, so chasing a cow doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. In fact, the pursuit fits nicely with his Colorado lifestyle.
ASTOUNDING ADVENTURES
Just out of high school Durbin entered the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. When his service came to an end, Durbin moved his young family to Ordway, Colorado, where they took up farming and ranching in the Arkansas
Valley agricultural region. He attended Otero Junior College in La Junta, studying biology, before completing a degree in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
In fact, donning a buffalo costume and rousing fellow CU “Buff” fans, Durbin became the first CU-Boulder mascot, named “Chip.” Durbin, who shows in the National Reined Cow Horse Association Non Pro and American Quarter Horse Association Select classes, took the turn from buffalo costumes to cow horses many years later.
The young family man earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and then served in the U.S. Army. Upon leaving the Army, Durbin worked in the emergency room at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver before entering family practice and obstetrics.
“I’m just your average guy next door, basic family doctor that delivers babies,” said Durbin.
However, he has diverse interests, including bow hunting, collecting Olympic memorabilia, playing bagpipes and studying koi fish.
“I grew up hunting,” he shared. “I
also enjoy long distance shooting. I believe I am one of only five people in history who’ve ever won the [World Hunting Award Ring] for bow hunting.”
The World Hunting Award Ring, which was introduced in 1995 by the Safari Club, is the highest award in the World Hunting Awards program and recognizes extraordinary efforts in conservation of wildlife.Durbin said he has spent a lot of time through the years working in conservation and talking about ethical hunting, while bow hunting in 122 different countries.
Among his most memorable hunting experiences was traveling to a very remote region of eastern Zambia where people hunt to survive, and lions, leop-
An avid bow hunter, Dr. Roy Durbin is one of only a handful of people in history to have won the World Hunting Award Ring for bow hunting presented by the Safari Club International.
ards, hippopotamuses and crocodiles are abundant. Durbin spent one month there observing and experiencing that culture’s primitive lifestyle.
“I also spent time in the northern territory of Australia with the aboriginals, and learned about hunting and the way they live there,” he said.
Also heavily involved with the International Olympic Federation, Durbin has attended almost every Olympics during the past 30 years.
Another of Durbin’s passions is playing the bagpipes in a rock ’n’ roll band.
“I buy, sell and trade Olympic memorabilia,” he explained. “I’ve collected medals, pins and even torches.”
Durbin’s involvement with the IOF has presented several once-in-lifetime experiences. His most memorable Olympic experience or athlete can’t be drilled down to one, but there are a few standout moments.
“I’d say meeting every athlete on the 1992 United States men’s basketball team [was a highlight],” he said. “That team was so classy and they put on a clinic for the world. I stayed in the Olympic village and attended two or three games a day. I’ve met [Russian president Vladimir] Putin. I sat between former first lady Barbara Bush and retired American figure skater Dorothy Hamill at one of the events. I have a photograph of myself with Muhammad Ali in 1996 when he lit the torch to start the games. I’ve also met the emperor of Japan. It’s been a series of incredible experiences through the years.”
FROM WEARING A BOVINETO CHASING IT
An adventure seeker, Durbin was naturally drawn to the world of reined cow horses, even though he hadn’t ridden in 30 or 40 years before taking the plunge.
When his daughter Rebecca became interested in jumping and dressage horses, Durbin began accompanying her to the barn and to events.
“I have a bad back and couldn’t do the jumping,” he said. “I knew my back wouldn’t take that type of riding, so I thought I’d try a Western discipline. I basically looked in the phone book and came across Darren Miller’s name.
“So, imagine a 65-year-old doctor calling him out of the blue! He thought it was a joke, he thought one of his friends was behind it, but we’ve become pretty close since. I enjoy it.”
Durbin competes in the boxing classes on Lacy Nickers, a 2012 mare by Nic It In The Bud and out of Ashleys Fancy Girl, a daughter of Grays Starlight.
“She’s totally calm,” said Durbin. “She puts up with everything I throw at her, she’s awesome. Lacy Nickers is a really special horse and I hope to do pretty well in the coming year.”
Durbin is also a proud NRCHA owner with limited aged event contenders shown by Miller in Open competition. He plans to enter aged events himself in the near future and compete in the Non Pro Limited.
“I have Bet Hesa Cool Cat, ‘Max;’ He is out of the derbies and going into
the Open division,” said Durbin. “Then I have Blu On Black, ‘Deacon,’ he is in the second year of derby event eligibility. I’m in the process of getting half-interest in a 3-year-old that I’ll own with Tom Monckton.”
What Durbin appreciates most about the sport is the same thing that attracts so many others to reined cow horses: the challenge of doing three events within the equine triathlon and doing them all equally well. He recalls his first show, in Pueblo, Colorado, in 2016.
“It looks so easy to people, but I can manage to screw it up,” he laughed. “The very first time was in the outdoor arena and I was showing in the boxing. My cow got down the fence and, of course, my horse took off after it. I know Darren’s jaw completely dropped and he may have uttered an expletive. My horse stopped the cow and I was at least three-quarters of the way out of the saddle when he did, but I did manage to stay on. I think I got a standingo[vation] for not killing myself. Then I was hooked!”
While Durbin has been showing for only a few years, he has gained some enduring memories in the process. When asked to describe a few of his favorite horse show moments to date, Durbin says there are two that stand out.
“The first was early in my horse show career,” said Durbin. “They were having a short stirrup class and one of the participants had some trouble. It was a pretty scary moment, especially for his mother. It turned out that everything was OK, but my role as a doctor made it memorable in that I realized people could get hurt doing this and being there is very good if there’s any way I can help.
COURTESY
ROY
DURBIN
“The second wasn’t my personal moment, but a horse I own, Max, finished in the top 10 at the AQHA World Show in the working cow horse. My moment is yet to come. I like to win, but I don’t have to win. I truly believe and feel that everyone’s rooting for each other at the reined cow horse shows I attend. It’s an absolutely great environment; it is not a cutthroat environment, that’s the biggest thing for me. The people involved make it something special.”
KEEPING IT DIVERSE
Horses are not the only species with which Durbin has show experience. He is also involved in the koi business.
“I work with a professional pond company that helps people introduce koi into their own ponds and raise
them,” said Durbin. “It’s a side hobby, but I usually go to Japan every year or two to select fish to import back to the United States for personal ponds in Parker, Colorado. There are fish that are sold around the world for tens of thousands of dollars. It’s not unusual to hear of a $50,000 koi.”
Clearly, when Durbin finds an activity to captivate his interest, he is all in.
“I’ve always done something until I was really good at it and then go onto something else,” he said. “I’m older than Yoda and have at least three infirmities that might keep someone else from doing [cow horse], but I enjoy it. I have not won anything big, but I qualified for the Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth. I feel like this could be my breakout year!”
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At the 2019 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, Durbin showed Lacy Nickers.
2020 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales
’18 Colt • $77,000 !
October 22nd , 23rd & 24th Consignment Deadline August 25th
ARC CAT HER pLEASE 2003 bay mare (Chic Please x Moonstruck Cat, by High Brow Cat). ET - Cool N Hot ‘21; Earner of $127,467 - PE $66,258
’18 Filly • $65,000 ! Final Weekend ofthe NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity
BET HESA AUTUmN 2019 sorrel stallion (Bet Hesa Cat x Autumn Amanda, by Autumn Acre). Dam Money Earner - PE $22,490 & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,170,325
Sm iN Watch for the
& Livestock LLC
BLiNDED BY GUNS 2019 brown stallion (Blind Sided x Playguns Melody, by Playgun). Dam PE $207,719 & 1/2 sister to earners of $175,712
BOONS LOOK N SmART 2019 gray mare (Once In A Blu Boon x Amandas Look N Smart, by WR This Cats Smart). Dam PE $14,906 & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,171,314
CATS GENUiNELY SHiNE 2019 sorrel stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Shining Madonna, by Shining Spark). Dam Producer of Money Earner & 1/2 sister to money earner
CD mADONNA 2013 sorrel mare (CD Olena x Pepto Madonna, by Peptoboonsmal). CS - WR This Cats Smart ‘21; Earner of $5,292 & 1/2 sister to earner of $21,322
CHiCS WiTH CATS 2019 bay mare (WR This Cats Smart x Chics With Cash, by Chic Please). Dam PE $10,854 & 1/2 sister to earners of $64,576
GUN DOWN A CAT 2019 bay mare (WR This Cats Smart x Peppy Gunner, by Playgun). Dam 1/2 sister to earners of $23,147
mAD CATS CD 2019 sorrel stallion (WR This Cats Smart x CD Madonna, by CD Olena). Dam Earner of $5,292 & 1/2 sister to earner of $21,322
SmART LOOKiN SHiNER 2019 sorrel stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Miss Shiner Dear, by Shining Spark). Dam Money Earner - PE $197,459 & 1/2 sister to earners of $439,300
TENiNAS HiCKORY 2019 red roan stallion (Hickory Holly Time x Teninas Smart Look, by WR This Cats Smart). Dam PE $50,295 & 1/2 sister to earners of $385,866
THiS CATS THE mARK 2018 sorrel stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Miss Marker, by Shining Spark).
Dam Earner of $16,325 - PE $182,256
THiS SECRET LOOK 2019 bay roan stallion (WR This
Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel, by One Time Pepto).
Dam Earner of $25,141 & 1/2 sister to earners of $373,450
THiS SHiNEY DiAmOND 2019 sorrel mare (WR This Cats Smart x Shiners Diamond Lady, by Shining Spark).
mETALLiC SiDE 2019 sorrel mare (Blind Sided x Metallic Tenina, by Metallic Cat). Dam 1/2 sister to earners of $385,866
Dam PE $172,153 & 1/2 sister to earners of $255,887
THiS SHiNiNG DiAmOND 2019 sorrel stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Shiners Diamond Lady, by Shining Spark). Dam PE $172,153 & 1/2 sister to earners of $255,887
TWiST THiS TimE 2019 red roan stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Twist One Time, by One Time Pepto). Dam Earner of $6,996 & 1/2 sister to earners of $464,303
DHOLLY pARTON 2019 sorrel mare (Hickory Holly Time x Katies Kitty, by High Brow Cat). Dam Earner of $30,140 - PE $15,549 & 1/2 sister to earners of $385,496
HOT SUEN 2019 sorrel stallion (Hottish x Donas Suen Boon, by Boon Too Suen). Dam Earner of $426,626 - PE $7,311 & 1/2 sister to earners of $875,978
STEVE E NiX 2019 sorrel mare (Stevie Rey Von x Camilla The Cat, by WR This Cats Smart). Dam Earner of $73,861
WHiSK E mYERS 2019 red roan stallion (Metallic Cat x Abbey Roan, by One Time Pepto). Dam Earner of $41,482 - PE $57,141 & 1/2 sister to earners of $217,226
WHiTTLE CATS SmART 2019 sorrel mare (WR This Cats Smart x Whittle Tenina, by Smart Whittle Play). Dam 1/2 sister to earners of $385,866
BET SHES GOT LEGS 2019 red roan mare (Bet Hesa Cat x Lil Shiny Long Legs, by Shining Spark). Dam Earner of $76,783 - PE $12,801 & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,047,674
CD SHiNY LiGHTS 2019 sorrel stallion (CD Lights x Lil Shiny Long Legs, by Shining Spark). Dam Earner of $76,783 - PE $12,801 & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,047,674
mERE NiCKLES 2019 sorrel mare (Shiners Nickle x Mereyda, by Dual Rey). Dam PE $207,117 & 1/2 sister to earners of $823,937
mETALLiC miSCHiEF 2019 red roan stallion (Metallic Cat x Lil Shiny Long Legs, by Shining Spark). Dam Earner of $76,783 - PE $12,801 & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,047,674
NiCKi REY VON 2019 sorrel mare (Stevie Rey Von x Nicki The Cat, by Shiners Nickle). Dam Money Earner & 1/2 sister to earners of $92,342
SHESA STEViE 2019 bay roan mare (Stevie Rey Von x Shesa Lota Long Legs, by Shiners Nickle). Dam Money Earner & 1/2 sister to earners of $1,124,159
SpARKY REY VON 2019 sorrel mare (Stevie Rey Von x Sparktilion, by Shining Spark). Dam Earner of $120,298 & 1/2 sister to earners of $240,112
THiS CATS SHiNY 2019 sorrel stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Shiners Little Rita, by Shining Spark). Dam Earner of $34,375 - PE $19,743
OWNER SPOTLIGHT
Wayne Hanson has always felt the need for speed, but these days he fulfills it with competitive reined cow horses.
Drag car racers thrive on adrenaline, and Creston, Iowa, Non Pro Wayne Hanson, 57, fueled his need for exhilaration as a race car driver. He started with a big-block Chevy Nova. Then he upgraded to a car with a “supercharged” blown alcohol engine, which generates more energy than gasoline through adjustments in the fuel-to-air ratios.
As much as Hanson lived for racing, it was a weekend-only activity. And, it took a team of people to race, especially when running a supercharged engine.
“It got to be a lot of work,” he said. “My job is stressful, and I need an outlet I can come home from work and enjoy. Saddling up is a great way to lose all the problems of the day.”
you can go from a big score to getting into trouble so fast.”
FROMTHE GROUND UP
In less than two decades Hanson and his wife, Michelle, have filled their pastures with nearly 30 top-quality cow horses. The couple started by building an exceptional broodmare band.
By Katie Navarra
x Duals Blue Boon). Tommy Boon was the 2017 National Reined Cow Horse Association World’s Greatest Horseman reserve champion with Jones in the saddle. The 2011 mare finished fourth in the 2016 AQHA Superhorse competition.
Hanson bought the sorrel mare from then-owner David Pratt of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, as an unproven 3-year-old. Both men have horses in training with Jones.
Horses offered both the thrill and frequency Hanson craved. In 2011, he built an indoor arena and started riding reiners. American Quarter Horse Association judge Gay Lynn Owens sensed Hanson needed more. She suggested he call southern Iowa cow horse trainer Luke Jones. The challenge of three events and the excitement of the fence work immediately captured Hanson’s attention.
“I played high school sports and played a little bit of college football, but I don’t think I’ve practiced anything harder than this,” he said. “It takes a tremendous amount of practice, and
From racing cars to riding reined cow horses, Wayne Hanson has always supported a fast-paced, thrilling industry.
“It didn’t take him long to step up into good horses,” Jones said. “A lot of people don’t know what their goals are, but Wayne knew he wanted a successful breeding program.”
Good mares are hard to come by, according to Hanson, but he feels fortunate to have outstanding mammas including Playgirls Miss Grace (Mister Dual Pep x Playgirls Miss Cross x Freckles Playboy) and Tommy Boon (Thomas E Hughes x Chitas Blue Boon
“If I had known Tommy Boon was going to be the producer she is going to be, I wouldn’t have sold her,” Pratt said. “I only paid $5,000 for her as a yearling, and I’d be glad to give Wayne his $35,000 back for her.”
Pratt and Hanson hit it off because of shared professional backgrounds—working with R-grade ammonia. Pratt used to sell it and Hanson works in the food industry, specifically in food plants, making sure refrigeration systems are working properly.
“My job is really high stress, and practicing some stops or working a calf allows the stress to fall away,” Hanson said.
A LEGENDARY ADDITION
When Hanson learned that National Reined Cow Horse Association Million Dollar Sire Mister Dual Pep (Peppy San Badger x Miss Dual Doc x Doc’s
Remedy) was for sale, he jumped at the chance to buy him for his burgeoning breeding program. His work through the Warhorses for Veterans group as a board of directors member connected Hanson to Josh Lyons.
Lyons purchased Mister Dual Pep out of a bankruptcy sale but was looking to sell him.
“People dream about having legendary horses in their barn,” Hanson said. “I couldn’t pass it up!”
The 1993 stallion was bred by the Ward Ranch in Tulare, California, and won money in both the NRCHA and the National Cutting Horse Association during his time in the show pen. Mister Dual Pep foals have earned $1,400,535.61 in NRCHA competition.
“His semen count was pretty low so we weren’t shipping to people; we made them come to us,” Hanson said. “We also honored contracts on mares that didn’t stick, bred some of our own mares and got a few babies before retiring him.”
Over time, the Hansons added younger stallions to their lineup and are eager to see the offspring by Stylish Metallica (Metallic Cat x Stylin Barbie x Docs Stylish Oak) and Little Sisters Cat (Metallic Cat x Little Baby Sister x Dual Pep).
“We have just started promoting our young sires and are excited about seeing what they produce,” Hanson said.
The Hansons strive to breed cowy horses. He believes a horse can be taught the reining, but the instinct of a cow-smart horse is bred into them.
“I buy the best mares I can find,” Hanson said. “Fewer good mares is better than having 10 average mares in the program.”
The couple works closely with Jones in deciding breeding crosses. Hanson prefers to breed horses that fit Jones’
program rather than finding the right trainer to fit every horse.
“I am grateful that he asks me if I would ever ride a specific cross before he breeds. We bounce things back and forth to find the best thing,” Jones said. “Not everybody thinks that way, and I am fortunate.”
As owners, the Hansons believe the horse owners play a big role in the growth of the cow horse industry. Owners provide young trainers an opportunity by giving them good horses to ride.
“If this industry is going to grow, we owners have to grow too and help grow it,” Hanson said.
ALWAYSTHE BEST DAY
Ask Hanson how he is, and the answer is always the same: “Today is the best day of my life.” Don’t try to keep up with the high-energy competitor, though, because he rarely takes a seat to rest. He jumps from one phone call to the next and then to an in-person conversation with barely a breath in between.
“He’s pretty much on ‘go’ all the time you’re around him,” Jones said. “He is happy-go-lucky and always laughing,
and he can be serious and businessoriented too.”
Hanson and Michelle have nine children, but only their youngest two daughters rode as youth competitors. Both competed in the National High School Rodeo reined cow horse event, qualifying for the national finals twice and finishing in the top 10 both times.
“We did a lot of trail riding together,” Hanson reminisced.
Michelle does not ride or compete as often as Hanson, but he credits her with keeping things running smoothly. She operates the farm and breeding program and files the stallion reports. She also makes sure all his paperwork is in order for shows. She is riding and showing a bit more, but also enjoys the couple’s nine grandchildren and look forward to those expected this year.
“Wayne hasn’t done cow horses a long time compared to others, but he has done a great job in a short amount of time,” Jones said. “He has probably had the fastest success of any client I’ve had, because he has done a good job with mare power and stays current breeding to outside popular studs and promoting his own sires.”
Hanson’s horse breeding program keeps them surrounded by talented reined cow horses.
Left: Wayne, aboard Little Sisters Cat, and Michelle, aboard Stylish Metallica, both enjoy riding as much as watching their horses compete.
PHOTOS
COURTESY OF WAYNE HANSON
The Evening Session for
Qualified Yearlings, Broodmares & Breeding Stallions
Qualification for the Evening Session
(Yearlings, Broodmares & Breeding Stallions)
Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 • John Justin West Sale Arena
Limited to the First 60 Qualified Completed Entry Contracts
Yearling Requirements
Must be out of a mare with one of the following:
• Won $100,000
• Open/Non-Pro World Champion
• Won a Triple Crown Event Open/Non-Pro
• Producer of -
- $200,000 in offspring earnings
- Triple Crown Open / Non-Pro Event Champion
- Open / Non-Pro World Champion
HERDA test results required
Must be nominated to the NCHA Super Stakes Radiographs required (all yearlings / all sessions)
Broodmare Requirements
Must be 15 years of age or younger
Must be in foal or selling with an embryo
If oldest foal crop is less than 4 years old must have won $100,000
If oldest foal crop is at least 4 years old must have produced earners of $100,000
5 Panel Test Results required (all broodmares / all sessions)
Breeding Stallion Requirements
Contact Jeremy Barwick for breeding stallion qualification 254-485-2542 (cell)
-Now Accepting Consignments for All Sales
Trained Cutting Horses & 3-Year-Olds Absolute Catalog Deadline September 25th!
NCHA Futurity 2-Year-Old Sale
2-Year-Olds on Cattle
Nominated to 2020 NCHA Futurity
The Evening Session
Yearlings, Broodmares & Breeding Stallions
Preferred Breeders Sale Weanlings, Yearlings, Broodmares & Breeding Stallions
NCHA Futurity Cutting Horse Sale
BREEDER DIRECTORY NATIONAL
Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch of Tucson, Arizona, was founded by the Rogers family in 2005, starting out with just two personal horses. Since then, Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch has grown into a full service facility, breeding and showing some of the best Quarter Horses the industry has to offer.
Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch also maintains an anic Alfalfa o e ation an t e aise Ce tifie anic lac An s eef. Lea n o e a o t t e on the web at www.RogersHSR.com.
ffalo Ranc e e t e lite A e o n o nea l ea s ffalo Ranc as a e a at of s ccess in t e o se in st . e now what it takes to be successful in breeding and e fo ance at t e i est le els. ffalo Ranch is all about the people. They are really in the people business, horses are just the product. SDP ffalo Ranc a e co itte to e cellence in stallion service, horsemanship and customer relations. Your s ccess is t ei s ccess e offe f ll se ice ine Reproductive services. See their stallion line up at tt www. ffaloRanc .co
Manion Ranch and Smooth As A Cat are proud to team up with the NRCHA. Already producing NRCHA offs in ea nin s in e cess of . illion olla s as of 01/01/20) and named an NRCHA elite sire is only the tipping point of what is yet to transpire for this stallion w o as NCHA lifeti e ea nin s in e cess of . He was an NCHA Horse Of The Year, is an NCHA Hall of Fame Horse; he also won multiple NCHA Championships an was a inalist ti es. oot As A Cat is t e onl Horse Of The Year to sire two NCHA Open Horses Of the Year.
Smooth As A Cat has been ranked 4th or higher of NCHA lea in si es fo consec ti e ea s. oot As A Cat s offs in a e won in e cess of . illion dollars and he has sired champions and money earners out of mares by 40 + plus different bloodlines and the list of accomplishments goes on. Smooth As A Cat stan s at eat e fo ine ee in Cente .
a oonaRisin owne lantation a s LLC is si e illion olla i e nce n A l oon an o t of ow i itt Hi ow Cat. n a oonaRisin ca t e t e National C ttin Ho se Association Open Futurity reserve championship title, n e t e i ance of A an an elos. e stallion as one on to eco e a lti le ti e finalist an a o CHA en e C a ion ea nin o e t an . a oonaRisin stan s to t e lic at a os alle tallion tation in te en ille e as. For more information, visit badboonarising.com and follow him on Facebook.
Holy Cow Performance Horses LLC, with locations in anta ne Califo nia an eat e fo e as as become a leading breeder and owner of reined cow o ses einin o ses an c ttin o ses. ee in raising and showing quality performance Quarter Ho ses is a assion at Hol Cow e icate to aisin quality performers that are world class in their es ecti e fiel s. Hol Cow is o e to so e of t e finest oo a es in t e in st incl in to eine cow horse producer Sheza Shinette. Their sponsorship and support of the NRCHA includes the $25,000 added to t e en i le ectac la at t e NRCHA tallion Stakes, $25,000 added to the CD Survivor Memorial en i le ectac la at t e NRCHA e an a e to t e en i le class at t e NRCHA naf e it t it .
Learn more about Holy Cow Performance Horses at www.HolyCowPerformanceHorses.com.
Hickory Holly Time is a 2010 red roan stallion sired by One Time Pepto and out of Hickorys Holly Cee owned by DT Horses with LTE well over $225,000. His achievements span all the NRCHA isci lines naf e it NRCHA nte e iate Open Futurity Champion, 2014 NRCHA Open Derby Champion, Hackamore – 2015 NRCHA Open Hackamore C a ion an now i le o l s eatest Horseman Champion. He is tested as 5 Panel N/N and is currently standing at Oswood Stallion Station. Visit him on the web at http://oswoodstallionstation.com/ hickoryhollytime, or on Facebook HickoryHollyTime or at www.dthorses.com/stallions.
etallic Cat Hi ow Cat C e s a ow e to oons al owne Roc in Ranc is a Million Dollar Sire. “Denver” was also crowned National Cutting Horse Association Open Horse of the Year, 2016, NCHA i e of t e ea an NRCHA Lea in i e. He is t e secon i est one ea nin stallion in the history of the NCHA. His latest milestone is becoming an NRCHA Million Dollar Sire, with more t an illion in cow o se offs in ea nin s. o more information on Metallic Cat, visit metalliccat.com.
Le en a a te Ho ses an s e io lac An s cattle a e all a s of t e o i es a isto ic e as anc t at is a t of nett Ranc es LLC. e anc stan s so e of t e ost well es ecte a te Ho se stallions in the industry, with elite broodmares that produce superior individuals for work and racing.
ot e ac son e to oons al es cin nt e Cat Hi ow Cat is a A HA o el Stallion with multiple titles to his credit including C e o ial i le ectac la C a ion. Dan Perez owns the stallion that has earnings of more than $140,000, he also has more than 100 A HA oints. He is t aine an s own en ol an stan s at ol s ainin ta les tallion e ices in ilton Califo nia.
este n loo stoc is the trusted name in performance horse sales, and is proud to produce and manage t is ea s National Reined Cow Horse
Association naf e it t it ales isit t e on t e we at wwww. este n loo stoc .net.
i e o e ia on ne i e e to ia on s it t le la in t lis owne i le Ranc es is t e NRCHA naf e it t it C a ion. Trained and shown by NRCHA Professional Nick Dowers, Time For The Diamond has career earnings of nearly $150,000. Time For The Diamond stands at swoo tallion tation in eat e fo e as. o o e information, visit www.NickDowers.com.
BREEDER DIRECTORY
Stevie Rey Von (Metallic Cat x Miss Ella Rey x Dual Rey), owned by Fults Ranch LTD, has $420,928 in lifetime earnings. This sire’s outstanding pedigree matches his moves in the show pen. At the 2018 NCHA Super Stakes, “Stevie” set an arena record-breaking score of 231 to win the class; along with many other championship titles, including the 2015 NCHA Open Futurity. Stevie’s fi st foal c o a i e in an t e a e efinitel looking the part. For more information on Stevie follow him on Facebook or visit steviereyvon.com.
Reyzin The Cash (Dual Rey x Spookys Cash x Miss N Cash), owned by Iron Rose Ranch, won six open championship titles throughout his show career. The most impressive wins were earning backto-back championship crowns at the 2015 and 2016 National Cutting Horse Association Derby. Reyzin e Cas is a lti le ti e li ite a e e ent finalist bringing his lifetime earnings to $278,381. The 2011 so el stallion s fi st li ite foal c o will it t e s ow pen in the fall of 2020. They all have promising futures, carrying the positive traits of their sire.
The skill and experience of Jeremy Barwick, Dr. Charlie Buchanan and staff make Brazos Valley Stallion Station in Stephenville, Texas, unique among breeding and performance horse establishments, and a vital center for horse owners, competitors and breeders. Find them on the web at http://www.brazosvalleystallionstation.com
Rollz Royce has captured the horse industry’s attention in the show pen like no other, with the captivating and charismatic way he moves through the pen. “Royce” has multiple championship titles to his name, including back-to-back wins in the big pen at Fort Worth.
The 2014 sorrel stallion by Dual Smart Rey and out of Show Biz Kitty, by High Brow Cat, is now starting his transition from the show pen to the breeding barn, after earning $289,985. Royce’s first foal crop has now hit the ground, showing the same quality he possessed as a weanling. For more information on this amazing stallion go to beaugalyean.com/rollz-royce and follow him on Facebook.
Kit Kat Sugar (High Brow Cat x Sugar N Dulce x Smart Lil Ricochet) has lifetime earnings of $240,903. He earned six limited aged event championships and was named the 2012 National Cutting Horse Association Horse of the Year as a 4-year-old. “Skeet” has passed on his athleticism, style and character to his offspring, who have already amassed more than $1.8 million in the cutting and cow horse arenas.
“Skeet” is owned by Barbara Allsup and stands at Brazos Valley Stallion Station in Stephenville, Texas. For more information on Kit Kat Sugar, follow him on Facebook or visit www.brazosvalleystallionstation.com.
Smooth Talkin Style (Smooth As A Cat x Stylish Play Lena x Docs Stylish Oak), owned by Holmes and Hill, was a force to be reckoned with in the show pen, claiming numerous coveted titles including National Cutting Horse Association Open Horse of the Year, NCHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion, Super Stakes Open Co-Champion and Breeders Invitational Champion. Stylish Play Lena, his dam, has produced more than $1.9 million dollars in earnings, with a staggering $95,000 average earnings per offspring. Smooth Talkin Style is Stylish Play Lena’s leading stallion offspring with earnings in excess of $305,284. According the NCHA, “Talker” is a record setting Open Horse of the Year, accumulating more than 700 points in less than 9 months of showing; thus, securing the coveted title of Horse of the Year by August of his 4-year-old year. Smooth Talkin Style retired to the breeding barn, completely sound, at the end of his 4-year-old year. This si e s fi st foal c o a i e in an a e set to it the show pen in 2020! Smooth Talkin Style is 5-panel genetic tested as N/N. Follow Talker on Facebook/ Instagram @SmoothTalkinStyle, and visit him at www. smoothtalkinstyle.com.
Hashtags (Metallic Cat x Dual Rey Tag) has lifetime earnings of $478,571. A 2018 NCHA Open World Champion and World Champion Stallion trained and s own at Rice Has ta s fi st foal c o a i e in 2019.
“Hashtags is just a great individual,” said Rice. “He makes it easy! Mind, heart, cow sense and strength.” The stallion is owned by Hashtag Ventures LP and standing at Brazos Valley Stallion Station in Stephenville, TX. For more information on Hashtags, follow him on Facebook or visit www. brazosvalleystallionstation.com.
Metallic Rebel (Metallic Cat x Sweet Abra x Abrakadabracre) is owned by Tom and Lisa Guinn, and trained by NCHA Multi-Million Dollar Rider Beau Galyean. Rebel’s accomplishments include 2017 NCHA Open Horse of the Year, NCHA World Champion stallion, 13 aged event championships, three reserve c a ions i titles an is a ti e e ent finalist accumulating over $420,000 in lifetime earnings. As he transitions from the show pen to the breeding barn, this si e s fi st offs in a i in in a e is la in not only his tremendous character, but also his incredible confi ation. o o e info ation isit etallic e el. com and follow him on Facebook.
Owned by Beverly Servi, BET HESA BOON (Bet Hesa Cat x Flo N Blu Boon x Pretty Boy Boon) is a 2014 homozygous roan with LTE of $62,940 dollars. His outstanding pedigree and demeanor match his impressive conformation and performance eco . oon was a finalist at e e e ie e NRCHA Derby event, and is a two-time National Stock Horse Association Derby Champion. Cow horse, cutting, reining, ranch versatility – he can do it all! Boon is six-panel N/N genetic tested. Add a little Boon to your breeding program! He’s guaranteed roan! Look for Boon in the show pen with Clayton Edsall and check him out on Facebook, www.808ranch.com or at Oswood Stallion Station.
Matthews Cutting Horses, ownerd and operated by Jeffrey and Sheri Matthews, is the home of NRCHA $3 Million Dollar Sire One Time Pepto (Peptoboonsmal x One Time Soon x Smart Little Lena).
Matthews Cutting Horses is well known for superior performance horse bloodlines. The Matthews breeding program is built on extraordinary pedigrees and e ce tional e fo ances. His fi st foals ca e of s ow age in 2010, an in 2014 One Time Pepto was the No. 1 NRCHA Sire. In 2015, he was the leading sire of NRCHA naf e it t it ale o ses. ne i e e to s performing foals have earned more than $17 million in all disciplines. Learn more about One Time Pepto at www.onetimepepto.com.
COOTER KAT SWEEPS SCOTTSDALE S
A familiar team atop NRCHA score charts, Scooter Kat and Justin Wright take another championship title to California.
By Kate Bradley Byars
Adark cloud of uncertainty settled over reined cow horse competitors in April, shortly after the first premier event was postponed due to safety and health concerns. Trainers, competitors and enthusiasts waited to see whether the 2020 National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Jack and Phoebe Cooke Memorial Derby would go forward or not. On June 7, the sun beamed down on riders on the first day of the Derby at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Not only was the event going forward, but Derby Open-level entries totaled 126, up from the 2019 total of 104. To say the NRCHA family was glad to once again draw together is an understatement.
Previously held in Paso Robles, California, the event was forced to move locations due to California restrictions. The Arizona move drew entries to the event, which showcases 4- and 5-year-old horses showing for $80,000-added money in the Open Derby, two-rein and bridle horses competing for $36,000added in the Spectaculars as well as top spots in the horse show classes.
On Saturday, June 14, a familiar team landed atop the Open Derby finals— Justin Wright and 2015 stallion Scooter Kat (Kit Kat Sugar x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey). Owned by Eric Freitas of Santa Maria, California, Scooter Kat and Wright earned $33,500, which pushed the stallion’s lifetime earnings to more than $226,000.
2020 NRCHA DERBY OPEN TOP 10
Scottsdale, Arizona – June 7-14, 2020 Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. Scooter Kat; Justin Wright; (Kit Kat Sugar x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey); Eric Freitas; 673.5 (H:224/R:224.5/C:225); $33,550.20.
2. Hott Rod; Corey Cushing; (Hottish x Sugars Smart Kitty x High Brow Cat); Lynne Wurzer; 668.5 (H:223/ R:223/C:222.5); $24,721.20.
3. CR Tuffles N Lace; Kelby Phillips; (Woody Be Tuff x Calie Del Rey x Dual Rey); DT Horses LLC; 662 (H:218.5/R:221.5/222); $20,306.70.
4. Kreyzy Horse; Kelby Phillips; (Dual Rey x Shes Twice As Smooth x Smooth As A Cat); DT Horses LLC; 660.5 (H:219/R:222/219.5); $15,892.20.
5. Stylish In Socks; Clayton Edsall; (Metallic Cat x Stylish In Stockings x Peptoboonsmal); Beverly Servi; 659 (H:221/R:217/C:221); $12,360.60.
6. Remys Merada; Jared Jones; (Cats Merada x Chicks Sassy Nic x Reminic); Lucava Farms Inc.; 656.5 (H:219/R:218/C:219.5); $10,594.80.
7. One Sparking Time; Justin Wright; (One Time Pepto x Sparking Train x Shining Spark); Mark and Kimberly Rauch; 654 (H:218/R:216.5/C:219.5); $8,829.
8. Gunna Be Striking; Sarah Dawson; (GunnaTrashYa x Moonstruck Cat x High Brow Cat); Arcese Quarter Horses USA/ J&W Oswood; 650.5 (H:216/R:220/C:214.5); $7,063.20.
9. The No Pants Party; Todd Crawford; (WR This Cats Smart x Young Amanda x Young Gun); Paul Gober; 649 (H212/R:219.5/C:217.5); $5,297.40.
10. Metallic Freckle; Tucker Robinson; (Metallic Cat x Jasmin Sweet Freckle x Widows Freckles); Anna Lisa Luna; 648.5 (H:216/R:213.5/C:219); $5,297.40.
Photos by Primo Morales
Scooter Kat and Justin Wright captured another title, winning the 2020 NRCHA Derby Open Championship.
“The NRCHA staff getting everything ready on such short notice, it was impressive that we could pull through and keep our major event,” Wright said. “We got him ready for the Stakes that didn’t happen, so he went to the breeding farm this year. I got him back here and went back to working him on a consistent basis. He was real easy to get ready.”
Previously, Wright and Scooter Kat claimed the top spot at the 2019 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Derby and the reserve champion title at the 2018 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open. Yet, Wright takes each show as seriously as the first time he showed the horse. Scooter Kat spent the time between when he would have been at the Stallion Stakes until 45 days before the Derby at the breeding barn, and when the horse returned to Wright, the focus was on upping their fence game.
“I felt like there have been a few times I screwed up on the fence work on him, especially when I was sitting in a good position going into the fence work,” Wright said. “It felt like sometimes in the fence work he would overdo it or I would overdo it. He felt as good in the fence work as he did in the rein work or herd work. He was very consistent.”
The clean-slate finals saw 20 horse and rider pairs vie for the title. While Wright knew the horse was dialed in on his job, a bit of superstition set in. In 2019, the pair won the Stallion Stakes wearing sponsor Quarter Horse News’ silks last year, so they had to wear the same silks at the Derby.
With that charm in place, Wright rode the horse to the high scores in the final round of the herd, rein and fence runs, for a composite total of 673.5 (H:224/ R:224.5/C:225).
Wright also showed four other horses to finals berths. He credits Scooter Kat with improving his ability as a trainer,
“I don’t want to think about not having him to show, because he is so much fun... I am just happy to be part of it.” –Justin Wright
and sees the “less is more” approach trickle down into how he trains other horses.
“It has been very educational to me not to do too much to him. Sometimes it would seem like I could get to [helping] him too much and he would try too hard and create a whole different set of issues,” Wright said. “I’ve taken that same philosophy to other horses. Keep them fresh and not be down their throats over-working them all the time. He has taught me a lot there.”
Though the stallion bred approximately 25 mares in 2019 and about 75 thus far in 2020, his attitude hasn’t changed in the show pen. Wright is ready to continue showing the athletic horse through 2020 and into the horse’s bridle years.
“I don’t want to think about not having him to show, because he is so much fun,” Wright said. “The longevity with him is going to be good, and I am just happy to be a part of it.”
Open Derby Reserve Champion Corey Cushing and Hott Rod (Hottish x Sugars Smart Kitty x High Brow Cat), owned by Lynne Wurzer, rode to a 668.5 (H:223/ R:223/C:222.5) for $24,721.20. Cushing, who is based in Scottsdale, found himself showing in familiar territory at WestWorld.
“I’ve shown [Hott Rod] at the [AQHA] Sun Circuit the last two years to school him,” Cushing said. “If a person wanted to, they could call it home court advantage. But the pressure we put on ourselves, the different arena set up and the different sense of energy make it different. Horses feed off that, too.”
Cushing kept the pressure on during the Derby, topping the preliminary scores with a composite 669. Hott Rod and Cushing started 2020 off on a high note, winning the 2020 Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby Open championship in Fort Worth, Texas, in February. Cushing kept the 5-year-old stallion in shape but not wound too tight leading up to the Derby.
“This horse takes things very, very serious,” Cushing explained. “When it started looking like the Derby was going to happen, we started to do more with him in preparation for it. He is a joy to train and have around; the physical ability he puts behind his job, you don’t get to feel that very often.”
The 2020 NRCHA Derby saw Wright nab a championship, and he also celebrated for his friends’ and former training assistants’ titles: Jared Jones rode PRF Peptos Smart Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Wild Francine x Peptoboonsmal) to the Derby Intermediate Open win, and Derby Limited Open Champion Daniel Sanchez rode Reyny Day Nickle (Shiners Nickle x Tootsie Rey x Dual Rey).
“It’s fun to have such a talented group of guys around keeping an eye on each other. Jared Jones who works for us had his first major win in the Intermediate; Danny Sanchez worked for me for many years and Russell Probert made the Open finals, and he worked for me,” Wright said. “It was just a great week. Without them, I know I wouldn’t be where we are right now. I am very thankful.”
OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Corey Cushing and Hott Rod (Hottish x Sugars Smart Kitty x High Brow Cat), owned by Lynne Wurzer, rode to a 668.5 (H:223/R:223/C:222.5) for $24,721.20.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Remys Merada (Cats Merada x Chicks Sassy Nic x Reminic) and Jared Jones rode to a 656.5 (H:219/R:218/C:219.5), earning owner Lucava Farms Inc. $7,149.17.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN CHAMPION
Jared Jones rode PRF Peptos Smart Cat (WRThis Cats Smart x Wild Francine x Peptoboonsmal), owned by Tori G. Simons, to a 660 (H:217.5/R:219/C:223.5) for $9,981.80.
LIMITED OPEN CHAMPION
Daniel Sanchez piloted Reyny Day Nickle (Shiners Nickle x Tootsie Rey x Dual Rey) to a composite 656 (H219/R:217/C:220), and $4,414.50 for owner Donna Russo.
LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE
Tying for reserve, Trevor Carter rode Bogle Brothers LLC’s MC Cowhammer (Metallic Cat x GunSmart Gay x Playgun) to a 646.5 (H:217/R:215/C:214.5) and $3,310.88.
LEVEL
ONE LIMITED OPEN CHAMPION
James Robert “JR” Marshall piloted Brett Weaver’s Playboy Powder Bucks (Bucks Little Playboy x Full Of Powder x Powder River Playboy) to a composite 647.5 (H:214.5/R:214/C:219) and $3,770.
LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE
Tying for reserve, Gusti Buerger rode Anne Reynolds’ Logicality (Magicality x Boonlight Angel x Boonlight Dancer) to a 646.5 (H:213/R:220.5/C:213) and $3,310.88.
LEVEL ONE LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Half Past Boon (Half Time Report x Boonalicious x ), ridden by Jesus “Chuy” Roman and owned by Rocking J Ranch Inc, scored a 647.5 (H:215/R:216/C:216.5) to tie for the Level One win, but lost the tiebreaker to earn reserve and $3,016.60.
OPEN NOVICE HORSE CHAMPION
Sarah Dawson rode Gunna Be Striking (Gunnatrashya x Moonstruck Cat x High Brow Cat), owned by Arcese Quarter Horses and Jeff and Wendy Oswood, to a composite 655 (H:215.5/R:219/C:220.5) and $3,132.
OPEN NOVICE HORSERESERVE CHAMPION
Corey Cushing and Voodo Smooth (Smooth As A Cat x Voodoo Chic x Smart Chic Olena), owned by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch, scored a 653.5 (H:218/ R:215.5/C:220) for reserve and a $2,505.60 payday.
Lte $485,293
Earning $7,376.90, Toni Hagen Heath and Smokum
Every Time topped the 41-horse Non Pro
Derby field.
MOKIN’ IN SCOTTSDALE S
Derby Non Pro Champion Toni Hagen Heath and Reserve Champion
Erin Mendes had the horse show riders dream about at the 2020 NRCHA Derby.
By Kate Bradley Byars
Photos by Primo Morales
In recent years, watching the Non Pro division finals at National Reined Cow Horse Association premier events is just as exhilarating as watching the Open riders make a run. With a talented slew of limited-age event horses and Non Pro riders that aren’t afraid to lay it on the line, the division sees high scores and big payouts, and it was no different on June 13 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Thirteen teams vied for a $36,000 payout, but Toni Hagen Heath and Smokum Every Time left with the coveted title.
Smokum Every Time (by One Time Pepto) is out of Smokums Dream (by Smokums Prize) Heath rode to the 2012 Hackamore Classic Non Pro win, and was trained by Justin Wright. After an injury at the 2019 Stallion Stakes sidelined “Rowdy’s” 4-year-old show year, Heath took him home to Oregon. The pair’s composite total of 655 (H:214/R:218.5/C:222.5) in Arizona was three points higher than reserve.
“It took quite a long time to just ride him at the ranch, walking and trotting around, and we got to know each other,” Heath said. “That probably made a difference that I didn’t have to jump right on and go show. I would have to give Justin huge kudos for training him so that he was really easy to follow riding. I have not ridden other horses of Justin’s, but I would assume it is his style [of training] that made it easy for me to get together with him.”
Heath describes the now 5-year-old as “feely and sensitive” but also says he tries his heart out in the show pen. However, their ninth-place finals herd work score landed them with ground to make up if they were going to reach the championship spot.
2020 NRCHA DERBY NON PRO TOP 10
Scottsdale, Arizona – June 7-14, 2020 Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. Smokum Every Time; Toni Hagen Heath; (One Time Pepto x Smokums Dream x Smokums Prize); Daniel Heath; 655 (H:214/R:218.5/C:222.5); $7,376.90.
2. Jans Shiney Rey; Erin Mendes; (Jans Rey Cuatro x Shiney Bit O Ivory x Shining Spark); Marcel and Erin Mendes; 652 (H:218/R:213.5/C:220.5); $5,901.52.
3. Dualin ALittle Time; Debbie Crafton; (One Time Pepto x ARC Little Dualena x Dual Pep); 646 (H:215/ R:215.5/C:215.5); Debbie Crafton; $4,610.56.
4. Wooodya; Eric Freitas; (Woody Be Tuff x CR Dees Boon Meow x Peptoboonsmal); 645 (H:217.5/ R:216/C:211.5); Eric Freitas; $3,688.45.
5. Seven S Red Robin; Kenneth Schueller; (Blind Sided x Seven S Dixie Chic x CJ Sugar Lena); 644.5 (H:212.5/R:213.5/C:218.5); Kenneth Schueller; $2,950.76.
6. Twice In A Blu Moon; Debbie Crafton; (Once In A Blu Boon x Teletrona x Little Trona); 642.5 (H:214.5/ R:212.5/C:215.5); Debbie Crafton; $2,581.92.
7. Smoketta Cat; Terry Christiansen; (Dual R Smokin x Fletchetta Cat x High Brow Cat); 636.5 (H217/ R:215.5/C:204); Terry and Annette Christiansen; $2,213.07.
8. CR Tuff Guns N Roses; Abbie Phillips; (Woody Be Tuff x Gypsy Rose Rey x Dual Rey); 635.5 (H:219/ R:220/C:196.5); Abbie Phillips; $1,844.23.
9. Boonafide Royalty; Jayson Fisher; (One Time Royalty x Boonafide Cowgirl x Peptoboonsmal); 625 (H:213/R:209.5/C:202.5); Jayson and Teresa Fisher; $1,475.23.
10. Mr Cee Street; Tammy Johnston; (Cee Mr Hickory x Miss Bourbon Street x Pep Bar Deck); 623 (H:214/R:215.5/C:193.5); Trystin Johnston; $1,290.96.
“I was more upset thinking that the herd work didn’t go according to plan in my mind,” Heath said. “Going into my reining pattern, there were no nerves at all. I knew I needed to go for it because I had nothing to lose and I needed to get scored as best I could at that moment in the reining. He did good and I did the best of my ability to get the most out of him. I felt like I laid it out there to score as high as I could.”
Knowing that a big fence run was also needed, Heath took an aggressive approach to her cow.
“‘Rowdy’ was with me to the point where I never felt like I couldn’t catch it,” she said. “He rated good, turned good, got his second turn good, and when I went to circle up, he put his nose down beside the cow and went to hustling up there. I thought, ‘I think I got it!’ I felt like I got it in the sense of a good cow work. The run had gone the best I could do, and I felt like my horse tried his heart out, too.”
Their scores reflect the elite level in Non Pro competitions, Heath says. With many horses, including hers, showing under Open riders before pairing up with a Non Pro in a limited age event, the competition is steep.
“The scores to even qualify back to a finals, it is raising by leaps and bounds! The quality of the horses the Non Pros are coming with, a lot of them are coming with horses that have been in the Open program and won money,” Heath said. “When you add that to Non Pro riders who are aggressive and not tentative, we are just going to continue to climb.”
Knowing that her horse has the try and the training to get to the top has Heath regretting that she missed showing him during his 4-year-old year, when the horse was rehabilitating. But, she is making the most of his soundness this year.
“I’m so happy to have him still [to show],” she said. “Going forward, I’m
going to the Stakes and trying to get him qualified for the hackamore in the Non Pro. But, with this year being so strange and a lot of the shows in the Northwest being canceled, we will see if we can go back to the World Show. He is so sound in mind and body right now.”
The 2019 Non Pro Derby had 25 entries, and despite a venue change and the challenges of traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s entries totaled 41. The Non Pro Limited also had 24 riders.
Erin Mendes took the reserve spot in the Non Pro Derby with a 652 (H:218/ R:213.5/C:220.5) to earn her and husband Marcel Mendes $5,901.52. Riding Jans Shiney Rey (Jans Rey Cuatro x Shiney Bit O Ivory x Shining Spark), Mendes also rode to the Intermediate Non Pro Champion title, earning $3,546.88; the Novice Non Pro Champion title, earning $1,589; and the Amateur Champion title, earning $1,768.80.
With the blessing from her family to travel, the mom to a 1-year-old took a chance attending the Derby, and it paid off in a big way.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything more! I don’t always have a limited age event horse, so I knew I had to take [Jans Shiney Rey] to compete and take advantage of the situation,” Mendes said. “Also, she is not [Stallion] Stakes eligible. It was a little tough and last minute because of the COVID situation and change in location.”
Mendes and Jans Shiney Rey teamed up in August 2019. Trainer Monica Caetano watched Clint Allen show the mare at the National Stock Horse Association Pre-Futurity event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Though Mendes wasn’t there to try her out, her trainer was certain the mare would make the Non Pro a good mount. Mendes’ father purchased the horse to help his daughter get back into showing after having a baby.
“It was a weird deal because I was not there but home with my baby,” Mendes recalled. “I had full trust in Monica to pick what I needed. She came home in the trailer. In August, we entered the Derby in Idaho and did well there. We’ve just made a good match. It all started with my parents being supportive. It was meant to be.”
With more than six months between the Derby and the last time Mendes showed her mare, she was uncertain about the outcome of the event. However, she had faith the palomino would show well. Prior to the Derby, Mendes focused on her weakness, the herd work. During the Non Pro finals, the pair marked the second-highest score of 218.
“I improved on my herd work in the finals, and that was a great feeling to know I had the confidence to go in there and cut my cows and be in control,” she said. “Both of my fence works felt phenomenal. She was waiting for me to ask her what to do, and I was in complete control the entire time. We were right there together the entire time, even though the cows were challenging. I knew I had to be aggressive but really smart at the same time you were working your cow. It was a super show that I felt like all three events were solid.”
While Mendes had the luxury of driving the 1.5 hours from the previous location of the Derby, in Paso Robles, California, to her home in nearby Kingsbury, it was quite a trek to Arizona. But the outcome has Mendes thinking of an even longer road trip: to Fort Worth, Texas, for the Hackamore Classic at the Snaffle Bit Futurity®.
“The Derby went so well, I think I am going to plan to go to Texas,” Mendes said. “I feel she is such a great horse that I need to take advantage of that opportunity. The limited age stuff is a cherry on top to being able to horse show and this is her last year in those events.”
NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION, INTERMEDIATE NON PRO CHAMPION, NOVICE NON PRO CHAMPION, AMATEUR CHAMPION
Erin Mendes rode Jans Shiney Rey (Jans Rey Cuatro x Shiney Bit O Ivory x Shining Spark), co-owned with husband Marcel, to a composite 652 (H:218/R:213.5/C:220.5) to win and earn $11,372.20.
AMATEURRESERVE CHAMPION
Prince Rey (Dual Smart Rey x Pincipessa x Peptoboonsmal) and Mindy Barkemeyer rode to a composite 644 (H:211/R:215/C:218) for reserve and $1,474.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION & NOVICE NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION
Terry Christiansen piloted Smoketta Cat (Dual RSmokin x Fletchetta Cat x High Brow Cat), owned with wife Annette, to a 636.5 (H217/R:215.5/C:204) to earn $2,213.07. With the same score, the pair earned Novice Non Pro Reserve and another $$1,248.50.R:219/C:223.5) for $9,981.80.
NON PRO LIMITED CHAMPION
Shelby Walker and SJR Katmandoo (Smooth As A Cat x Shiners Diamond Girl x Shining Spark) rode to a composite 648 (H:212/R:214.5/C:221.5) to earn the win and $2,709.28.
NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CHAMPION
Elizabeth Poor rode Bet Heza Playboy (Bet Hesa Cat x High Style Cavio x Docs Stylish Oak) to the reserve title with a 646 (H:213/R:214/C:219) and picked up a check for $2,128.72.
High Stressin Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Playguns Melody x Playgun) and Nick Dowers took the championship with a 663.5 (H:220/R:222.5/C:221) to earn owner Clint Marshall $10,557.
SBy Kate Bradley Byars
SPECTACULAR IMPLY
The Grand Canyon may be the tourist attraction to Arizona, but the Spectaculars brought the Derby crowd to its feet in Scottsdale.
The making of a bridle horse is nothing shy of spectacular. From a gangly young horse in a snaffle to the maturity shown in the hackamore and two rein rig, and, finally, the elegance of a horse straight-up in the bridle, creating a finished reined cow horse takes time, dedication and its share of artistry. During the 2020 NRCHA Derby, Bridle and Two Rein Spectacular, champions pitted their horses against each other for the top titles.
In the CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular, a deep field of 37 entries—chock full of past premier event champions— went head-to-head in three events to try and earn part of the $20,000-added money purse, provided by Holy Cow Performance Horses. Nick Dowers of Dyer, Nevada, claimed the honor riding Clint Marshall’s High Stressin Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Playguns Melody x Playgun) with a 663.5 (H:220/R:222.5/C:221).
Dowers and the 2013 gelding are longtime partners in the show pen, claiming the 2018 NRCHA Hackamore Classic championship and the 2019 National Stock Horse Association Open Two Rein Spectacular. The pair have earned more than $100,000 in the arena.
“I’ve had him for so long and we have done so much together. He is pretty straightforward,” Dowers said. “At this point, he is trained, in the bridle good, sound and everything is a go. If I do my part and prepare him, the chances of us getting a check are good.”
While Dowers spent the downtime not showing keeping the gelding in shape but not pushing him, he came out swinging in the
Photos by Primo Morales
event. First out in the herd work draw, their 220 score immediately put the duo in title contention.
For Dowers, the cattle were key to having the kind of high-scoring runs needed to top the talented field.
“I think it is one of those classes that is so deep that it is just going to come down to who draws the right cows, whether it is who cuts cows that fit their horse in the herd work or who has the rankest cow down the fence,” he said. “He’s strong in all of the rein work, really. I’ve been able to plus-1 his circles, stops and spins. Really, in the reining, he is capable of plus-ing every maneuver if I prepare him right. He is solid and is really special in the reining.”
For those watching online and in the stands, Dowers’ fence work stood out because of the lack of a fence—most of the run was in the middle of the arena.
“My fence work, I knew the degree of
difficulty was very, very high because we never got close to a fence the entire run, we were just out in the open,” Dowers explained. “I didn’t have fence turns, only open field, big turns. I wasn’t sure what [the judges] were going to do with it, but I knew it was a challenging cow and the degree of difficulty was very high and my horse handled it very well. He was in all the right spots on a very tough cow, and the judges rewarded that.”
The gelding’s quick-footed ability to control the cow was reflected in his score of a 221. In the end, consistent works through the three events helped Dowers rise to the top.
He credits the horse and owner Clint Marshall, who Dowers says is committed to the process of making good horses.
“One thing about Clint, he wants to have a good horse in all the events,” Dowers said. “We have our 3-year-olds
BRIDLE SPECTACULAR OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Kelby Phillips piloted Duals Lucky Charm (Dual Smart Rey x TRRMs Pepcid Olena x Pepcid) to a 661.5 (H:218/R:219.5/C:224) for owners JB6 LLC, who earned $8,262
and that is a focus, but Clint, as an owner, has had a lot of success in aged events in the horse show stuff because he is committed to the process of making good horses, be it 3-year-old, in the bridle or what. I think that is evident in Clint’s success lately, because he is committed to the process to have good horses.”
The reserve spot went to Kelby Phillips riding JB6 LLC’s Duals Lucky Charm (Dual Smart Rey x TRR Ms Pepcid Olena x Pepcid). The pair marked a 661.5 (H:218/R:219.5/C:224) to earn $8,262 for the event. Their fence work run was the second-highest score in the event.
Phillips has taken the stallion from the 2016 Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion to the 2018 NRCHA Cow Horse Classic Derby Open Champion through to the bridle, competing at the NRCHA’s World’s Greatest Horseman on him in 2020.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR 1ST PLACE
Smokin Smart Cat (WRThis Cats Smart x She Smokes Smart x Senors Lil Brudder), owned by David and Barbara Archer and ridden by Lyn Anderson, scored a 659.5 (H:217/R:218/C:224.5) for the win and earned $2,010.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR 2ND PLACE — TIE
Andrew Steigher rode Scott and Darnell Trueblood’s Cash Master T (Cat TMasterson x Nu Cash Box x Shining Spark) to a 652.5 (H:216.5/R:217/C:219) to tie for second place Intermediate Open and earn $1,407.
NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR
At 19 years old, Kate Buchanan of Scottsdale, Arizona, has already hit major reined cow horse milestones. This year, she and A Time For Jazz qualified for the final round of the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman in Fort Worth, Texas. After a break from showing, the pair rode into WestWorld of Scottsdale ready to take on Buchanan’s first Spectacular event.
A self-proclaimed lover of speed, Kate and A Time For Jazz (One Time Pepto x Starlight And Jazz x Grays Starlight), owned by her mother Anne Buchanan, roared to a composite 441 (H:145.5/ R:146.5/C:149) to earn the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular win and $3,680.
“We bought him in August and I’ve been trying to get to know him. At the World’s Greatest, we started to figure each other out and we definitely clicked at the Non Pro [Bridle Spectacular] in the
INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR 2ND PLACE — TIE
Doug Williamson piloted his own stallion, High Brow Shiner (Shining Lil Nic x High Brow Meow x High Brow Cat), to a 652.5 (H:215.5/R:217.5/C:219.5) to tie for second and earn $1,407 in the Intermediate Open.
Derby,” she said. “I am used to [horses] that just go on their own and do their job themselves, but him, you have to kick him a little more and tell him when to go fast, but with others I had to tell them when to slow down.”
Riding the gelding that she says is scared of cows, Kate started the event off with a solid herd work. Having only shown reined cow horse approximately four years, she rode against older and more experienced competitors.
“I was intimidated. From doing other events, like team roping, I knew you just had to stay consistent,” Kate said. “Being consistent in the end is more rewarding than going all-out in everything. That is what I was going for, consistent and clean in everything.”
It helped Buchanan that she had a fast cow run, one she will remember for some time in the future.
“I’ve never had a close-to-perfect fence run, but that was this show for me,” Kate said. “I’ve never felt that run before. I’m a confident rider and like to go pretty fast all the time, but that run left me speechless.”
The soon-to-be freshman at Auburn University will ride on the school’s equestrian team. She hopes to hit the NRCHA show pen again, but her team schedule will make that decision for her. Her horse is in good hands in Arizona with younger sister Caroline, 16, and trainer Corey Cushing. While a solid show horse, Kate says that some of her favorite times on “Jazz” are when they aren’t in the arena.
“If Corey heard this, he would tell me to stop talking, but [Jazz] gets cookies all the time and acts more like a kid’s horse,” Kate said. “Jazz stays home with us. We play around on him, going on trail rides and riding bareback. We do spoil our horses.”
Reserve in the Non Pro was Cutter McLaughlin riding CD Dee Vee Dee (CD Lights x Shiners Missy Jay x Shining Spark). No stranger to a Spectacular, McLaughlin scored a composite 436.5 (H:147/R:146.5/C:143) to earn his parents, and the horse’s owners, Jay and Wendy McLaughlin $2,880.
YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR
In her first Youth Cow Horse Spectacular entry, Catelyn Walker, 17, took home her first major NRCHA win. Aboard Playin Motown (Mr Playinstylish x Mo Flo x Mr Peponita Flo), Catelyn rode to a 433 (H:142/R:145.5/C:145.5) to earn the championship and $460.
The high school student from Prairie Grove, Arkansas, said attending the 2020 NRCHA Derby was a mix of excitement and nerves.
///// MEET CD SURVIVOR
CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular Perpetual Trophy, presented by Holy Cow Performance Horses Awarded: 2010 to present
TheNRCHA Derby Bridle Spectacular is named in memory of CD Survivor (CD Olena x Have A Lil Lena x Peppy San Badger), who was euthanized after an accidental stifle injury in May 2009. An orphaned foal, he earned the “survivor” name for his tenacious efforts to nurse from grumpy foster mares that repeatedly rejected him. Admired by many for his talent, heart and honesty, he was best loved by his owner, Nancy Crawford of Holy Cow Performance Horses. Nicknamed “Clark,” because he had Clark Kent’s Superman-like super versatility and Clark Gable’s good looks and class, CD Survivor earned $152,703 and the elite title of NRCHA Supreme Reined Cow Horse before his life was cut short.
In her stallion’s memory, Nancy Crawford puts up $50,000 in added money for the annual memorial bridle spectacular that is held at premier events. In 2010, the first recipient to receive the honor Shawn Hays rode Shine Smartly (Shining Spark x Smartly Dressed x Smart Little Lena) to the win for owners Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays.
NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Kate Buchanan piloted A Time For Jazz (One Time Pepto x Starlight And Jazz x Grays Starlight), owned by her mom Anne Buchanan, to a composite 441 (H:145.5/R:146.5/C:149) to earn the win and $3,680.
NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
CD Dee Vee Dee (CD Lights x Shiners Missy Jay x Shining Spark) took Cutter McLaughlin to the reserve spot with a composite 436.5 (H:147/R:146.5/C:143) to earn his parents and owners Jay and Wendy McLaughlin $2,880.
CD Survivor
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NON PRO LIMITED SPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Riding DVA Smart Dually (Smart Mate x Itty Bitty Dually x Dual Pep), Lori Frampton-Crafton rode her mom and owner Debbie Crafton’s horse to a 435.5 (H:144/ R:145/C:146.5) to earn $3,438.50 for the win.
“I was nervous but more than anything, just excited to be there. Trotting around, I couldn’t help but smile [because] I was glad to be back at a show,” she said. “It’s extremely competitive. A lot of those kids [showing in the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular] have been going down the fence for four or five years. It is a little nerve-wracking to go in the pen with them but just to hang up there with them, score wise, is really cool. Everyone is super nice, though.”
Friendly competitions aside, Catelyn rode to win, just like the other eight entries in the class. The herd work was a new element for Catelyn to handle, having not ridden into the herd many times. However, the 2018 American Quarter Horse Association Reserve World Champion Youth Limited Versatility Ranch Horse and 2019 National Ranch and Stock Show Alliance Limited Youth All-Around National Champion had some experience with big horse shows on “Rio.”
“My herd work, the first class, I just wanted a good, clean cut,” she said. “Rio can do his job there even though I am still learning. In the reining, I know I can push him a bit more. The cow work, I kind of go for it every time and let Rio do his thing. We ended up getting the right cow at the right show. It was a pretty fun run.”
Catelyn scored the class-high fence run on her second cow to work, the first having been whistled off. The thrill of the event has Catelyn excited for future Spectaculars.
Lannie-Jo Lisac finished reserve in the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular riding LooksLikeLuckToMe (Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep ), owned by her grandparents Timothy and Katherine Miller, to a 432 (H:146/R:144.5/C:141.5). The reserve earned $345.
NON PRO LIMITED SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE
Dan Perez rode Red Carpet Style (CD Lights x Stylish N Shiney x Shining Spark) to a 432.5 (H:144/R:144/C:144.5) to tie for reserve and earn $2,466.75.
NON PRO LIMITED SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE
Becky Stockett earned $2,466.75 when she rode Hick Oleana (Hick Chicaroo x Miss Ann Oleana x Miss N Cash) to tie for reserve with a 432.5 (H:142.5/R:142.5/C:147.5).
YOUTH COW HORSESPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Catelyn Walker and Playin Motown (Mr Playinstylish x Mo Flo x Mr Peponita Flo), rode to a 433 (H:142/R:145.5/C:145.5) to earn the championship and $460.
YOUTH LIMITED SPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Landri Lisac piloted Cat Walks Into A Bar (WRThis Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark) to a 431 (H:143/R:142/C:146) to earn the win in the five-entry class. She took home $375.
YOUTH COW HORSESPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
Lannie-Jo Lisac rode LooksLikeLuckToMe (Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep ), owned by her grandparents Timothy and Katherine Miller, to a 432 (H:146/ R:144.5/C:141.5) to win reserve and $345.
YOUTH LIMITED SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
Laney Fjelstad rode Mini Mes Mercedes , owned by Addison Fjelstad, to a 431 (H:143.5./R:143/C:144.5), which tied to win, but her cow work score was 1.5 points lower than champion. She took home $225.
TWO REIN SPECTACULAR
Sparks flew, again, when Clayton Edsall and Bet He Sparks (Bet Hesa Cat x Sparking Train x Shining Spark) stepped into the Tony Nelsson Equestrian Center Equidome to work their final cow in the Two Rein Spectacular on June 10. Edsall piloted the 2014 red road stallion to a composite score of 445.5 (H:148/R:146.5/C:151) to earn owner K&L Phillips, LLC $4,625 for the win in a field of 27 two-rein ready horses.
With an extensive resume that includes pairing up to win the 2017 National
Stock Horse Association Intermediate Open Pre-Futurity, the 2017 Snaffle Bit Futurity Intermediate Open Reserve Champion, the 2018 Derby Open Reserve and Intermediate Open Champion, and in 2019 the Derby Open Champion and Hackamore Classic Open Champion titles, Edsall’s pride in the stallion started with horse show No. 1 back in 2017.
“It makes it more rewarding for me because me and another guy purchased him as a yearling, and then I got him back,” said the Oakdale, California-based trainer. “It’s been rewarding to see a
horse I started and have had a part of him all the way through do well. Also, he’s just a great fence horse with a lot of stop and a lot of try.”
When the stallion wasn’t preparing to go to any horse shows this spring and was not sent to the breeding barn, Edsall used him like any other ranch horse, gathering and branding cattle. Part of that was Kathryn Phillips’ and Edsall’s decision to take a year to put the horse in the bridle slowly.
“Rather than stand him [at stud] we decided we would take our time, put him
Bet He Sparks (Bet Hesa Cat x Sparking Train x Shining Spark) and Clayton Edsall earned the champion spot with a 445.5 (H:148/R:146.5/C:151) to earn owner K&L Phillips LLC $4,625.
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in the bridle and give him a good, full year of being shown and schooled. When we did that, it gave me time to go take him to doctor calves and brand [cattle] on him. That has been real fun and great for his mind,” Edsall said. “Plus, that two-rein year, there is a big need for it. To be able to help those horses as they are getting used to being shown one-handed is needed before they get thrown in with the wolves in the big bridle class.”
As soon as a horse show was on the horizon, the game plan switched back to show preparedness. At WestWorld, Edsall says his excitement to get back to horse showing was forefront, but the lack of a chance to show Bet He Sparks in the two-rein at a horse show prior left some questions unanswered.
“I had an idea he could be that good in the bridle, the two rein, but without being able to school him, I haven’t shown him since the Hackamore Classic last year,” he explained. “My game plan was not to win the herd work but to stay in a good enough spot that when the reining and fence work came around I could still be competitive. When the reining came around, I had to run him. Then, it was wait for the cow and try to have a big score.”
The crowd was behind Edsall and Bet He Sparks as the two made a hard-running fence go, marking a 151, the highest of the class.
“I saw a lot of horses run and weren’t able to keep [the cow] on the fence for the second turn. I barely did; I was just wanting to make sure my horse stayed straight and gave us a chance to hold the cow back on the fence. He did a pretty good job of it. We had a couple big turns and he circled great, I was really happy,” Edsall said. “I was telling Chelsea, my wife, that of all the head gear, the bridle really complemented him. He looks good in a snaffle and hackamore, but I felt like that was as good as he’s ever looked.”
“You get lucky when you’re able to run a horse hard, because it feels like the more big runs you have, you don’t want to waste them.” –Clayton Edsall
With another major title under their belt, the two are aiming at the two-rein event at the Stallion Stakes and then look to do double duty in the two-rein and bridle at the Snaffle Bit Futurity. Then, Edsall may focus on preparing for the World’s Greatest Horseman event in 2021.
“You get lucky when you’re able to run a horse hard, because it feels like the more big runs you have, you don’t want to waste them,” Edsall said. “He’s an extremely nice horse to be around and very trainable. [The two-rein] has become a great class, and I’m really impressed with how its grown in the last few years.”
The reserve spot went to Corey Cushing riding Shining CD Light (CD Lights x Jennys Spark x Shining Spark), owned by Ophir Creek Stables LLC, who earned $3,700. The duo scored a 440 composite (H:148/R:145.5/C:146.5).
Shining CD Light was trained and shown early on in its career by Edsall, and Cushing has had him since late 2018. The pair were finalists in the 2019 Stallion Stakes, Derby and the Hackamore Classic.
“Now that I know him inside and out, and going into his bridle years, he’s been a lot of fun,” Cushing said. “I was really happy for his first big outing. He is shaping up to be a nice bridle horse. He is low maintenance, and he’s a lot of fun. I’ve grown to enjoy how he goes about it all; he’s got a big stop and makes you want to keep playing with him, for sure.”
NON PRO T WO REIN SPECTACULAR
Scottsdale, Arizona, could not be any more different from the situation Non Pro Lia Savas left in Long Island, New
York. The native New Yorker departed a city and state shuttered due to the coronavirus and emerged into a relaxed, welcoming event complete with her horse show friends she’d missed for months. To cap off the elation she felt simply by attending, Savas boarded a plane back to New York with the 2020 NRCHA Derby Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular champion title.
“New York has been shut down completely, so going from that to a plane to a horse show, it was a lot more relaxed and freeing,” Savas said. “We’ve been on lockdown, on quarantine, because both of my parents got [COVID-19]. My sister and I dropped everything to move in and take care of them; we quarantined ourselves. They both made it—my dad is 91 and my mom is 86. It could have been really bad.”
But Savas was blessed with their health and blessed again with a successful horse show. The East Coast rider piloted her gelding, Metallic Nickle (Metallic Cat x Nickel N Dime Smart x Smart Little Lena) to a 430 (H:142/R:143.5/C:144.5) and earned $1,880.
Though the horse was trained by Mark Sigler and Savas rides with Sigler on the East Coast, NRCHA $2 Million Dollar Rider Todd Crawford assisted her in Arizona.
“We have shows on the East Coast but not as big of events,” Savas explained of her two-trainer situation. “I want to swim with the big kids, you know? That was one reason I sent my horse to Todd to be able to attend these big shows and see what I can do to win against a deeper set of riders.”
Initially, Savas planned to attend the 2020 Stallion Stakes, and though it was postponed until August, she will be in Las Vegas. First though, she and Metallic Nickle will show back East at a familiar event that is now an NRCHA premier show—the Eastern Derby.
“That was a regular event for us as the East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic, so it’s exciting it is a bigger event,” she said. “I’ve got to keep the ball rolling. The closest I’ve been [to winning a premier event] has been since 2012, when I was reserve in the World in the Novice Bridle class. I have shown since but haven’t hit first or second at a big event, so a bit of a dry spell.”
Aboard the gelding she says has a lot of try, Savas is ready to swim in the deep end of the reined cow horse pool.
“The faster a cow goes down the fence the better he is; [he is] that kind of horse. He’s good for me, really good for a Non Pro because he is always going to help me out when I’m not right,” she said. “There is a lot of room for error on him, for me, and he’s always been easy to operate.”
Reserve in the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular, Dakota Cox piloted Metallic Dual Pep (Metallic Cat x Playgirls Miss Grace x Mister Dual Pep) to a 429.5 (H:142/R:139.5/C:148) to earn Circle C Ranch $1,410 for second place.
NON PRO T WO REIN SPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Lia Savas and Metallic Nickel (Metallic Cat x Nickel N Dime Smart x Smart Little Lena) captured the Non Pro Two Rein class win with a 430 (H:142/R:143.5/C:144.5) and earned $1,880.
OPEN T WO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
Corey Cushing and Shining CD Light (CD Lights x Jennys Spark x Shining Spark), owned by Ophir Creek Stables LLC, won reserve with a 440 composite (H:148/R: /C: ) and $3,700.
NON PRO T WO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
Dakota Cox piloted Metallic Dual Pep (Metallic Cat x Playgirls Miss Grace x Mister Dual Pep ) to a 429.5 (H:142/R:139.5/C:148) to earn his family’s Circle C Ranch
$1,410 for second place.
INNER’S WCIRCLE
During the 2020 Jack and Phoebe Cooke Memorial National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby, held June 7-14 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Arizona, competitors vied for wins in multiple horse show classes.
Photos by Primo Morales
OPEN BRIDLE RESERVE CHAMPION & INTERMEDIATE
OPEN BRIDLE 1ST PLACE
Prize Winning Gal (Smokums Prize x Ill Be A Winning Gal x Ill Be Smart), owned by Jayson and Teresa Fisher, and pilot Wyatt Fisher rode to a 295 (R:144/C:151) to take reserve and $1,550. For winning the Intermediate Open Bridle, the horse earned an additional $420.
OPEN BRIDLE CHAMPION
Phillip Ralls and Short N Catt (Sophisticated Catt x Shortys Sugar Sue x Shorty Lena) captured another win in the Open Bridle with a 295.5 (R:146.5/C:149) to earn owner Sarah Davis $1,860.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE 2ND PLACE
Metallic Look (Metallic Cat x Smart Lookin Hi Brow x High Brow Hickory) and Russell Dilday took second place with a 294.5 (R:142.5/C:152). Owner Jim Gauthier earned $315.
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE RESERVE CHAMPION
Remedy To Shine (Very Smart Remedy x Shirley Shine x Shining Spark) and Tresha Geltner rode to second with a 287 (R:144.5/C:142.5) and $1,062 for owner Judith Atkison.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE CHAMPION & NOVICE NON PRO BRIDLE CHAMPION
Christa Hampton piloted her 2008 gelding Smart Time Tucker (Somebody Smart x Smoke Time Tuck x Doc Tom Tucker) to two championships with a 291.5 (R:142.5/C:149) and a total paycheck of $2,646.
NON PRO BRIDLE RESERVE CHAMPION
Lindsey James and Maximum Spoonful (Hes A Peptospoonful x PGMaxine x Playgun) earned $1,650 with a 294.5 (R:146.5/C:148).
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE RESERVE CHAMPION
Chandler Daddino and Mister PBR (Mister Smart Remedy x Shes A Daisy x Smart Little Pepinic) won reserve with a 290.5 (R:146.5/C:144) score and pocketed $1,075.
NOVICE NON PRO BRIDLE RESERVE CHAMPION
Tylor Todd rode Mr Stylish Cat (Mr Playinstylish x Lil Sally Cat x High Brow Cat) to a 290 (R:145./C:145) to take reserve and a check for $1,084.80.
SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE 2ND PLACE
Stands With A Fist (A Shiner Named Sioux x Peppys Final Desire x Freckles Merada) and owner/pilot Jill Waterman rode to a 274.5 (R:140/C:134.5) to earn $160 for second place.
SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE 1ST PLACE
John Showalter rode Yellow Roze Of Texas (Yellow Roan Of Texas x Plain Cute Sugar x Just Plain Colonel) to a 278.5 (R:138.5/C:140) to earn the win and $240.
OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION
Nick Dowers rode Brigitte Belin’s Wares The Nurse (WRThis Cats Smart x Nurseware x Dual Rey) to a composite 297 (R:146.5/C:150.5) and a $1,440 check.
OPEN HACKAMORERESERVE CHAMPION
Smart Shiney Playboy (WRThis Cats Smart x Sinful Playgirl x Freckles Playboy) and Nick Dowers rode to reserve with a 287.5 (R:146.5/C:141) to earn owner Clinton Marshall $1,200.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE 2ND PLACE
Todd Fitch rode Metallic Wizard (Metallic Cat x Smart Chuka Lena x Smart Chic Olena), owned by Stan Rowlan, with a 285 (R:141.5/C:143.5) to take home $255.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE 1ST PLACE
Darrel Northcutt piloted WRThis Cats A Champ (WRThis Cats Smart x Zacks Nu Star x Zack T Wood), owned by Ty and Melissa Fowler, to a 285.5 (R:143.5/C:142) and $425.
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION
Wilson McCray and Heart Shaped Box (Smart Boons x Rica Olena x CD Olena) rode to the win with a 285.5 (R:141/C:144.5) and earn owner, and Wilson’s wife, Aileen McCray $900.
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORERESERVE CHAMPION
Jeremy Cox piloted Altman Performance Horses’ Hypnotic Hangten (Hang Ten Surprize x Chiquitas Valentine x Starlights Wrangler) to a 282.5 (143/139.5) and a $600 check.
NON PRO HACKAMORERESERVE CHAMPION
Meradas Cash Bar (KTZ Rey Of Cash x Meradas Bar Star x Meradas Money Talks), owned by Circle C Ranch, carried Dakota Cox to reserve and $819 with a 284 (R:141/C:143).
NON PRO HACKAMORE CHAMPION
Lori Conrow and Auspicious Storm (Auspicious Cat x Xtra Smart Swiss x Smart Little Lena) rode to the win with a 284 (R:140.5/C:143.5) to earn $1,092.
OPEN T WO REIN RESERVE CHAMPION
MoonshineAndTwoAdvil (Metallic Cat x Little Short Stuff x Shorty Lena) and Shawn Hays rode to a 293.5 (R:145/C:148.5) to earn reserve and $2,024 for owner Angela Massey.
NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CHAMPION – TIE
She Wants A Prenup (High Brow Cat x Heres Lookin At You x Peptoboonsmal) and Monica Duflock scored 290 (R:144.5/C:145.5) to tie for reserve and take home $804.38.
$5K NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CHAMPION
Heather Vatcher rode Sippin Boons Farm (Smart Boons x Peppy Nicolena x Nic It In The Bud) to reserve with a tied score of 289 (R:144/C:145), but lost the tie in the cow work. She earned $408 for reserve.
$5K NON PRO LIMITED CHAMPION
R Little C D Cat (High Brow CD x Dox Miss N Reno x Miss N Cash), owned by Paul Poor, carried Elizabeth Poor to the win with a 289 (R:140.5/C:148.5), a score that tied reserve in total, but Poor rode to 3.5 points higher in her cow work score. They earned $510.
$1K NON PRO LIMITED CHAMPION
Erin Katz rode her horse, Call Me WR (WRThis Cats Smart x Call Me Christysue x Doc Olena), to a 292 (R:144.5/C:147.5) to win the $1K Non Pro Limited and earn $400.
$1K NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CHAMPION
Caymus Pepto (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On Merada x Bet On Me 498) and Cynthia Baker rode to reserve with a 288.5 (R:141/C:147.5) to earn $320
YOUTH COW HORSE 13 & UNDER
FSSmart Boomer Chic (Smart Chic Olena x Boomers Lady Kiper x Boomernic) carried Bryce Barkemeyer to a 285 (R:145/C:140) for the win in the Youth Cow Horse 13 & Under.
YOUTH COW HORSERESERVE CHAMPION
Cutter McLaughlin and DT Whiskey Shine (Paddys Irish Whiskey x Smart Shinealo x Smart Shiner) rode to a 287 (R:142.5/C:144.5) to earn reserve and $150 for his parents, owners Jay and Wendy McLaughlin.
BEGINNING FENCE WORK 1STPLACE
Smart Savannah Holli (Blue Savannah Holli x Taffeta Ruffles x Smart Mate) carried Calley Rae Satriana to a 286.5 (R:140.5/C:146) to earn the win and $700.
BEGINNING FENCE WORK 2ND PLACE
Brittany Factor and Nickles Playgirl (Shiners Nickle x SDP Driven With Mom x Hydrive Cat) scored a 282 (R:136/C:146) for second place and $525.
The following winners are also listed in their Spectacular event coverage.
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE CHAMPION
Andrew Steiger rode Cash Master T (Cat TMasterson x Nu Cash Box x Shining Spark) to a 288.5 (R:140.5/C:148) to earn owners Scott and Darnell Trueblood $1,275.
NON PRO BRIDLE CHAMPION
Debbie Crafton piloted her A Quick Remedy (Very Smart Remedy x A Quick Prize x Smokums Prize) to a 294.5 (R:144.5/C:150) to take the win and earn $2,100.
OPEN T WO REIN CHAMPION
Bet He Sparks (Bet Hesa Cat x Sparking Train x Shining Spark) and Clayton Edsall earned the champion spot with a 297.5 (R:146.5/C:151) to earn owners K & L Phillips, LLC $2,576.
NON PRO T WO REIN CHAMPION
Lia Savas and Metallic Nickel (Metallic Cat x Nickel N Dime Smart x Smart Little Lena) captured the Non Pro Two Rein class win with a 288 (R:143.5/C:144.5) and earned $960.
NON PRO T WO REIN RESERVE CHAMPION
Dakota Cox piloted Metallic Dual Pep (Metallic Cat x Playgirls Miss Grace x Mister Dual Pep) to a 287.5 (R:139.5/C:148) to earn his family’s Circle C Ranch $800 for the second place.
NON PRO LIMITED CHAMPION
Lori Frampton-Crafton rode DVA Smart Dually (Smart Mate x Itty Bitty Dually x Dual Pep) to a composite 291.5 (R:145/C:146.5) to win the Non Pro Limited Champion title and earn $1,218.
NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CHAMPION – TIE
SELECT NON PRO LIMITED 1ST PLACE
Hick Oleana (Hick Chicaroo x Miss Ann Oleana x Miss N Cash) and Becky Stockett tied for reserve with a 290 (R:142.5/C:147.5) to earn $804.38. With the same score, Stockett won the Select Non Pro Limited and earned an additional $375.
SELECT NON PRO LIMITED 2ND PLACE
Red Carpet Style (CD Lights x Stylish N Shiney x Shining Spark) and owner/rider Daniel Perez took second place with a 288.5 score (R:144/C:144.5) to earn $300.
YOUTH COW HORSE CHAMPION
Catelyn Walker rode Playin Motown (Mr Playinstylish x Mo Flo x Mr Pepinita Flo) to a 291 (R:145.5/C:145.5) to earn the win and $180 in Youth Cow Horse.
YOUTH
LIMITED CHAMPION/ YOUTH LIMITED 13 & UNDER 1ST PLACE
Landri Lisac and Cat Walks Into A Bar (WRThis Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark) earned the win with a 142 in the rein work and a 146 in the cow work, to take home $180. The pair also topped the Youth Limited 13 & Under with the score.
YOUTH LIMITED RESERVE CHAMPION/ YOUTH LIMITED 13 & UNDER / 2ND PLACE
Mini Mes Mercedes (Mini Me Merada x Spooks Hickory x Olenas Command), owned by Addison Fjelstad, and Laney Fjelstad rode to a 287.5 (R:143/C:144.5) to earn the reserve in both the Youth Limited and the Youth Limited 13 & Under, earning $150 in the Youth Limited.
XCITEMENT BACK EAST E
Moving the Eastern Derby location did not faze the exhibitors that attended the inaugural premier event where Todd Crawford and SCR Crackalackin took home the Open Derby championship title.
By Kate Bradley Byars
by Primo Morales
It is a year of change—changing show event locations, dates and even daily activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenges faced in producing the Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS EquesterianTM, the inaugeral National Reined Cow Horse Association premiere event east of the Mississippi River, did not dampen the enthusiasm for this new show with $64,5000 in added money paid out through a Derby, PreFuturity, set of Spectacular classes and two horse show class runs.
Paul Bailey, Tennessee state senator and NRCHA executive board member, poured his passion into hosting a show in his home state. When the first horse entered the Showplace Arena at the Agricenter International facility outside of Memphis, Tennessee, the worry slipped away.
“It was pure excitement knowing we have had such support for the show,” Bailey said. “I believe in ‘if you build it, they will come’ so we have to have premier events and support our affiliates here in the east, so that they continue to have good cow horses and good cow horse shows. Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected this show a little bit, but the fact that we are now an NRCHA premier event here in Tennessee helps serves the eastern part of the United States. I think it’s a great thing for the NRCHA and its exhibitors.”
Exhibitors from as far north as Wisconsin, west as Colorado and south as Florida eagerly flocked to Memphis for a shot at one of the inaugural titles. While the East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic had a solid attendance in the past when it was held at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the entries in Memphis more than doubled.
Six sets of horses ran in the one-go Open Derby. It took the last set, the 58th horse
2020 NRCHA EASTERN DERBY OPEN TOP 10
Memphis, Tennessee – July 14-19, 2020 Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. SCR Crackalackin; Todd Crawford; (Metallic Cat x Smart Crackin Chic x Smart Chic Olena); Singleton Ranches; 440.5 (H:146.5/R:147/C:147); $9,784.80.
2-3. Lil Time Reymanising; Sarah Dawson; (One Time Pepto x Reymanising x Dual Rey); Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas; 440 (H:147.5/ R:146/C:146.5); $6,971.67.
2-3. Stylish Metallica; Luke Jones; (Metallic Cat x Stylin Barbie x Docs Stylish Oak); Hanson Quarter Horses LLC; 440 (H:144.5/R:145.5/C:150); $6,971.67.
4. The No Pants Party; Todd Crawford; (WR This Cats Smart x Young Amanda x Young Gun); Paul Gober; 439.5 (H:142.5/R:147/C:150); $4,892.40.
5-7. Playgirls Merada Cat; Luke Jones; (Cats Merada x Playgirls Miss Grace x Mister Dual Pep); Good Ole Boys; 439 (H:142.5/R:147.5/C:149); $3,424.68.
5-7. Lil Shiney Jonez; Chris Dawson; (Travelin Jonez x Shiners Lil Ann x Shining Spark); Linda Mars; 439 (H:144/R:145/C:150); $3,424.68.
5-7. Cat That Could; Ron Ralls; (Metallic Cat x Montana Suenos x Montana Doc); Kay RankinWilliams; 439 (H:143.5/R:147.5/C:148); $3,424.68.
8. Mr Comin In Hot; Luke Jones; (Mr Playingstylish x Lil Sally Cat x High Brow Cat); Kit & Charlie Moncrief; 438.5 (H:144/R:145.5/C:149); $2,446.20.
9-10. Tabasque O; Ron Ralls; (Metallic Cat x Nievas x Cats Merada); Richard Bell; 437 (H:148/R:145/C:144); $1,834.65.
9-10. Xtra Short Trick; Robert Chown; (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak); Robert & Cheryl Chown; 437 (H:144/R:145.5/C:147.5); $1,834.65.
Photos
Todd Crawford rode Singleton Ranches’ SCR Crackalackin to the NRCHA Open Derby win, besting 52 other entries.
to work, to find the high score of the day. Todd Crawford and SCR Crackalackin (Metallic Cat x Smart Crackin Chic x Smart Chic Olena), owned by Singleton Ranches, scored a 440.5 (H:146.5/ R:147/C:147) to win the event and earn $9,784.80.
For Crawford, it was a doubly satisfying win; Saturday, July 19, Crawford celebrated his birthday.
“It was a good birthday gift! More so, today we got some revenge from our Derby run [in Scottsdale, Arizona, in June],” Crawford said. “I kick myself because I didn’t have a good lead change in Scottsdale, and she is very good leaded. It has aggravated me since I did it.
“My cow was a really good cow; most of the black baldies in the cutting were good to work. When I went to make my first turn, it wasn’t going to turn, and this being a rounded arena, it gets a little dicey. I had to sure enough get in front to turn it. The cow came out over her hip
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and she came with it, and though we had to loop, she made a good second turn. She circled really well.”
The mare, called “Jill,” has been in Crawford’s training program since late in her yearling year. The pair showed in preFuturity events and made the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® finals in 2019, but since then Crawford has worked to finetune the mare’s abilities.
“It seems like once you’re done showing at the Snaffle Bit Futurity, it is almost like you have to retrain your horses because the first three shows of their lives we are teaching them to show, then we need to teach them how to not get ahead of us,” he said. “So, it’s been trial and error on her. She’s figuring it out.”
Crawford has history with Jill and her dam, Smart Crackin Chic, who he rode to 2006 Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship. The mare has produced several money-earning cutting horses, and fellow NRCHA professional Chris
For generations, MARS has celebrated an equestrian heritage as rich as the chocolate on the candy bars iconic with their name, and the reined cow horse industry is reaping the benefit of their involvement. Through purposeful partnerships such as the one with the National Reined Cow Horse Association, MARS Equestrian™ is committed to the cow horse sport and building an enduring legacy. This is one reason why MARS Equestrian™, a sponsorship division by Mars, Incorporated, presented the inaugural east coast premier reined cow horse event, the Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, MARS Equestrian™ is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets and the people who love them. For more information on the event’s sponsor, visit www.marsequestrian.com, or find MARS Equestrian™ on Facebook and Instagram @marsequestrian.
Dawson shows a 3-year-old full brother to SCR Crackalackin. Crawford has high hopes for showing her through the year, at Stallion Stakes and also at the Hackamore Classic.
The reserve title was shared between Sarah Dawson on Lil Time Reymanising and Luke Jones on Stylish Metallica. Both marked a 440.
Out fifth in the first set, Jones and Stylish Metallica (Metallic Cat x Stylin Barbie x Docs Stylish Oak), owned by Hanson Quarter Horses LLC, marked a solid 440 (H:144.5/R:145.5/C:150). The score held until the final set when Dawson tied it and Crawford topped it.
Of the three Derby horses she showed, Dawson saved the best for last, riding Lil Time Reymanising (One Time Pepto x Reymanising x Dual Rey), owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas, 59th in the last set to mark a 440 (H:147.5/ R:146/C:146.5) and tie for reserve. Both horses earned $6,971.67.
OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE
Sarah Dawson piloted Lil Time Reymanising (One Time Pepto x Reymanising x Dual Rey), owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas, to a composite 440 (H:147.5/R:146/C:146.5) to tie for reserve and earn $6,971.67.
OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE
Luke Jones and Stylish Metallica (Metallic Cat x Stylin Barbie x Docs Stylish Oak), owned by Hanson Quarter Horses LLC, rode to a 440 (H:144.5/R:145.5/C:150) to tie for reserve and take home $6,971.67.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE, OPEN NOVICE HORSERESERVE CHAMPION
Ron Ralls also piloted the reserve champion, Tabasque O (Metallic Cat x Nievas x Cats Merada), to a 437 (H:148/R:145/C:144) to tie for reserve. The placing earned owner Richard Bell $2,242.40 for the Intermediate Open Reserve and another $1,170.25 for reserve in the Open Novice Horse.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN CHAMPION, OPEN NOVICE HORSE CHAMPION
Ron Ralls and Cat That Could (Metallic Cat x Montana Suenos x Montana Doc), owned by Kay Rankin-Williams, rode to a 439 (H:143.5/R:147.5/C:148). For the Intermediate Open win, the horse earned $2,989.60, and an additional $1,404.30 for Open Novice Horse Champion.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION — TIE
Robert Chown rode Xtra Short Trick; (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak), co-owned with his wife Cheryl, to a 437 (H:144/R:145.5/C:147.5), earning $2,242.40 for the reserve tie.
LIMITED OPEN CHAMPION
MC CowHammer (Metallic Cat x GunSmart Gay x Playgun) and Trevor Carter scored a 431.5 (H:145.5/R:142.5/C:143.5) to earn owner Bogle Brothers LLC $1,630.80.
LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION, LEVEL ONE LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Jerry Jones rode his own Mrs Jonez (Travelin Jonez x Electra Can Do x Cat Man Do) scored a 430 (H:141/R:141/C:148) to earn $1,223.10 for the Limited Open Reserve. The pair added $1,412.64 for reserve in the Level One Limited Open.
LEVEL ONE LIMITED OPEN CHAMPION
Logan Cotten rode his own ND She Is So Stylish (SVR Double Trouble x Circle Bar Stylish x Playin Stylish) to the win with a 430.5 (H:141/R:140/C:149.5), earning $1,765.80.
Riding to a 146 in the cow work ride-off clinched Debbie Crafton and 2016 gelding
More Metal the Non Pro Derby win.
UN OFF ON THE RIVER R
Just east of the mighty Mississippi River, two Non Pro competitors put all they could into conquering their cow in a ride-off for the 2020 NRCHA Eastern Derby Non Pro Derby championship.
By Kate Bradley Byars
Photos by Primo Morales
If the thrill of competing in the most eastern of the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s premier events wasn’t enough, Non Pro Derby competitors Debbie Crafton and Ashley Lembke had a tiebreaking ride-off to decide the champion. After working another cow each, Crafton’s 146 score took the lead and the title home to Colorado.
Eighteen Non Pro riders vied for their shot at the Derby title at the Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian™ in Memphis, Tennessee. Crafton and More Metal (Metallic Cat x Reycy Cowgirl x Dual Rey) scored a composite 436.5 (H:143.5/R:145.5/C:147.5), tying Lembke’s 436.5 and her 147.5 on the cow.
Neither woman could go home without knowing they gave all to top the 18-entry field. Though the horses had been unsaddled and put up, they rejected the idea to flip a coin.
“It was exciting! We are friends, and it was exciting to run off with a friend,” said Crafton, of Ordway, Colorado.
Lembke agreed. Though her horse seemed confused at being resaddled.
“We were all done, he was eating. He was a little confused when I got him out, but he is such a trooper. He was all for it,” she said of Dually Tunes. “I couldn’t live with myself on the way home to just flip a coin. I wanted the excitement and the drama—make us earn it.”
2020 NRCHA
EASTERN DERBY NON PRO TOP 6
Memphis, Tennessee – July 14-19, 2020 Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. More Metal; Debbie Crafton; (Metallic Cat x Reycy Cowgirl x Dual Rey); Debbie Crafton; 436.5 (H:143.5/ R:145.5/C:147.5); $2,204.40.
2. Dually Tunes; Ashley Lembke; (Dual Rey x SDP Finely Tuned x Smart Little Lena); Tyrel and Ashley Lembke; 436.5 (H:142/R:147/C:147.5); $1,763.52.
3. Seven S Red Robin; Kenneth Schueller; (Blind Sided x Seven S Dixie Chic x CJ Sugar Lena); Kenneth Schueller; 435 (H:141.5/R:144.5/C:149); $1,322.64.
4-5. Please Rey; Kenneth Schueller; (Dual Smart Rey x ARC Cat Her Please x Chic Please); Kenneth Schueller; 427.5 (H:143/R:138.5/C:146); $771.54.
4-5. Dimepiece; Debbie Crafton; (Lizzys Gotta Player x Early In May x Playgun); Debbie Crafton; 427.5 (H:141/R:143/C:143.5); $771.54.
6. Adrenaline Force; William Lewis; (Metallic Cat x Reyz Me Twice x Dual Smart Rey); William Lewis; 424.5 (H:143.5/R:138/C:143); $514.36.
And earn it Crafton did, riding in the head-to-head cow work to a 146. In February, Crafton teamed up with the 2016 gelding, and the two synced quickly.
“He is very, very cowy,” Crafton said. “He can handle the pressure, and it makes it easy for him but not challenging for me to run back-to-back. I have a lot of confidence in him.”
That confidence carried her to a $2,204.40 payday and the title of the first Eastern Derby Non Pro Derby champion.
“I am kind of a ‘horseshowholic,’ especially when it comes to cow horse,” said Crafton. “I had to come! I am very pleased with this nice facility, good ground and really good cattle. I’m anxious to come back next year.”
Lembke may have finished reserve in the Non Pro, but she topped the
“I couldn’t live with myself on the way home to just flip a coin. I wanted the excitement and the drama—make us earn it.”
—Ashley Lembke
Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro divisions with her composite score of 436.5 (H:142/R:147/C:147.5). For the placings, the team earned Lembke and her husband, Tyrel, $1,763.52 for Non Pro reserve; for Intermediate Non Pro, $847.50 and for Novice Non Pro, $339.
The 10-hour trip from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, exceeded Lembke’s expectations. Previously, she had shown Dually Tunes (Dual Rey x SDP Finely Tuned x Smart Little Lena) at one practice show in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION, INTERMEDIATE NON PRO CHAMPION, NOVICE NON PRO CHAMPION
For the Non Pro Reserve,
for Intermediate Non
“I wanted to improve from the last show, and he did it,” she said. “His personality and how much try he has—I know everybody says their horse tries for them, but he has a lot of try. I had a good Dual Rey bridle horse that passed and I wanted another Dual Rey. He was a little wild when we got him, but each year he’s come on more and more. I just love him.”
Crafton and Lembke have a chance to dual it out again, as both women plan to show in August at the rescheduled NRCHA Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION, NOVICE NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION, AMATEURRESERVE CHAMPION
William Lewis piloted his 2015 gelding Adrenaline Force (Metallic Cat x Reyz Me Twice x Dual Smart Rey) to a 424.5 (H:143.5/R:138/C:143) to earn the Intermediate Non Pro Reserve and $706.25. For the Novice Non Pro Reserve, the pair added $282.50, and for the Amateur Reserve another $950.70.
Ashley Lembke and Dually Tunes (Dual Rey x SDP Finely Tuned x Smart Little Lena), co-owned with Tyrel Lembke, rode to a 436.5 (H:142/R:147/C:147.5).
the pair earned $1,763.52;
Pro, $847.50; for Novice Non Pro $339.
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AMATEUR CHAMPION
Garrell Reilly Williams and Suns Out Guns Out (Chics Playgun x Clark Jones Lass x Clark Jones) took the Amateur championship with a 426 (H:142.5/R:142/C:141.5) and earned $1,267.60.
NON PRO LIMITED CHAMPION
Cheryl Chown rode DCR High As A Cat (High Brow Cat x The Doctress Orders x Dual Rey), co-owned with her husband Robert, to a 434 (H:144/R:145/C:145) to earn the win and $1,255.50.
NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CHAMPION
Julie Gibbons and her homebred Unos Blue Lightening (Uno What Time It Is x Miss Vibrant Chex x Nu Chex To Cash) rode to reserve with a 430.5 (H:142.5/ R:142.5/C:145.5), earning $1,046.25.
CJ Shopbell piloted Ann Matthews’ Dr Boonolena to a 150, the high score in the cow work, to win the Open, Intermediate Open and Limited Open Pre-Futurity titles.
By Kate Bradley Byars
MSTRONG STUFF ADE OF
The 3-year-old horses in the Eastern Derby Pre-Futurity took on challenging cattle to earn high marks in the show pen, with Dr Boonolena and CJ Shopbell coming out on top in the Open.
Sunday, July 19, dawned sunny and hot at the Agricenter ShowPlace Arena near Memphis, Tennessee, but the weather outside was no match for the coolheaded cow horses and their pilots in the 2020 National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby. Challenged by cattle that could run, Pre-Futurity competitors found out just how strong their 3-year-old horses could be in the show pen.
“We showed him once before this, at Ardmore, [Oklahoma, at the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association], to figure out what we had, then came here and he was a show horse,” Shopbell, of Sadler, Texas, said. “I decided I was going to go
but the first cow called out for Shopbell was one whistled off.
“They gave a new cow, and it took him a minute to grab it,” said Shopbell. “When he did, I thought, ‘Let’s go.’ He’s always been there for me and works a cow at home as good as he did in there.”
“They gave a new cow, and it took him a minute to grab it. When he did, I thought, ‘Let’s go.’ He’s always been there for me and works a cow at home as good as he did in there.” —CJ Shopbell
For many of the 28 horses competing in Open it was only the first or second time the horses had stepped in a show arena. This included Open, Intermediate Open and Limited Open Champion CJ Shopbell’s mount Dr Boonolena (WR This Cats Smart x BadaBing BadaBoon x Peptoboonsmal).
work my cow and see what happened. The first cow came out and was coming over the top of me, and I don’t think anybody was going to stop that cow.”
While many of the cattle were runners that required horses to use their cow smarts, they weren’t unworkable. Judges Smoky Pritchett and Ricky Nicolazzi were judicious in awarding new cattle,
Marking a field-high-scoring 150 in the cow work, Shopebell’s total 435 (H:139/R:146) put him atop not only the Open division but also the Intermediate Open and Limited Open. Owner Ann Matthews, of Charlotte, Texas, took home $2,715.30 for the Open, $995.46 in the Intermediate Open and another $542.16 for the Limited Open.
For Matthews, the belt buckles and prize money was merely icing on the cake.
“This is my first Futurity horse in 40 years,” she said of Dr Boonolena. “Everybody dreams of having a Futurity
Photos by Primo Morales
contender. I bought a collection of weanlings and this was the goofy little guy that stuck with us; we call him ‘Goose.’ We are going to the Southwest [Reined Cow Horse Association] Pre-Futurity in Fort Worth, and now, we may add some more to our list. This is totally exciting!”
Reserve in the Open Pre-Futurity was Perrin, Texas, trainer Chris Dawson aboard Crackintallic (Metallic Cat x Smart Crackin Chick x Smart Chic Olena), owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas. The young stallion added to the long list of awards Dawson picked up at the Eastern Derby.
In addition, Crackintallic also added another line on the résumé of his dam, Smart Crackin Chic. The day prior to the Pre-Futurity show, on Saturday July 18, NRCHA Hall of Fame trainer Todd Crawford piloted Crackinallic’s full sister, SCR Crackalackin, to the Open Derby win. The mare has produced multiple money earners in both the NRCHA and also the National Cutting Horse Association, with the top earners all by Metallic Cat.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Ben Baldus rode Alittle Mo Metallic (Metallic Cat x Mo Flo x Mr Peponita Flo) to reserve with a 428.5 (H:145/R:143/C:140.5) to earn $796.37 for owners Kit Moncrief and Lee Tennison.
OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Chris Dawson and Crackintallic (Metallic Cat x Smart Crackin Chick x Smart Chic Olena), owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas, scored a 434.5 (H:144.5/ R:145/C:145) to take reserve and $2,172.24.
LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION, LEVEL ONE LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION - TIE
D Cat Is Shining (Downtown Cat x Shining Zanzee x Shining Spark) and Ricky Piggott finished in the reserve spot in two divisions with a 415 (H:142/ R:142.5/C:130.5), earning owner Darrel Harber $361.44 for the Limited Open and another $603.26 to tie in the Level One Limited Open.
LEVEL ONE LIMITED OPEN CHAMPION
Stefan Heim rode Thomas and Suzanne Gowan’s Old School Smarts (Smart Boons x Desires Last Freckle x Playboys Golden Flo) to the win with a 423 (H:141/R:142/C:140) to earn $1,206.50.
NRCHA & EVENTSPONSORS
LEVEL ONE LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION - TIE
Stefan Heim piloted Carrie Volmer’s Sliver Of Light (CD Lights x Little Reyalight x Dual Rey) to the reserve tie with a 415 (H:139/R:139.5/C:136.5), earning $603.25.
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NON PRO PRE-FUTURITY
Eight Non Pro competitors hauled to the Memphis, Tennessee, area to see what kind of moves their respective 3-year-old National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® hopefuls had learned. When the last horse rode out of the arena on Sunday morning, July 19, it was Debbie Crafton and LowerThaBoom on top.
Crafton, who also won the Non Pro Derby aboard More Metal at the NRCHA Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, describes LowerThaBoom (Smooth As A
Cat x Kaboomsmall x Peptoboonsmal) as one of “her favorites.”
A familiar face atop the Non Pro limited aged event standings, Crafton, of Ordway, Colorado, seems to have a good luck streak when picking prospects.
“Mind is very important, pedigree is something I look at, and they have to have a lot of stop,” Crafton said. “I’ve been blessed to always find some nice 2-year-olds and make them. This filly has been one of my favorites because of her mind and her trainability. I try to go on
NON PRO CHAMPION
Debbie Crafton and LowerTheBoom (Smooth As A Cat x Kaboomsmall x Peptoboonsmal) marked a 413.5 (H:137/R:139.5/C:137), earning $1,166.40.
“She showed me that she has what it takes to do this event.”
—Debbie Crafton
MARTIN PERFORMANCE
COWHORSE
what [horse] feels like they can handle the pressure of the big Futurity.”
If how LowerThaBoom handled her first Pre-Futurity is any indication, the young mare is on her way to becoming a solid show horse.
“I was real happy with her down the fence, with the cows being a little bit tougher,” Crafton said. “This is her first outing and without having a clue really what to do in the show pen, she hooked on to the cow. She showed me that she has what it takes to do this event.”
For the Non Pro win, Crafton earned $1,166.40 for her 413.5 score (H:137/R:139.5/C:137).
William Lewis, of Anderson, Texas, had a big weekend. Aboard Adrenaline Force, he won the reserve in three divisions of the Non Pro Derby on Saturday. He followed that with reserve in the Non Pro Pre-Futurity aboard Playin With Cher (Mr Playinstylish x Bella Cher x Peptoboonsmal). Lewis also claimed the Amateur win with a 409.5 (H:139/R:143/C:127.5).
It was his mare’s first trip to the show pen, too. The pair’s scored topped the herd and rein works in their division.
“I didn’t plan on looking for a Futurity horse but rode her and loved her,” Lewis said. “I’ve had her about four months and Ben Baldus has been working hard on both of us. I’m real proud of my horse and made some major steps for me at this show.”
AMATEURRESERVE CHAMPION
NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION & AMATEUR CHAMPION
William Lewis and Playin With Cher (Mr Playinstylish x Bella Cher x Peptoboonsmal) claimed the Non Pro reserve and Amateur win with a 409.5 (H:139/R:143/C:127.5). For the Non Pro, Lewis earned $874.80, and for the Amateur an additional $444.60.
NON PRO LIMITED CHAMPION
Roan West rode John Wick (Travelin Jonez x Sailaway Nic x Topsails Rien Maker) to a 406 (H:135/R:141.5/C:129.5) to earn $296.40.
Keagan Trett trained TravelByStarlight (Fannen Fun x Travastar Duniedelux x Travastar) himself. The pair marked a 418.5 (H:136/ R:142/C:140.5) to earn $427 and the Non Pro Limited win.
CSR Lay Down Sally took Chris Dawson for a ride, winning the Open Bridle Spectacular with a 440.
By Kate Bradley Byars
TFOR THE MONEY WO
On the eastern edge of Memphis, Tennessee, the Agricenter International Showplace Arena introduced a rockin’ event of a different kind to this historic music city. During the 2020 National Reined Cow Horse Association Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian™, reined cow horse riders and their show partners vied for Bridle and Two Rein Spectacular titles, putting on a show as entertaining as Elvis Presley’s rock ‘n’ roll.
On Saturday, July 17, Chris Dawson, of Perrin, Texas, climbed aboard one of his most reliable mounts, CSR Lay Down Sally, and rode to the Open Bridle Spectacular win. It was the second day in a row that Dawson rode the winner of a three-event class, having won the Open Two Rein Spectacular on Friday while riding Reyzinette.
No strangers to the show pen, Dawson and “Sally” have a previous title in the same event, but from 2018 at the NRCHA Derby. Following the Stallion Stakes that
Chris Dawson pilots not one, but two horses to Spectacular titles at the NRCHA Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby.
Photos by Primo Morales
same year, the 2011 mare by Dual Spark and out of Look At Her Glo (by CD O Cody) sustained a suspensory injury that took her out of competition for more than a year.
The Eastern Derby was the pair’s first time back in the big show pen, and the team hadn’t missed a beat.
“We started back on her this spring trying to get her going through the motions and get back in the groove after the time off,” Dawson said. “She had a full year off, and it was challenging to get her legged back up. Everything worked good this week and we came away with the ‘W’.”
A talented 12-horse field of older bridle horses tried to hold their own against a challenging group of cattle. Dawson’s 148.5 in the cow work helped propel him to the lead following his 145 in the herd and a 146.5 in the rein work. The event was a one-go class, with back-to-back rein and cow work.
“She had a full year off, and it was challenging to get her legged back up. Everything worked good this week and we came away with the ‘W’.” —Chris Dawson
“The back-to-back events make it a little tricky for me,” said Dawson. “You have to meter out how much [effort] you put into the first event to make sure you have enough for the second event. This is really her first horse show back, and I was conservative in the reining to be precise and not over-run her so I had plenty of horse left for the cow.
“That cow came out and acted like I would be the only one that drew a soft cow, but after I came through the corner he took off. She bailed me out a couple of times—I was trying to go to the wrong spot, and she said ‘no, no,’ and put us back right. It was fun.”
Owned by Meredith Graber, who attends college in Texas, Dawson appre-
ciates his time riding the talented mare. He credits her longevity with a solid foundation built by Bobby Lewis.
“With that foundation there, it has been easy to bring her back,” Dawson said. “She just goes to work every day. She is one of the easiest follows I’ve ever had to do [riding after another trainer]. Bobby had success on her, I’ve had success on her and Meredith has had success on her. She likes to get petted on and loved on, and she sticks her tongue out and everybody laughs at her. She’s a good horse.”
The Open Bridle Spectacular was held in conjunction with the Open Bridle horse show class, where Dawson also took home the top spot, earning Graber an additional $315.
NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Addision Fjelstad rode Suens Little Cat (Boon Too Suen x Cant Track This Cat x High Brow Cat), owned by her sister Laney Fjelstad, to a 436 (H:143/R:145/C:148) and earned $2,400.
NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
Dustin Deckard rode Hez The Kats Meow (Bet Hesa Cat x Miss Lucky Starlight x Grays Starlight) to a 433 (H:142.5/R:145.5/C:145) and earned $1,920.
In the reserve spot was Allerton, Iowa, trainer Luke Jones aboard Suens Lil Cat (Boon Too Suen x Cant Track This Cat x High Brow Cat), owned by Laney Fjelstad. Jones piloted the 2012 mare to a 429.5 (H:145.4/R:145/C:149) to earn $1,900. The sixth team out, their 149 in the cow work tied for the highest score with Jerry Jones, who marked a 149 on Hesa Royalena (Bet Hesa Cat x Black Tie Queen x Smart Lil Ricochet).
NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR
In her first time showing east of the Mississippi, 22-year-old Addison Fjelstad is returning home to Illinois with the Eastern Derby Non Pro Bridle Spectacular win. She piloted her sister Laney’s horse, Suen Little Cat (Boon Too Suen x Cant Track This Cat x High Brow Cat), to the win with a 436 (H:143/R:145/C:148), topping the 20-horse field.
“As long as I can keep hold of her, I would love to keep showing her. I’m going to show her until my little sister wants her back.” —Addison Fjelstad
The pair have showed together for a year, earning $2,400 with this win.
“She is typically a hot mare and doesn’t love the reining,” Fjelstad said. “We get through the reining, and then she is awesome down the fence, every time. She is one where the harder you kick, the better she does. She is gritty down the fence.”
Fjelstad was excited to attend the event outside of Memphis when it was named a premier NRCHA event.
The sisters swap horses, with Laney piloting Addison’s horse, Mini Mes Mercedes, to the 2020 NRCHA Derby Youth Limited Spectacular Reserve Champion title in Scottsdale, Arizona.
NON PRO LIMITED SPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Lori Frampton-Crafton rode DVA Smart Dually (Smart Mate x Itty Bitty Dually x Dual Pep), owned by her mother Debbie Crafton, to a 437.5 (H:145.5/R:145/C:147) to win and earn $2,100.
However, Fjelstad isn’t looking to give Suen Little Cat back anytime soon. The horse even attends Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, Texas, with her, and Fjelstad shows her on the Texas Tech Ranch Horse Team.
“As long as I can keep hold of her, I would love to keep showing her,” said Fjelstad. “I’m going to show her until my little sister wants her back.”
Reserve Champion Hez The Kats Meow (Bet Hesa Cat x Miss Lucky Starlight x Grays Starlight) and Dustin Deckard rode to a 433 (H:142.5/R:145.5/C:145) to earn the second spot and $1,920.
NON PRO LIMITED SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
With a 433 (H:145/R:143/C:145), Cheryl Chown piloted DCR High As A Cat (High Brow Cat x The Doctress Orders x Dual Rey), owned with her husband Robert, to reserve and $1,680.
The Fit that Shields
discipline. Get
One boot versatile enough for any The ClassicFit offers the same shielding as more expensive boots, but with a slimmer fit and lighter feel. the boot that’s the perfect cross between shielding and price!
TWO REIN SPECTACULAR
Chris Dawson piloted Holy Cow Performance Horse’s Reyzinette to the Open Two Rein Champion title with a 432 (H:138/R:144.5/C:149.5), earning $1,380.
Reyzinette just keeps getting better in the show pen, according to trainer Chris Dawson. Dawson brought the 2014 son of Dual Rey and out of Sheza Shinette (by Shining Spark) from Texas to the National Reined Cow Horse Association Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby in Memphis, Tennessee, to continue a successful show career.
In 2017, Reyzinette placed third in the National Stock Horse Association PreFutuirty with Phillip Ralls in the saddle. In 2019, Dawson took the reins of the Holy Cow Performance Horses’ owned sorrel. The pair captured an American Quarter Horse Association Junior Working Cow Horse Reserve World Champion title in 2019, and placed fifth in the Hackamore for the NRCHA world title race.
Though Dawson says that he wasn’t able to school in the arena prior to the class, the gelding took it all in stride. The pair’s cow score topped the closest score by five points: 149.
“He felt real good,” said Dawson. “The horse just keeps maturing; he’s getting better and better one-handed. Our cow was good, and it all came together.”
With horses showing in the PreFuturity, Derby and this event, Dawson was glad to kick off the rein work and cow work portions of the show on a good note. Their composite score of 432 (H:138/R:144.5/C:149) edged out to win by a half-point, adding $1,380 to the horse’s lifetime earnings.
“I sure wasn’t going to miss the first major event east of the Mississippi! It’s
working out so far,” he said.
Reserve Champion Christian Lybbert of Whitesboro, Texas, and red roan stallion Metallic Snowflakes (Metallic Cat x SmartLittleSnowflake x Smart Little Lena) to a 431.5 (H:142/R:144.5/C:145).
Owner Patricia Wilmoth earned $920.
NON PRO T WO REIN SPECTACULAR
Sixteen-year-old Dakota Cox electrified the Agricenter International Showplace Arena with a 152 cow work score, earning him and Metallic Dual Pep (Metallic Cat x Playgirls Miss Grace x Mister Dual Pep) the champion title. The young man was all smiles coming out of the arena.
“It felt really awesome! The fence work is his strength,” Dakota said.
Dakota and “Timber” first paired up in
the show ring at the 2020 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman. Now owned by the Cox family’s Circle C Ranch of Pleasant Plains, Arkansas, the horse is one that Dakota watched Iowa NRCHA professional Luke Jones show and knew he wanted to ride the 2014 gelding.
“He has been my favorite [horse] since day one; I watched my hero, Luke Jones, show him and then my friend, Kenny Schueller. He’s been my favorite horse for a while,” said Dakota. “He’s a really special horse.”
The Cox family adds $1,300 to the gelding’s list of lifetime earnings. Dakota credits his dad, his mentor, with the success he and Timber have had.
“My father [Jeremy Cox] puts it all together for me,” Dakota said. “All I have to do is ride the horse. He makes it easy for me.”
While there were only two entries in the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular at the Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian™, Lia Savas, of Long Island, New York, and Dakota were head-to-head competing. With only one go, both laid it on the line.
Savas and Metallic Nickel (Metallic Cat x Nickel N Dime Smart x Smart Little Lena) landed in the reserve spot in Memphis, but the pair earned the two-rein win this past June in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the NRCHA Derby. The pair scored a 424 (H:143/R:144/C:137).
NON PRO T WO REIN SPECTACULAR CHAMPION
Cox piloted Metallic Dual Pep (Metallic Cat x Playgirls Miss Grace x Mister Dual Pep), owned by his family’s Circle C Ranch, to a 435.5 (H:141/R:142.5/C:152) and a $1,300 payday.
OPEN T WO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
Lybbert piloted Patricia Wilmoth’s Metallic Snowflakes (Metallic Cat x SmartLittleSnowflake x Smart Little Lena) to a 431.5 (H:142/R:144.5/C:145) for reserve and $920.
NON PRO T WO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION
Lia Savas rode Metallic Nickel (Metallic Cat x Nickel N Dime Smart x Smart Little Lena) to the reserve slot with a 424 (H:143/R:144/C:137).
Dakota
Christian
IRCUIT CWINNERS
During the 2020 National Reined Cow Horse Association Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARSEquestrian™, two horse shows were held July 14-19. Circuit champions were named at this first NRCHA premier event east of the Mississippi River.
Photos by Primo Morales
OPEN BRIDLE RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Smooth Merry (Smooth As A Cat x Merry Merada x Freckles Merada) and Jay Holmes rode to a 563 (HS1: 280/HS2:283) to earn the reserve circuit award for owner Frank V. Prisco, Jr.
OPEN BRIDLE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Russell Dilday piloted owner Jim Gauthier’s stallion, Metallic Look (Metallic Cat x Smart Lookin Hi Brow x High Brow Hickory) to the circuit award with a high score of 284 in Horse Show #1 (HS1) and a 295.5 for Horse Show #2 (HS2) for a total of 579.5.
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Leanne Jetton rode her Bourbon N Branch (Paddys Irish Whiskey x Miss Cee Lena x Mr Sun O Lena) to a 568.5 (HS1:286/HS2:282.5) to earn the Limited Open Bridle circuit award.
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Jonathan Hawthorne rode Marc and Bettye Ann Browning’s Sixes Sanjolena (Sanjo Starlight x Four Six Heaven x Seven From Heaven) to the circuit reserve award with a 561.5 (HS1:284.5/HS2:277).
NON PRO BRIDLE RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
With a 576 (HS1:289/HS2:287), Dillon Cox rode BLTSmart Little Rey (ARC Little Rey x Haidas Addition x Haidas Little Pep) to the reserve circuit award for his family’s Circle C Ranch.
NON PRO BRIDLE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Brent Ratliff rode Booha Boon (Peptoboonsmal x Little Shiny Twist x Freckles Fancy Twist) to the circuit award with a 578 (HS1:284.5/HS2:293.5).
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
The Fresno Fox (Heart Of A Fox x Oaks Jewel Doll x Doc Jewel Bars) and owner/ rider Allysn Light rode to the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle circuit award with a 574.5 (HS1:287.5/HS2:287).
NOVICE NON PRO BRIDLE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Lynne Faust and Smart Lil Brooksinic (Mr Dual Brooksinic x Sheza Smartest Chic x Smartest Chic Olena) rode to a 569 (HS1:281.5/HS2:287.5) to take the Novice Non Pro Bridle circuit award.
SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE CIRCUIT WINNER
Ima Stylish Babe (Mr Playinstylish x Little Bayou Babe x Smart Little Lena) and Dolores Cain took the Select Non Pro circuit award home with a total 566 (HS1:286.5/HS2:279.5).
NOVICE NON PRO BRIDLE RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION & YOUTH COW HORSE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Woo Hoo Sue (A Shiner Named Sioux x Short And Royal x Short Oak), owned by Jody Faris, carried Breanne Faris to the reserve circuit award with a total score of 561.5 (HS1:277.5/HS2:284). In the Youth Cow Horse, the pair rode to a 576 (HS1:287/HS2:289).
SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE RESERVE CIRCUIT WINNER
Tex Me A Cat (Zezes Pepto Cat x Texas Switch x Texas Kicker) and Rainy Walker earned the reserve circuit award with a 561.5 (HS1:282/HS2:279.5).
In oducing the
HORNS
The Texas Dally horn is roper-friendly and tall enough to go down the fence or cut on. Or choose from our #21, DL or Cutter OD horns.
Front end height
Choose the height of your front end: 8”, 8 1/2” or 9” tall.
NEXT-GEN COWHORSE
Newly designed close-contact skirts combine with a 2 3/4” cantle and a Texas Dally horn for our newest generation of cowhorse saddle.
start with THE FOUNDATION
seat savvy
Choice of seat style—Texas Cutter, DL or California—and seat padding including slick seat or single padded.
Cantle height
fender design
B20-294
Our di erent bar styles give us the ability to fit a wide range of horses.
Though we have multiple fender designs, we often use the Ft. Worth (pictured), KR or Avila. Make sure you have the correct fender length for optimal leg position.
Choose between a 2 3/4” (pictured), 3”, 3 1/4” or 3 1/2” cantle height.
skirt & cut-up
Our new Weatherford skirt pattern features a large, close-contact cut-up.
OPEN HACKAMORE CIRCUIT CHAMPION & LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Smart With Chicks (Smart Chic Olena x Shining Donna x Shining Spark), owned by A&SPerformance Horses, LLC, and pilot Alex Alves rode to the circuit award with a total 552.5 (HS1:280.5/HS2:272).
NON PRO HACKAMORERESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
CD Browsing Chic (High Brow CD x Smart Playing Chic x Smart Chic Olena) and Neil Taylor rode to a 537 (HS1:271.5/HS2:265.5) for the reserve circuit award.
OPEN HACKAMORERESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
MP Dineros Woodpatch (PC Frenchmans Hayday x MPRosewood x Lone Drifter) and Lee Deacon rode to a 438 (HS1:291.5/HS2:146.5) to earn owner Modesta Williams the reserve circuit award.
OPEN T WO REIN CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Quails Dun Remedy (Very Smart Remedy x Quails Dun Holly x Quails Dun Berry) and Cody Patterson rode to a 560.5 (HS1:283.5/HS2:277) earning the circuit win for owner Christopher Bethune.
OPEN T WO REIN RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Jeremy Cox rode his Circle C Ranch owned Just Makin A Scene (Very Smart Remedy x Catinthehat x High Brow Cat) to the reserve circuit award with a 532.5 (HS1:273.5/HS2:259).
$5K NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Amber Haglin and Sparks N Gunsmoke (Shining Spark x Zezes Superstar x Zeze Gunsmoke) earned the reserve circuit spot with a 566 (HS1:281.5/HS2:284.5).
$5K NON PRO LIMITED CIRCUIT CHAMPION & $1K NON PRO LIMITED CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Kelsey Delaplaine rode Starlight Driver (Hydrive Cat x Starlights Lynn x Grays Starlight) to the circuit award with a total 573 (HS1:285/HS2:288).
$1K NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Time For A Catnap (One Time Pepto x Cats Quixote Queen x High Brow Cat) and Robert Light rode to a 573 total (HS1:287.5/HS2:285.5) to bring Light and co-owner and wife Allyson the award.
YOUTH LIMITED CIRCUIT CHAMPION & YOUTH LIMITED 13 & UNDER CIRCUIT WINNER
Pinkerton Bridges rode Inya Dreams (Magnum Chic Dream x Seal Olena x Doc Olena), owned by Jessica Jones, to a total 586.5 (HS1:293.5/HS2:293) for the circuit award in both classes.
YOUTH COW HORSERESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Catelyn Walker and Playin Motown (Mr Playinstylish x Mo Flo x Mr Peponita Flo) rode to the reserve circuit award with a total 575 (HS1:283.5/HS2:291.5).
YOUTH LIMITED RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION, YOUTH LIMITED 13 & UNDER CIRCUIT RESERVE WINNER, & BEGINNING FENCE WORK
Cat Walks Into A Bar (WRThis Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark), owned and shown by Landri Lisac, rode to the reserve circuit awards in both classes with a 572 (HS1:285.5/HS2:286.5). In the Beginning Fence Work, the pair scored a 563.5 (HS1:289/ HS2:274.5).
BEGINNING FENCE WORK CIRCUIT CHAMPION & NON PRO LIMITED RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Oh Cay Meriah (Light N Lena x Meradas Oh Cay x Freckles Merada) and Monica Duflock earned the circuit award with a 571.5 (HS1:281/HS2:290.5).
The following winners are also listed in their Spectacular event coverage.
NON PRO HACKAMORE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
William Lewis piloted Adrenaline Force (Metallic Cat x Reyz Me Twice x Dual Smart Rey) to the circuit award with a total score of 564.5 (275.5/HS2:289).
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Dustin Deckard rode Hez The Kats Meow (Bet Hesa Cat x Miss Lucky Starlight x Grays Starlight) to a 569.5 (HS1:290.5/HS2:279) for the reserve circuit award.
NON PRO TWO REIN CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Dakota Cox piloted Metallic Dual Pep (Metallic Cat x Playgirls Miss Grace x Mister Dual Pep), owned by his family’s Circle C Ranch, to a circuit total of 580 (HS1:294.5/HS2:285.5).
NON PRO TWO REIN RESERVE CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Lia Savas rode Metallic Nickel (Metallic Cat x Nickel N Dime Smart x Smart Little Lena) to the reserve circuit award with a 573.5 (HS1:281/HS2:292.5).
NON PRO LIMITED CIRCUIT CHAMPION
Julie Gibbons piloted Unos Blue Lightening (Uno What Time It Is x Miss Vibrant Chex x Nu Chex To Cash) to a total 572.5 (HS1:284/HS2:288.5) for the award.
NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION
CORPORATE PARTNERS
MARS Equestrian™ Sponsorship by Mars, Incorporated, is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS Equestrian™ is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, MARS Equestrian™ is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them.
As the official equine insurance company for the NRCHA, Markel has provided uninterrupted coverage for horses and horse-related risks for over four decades. Sharing your passion for horses and committed to the horse industry, Markel is an experienced company whose associates are horse people first and insurance people second. Their insurance products focus on protecting your horses, home, barn, tack and equipment. Whether you have one horse or an entire stable, board or train horses, Markel can fully protect you. Visit www. horseinsurance.com for more information on Markel’s products.
Platinum Performance is the Official Nutritional Supplement of the NRCHA! Platinum Performance, Inc. is the manufacturer of Platinum Performance Equine Wellness and Performance Formula, a comprehensive supplement rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, bioavailable trace minerals, amino acids and joint protective anti-inflammatory nutrients. This formula is designed to support the immune system, joints, bones, muscles, and provide sustained energy and enhanced performance. It is excellent for performance horses of all ages, broodmares, stallions and foals. Platinum Performance nutritional supplements were originally developed to decrease rehabilitation time after orthopedic surgeries, to speed bone growth and tissue healing, and reduce swelling complications. For more information, visit Platinum Performance at our website at www.PlatinumPerformance. com.
San Juan Ranch, a Division of Santa Cruz Animal Health, is rapidly becoming an industry leader in the distribution and development of Veterinary and Animal Health Care Products. As the official animal health and breeding supplier of the NRCHA, the company offers a wide range of products for the optimal care of performance horses, livestock and companion animals. The Animal Health product line includes a comprehensive, high-quality, affordable line of UltraCruz™Animal Health Supplements for horses, dogs and cats.
PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs. Everything we do is for the love of dogs. As the world’s largest dog food brand, our passion is to make the world a better place for dogs. We champion causes to help dogs find loving homes, and we are dedicated to understanding dogs’ needs to make sure every dog is fed well, because every dog deserves great nutrition. PEDIGREE® products include a wide variety of treats including DENTASTIX®, MARROBONE®, and JUMBONE®. PEDIGREE® brand is proud to be a corporate partner and the Official Pet Food of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. To find out more about PEDIGREE® brand visit www.pedigree.com.
Marty and Dustin Latta wanted to create a brand that creates custom items that are truly a legacy so that the items could be passed down from generation to generation. The Western Legacy Co. creates legacy items such as custom hats, custom boots, custom bags, custom belts and custom sports coats. All of our products are truly custom made with the best quality. We are proud to be a Texas legacy brand that is owned by a father and son duo. Legacies are earned, not bought.
Dennis Moreland of Dennis Moreland Tack started his hand made tack business when he was a young cowboy. He realized there was a need for safe, well made, functional horse tack to be readily available to horsemen & horsewomen. This is Dennis’s 41st anniversary in the handmade tack business! He works closely with professional trainers and horsemen to design and test his equipment for functionality, fit and durability. From bridles to cinches, horse bits to spurs, he works hard to make this the best tack you’ve ever ridden. You can find everything you need for your horse at www.DMTack.com.
Quarter Horse News is one of the most visible information vehicles in the horse world. Quarter Horse News – the News Magazine of the Performance Horse industry - is the only twice-monthly news magazine dedicated to the Western horse industry. For information visit the website at www.quarterhorsenews.com.
The Saddle House is proud to offer the finest collection of quality cow horse saddles and gear. Our Saddle House Custom Saddles are all handcrafted in Texas from the finest materials and ridden by top hands all over the country. We offer an impressive selection of hackamores, romels reins, bits, chaps and leather goods from the top makers. Owner Adam Schwalm is an active cow horse competitor and knows what you need to succeed the show pen or the branding pen. Visit www.thesaddlehouse.com.
Team up with Classic Equine and PLAY TO WIN! Classic Equine is the official horse boot and saddle pad brand of the NRCHA, and there is a reason we are the standard equipment of performance champions. Just ask the professionals. Serious competitors care about their horse’s health and soundness. Classic Equine offers a variety of innovative and protective products including saddle pads, cinches, support boots and bell boots. All products are manufactured to the highest standards for quality and value. After all, the creation of a product line that satisfies the serious competitor’s high expectations of performance is what Classic Equine is all about. With input from many of today’s leading riders, each product is designed and tested for function, fit, durability and value. That is why when it comes to the horse’s protection and comfort for training and competition, champions prefer Classic Equine. For more information visit our website at www.classicequine.com or call 1-800-654-7864.
We at Martin Saddlery are dedicated to giving you the most fit, function and value in a saddle. Martin saddles are built by professionals, for professionals. Our saddles are designed to provide a better fit for your horse and specialized by discipline with the rider’s needs in mind. Each Martin saddle is hand-crafted and individually assembled by the finest of craftsmen. Often imitated, never matched. www.MartinSaddlery.com
Jeff Smith’s Custom Saddles offers you quality and affordable products you can count on. There specialized Cutting, Ranch Cutters, Cow Horse and Cowboy saddles are made with the finest Hermann Oak Leather and American made materials and workmanship by saddle makers with 36 years of custom western tack manufacturing. Go to www. JeffSmithsCustomSaddles.com to shop online, and to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
DT Horses, “The Elite Brand,” owned and operated by Dean and Leslie Tuftin, is located in beautiful Bend, Oregon. They are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman. Already an established breeding and training program for world champion rope horses, DT Horses has strengthened its reined cow horse industry presence with the addition of NRCHA Champion Hickory Holly Time to its stallion roster in 2016. Under the guidance of DT Horses’ resident trainer, leading NRCHA Professional Kelby Phillips, the DT Horses program seeks out the best genetics in the performance horse industry, to create versatile champions for every arena. Find them on the web at www.DTHorses.com.
The Nutro Company is a leading manufacturer of natural pet food products sold exclusively at pet specialty stores, and the Official Pet Food food of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. The company has been making premium pet food for more than 80 years and is dedicated to quality, excellence and innovation in dog and cat nutrition offering healthful formulas for every pet’s life stage, activity level and size. The Nutro Company’s family of brands includes MAX® dog and cat food, NATURAL CHOICE® dog and cat food, and ULTRA™ food for dogs in addition to the GREENIES® brands, which include the #1 veterinary recommended pet specialty dental chews, and PILL POCKETS® and JOINT CARE® treats. For more information, please visit www.thenutrocompany.com and www.greenies.com.
For animals, health and happiness go hand in hand. Both are a result of the quality of care they get from owners raising them to be their best. And much of that comes from the quality nutrition they’re being fed. Our feed sustains the animals you care for. What’s inside them, literally, counts. That’s why our feed isn’t just grown—it’s crafted. Real science goes into putting the nutrients animals need into each Nutrena® feed product. Because, what’s inside the feed counts. Since 1921, we’ve been making Nutrena horse feeds that are specially developed to provide the right blend of nutrition and energy for your horses at every age and activity level. Whether you’re caring for working horses, hard keepers, or athletes, there’s a Nutrena horse feed that’s right for them. To find the right product that matches your horses’ needs, visit us at www.nutrenaworld.com.
Nutrena is proud to be the Official Equine Feed of AQHA, WPRA, and an AAEP Educational Partner as well as the Official Feed of the NRCHA. “What’s Inside Counts.”
American Paint Horse Association - Marked For Greatness! We inspire, nurture, promote and provide meaningful experiences to generations interested in preserving the versatile Paint Horse. The APHA is proud to be an alliance partner of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Learn more about the breed and the benefits of membership at www.APHA.com.
The NRCHA is happy to continue our partnership with Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. Shorty’s takes pride in creating custom hats, hand-made with dedication to the true tradition of the Western cowboy. The entire Shorty’s team stands by the value and tradition that defines the spirit of cowboys and cowgirls everywhere. They make cowboy hats the right way: from top-quality materials and loving care in every hat. Find them on the web at shortyshattery.com.
Complete oral care is important for your dog’s total body health and can add years to their lifespan. GREENIES™ Canine Dental Chews are proven to clean dogs’ teeth by fighting both plaque and tartar buildup, freshening breath, and maintaining healthier teeth and gums. Designed for daily treating, our dental chews are low in fat and nutritionally complete for adult dogs.
Don Rich Custom Saddles are specifically designed for use in the Western performance horse industry with an emphasis on reined cow horse, cutting, ranch horse, and reining events. Choose from our beautiful selection of saddles in stock, or place a custom order.
The American Quarter Horse Association, located in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization.
AQHA members share a passion for the American Quarter Horse and the vast lifestyle created by the world’s most popular horse. The AQHA is an alliance partner of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Explore the AQHA’s many resources on the web at www.AQHA.com.
Gist Silversmiths: Crafting a Legend Piece by Piece - Gist Silversmiths is proud of its partnership with the NRCHA as its “Official Silversmith”. For 40 years, Gist has been considered the industry leader in customized trophy and award buckles for champions of all disciplines. Gist Silversmiths believes there is no substitute for the finest in quality, superior craftsmanship and reliable service. Attention to detail is evident in each of their finely sculpted motifs and logos; quality enhanced by unique buckle designs. An award buckle is presented to commemorate a significant achievement and each recipient should be honored with a buckle reflecting the pride of a champion. For more information, visit the Gist Silversmiths website at www. gistsilversmiths.com.
Wear Cinch to Win! It’s the Official Clothing of the NRCHA! Lead...don’t follow and wear the choice of champions - Cinch jeans and shirts. When performance counts, the members of the NRCHA turn to Cinch jeans. Cinch is the brand of choice for some of the world’s best horse trainers like Bob Avila, Teddy Robinson and Todd Bergen. Why? Because Cinch jeans offer the kind of fit and comfort that allow riders to focus on the work at hand. Plus Cinch jeans and shirts always look good. You’ll find Cinch jeans and shirts at your favorite Western store or via catalog. Or, visit www. cinchjeans.com to find the retailer nearest you. “Cinch up” with Cinch jeans and shirts. Wear the choice of champions.
Bloomer is the “Official Horse Trailer” of the NRCHA. Bloomer Trailers has raised the bar in the horse trailer industry. “If you can dream it, we can build it,” is the company slogan. Bloomer offers the highest quality standards of any trailer manufacturer and backs it up with a 10 year structural warranty. For information, see your local Bloomer Trailer dealer or visit www.bloomertrailers.com.
Rios of Mercedes, the Official Boot of the National Reined Cow Horse Association, is one of the last truly handmade all leather boots produced in the United States. There is no secret to making top quality boots. All you need is the finest leather and true bootmakers with years of experience and the desire to be the best at their craft. Rios has remained true to its roots by making boots for folks who are involved in performance and working horses, raise livestock and in general make their living outdoors. Rios has never cheapened their product by taking shortcuts, lowering standards or chasing fashion trends. We make boots for people who know what a pair of boots is intended for: all day comfort whether horseback or afoot. Visit www. riosofmercedes.com to see some of the styles we offer through our retailers.
Bob’s Custom Saddles are ridden and endorsed by the best of the best in competitive Western riding sports today. Our superior craftsmanship and attention to detail have made our reining, barrel racing, cutting, roping, ranch, trail and show saddles the preferred choice of professional riders from around the world. Saddle up with us on the web at www.BobsCustomSaddles.com.
BEAT THE HEAT WITH PLATINUM PERFORMANCE®
Follow these top 10 summer health tips benefits your horse.
Provided
by Platinum Performance, Inc
Summer is a great time to spend time in the saddle. Rising temperatures also increase the risk of heat-related stress and health issues for your horse. With a little extra care and awareness, you can help your horse stay healthy in the heat.
10 Summer Health Tips:
1
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Providing fresh, clean water at all times can go a long way to keeping your horse healthy and hydrated this summer. Check the temperature of available water as well. Hanging buckets will get warm and need to be dumped and refilled regularly. Remember that on particularly hot days or after hard exercise, your horse requires more water. Make sure it’s clean, cool and available.
SWEAT, OR LACK THEREOF
2
REPLENISH WITH ELECTROLYTES
All horses should have plain, white salt available to them all the time. In hot weather or with heavy exercise, your horse may require supplemental electrolytes to replace those lost through sweat. A well-rounded electrolyte supplement, like Platinum Electrolyte, provides sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium to encourage drinking. Fresh water should be available after your horse has been given electrolytes.
Sweating in hot weather is the horse’s natural cooling mechanism. Horses with anhidrosis are unable to or have difficulty sweating and may struggle in the hot summer months. While not the outcome for every anhidrotic horse, some horses respond very well to simple electrolyte supplementation to promote thermoregulation. For horses that may need additional support, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants combined with specific nutrients, such as arginine and B Vitamins (B3, B6, B1) contained in Platinum Refresh®, have been found effective to support normal sweating. 4
COOL SHADES
As simple as it sounds, providing horses with shade can be significant to beat the heat. Whether it’s a man-made shelter, a run-in option or an area of trees, shady spots can provide a temperature drop of 10 degrees. If your horse is sensitive, or there isn’t a shaded option, avoid having them out during the hottest time of the day, about 2 to 5 o’clock in the afternoon, when the sun is the highest. 3
8
5
BUGS & SKIN ALLERGIES
Environmental and seasonal allergens pose a major problem in the spring and summer months, as pollens and molds produce rapidly and insect populations are high resulting in itchy, irritated skin. Dietary nutrients like omega-3 fats, quercetin and thymic extract, found in Platinum Skin & Allergy, provides support for horses with skin issues related to seasonal allergies. These ingredients support normal histamine levels and help to balance the immune system
6
TRAVEL & IMMUNITY
Feeding a balanced diet is one of the best ways to support a general, healthy immunity. A forage-based feeding program that is balanced with a wellness supplement, like Platinum Performance® Equine, Platinum Performance® GI or Platinum Performance® CJ, is a very comprehensive and simple diet for most horses, and is easy to take on the road. Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium are all critical ingredients to support healthy immune function.
COOL OFF
After riding or exercising, take time to properly cool off your horse. Walk leisurely until he’s not breathing hard. Hose off with cool water and scrape excess water off to increase evaporative cooling. For daily use, fans are a great way to move air around and keep it moving and circulating through the barn.
9
7
SLOW DOWN
Exercise and training sessions may need to be re-evaluated as temperatures rise. If possible, consider moving riding times to cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or evening. If a horse is worked in the heat of the day, consider either lightening the workload or spreading it out over a couple shorter sessions. If your horse hasn’t been in a regular exercise program, don’t work outside of his fitness level. Build up stamina extra slowly in hot and humid conditions.
TRAILERING
Transport horses during the coolest part of the day, either when it’s dark or early morning. Make sure that trailers are well-ventilated with large windows for maximum airflow and ceiling roof vents to draw in fresh air. Horses are constantly balancing themselves in a trailer which can be tiring. Stop to water horses often on long journeys. Find shade to park the trailer, and do not park in direct sunlight with horses loaded.
10
SPECIAL NEEDS
Horses that have a variety of health conditions may need a little extra help in the heat, especially horses that have trouble shedding or those with Cushing’s. Horses with equine asthma tend to have a harder time in humid weather and may need to have exercise minimized and have their breathing monitored more closely. Locations that have very hot ground or footing may be more susceptible for cases of heat founder.
PlatinumPerformance.com | 800-553-2400
A Doubleshot of Jack
A Vintage Smoke
BadBoonARising
Bamacat
Bet Hesa Boon
Bet Hesa Cat
Blue One Time
Boon Too Suen
Brennas Golden Dunit
Brother Jackson
Cadescat
Call Me Mitch
Cat Ichi
Cats Merada
Cats Picasso Cattalou
Catty Hawk
CD Diamond
CD Highlights
Desires Little Rex
Dual R Smokin
Dun It With A Twist
Fantastic Cat
Grab Your Guns
Hes Wright On
Hickory Holly Time
High Brow CD
High Brow Shiner
Hired Gun
Hydrive Cat
Lil Catbaloo
Lil Metallic Cat
Mamas Duel N At Boon
Matt Dillon Dun It
MC Cowhammer
Metallic Chrome Cat
Metallic Malice
Metallic Masterpiece
Mr Playinstylish
Neat Little Cat
Northern Metallic
NRR Cat King Cole
Olena Oak
Once In A Blu Boon
Once You Go Black
One Fine Vintage
One Roan Peptos
One Shiney Metallic
One Time Pepto
One Time Royalty
Opus Cat Olena
Peptos Stylin Time
Playdox
Quahadi
Reydioactive
Reygans Smart Lena
Reys A Shine
Reyzin The Cash
RN One Curly Cat
Rockin W Sannman
Scooter Kat
Shiney Outlaw
Sigala Rey
SJR Diamond Mist
Smart Boons
Smart Luck
Smokinn
Spots Heff
Starlight Shiner
Stevie Rey Von Stylin Beau
Surely A Pepto
The Animal Third Cutting
This Guns For Nic
This One Time
Time For The Diamond
Tomcat Chex
TR Dual Rey
Travelin Jonez
Very Especial Cat
Whiz Van Winkle
WR This Cats Smart
Zezes Pepto Cat
IT’S A CINCH
If you’ve purchased a new latigo and would like to attach it to your saddle’s D-ring with a clean, nice looking and nearly flat knot, this guideline will show you how. This knot also works for rear billets.
In this photo and guide we are using a rear billet which folds over from front to back. For a front latigo the fold is opposite, or back to front. The knot is tied the same for both. In addition to your latigo or rear billet you will need an awl, pliers, and saddle soap. Expanding the holes slightly with the awl and soaping the strings so they slide through the holes more readily will make the knot easier to tie.
1. Apply saddle soap to your tie string and open the holes in your latigo or billet with the awl. Fold your latigo or billet over the appropriate D-ring on your saddle. Put one end of your tie string through each of the two bottom holes on the folded latigo, going from front to back. Make sure the string ends are pulled even but don’t tighten it completely. Turn the latigo or billet over and put both string ends through the top holes in the folded latigo, going from back to front.
2. Thread one tail of the string through the bottom holes on the left side of the triangle, going from front to back, and the other tail through the right side. This will mean that these holes have now had the string threaded through twice.
3. From the back pull the strings tight.
4. Open the bottom holes with the awl again and apply more saddle soap to the string if needed.
5. Take the tail on the left, making certain it’s not twisted, and form a loop by bringing it from the back to the front of the latigo or billet. Thread it through the left bottom holes from front to back. This is the third time the string has been threaded through the holes.
6. Do the same on the right side using the right tail and right holes.
7. From the back use your pliers to pull the front of the knot taut by pulling the tail and the loop portions at the same time on each side.
8. Finish pulling the loop portion of the knot tight by pulling each tail with your pliers.
9. From the back thread each tail under the opposite side of the knot that formed the V portion of the triangle.
10. Pull the strings taut.
11. Trim the string ends and tap the knot flat with a flattening hammer if desired.
12. Finished knot from the front.
Regardless of what your latigos are made of, they will wear, and if the leather or nylon is old or worn out, they may break. Be sure to check them before you saddle up. It takes only a few minutes to attach a new one!
Will Rogers Memorial Center | Fort Worth, Texas
Chrome Cash Challenge Classes
WORKING COW HORSE: $10,500 Added NO QUALIFYING REQUIRED!
• $2,500 added + $1,000 Texas-Bred Incentive*
- 4- & 5-Year-Old Working Cow Horse Challenge
• $2,500 added + $1,000 Texas-Bred Incentive*
- Non-Pro 4- & 5-Year-Old Working Cow Horse Challenge
• $2,500 added + $1,000 Texas-Bred Incentive*
- Non-Pro Limited Working Cow Horse (Boxing) Challenge (All Ages)
* Texas-Bred Incentive will pay out to the top three placing horses foaled in Texas.
Solid Paint-Bred horses eligible to compete in Challenge Classes !
World Champion Classes
• Amateur
• Limited Amateur (Boxing)
• Open (Junior & Senior)
• Youth
• Limited Youth (Boxing)
Pre-entry, stall & RV deadline is August 21.
Entries accepted until 5 p.m. the day before the class.
Late fees will apply after August 21.
For more details visit apha.com/worldshow • aphaevents@apha.com
Photo by Larry Williams
Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association
Shawna Husted 27245 Twp 350
Red Deer, AB T4G 0M4 CANADA
Phone: 403-875-1369
Email: info@cowhorse.ca Website: www.cowhorse.ca
Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association
Bronwyn McCormick
28150 N Alma School Pkwy Ste 103-520 Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: 480-510-0974
Email: info@azrcha.com Website: www.azrcha.com
Atlantic Reined Cow Horse Association
Frank Prisco
189 Old Willets Path Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: 631-478-7022
Email: archapresident@gmail.com
Website: www.atlanticRCHA.com
Australian Reined Cow Horse Association
Jay Gordon
359 Duri-Dungowan Rd
Tamworth, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA 2340
Phone: +61 490 915094
Email: archa@outlook.com.au
Website: www.cowhorseaustralia.com
California Reined Cow Horse Association
Stacy Duesterhaus 15169 Road 223 Porterville, CA 93257
Phone: 559-999-8146
Email: califcowhorse@gmail.com Website: www.californiacowhorse.com
Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association
Katie Wilson
1280 Powerhouse Rd.
Abbotsford, BC V3G 1T7 CANADA
Phone: 604-300-3545
Email: cowponykate@gmail.com
Website: www.ccrcha.com
Central Montana Reined Cow Horse Association
Jill Roberts
1521 Parr Creek Ln Lewistown, MT 59457
Phone: 406-538-7564
Email: vjroberts@hughes.net
Website: www.cmrcha.com
AFFILIATE LISTING
Current as of July 25, 2020
Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association
MJ Anderson PO Box 88 Trinidad, CO 81082
Phone: 719-963-4770
Email: coloradocowhorse@gmail.com
Website: www.coloradoreinedcowhorse.com
European Reined Cow Horse Association
Augusto De Fazio
via Natalia Ginzburg
1 - 11015 Ivrea (TO) ITALY
Phone: +(39) 338 8860657
Email: ercha@hotmail.it Website: www.ercha.org
Gem State Stock Horse Association
Brian Lesher
301 Market Rd
Caldwell, ID 83607
Website: www.gemstatestockhorse.com
Gulf Coast Cow Horse Association
Andres Sanchez 10227 Pittman Rd
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: 561-248-1437
Email: andresGCCHA@gmail.com
Website: www.gulfcoastcowhorse.com
Idaho Reined Cow Horse Assocaition
Paxton Deal 20997 Simplot Blvd Greenleaf, ID 83626
Phone: 208-880-9066
Email: paxtondeal@gmail.com
Website: www.idahoreinedcowhorse.com
Italian Reined Cow Horse Association
La a R ffino e cellino
Via Grilloni 25
22100 Como ITALY
Phone: +39 347 26 22 783
Email: segreteria.ircha@gmail.com
e site tt s n c aofital .co
Michigan Reined Cow Horse Association
Deena Dunkle
7325 Edere Rd
Saginaw, MI 48609
Phone: 989-233-7157
Email: deenadunkle@me.com
Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity, Inc
Margaret Ore PO Box 1604
East Helena, MT 59635
Phone: 406-227-7019
Email: more@mt.net
Website: www.montanareinedcowhorse.com
Nevada Reined Cow Horse Association
Aubree Englert 6600 W Rome Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89131 Phone: 702-290-4231
Email: aubree.rcha@gmail.com Website: www.nvrcha.org
New York Reined Cow Horse Association
Lisa Sykes
300 Hopkins Road Canandaigua, NY 14424
Phone: 585-315-7809
Email: lisasykes@yahoo.com
Website: www.newyorkrcha.com
North Central Reined Cow Horse Association
Jim Wilson 21637 315th St Plymouth, IA 50464
Phone: 641-420-0440
Email: wilson@myomnitel.com Website: www.ncrcha.com
Northeastern Reined Cowhorse Alliance
Mary Baks
13 Maple Hill Rd RR #2 Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0 CANADA Phone: 519-881-8684
Email: info@walkertonequine.ca Website: www.nercha.ca
Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association
Diane Edwards PO Box 1244
Ravensdale, WA 98051
Phone: 206-390-0715
Email: diane2bph@outlook.com Website: www.nwrcha.com
Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association
Justin Stanton PO Box 1053
Canyon, TX 79015
Phone: 806-281-4770
Email: panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com Website: www.panhandlecowhorse.com
South Dakota Reined Cow Horse Association
Deb Brown PO Box 655 Buffalo, SD 57720
Phone: 605-797-4514
Email: nphorses@sdplains.com Website: www.sdrcha.com
South Texas Reined Cow Horse Association
Tina McCleary
5290 Hearne Rd Bryan, TX 77808
Phone: 979-218-0633
Email: southtexasrcha@gmail.com Website: www.strcha.org
Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association
Shelley Schaffer
33175 Temecula Pkwy Ste A, 754 Temecula, CA 92592
Phone: 858-722-5995
Email: smal4joy@gmail.com Website: www.scrcha.com
AFFILIATE LISTING
Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance
Larry Westmoreland PO Box 143 Tickfaw, LA 70466
Phone: 985-320-5058
Email: larry.westwindtc@gmail.com
Website: www.srchala.com
Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association
Gay Lenz
11587 Hunt Lane Guthrie, OK 73044
Phone: 405-818-7556
Email: glenz@glenzenterprises.com
Website: www.srcha.org
Swedish Reined Cow Horse Association
Joakim Pettersson
Astorp Gunnarsgarden 6
SE – 521 96 Falkoping SWEDEN
Phone: +46 70 676 7642
Email: jipquarters@jipquarters.com Website: www.srcha.eu
The Carolinas Reined Cow Horse Association
Crystal Ward-Taylor 130 Haigler Rd Lenoir, NC 28645
Phone: 828-312-2705
Email: cward@carolinafarmcredit.com
Utah Reined Cow Horse Association
Nikki Francis 3644 N. 3300 E.
Kimberly, ID 83341
Phone: 208-539-5410
Email: vpnikki@gmail.com
Website:www.urcha.org
NRCHA Suspended List
NRCHA membership privileges will be suspended for the second offense of bad checks, per rule 1.1.6.2 and for non payment of debt to NRCHA Show Management or NRCHA Approved Show Management. Additionally, all amounts for advertising in the NRCHA publication, Reined Cow Horse News, are due and payable within 30 days of receipt.
Agricultural Foundation, Fresno, CA
Desert Spring Ranch, Queen Creek, AZ
Keetch Ranch, Waddell, AZ
Del Rey Paint & Qtr Horses/Aneka
Schelbeck, Cotton Wood, CA
Bynum Farms/Blair Bynum, Palm City, FL
Donnie Boyd, Sarasota, FL
Robyn Bush, Visalia, CA
Marcy Campbell, Creston, CA
Pompeo Capezzone, Castrocielo 03030, ITALY
Riccardo Capezzone, Castrocielo 03030, ITALY
Cody Christensen, Heber City, UT
Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY
Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA
La a elfino a tine CA
Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL
Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA
Eric Wisehart, Santa Ynez, CA
A finance c a e of . e ont A R will e a e to all ast due amounts. Membership privileges shall be suspended on accounts greater than 90 days past due and this information will be published in Reined Cow Horse News. There will be a membership reinstatement fee of $75.
July 1, 2020
Miguel Gonzalez, Miami, FL
Babcock Ranch/Jim Babcock, Sanger, TX
Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE
Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC
Thera Myers, Oxnard, CA
Steed Training/Rick Steed, Okeechobee, FL
Jill Serena, Castaic, CA
Vernon Smith, Santa Maria, CA
Dream Cross/Susan Ray, TX
Lazy T Shamrock Ranch/ Terry Malarkey, Star, ID
Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL
Don Stockman, Dayton, TX
Kinsey Dodson, Cleburne, TX
Oasis Ranch/Pete & Marilyn Bowling – Purcell, OK
Bill Anderson – Merino, CO
Darren Roberts – Kent, NY
Roy Hockensmith – Frankfort, KY
Brian & Cynthia Holthouse –
San Juan Bautista, CA
Rita F. Ward – Canyon, TX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Corey Cushing ❖ Vice President: Paul Bailey ❖ Secretary: Frank Prisco ❖
Treasurer: Trey Neal ❖ Todd Bergen ❖ Joe Carter ❖ Todd Crawford ❖ Diane Edwards ❖
Amanda Gardiner ❖ Darren Miller ❖ Boyd Rice ❖ Dan Roeser ❖ Jon Roeser ❖ Jake Telford ❖ Cayley Wilson
COMMITTEE DIRECTORY
AFFILIATES
Chairperson: Frank Prisco archapresident@gmail.com 631-478-7022
Lia Savas • indianheadranch@aol.com
Andres Sanchez • andresgccha@gmail.com
Roy Rich • roy_rich6@yahoo.com
Jim Wilson • wilson@myomnitel.com
Barb McCaughey mccaugheybarbara@gmail.com
ANIMAL WELFARE
Chairperson: Dr. Joe Carter, DVM jcarterdvm@aol.com • 405-288-6460
ETHICS
Chairperson: Bill Tointon billtointon@msn.com • 303-530-2443
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairperson: Paul Bailey paulb@cb-trucking.com • 931-260-3909
Frank Prisco • archapresident@gmail.com
Trey Neal • trey@treyneal.com
Todd Bergen bergenperformancehorses@gmail.com
Boyd Rice • boydrice1965@gmail.com
HALL OF FAME
Chairperson: Dan Roeser roeserstables@gmail.com 208-841-2052
Ted Robinson • ted@tedrobinsoncowhorses.com
Bobby Ingersoll • bobby@bobbyingersoll.com
Smoky Pritchett • pritchettl@att.net Ken Wold • ken@kenwold.com
HORSE SALES
Chairperson: Todd Crawford toddcrawford333@gmail.com
Sandy Collier • sandy@sandycollier.com
Jeff Oswood • oswoodstallionstation@gmail.com
Rick Ford • rick@cinderlakesranch.com
Boyd Rice • boydrice1965@gmail.com
JUDGES
Chairperson: Boyd Rice boydrice1965@gmail.com • 806-282-8113
Director of Judges: Bill Enk enk.bill@gmail.com
Dan Roeser • roeserstables@gmail.com
Ron Emmons • ladonadare@me.com
Todd Crawford • toddcrawford333@gmail.com
Darren Miller • dmillerstables@aol.com
Sam Rose • sroseqh@yahoo.com
Todd Bergen bergenperformancehorses@gmail.com
NRCHA FOUNDATION
Chairperson: MJ Isakson mj@nrchaf.com
NOMINATING
Chairperson: Jon Roeser jonroeser@sti.net
NON PRO
Chairperson: Diane Edwards
Diane2bph@outlook.com • 206-390-0715
Meg Rosell-Pursel • meg@roselltrailers.com
Nelle Murphy • baldnshiney@hotmail.com
Bart Holowath • bart.holowath@gmail.com
Kris Troxel • ktroxel@sitestar.net
Tim Swain • Coloradolandandranch@gmail.com
Kathy Ferguson • fergielivestock@yahoo.com
OWNERS
Chairperson: Linda McMahon maclin@earthlink.net • 415.269.5563
PROFESSIONALS
Chairperson: Cayley Wilson cayleyrwilson@gmail.com • 604-300-0401
RULES
Chairperson: Dan Roeser roeserstables@gmail.com • 208-841-2052
Lyn Anderson • lsanderson@wildblue.net
Darren Miller • dmillerstables@aol.com
Jake Telford • jake.telford321@gmail.com
Boyd Rice • boydrice1965@gmail.com
Kelley Hartranft • kelley@nrcha.com
SHOWS
Co-Chairperson: Todd Bergen bergenperformancehorses@gmail.com 541-778-0980
Co-Chairperson: Boyd Rice boydrice1965@gmail.com • 806-282-8113
SPONSORSHIP
Chairperson: Allison Walker allison@nrcha.com • 940-488-1500
STALLION SERVICE AUCTION
Chairperson: Garth Gardiner gardinergarth@gmail.com • 620-635-5632
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Chairperson: TBD
Trey Neal • trey@treyneal.com
Dr. Joe Carter • jcarterdvm@aol.com
Todd Crawford • toddcrawford333@gmail.com
YOUTH
Chairperson: Sarah Clymer shubrick3@gmail.com • 719-330-1932
Allison Walker • allison@nrcha.com
Todd Crawford • toddcrawford333@gmail.com
SHOW SCHEDULE
Aug 22 - 30 NRCHA Stallion Stakes
Aug 28 - 30 Nevada Stallion Stakes & Elko Co Show
Sep 3 - 6 Road To Texas
Sep 4 - 6 Labor Day Show & Futurity
Sep 4 - 7 Colorado State Fair - CANCELED
Sep 13 Cow Horse Express
Sep 17 - 20 West Slope Pre-Futurity
Aug 22 - 23 Cowgirl Classic HS/Cat 1 Fonda, NY New York RCHA Cindy Pfeifer (585) 749-1764 ppfeifer@rochester.rr.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 Las Vegas, NV Kelley Hartranft (940) 488-1500 info@nrcha.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 Elko, NV Jennifer JJ Roemmich (775) 397-2769 elkocountyfair@hotmail.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 /Cat 2 Rapid City, SD South Dakota RCHA Reanna Dillman (303) 895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
HS/Cat 1 Bryan, TX South Texas RCHA Tina McCleary (979) 218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 /Cat 2 Pueblo, CO Colorado RCA Pam Humphreys (405) 509-0494 pamela.a.humphreys@gmail.com
Sep 12 - 13 September Challenge HS/Cat 1 Sarasota, FL Gulf Coast RCHA Claudia Nichols (772) 321-9637 claudia.horseshow@gmail.com
HS/Cat 1 Amite City, LA Southern RCH Alliance Tina McCleary (979) 218-0633 stillcreektina@gmail.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 /Cat 2 Montrose, CO Colorado RCA Keri Croft (503) 701-3305 crcaentries@yahoo.com
Sep 18 - 20 September Classic HS/Cat 1 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA Kelley Hartranft (714) 267-5912 socalrcha@aol.com
Sep 18 - 20 Summer Show
Sep 19 - 20 ARCHA Show #5
Sep 24 - 27 Futurity & Autumn Show
Sep 24 - 27 Montana Reined Cowhorse Futurity
Sep 26 - 27 Fall Into Autumn
Sep 26 - 27 Reap What You Sow
Oct 8 - 11 California Rodeo Salinas
Oct 1 - 4 Pinnalce Circuit
ct NRCHA naf e it t it Hackamore Classic
Oct 10 - 11 Yahoo Buckaroo
Oct 28 - Nov 1 Colorado Futurity
e LRHA eat t e Heat H Cat e is N Leslie l les ail.co
HS/LAE/Cat 1 /Cat 2 Cannon Falls, MN North Central RCHA Jennifer Fjelstad (641) 590-1014 jenfjelstad@gmail.com
HS/Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA Cindy Pfeifer (585) 749-1764 ppfeifer@rochester.rr.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 Travagliato, Italy European RCHA Otto De Fazio (39338) 886-0657 ercha@hotmail.it
HS/LAE/Cat 1 /Cat 2 Livingston, MT Montana RCH Futurity, Inc Reanna Dillman (303) 895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
HS/Cat 1 Lubbock, TX Panhandle RCHA Nelle Muphy (580) 276-0761 panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com
HS/Cat 1 Searcy, AR Katie Hutton (870) 514-7074 kmhutton@gmail.com
HS/Cat 1 Salinas, CA Rose Ramos (831) 775-3100 sdurgan@carodeo.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 Scottsdale, AZ Arizona RCHA Shawn Martin (623) 217-3879 emailmyentries@gmail.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 Fort Worth, TX NRCHA Kelley Hartranft (940) 488-1500 info@nrcha.com
HS/Cat 1 Fonda, NY New York RCHA Cindy Pfeifer (585) 749-1764 ppfeifer@rochester.rr.com
HS/LAE/Cat 1 /Cat 2 Pueblo, CO Colorado CHA Kelley Hartranft (714) 267-5912 crcaentries@yahoo.com
Nov 6 - 8 ARCHA Fall Extravaganza HS/Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA Cindy Pfeifer (585) 749-1764 ppfeifer@rochester.rr.com
Nov 7 Santa Ynez Valley Cow Horse #3 HS/Cat 1 Santa Ynez, CA Carol Sutton (805) 260-4535 info@syvch.org
Nov 8 Santa Ynez Valley Cow Horse #2 HS/Cat 1 Santa Ynez, CA Carol Sutton (805) 260-4535 info@syvch.org
Nov 14 - 15 2020 Wrap Up
Nov 13 - 15 CRCHA Gotta Go Get It Saddle Shoot Out & Shows #9 & #10 HS/Cat 1 Tulare, CA California RCHA Laura Norman (559) 760-0512 kathy@saddleup-enterprises.com
HS/Cat 1 Bryan, TX South Texas RCHA Tina McCleary (979) 218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com
No LRHA all inale H Cat fees o o N Leslie l les ail.co
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 20 21 - 30 31+
SALE HORSES
SJR Spinfactor
2019 PALOMINO COLT
(Gunnatrashya x Shiners Sulena, by Shining Spark. Sulena PE: $133,792)
SJR Diamond Flyer
2019 PALOMINO FILLY
(CD Diamond x SJR Sulenas Sansari, by Wimpys Little Step)
SJR Diamond Martini - 2019 Sorrel Colt (CD Diamond x Pastels Gina, NRCHA LTE: $60,346, PE: $22,861, Open Futurity 8th, I/O 4th, 2nd Dam Gina Badger PE: $480,000+)
SJR Diamond Time - 2019 Palomino Filly
(CD Diamond x SJR One Time Serina, by One Time Pepto x Oak N Sugs UFO, LTE: $43K)
SJR Diamond Steel - 2019 Sorrel Colt (CD Diamond x Kalightascope, LTE: NCHA $31,603, out of Keechi Pep, LTE: $96,485 by Playgun)
SJR Diamond Nellie - 2019 Palomino Filly
(CD Diamond x SJR Oaks Natalie, by Dual Rey)
SJR Diamond Bird - 2019 Sorrel Filly
(CD Diamond x Spooks Mariah, NRCHA LTE: $28,716, and 1/2 sister to the Great Whizs Katrina! LTE: NRHA $101,919)
SJR Betin To Win - 2019 Buckskin Colt (Bet Hesa Cat x Shiners Eva, by Shining Spark out of Oak N Sugs UFO, LTE: $43,172, PE: $20,387)
SJR Diamond Royale - 2019 Palomino Filly (CD Diamond x SJR Oaks Natasha, by One Time Pepto)
SJR Diamond Playit - 2019 Sorrel Filly
(CD Diamond x Playin Lil Pistol, LTE: $17,174, out of Playin Stylish x Colonel Lil Pistol, Dam of earners of $368,000)
SJR Diamond Dixie - 2019 Sorrel Filly (CD Diamond x Catlike Kit, NCHA LTE: $171,114, PE: $22,008)
SJR Diamond Tazman - 2019 Sorrel Colt (CD Diamond x Bearly Nuf Taz, PCCHA Open Futurity Champion and PCCHA Open Derby Reserve Champion, PE: $48,420)
SJR Diamond Stardom - 2019 Palomino Colt (CD Diamond x Amanda Starlena, LTE: NCHA $63,767, PE: $38,841)
SJR Bearly Diamond - 2019 Palomino Colt (CD Diamond x Bearly Nuf Taz, PCCHA Open Futurity Champion and PCCHA Open Derby Reserve Champion, PE: $48,420)
SJR Diamond Vango - 2019 Palomino Colt (CD Diamond x Pastels Gina, NRCHA LTE: $60,346, PE: $22,861, Open Futurity 8th, I/O 4th, 2nd Dam Gina Badger PE: $480,000+)
SJR Diamond Ruz - 2019 Gray Colt (CD Diamond x Kalightascope, LTE: NCHA $31,603, out of Keechi Pep, LTE: $96,485 by Playgun)
SJR Diamond Guns - 2019 Sorrel/Grey Colt (CD Diamond x Playguns King Badger, LTE: $19,535, PE: $128,191, by Playgun)
SJR Diamond Reyata - 2019 Sorrel Filly (CD Diamond x SJR Reyata, by Dual Rey)
SJR Diamond Fortune - 2019 Sorrel Colt (CD Diamond x Oak Ill Be, LTE: $50,639, PE: $316,618)
SJR Sunna Katchsha
2019 PALOMINO COLT
(Gunnatrashya x Whizs Katrina, LTE: $101,919, PE: $21,099)
SJR Gina Diamond - 2019 Palamino Filly (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina, LTE: $37,256, by Smooth As A Cat)
SJR Diamond Rodeo - 2019 Palamino Colt (CD Diamond x Starlit Rita, LTE: $7K, out of Starlights Rhonda, NRCHA Open Futurity nalist, PE: $53K)
SJR Diamond Whirl - 2019 Palomino Filly (CD Diamond x Spooks Mariah, NRCHA LTE: $28,716, and 1/2 sister to the Great Whizs Katrina! LTE: NRHA $101,919)
SJR Smart Solena - 2019 Palomino Colt (Dual Smart Rey x Shiners Sulena, by Shining Spark. Sulena PE: $133,792)
SJR Diamond Kats - 2019 Palomino Colt (CD Diamond x Catann Mouse, LTE: $25,175)
SJR Smooth N Shine - 2019 Sorrel Filly (Smooth As A Cat x Shiners Little Oak, producer of NRCHA Open Futurity Champion Stylish Little Oak)
SJR Diamond Billybob - 2019 Buckskin Colt (CD Diamond x Billies Smooth Cat, LTE: NCHA $48,599, out of Billies Short Lena LTE: $208,123, top cutting family!)
SJR Diamonds Hi - 2019 Sorrel Colt (CD Diamond x Highly Unlimited, by High Brow Cat, Sire of earners of over $81,000,000)
SJR Lady Diamond - 2019 Palomino Filly (Smooth As A Cat x Shiners Diamond Girl, LTE: NCHA $67,765, PE: $303,291)
SJR All Diamonds - 2019 Palomino Filly
(CD Diamond x Playin Gina, by Playin Stylish. 2nd Dam Gina Badger; NCHA LTE: $58,275, PE: $480,000+, by Peppy San Badger NCHA Hall of Fame, #4 Equi-Stat All-Time Leading Cutting Sire; an NRHA & NRCHA All-Time Leading Sire.)
SJR Diamond Dusk - 2019 Grey Filly (CD Diamond x Amanda Starlena, LTE: NCHA $63,767,PE: $38,841)
SJR Diamond Metals - 2019 Palomino Colt (CD Diamond x SJR Missin Metallica, by Metallic Cat. 2nd Dam Missin Bunny, LTE: $29K, PE: $180K)
BROODMARE
SJR Diamond Kit - 2016 Sorrel Mare
CD Diamond x Catlike Kit, NCHA LTE: $171,114, PE: $22,008 In Foal to Dont Stopp Believin HERDA N/N. SJR Bet He Sparks - 2019 Sorrel Colt (Bet Hesa Cat x CD Sparkle, LTE: $38,183. CD Sparkle marks 225s on the fence!)
