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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.
Volume 29, Number 1
FEATURES
54 Peaks & Valleys
Riding the highs and lows of training a futurity prospect isn’t for the faint of heart, but these two trainers are drawn to the challenge.
60
Today’s Champions
Read extensive coverage of those who received National Champion titles, Merit awards and Regional Champion accolades.
150
The Keys to the Legend
Annie Reynolds, 2023 Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee, shares ve essential traits all cowgirls need.
158
158 The Finances of Breeding
Learn from a rsthand account of a breeder’s key lessons about the investment side of breeding.
Photo by Carolyn Simancik
FROM THE PRESIDENT
NRCHA KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR with preparations for the 2024 Celebration of Champions and the always exciting World’s Greatest Horseman™. As we launch into a new season of events that showcase our reined cow horses, I believe it’s important to shine the spotlight on our partners whom, without them, we couldn’t produce these spectacles that offer great prizes, large purses and the opportunities to show the world what NRCHA is all about.
One example is the recent sponsorships for the incentive pots to win the preliminary rounds in each phase of the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™. For the first time, the top-scoring horses and riders in each event—herd work, reined work, fence work and steer stopping—will each receive a $10,000 check. This is a total game-changer for this event. Here’s why.
NRCHA has always committed to keeping entry fees manageable for the World’s Greatest Horseman™. We feel this opens the field of competition to riders from other disciplines who want to try our event. With these new incentive purses, a roper with a nice horse might see that hefty check as a reason to enter. When he enters, he meets new people, makes new friends, learns about our style of horsemanship, gets exposed to our events and sponsors and—maybe—decides to buy his first reined cow horse to increase his chances of success next year.
This scenario can be true for all our events, thanks to our partnerships with our sponsors. When someone sees one of their ads featuring reined cow horses, it can pique their interest to learn more about us, and the same is true when a new sponsor joins our family—our riders, owners and breeders learn more about them and try their products. When done right, it’s a symbiotic relationship that’s mutually beneficial for all involved.
While you’re at the Celebration of Champions and World’s Greatest Horseman™ in February, I encourage you to thank our sponsors for their contributions to our sport. Meet them in their booths or write them thank-you notes when you get home for the products you receive as awards. They help us keep growing and producing events for our current members and to draw in new ones.
The relationships we share with our sponsors aren’t purely transactional. We’re partners in every sense of the word, and we work together to achieve our shared goals, including the growth of our sport and other Western performance disciplines. We go a lot farther when we work together!
Boyd Rice, NRCHA President
2023
BREAKS ALL RECORDS
!
Black Magic Woman $180,000
Seller Southern Ranches
Buyer Lucinda Rose David
High Cats Shine $125,000
Seller Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC
Buyer William McElligott
High Selling Yearling Fillies
The House Is Rockn
$140,000
Seller Teton Ridge
Buyer Eduardo Elizondo
Seller Beechfork Ranch
Highly Hazardous $150,000
Buyer Griffin Marshall
High Selling Yearling Stallions
Rebels Playmate $100,000
Seller
Buyer Nicholas Dowers
Call Her Hilda 17
$110,000
The Love Train $100,000
Seller Beverly Servi Buyer John Semanik
Gunna Wanna
$96,000
Seller Jeremy Barwick
Sporty Metallic 18
$100,000
Seller ChappellWhite Partnership
Buyer Michael Cannon
Texas Reynger $100,000
She Be Magistic $100,000
Seller Aledo Horses LLC
Buyer Rocking BS Ranch
Melodys Smart Rey $105,000
Seller Jeffrey W. & Jennifer Foland Buyer Florence Hix
Buyer Ty Smith Pistoleer $100,000
Seller Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC
Buyer Lita West
Seller Roger Terry Buyer Atlee Snyder
FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR
Finishing a cow work with good sets of circles shows the judges consistency and control—if accomplished properly. There are decisions to be made at a high rate of speed that either add or subtract from the overall value of a run that tells the exhibitor how well he or she competed.
Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, made a fortune being a great finisher. He said, “A lot of people can play the game, but very few can finish.” He wanted the ball at the end of the game so he could take the big shot and show everyone he wanted it, and the shot that just went in wasn’t a fluke.
The same can be said about a strong finish to the cow work. Was your horse up to the task, and did he have control of the cow after leaving the fence phase? Rider decisions are critical for success. When the exhibitor decided to attempt the circles, was he or she in control of the animal, and were they positioned well enough to conduct the circles in an open part of the arena?
Differences of opinion on where the first circles actually start are meaningful to the judges in deciding if an exhibitor satisfied the rules for circling. Rule 19.3.3.3. 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 official must make a fair judgment on where the circle started so he or she can grade the circle for what it actually was.
Sometimes, the animal will pick up speed and catch the exhibitor off guard, and it will take longer than expected to get up to and in control of the animal. If the exhibitor gets up to a controlling position and then switches to circle the other way, did they exhibit enough position and control for a positive score? Did they make enough of a circle, even though they trailed the animal most of the way? If they made a short circle, was it enough so the judge could score it, or if it wasn’t enough, they were made to circle again? Completing the first circle is the rider’s responsibility; the second circle is up to the judge to blow the whistle when they’ve deemed that the horse and rider were in control and completed the circle.
Judges want to avoid having the exhibitor re-circle because it usually affects the run’s integrity. The answer is to give the judge a legitimate circle the first way, eliminating the re-circle problem.
Every judge has their own idea of how much they’d like to see before blowing the whistle to finish the work. It’s up to the exhibitor to keep competing until the whistle is blown; that’s when the work officially ends. The stronger you compete, the better the score.
Enk, NRCHA Director of Judges
COMPLETING THE FIRST CIRCLE IS THE RIDER’S RESPONSIBILITY.”
—Bill Enk
Bill
PHOTO BY ROSS HECOX
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FROM THE
Whether it’s scholarships, clinics or cheering at the back gate, NRCHA strives to make its youth competitors successful and motivated. In 2009, NRCHA developed NRCHYA as an official and essential part of the organization. This encouraged youth participation through classes, clinics and scholarships for youth members. NRCHYA promotes sportsmanship, participation in events and activities, leadership skills, integrity and other virtues and values respected in the performance horse industry and the world.
NRCHYA aims to help its members grow and learn the ins and outs of reined cow horse through its youth clinic program. The one-day clinics consist of one or more NRCHA professionals guiding and teaching all levels of youth riders the horsemanship basics to gain ground on their cattle skills.
NRCHYA members are also supported through the scholarship program. At the end of every NRCHA show year, the NRCHA Foundation awards a scholarship to each NRCHA Affiliate Youth Cow Horse Champion and NRCHA Affiliate Youth Boxing Champion to those who meet the program’s guidelines.
NRCHYA fosters the future of cow horse, and the organization deserves recognition for its family focus. Randy Paul, an established and dedicated NRCHA professional and Hall of Fame inductee, expressed his thoughts about what makes NRCHA special.
“One of the things that makes NRCHA so special to me is that in other associations, the general community of horse trainers, owners and our youth are friends and get along quite well,” he said. “In this association, I truly believe that we all care about and support each other like no other association. It’s easy to get tired of and be jealous of a couple of people who keep winning everything, but in our association, there’s so much respect for fellow trainers and genuine friendship. We stand on the fence and cheer each other on and say we’re sorry when things don’t go well— and we mean it.
“Our quality of horsemanship and care for our horses is impressive to me,” he added. “The outstanding people running our association make it what it is. NRCHA is one of the most respected equine sports, mainly because of the nature of the event, how the association runs, and the quality of our membership. It’s an outstanding association for our youth, watching them care for their horses, care for the cattle and see how hard they practice. Because of the genuine friendship and support our trainers have for each other, it’s a wonderful environment for our youth. I’m proud to be a part of NRCHA.”
Thank you to everyone who puts time, effort, patience and knowledge into our youth!
—Lilly Gilson, reporter
NRCHYA clinics provide helpful learning opportunities for our youth members, with knowledge shared by NRCHA professionals.
Keep Cow Horse Connected NATIONAL
CIRCLE UP
RAY SHELL RANCHJOINS WESTERN BLOODSTOCK AS TITLE SPONSORS OF THE 2024 WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN™
NRCHA welcomes Ray Shell Ranch of Strawn, Texas, as one of the title sponsors of the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ competition. Michelle and Reagan Horton’s Ray Shell Ranch will join Western Bloodstock as co-sponsors for this year’s event.
In 2024, the NRCHA will crown the 25th champion of the World’s Greatest Horseman™ competition. The event features the best cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in three traditional reined cow horse events—herd, rein and cow work—along with the added challenge of steer stopping.
“Ray Shell Ranch looks forward to celebrating the skill, dedication and spirit of the world’s greatest horsemen and horsewomen,” Michelle Horton said. “We’re extremely excited to support this event and NRCHA as it speaks to the essence of our mission statement. We strive to provide the Western performance horse industry with a mixture of the best bloodlines and horseflesh through concentrated breeding, management and promotional practices that honor our legacy.”
The Horton family’s Strawn Valley Ranch was founded in 1998 with an emphasis on cutting horses, and through their ownership and promotion of the remarkable champion sire Dual Smart Rey. The family’s legacy continues as it embarks on success with the next generation under the new title Ray Shell Ranch. This renaissance and interest in the reined cow horse is largely due to the Horton’s daughter Madeline’s passion her for the reined cow horse industry.
“NRCHA is thrilled to welcome Ray Shell Ranch as one of the title sponsors of the World’s Greatest Horseman™,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “The Horton family’s dedication to the performance horse industry through their ownership and breeding program is evident. We’re excited to partner with a ranch whose passion for the industry and the reined cow horse has become generational. Join us in welcoming Ray Shell Ranch to our cow horse family.”
The World’s Greatest Horseman™ will be held in conjunction with the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions February 11–24 at the Will Rogers Memorial Complex in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit nrcha.com.
MORE MONEY ADDED TO THE
2024 WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN™
THAN EVER BEFORE
NRCHA has added more money than ever before to the upcoming Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock World’s Greatest Horseman™ competition. This year, there will be $80,000 up for grabs in preliminary go-round money alone.
The new go-round money in the prelims will now payout $20,000 per event, nearly doubling the prize money from 2023. This increase in money is largely due to the support
of the National Reining Horse Association, American Rope Horse Futurity Association and One Time Pepto, which will sponsor the reined work, steer stopping and cow work, respectively. The winner of each event in the preliminary go-rounds will now take home $10,000, with second place paying $6,000 and third paying $4,000.
“The goal of adding the money to the prelims was to incentivize those riders who excel in the cutting, reined and roping portions and who have wanted to enter the World’s Greatest Horseman™,” said NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “They now have a way to earn a significant amount of money before even getting to the finals. With the help of NRHA, ARHFA and One Time Pepto, we can offer competitive payouts for the most exhilarating event in the performance horse world!”
Since its inception in 1999, this event has showcased the true versatility of the bridle horses and the cowboys and cowgirls who that compete with them. In 2024, NRCHA will crown the 25th champion of the World’s Greatest Horseman™, with the winner taking home a check for $150,000.
The World’s Greatest Horseman™ competition will be held in conjunction with the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions, February 11–24, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Success in the prelims of the World’s Greatest Horseman™ now means a hefty check for the highest scores of each event—herd work, reined work, steer stopping and cow work.
APRIL 11-14, 2024
COLUMBUS, OH, Ohio Expo Center
• An Unparalleled Educational Program.
• The Largest Horse-Related Trade Show in North America.
• The “Marketplace” featuring quality consignments for horse & rider.
North America’s Premier Equine Exposition & Equestrian Gathering
• The Fantasia (sponsored by Equine Medical & Surgical Associates) — Equine A aire’s signature musical celebration of the horse on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Breed Pavilion, Horse & Farm Exhibits, Horses for Sale and Demonstrations — Enjoy meeting horses of all shapes, sizes, breeds, colors, and disciplines!
• Equine Fundamentals Forum — Educational presentations, exhibits, and activities for new riders and horse owners, young & old.
• NEW! Cowtown in Cooper — Special presentations catering to cow and ranch events. Don’t miss this educational western lifestyle experience!
• The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition — A fast-paced timed and judged race through an obstacle course with $5,500 at stake!
• Adoption A aire — Find and adopt your next horse at the Adoption A aire, a liated with the Right Horse Initiative!
Featured Clinicians:
Mike Major
Ken McNabb
Pat Parelli
Steve Lantvit
Chelsea Canedy
Cynthia Hankins (Jumping)
Mark Bolender (Mountain Trail)
Lauren Sammis (Dressage)
Daniel Stewart (Biomechanics/Fitness)
Stacey Giere (Driving)
Duane Esser (English Pleasure)
Solange (Centered Riding/Biomechanics)
• NEW! The Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge — A fun new activity for equestrians to exercise their barnyard skills and win prizes, no horses needed!
• A Horse for Heroes — Equine-assisted activities and therapies designed to benefit veterans, active-duty, and first responders, as well as their families.
• Youth Activities, a fun and educational College and Career Fair, and much more!
For all you need to know, consult equinea aire.com or call (740) 845-0085.
Lynn Newton (Western Dressage)
Matt McHugh (Trailer Driving)
Jerry Paulsen (Equine Assisted Activities)
And many more!
2024
FACES OF NRCHA
Ashley Valor’s cow horse career started as a volunteer.
When you call the NRCHA office, that friendly voice on the other end is NRCHA Membership Coordinator Ashley Valor.
Valor’s cow horse career began as a student at Feather River College in Quincy, California. She volunteered to help with the Snaffle Bit Futurity® when it was held in Reno, Nevada, while studying for her bachelor’s degree in animal science. She’s worked on breeding farms and as a contractor for NRCHA during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and the World’s Greatest Horseman™.
The Yorba Linda, California, native loved horses all her life and received her first horse for her eighth birthday from her aunt, and she spent summers on her aunt’s cattle ranch outside Milpitas, California. Now, Valor uses her love of horses and the industry to serve NRCHA. Outside work, she has five horses at home, including her 15-year-old mare that she trained and showed, plus four of that mare’s offspring. Ranging in age from yearlings to 6 years old, Valor trains the horses herself and competes in Stock Horse of Texas events. She plans to dive into affiliate NRCHA shows in 2024.
RCHN: How did you learn about cow horse and NRCHA?
AV: Growing up, I was around ranch versatility with my aunt. I got my first NRCHA experience in 2012 when I first volunteered at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® through Feather River College. That’s when I fell in love with the cow horse industry. I volunteered for a few years before I became a contract employee for the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and later asked to work at World’s Greatest Horseman™.
RCHN: What excites you about working for the association?
AV: I’m most excited to be completely immersed in the cow horse industry. I love being involved, meeting many people and building a network.
RCHN: What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
AV: I look forward to meeting more people and learning more about the industry.
MEMBER ROUNDUP
KNOW THE PRO
Abigayle Mixon knew she wanted to train horses at an early age, and she’s making that dream a reality as a proficient NRCHA professional.
BY KAYCIE TIMM
The daughter of NRCHA professional Don Boyd, Abigayle Mixon has never known a life that didn’t involve horses.
“I pretty much grew up in the business,” Mixon revealed. “My dad trained reining horses, so I grew up in the barn and around all that.”
By the time Mixon was 5, she had her first pony. Three years later, she started competing at NRHA events. As a youth, she racked up wins and earnings in youth and non pro reining classes and began developing the skills she now uses as a reining and cow horse trainer.
“I wanted to be a horse trainer when I grew up, and I never really deviated from that course,” Mixon explained. “It was all that I’d ever wanted to do.”
Turning in her non pro card in 2005 was easy for the horsewoman; it was the next step in achieving her dreams. For the next several years, she honed her skills while working for NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal and riding for owner Duane Hicks. In 2008, she accepted a training position with Jon and Norma Sather of Winfield Farms. There, she got her first taste of cow work.
“[The Sathers] asked me if I’d consider trying the cow horse,” Mixon explained. “It was a no-brainer for me because I’d always wanted to do it. I just never really had the opportunity to do it before that.”
While at Winfield, Mixon met and began riding with renowned NRCHA professional Don Murphy. Under the horseman’s guidance, she fell in love with cow horse and got her first taste of fence work and was hooked.
In 2016, Mixon launched her own training business, Abby Mixon Performance Horses, specializing in training cow horses and reiners and coaching non pro riders. As she pursues her lifelong dream of training horses, Mixon has found success both in and out of the show pen. She has accumulated nearly $200,000 in NRHCA earnings, competing numerous times at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, the NRCHA Hackamore Classic and several NRCHA derbies.
NRCHA professional Abigayle Mixon crosses between NRHA and NRCHA events, training and preparing open horses and coaching non pros.
For shows in Colorado, Wyoming & Nebraska, visit cownsh.com
AUG 1-4
Sweetwater, Texas
SEPT 5-8
Hamilton, Texas
Slide into Sweetwater
SHTX Show & Clinic, AQHA RR
SEPT 26-29
Bryan, Texas
Hoppin’ in Hamilton
SHTX Show & Clinic, AQHA VRH
Texas
SHTX Show & Clinic, AQHA VRH, RR & RTrail Includes Collegiate classes
RCHN: Describe your first experience going down the fence.
AM: When I was learning from Don [Murphy], he let me take Bald N Shiney down the fence. It was pretty amazing. I even got to show him once. They have a celebrity cow horse class at one of the [Southwest Reined Cow Horse] shows. It was a bunch of reiners, and we all showed a cow horse. I showed Bald N Shiney, which was the most amazing thing ever. He probably even spoiled me a little bit because I thought every cow horse would feel like he does. It took me a little bit to realize how special it was and how hard it is to come by something like that.
RCHN: What’s your ultimate goal as an NRCHA pro, and how are you working toward it?
AM: Winning the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. I’m working on improving myself and my training and making my horses a little bit better each year. Making your horses a little better one day at a time is how you get there.
RCHN: What skills from your reining background did you bring to the reined cow horse pen, and what differences have you found?
AM: The steering, going forward and having a good handle on a horse has carried over. The biggest thing I had to learn was how to read cattle. I was never around cattle growing up, so I didn’t know a thing about them. I also had to learn how to get that draw on a horse, especially in the herd work. In the reining, everything’s really forward. When you work a cow, you want your horse to suck back and come to you. Those were opposites for me.
RCHN: What’s your favorite part of showing reined cow horses?
AM: I love how much the horses love their job in the cow horse. I also love going down the fence. It’s really cool letting the horses think for themselves and feeling how much they crave it and want to do it, too.
RCHN: Who do you look up to the most in the reined cow horse industry?
AM: That’s a hard question because I love all the cow horse trainers. I’ve probably been the most influenced by Don Murphy. I always sit and watch a lot [at reined cow horse shows]. Chris and Sarah Dawson are two of my favorites to watch, and Matt Koch, too.
RCHN: If you could show any horse, alive or passed, which horse would it be?
AM: Call Me Mitch!
RCHN: What do you look for in a reined cow horse prospect?
AM: I look for a horse that’s put together well and a great mover. If they move really good, then they’re typically pretty balanced and have a lot easier time doing their job. I watch for that balance and the look that they have. Reiners are a lot quieter, maybe a little bit more internal. Those really good cow horses don’t miss a thing. They’re constantly looking and a little bit more watchful than a reiner.
RCHN: What advice would you give someone interested in entering the cow horse industry?
AM: The cow horse community is amazing and super welcoming. Reach out to someone who’s in cow horse and try it. See if they’ll put you on a horse so you can get a feel for it. Just the feeling of going down the fence and working cows is super addictive. Finding someone to let you try it is a good way to see if you want to do it.
AQMixon launched her training business in 2016 and now holds more than $200,000 in NRCHA earnings.
With NRCHA Pro Abigayle Mixon
BAMACAT
(High Brow Cat - MH San Tules Dually, by San Tule Freckles)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
BET HESA CAT
BOON TOO SUEN
DANDY CAT
(Metallic Cat - DMAC Dandy Devine, by Smart Little Abner)
Fee: $1,000 + chute fee
MR PLAYINSTYLISH
(Playin Stylish - Tari Chick Gay, by Doc Tari)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
SADDLING AT SUNRISE
(WR This Cats Smart - Sunshine Ingredient, by Mr Sun O Lena)
Fee: $1,350 + chute fee
(High Brow Cat - Bet Yer Blue Boons, by Freckles Playboy)
Fee: $4,000 + chute fee
DESIRE REY
(Dual Rey - Playguns Desire, by Playgun)
Fee: $1,000 + chute fee
NATURAL BOTTOM
(Playboys Buck Fever - Natural Ingredient, by Peppy San Badger)
Fee: $1,000 + chute fee
SIXES PICK*
(Tanquery Gin - Natural Pick, by Tenino Badger)
Fee: $1,000 + chute fee
(Peptoboonsmal - Meradas Little Sue, by Freckles Merada)
Fee: $3,000 + chute fee
DOC SEAS WHISKEY
(Paddys Irish Whiskey - Tos Miss Twelve Four, by Ten O Sea)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
ONE SHINEY METALLIC
(Metallic Cat - One Shiney Rey, by Dual Rey)
Fee: $1,000 + chute fee
VERY ESPECIAL CAT
(High Brow Cat - Very Shortly, by Shorty Lena)
Fee: $1,000 + chute fee
CATTALOU
(High Brow Cat - Louella Again, by Dual Pep)
Fee: $1,500 + chute fee
JESSES TOPAZ
(Mr Jess Perry - Paddys Topaz, by Paddys Irish Whiskey)
Fee: $2,500
PEPTOS STYLIN TIME
(One Time Pepto - Stylin Jewel, by Docs Stylish Oak)
(Bet Hesa Cat - Cracklin Gunpowder, by PG Gunpowder)
Fee: $1,000 + chute fee
METALLIC MASTERPIECE
(Metallic Cat - Kings Masterpiece, by Peppy San Badger)
Fee: $1,500 + chute fee
ROCKIN W
(Dual Rey - Boon San Kitty, by High Brow Cat)
Fee: $1,500 + chute fee
NOTABLE NON PRO
After years of barrel racing, a chance ride led Cheryl Chown to fall in love with reined cow horse.
BY JESSICA LASH
For the first 56 years of her life, Cheryl Chown was a diehard barrel racer. Born in the Rocky Mountain foothills of northern Colorado, she was horseback as soon as she could walk, riding alongside her parents at their home in Longmont, Colorado. Both Chown’s father, a rough-stock rider turned roper, and her mother, an avid barrel racer, enjoyed competing in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned events.
“I was pretty much born into horses,” Chown said. “I have a lot of memories of growing up with them.”
As Chown’s confidence and skill grew, she began training her own barrel horses.
“My parents were so supportive,” she recalled. “They understood competition because they did it, too. I was such a practice fanatic—and still am, somewhat. I wear my poor husband out with it.”
Chown’s commitment to practice paid off during her decades of barrel racing. She qualified for the National High School Rodeo Association Finals all four years of high school. She competed on the collegiate rodeo team at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyoming, and Colorado State University in Pueblo, Colorado. She earned a reserve championship in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s Mountain States Circuit and was crowned the United Professional Rodeo Association Champion Barrel Racer in 2003.
In her late 50s—after more than three decades married to reining and reined cow horse trainer Robert Chown—she pivoted into riding reined cow horses, taking the skills she’d refined over decades of competitive barrel racing and melding them to fit into a new discipline. She may have entered the sport late, but it certainly hasn’t slowed her down.
“I’m a firm believer in the idea that you have to keep moving forward,” Chown said. “No matter what else you do, just keep going.”
A CHANCE MEETING
In the mid-1980s, a mix-up involving registration papers led Chown to her future husband’s door.
“I bought a horse from a friend sight unseen,” Chown explained. “I paid for the horse and had it in-hand but didn’t get the papers. A friend of mine said, ‘I think that’s a Chown horse, and he’s at the Sun Circuit right now.’”
Chown, who was living in Arizona, packed up the horse and hauled it to Scottsdale to see if it belonged to Robert.
“I’d never even heard of Robert before that,” she confessed. “The horse ended up belonging to him,
Cheryl Chown competed at the 2022 NRCHA Western Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona, aboard the 2016 gelding The Metal Doctor (Metallic Cat x The Doctress Orders x Dual Rey).
and that’s how we met. It’s cliché, but I guess the rest is history.”
The chance meeting led to dating and a marriage that has spanned 34 years. Eventually, Chown moved from Arizona to join Robert at his training facility in Gainesville, Texas. But even in a barn surrounded by reining and reined cow horse hopefuls, she wasn’t ready to give up barrel racing.
“I did compete in reining in the late 1980s and early 1990s,” she said. “I also competed at the first NRCHA World Show in Stephenville, Texas, and in 2002 I was reserve in the NRCHA Novice Non Pro Bridle. I didn’t compete more than a handful of times back then. I was still training my barrel horses and competing on them, and one of my horses became a good rodeo horse. After that, it was barrel racing and rodeo for the next 20 years.”
REINED COW HORSE TAKES ROOT
By all accounts, 2017 was a tough year for Chown. Her daughter moved away for college, and she lost her mother after several years of ongoing health problems.
“Honestly, I was at a bad place in my life,” she confessed. “It was a challenging time.”
Enter a little bay mare named A Time Of Caution.
“She belonged to some customers of ours,” Chown explained. “Robert had trained her, but she couldn’t go down the fence anymore. We thought she’d make a good broodmare, so we bought her.”
The Chowns sealed the deal in late May—too late to suit that year’s breeding calendar, so Chown started riding “Paula” just for fun.
“One day, I joked with Robert and said, ‘I should just take her to a little show and box on her since she can’t go down the fence anymore.’ And he asked, ‘Why
don’t you?’ So that’s what I did, and it launched this whole journey—which I don’t know if my husband is happy or sad about, because it’s cost him a lot of money and work since then.”
Chown’s first big win came that first year, in 2017, when she won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Limited Non Pro aboard the horse that ignited her reined cow horse flame.
Since 2017, Chown has continued adding to an already impressive résumé. She’s a multiple-time NRCHA Non Pro Futurity and Derby Champion, most recently finishing fourth in the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity finals on a homebred gelding out of A Time Of Caution and by standout stallion Stevie Rey Von. She brought home the Box Drive Championship aboard another homebred, -raised and -trained horse, Xtra Short Trick, by Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of another mare Chown showed, Short And Royal, the same week.
Above: Winning is a team effort between Chown (horseback), her husband Robert (far left) and assistant trainer Alex Byrom (middle).
After a lifetime spent barrel racing, Chown enjoys competing in something new.
“I absolutely love the challenge of working cattle,” she shared. “They keep everyone humble to a point. And after all these years, it’s nice to enjoy this with Robert.”
GOAL GETTER
If anything can be said about Chown, she’s always pressing toward the next goal. Now 62 years old and in her sixth year of reined cow horse competition, she says she still has a few items left to check off her reined cow horse bucket list.
“I started with five and I’m down to two, but I won’t say what they are,” Cheryl said with a laugh. “I like to keep them to myself until I check them off.”
Whether or not she achieves them, Chown is grateful for every opportunity competing on reined cow horses has given her.
“Honestly, when I started this six years ago, I never thought it would last this long,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to have really nice horses—my husband is such a good trainer to follow, and he does a wonderful job coaching me. If it’s all over tomorrow, I wouldn’t for a moment feel cheated. This experience has been more than I ever could have hoped for.”
Left: Shown here at the 2022 Celebration of Champions aboard the 2016 gelding Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak), Chown enjoys the challenge of working cattle.
ADMIRABLE ASSISTANTS: DAXON BUTTARS
This aspiring trainer was born to be horseback, but his diligence, determination and strong work ethic maintain his successful progression in the reined cow horse arena.
BY JADE CURRID
Up-and-coming Snowville, Utah, reined cow horse trainer Daxon Buttars considers himself fortunate to have been born into a family with a ranching and reined cow horse legacy. The son of NRCHA professional Brandon Buttars, Daxon was riding on his own at age 2, turning back cattle for his father at age 4 and is now climbing his way up the cow horse ranks.
“With my dad being a horse trainer, I had my foot in the door, and as a young kid, I really enjoyed the roping part of it,” he said. “It was a goal of mine to train some rope horses, and after I had done that, I found that the cow horse [events] are where I belong and what I love to do. With three events, you always have something to work on. It’s impossible to master it, and that fuels my fire.”
Buttars was destined to work in the horse industry, and his father never doubted his son would become a trainer.
“It’s been in his blood from Day One,” Brandon Buttars said. “When Daxon wasn’t out riding with me, he played on the living room floor, starting his Breyer horses and roping the dummy on the coffee table.”
In his formative years, Buttars also gathered cows with his best friend, who lived on a large ranch that ran about 1,200 mother cows in desert-like country. The experience was valuable in helping him learn to read cattle.
“There was a lot of riding involved with that,” Buttars said. “Learning to read cattle from a young age helps me in the cow events. Being around cattle so
much and knowing and reading cattle has helped me with showing and training.”
Buttars competed in reined cow horse and roping events in the Idaho High School Rodeo Association. He won three state championship titles and claimed the coveted 2017 National High School Rodeo Association’s Reined Cow Horse Championship title while riding Nickin Along (Nic It In The Bud x Shining Smartly x Shining Spark), owned by Lori Adamski-Peek.
After graduation, Buttars attended Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado, where he competed on the rodeo team and earned two associate degrees. In 2018, he showcased reined cow horse events on the grand dirt arena stage of the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo in Utah during an exhibition televised by CBS.
Buttars had ridden under the expert tutelage of his father for many years, starting all his 2-year-old colts and showing some. But he also learned from other horsemen, including NRCHA Million Dollar Riders and Snaffle Bit Futurity® Champions Zane Davis and Jake Telford, and cutting horse trainer Geoffrey “Spud” Sheehan.
“A lot of my success is credited to all of the trainers I’ve worked with,” Buttars said. “They’ve sure helped me out a lot.”
In 2021, Buttars moved back to his family’s ranch, where he currently serves as an assistant trainer for his father. A typical day on the Buttars’ ranch, which is 45 minutes from the closest town, begins early.
“We muck our own stalls and bring the cows in, and then we pretty much work until we are done,
Daxon Buttars credits the support of his friends and family for his growing success in NRCHA events.
I
heard it a long time ago, and I have to tell myself every day: If you’re going to be a horse trainer, you’re going to have to be tough.”
—Daxon
Buttars
and sometimes that’s 8 or 9 at night, depending on all what we have to take care of as far as what we have to do on the ranch and then with the horses and such,” Buttars explained.
On any given day, Buttars can also be found riding colts through expansive sagebrush pastures.
“It feels like we have unlimited space to train these horses,” he shared. “If we have one with a little bit higher energy, we can take the edge off and ride it through the pasture and free up its mind. I think that’s a big plus to our program.”
Recently, Buttars expanded his growing résumé of reined cow horse achievements, claiming the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Limited Open Reserve Championship aboard the 2020 stallion Blue Light District (High Brow Cat x Savannah Blue Rey x Dual Rey), also known as “Bird,” owned by Cassandra Davis.
“That horse has been pretty awesome,” Buttars said. “I got him late in the year. Zane Davis thought he was a really good horse, but not quite just a straight, Open horse. So, he offered the opportunity to me, and I took it, and it became history from there.”
Buttars often worked Bird outside the arena, gathering cows and riding him in the open when the gelding first came into his program.
“When I really started to come around on him was in Reno,” Buttars said of the 2023 Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity. “I was going to do very well on him, and then he slipped and fell on me while going down the fence, or I would’ve placed very high there. After Reno, I’m like, ‘I’ve got a really good horse here—he’s getting better every time I show him.’”
Buttars recently had a memorable connection with CR Lookout Tough (Woody Be Tuff x Sucha Smartlookn Cat x High Brow Cat), owned by his stepmom, Sophia Buttars. At first, CR Lookout Tough was one
of the senior Buttars’ favorite futurity prospects. Ultimately, the pair did not click, so he told his son to see if he and CR Lookout Tough clicked instead. The pair placed second at the 2023 Teton Ridge Stallion’s Stakes.
Another memorable horse was SJR Royal Romeo (One Time Royalty x Shining Juliet x Shining Spark), owned by 3 String Cattle Company and bred by the San Juan Ranch. Buttars and SJR Royal Romeo captured the 2022 Colorado Reined Cow Horse Association Mid America Open Derby Level 1 Championship.
When asked what advice he’d give aspiring trainers, resilience and patience were at the top of his list.
“I heard it a long time ago, and I have to tell myself every day: If you’re going to be a horse trainer, you’re going to have to be tough,” Buttars said. “It’s a difficult process, especially starting off and trying to learn everything. One thing that I would tell a young guy is to pick somebody you like, and even if you have to, work for them for free. Stay there for four or five years; don’t think you’ll learn it in a year or two.”
Buttars said he sees other young trainers become discouraged when they work for someone for at least a year and still have yet to have the opportunity to show. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a trainer and program and sticking with them.
“If you look at all of the top guys, they worked for some top trainer for a long period and usually the same guy or the same type of program,” he observed.
Though he’s constantly learning from different horsemen, Buttars doles high praise for his father as a mentor and boss.
“He’s the best,” Buttars said. “He’ll be like, ‘Hey, try this,’ but he just gives us advice here and there. He’s never put his thumb on us too much. He lets us try our ideas and see if they work. We get along great, and we help each other all day, every day.”
Above left: CR Lookout Tough (Woody Be Tuff x Sucha Smartlookn Cat x High Brow Cat), owned by his stepmom, Sophia Buttars, and Buttars found success at the 2023 Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes.
Above right: One of Buttars’ biggest accomplishments so far was claiming the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Limited Open Reserve Championship aboard the 2020 stallion Blue Light District (High Brow Cat x Savannah Blue Rey x Dual Rey), also known as “Bird.” The horse is owned by Cassandra Davis.
&
Peaks Valleys
Riding the highs and lows of training a futurity prospect isn’t for the faint of heart, but these two trainers are drawn to the challenge.
BY KATE BRADLEY BYARS
Left to right:
Arizona trainer Shadd Parkinson had two prospects bound for the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, but Swoop Dogg was his only entry in Fort Worth, Texas.
Early on, the stallion’s abilities showed Parkinson that he had an exceptional young horse on his hands.
Parkinson focused on putting a solid foundation on Swoop Dogg so the horse could fall back on it if he became confused during training.
WHILE IT MAY TAKE MORE
THAN THREE YEARS to see the results from investing in a futurity prospect, the journey from pairing a mare and stallion to showing at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, is well worth the time. Each year hundreds of horse breeders, owners and trainers gamble on a prospect that has the breeding and athleticism to make it to the marquee event. Yet, in the end, the 30 horses showing on Open Finals night are the tiny handful with the training, cow smarts and a little luck, all coming together at the right time.
“The NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® has so much hype put on it because it's the biggest payout of the year, but to train a young horse successfully and put it all together and then make the finals, that’s a really good feeling,” said Erin Taormino. “When you can put three events together when a horse is 3 years old, that’s big. When you have one that allows you to show it numerous times, puts runs together and lets you help it get better, that keeps you striving to continue doing this job. It’s a craving, year after year.”
Owners and trainers ride the wave of starting a prospect through two years of training to see the outcome. In 2023, Reined Cow Horse News kept in touch with two trainers and two 3-year-old Snaffle Bit Futurity® hopefuls on their road to Fort Worth, Texas, to offer perspective into the horses’ 3-year-old season.
Shadd Parkinson, of Scottsdale, Arizona, trained the 2020 stallion Swoop Dogg (Metallic Cat x Blue Rey x Dual Rey), owned by Chris and Melissa Garbrick. The Garbricks purchased the stallion at the Western Bloodstock Snaffle Bit Futurity® Sale, and then Jake Berry, who trains at the same facility as Parkinson, started him before Parkinson took the reins.
Taormino, of Lipan Texas, rode Nonie Casselman-Reed’s 2020 mare Pretty Martha Rey (Stevie Rey Von x Smart Pretty Cat x Cat T Masterson). She purchased the horse from Turner West after liking its natural movement, stop and cow smarts.
“You have to win an inch before you can win a foot,” Parkinson said of training a futurity prospect. “Managing expectations, you take it day by day and not get ahead of yourself.”
Purchasing a prospect is the first of many hurdles to get to the big show. Here, read how the trainers and horses fared on the path to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.
EARLY EXPECTATIONS
Starting a prospect from Day One of their formal training has advantages—there are no habits to break or weaknesses to overcome. That’s how Parkinson began the Futurity road with Swoop Dogg.
“He’s exceptional,” Parkinson said in January of 2023. “It’s more nerve-wracking than normal when you know you have something special and want to do it right.”
Early on, Swoop Dogg showed exceptional cow smarts but wanted to be low-headed, so Parkinson worked the stallion in a small gag bit to help teach the horse to stand up on its own.
“When they’re bred to be low-headed, it's a cool look, but we need them to learn to use themselves up a little bit, especially running down the fence,” he said. “Right now, with these horses, their athletic ability outpaces their knowledge. The biggest problem I see with these really talented horses is that they do it so
easily; everyone skates along, but when it gets tough and there’s a problem, there’s [no foundation knowledge] to go back to. I’m making sure that he understands the reasons behind what’s going on. I want him to understand why he’s using himself so physically. When things get more advanced, quicker, the horse has something to fall back to when he gets confused.”
While Parkinson worked on Swoop Dogg’s foundation, Taormino taught Pretty Martha Rey (“Martha”) to free up. The mare easily fit into Taormino’s program and already had a ton of cow savvy.
“She’d worked a lot of cattle, so I spent a lot of time putting the reined work on her,” she recalled of the horse's early 2023 training. “I didn’t have to focus a ton on cattle, but it was more getting her broke loose for three events. Coming from a cutting program, she hadn’t loped a lot. She needed to free up, line out and learn to stretch out and go somewhere—learning to run! She had to learn a lead change and all that.”
The early days of building a foundation can be frustrating and slow, but when the three events begin to come together closer to summer, the excitement builds.
FINDING THEIR STRIDE
Martha found her stride heading into the summer of 2023. In fact, the mare was “in a good spot.” It was both confidence-building and a little anxiety-inducing for the trainer.
“I’ve learned that until you go to the horse show, a horse won’t tell you where they are in training,” she laughed.
Parkinson had the same feeling: Swoop Dogg was cruising along.
“It’s been smooth sailing,” he said. “The hardest part is staying out of his way and not overdoing it. He tries so hard, and it would be easy to overdo it with him.”
When the training starts to come together, it’s time to test it. Taormino planned to show all four of her NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® hopefuls more than she'd previously shown. When she headed to Fort Worth, Texas, for the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association pre-futurity, she felt confident Martha could handle the show.
“She didn’t have a ton of ‘deer in the headlights’ moments, which was nice, and was consistent—that was key for me,” she said. “We ended up tied for fourth and fifth. It’s always nerve-wracking, though, walking through the gate on a 3-year-old. Barring any surprises, I knew what I had after that and was confident she knew her job. There were a couple of things in the reined work that I wasn’t happy with how I showed her. I didn’t let her turn around as good as I could have,
Left: Erin Taormino was impressed early with Pretty Martha Rey’s natural ability to stop and work a cow but had to work on freeing up the mare to lope and run down the fence.
Left below: While not a “cuddly” mare, Taormino appreciated that Martha retained training after being shown what to do once.
Below: Throughout training, Taormino felt the 2020 mare continue to gain confidence in all maneuvers.
“
—Shadd Parkinson I’VE BEEN HUMBLED A LOT AT THE FUTURITY, AND YOU CAN FEEL GOOD OR CONFIDENT ABOUT ONE, BUT THEY CAN ALWAYS HAVE A STUMBLE.
”
but I felt like she knew all the parts, and I just had to put them together.”
Armed with that knowledge, she set out for the National Stock Horse Association Futurity in Las Vegas, Nevada. Parkinson had aimed Swoop Dogg at the same show.
“I showed him at Vegas, and it was okay, with a couple of bobbles,” Parkinson recalled. “It was okay because that’s why we show, to see what we need to improve. In his reined work, his lead changes were a little green. One stop, he ran down and stopped then spooked at the photographer’s assistant. It was little stuff. [The ground] is so slick that I put the tampers
in, which worked for the practice pen, but it was too much in the show arena. He just grabbed the ground and got disconnected from the cow. These are those little things you figure out with the animal.”
Parkinson worked at home before showing at another pre-futurity show at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Arizona and felt confident that Swoop Dogg was trending in the right direction before the big show.
Taormino finished the NSHA show tied for seventh, building her and Martha’s confidence before the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® kicked off on October 6.
“I’ve been humbled a lot at the Futurity, and you can feel good or confident about one, but they can always have a stumble,” Taormino said in September of 2023. “I try to keep working each horse and not overthink it. I’ve had horses I’ve been really excited about, and it doesn’t work. This year, more than any other, I’m just focused on training.”
FUTURITY FEELINGS
“I think he’s my best one, overall, that I’ve trained,” Parkinson said. “I’ve had some that can do individual events better, but he’s exceptional at all three events. He’s been a solid horse the entire time. My biggest problem with him is that he’s so smart and good; I’ve been waiting for him to peak at the right time. I could’ve had it done months ago, but I was trying to be patient with him.”
Following the preliminary rein and herd work, where Swoop Dogg and Parkinson scored a 220.5 and a 215.5, respectively, the trainer felt good headed into the fence work preliminary at the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. The stallion earned a couple of days off between the events.
“The reining and cutting were wham-wham, then we had three days before the fence work,” he explained. “I focused on getting him out, moving him around, and then slowly working toward the next event. The first time you show one, they don’t have a clue, but the good ones start to figure out the parts and what [event] is coming next. You spend downtime letting the horse
know what’s coming next, and when they understand what's happening, it helps the outcome a lot.”
Similarly, Taormino and her crew hand-walked the four entries she had at the show.
“She’s tired, but the 3-year-olds are all tired, with all the show stimulus, but she’s doing well,” she explained. “Fortunately, we use the saltwater spa almost every day. When they have time to rest, we let them. Today, we took them on a hand-walk to stretch their legs and have a day of rest without a saddle on their back.”
Taormino said that the mare was sitting on the bubble after the reined and herd work, with a 216 in the reined work and a 217.5 out of the herd.
When the buzzer sounded on Parkinson’s cow work preliminary, the pair marked a 202.5, ending their bid for a finals berth with a composite 638.5. Of the 279 horses that competed in the Open division, they landed tied for 132nd.
Taormino did make it to the finals, but not on Martha. The mare finished tied for 46th with a composite 649 after marking a 215.5 in the fence work preliminary. After all the work, time, sweat and anxiety, the Texas horsewoman summed it up succinctly.
“It's a constant battle to put mind over matter and just go do it because we all want to make the finals,” Taormino said. “If I do my job, I hope they’re trained good enough that they’ll do theirs, then we pray to the cow gods that it falls into place! You need to be okay with the peaks and valleys and not take everything that happens with a 3-year-old to heart.”
Left: With a 202.5 in the fence work preliminary, Parkinson and Swoop Dogg lost their shot at the Open Finals.
Below: Though consistent throughout the event, Pretty Martha Rey’s composite 649 wasn’t enough for an Open Finals berth.
HE GRAND FINALE T
It takes yearlong consistency and determination to win an NRCHA National title, but these riders were up to the challenge.
Whether a competitor starts the year trying to win an NRCHA National Championship or takes up the charge halfway through, the feat can’t be taken lightly. It requires a good, solid horse, strategic riding, and a willingness to hit the road and show. The following riders had what it took to be crowned in their respective divisions after the 2023 show season.
BY KRISTIN PITZER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE AWARD RECIPIENTS
OPEN BRIDLE
Mary Janez & Ben Baldus, Owned by Carolyn Edson
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Ben Baldus: She’s super consistent and loves the fence work. The faster the cow, the better she likes it! Our run during the Open Bridle class during the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® was a highlight, for sure.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
BB: “MJ” is an exceptional mare. Carolyn Edson and I have shown her this year, and she’s so consistent and capable. Carolyn made numerous boxing finals on her this year, and I’ve had her for the Open Bridle classes. It’s been a great fit, and MJ has been a true team player for both of us.
RCHN: What is your horse’s most special physical talent?
BB: The fence work is always exciting, and showing a horse like Mary Janez has been an honor. She truly loves to show, and to be able to count on her for the cow work is such a great feeling.
Though they didn’t start off running for a title, as Ben Baldus rode Mary Janez (Travelin Jonez x Daphne Doo Right x Chex My Freckles) throughout 2023, swapping back and forth with non pro/owner Carolyn Edson, it became clear the mare was sitting well in the Open Bridle standings. By the end of the year, Baldus and the mare settled as National Champions with 306 points.
“It was a pleasant surprise when we realized we were in the running for it,” Baldus said. “That mare has been really consistent and good, and she’s fun to share with a non pro. It’s a really good feather in her cap.”
It says a lot about a horse’s temperament and abilities when a trainer can double-up with a non pro, and Mary Janez certainly has stayed strong and dependable with both riders. Between shows, Edson keeps her legged up, and with just a little tune-up by Baldus, she’s ready to get back into the show pen.
“She’s good-minded, enjoys the reining and really loves going down the fence,” said Baldus, of Gainesville, Texas. “She's a naturally good fence horse. It's not something we have to put a lot of work or time into. She loves her job, so we’ll keep going with her next year.”
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE
TR Guns And Roses & Garrett Cooper, Owned by Karla Steckel
Garrett Cooper, of Whitesboro, Texas, has only been riding TR Guns And Roses (One Time Pepto x Miss Silver Gun x Colonels Smoking Gun) for about a year, but the pair synced quickly. After a banner year together, the duo was crowned the Limited Open Bridle National Champions with 173 points.
“It was very cool,” Cooper said. “She’s a special horse. I’m honored and grateful to get to ride her. I learned a lot on her. She’s been very fun.”
Cooper has shared “Axl” with her owner, Karla Steckel, all year and said the mare has a kind heart in addition to being pure-minded.
“She’s been great for her and me,” Cooper said. “She was very consistent and just very willing. She was always glad to be a part of the team and do her job, which made it a lot of fun.”
Cooper, an assistant trainer for Ben Baldus, has been riding primarily cow horses for about two years. He said thanks to Baldus and Josh Briggs, Axl was tuned up and ready to go by the time he got on her. He was grateful to Steckel for allowing him to ride the mare.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
Garrett Cooper: The biggest challenge I faced was staying out of her way and letting her do what she is best at.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
GC: TR Guns And Roses is the purest-minded horse I’ve had the pleasure to show. She gives her best every time and has been incredibly consistent!
NON PRO BRIDLE
Lanham Brown & Hesa Twisted Bet, Owned by R A Brown Ranch
Winning a national title wasn’t on Lanham Brown’s bucket list at the beginning of 2023. His main goal was to get Hesa Twisted Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan), who he shares with his wife, Josey, back into the show pen after an injury put the gelding out of commission for a few months. It only took a handful of shows for the pair to accumulate 159 points and win the Non Pro Bridle National Championship.
“I didn’t realize I was in contention until the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®,” said Brown, of Throckmorton, Texas. “It wasn’t a goal of mine to win the national standings at the beginning of the year—it was to get my horse shown as well as I could the few times I showed him at major events. We got along well, and it worked out.”
Brown was grateful Hesa Twisted Bet returned sound from his injury and appreciated the opportunity to show him in the bridle and extend his show career.
“It’s a neat accomplishment because there’s a lot of really good non pro bridle horses going,” Brown said. “It’s something I’m proud of, and I’m proud of for that horse to go on his résumé.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Lanham Brown: With this horse, it would be the World’s Greatest Non Pro finals.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
LB: He cut his leg at the beginning of the year and had to miss a few months while he recovered.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
LB: I think his overall strength allows him to be physical and gritty down the fence.
Last year, Tracy Adams and Perfect Light Time (CD Lights x BBR Perfect Timin x A Chic In Time) scored the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle National title. Despite several setbacks and no intentions to run for another year-end award this year, the pair again finished the year as National Champions in the same division.
“It was great because I won it last year, which was a total surprise, and then to repeat it was unbelievable,” Adams said. “It meant a lot. I love my horse so much and am so proud of him. He deserves the recognition because he’s really an amazing horse.” Adams, of Poulsbo, Washington, said she’s changed a lot in the years she’s owned “Scooby.” The gelding was a lot of horse for her at first, but now, they are almost perfectly in sync.
“All my friends remind me how lucky I am to have him, which I don’t need to be reminded of because he’s so consistent and easy-going,” Adams said. “He’s a very laid-back horse, so when you’re not working a cow, he’s pretty lazy and a big, gentle guy. But once a cow gets in front of him, he’s ready to eat them up. That part is really fun.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Tracy Adams: We won the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Bridle at the Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
TA: Keeping “Scooby” fit and happy without drilling him too much. He knows his job, and I’m obsessive-compulsive about practice. My trainer, Trent, had to keep reminding me to let Scooby chill out between shows!
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
TA: His consistency and his courage. He is the most honest horse I’ve ever had. He shows just like he warms up. He loves to work the cows and is always happy doing his job!
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LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE
Megan Waddell & Boonshinen
At the start of 2023, Megan Waddell felt on top of the world. She and Boonshinen (Smart Boons x Shine Up My Sliders x Shiners Vintage) won the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes, and all was going well. By the middle of the year, though, things had taken a turn, and Waddell had gotten a little stuck in her head. She didn’t give up, though, and after lots of hard work and determination, Waddell could pull through and ride “Betty” to the Level 1 Non Pro Bridle National Championship.
“It means a lot because it took a lot of convincing to get me to go down the fence,” Waddell said. “We had some really high highs this year, but we also had some lows. There was a little time I wondered, ‘Can we do this? Should we go back to going down the fence?’ and second guessing myself, so it means a lot to win that title and validate that we can do this.”
Waddell, of Sunset, Texas, was grateful for Betty’s solid presence as she regained her confidence. The mare is her first homebred, and she appreciates their special bond.
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Megan Waddell: This moment right here. “Betty” and I went through some peaks and valleys this season, so coming out of the year as a National Champion is a dream come true.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
MW: Believing in myself. It’s very easy when things don’t go right to start doubting yourself and your ability. When we were having a little moment of struggle, I started to doubt our ability to succeed and if we belonged going down the fence.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
MW: Her consistency and ability to adapt to anyone who’s riding her. This year, she was shown in the Open and Non Pro and was ridden by my 6-year-old. Never did she falter. I know I can always count on her.
OPEN HACKAMORE
Shine Like A Dime & Cayley Wilson, Owned by Michelle Cannon
After a great year together, including a big run in the Open Hackamore at the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, where the duo tied for first place, Shine Like A Dime (Shiners Nickle x Hickory Ten x Doc’s Hickory) and Cayley Wilson were crowned the Open Hackamore National Champions. The pair have been working together for the past two years, and while Wilson said it took a little time for them to sync up together, having the support and trust of owner Michelle Cannon was instrumental in getting the mare to where she is today.
“She was a little horse that was fairly slow to come on, and she just ended up becoming a good little hackamore horse,” Wilson said. “[Cannon] let us take our time, and the mare won a little bit, then won a little more. She just got better and better as this 5-year-old year came about.”
He plans to take the mare into the two rein after the NRCHA World Show and believes with her talent in the reined and fence work, she’ll keep getting better.
Originally from Canada, Wilson, who now lives in Rosston, Texas, said he enjoys getting to “ride with and learn from some of the best guys that are all around here.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Cayley Wilson: It was our hackamore finals run at the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
CW: Keeping her air through the summer months.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
CW: She has a very similar stride to the cow down the fence, and she can read the cow exceptionally well.
KIMES RANCH
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE
Bet On This Pepto 18 & Cassie Jo Marshall for TGR Quarter Horses, LLC
At the beginning of the year, Bet On This Pepto 18 (Bet Hesa Cat x Ima Fern Believer x Peptoboonsmal) was bred and flushed for embryos. However, an embryo was missed, and the mare ended up carrying her own baby. It didn’t slow her down, and by the end of the year, she and her unborn foal by A Vintage Smoke had carried Cassie Jo Marshall to the Limited Open Hackamore National Championship.
“We’re really excited about the baby,” Marshall said. “We joke that when it comes out, it’s already a National Champion because it’s been traveling with us all year.”
Marshall, of Post, Texas, and the mare have grown together a lot since the mare joined her program in November 2022. Though they initially had a few challenges as they figured each other out, Marshall said she now has complete trust in the mare to do her job.
“She’s pretty much automatic in the fence work,” said Marshall, who credited Jay McLaughlin for helping her be so successful. “I know every time I turn that corner and send her down the fence; she will get there and turn with the cow no matter how quickly it stops. She really seems to like that event most out of all of them.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Cassie Jo Marshall: My most memorable show moment was winning the Level 1 Open Derby at the Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association Firecracker Show in Douglas, Wyoming.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
CM: “Fern” unintentionally carrying her own baby throughout the entire show season. It’s a long story, but this was an unexpected challenge because the original plan was to have a recipient carry for her. However, no one realized the embryo didn’t come out in the flush until she was almost two months bred. At that point, we decided to keep the baby and let her carry it herself.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
CM: It’s really hard to say. She is such a huge stopper, but her fence turns are also incredible, which goes back to her being a great stopper. I guess I would have to say her cow work as a whole because she’s so automatic.
NON PRO HACKAMORE
Garrell Reilly & Bet Shesa Playmate, Owned by Preston Williams
Since she got her as a yearling from breeder Yellow Creek Ranch, Garrell Reilly has always known that even though Bet Shesa Playmate (Bet Hesa Cat x Very Smart Playmate x Very Smart Remedy) was small, she’d go on to do great things. The mare proved herself and then some in 2023, carrying Reilly to the Non Pro Hackamore National Championship.
“It means the absolute world,” Reilly said. “I’m shocked, honestly. I feel just incredibly lucky to have won that title. That horse is so small, but she’s so mighty and eager. I’m happy that I get to do it for her.”
The mare has impressed everyone who’s had a hand in training her, Reilly said. She’s particularly good on a cow; she loves to run, and, overall, she’s been a pleasure to bring along. Reilly, of Casa Grande, Arizona, was grateful for the advice her husband, Preston, gives her each time before she goes into the show pen.
“He says, ‘Don’t go in there trying not to lose,’” Reilly said. “‘You have to go in there and show them what you’ve got. You’ve got a great horse, and you can do it. Go in there and show them what a great mare she is.’”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Garrell Reilly: Putting a run together in the Non Pro Hackamore in the Will Rogers at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. “Sister” was just spectacular that day. It was a tough, tough class, the biggest I can remember in a long time. I think there were 30 entries. I was second behind Hope [Mills], but I'll take that as a win, considering it was her!
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
GR: My mental game is always my biggest challenge. My husband, Preston, is my biggest cheerleader and also my best mental coach. With all of his success in the roping, he has an excellent mindset.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
GR: Sister is a freak of nature. She is so small, 900 pounds, but she doesn’t know it. Her ability to work a cow is incredible, and she can run!
OPEN TWO REIN
Bad To Tha Boon & Erin Taormino, Owned by Kathleen Pinkley
When Erin Taormino and Bad To Tha Boon (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On Merada x Bet On Me 498) started the 2023 show season, running for a title wasn’t on their agenda. As the season progressed, they started climbing in the standings, and by the end of the year, they’d won the title in the Open Two Rein. Sadly, Bad To Tha Boon’s owner, Kathleen Pinkley, passed away at the end of September and didn’t get to celebrate her gelding’s accomplishment, but Taormino knows it would have meant a lot to her.
“She loved that horse,” said Taormino, of Lipan, Texas. “He's been one of the most steady, consistent horses I’ve had, and she even showed him a little bit until she got her new horse. He was so good for her. He’d step up and be an open horse for me, or he’d do as much as she asked of him, so it was really neat.”
In addition to his good mind, Bad To Tha Boon is a strong gelding with a massive stop, Taormino said. She thinks those qualities, combined with his cow sense, will make him a good World’s Greatest Horseman™ prospect in the future.
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Erin Taormino: Getting the win in the Open Two Rein Spectacular and horse show class for Kathy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the Hackamore Classic this year.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
ET: He’s got a ton of stop and is just a really strong, balanced horse. He gives you that feeling that he can handle anything.
NON PRO TWO REIN
Tylor Todd & Voodoo Whiskey
Tylor Todd attempted to win a National Championship with Voodoo Whiskey (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whiskey On Wheels x Paddys Irish Whiskey) while the horse was in the hackamore, but they came up a few placings short. She was thrilled to finally make it with the gelding in the Two Rein this year after a big run in the class at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.
“It was really special on him,” Todd said. “I’ve had him for three years, so to finally win the nation on him was super cool.”
Todd’s favorite moment of the year came from the World’s Greatest Non Pro. She admitted she was shocked when she made the finals, but even that surprise didn’t compare to what awaited her during the steer stopping.
“I’m not really a roper, but we marked a 221, so that was pretty cool,” said Todd, of Lubbock, Texas. “That was my favorite memory of the year.”
Todd said Voodoo Whiskey is typically a horse that likes to be left alone, but he’ll always give 110 percent in the arena.
“I like how serious he is about his job; I think it’s cool that he takes it that seriously,” Todd said. “He has a lot of heart. He really tries for you every time you go out there.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Tylor Todd: The World’s Greatest Non Pro. We won the Non Pro Two Rein and the Two Rein Spectacular Non Pro and got third in the World’s Greatest Non Pro
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
TT: He’s an easy horse and never has any issues. He’s lots of fun to show.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
TT: He’s a big stopper and loves to go down the fence.
YOUTH COW HORSE
Baily Shopbell & Shes Playin Rey, Owned by Gregg Lafitte
Baily Shopbell has admired Shes Playin Rey (TR Dual Rey x Playin Acre x Playin Stylish), who’s been in her dad’s program for almost 11 years, for a long time. When owner Gregg Lafitte offered her the chance to show “Jessie” this year, Shopbell jumped at the opportunity. The pair accumulated 214 points to win the Youth Cow Horse National Championship.
“It’s really cool to grow up watching her and then get to show her,” Shopbell said. “It was amazing to get the chance to ride such a great one.”
Shopbell, 17, said she learned to go down the fence on Jessie. While she’s enjoyed getting to experience the mare’s talent, she also feels safe on her.
“I love that she does what I ask,” Shopbell said. “She’s always there and supporting me. She’s just a good mare. I struggle with [being hard on myself] daily, but that mare packs me so well. If I believe we can do it and put our minds to it, I’m a little less in the way if I don’t overthink it.”
Shopbell, of Whitesboro, Texas, looked forward to showing Jessie next year in cow horse and reining events.
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Baily Shopbell: Winning the Youth Cow Horse at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® this year. Gregg and Jahn [Lafitte] could be there to watch me show “Jessie.”
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
BS: The biggest challenge would have to be being hard on myself. I love this mare and always want to do well on her. She’s like family. I want things to be perfect in everything I do. Horse showing is a very humbling sport, but man, I sure learned so much this show season. I wouldn’t change anything, even the learning mistakes—they just made me better as a whole.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
BS: She’s a huge stopper, and she can circle the cow like nothing I’ve ever rode. Even if I’m wrong, she’ll get me to the right spot.
NON PRO BOXING
Delinda Jokela & Ice Wynnd Fire
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Delinda Jokela: I love the Stallion Stakes show in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Riggs” and I tied for the Non Pro Boxing Spectacular—I had the lower cow score, so I was reserve. It was a huge class, and competition was fierce. We marked a 145.5 in the herd, and that was super exciting!
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
DJ: Our biggest challenge is getting enough time to practice on cattle. Cattle in my area are not very abundant, and cow time is a precious commodity.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
DJ: Riggs’ best physical talent is his ability to get in the ground working a cow. He’s so quick, sure-footed and really tracks the cow.
Last year, Delinda Jokela and Ice Wynnd Fire (Peptoboonsmal x Fancy Frostina x Smart Little Lena) set a goal to win a National Championship, which they achieved in the Box Drive. Though they didn’t try for it in the Non Pro Boxing this year, they still won the year-end award.
“I was shocked,” Jokela said. “I never even looked at the standings, and then my trainer called and said, ‘Guess what?’ I was happy but very surprised.”
She credited “Riggs,” her partner for the last five years, for his consistency, saying she can always count on him in the show pen. The gelding is cowy and great in the reined work, too, and is “a good boy all the time.”
Next year, Riggs and Jokela, of Enumclaw, Washington, will start learning how to go down the fence together under the tutelage of their trainer, Dean McCann. Jokela will also test the limited-age event waters with the derby horse she recently added to her herd.
“Dean wants to keep our winning streak going and to set some lofty goals for 2024,” Jokela said. “I’ll have my hands full, but I think his big goal for me is to learn how to ride a younger horse and learn how to go down the fence.”
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING, YOUTH BOXING
Carissa Schaafsma
& Jills Last Bet
When Carissa Schaafsma bought Jills Last Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Shiners Diamond Jill x Shining Spark) at the end of 2022, she had no intention of running for a title in the New Year, let alone two. By June, though, she and the mare were on the board in the Youth Boxing and Intermediate Non Pro Boxing, so they made a few unscheduled trips to shows to maintain their position. They ended the year as the champions in both divisions, accumulating 228 and 217 points, respectively.
“I was very surprised, especially for the Intermediate Non Pro,” said Schaafsma, 18. “We definitely didn’t know each other at all at the beginning, so we had quite a few oops moments. She’s a really broke mare, and we’ve grown a whole bunch.”
Schaafsma, of Grants Pass, Oregon, plans to start going down the fence in 2024, and “Jill” will likely become her brother’s horse. Though she’s only been riding cow horses for about two-and-a-half years, Schaafsma has fallen completely in love with the sport.
“I really, truly love that we get to do all three events,” Schaafsma said. “I definitely say that I still love the cutting part of it more sometimes, but I really can’t pick. I love all of it.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Carissa Schaafsma: The time that my Chicago screw on my bridle broke in the middle of my boxing class while working the cow. The photographer snapped a memorable picture of the bridle flying through the air and the shocked expression on my horse’s face.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
CS: Learning how to properly ride a sliding stop in my patterns. The position of my seat and the support necessary for my horse throughout the stop were challenges I faced all show season.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
CS: Thanks to Brandon Staebler, I’ve been blessed with an exceptional horse. She may be tiny, but she’s mighty. Her rundowns and stops are unbelievable, and her cow work is just as amazing. What makes her even more special than other horses is her passion for the arena. “Jill” simply loves to show.
LIMITED
NON PRO BOXING
Sydney Whitling & Extra High Caliber
After starting in the reining pen, Sydney Whitling and Extra High Caliber (Snipers Smoking Gun x Extra Dry Dazzel x Extra Dry Chex) switched to reined cow horse. They nabbed the Limited Non Pro Boxing title only a short time later.
“I didn’t have any plans of going that route with this horse, so it really means a lot to be able to do that for him,” Whitling said. “I showed him as a reiner, and then we just took the cow horse journey with him, so it was kind of shocking for him to do that well over a year.”
The switch in disciplines didn’t come without its challenges. Whitling had to relearn how to ride “Ruger” not only in the show pen, but also at home.
“He’s got more of a cow horse brain,” said Whitling, of Weatherford, Texas. “He thinks a lot, and he gets worried about stuff. But the more I showed him, the better he got.”
The reined work may still be the gelding’s strongest suit, Whitling added since he’s big and strong, but his eye appeal helps him in all three elements.
“It gives them a reason to want to mark him,” she said. “He looks really pretty with everything he does.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Sydney Whitling: Earning reserve champion in the Intermediate and Limited Non Pro Boxing class at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® after tying with the winning composite score.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
SW: Changing up my habits to better fit my horse.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
SW: He’s a good mover and has an attractive appearance in the show pen.
BOX DRIVE
Kendra Suhling & Metallic Slide
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023?
Kendra Suhling: Probably the finals of the Box Drive at the Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas. I feel like I left everything out there in the arena that day, and “Mouse” was there for me every step. We wound up reserve, but I couldn’t have been happier or asked her for more in that run.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
KS: Competing in the show arena inevitably leads to up-and-down moments. About the time you feel like you’re starting to figure it out, something falls apart. Working through those moments and improving your horsemanship along the way is always the biggest challenge.
RCHN: What is your horse’s most special physical talent?
KS: Mouse is a big stopper and is very cowy.
Since moving through the limited-age events into the bridle together, Kendra Suhling, of Fredericksburg, Texas, and Metallic Slide (Metallic Cat x Sliden Wright By x Smart Little Lena) have continued to advance in the cow horse. Two years ago, Suhling and the mare stepped up to the Box Drive, and this year, they garnered 151 points to win the title in the division.
“I’m excited we got to finish the year on a high note,” Suhling said. “I think it’s great they have a kind of intermediate class to help people get some confidence and get them ready to move to the fence classes.”
Suhling said “Mouse” is quirky and likes to pull shenanigans during practice, but she gives 100% percent under the bright lights. The horse also takes care of Suhling’s 6-year-old daughter and Suhling’s trainer, Abby Mixon’s daughter.
Suhling thanked Mixon, along with Don Murphy, for coaching her. She plans to start going down the fence on Mouse next year and raise the mare’s babies for future show prospects.
“I appreciate the industry and the association for all their support, particularly of their non pros,” Suhling said. “I’ve shown in other associations and shown in different events, and by far I feel like we have the most support from the national association with NRCHA.”
METTLE BEHIND THE MERIT
The NRCHA Merit Award Program recognizes outstanding equine performers at all competition levels.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Merit Award Program recognizes equines that have performed at a consistent level of excellence in reined cow horse. Using their show record, which encompasses an entire career rather than single major event titles, as criteria enables the horse to earn distinction by winning smaller checks at regional and national competitions across the United States. The NRCHA Merit Award Program is a testament to the longevity of those stalwart athletes whose owners and/or trainers can depend on them to bring home a win.
Owned by Rocking BS Ranch, Annies Smart Cat earned the Certificate of Ability and the Superior award in 2022 and tops the Supreme Merit list with $112,628.07.
CERTIFICATE OF ABILITY 2023
A Genuine Sioux / owned by Laurel Laba
Annies Smart Cat / owned by Rocking BS Ranch
Awholelotalilbeers / owned by Kamber Ulmer
Bet She Can Dance / owned by Amanda R McCarthy
Bet She Can Rock / owned by Molly Russell
Bet Shes A Royal Cat / owned by Krista Larouche
BoonShinen / owned by Megan R. Waddell
Cant Stopp Believin / owned by Melinda L. Frye
Catty La Sea / owned by Tall Timber Performance Horses
Chicody Leo / owned by Jennifer Woodmansee
Clic Clic Boom / owned by Brad Or Stacia Lange
Coyote Moonshine / owned by Wayne O. Kiel
CR Dainty N Tuff / owned by Lee Ann McDaniel
CR Dees Be Tuff / owned by Renee L. Berrey
CR Hes A Tuff One / owned by Jill Olerich
Cutting With A Gun / owned by The Sliding Sister Ranch
Devil In The DeepBlu / owned by Debra Simpson
Dualin Blu Moon / owned by Kelsey or Justin Mueller
Elans Star Enterpriz / owned by Colton Lavelle
Fancy Lil Gun / owned by Tucker L Dove
Ferns Whiz / owned by Krystal Meade
Full Send / owned by Meryl Reber
Glamour Royallty / owned by Kristy Kay Miller
Here Comes The Boon / owned by Rocking BS Ranch
Hez Metallic / owned by Erica Swank
Hippster / owned by Robert and Cheryl Chown
Hobby Nic / owned by Rylee A. McGehee
Honey VooDoo / owned by Karolyn K. Herrigstad
Kit Kat Royal / owned by Jenna Stolting
Light Sage / owned by Stacey L. Webb
Lightly Armed / owned by Paul E Or Amy D Bailey
Lil Stormy Jonez / owned by Sliding J Ranch, LLC
Lillys Vaquero / owned by Clark W. Weaver
Little Elk Dancer / owned by Allyson Bottini
Make Money Moves / owned by Amanda R McCarthy
Meoww / owned by Erin Gendreau
Metalic Belly Dancer / owned by Tom and Carol Hulme
Metallic Babe / owned by Stephen A. Silva
Metallic Blaze / owned by Lainey Grewing
Metallic Cajun / owned by M-Heart Corp
Metallic Slide / owned by Kendra Suhling
Mitcheladaa / owned by Jordan Ribeiro
Ms Chics N Dun / owned by Lesli Gilbert
Nickles Playgirl / owned by Julia Jaspen
Nothing But Blu / owned by Alicia Bolls
One Ata Time / owned by Steven Mattson
Onetime At Booncamp / owned by Mack and Gretchen Dodsworth
Pepi N Smart / owned by Paul E. Or Amy D. Bailey
Peptilion / owned by Paul or Amy Bailey
Perfect Light Time / owned by Tracy Leanne Adams
PJW One Time Only / owned by Margaret J. Anderson
Remember The Boon / owned by Sliding J Ranch, LLC
Rey Vision / owned by 2 KM Farm & Ranch LLC
Reyl Hott Roxy / owned by Debbie and Gavriel Pilorget
Reyzin A Princess / owned by Andrea Luce
Roo To Do / owned by Red Arrow Ranch
RTR Judge This Metal / owned by Shelley Clapp
Rubys Reypeat / owned by Lucinda Rose David
SDP Paper Chaser / owned by Amanda R. McCarthy
Seven S Johnny Reb / owned by Roman Lucas Moran
Share The Night / owned by Amanda R. McCarthy
Shine Like A Dime / owned by Michelle Cannon
Sippin Boons Farm / owned by Heather J. Vatcher
Smart Time Peppy / owned by Paul E. Or Amy D. Bailey
Smarter Than Nic / owned by Lesli Gilbert
Smoking Pistol Whiz / owned by Christa Morris-Stone
SnapDragons / owned by Shane A. Law
Spin N Twist Arey / owned by Dylan A. Sponseller
Spittin Hickory / owned by Julie Saxe
Sprinkld ConfettiCat / owned by South Cove Ranch LLC
Stylish Rebel Boy / owned by Amber Haglin
This Latigo / owned by Meryl Reber
Time To Lay It Down / owned by Andrea Luce
Tomorrows Smart Star / owned by Heather Bartley
Tuff Marshall N Town / owned by Matt Spahn
(Spahn Land and Cattle)
VE Autumns Malice / owned by Dr. Jeremy Alltop DVM
Very Black Magic / owned by Kenneth E. and Julie Strickland
Voodoo Whiskey / owned by Tylor R. Todd
Watch Me Be A Rebel / owned by Two Cowgirls LLC
CERTIFICATE OF ABILITY
The Certificate of Ability is the first award for which a money-earning reined cow horse can qualify. A horse will be certified after winning a total of $500 in any NRCHA class or combination of classes. It is the NRCHA’s intention that the Certificate of Ability be available to several horses that demonstrate proficiency in cow horse competition. Earnings from Category 2 Special Events are not counted toward this award.
2023 SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY® OWNERS INCENTIVE FUND
Thank you to these supporters contributing to the added money purse for the 2023 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®!
Best Kept Secret Ranch
Hartwood Farms
BMW Quarter Horses
Larry & Kathy Barker
Stuart Ranch
Hooray / Eric & Wendy Dunn
Gardiner Quarter Horse
Carol Rose
Matthews Cutting Horses
Bet He Sparks
Bet Hesa Cat Syndicate
Brazos Valley Stallion Station
Dual Smart Rey / Strawn Valley Ranch
D Lazy K Ranch
Hat 6 Ranch
Call Me Mitch
Ann Matthews
Honeysuckle Rose Boutique Woodglen Investments
Red Arrow Ranch LLC
Steve and Lori Roseberry
War Ponies, Elite Paint Cowhorses
Spahn Law Firm PLLC
Double F Ranch / Roy & Sherri Fisher
Moncrief Quarter Horses / Kit and Charlie Moncrief
Fults Ranch
Rocking Nine Four Ranch
Shawn Hays
Triple D Ranches
SUPERIOR COW HORSE
A horse that has earned $10,000 in any NRCHA class or combination of classes or events may receive the Superior Cow Horse award. All earnings from reined cow horse snaffle bit events can be added to the hackamore and bridle winnings to total $10,000 to receive this award. The NRCHA believes that any horse that wins $10,000 in a single class or combination of classes and events is certainly considered a Superior Cow Horse and should be recognized. Earnings from Non Pro Boxing, Intermediate Non Pro Boxing, Limited Non Pro Boxing, Youth Boxing, and Category 2 Special Events are not counted toward this award.
SUPERIOR REINED COW HORSES OF 2023
Annies Smart Cat / owned by Rocking BS Ranch
Autumns Purple Rain / owned by Jessica Christensen
Bamb Boon / owned by Janie Dvorak-Compton
Bet Shes A Royal Cat / owned by Krista Larouche
BoonShinen / owned by Megan R. Waddell
Catty La Sea / owned by Tall Timber Performance Horses
CR Dainty N Tuff / owned by Lee Ann McDaniel
CR Dees Be Tuff / owned by Renee L. Berrey
CR Hes A Tuff One / owned by Jill Olerich
Cutting With A Gun / owned by The Sliding Sister Ranch
Dualin Blu Moon / owned by Kelsey or Justin Mueller
Elans Star Enterpriz / owned by Colton Lavelle
Glamour Royallty / owned by Kristy Kay Miller
Here Comes The Boon / owned by Rocking BS Ranch
Hez Metallic / owned by Erica Swank
Honey VooDoo / owned by Karolyn K. Herrigstad
Lil Stormy Jonez / owned by Sliding J Ranch, LLC
Lillys Vaquero / owned by Clark W. Weaver
Little Elk Dancer / owned by Allyson Bottini
Metallic Babe / owned by Stephen A. Silva
Metallic Blaze / owned by Lainey Grewing
Metallic Cajun / owned by M-Heart Corp
Mitcheladaa / owned by Jordan Ribeiro
Nothing But Blu / owned by Alicia Bolls
One Ata Time / owned by Steven Mattson
Peptilion / owned by Paul or Amy Bailey
Perfect Light Time / owned by Tracy Leanne Adams
Remember The Boon / owned by Sliding J Ranch, LLC
Rey Vision / owned by 2 KM Farm & Ranch LLC
Reyzin A Princess / owned by Andrea Luce
Roo To Do / owned by Red Arrow Ranch
Seven S Johnny Reb / owned by Roman Lucas Moran
Shine Like A Dime / owned by Michelle Cannon
Sippin Boons Farm / owned by Heather J. Vatcher
Smarter Than Nic / owned by Lesli Gilbert
SnapDragons / owned by Shane A. Law
Spin N Twist Arey / owned by Dylan A. Sponseller
Sprinkld ConfettiCat / owned by South Cove Ranch LLC
Stylish Rebel Boy / owned by Amber Haglin
Time To Lay It Down / owned by Andrea Luce
Tuff Marshall N Town / owned by Matt Spahn
(Spahn Land and Cattle)
Very Black Magic / owned by Kenneth E & Julie Strickland
Voodoo Whiskey / owned by Tylor R. Todd
Watch Me Be A Rebel / owned by Two Cowgirls LLC
SUPERIOR NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Superior Non Pro Boxing Achievement Award was first presented by the NRCHA Board in 2019 as the Non Pro Limited award. It recognized the value Non Pro Boxing horses and riders contribute to the Association, and in return, added a new award to the long-standing program. Non Pro Boxing and Youth Boxing riders meeting criteria can receive the Superior Non Pro Boxing Achievement award, a new level specifically designed for horses that excel in their classes.
To qualify, the horse must have earned a minimum of $15,000 with a minimum of $1,000 in Limited Aged Events, such as Derbies or Futurities. This money can be earned in either fence class or boxing classes. A minimum of $10,000 must be earned in Horse Show Category 1 Boxing classes, including monies earned in the Select and 13 and Under divisions. Monies earned in Category 2 classes will not count toward the award.
SUPERIOR NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2023
NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE
This is the first award for Non Pro Boxing horses to receive for their success in the arena. In order to earn this award, the horse must have earned a total of $7,500 in Horse Show Category 1 Boxing classes including Select, Youth Boxing and Youth Boxing 13 and Under.
NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE OF 2023
BoonShinen / owned by Megan R. Waddell
Call Me WR / owned by Erica Ann Katz
CD Dee Vee Dee / owned by Jay and/or Wendy McLaughlin
Devil In The DeepBlu / owned by Debra Simpson
Ferns Whiz / owned by Krystal Meade
Gunna Be Crazy / owned by Todd/Deanna Lambert
Jills Last Bet / owned by Carissa Schaafsma
Jojo Tari / owned by Lavert Avent
Kit Kat Royal / owned by Jenna Stolting
Little Elk Dancer / owned by Allyson Bottini
Metallic Slide / owned by Kendra Suhling
No Blu Aqui / owned by Amy D. Bell
Over A Barrell / owned by Ron and Lanette Frye
Pancho Lena / owned by Susan H. Stoltz
Pepto Double Time / owned by Carolyn Meador
Remedys Smooth Move / owned by Andrea L. and Jason D. Vietor
Rubys Reypeat / owned by Lucinda Rose David
Seven S Johnny Reb / owned by Roman Lucas Moran
Shiners Darby / owned by Chris Cox
Sippin Boons Farm / owned by Heather J. Vatcher
Smooth Cat Voo / owned by Vera Earl Ranch Inc.
The Fresno Fox / owned by Allysn Light
Uno What Time It Is / owned by Julie A. Gibbons
Unos Smokin Chic / owned by Ernie O. Beal
SUPREME REINED COW HORSE
The Supreme Reined Cow Horse Award is reserved for the unique individual that has shown and won money in all divisions and garnered $25,000 in earnings. A horse must meet the following criteria:
a. The horse must have been shown in approved Limited Age Events (LAE) and earned at least $1,000 in these events. The horse must have been shown in the hackamore and have earned at least $1,000 in this event. Money earned at the NRCHA Hackamore Classic limited age event may count toward either LAE money or hackamore money, so long as it is counted only once. Up to $20,000 of any monies won at these two types of events can be applied to the total earnings required.
b. The horse must win a total of $25,000. After considering the totals earned from Limited Age Events and the hackamore, with the limitations previously stated, the remaining balance must be won in the bridle division.
c. Money earned in the Non Pro Boxing, Intermediate Non Pro Boxing, Limited Non Pro Boxing, and Youth Boxing classes does not count toward the Supreme Reined Cow Horse Award.
d. To fulfill the hackamore requirement, earnings must come from NRCHA Horse Show Hackamore classes or Hackamore Classic LAE money can count toward either LAE money or hackamore money, so long as it is counted only once.
e. Money earned in the two-rein class will count as bridle earnings for the merit award program.
f. Foals of 2000 and prior will be grandfathered into this program and are not required to have won the $1,000 in Limited Age Events and hackamore, but still must win a total of $25,000. As of January 1, 2002, earnings which count toward the Merit Awards are all NRCHA Approved horse shows, LAE and Category 1 Special Events.
Merit Award applications are available at nrcha.com/nrcha-merit-awards-program/.
THE SUPREME REINED COW HORSES OF 2023
To apply for the Merit Award Program, complete the application and submit a one-time $50 application fee of to the NRCHA office by November 15 of the award year. All applicants are eligible for all levels of the Merit Award Program upon completion of each requirement. The NRCHA office calculates the applied horse’s show records and automatically processes the awards when each level is achieved.
$248,000+ LTE
2024 BREEDING FEE: $2500 + CHUTE FEE - 6 PANEL N/N OWNED BY: K & L PHILLIPS | TRAINED BY:
CLAYTON EDSALL
REGIONAL ROAD WARRIORS
COMPILED BY JENNIFER PAULSON
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EACH NRCHA MEMBER
Across the U.S., Canada and even around the globe, NRCHA members put in the work to be named NRCHA Regional Champions for the 2023 show season.
CANADIAN REGION
Open Bridle SMART TWISTED CAT/JOHN MURPHY
Owned by Wayne Bowd, Smart Twisted Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Little Twist O Pep x Dual Pep) and rider John Murphy began their journey when the horse was 2 years old. They earned $4,885 for their title. Along the way, they competed at the 2023 World’s Greatest Horseman™ and won the Open Bridle at the Calgary Stampede.
Limited Open Bridle REYDAS SUGAR KAT/SARAH WOLFS
Open Hackamore DINERO KING/KENT WILLIAMSON
Owner/rider Kent Williamson has had Dinero King (Woody Be Tuff x Spookys Got Cash x Miss N Cash) in his barn since the horse was 2 years old. He’s worked on consistency on his stops and smoothing out the herd work.
“He's a big horse, so everything is big in how he executes things,” Williamson shared.
Owner/rider Sarah Wolfs and Reyadas Sugar Kat (Kit Kat Sugar x Royal Reyda x Dual Rey) earned $2,472 to claim their title.
CANADIAN REGION
Limited Open Hackamore FRECKLES LITTLE SUN/MELODY ANDREWS
Owned by Helga Roh, Freckles Little Sun (Freckles Golden Sun x Wimpys Little Whiz x Wimpys Little Step) and rider Melody Andrews earned $2,165 to claim their title.
“Showing him in the hackamore for the first time is my favorite memory of 2023; he took to it so well,” Andrews said. “He is so nice to show in the reining. He knows his job, and it helps make it easier to push for a better run when he’s with me all the way."
Open Two Rein HENDRIXX/JOHN SWALES
Owned by Monica Wille, Hendrixx (One Time Royalty x Smooth Miss Trona x Smooth As A Cat) and John Swales earned $4,152 for their title. Wille has owned the horse since he was a long yearling. “Hendrixx was very consistent all season, and John was very happy with him at every show,” she said.
Non Pro Hackamore CARLENE SCHMIDT/WHATA STRONG CAT
Home-raised Whata Strong Cat (Strong Enuf x Whata Way To Go x Pale Face Jose) and Carlene Schmidt earned $2,510 for their title. The pair’s highlight of the season came at the Calgary Stampede when they placed reserve in the Open Hackamore.
“I hadn't shown him much before this year, so I didn't know how much I could push him. It turned out that he loves to show,” she said. “He absolutely loves cows. He's very smart on a cow and reads them well.”
Non Pro Bridle/ Intermediate Non Pro Bridle/ Level 1 Non Pro Bridle/ Youth Cow Horse KATE V. WEDDERBURN/ BOOM TO THE MAX
Known as “Hart” around the barn, Boom To The Max (Maximum Echo x Docs Chickaboom x Doc Boomernic) served as Kate Wedderburn’s mount for the Non Pro Bridle, Intermediate Non Pro Bridle, Level 1 Non Pro Bridle and Youth Cow Horse for the 2023 show season, earning $9,658.20 in total.
“My most memorable NRCHA show moment this year was during the Canadian Snaffle Bit Futurity because I finally entered a memorial fence challenge where we competed against open and non pro riders,” Wedderburn recalled. “I’ve wanted to compete in one for a very long time, so finally being able to do it and winning it was a very special moment for me and my bond with Hart. His endurance and speed, combined with how cowy he is, make him amazing down the fence.”
CANADIAN REGION continued
Non Pro Two Rein CODY HEINTZ/BMP STARFIRE PEPINIC
Cody Heintz remembers the Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity’s Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular as a highlight of his 2023 show season with BMP Starfire Pepinic (Smart Starfire x Una Lista Pepinic x Smart Little Pepinic). In 2023, the pair earned $4,060 for their title.
“The biggest challenge this year was being consistent,” Heintz said. “We have a great horse and have been trying to stay out of his way and trust that he knows his job.”
Non Pro Boxing DEBRA SIMPSON/DEVIL IN THE DEEPBLU
A team since 2019, Debra Simpson and Devil In The DeepBlu (Once In A Blu Boon x Witchy Maiden x Pretty Boy Cat) had the honor of qualifying for and competing at the 2023 Calgary Stampede, which Simpson said is a highlight of the show season. They worked hard to stay fit and ready to compete, and Simpson said Devil In The DeepBlu’s biggest talent lies in the cutting pen. They earned $3,604.25 to take the title.
Youth Boxing AYNSLEY BILYEA/STRAIGHT TO WIN
Aynsley Bilyea shared Straight To Win (Strait To Texas x Sliding To Win x Timmie Chex) with her grandmother and the horse’s owner Barb McCaughey. The youth rider and her horse earned $1,605 to claim their title.
“My most memorable NRCHA moment would have to be the Calgary Stampede show in July,” she recalled. “We had to qualify for the show by competing at the Northern Alberta Reined Cow Horse Club in the spring. I qualified to go and competed against some pretty tough competitors. ‘LT’ and I managed to earn reserve champion in Youth Boxing.”
KIMES R NCH
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing BILLIE JO BELT/WKK WHISKEYONTHEROAD
Billie Jo Belt and WKK Whiskeyontheroad (Red Dirt Roadie x This Whiskeys Smart x WR This Cats Smart) have been partners for two years. In 2023, they earned $1,865 for their title.
“Overall, I’d say learning to deal with the pressure that comes with showing in the derbies, trusting in my horse’s capabilities and remembering to have fun in the show pen are all pieces I had to work on at every show,” she said. “‘Roadie’ is an easygoing gelding with a nice, smooth lead change, and he's confident in the cow work.”
Limited Non Pro Boxing BONNIE KOETSIER/JAZZ TIME DARLIN
With earnings of $2,562.50 in the 2023 season, Bonnie Koetsier and Jazz Time Darlin (One Time Pepto x Otes Little Darlin x Hickoryote) worked their way from showing in ranch versatility to reined cow horse.
“My most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2023 was at a show in Claresholm, Alberta,” she shared. “It was the boxing portion of our run, and our cow was crazy! It was one that ran into the pen straight at you, with its tail in the air. I was so proud of ‘Gus’. He crouched down and stayed faced up to that cow and basically cut the cow while moving backward. That had him so dialed in that even when the cow broke away, Gus was hooked on for the rest of the run. It was amazing!”
Box Drive NANCY PERLICH/METALLIC MOLLIE
Nancy Perlich and Metallic Mollie (Metallic Cat x April Foolish Hotrod x Colonel Hotrodder) captured their title with $2,035 in 2023 earnings. She and her son shared ‘Mollie,’ so the mare often showed three times in one day. But it wasn’t an insurmountable task for this sweet mare.
INTERNATIONAL REGION
Open Bridle HIGHBROW FLETCH/GABRIELE POLI BARBERIS
Owner Samisa Ranch Az. Agricola’s Highbrow Fletch (Royal Fletch x Lil Sally Cat x High Brow Cat) and Gabriele Poli Barberis earned $3,058.48 to claim their title.
Limited Open Bridle SMOKY SURPRISE/SOPHIE PAUCKER
In their more than 13 years together, Smoky Surprise (Cocos Snowball x Finales Demand x Demand Deposit) and owner/rider Sophie Paucker started out trail riding and then moved into reined cow horse events in 2023. They competed in their first Americana in Germany. In 2023, the pair collected $309.79 to claim their title.
Open Hackamore CR TUFF CALIE REY/TOMAS BART
Owned by Karl Simon, CR Tuff Calie Rey (Woody Be Tuff x Calie Del Rey x Dual Rey) and Tomas Barta pocketed $2,237.20 for their title.
Non Pro Two Rein/Bridle SABINE BRASCHE/BET HESA WILDCAT
Balancing training, showing and running her equine veterinary practice isn’t easy for Sabine Brasche. Still, she and Bet Hesa Wildcat (Bet Hesa Cat x Lil Peptorella x Peptotime) captured $3,598.44 across their two classes to earn their titles.
“I bred, raised and trained him by myself, just like his mother and grandmother,” Brasche shared. “His mother was my first very successful cow horse, and he’s definitely stepping into her footsteps. He has many talents, and I think when he struggles with something, it’s mostly me holding him back. He’s very cowy and really strong at circling the cows.”
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle SYLVIA BATE/FIRST CATS GOT LUCK
After overcoming a trailer accident in 2022, Sylvia Bate and First Cats Got Luck (Cats Got Freckles x Latex Glo x Laxtexo Luck) earned $112 to take their title. They also won the Non Pro Two Rein at the Americana in Germany.
Owner/rider Martin Schemuth and TJ Sharp Dressed Man (Sharp Dressed Shiner x JK Gold Pine Dun It x Vivs Dun It) netted $1,253.21 to claim their title.
INTERNATIONAL REGION
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle KLAUS PAUCKER/CHICS ELECTRIC SPARK
Klaus Paucker’s most prominent memory from 2023 with Chics Electric Spark (Jacs Electric Spark x Smart Chic Ohoney x Smart Chic Olena) is competing in their first Americana NRCHA show in Germany. The pair earned $244.48 in 2023 for their title. He said the herd work is their biggest challenge, but his horse has a huge stop and great turns.
Non Pro Hackamore SOPHIE-ALETT KRUSPE/SHARP SHINING GUN
With $1,088.28 in earnings, Sophie-Alett Kruspe and Sharp Shining Gun (Sharp Dressed Shiner x Love A Little Gunner x Colonels Smoking Gun) earned their title.
Non Pro Boxing KAETHI GFELLER/CHICS SMART LOVER
Kaethi Gfeller and Chics Smart Lover (Smart Chic Olena x Ellevi Love Jac x Mcjac Flash) earned $269.95 for their title.
Limited Non Pro Boxing CRISTINA CACCIOLATTI/CMP MIFI LEO JAC
They’ve been a pair since 2017, but in their first year competing in NRCHA events, Cristina Cacciolatti and CMP Mifi Leo Jac (Mifillenium x Leolena Jac x Spat Leos Jac) earned $138.24 for their title.
“We went from team penning competitions, so we had to learn everything about cow horse and handling a horse with a lot of engine,” she shared.
Box Drive FRANK KUNKEL/SNAPPER LIL BINGO
A big win in Italy topped Frank Kunkel’s list of memories with his horse Snapper Lil Bingo (Peptos Lil Bingo x Snappers Victoria x Snapper Clay Bar). The pair’s $92.16 earned them the title.
$6,669,639+
$1,223,508+ (IN JUST 3 COMPETING FOAL CROPS) MILLION
NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY OPEN CHAMPION
TORNADO JONEZ & LEE DEACON
NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY OPEN RES. CHAMPION
VINCE VON & SARAH DAWSON
NCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION
JANIE WOOD & JOHN MITCHELL
NCHA AUSTRALIA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION
YULGIBAR MAGIC STEVIE & TODD GRAHAM
$160,000
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Open Bridle SMART LADIES SPARKLE/MATT KOCH
Owned by XIT Ranch LLC, Smart Ladies Sparkle (WR This Cats Smart x Shiners Diamond Lady x Shining Spark) and Matt Koch pocketed $2,100.50 for their title.
Open Hackamore SULENA PEPTO/MATT KOCH
Owned by Linda Mars, Sulena Pepto (One Time Pepto x Shiney Sparklette x Shining Spark) and Matt Koch earned $1,844 for their title. Koch waited for the mare to mature, and he appreciates her love of being a show horse.
Limited Open Hackamore BET ON THIS PEPTO 18/CASSIE JO MARSHALL
Taking the title in two regions, Bet On This Pepto 18 (Bet Hesa Cat x Ima Fern Believer x Peptoboonsmal), owned by TGR Quarter Horses, LLC, and Cassie Jo Marshall earned $3,455.50 total for their titles in the North Central and South Central regions.
“My most memorable show moment was winning the Level 1 Open Derby at the [Colorado Reined Cow Horse Association] Firecracker Show in Douglas, Wyoming,” Marshall said. “She’s such a huge stopper, but her fence turns are also incredible, which goes back to her being a great stopper.”
Limited Open Bridle GUS/TREA ALLEN
Owner/rider Trea Allen has had Gus (Grade) in her barn for seven years. They’ve learned together, and in 2023, they earned $1,197.50 for their title.
“I would say his special talent is putting up with me as his rider for all these years,” she shared. “He’s gone through my ups and downs with me since I was 15.
Open Two Rein REYSIN ROYALTY/ANDY G. KURTZ
Owned by Mark and Lori Cross, Reysin Royalty (One Time Royalty x Forever And A Rey x Dual Smart Rey) and Andy Kurtz earned $1,774 for their title.
Non Pro Bridle/ Intermediate Non Pro Bridle KRISTY MILLER/GLAMOUR ROYALLTY
Pocketing $3,559.46 for their title, Kristy Miller and Glamour Royallty (One Time Royalty x Kitna Rey x Dual Rey) came together four years ago. Miller appreciates the horse’s consistency across all events.
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle DIANE STEELE/SMOKIN REY DAR
Earning $1,101.5 in the class in 2023, Diane Steele and Smokin Rey Dar (Dual R Smokin x Little Miss Pepto x Peptos Stylish Oak) have been a team for five years.
“This was our first year in the fence class, and there were many memorable moments,” she shared. “But the most exciting was in Montrose, Colorado, when we won all three Non Pro Bridle classes and trophy buckles, donated by Horsefly Creek Vet Service. What I especially love about Rey Dar is he’s very laid back, and almost anyone could ride him until you put him on a cow. From a very early age, I was taught not to hold onto the saddle horn. But when the cow gate opens, he taught me I better sit deep and hold on.”
Non Pro Two Rein REANNA DILLMAN/DANCING AT THE RITZ
In their first year together, Reanna Dillman and Dancing At The Ritz (Nabisco Roan x LCR Knuckles x Dual Smart Rey) pocketed $1,079 for their title.
“I didn’t have a chance to ride much this year with my schedule,” she said. “It was a challenge to really trust ‘Cookie’ and go show. But between her foundation with Tim Unzicker and my husband, David Dillman, keeping her in shape and tuned up, and Cookie’s good nature, it was a challenge overcome! Cookie is a big, strong mare with all the talent, but her grit and try make her truly special. She gives her all every time, and she’s always there when I ask. She’s also a blast to show down the fence!”
Non Pro Hackamore JECCA R. OSTRANDER/BOXO OPUS MAGNUM
Gritty might best define Jecca Ostrander and her horse Boxo Opus Magnum (WR This Cats Smart x Opus Chic x Smart Chic Olena). She explained two reasons why, on their road to earning $2,213.75 for this title.
“The Colorado Reined Cow Horse Sagebrush Show in Pueblo, Colorado, was our most challenging with the extreme weather,” she shared. “We went down the fence with it snowing really hard. No one had planned to bring enough coats, and we didn't take what we had off all weekend. The association provided hand warmers. It was really fun! Later in the year, Magnum and I fell during our fence run in Tulsa at the Hackamore Classic [in Oklahoma]. My belt caught on the saddle horn, allowing me to stay on. I came right back up with him. The cow broke out of the gate, so I was awarded a new cow. It was really hard to go at that next cow—it was just as feisty as the first. We made a good run, but what an experience!”
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Youth Cow Horse GRACYN SAFFERT/MONEY IN THE HOOD
A team for three years, Gracyn Saffert and Money In The Hood (Meradas Money Talks x Hood River Melody x Mr Melody Jac) earned $792 to claim their title.
“Our biggest challenge is that this was my first year going down the fence, but I knew she knew her job, and I’ve been practicing and have a great coach, Lance Scheffel,” he said. “I knew we could do it! Hannah is very strong in the reining, and she will circle a cow no matter what!”
Youth Boxing
MASON TAGGART/ONE TIMIN KATIE
Partners for two years, Mason Taggart and One Timin Katie (One Time Pepto x Katie Starlight x Grays Starlight) earned $532.44 to take their title.
“This year, I learned every ride isn’t going to go perfectly; we just keep learning as we go,” Taggart said. “‘Katie’ loves to work a cow. I know she’ll always give me 100% on a cow.”
Non Pro Boxing/Box Drive LESLIE GALE/HAL ON ICE
A partnership for just over two years, Leslie Gale and Hal On Ice (Halreycious x Shes Icing Onthe Cat x High Brow Cat) earned a total of $3,991.01 for their two titles, all while splitting the mare’s time between training, showing and pulling embryos for breeding.
“She’s freakishly athletic and physical on a cow,” Gale said.
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing
JOHN ANDREWS/YZ CAT
Earning $1,255.18 to claim their title, John Andres and YZ Cat (Metallic Cat x Shes Pretty And Wise x Wise Play) showed at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes for the first time in 2023. “When it was our draw, we rode into the amazing arena with a sliding stop as the first maneuver,” he recalled. “I felt ‘Handyman’ slide the longest and drop the most he ever had thus far in our showing together. He’s so honest and always remains calm in the show pen. He always gives 100 percent with each event, even with an intense show year.”
Limited Non Pro Boxing KARISSA MISIK/LENAS LIL DANCER
“My most memorable show moment was one of the first shows of the season in Pueblo, Colorado,” she said. “It was late April, and we usually get some pretty nice weather. But this year, we were one of the first few classes of the day, and it was below freezing, with snow blowing sideways. Warming up and showing in a snowstorm was certainly memorable on its own, but we also got the toughest cow I've ever had. I thought we would lose it several times, but we stayed focused and held it! We won both classes that weekend, and I won my first buckle ever!”
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NORTHEASTERN REGION
Open Bridle TL BOONSTRUCK/CHET MARTIN
Owned by Haley Turnell, TL Boonstruck (Boon A Little x One Pepto Diva x One Time Pepto) earned $1,271 to claim their title.
“He is a legit multi-event horse,” Turnell said. “He can cut, rein, cow horse and rope, and he does all of it well. He’s also only 13.3 hands, which makes him extra unique.”
Open Hackamore SASSYS SMOOTH CAT/CHET MARTIN
Owned by Marie Fraser, Sassys Smart Cat (Smooth As A Cat x Shining N Sassy x Shining Spark) earned $700 for their title.
“We bought her from Erin Taormino’s program as a 2-year-old and have had her ever since,” Martin shared. “My favorite show moment with her is anytime I get to go down the fence on her. She is a true fence horse. She’s extremely cowy and won’t get outrun. She’s also fun to ranch rope on. I love this horse because we’ve done so many things together that I feel like we are truly a team.”
Limited Open Bridle ELANS STYLISH/SKYLER LAWSON
Owner/rider Skyler Lawson piloted Elans Stylish (Elans Playboy x IPH Steady N Stylish x Start Me A Tab) to their title after partnering since the horse was a yearling.
“At our last affiliate show of the year, he was really good down the fence, and I knew it secured our standing in the region,” Lawson shared. “He’s a really big stopper.”
Limited Open Hackamore
CR TUFF N SMOOTH/SKYLER LAWSON
Purchased at the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Sale, owner Gabrielle Crawford trusted the reins of CR Tuff N Smooth (Woody Be Tuff x Mercedes Smoothe x Smooth As A Cat) with professional Skyler Lawson to pocket $1,277.40 to claim their title. Lawson said the mare knows her job and is super down the fence.
NORTHEASTERN REGION
Open Two Rein SHEZ NOT TRASHY/JED J. LAWRENCE
Owned by Meghan O'Brien, Shez Not Trashy (Gunnatrashya x Sheza Shady Slider x Shining Spark) and Jed Lawrence earned $730 for their title.
“She missed her 5-year-old season, so getting her ready to show in the two rein rig and being patient while she figured it out was challenging, but she was a trooper,” O’Brien shared. “She’s such a big stopper. I never have to wonder if she is going to stop.”
Non
Pro
Bridle ALLYSN LIGHT/BET LUCKY 13
Allysyn Light has owned Bet Lucky 13 (Bet Hesa Cat x Miss Lucky Starlight x Grays Starlight) for seven years, but 2023 marked the first year the horse showed solely in non pro classes. They earned $300 to claim their title.
“Every time I get to show him is pretty cool,” she said. “He’s really physically talented, but his mind is what makes him special.”
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle JENNIFER BLACK/SOME SWEET BETTINCAT
In 2023, Jennifer Black and Some Sweet Bettincat (Bet Hesa Cat x Some Kinda Sweety x Sweet Lil Pepto) earned $1,499 for their title.
“The best moment for me at an NRCHA Show in 2023 was at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®,” she said. “It was the first premier event for us to go down the fence as a team, and he was great! We won the Select Non Pro Bridle and finished eighth in the Level 1 Non Pro Bridle. What a great experience.”
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
DESIREE J. HOYT/DB STRICTLY BUSINES
Desiree J. Hoyt and DB Strictly Business (Smooth As A Cat x Moms Stylish Scoot x Smart Lil Scoot) earned $984.40 for their title.
Non Pro Hackamore KASEY SNOW/STYLISH VIXEN
Pocketing $826.60 for their title, Kasey Snow and Stylish Vixen (Mr Playinstylish x Playboys Vixen x Hickoryote) have partnered for two years.
“My most memorable moment was when I scored a 147 in the hackamore,” she shared. “‘Sophie’ is a huge stopper—I can always count on her to lay out a monster stop!”
Non Pro Two Rein LIA J. SAVAS/WH FLASH LARUE
Lia J. Savas and WH Flash Larue (JR Red Diablo x Chulas Merada x Chula Dual) pocketed $404 to claim their title.
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NORTHEASTERN REGION
Youth Cow Horse GABRIELLE CRAWFORD/SMOKIN
JONEZ
Youth Boxing TRISTAN COX/MISS POCO HONEY BEA
Box Drive
A pair for two years, Gabrielle Crawford and Smokin Jonez (Travelin Jonez x Smoke My Boots x Doc O Boots) earned $344.20 to take their title. Their most significant moment of 2023 was making the finals at the NRCHA World Show, all while balancing her schoolwork.
Non Pro Boxing JILL FLINT/DIAMONDS N CAICOS
In 2023, Tristan Cox and Miss Poco Honey Bea (Mr Poco Holly Do x Cindy Skip Bar x Bold Dynamingo) earned their highest score ever, on top of making $171.20 for their title. He’s working on getting more aggressive and trusting his horse, and he shared that she has a lot of eye appeal in her circles.
SARAH CANEVARI/ONE TIME AT BANDKAMP
While grieving the loss of a filly, Sarah Canevari managed to pilot One Time At Bandkamp (One Time Pepto x Wonderin In The Reyn x Dual Rey) to $649.47 in earnings to claim their title.
“In November ‘Rey’ and I won the ARCHA Limited Non Pro Boxing Spectacular, it was our biggest paycheck to date,” she shared. “Rey can really turn it on in the show ring and throw down a big stop if she is in the right mood.”
With two years together, Jill Flint and Diamonds N Caicos (Time For The Diamond x CR Wood Be N Caicos x Woody Be Tuff) earned $565 this season for their title, including a reserve title at the NRCHA Hackamore Classic. Flint works to focus on riding the horse she has that day instead of focusing on the win, and she says her horse loves to turn.
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing ELIZABETH PICCONE/THIS CATS BOSS
Pocketing $502.90 for their title, Elizabeth Piccone and This Cats Boss (WR This Cats Smart x Boss Woody x CD Lights) have competed together for four years. Piccone was challenged by staying relaxed and controlled in the rundowns, and she shared that her mare has excellent expression and read on a cow.
Limited Non Pro Boxing NICHOLAS CANEVARI/ICHI PATRONA
With $567.62 in season earnings to secure their title, Nicholas Canevari and Ichi Patrona (Cat Ichi x Shiney Patrona x Shining Spark) are ready to transition from straight boxing to setting up a cow to go down the fence.
“Patrona has always taken care of me on a cow,” he said.
NORTHWEST REGION
Open Bridle LIGHT ON THE WHIZKEY/SCOTT SEEKLANDER
Owned by Joanne Pettit, Light On The Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Starlight On The Bay x High Brow Cat) earned $2,971 to claim their title.
“‘EZ’ was originally sent to Scott in 2020 for training as a non pro reining horse,” Pettit said. “One day, when I came to the barn to ride, Scott mentioned that he’d used EZ as a turnback horse and that he was very cowy. I said, ‘Let's put him on cows and see how he does.’ Six months later, Scott and EZ won the Limited Open Derby at the NWRCHA Summer Showdown. EZ's special talent is his mind and attitude that allows Scott to show at him at a high level in the Open Bridle and remain quiet enough for me to show him as a beginner cow horse rider.”
Limited Open Bridle ONETIME AT BOONCAMP/MACK M. DODSWORTH
Onetime At Booncamp (Blue One Time x Dualin Little Boon x Dualin Boon) and Mack Dodsworth had teamed up for two years before earning their title with $1,845 in 2023. This show season, they worked to be more consistent. Dodsworth praises his horse’s fence work as his biggest talent.
“He’s the type that just loves to work cattle,” Dodsworth said. “He has so much try and natural talent on a cow. He makes everything pretty easy.”
Open Hackamore ROK N ROLL/DAN ROSER
Owned by Jodi and Rich Charrier, Rok N Roll (Sannman x Peek Of Faith x Peek A Pep) was started by Dan Roser and returned to his barn in 2022. They amassed $5,886 in 2023. Roser cites winning four hackamore titles in 2023 as one of the best memories the horse’s connections share. They overcame challenging circumstances when an outside horse caused Roser’s barn to go under quarantine this summer. Still, they persevered and ended up on top of the Hackamore in the Northwest region.
“Jodi and Rich Charrier are highly successful individuals,” Roser said of Rok N Roll’s owners. “Their knowledge and passion for the cow horse have been key to the success of this horse and our partnership.”
Limited Open Hackamore ELANS STAR ENTERPRIZ/MACK DODSWORTH
Open Two Rein HOLLY CHET X JIM W. SPENCE
Owned by Colton Lavelle, Elans Star Enterpriz (Elans Holibar x BG Dun It Fine x Jerry Lees Dun It) and Mack Dodsworth earned $2,896 for their title. The trainer praises the mare’s heart and grit to help make her a great cow horse.
Owned by Pamela Resetar Davini, Holly Chet (Hickory Holly Time x Vandas Spark x Shining Spark) and Jim Spence earned $6,216 for their title.
NORTHWEST REGION
Non Pro Bridle KARNELL PERRY/MISS SOLANO CAT
A team for four years, Karnell Perry and Miss Solano Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Miss Solano Rey x Dual Rey) earned $5,030 for their title.
“She is a fence horse,” Perry shared. “‘Ariel’ was on a streak this summer, marking 75s down the fence for several shows in a row. I was showing at the MRCHF show in Kalispell, Montana, and the snap on my romal broke during my first fence turn. Ariel kept her composure and finished the run without much of a hiccup and ended up placing second.”
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle LINDSAY AWBREY/DYNAMITE KAT
With four years together, Lindsay Awbrey and Dynamite Kat (Tomcat Chex x AR Dynamite Powder x Powder River Playboy) have made many memories. They pocketed $2,420 for their title.
“My most memorable moment was winning the region,” she shared. “I’d been reserve champion in different classes the two years previous, so I was extremely excited to get the win in 2023. It all came down to my last show in Idaho. My horse ‘Goo’ is great down the fence. He makes huge turns and fires out with a ton of power. He hustles and shows heart with every run we make. I am truly blessed to use him in the show pen and every aspect of ranch life. He is really fun to rope on as well.”
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle TARA MATSLER/SMOKETTA CAT
In their first season together, Tara Matsler and Smoketta Cat (Dual R Smokin x Fletchetta Cat x High Brow Cat) claimed their title with $2,643.90. The mare had previously competed with Matsler’s father, Terry.
“I took several years off from showing reined cow horses, and it’s been quite the effort to get back in the groove,” Matsler shared. “‘Loretta’ is so talented and covers many of my mistakes. My futurity horse also thanks her for bearing the brunt of my re-introduction with reined cow horse. Loretta is so athletic and talented. I treasure that she has a huge heart and so much try.”
Non Pro Hackamore STEPHEN CLINE/NIC IT N STARLIGHT
Stephen Cline’s homebred, -raised and -trained mare Nic It N Starlight (Whiz N Starlight x Nic It Chic x Nic It In The Bud) is out of Cline’s first bridle mare. The pair netted $2,132 to earn their title.
“Last spring, she severely injured her leg, and her future athletic career was questionable,” Cline shared. “She sat out almost all last year, and I always felt like she was behind. Our other challenge was balancing the responsibilities of owning a business and maintaining my horse at home. Crossing the border frequently meant extra paperwork, and it was a long drive to most of the shows, but oh, what journey.”
MARTIN PERFORMANCE
COWHORSE
Non Pro Two Rein ANTONIETTE HARMS/METALLIC MINI
Using his athleticism in the herd and down the fence, Metallic Mini (Metallic Cat x Pow Wow Pep x Hickorys Indian Pep) and Antoniette Harms secured $2,710 to earn their title.
“Training and keeping my horse schooled for the shows in Montana’s unpredictable, challenging weather can be challenging,” she said. “Our highlight of the year was winning the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular at the Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association Classic Derby & Horse Show.”
In their third year of reined cow horse competition, Jamie Shumaker and Lil John Henry (Little Trona x Glo A Little Smarter x King Glo Solano) netted $1,760.83 for their title.
“Our most memorable show moment was at the Idaho Magicality Futurity, Derby and Horse Show, where we were finally able to put all the pieces of our reining pattern together and scored our highest score to date,” she shared. “‘LJ’s’ most special physical talent is his stop. He's really shown me this year how great his stops can be.”
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing
CARISSA SCHAAFSMA/JILLS LAST BET
Youth Boxing
Non Pro Boxing
DELINDA JOKELA/ICE WYNND FIRE
Limited Non Pro Boxing
JACKIE TOWLE/WIMPYS LITTLE HAVOC
Showing an older horse has its perks. Jackie Towle appreciates the maturity and consistency of Wimpys Little Havoc (Wimpys Little Step x Miz Santana Anna x Topsail Whiz). The pair earned $472.50 to claim their title.
“My standout memory of 2023 is riding in a thunder and rainstorm in an outdoor arena,” she shared. “The weekend hadn’t been going well, and I didn’t know how ‘Havoc’ would handle the thunder because he tends to be shy. The weather didn’t bother him, and, in fact, he seemed to enjoy it. We had our best ride of the show. I was so proud of him!”
Karlee Vandersnick and Stylish Heritage (Docs Stylish Oak x Miss Meow x High Brow Cat) pocketed $1,590 for their title.
Carissa Schaafsma and Jills Last Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Shiners Diamond Jill x Shining Spark) earned $2,305 for their title.
Delinda Jokela and Ice Wynnd Fire (Peptoboonsmal x Fancy Frostina x Smart Little Lena) claimed $3,027.75 for their title.
Carissa Schaafsma and Jills Last Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Shiners Diamond Jill x Shining Spark) earned $3,070.25 for their title.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Open Bridle MARY JANEZ/BEN BALDUS
Owned by Carolyn A. Edson, Mary Janez (Travelin Jonez x Daphne Doo Right x Chex My Freckles) and Ben Baldus earned $12,089.90 to claim their title.
Limited Open Bridle MISS SPARKIN CHICS/SAMUEL BREMENOUR
Owned by April Williams, Miss Sparkin Chics (ARC Sparkin Chics x Von Bondie Lena x Moon Me Pepto) and Samuel Bremenour earned $2,518.25 for their title.
Open Hackamore SHINE LIKE A DIME/CAYLEY WILSON
Owned by Michelle Cannon, Shine Like a Dime (Shiners Nickle x Hickory Ten x Docs Hickory) and Cayley Wilson earned a whopping $14,316 to claim their title.
“‘Dime’ has a tremendous ability to read a cow going down the fence and has so much heart,” Cannon shared. “She’s determined not to get beat by a cow.”
Limited Open Hackamore BET ON THIS PEPTO 18/CASSIE JO MARSHALL
Bet On This Pepto 18 and Cassie Jo Marshall also claimed this title in the North Central region. Please see complete write-up on page 114.
by Kathleen
On Me
Open Two Rein BAD TO THA BOON/ERIN TAORMINO Non Pro Bridle
Bad To Tha Boon (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On
and Erin
pocketed $7,772 to earn this title. Keith Pinkley said the title is in memory of his late wife, Kathy. “Our most memorable show moment of 2023 was ‘Tat’s’ reserve championship in the Open Two Rein at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and thinking of my wife, Kathy,” he said.
LANHAM BROWN/HESA TWISTED BET
Lanham Brown started Hesa Twisted Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan) as a 2-year-old and never looked back. They earned $6,098.75 to capture their title.
“My best memory of 2023 on this horse was making the Non Pro World’s Greatest Horseman™ finals,” Brown shared. “His overall strength sets him apart.”
Owned
Pinkley,
Merada x Bet
498)
Taormino
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle BIRGIT SELF/MARTINIS BET 15
Showing at the Kimes Ranch Western Derby was a highlight for Brigit Self and Martinis Bet 15 (Bet Hesa Cat x Dual Martini x Dual Rey) during the 2023 show season. The pair earned $2,443.40 for their title.
“'Martini' is a phenomenal show horse with a big personality,” she said. “He's consistent in the show pen and excels in all three events: herd work, reined work and fence work.”
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle MEGAN WADDELL/BOONSHINEN
In her first full year going down the fence, Megan Waddell and partner Boonshinen (Smart Boons x Shine Up My Sliders x Shiners Vintage) earned a total of $2,894.25 for their title.
“The biggest challenge I faced this show season was not letting a bad run affect my confidence,” she said. “This was our first full year going down the fence. We had two shows where we struggled, and keeping my mental game strong was hard. Chris Dawson told me it’s all part of the process. I really had to keep my chin up and remind myself even the pros have their bad days, and ‘Betty’ and I can do this.”
Non Pro Hackamore MYLES BROWN/OVERTHELEGALLIMITRAB
Myles Brown and OverTheLegalLimitRAB (One Time Royalty x Billie Travis x Continental Fly) pocketed $1,589.40 for their title.
Non Pro Two Rein TYLOR TODD/VOODOO WHISKEY
Partners for three years, Tylor Todd and Voodoo Whiskey (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whiskey On Wheels x Paddys Iris Whiskey) shared a big highlight in 2023: placing third in the World’s Greatest Horseman ™ non pro division. They earned $3,397.5 for their title.
“He’s the easiest horse to be around,” Todd said. “There are never really any challenges with him. He’s a huge stopper and loves to go down the fence.”
Youth Cow Horse
BAILY J. SHOPBELL/SHES PLAYIN REY
Youth Boxing/Box Drive
TALEN BARRY/SMART REM N BE
Partnering for five years, Talen Barry and Smart Rem N Be (Very Smart Remedy x Be Bob To Reno x Bob Acre Doc) took two titles, with total earnings of $3,595.25.
“My horse’s best physical talent is working a cow,” she shared. “No matter what, I can count on him to do his job.”
Baily Shopbell and Shes Playin Rey (TR Dual Rey x Playin Acre x Playin Stylish) earned $3,278.8 to claim their title.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION continued
Non Pro Boxing KENDRA SUHLING/METALLIC SLIDE
Kendra Suhling and Metallic Slide (Metallic Cat x Sliden Wright By x Smart Little Lena) have progressed from limited-age events to bridle classes. They earned $1,983 for their title.
“My biggest memory of 2023 is the box drive finals at the Celebration of Champions,” she shared. “I felt like I left everything in the arena that day, and ‘Mouse’ was there for me every step. We ended up reserve champions, and I couldn’t have been happier.”
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing/ Limited Non Pro Boxing SYDNEY WHITLING/EXTRA HIGH CALIBER
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Open Bridle TIMEFORLIGHTENING/BEN BOWMAN
Competing across two divisions successfully can be challenging, but TimeForLightening (One Time Pepto x SDP Gretchens Kitty x Hydrive Cat) managed to find success in the Open Bridle with Ben Bowman and in the Boxing with his wife, Lisa Marie. Bowman and the horse collected $2,505 in the Open Bridle in his region to claim the title.
Open Hackamore FLASHED/JOE W. HARPER
Owned by Diane Wilson, Flashed (Catty Hawk x Dual Reyann x Dual Rey) and Joe Harper earned $3,942 for their title.
Limited Open Bridle BOONS REFLECTION/CHRIS WARD
Once she adapted her habits with Extra High Caliber (Snipers Smoking Gun x Extra Dry Dazzel x Extra Dry Chex), Sydney Whitling clicked with her horse. The pair earned a total of $4,489.38 to earn their two titles. She says her horse is a good mover and is attractive in the show pen.
Shannon Ward’s Boons Reflection (Yellow Roan Of Texas x Cutta Reflection x Colonels Reflection) and Chris Ward earned $2,057 for their title. At the pair’s final show of 2023, the horse marked a 75 down the fence, a personal best.
“I tried to make sure he was comfortable and sound the entire show season with the help of good vets and a good farrier,” Chris Ward said. “He’s just become a great horse to me.”
Limited Open Hackamore SMART BLIND ANNIE/CHRIS WARD
Owned by Marsha Brantley, Smart Blind Annie (Blind Sided x Smart Shiney Annie x Smart Shiner) and Chris Ward pocketed $1,695 for their title.
“She’s fun to show—the entire year was fun,” he shared. “I was most worried about running out of her favorite treats at the shows!”
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Open Two Rein CLIC CLIC BOOM/ELISE C. ULMER
Owners Brad and Stacia Lange’s Clic Clic Boom (Chic Please x Alice In Boomerland x Mr Boomerjac) partnered with Elise Ulmer to earn $906 for their title.
Non Pro Bridle FRANCES LABOURDETTE/TIME ENOUGH FOR LOVE
In 2023, Frances Labourdette and Time Enough For Love (This One Time x Shining Peptolena x Shining Spark) found their groove, earning $1,550 for their title.
“Katie is very athletic,” she said. “She can stop big, turn pretty and change leads effortlessly. Her attitude is also one of her greatest assets.”
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle LISA SYKES/SHINEE HOT WHEELS
Lisa Sykes brought Shinee Hot Wheels (Shining Lil Nic x Paymethemoney x Lena My Way) to Florida in 2022. The pair won $372 in 2023 to claim their title.
“Shinee Hot Wheels has many talents, but he can stop like there’s nobody’s business—I can’t always time it right, but when I can, it’s pretty perfect,” she said. “He’s also an amazing ranch riding horse.”
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle LIZ WAGUESPACK/MISTER HICKORY SMOKE
In their first show season together, Liz Waguespack and Mister Hickory Smoke (Mister Dual Pep x Mary Jo Hickory x Docs Hickory) overcame Waguespack’s knee injury to earn $1,710 for their title.
“When all the pieces you've been working on in practice come together in a show—that feeling is just really amazing,” she shared. “We had an incredible show in Memphis, Tennessee, in November, with each show getting stronger and stronger. We followed it up with our highest score ever in Andalusia, Alabama, at the Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance’s final show of the year.”
Non Pro Hackamore LUCAS A. MCCULLOUGH/SHES SLIDIN ON ICE
A. McCullough and Shes Slidin On Ice (Gunner On Ice x Slidin For Chex x Nu Chex To Cash) earned $482 for their title.
Non Pro Two Rein JENNIFER RICHARDS/BRIGHT CD LIGHTS
After the injury of her longtime mare, Jennifer Richards connected with Bright CD Lights (CD Lights x Jennys Spark x Shining Spark) in 2022. During the 2023 season, the pair earned $1,740 to capture their title.
“There are so many amazing memories, but probably the most memorable moment was the very last class at the very last show of the year,” she said. “My goal was just to be braver going down the fence. That entire weekend, we had consistent runs, but I wanted to finish strong. The minute the whistle blew, I knew we had accomplished that goal. I immediately stepped off and gave ‘Vegas’ a big hug!
Lucas
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Youth Cow Horse ISABELLA SLIPHER/A SMART REMARK
Earning $874.60 to claim their title, Isabella Slipher and A Smart Remark (Mark This Spot x Smart Little Sadie x Smart Little Calboy) were proud to earn a score in all but one reined work all show season, though she admits her horse of three years did lose a shoe at every show in 2023.
Youth Boxing JOSIE MANSFIELD/HAPPY TO CD SUN
Challenged by balancing school and a busy competitive schedule, Josie Mansfield and Happy To CD Sun (Sundoctor x Happy CD x CD Olena) netted $796.70 to secure their title.
“My most memorable moment from the 2023 season was at the Larry Westmoreland Memorial Show in Monroe, Louisiana,” she said. “‘Gracie’ had never felt better, and we ended up with our highest cow work score to date! We also ended the show as reserve circuit champions in the youth boxing for the weekend, walking away with a buckle.”
Non Pro Boxing SUSIE LANE/ROANY REY JAY
A pair for three years, Susie Lane and Roany Rey Jay (Boonlight Dancer x Rey Janie Starlight x Grays Starlight) might’ve had trouble finding cows to work, but they managed to net $1,208 for their title.
“He always gives his best regardless of me,” she said. “The year 2023 was a challenging one for me personally, so I didn’t get to ride as much as I would’ve liked, but this horse was always there for me. He’s so good-minded and does his job as long as I don't get in his way.”
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing DIANA TEMPLETON/PRINCESS IN PLATINUM
Personalities that work together helped Diana Templeton and Princess In Platinum (Platinum Vintage x ARC Martina x Smart Little Lena) pocket $745 to earn their title.
“It’s hard for me to choose one special talent,” she shared. “But her sliding stop impresses me. I love her in the pen just as much as in the stall. She is a very kind mare.”
Limited Non Pro Boxing LEE BALDOCK/ SMART N SMOKIN REY
This show season marked the pair’s first going to as many shows as they could, and Lee Baldock and Smart N Smokin Rey (Dual Smart Rey x Smart Little Nina x Smart Little Lena) made the most of it by earning $1,779.90 for their title.
“‘R2’ is such a little powerhouse,” Bladock said. “He has athletic ability in both reining and boxing.”
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
continued
Box Drive
SUMMER KELLY/SJR DIAMOND KATRINA
They took a bit to click, but once they did, Summer Kelly and SJR Diamond Katrina (CD Diamond x Whizs Katrina x Topsail Whiz) earned $1,883 for their title.
“My most memorable moment was in May at the Volunteer Ranch Horse show in Cordova, Tennessee, where we had our highest scores in the pen. The reining was great and so much fun, and then the cow was perfect and we worked it so well. That was a ton of fun!”
SOUTHWEST REGION
Open Bridle SCOOTER KAT/JUSTIN WRIGHT
Owned by Eric Freitas, Scooter Kat (Kit Kat Sugar x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Rey) had a great year, including competing at The American Performance Horseman and winning the Run for a Million with Justin Wright. During the 2023 season, they captured $8,144.63 to claim their title.
Limited Open Bridle LIL DUSTY DUAL RAY/MELVIN HELMUTH
Owner Sallianne O’Neal plans to show Lil Dusty Dual Ray (Dual Rey x Lil Dusty Lola x CD Royal in the non pro in 2024, but in 2023 Melvin Helmuth piloted the horse to $1,832 in earnings to capture the title.
“He’s never cow-fresh, but he’s so cowy,” she said.
Open Hackamore CR TUFF N STYLISH/KEN L. WOLD
Owned by Daniel J. Perez, CR Tuff N Stylish (Woody Be Tuff x CR Stylish Play Rey x Dual Rey) partnered to earn $5,614.10 for their title.
Limited Open Hackamore VE ONE HIRED GUN/BAILEY BEARUP
Owned by Vera Earl Ranch Inc., VE One Hired Gun (Hired Gun x One Autumn Breeze x One Time Pepto) and Bailey Bearup brought home an impressive $2,197.80 for their title.
“Every run has been memorable on this mare,” she said. “But one of my favorite moments was showing at the NRCHA Western Derby and winning the Limited Open Hackamore. Her owner, Addison Tomlinson, showed her in the Non Pro Derby Boxing class, placing reserve champions.
Open Two Rein
SMART CHIC AN TARI/SARA DAWSON
Owned by Aaron Ranch, Smart Chic N Tari (Smart Chic Olena x Shiney Tari x Shining Spark) has been with Sara Dawson since the mare was 2 years old. The pair earned $5,385 to claim their title.
“This mare had her whole 5-year-old season off due to injury,” Dawson shared. “For her to come back as strong as she did her 6-year-old year was simply amazing. This mare is a freak of nature—she does every single event so beautifully; she doesn’t have a weakness.”
SOUTHWEST REGION continued
Non Pro Bridle/ Intermediate Non Pro Bridle PAUL WILINSKI/SMOOTH SANTANNA
For seven years, Paul Wilinski has owned Smooth Santanna (Smooth As A Cat x Smart Mariah x Smart Little Lena). Altogether, the pair earned $6,441.85 in two events to claim their titles.
“I struggled coming back from a leg fracture and bad bone bruise that put me out for five weeks after getting hit hard twice in the same place on the left leg by cows going down the fence at back-to-back weekend shows,” he revealed. “My best memory of the year is showing at the California Reined Cow Horse Association show in Paso Robles, California, with NRCHA classes and earning a shootout spot with both Smooth Santanna and Brothers Belledancer. It was so special to show them in such an electrifying atmosphere against all the great riders and have the crowd cheering for you.”
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
The 2023 Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes marked the first time Rebecca Ann Winfield and Seven S Corona (Very Smart Remedy x Seven S Zans Fancy x Seven S Zanaday) came together as a completely relaxed team in their four years together. In 2023, they earned $1,717.40 for their title.
“Our biggest challenge is saddle time,” she shared. “‘Corona’ is in training in Arizona, and I live in New Mexico. I rarely get to ride him more than three times a month. It's what makes him so special. He doesn't get to spend much time with me, but I'm still his favorite person. Corona is incredibly cowy, but it's that first turn on the fence that he excels at. He can make the dust fly!”
Non Pro Hackamore GARRELL L. REILLY/BET SHESA PLAYMATE
Garrell Reilly’s most prominent memory of 2023 with Bet Shesa Playmate (Bet Hesa Cat x Very Smart Playmate x Very Smart Remedy) was putting together a great run in the Non Pro Hackamore at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® to place second in the class. They earned $2,327 to take the title.
“My mental game is always my biggest challenge,” Reilly shared. “My husband, Preston, is my biggest cheerleader and best mental coach. With all his success in the roping, he has an excellent mindset. My horse, ‘Sister,’ is a freak of nature. She is so small (900 pounds), but she doesn't know it. Her ability to work a cow is incredible, and she can run!”
Non Pro Two Rein PAUL WILINSKI/BROTHERS BELLEDANCER
Partners for three years, Paul Wilinski had to overcome injuries of his own in his journey with Brothers Belledancer (Brother Jackson x Belle E Dancer x SMF Lenas Award). Ultimately, the pair tallied $2,966 to earn this title.
“‘BB’ is so quick and agile and loves the cow work,” he said.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Youth Cow Horse LANDRI LISAC/CAT WALKS INTO A BAR
Landri Lisac and Cat Walks Into A Bar (WR This Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark) partnered to earn $335.25 for their title.
Youth Boxing
CHET GORRELL/ SMOOTH N CASH
Chet Gorrell and Smooth N Cash (Smooth As A Cat x Dox Gavacash x Miss N Cash) earned $1,894.75 on the way to their title.
Non Pro Boxing
JENNA STOLTING/KIT KAT ROYAL
Showing cow horses is a family affair for Jenna Stolting and her sister and brother-in-law. She and Kit Kat Royal (Kit Kat Sugar x Little Royal Blue x Smart Little Lena) finished the 2023 season with $5,539.26 for their title.
“I enjoy every opportunity I get to swing a leg over such a talented, big-hearted mare,” she said. “I show with my sister, Julie, and brotherin-law, Patrick, which makes great fun on the road. My most memorable moment this year was the Western Derby because it’s a home show for us, and all my family and friends came to support us. That’s what I love about this sport: It’s about fun, friends and family! I couldn’t be more blessed to be a part of such a great association!”
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing ANALINA M. PORSCH/MAGICAL BROTHER
Analina M. Prosch and Magical Brother (Hickory Holly Time x Smoke N My Wranglers x Wranglers Starlight) partnered to earn $1,472.50 for their title.
Limited Non Pro Boxing DEANNA JOHNSON/SHINEY NU GUNS
Deanna Johnson and Shiney Nu Guns (Gunnatrashya x Cash Me If U Can x The Cash Button) partnered to earn $1,644.50 for their title.
Box Drive
LINDA KIERNAN/FTR SMART SMOKE
The year's first show was the first time Linda Kiernan showed FTR Smart Smoke (Very Smart Remedy x Smoke N My Wranglers x Wranglers Starlight) in the box drive class. The pair earned $1,516.25 for their title.
“The first show of the year was my first time showing in the box drive class, and we’d been unable to practice due to continuous rain,” she said. “I was anxious as I called for my cow, but my horse, ‘Dodger,’ took a big breath and let me know he was ready.”
KeysLegend The to the
BY LARRI JO STARKEY
Opposite page: Cowgirl to her core, NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Annie Reynolds was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum’s Hall of Fame for the five traits she says make a true cowgirl: skill, tenacity, strength, compassion and passion.
Annie Reynolds, 2023 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee, shares five essential traits all cowgirls need.
IN NOVEMBER, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame recognized the essential cowgirl nature of the legendary Annie Reynolds and inducted her into its prestigious Hall of Fame.
Reynolds has been unwavering in her commitment to horses, cattle and the cowgirl way of life since the 1970s as a breeder, owner and competitor. She’s an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider and was the first woman to reach that mark. She was also the first non pro to achieve this honor. As of press time, Reynolds had $1.73 million in lifetime earnings—well on her way to $2 million. That’s a status she could one day share with her stallion, Very Smart Remedy, who already has $2 million in offspring earnings.
Reynolds won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® eight times as a non pro before becoming exclusively an open rider in 2012. She was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame in 2015. Still, the induction into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame came as a surprise.
“It’s really an overwhelming honor,” Reynolds said. “I’m truly grateful to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame and to my mother, Joyce Pearson, for all the opportunity and all the amazing horses that she raised. She’s been a breeder of great horses for 70 years. I’m grateful to the literally thousands of people whose helped in my journey allowed me to achieve this distinction. I feel like my induction is due mostly to them and only partially to me.”
The National Cowgirl Hall Museum and Hall of Fame was established to honor women of the West who exhibit courage and the pioneer spirit as trailblazers. Reynolds, who carved a path in reined cow horse competition for other women to follow, is exactly the sort of woman the Hall of Fame honors.
Right: The 2023 class includes Reynolds (front-left), Megan Hill-McQueeny (front-center), Gladys Roldán-de-Moras (back-left), Kendra Santos (back-right) and Mary Fields (not pictured)..
Reined Cow Horse News asked Reynolds to share the five traits that every cowgirl needs to develop on her way to becoming a legend. From the Why Worry Ranch in King Hill, Idaho, Reynolds described these characteristics in her own words.
Skill. Skill takes practice. It requires an eagerness and willingness to learn, and the will to get better. The hardest skills to learn are the ones that you have to relearn. As time goes by, you get new ideas and new information, and then you must change your skills in handling horses and cattle to continue to improve.
I was lucky to have lots of great horses to help me learn and great people in my life: horsemen, cattlemen, cowboys, cowgirls. Lots of people helped me, just one bit at a time, and there was also a lot of making mistakes and trying to learn from them.
I really wanted to prove myself. I wanted to be really, really good at something. I didn’t set out for it to be horse training. When I started to learn how to train horses, I never verbalized that I wanted to be a horse trainer. I felt like that was too lofty a goal for me. My goal was to get better.
It was important to me to know that I was tough and that I was a hard worker, and that I maintain an open mind and continue to learn whatever came my way. It’s easy to stay where you are. It’s hard to challenge yourself to get better.
Tenacity. Tenacity is the ability to keep on keeping on, even when things are hard. It’s about being tough enough to keep your eye on the bigger picture and being willing to endure hard times to get to better times.
When I started in reined cow horse, the industry was male-dominated, and in the beginning, it took a lot of grit and tenacity to be a nonconformist and do what not many had done before. It was a great lesson. There were some people who tried to hold me back, and I refused to allow that. In the process, they taught me how to be mentally tough and focus on what I wanted. That’s a valuable tool. It was a gift that they gave me.
When I was starting, the industry didn’t necessarily have the vocabulary to help other people. Riders and spectators didn’t know how to articulate what was going on with the horse or the rider or the run. We didn’t have the communication that exists via the Internet now. You couldn’t find things out. There was no way to research what you wanted to know. Today, there are books on everything. It was more difficult for everyone, not just me. We learned through trial and error—a lot of error.
You must immerse yourself in learning and continue to challenge yourself every day. It takes the desire
to want to do that and the tenacity for the will to do it. I’d tell anyone who asked me that winning wasn’t my goal. I wanted to do a good job training my horse, preparing my horse to show and showing my horse. I figured that if I could do a good job at all those things, there was a good possibility that I’d win, but winning was not my focus.
Below: Reynolds, shown here with Magical Lena (Little Lenas Legend x Swayback Magic x Early Tink), credits her mental focus for much of her success.]
WHO ASKED ME THAT WINNING WASN’T MY GOAL. I WANTED TO DO A GOOD JOB TRAINING MY HORSE, PREPARING MY HORSE TO SHOW AND SHOWING MY HORSE.
“ ” I’D TELL ANYONE
Opposite page, bottom: Breeding, training and showing—Reynolds, shown here on 2012 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Champion Very Black Magic (Very Smart Remedy x Magical Lena x Little Lenas Legend) excels at it all.
When my kids were small, I didn’t show much for about nine years. During that time, I realized that learning was the reward, and I thrived on it. Whether I had a great run, a good run or a bad run, or I made a mistake, there was always a lesson to be learned. That lesson was an opportunity to improve.
Strength. Being a cowgirl takes a lot of mental strength and physical strength. Some of the smallest cowgirls I know are some of the strongest people I know. Many cowgirls I know are extremely strong mentally and are faced with lots of challenges every day that they conquer.
I spent a lot of time being my own worst critic, looking in the mirror and trying to figure out my weakest links and dedicating some of my time to improving those. That was a constant practice for many years.
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A lot of the things that cowgirls do in a normal course of the day, like starting colts or dealing with unruly horses or unruly cattle or going down the fence are dangerous, and they all require courage and strength, both mental and physical.
Compassion. I think that any cowgirl worth her salt loves her horses, her cattle, her family and friends, and has empathy for all of them.
Passion. Passion drives it all. That’s the motor behind everything – the love of horses, cattle and the Western lifestyle.
Those five qualities can carry a cowgirl a long way toward success. I wish you all the best of luck.
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THE FINANCES OF
BREEDING
Learn from a first-hand account of a breeder’s key lessons about the investment side of breeding.
REEDING AND FOALING SEASON
is an exciting time of year, but it hasn’t always been that way. It’s taken time to get to the point where I’ve gained confidence in my breeding decisions. Several incredible people in the industry have been my mentors and guides. I value the relationships and knowledge I’ve built through the years. Along with educating myself in the Western performance horse industry, I realized that financial planning is also critical in decision-making. I start with a written plan: a breeding budget and a review of the financial market to determine the supply and demand of the industry.
Although the economy has been a past concern, the volatility doesn’t seem to
influence the industry at this time. Exciting events such as The American Performance Horseman, The Run For A Million and barrel racing and rope horse incentives alone added more than $12 million in purses to the industry in 2023. The surge in the NRCHA, National Cutting Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association and American Rope Horse Association industries has led purses to increase to an all-time high, and they continue to grow. By that same token, stallion fees, mare costs and the overall cost to breed and raise a horse have increased substantially during the last few years. It’s an exciting time in the industry, and the demand for well-bred horses is at a premium. What does all this mean for the breeding business?
WHAT BUYERS WANT
We can’t read buyers’ minds, but we have a pretty good idea because we’re deeply involved in the Western performance industry.
WE CAN’T READ BUYERS’ MINDS, BUT WE HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA BECAUSE WE’RE DEEPLY INVOLVED IN THE WESTERN PERFORMANCE INDUSTRY.
“ ”
STORY BY BEVERLY SERVI
You have big dreams of breeding your mare. Before diving in, ensure that you understand the financial obligations you’ll face to produce someone’s dream horse.
BEVERLY SERVI is a Western performance equine breeder and stallion owner, as well as a retired CPA and financial consultant. She serves on the NRCHA Board of Directors and is on the strategic planning and owners committees and the stallion incentive task force. It’s her goal to build connections through educating others about the breeding and showing business. Visit serviquarterhorses.com to read her article that lists the top tips to help your mare settle in foal.
Buyers are looking for well-bred horses with more than just good bloodlines. Conformation, good bone, eye appeal, sire and dam earnings, a good mind and demeanor and longevity are some important aspects buyers look for that should play into your decision when choosing a broodmare or a stallion. How the sire and dam move, what catches your eye about them, what you like about the stallion or mare’s presentation and what the offspring will bring to the industry will be items on the buyer’s checklist and should be on yours, too.
Additionally, buyers want to purchase from a breeder they know provides quality care and who they can trust to put the horses’ best interests first. This gives them confidence in their investment, which can be substantial.
Photos Courtesy of Beverly Servi
THE INVESTMENT
When we look at the surface of this endeavor to produce high-quality offspring, the stallion must have superior qualities, lifetime earnings (LTE) and progeny earnings (PE). The chosen mare should have the proverbial “mare power,” including her own LTE and PE, proving she can produce winning offspring. If the mare has several offspring earners, you have yourself an asset—hold onto it. Some mares have limited lifetime earnings or no earnings, but their offspring are successful. Keep in mind it takes four to eight years to prove a mare this way. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfers help increase the PE for mares, making both her and her offspring more valuable.
Creating this winning combination may cost a minimum of $50,000 for an egg. A winning mare with longevity in the sport and earnings of $150,000 could cost $25,000 to $75,000 for an egg. Scarcity plays a role here, because there are very few mares with this type of record. It takes a minimum of four years to prove a mare, so consider the time value of money here. You can invest $30,000 to more than $100,000 raising a single foal to show age, so proving a mare can be costly.
Many factors influence the cost of raising a foal, including breeding, raising and training. And don’t forget the value of your time and overhead like barns, utilities, trailers, trucks and equipment. A long-term
business plan can help boost your success and sanity. Having clearly defined goals and a breeding budget will help eliminate surprises and help you stay the course to meet your desired outcome and success.
DEVELOPING YOUR PLAN
Conversations with your reproductive veterinarian regarding the best way to breed your mare are important and are the first phase of your plan. Our industry doesn’t do live cover because of the dangers to the horses and humans. Therefore, the stallions are collected, allowing for fresh or frozen semen. Then, the mare or oocytes are artificially inseminated. Embryo transfers and ICSI procedures are also available, and I’m incredibly encouraged to know that IVF in horses may be available soon. This is so big for the equine reproductive community because it drastically reduces early embryonic loss. Each of these decisions, made with your veterinarian, is crucial in developing your plan. Next, understand and be confident in the funds available to invest in breeding. Third, understand your customers and the industry and consider supply and demand. Finally, enlist mentors in the industry. People are willing to help, and your relationships with stallion owners, mare owners, associations, reproductive veterinarians, trainers and stallion stations can bolster your plan—and your confidence in it.
Here's a list of some budget items to consider in your breeding plan.
Think the major costs end when the foal hits the ground? Think again. Consider all elements of its care, from veterinary visits to feed and supplements to starting and training the colt or filly.
BONUS TIP: BE KIND
Your veterinarian, vet techs, employees at the breeding farm—everyone involved with your breeding process—are all working hard to make your dreams come true. Treating them with respect, patience and kindness goes a long way in achieving your goal and setting your reputation with these valuable members of your breeding team.
Read the stallion contract to identify all fees, such as the stallion himself, chute, shipping, rebreeding and other fees that may apply if your mare doesn’t settle in foal the first time.
Closely examine the stallion and mare’s disease panels.
Before signing the contract, conduct a complete reproductive soundness exam on the mare, including cultures and biopsies.
Consider costs such as the additional electricity to keep a mare under lights, transportation expenses and regular care, including vaccines and farrier expenses.
Look into fees for artificial insemination, embryo flush, embryo transfers and recipient mare fees— these can add up.
The average conception rate in the equine industry is about 65 percent, which means you might have to breed your mare multiple times before she settles, which affects your budget.
Look at your feed program and any additional mare and foal growth and development supplements you’ll need to purchase.
Price mare care at an equine reproductive facility if that’s part of your plan.
Be ready for veterinary expenses to add up, including pregnancy checks up to 120 days, foaling out the mare, foal care, post-foaling vet check, plasma IV and more.
Price additional insurance you’ll need to carry to protect your investment.
KNOW YOUR WHY
Raising quality foals requires planning, whether you’ve raised one or 100 foals. What makes your mare a great candidate for breeding? Does breeding bring you a great deal of joy? Are you seeking to be a part of a community of people who raise extraordinary equine athletes? Or, is your goal to produce a future show horse for yourself or a trainer? Your why determines your goals, mission and dreams. When you’re confident in knowing your why, it’s easier to ask for what you want and to communicate clearly. Having clearly defined goals, including a breeding budget, will help eliminate surprises and help your program meet your desired outcome.
YOUR WHY DETERMINES YOUR GOALS, MISSION AND DREAMS. “ ”
A standout mare, like Flo N Blu Boon, has a major influence on the marketability of the foal you’ll produce and hence plays a big part in your breeding investment.
Will Rogers Memorial Center
3401 W. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, Texas 76107 February 11-24, 2024
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 11
8 AM Coliseum Derby Herd Work: Non Pro Boxing Divisions settle @ 7:40 Derby Herd Work: Non Pro Divisions
MONDAY – FEBRUARY 12
8 AM Coliseum Derby Herd Work: Open Divisions settle @ 7:40
8 AM Justin Preliminaries: Non Pro Bridle**
Derby Rein Work: Non Pro Boxing Divisions
Derby Rein Work: Non Pro Divisions
TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 13
8 AM Coliseum Derby Herd Work: Open Divisions settle @ 7:40
Derby Herd Work: Open Divisions - L1/NH
8 AM Justin Preliminaries: Intermediate & Level 1 NP Bridle** Preliminaries: Non Pro Boxing **
WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 14
8 AM Coliseum Derby Herd Work: Open Divisions - L1/NH – continued settle @ 7:40
WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMANTM
Preliminaries: Herd Work
8 AM Justin Preliminaries: Box Drive**
Derby Cow Work: Non Pro Divisions
Derby Cow Work: Non Pro Boxing Divisions Finals: Non Pro Bridle
8 AM Justin Finals: Youth Cow Horse Finals: Limited Open Bridle Finals: Open Bridle
3:30 PM Watt Arena Careers in Cowtown
SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 24
8 AM Justin
World’s Greatest Youth HorsemanTM Herd Work WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMANTM Finals: Herd Work
4:30 PM Coliseum WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMANTM Finals: Steer Stopping Finals: Rein Work
World’s Greatest Youth HorsemanTM Fence Only Finals Finals: Cow Work
** Select classes (55 & over) are offered and run concurrent with only one corresponding preliminary based on exhibitor choice.
Following WGH Rein Work
Following Open Hackamore
PAST WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMANTM CHAMPIONS
PAST WORLD’S GREATEST YOUTH HORSEMANTM CHAMPIONS
Break free
Help your equine patients by controllingthe clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis
•The only FDA approvedpentosan polysulfate sodium injection
•Convenient;only4intramuscularinjections required
•Not limited to use for specificjoints1
24-hour Veterinary Technical Support available: (866) 933-2472
Nonurgent Technical Support available:support@dechra.com
Important SatefyInformation
Aswithalldrugs, sideeffectsmayoccur.Forintramuscularuseinhorses only.Notfor usein humans.Pentosanpolysulfate sodiumis aweakanticoagulant.Cautionshouldbeused whenadministeringZycosanifyouaretakingananticoagulant. Incaseofaccidental self-injection,seekimmediatemedicalattention.Ifproductcomesintocontactwith skin,rinse skinthoroughlywithwater andseekmedicalattentionifneeded. HorseswithhypersensitivitytopentosanpolysulfatesodiumshouldnotreceiveZycosan.Do notuseZycosanconcurrentlywithotheranticoagulantdrugs. Donotuseinhorseswithclotting disordersorwithin24hoursof surgicalprocedures.Cautionshouldbeusedwhenadministeringthisdrugbeforeorafterstrenuousactivities.Cautionshouldbe used whenNSAIDSareadministeredconcurrentlyduetotheanticoagulanteffectsofZycosan.IfZycosanandNSAIDSareused concurrently,horsesshouldbemonitoredforhemorrhageorotherclinicalsignsofabnormal bleeding.ThesafeuseofZycosanhas not beenevaluatedinbreeding,pregnant,orlactatinghorses.Thesafetyoflong-termrepeatuseofZycosanhasnot been evaluated.Themostfrequentlyreportedadversereactionsareinjectionsitereactions,prolongationofcoagulationparameters (activatedpartialthromboplastintime(aPTT)andprothrombintime(PT).Refertotheprescribinginformationfor completedetailsor visit ww w.dechra-us.com.
Zycosan®
(pentosan
polysulfate sodium
injection)
250 mg/mL
For intramuscular use in horses only.
Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert)
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION: Zycosan contains pentosan polysulfate sodium, a semi-synthetic polysulfated xylan.
It is a pale yellow to brownish yellow, clear, sterile solution.
INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis in horses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to pentosan polysulfate sodium or any of the inactive ingredients in Zycosan should not receive Zycosan. Do not use Zycosan concurrently with other anticoagulant drugs. Do not use in horses with clotting disorders or within 24 hours of surgical procedures (see Warnings and Precautions).
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:
User Safety Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a weak anticoagulant. Caution should be used when administering Zycosan if you are taking an anticoagulant. In case of accidental self-injection, seek immediate medical attention. If product comes into contact with skin, rinse skin thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if needed. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Dechra at (866) 933-2472.
Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions: Zycosan has been shown to prolong coagulation parameters up to 24 hours after injection, therefore caution should be used when administering this drug before or after strenuous activities (see Target Animal Safety). Due to the anticoagulant effects, this drug may exacerbate Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH).
The concurrent use of NSAIDs with Zycosan has not been evaluated. Due to the anticoagulant effects of Zycosan and known anticoagulant effects of some NSAIDs, caution should be used if NSAIDs are concurrently administered. Horses concurrently treated with Zycosan and NSAIDs should be monitored for hemorrhage or other clinical signs of abnormal bleeding (e.g., petechiae, ecchymosis, or epistaxis). The safety of long-term repeat use of Zycosan has not been evaluated. Pigmentary changes in the retina (pigmentary maculopathy) have been reported in human patients following long-term oral use of pentosan polysulfate sodium. It is not known if a similar finding occurs in horses. The safe use of Zycosan has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses.
Other Warnings: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Injection site reactions were the most frequently reported adverse reactions in the field study. Injection site reactions were associated with clinicopathology changes in some cases. Other adverse reactions reported in more than one horse were prolongation of coagulation parameters (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT)), lethargy, behavior changes, and colic. To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Dechra at (866) 933-2472 For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.
STORAGE CONDITIONS: Store at room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C), with excursions to 59-86°F (15-30°C).
MANUFACTURED FOR:
Dechra Veterinary Products 7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525
Overland Park, KS 66211 USA
Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-559 Zycosan is a trademark of Dechra Limited.
R 01 2023
VACCINATE, VACCINATE, VACCINATE!
Don’t let respiratory infections sideline your horse.
BY JOE CARTER, DVM
If you ask me to pick one thing to do to prevent coughs, fevers and snotty noses, it’s to vaccinate your horse with influenza and rhinopneumonitis virus vaccines frequently. If you ask me to pick a second thing after vaccinating to prevent upper respiratory infections, it’s to use reliable biosecurity measures, especially limiting your horse’s exposure to sick horses.
It’s important to understand how respiratory infections develop and how vaccines work to prevent them. Here’s a quick lesson as we’re at the height of respiratory infection season.
The equine respiratory system runs from the tip of the nose to the tip of the lungs. It’s divided into two halves: upper and lower. The upper respiratory tract runs from the nose to where the trachea or windpipe attaches to the lungs. The lungs comprise the lower respiratory tract.
Infections of the upper respiratory tract are called upper respiratory tract infections or UTIs. That is simple enough. Horsemen commonly call them by their symptoms: a cough or a snotty nose. Not all coughs or snots are caused by infections, meaning viruses or bacteria; allergies or high ammonia levels in stalls, for example, can cause them.
Lower-airway or lung infections are commonly called pneumonia. There’s a condition called lower airway inflammatory disease, or IAD, which can cause chronic coughing, typically caused by allergens that make it past the upper airway’s filtration system. A secondary bacterial infection frequently dog-piles on top, making it more troublesome to correct.
We have very effective vaccines to prevent common viral respiratory infections
such as flu and rhino. These infections, in their most elemental form, are just killed viruses mixed with a carrier called an adjuvant that promotes an immune response from the horse’s body. The killed virus in the vaccine stimulates the body’s infection-fighting cells to produce antibodies to fight the live virus.
The antibody level in your horse’s blood is called a titer. Your horse’s blood will have the highest titer a couple of weeks after a vaccination. The titer will slowly decrease every day after that until a vaccine booster stimulates the body to produce more antibodies. The higher the titer, the longer the antibodies will last in your horse, offering longer-lasting protection.
One of the factors that determines how high your horse’s titer will rise post-vaccination is the antigenic mass, which refers to the part of the killed virus in a vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, called an antigen. Vaccines are measured by antigenic mass. The higher the antigenic mass, the higher the antibody production and the higher the titer.
The downside to high antigenic mass is vaccine-site reactions. To have a higher titer, you must have a higher response to the vaccine, often resulting in a sore neck, rump, or chest—wherever the vaccine was administered. Vaccine companies constantly weigh the antigenic mass and its antibody production against site reactions. One way to avoid site reactions is to use intranasal vaccines, which are widely available and are very effective.
If you have any questions regarding vaccines, respiratory infections and biosecurity measures you can take to prevent infections, consult with your local veterinarian
Breeder Sponsors
Find up-to-date performance records for a stallion and its offspring, plus proven crosses reports, five-cross pedigree, and more to help you make the best breeding decisions.
New
SUBSCRIBED STALLIONS
as of January 1, 2024
Stallion
A Shiner Named Sioux 2019 2020 2021 (972) 977−6581
A Sparkling Vintage 2021 (480) 563−1966
A Vintage Smoke 2021 2022 2023 2024 (940) 372−0470
All That Boon 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 (805) 260−8800
WR This Cats Smart 2019 2020 2021 2022 (806) 596−4424
Xtra New Pal Voodoo 2022 (480) 563−1966
YOR The One 2021 2022 2023 (639) 471−8600
Zak 34 2023 (805) 688−3673
NRCHA STALLION SUBSCRIPTION RULES
1. By nomination of a foal crop, offspring of a subscribed stallion from the nominated foal crop are eligible to show in the NRCHA Stakes both as 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds. 6-year-olds are also eligible in the Non Pro Boxing Division only.
2. Any stallion of any breed may be subscribed to the NRCHA Stakes program, subject to provisions as set forth in these rules and stipulated on the entry form.
3. Nominations must be postmarked and paid by February 1 of the following year for each calendar year to avoid paying the higher fee of the following year.
4. Nomination fees will be as follows:
a. Paid during the breeding year (the next year’s foal crop) - $1000
b. Weanling year - $1,250
c. Yearling year - $1,500
d. 2-year-old year - $1,750
e. 3-year-old year - $2,000
5. 4-year-old year: Nominations received between February 1 of the 4-year-old year and the final entry deadline for that NRCHA Stakes event will be accepted at the rate of $3,000. 5-year-old and 6-year-old foal crops that have not been previously subscribed may also be paid in for $3,000.
6. All nominators of stallions must be members in good standing of the NRCHA.
7. In the event the stallion owner or syndicate manager chooses not to enroll the stallion, nominators may be persons other than the owner or syndicate manager of the stallion. In the event that the nominator is someone other than the owner or syndicate manager of the stallion, the nominator represents that they are authorized to nominate the stallion.
8. All subscription fees will be made payable to the NRCHA in US funds or its equivalent.
9. The added purse for the NRCHA Stakes will consist of not less than the total stallion nomination fees received less 20% for NRCHA administration. The remaining 80% will be divided between the Open and Non Pro divisions in accordance with NRCHA Board policy. The NRCHA shall have the right to supplement the added-money purse for the event, but shall be under no obligation to do so. A minimum of 5% of the total purse will be used for the Stallion Nominator Award as described below.
10. There shall be no refunds of the nomination fee paid for any reason, and the fee (less 20% for NRCHA administration as set forth above) will become part of the purse for the NRCHA Stakes.
11. In the event a subscribed stallion changes ownership, any previously paid foal crops will remain eligible under the new owner. Nominator Awards will be paid to the original nominator unless otherwise specified in writing to the NRCHA and signed by both the original nominator and the new owner.
12. Stallion Nominator Award: The nominator of the stallion siring the winners of the NRCHA Stakes will receive a monetary award as set by the NRCHA Board of Directors.
13. A list of subscribed stallions nominated to this program and their eligible foal crops will be posted on the NRCHA website, and will be available upon request from the NRCHA.
14. These rules are subject to change at any time by the NRCHA Board of Directors.
NOMINATION FEES
NRCHA STALLION SUBSCRIPTION CONTRACT
(Must be postmarked by February 1 – annually)
SECTION 1 – HORSE INFORMATION
Horse Name:
Breed: Registration #:
Year Foaled: Year of First Foal Crop:
Website:
SECTION 2 – OWNER INFORMATION
Owner Name:
Address:
City / State / Zip:
Phone Number / Best Contact:
Email Address:
Display the above as contact information on the NRCHA website (only one is listed)
SECTION 3 – BREEDING INFORMATION / STANDING LOCATION
Standing At:
Address:
City / State / Zip:
Phone Number / Best Contact:
Website:
Display the above as contact information on the NRCHA website (only one is listed)
SECTION 4 – NOMINATION INFORMATION / PAYMENT
Name of Nominator (Will Receive Win Checks): Check 1
Same as Owner Other Person / Company:
Address:
City / State / Zip:
Phone Number / Best Contact:
Foal Crop Year(s): $ Amount:
Enclosed Check/Money Order
All credit cards must be processed online here: nrcha.com/subscribed-stallions/
Payment is made to NRCHA in full on receipt of same by the nominator no later than February 1. Acceptance of payment by NRCHA is not to be considered approval of nomination until contract is complete and all rules are complied with. Traditional payment methods accepted are cash and check.
I accept this offer to make the above-named stallion eligible to participate in the NRCHA Subscribed Stallion Program and agree to be bound by the conditions of the program.
Nominator Signature:
Printed Name:
Top Riders For Open Eligibility in 2024
INTERMEDIATE OPEN Open to any rider who is not on the top thirty (30) Open Rider Listing based on Open category 1 money won in the past three years at any NRCHA-approved events.
LIMITED OPEN—Open to any rider who is not on the top 120 Open rider listing based on Open category 1 money won in the past three years at any NRCHA-approved events; has not earned over $350,000 in Open and Non Pro category 1 and category 2 money at any NRCHA-approved events.
Top Riders For Open Eligibility in 2024
Anne Reynolds
Bob Avila
Bobby Ingersoll
Dema Paul
Doug Williamson
Eric Freitas
Greg Ward
Jay Holmes
Jo Anne Carollo
John Ward
$1,782,081.72
$1,187,080.48
$357,295.61
$695,835.60
$1,425,536.97
$363,217.86
$429,321.91
$454,678.24
$536,106.87
$1,209,859.37
Jon Roeser
Kevin Stallings
Laurie Richards
Lyn Anderson
R. Mike Miller
Robbie Boyce
Russell Dilday
Sandra Collier
Smoky Pritchett
Tammy Hays
$1,638,193.39
$351,829.48
$553,931.96
$969,077.40
$628,237.67
$756,090.50
$644,021.34
$806,613.19
$559,804.14
$387,802.96
Top Riders for Non Pro Eligibility in 2024
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO Open to any rider who possesses a current Non Pro card and is not in the top 25 Non Pro rider listing based on the previous three years of Open and Non Pro category 1 money won at NRCHA-approved events.
LAE LIMITED NON PRO Open to any rider who possesses a current Non Pro card and is not on the Top 60 Non Pro rider listing based on the previous three years of Open and Non Pro category 1 money won at NRCHA-approved events; have not earned more than $100,000 in Open and Non Pro category 1 and category 2 money at NRCHA-approved events.
Top Riders for Non Pro Eligibility in 2024
Riders ineligible for LAE Limited Non Pro based on earnings over $100,000 (see rule 10.4.8):
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
Laura Delfino, Martinez, CA
Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL
Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA
Miguel Gonzalez, Miami, FL
Babcock Ranch/Jim Babcock, Sanger, TX
Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE
A finance charge of 1.5% per month (18% APR) will be added to all past 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.
Current as of January 1, 2024
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
Roy Hockensmith, Frankfort, KY
Brian & Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA
Rita F. Ward, Canyon, TX
Darren Roberts, Kent, NY
Chris Anderson Marietta, OK
Team Professional Italia Western Show A.S.D.
LAE = Limited Aged Event, HS = Horse Show
SHOW SCHEDULE
as of January 1, 2024
Jan 6 National Western Stock Show HS, Cat 1 Denver, CO
Jan 5-6 Mid State CHA Show #1 HS, Cat 1 Paso Robles, CA Mid State CHA
Jan 13-14 Northern California RCHA #1 - 2024 HS, Cat 1 Corning, CA Northern California RCHA
Jan 14-15 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo HS, Cat 1 Fort Worth, TX
Jan 19-21 CRCHA Horse Show #1 HS, Cat 1 Paso Robles, CA California RCHA
Jan 20-21 Southern RCHA Celebration Preparation HS, Cat 1 Andalusia, AL Southern RCHA
Jan 20-25 Black Hills Stock Show HS, Cat 1 Rapid City, SD
Jan 26-28 CRCA World Show Warm-Up HS, Cat 1 Castle Rock, CO Colorado RCA
Jan 27-28 GCCHA New Year Showdown HS, Cat 1 Sarasota, FL Gulf Coast CHA
Feb 2-3 NvRCHA Show #1 HS, Cat 1 Las Vegas, NV Nevada RCHA
Feb 2-4 STRCHA Celebration Warm Up HS, LAE, Cat 1 Abilene, TX South Texas RCHA
Feb 23-25 CRCHA Horse Show #2 HS, Cat 1 Paso Robles, CA California RCHA
