Executive Director: Emily Konkel | Director of Communications & Media: Callie Boevers Director of Judges: Bill Enk | Director of Sponsorship & Outreach: Jordan Tierney
Premier Event Manager: Tina McCleary | Programs Manager: Tara Carter | Programs Assistant: Teighlor Cross
Membership Coordinator: Ashley Valor | Shows Coordinator: Taylor Meek | Accounting Associate: Marilee Nies
Official NRCHA Photographer: Primo Morales | Official NRCHA Videographer: Equine Promotion
REINED COW HORSE NEWS
Vice President: John Lunn | Editor: Jennifer Paulson | Managing Editor: Jennifer Denison
Production Manager: Sherry Brown | Art Director: Susan Sampson
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 2
56 Interview Like a Champion ree NRCHA professionals o ered advice on how to communicate your story clearly.
64 Benefit of Box-Drive e box-drive class provides riders an opportunity to learn how to go down the fence.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Growth means lessons learned but also opportunities for the future.
IN THIS ISSUE OF REINED COW HORSE NEW S, you’ll find pages packed with stories from the 2024 Kalpowar Celebration of Champions, the Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock World’s Greatest Horseman™ and the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™. Their journeys to world titles and coveted accolades will inspire you and show you how unique our cow horse family is.
We experienced record entries at the February events, a testament to how special our horses, riders and members are—so remarkable that more and more people want to join our organization! We know that growth comes with growing pains, but we assure you that they’re temporary—the pains won’t last forever as we navigate this new level of interest. This growth is an excellent problem to have and influences not only our events but also sales of cow horses, business for our valued sponsors and a positive outlook for our future. As we grow, we should always give each other grace, respect and kindness. After all, the family-style environment and commitment to tradition make us special.
Following every premier event, you receive an email survey where you can share your feedback about that event. We ask multiple-choice questions to rank your perceptions about everything from the ground to the judging to the awards, as well as a place to write out your feedback, questions and concerns. I read every single response we receive. We provide the board with a synopsis of the feedback, but they’re also welcome to read all the feedback if they choose. We then use that information to help guide our decisions for future events and the long-term future of our association. Please complete this survey—we look forward to what you share!
As we make our way to our next premier event—the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes—I encourage all to remember why we’re here, so we can continue to share our values and community with each other and our new members!
—Emily Konkel
Emily Konkel, NRCHA Executive Director
HESA WEE BET
(Bet Hesa Cat - Wee Quejana Gal, by Quejanaisalena) Non Pro Two Rein World Champion, Non Pro Bridle - 3rd
Bred by Molly Mae Mirassou
Owned and Shown by Debbie R. Crafton
BET SHESA PLAYMATE
(Bet Hesa Cat - Very Smart Playmate, by Very Smart Remedy) Non Pro Hackamore - 3rd
Bred by Yellow Creek Ranch
Owned by Preston Williams • Shown by Garrell L. Reilly
HESA SILVER CAT
(Bet Hesa Cat - Miss Hickory Hill, by Doc’s Hickory) Open Hackamore Finalist
Bred by James L. Eakin
Owned by Lesley Marshall • Shown by Wes R. Housler
JILLS LAST BET
(Bet Hesa Cat - Shiners Diamond Jill, by Shining Spark) Youth Boxing World Champion, Int. Non Pro Boxing World Champion, Non Pro Boxing - 3rd
Bred by Garth and/or Amanda Gardiner
Owned and Shown by Carissa Nichole Schaafsma
(Bet Hesa Cat - Dont Play With Guns, by Playgun) Limited Open Hackamore Top
Bred by Ronnie D. Burns Owned by Beverly S. Rees • Shown by Jared K. Ashcraft
RPL BOON
(Boon Too Suen - RPL Ich This, by Cat Ichi) Limited Open Bridle Reserve World Champion
Bred by Bobbie Arnold Atkinson
Owned by Nancy J. Winkelman • Shown by Aaron J. Goldade
MARTINIS BET 15
(Bet Hesa Cat - Dual Martini, by Dual Rey) Non Pro Bridle Top 10 Bred by James L. Eakin • Owned and Shown by Birgit Self
HESA TWISTED BET
(Bet Hesa Cat - R A B Twistin Dodger, by Little Twistin Juan) Limited Non Pro Boxing - 3rd
Bred by Landy Warren
Owned by R. A. Brown Ranch • Shown by Josey Brown
SEVEN S HESA CAT
(Bet Hesa Cat - Seven S Shady Cat, by CJ Sugar Lena) World’s Greatest Horseman
Top 10 Finalist
Bred by Terry Stuart Forst
Owned by Madeline A. Horton • Shown by Tyler G. Merrill
Owned by Creek
FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR
NEW-COW CALL
Understand how judges make this decision.
After every judges’ seminar I’ve been involved with, I have thoughts about ways that we could’ve explained things better. Also, some topics that stand out are still in the grayarea category. The new-cow call is one of them.
The new-cow situation is a never-ending challenge for the judge bestowed with the new-cow whistle. It is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s an honor to have the responsibility. On the other hand, you can make 99 correct calls and all anyone remembers is the one call that could’ve gone either way that didn’t turn out so well. Really, unless you’ve been in a situation where you have the new-cow whistle, it’s hard to realize how difficult it is.
Two key factors play into this decision: Does the exhibitor have a fair chance to compete on the animal drawn? Is this consistent with other new-cow calls in the class? Those are the judge’s responsibilities. The exhibitor’s responsibility is to work the cow to the best of his or her ability by being in a controlling position throughout the run. This will make the new-cow call clearer if the animal isn’t giving the exhibitor a fair shot at competing.
There are a few questions that a judge should ask himself or herself when the animal enters the arena. Let’s discuss them and a few specific situations.
1. Does the animal appear workable? Sometimes, it’s hard to tell until the fence work is attempted.
2. Is the exhibitor attempting to control the animal, or are they behind and just following it around? If it’s a hard-charging cow, are they trying to stop it?
3. When starting down the fence, is the exhibitor in the correct position to drive the cow? If the animal turns back before the middle marker? Was the exhibitor at fault or was the animal reluctant to leave the end and turned back on its own? If the exhibitor was at fault by overrunning the animal, no new cow and corner markers come into play. If the rider is in a position to drive a reluctant cow and it still turns back without being overrun, they deserve a new cow.
4. When starting down the fence, is the rider in a controlling position, and the animal leaves the wall and pushes the horse into the open-field part of the arena and attempts to circle back into the horse toward the in-gate? This situation could be very dangerous, and it’s important to blow the whistle in a timely manner.
5. As the cow starts down the fence at a slow lope and continues at that speed, does the exhibitor get behind the cow and attempt to drive him? Sometimes, the slow lopers will get past center, make a turn and then run hard back toward the in gate. In this case did the exhibitor misread the cow? Now, if the animal turned, with the rider in position, and slow-loped back toward the in-gate, do they deserve a new animal? Working a 70-type cow efficiently is hard, and it can involve credit if done correctly. Consistency on the slow-loper call is a must!
6. Consider this situation: The exhibitor leaves the boxing end of the arena in a good position to drive and rate the cow for the first turn, but the horse is reluctant to go by the animal to make a turn. This causes the animal to beat the horse around the corner. If the cow’s head is ahead of the horse’s head during the run
Bill Enk, NRCHA Director of Judges
down the fence, whose fault was it that they didn’t get the animal turned before the marker? If the rider got up to the front of the animal’s head and tried to block him and the animal ran through the block around the corner, a new cow should be considered.
7. Here’s another situation: The exhibitor has a miss while boxing, and the cow runs down the fence. The rider regains position on the fence and attempts to make a turn. The animal doesn’t honor the horse at all. Because of the miss off the end, is a new cow out of the question even if the rider got back into a controlling position? This is a judgment call. The key is: Is the animal giving the rider a fair chance to compete, even if there was a miss at the boxing end?
8. One final situation to consider: The exhibitor has a decent rate and first turn, and then the run becomes very difficult. Can a new cow be awarded? It all depends on if the horse is in the correct position to attempt to control a difficult animal. The judge must remain fair and consistent on these difficult decisions.
The new-cow call is difficult to stay consistent with for long hours, so I appreciate the effort it takes.
ADOBE STOCK
FROM THE
As we begin to look forward into the 2024 show season, let’s look back at what we enjoyed as youths in 2023.
It’s safe to say NRCHyA had a successful—and fun—2023. Let’s take a look back!
In February, our adventures kicked off at the Celebration of Champions. At the youth meeting, our members enjoyed listening to Terry Stuart Forst of the 7S Stuart Ranch in Waurika, Oklahoma, share her life story. It was truly touching and inspiring to our youth. We also voted on the board members for 2023. We’re so proud of how they showed leadership, loyalty and good work ethic throughout 2023. Thank you, NRCHyA board members and all the people who put their time and caring hearts into the industry and youth. We genuinely appreciate every one of you.
NRCHA also hired a new executive director, Emily Konkel, who has done a spectacular job. We can’t wait to see how she’ll take on 2024.
During the Stallion Stakes, Canadian artist Shannon Lawlor painted an original piece titled JAQUIMA, which the NRCHA Foundation auctioned off during the Hall of Fame banquet. We thank Brent and Suzie Steward of Rocking BS Ranch for purchasing the artwork and providing $12,500 toward NRCHA youth activities and educational programs. A highlight of the 10 days in Las Vegas, Nevada, was the kids’ activities. We learned more about our NRCHA partners and their roles in the association, partaking in a game called Capture the Sponsor. Our youth members mixed education and fun while learning how important it is to know more about
the NRCHA family, how to work together and how to cheer each other on, regardless of the competition.
Mind Power Sports, a mental mindset program, teamed up with professionals from the rodeo and the performance horse industries to support youth in competition and their day-to-day lives through a Partnership for Youth series. Mind Power Sports and professionals are here to help youths’ futures in the equine industry by giving them the feeling of happy hearts, happy minds, confidence and knowing there is still success in imperfection by using Mind Power skills in and out of the arena. Thank you, Kim Knight and Mind Power Sports, for assisting our youth members in important ways.
During the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, NRCHA put on a duck-cutting fundraiser, and it was a highlight of the show. Our hardworking youth raised $1,500 during this fun-filled event. Another big thank you to Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch for donating $800 to the youth and $200 to the duck-cutting winner. Thank you to Todd Crawford, Kristen Cushing, Sarah Clymer and many more for your never-ending support and love of NRCHyA. In 2023, our youth focused on the importance of hard work and leadership, and we can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring for our association.
—Lilly Gilson, reporter
A COWGIRL WITH GRIT, HEART
For the third time, NRCHA professional Kelsey Love Thomas claimed the Art of the Cowgirl’s World’s Greatest Horsewoman title, earning her a spot in the NRCHA’s World’s Greatest Horseman™, which you can find coverage of beginning on page 70.
Thomas and her 2015 sorrel mare Kit Kat Jerrie (Kit Kat Sugar x Jerries Dual Legacy x Smart Little Jerry) bested their competition by 11.5 points with a 587 and earned a check for $14,944, on top of a complementary entry into NRCHA’s event.
To add to her success, Thomas was also a member of the champion ranch rodeo team, Espuela, and had the high-selling Elite Horse, Thunderbird Love, a 2017 Paint gelding that brought $82,000.
DAWSONS BOTH SURPASS $2 MILLION DOLLARS IN NRCHA EARNINGS
During the 2024 Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions, both Chris and Sarah Dawson each surpassed the $2 million earnings threshold.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think it would happen at the same horse show, which blows my mind that two people’s careers have come to the same point at the same exact time,” expressed Sarah.
Chris and Sarah Dawson took coupledom to a new level as they both became $2 million riders.
Chris crossed the milestone during the Tres Osos Derby, where he placed third on Nu Passport, owned by Kalpowar Quarter Horses, and fourth on Itchin Ta Shine, owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses. Sarah became the first female NRCHA professional to earn the recognition when she won the Open Hackamore on Juliette Jonez, owned by Linda Mars.
“The million was a huge thing for me,” Sarah said. “After I reached the million, I just enjoyed things a little bit more and let the chips fall where they may at those horse shows. I didn’t realize until the fall that the $2 million mark was so close.”
Chris and Sarah Dawson are the first husband-and-wife pair to reach the $2 million dollar club together.
“We had a neat little competition between us,” Chris shared. “We’ve been battling at each other, trying to get there first. It was special to get there at the same time.”
In addition to Chris and Sarah, four horses reached new milestones at the February event: Metallic Cat, One Time Pepto, Katie Starlight and Isabellena.
Metallic Cat, owned by the Rocking P Ranch, once again broke an NRCHA record by becoming the first sire to reach seven million in offspring earnings, with more than 60 offspring competing at this year’s Celebration of Champions, earning over $230,000.
One Time Pepto continues his legacy in the reined cow horse industry by becoming the newest five-million-dollar sire. The late stallion, owned by Mathews Cutting Horses, secured over $50,000 in offspring earnings during the event.
Earning their spots in the $500,000 Dam Club were Katie Starlight, owned by Cinder Lakes Ranch, and Isbellena, owned by Rocking BS Ranch. Both mares produced 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ finalists.
Kelsey Love Thomas captured her third World’s Greatest Horsewoman title at the Art of the Cowgirl main event in January.
FACES OF NRCHA
A life dedicated to horses and serving others makes Tara Carter a great fit for her position as NRCHA Programs Manager.
Growing up in Clovis, New Mexico, Tara Carter was immersed in all things horses—from ranching and working cattle to riding in the mountains to showing and training her own horses. Her saddle time is limited now as she balances her position as NRCHA Programs Manager with being a busy mother of three children: William, 11; Phillip, 9; and Vivian, 7. However, she makes time to ride, especially during branding season. Her family calls Texico, New Mexico, home.
Professionally, Carter earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Baylor University. Her career has centered on helping people accomplish their goals with horses, blending training horses, teaching riders and producing events nationwide. She also develops systems and programming for on-demand resources with global reach.
RCHN: How did you learn about cow horse and NRCHA?
TC: When I first met my husband, Trevor, he competed in ranch and stock horse competitions. He shared a lot with me about the traditions of developing a bridle horse and helped me take one of my horses through the stages. I love the progression and the honor it pays to the horse. I truly believe it’s important to challenge yourself through competition.
In 2018, he was invited to compete in Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association’s Battle in the Saddle, which was for riders who’d earned less than $500 in NRCHA. While it wasn’t our first introduction to reined cow horse, it was our first introduction to NRCHA. We were impressed by every aspect of the experience. That same year, Trevor showed his first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® horse, MC Cowhammer. We’ve been to every premier event since. With Trevor’s help, I competed in the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and won the Level 1 Non Pro Boxing Futurity with our horse This Cats Shiny.
RCHN: What excites you about working for the association?
TC: NRCHA showcases the best-trained horses and riders in the world. I love how we’re advancing the industry, all while staying grounded in horsemanship and honoring tradition.
RCHN: What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
TC: Advancing NRCHA’s Incentive Programs, Cowboy and Cowgirl Clinics, Judge Education and expanded resources for our members and affiliates.
KNOW THE PRO
Taylor Gillespie has led a remarkable life, but his passion remains rooted in reined cow horses.
BY KAYCIE TIMM
NRCHA professional Taylor Gillespie took a unique road to his current position in the industry, and he wouldn’t change it for the world. Along the way, he’s collected notable wins and earnings, yet he hasn’t lost sight of the dream he’s been chasing since early childhood.
“My parents supported me in anything I wanted to pursue, whether it was 4-H or showing horses or shooting sports,” Gillespie recalled. “That’s really where the horse stuff began.”
Around middle school, Gillespie wanted to dive deeper into the equestrian world, so his parents signed him up for lessons with family friend Magie Wolfe, who taught basic horsemanship. Gillespie’s lesson horse, a retired reiner, gave the young rider a taste of reining—and his first experience with a cow.
“At one of the county fairs in Colorado, they had a reined cow horse class,” Gillespie said. “I didn’t really know what it was, but I went in there and showed. It was a complete disaster. And I loved it.”
After that, Gillespie’s parents found Tim Unzicker, a cow horse trainer in Colorado, and Gillespie started trading work for board and cow horse lessons. As his skill developed, Gillespie moved to Marsing, Idaho, to work for Dan Roeser and Wade Reaney, further honing his craft. With college on the horizon, Gillespie chose to sell his horses and pursue a different dream.
“I wanted to join the army,” he shared. “I wanted to go to college, but I also wanted to do something for my country. ROTC was a no-brainer.”
After receiving an academic scholarship offer from the University of Saint Mary in Kansas, he joined Saint Mary’s ROTC program.
“College was great, but I couldn’t wait to get out of there and start my military adventure,” Gillespie
recalled. “I graduated in May 2007, and shortly after was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the army.”
His military career took him to Fort Carson in Colorado, where he was assigned to an infantry battalion bound for Afghanistan.
“I spent 2009 and 2010 as a heavy weapons infantry platoon leader in the mountains of Afghanistan in the Kunar province,” he shared. “I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I could see the best of mankind and the worst as well.”
Upon arriving safely back home, Gillespie re-evaluated his goals and plans for the future. He was promoted to captain after his tour; Gillespie turned in his paperwork to be released from active duty just 90 days later.
“I felt led to pursue what I was truly passionate about—training and showing horses,” he explained.
Gillespie and his girlfriend, Jen, who’d later become his wife, packed up and moved to Montana, where Gillespie’s old coach, Unzicker, had moved his training operation.
“I went from making probably $5,000 a month as a captain to making $500 a month and living in a camper,” he said. “It was absolutely great. We were nine miles from the closest town without cell phone service. Looking back on it now, it was really good for my mental health after Afghanistan.”
The Gillespes— Taylor, Jen, Kaden and Ryder—call Gainesville, Texas, home.
However, Gillespie knew a serious career in the cow horse industry required him to live closer to the action, so the aspiring trainer took a job with Brad Barkemeyer in Scottsdale, Arizona, which brought Gillespie both valuable training experience with Barkemeyer as well as a wedding to his bride, Jen. As the newlyweds looked ahead at their future, they decided to move back to Colorado before starting a family.
“I rented stalls from Darren Miller outside of Denver and started calling myself a horse trainer,” Gillespie said. “I rode horses for him to pay for my stalls, and we rented a little barn apartment there.”
When the family of two grew to three, they moved to southern Colorado to be closer to family, once again relocating Gillespie’s training operation. They stayed firmly planted in Colorado until a client made an offer Gillespie couldn’t refuse—a facility in Texas with cow horses ready to start.
As COVID swept the nation in early 2020 and changed the world, the owners decided to leave
the facility where he was training, so Gillespie again set out to find a new facility. That summer, he relocated to Gainesville, Texas, where his family and training business remain happily settled today.
Industry & Facility Partners
Gillespie partners with fellow NRCHA professionals Chris Dawson and Russell Dilday to help veterans via War Horses for Veterans, a cause close to his heart as an army veteran.
RCHN: What drew you back to the horse world after your military career?
TG: In my late teens, I thought I might get a real job, make money and be a non pro. After taking a sabbatical from horses for eight years—four years in college and four years in the army—I craved it even more. With my exposure to the reined cow horse as a young man, it was a no-brainer that’s what I wanted to go back into. I believe we only have a small window to pursue what we want to, and it’s our responsibility to use that platform to encourage others. I feel like the best place I can do that is on the back of a horse.
RCHN: How has your involvement with reined cow horses helped you as a veteran?
TG: I didn’t really look at working with horses as therapy; I looked at it as a job. But without planning it, indirectly, horses have been therapeutic. If I have a bad day, the horses pick up on it quicker than my wife. They’re a reflection of what’s going on inside me. Chris Dawson, Russell Dilday, and I have become involved with War Horses for Veterans. Being a part of that program has been a tremendous blessing. When I left the army, I thought it would be OK if nobody ever knew I served. But this program has put me back in touch with a group of men like the people I spent a very important time in my life with. Helping that organization and being with those guys again has been good.
RCHN: What’s your goal as an NRCHA pro, and how are you working toward it?
TG: My ultimate goal is to be the best horseman that I can. I don’t have a specific goal like winning the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, becoming a million-dollar rider or winning the World’s Greatest Horseman™. There’s a never-ending learning curve on this. Once you think you’ve got something figured out, there’s always more to learn from somebody who knows more than you. I try to surround myself with other trainers who are constructive, helpful and willing to take the time to help when I need it.
RCHN: What’s your favorite part of showing reined cow horses?
TG: I love showing and competing on reined cow horses, but we also start a lot of colts for various disciplines, from barrel horses to cutters to rope horses. I really enjoy working the colts, seeing how they progress and when they have lightbulb moments. I love those colts where you can tell very early on that this one should make it to the show pen.
RCHN: Who do you look up to the most in the reined cow horse industry?
TG: That’s a tough one. There are different reasons why I look up to different people. If I had to pick three, I’d say, Russell Dilday, Chris Dawson and Brad Barkemeyer. There’s a countless list of trainers that I owe a lot to for making me who I am.
RCHN: If you could show any horse, alive or passed, which horse would it be?
TG: CSR Lay Down Sally. I’ve never told Chris [Dawson] that, but it’d probably be her.
RCHN: What keeps you going on the hard days?
TG: My wife. My boys, Kaden and Ryder, are right behind her. If I win or lose, they’re there when I come out of the pen. They’ve got smiles on their faces, a hug and a “great job, Daddy.” When you want to throw your sucker in the dirt after a bad run, hang around a kid for a minute. They give you perspective real quick on what’s important.
RCHN: What advice would you give someone interested in joining the reined cow horse industry?
TG: Find somebody who lives close to you, who you can connect with and who’s willing to take the time to help you. Just spend time there. In return, if you’ve got to scrub water buckets or clean stalls for their time, just put your head down and get to work.
Q
A“I didn’t really look at working with horses as therapy; I looked at it as a job,” Gillespie shared. “But without planning it, indirectly, horses have been therapeutic. If I have a bad day, the horses pick up on it quicker than my wife. They’re a reflection of what’s going on inside me.”
With NRCHA Pro Taylor Gillespie
$248,000+
A once-in-a-lifetime horse.
NOTABLE NON PRO
Abbi Henstra found her path from the rodeo arena to reined cow horse events alongside her husband.
BY JESSICA LASH
For as long as she can remember, Abbi Henstra has loved fast horses. Nestled against the mountains of New Mexico, her family’s property adjoined thousands of acres owned by the Bureau of Land Management and offered endless opportunities for childhood horseback adventures. When she wasn’t riding in the mountains, Henstra split her time between participating in 4-H horse and pony events and pushing cattle on her grandparents’ southeastern Idaho ranch. She eventually transitioned to competitive rodeo when her family relocated near Boise, Idaho, in the late 2000s.
Rodeo took a firm hold of Henstra, who competed in the National High School Rodeo Association before joining the college rodeo team at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where she competed in barrel racing before finding a new love in reined cow horse events.
RIDING DOWN THE FENCE TOGETHER
Henstra was still competing on the Utah State University’s college rodeo team when she met her future husband, Austin. An electrician student at the technical school, Austin moonlighted as a farrier and worked for rodeo team members.
“We met through his work with the team, and that was kind of it,” Henstra reminisced. “We got married in 2016. I still had horses at the college, and he’d also grown up in a horse family. They were more focused on team penning and sorting and he loved it, but he always wanted to do more. We just weren’t sure what ‘more’ looked like.”
When the documentary Down the Fence premiered in 2017, Henstra suddenly had a clear vision for their future.
“It sounds cliché, but I guess part of the purpose of that movie was to get the sport out there so everyone
would see it,” Henstra said. “Austin had that movie on repeat for months, saying, ‘I love this—we have to do it!’ We didn’t really have any connections; we just knew it was something we wanted to learn to do.”
DIVING IN
With dreams of reined cow horse success, the couple moved from Utah to Idaho, where they attended a clinic with renowned reined cow horse trainer Les Vogt.
“We had a 3-year-old mare at the time that we bought for $1,800, and we just thought she was the greatest thing that ever happened to us,” Henstra recalled with a laugh. “She ended up crippled later that year—she has ringbone and is retired out in our pasture, so we never did get to show her.”
After riding with several other trainers, the Henstras settled in with Clay Roeser in Middleton, Idaho.
“Initially, we took a 3-year-old Sixes Pick-bred mare Austin was training and a reject cutter I bought that I was starting on the barrels,” she shared. “I remember saying, ‘She might make a cow horse; I’ll take her out, too.’ Clay rode those horses for us for two months, and it was a big deal for us—it was the first time we’d ever put a horse in training, and that can be scary because you never know what to expect.
“Having our horses in training with him ended up being the best experience,” she continued. “But two months into it, he told us, ‘You guys have a lot of
Abbi and Austin Henstra enjoy sharing the reined cow horse way of life with their children, Weston, 1, and Hadley, 4.
potential, but these horses are what they are at this point. You should move them along and buy something that’s going to get you mounted a little better.’ That’s a hard conversation for a trainer to have with a client, but he did it, and we were grateful he did. We were on board immediately.”
OVERCOMING THE ODDS
Under Roeser’s expert guidance, the Henstras sold their horses and purchased a 2020 colt from the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity sale. Wicked Mitch, by Call Me Mitch, and out of Dual Rey daughter Gloreyous, held an instant attraction.
“I was obsessed with him from the second I saw him,” Henstra recalled. “We did our due diligence— we vetted him and had all the prepurchase stuff done, and I was just so excited about him. Then we got him home, started him under saddle and he was lame within two rides.”
Radiographs revealed a large OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) lesion on “Ozzy’s” stifle.
“I’ll never forget seeing that,” Henstra said. “It was a big OCD. The vet said, ‘The only way you’re going to be able to ride this colt is if we do surgery.’ We put a screw in his stifle and all our eggs in that basket. We laid him off his 2-year-old year, but he was pasture-sound two weeks post-surgery, and he’s never taken a lame step since.”
By 2023, Ozzy was sound and ready to take on the world of reined cow horse competition with Henstra in the saddle.
“Poor Clay—I had a good colt, but he was so far behind, and I was probably more behind than he was,” Henstra laughed. “We spent a lot of time in the spring and summer just getting me ready to go to the show pen. I was a barrel racer, and that’s very different from showing reined cow horses.”
They may have come from behind, but Ozzy and Henstra quickly found their footing in the reined cow horse arena. In 2023, she rode the young stallion to the Utah Reined Cow Horse Association Non Pro Level 1 Futurity Championship. The pair also made a strong showing at the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity, collecting championships in both the Non Pro Level 1 Futurity and the Non Pro Sale Incentive. They rounded out the year in Idaho, earning a reserve championship in the Non Pro Level 1 Futurity. To Henstra’s delight, they marked high fence scores in their respective division at all three events.
“Ozzy loves to go down the fence, and it’s my favorite part, too,” she said. “I grew up riding on my grandparents’ ranch running cows, and I loved it. Any chance I get to go down the fence, I’ll take it.”
RODEOING TO REINED COW HORSE
Despite her early success, Henstra admitted the transition from rodeo to reined cow horse events hasn’t been seamless. Still, she says the lessons she collected over decades competing on barrel horses have undoubtedly helped her in her new competitive career.
“I’ve been in the arena as a competitor, so I know how to handle that pressure,” Henstra shared. “I’m not immune to the nerves, but spending a lot of time in the rodeo arena taught me how to handle them. So many people think there’s not any real horsemanship involved in barrel racing, but it takes extreme skill to perform maneuvers at that high rate of speed. I think that’s why the fence work comes easily. The slower, more controlled work is actually more difficult for me.”
As they look to the future, Henstra says she and Austin plan to continue showing in the non pro division and hope to share their love of all things reined cow horse with their children.
“The horsemanship involved just blows me away,” Henstra shared. “I love that I’ll never stop learning something new and that being involved in reined cow horses challenges me every day. I love the people in the industry and the family of friends we have built. I can’t think of a better way to raise my kids.”
a successful debut year in
Above: Weston and Hadley enjoy spending time horseback while their parents work on the family ranch.
Top: Abbi Henstra and Wicked Mitch (Call Me Mitch x Gloreyous x Dual Rey) had
2023.
ADMIRABLE ASSISTANTS: CARA HENCRATT
The unmatched work ethic and attention to detail of Cara Hencratt, current assistant to NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Lance Johnston, has set her on a path of excellence.
STORY BY JADE CURRID
IMAGES COURTESY OF CARA HENCRATT
Cara Hencratt collected her earliest memories on horseback while growing up in Red Bluff, California, an area immersed in farming and ranching, as the daughter of former Tehama County Sheriff and calf roper Dave Hencratt and veterinarian Laquin Hencratt. From the outset, Hencratt gravitated toward the intricacies of working with horses, especially from watching her father engage in his passion for training tiedown roping horses.
“Training calf roping horses takes a lot of time and patience because it is a complex process, and he loved the process,” Hencratt shared. “I think I started loving the process of training horses from watching him and then getting to ride the horses he’d trained for me.”
Close family friend and NRCHA non pro Paula “Polly” Bremel influenced Hencratt’s trajectory as an up-and-coming reined cow horse trainer. She’d sell horses she’d either started or shown to the Hencratts.
“I was always mounted on very well-bred, welltrained horses to rodeo on,” Hencratt said.
As a young child, Hencratt and her family attended the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity ™ in Reno, Nevada, to watch Bremel show.
“I think that was the first time I went to a reined cow horse show,” Hencratt revealed. “I don’t remember much about the show. All I remember was being little and running around the top of that concourse looking at all the stud booths, grabbing pamphlets with information about all the top reined cow horse studs, including Shining Spark and Mr Dual Pep.
She competed in rodeo throughout junior high school and as a California High School Rodeo Association District 1 Rodeo Team member. While attending Red Bluff High School, she began riding and competing on cutting horses.
Hencratt gleaned invaluable experience while exercising horses for National Cutting Horse Association Director of Judges Andy Adams of Gerber, California, in exchange for cutting lessons and help with her cutting horse. Around the same time, she seized an additional opportunity to ride under the tutelage of NRCHA Million Dollar Rider and Hall of Fame inductee John Roeser.
FINDING COW HORSE IN MONTANA
After graduating from Red Bluff High School in 2015 and earning a Tehama County Farm Bureau Scholarship, Hencratt attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in plant science with a crop science emphasis and graduated with honors.
Hencratt joined the MSU Rodeo Team as a walk-on during the spring semester of her freshman year and barrel raced and breakaway roped collegiately for the remainder of her time as a student. She began keeping her horses at Mike Hoffman’s training facility in nearby Belgrade, Montana. At first, she cleaned stalls for Hoffman, whom she described as an excellent horseman, in exchange for her horses’ board.
“Slowly, it evolved into me helping him,” Hencratt said. “I’d get done with school, and on the days I didn’t
Cara Hencratt’s journey to becoming an NRCHA professional began in Montana, where she and gelding Move That Rock won the first Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity she entered.
have rodeo practice, I’d go and help him. He taught me how to start a colt.”
In 2019, she bought a 2016 Bremel-raised gelding named Move That Rock (That CD Rocks x Smokums Dual Move x Mister Dual Pep), also known as “Riley,” whom Hencratt considers one of the most extraordinary horses of her career. Hencratt credits Hoffman for helping her give Riley the solid foundation to perform all the reining maneuvers and expertly work a cow, skills they demonstrated when Riley and Hencratt won the first Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity that she entered.
LIFE AS AN ASSISTANT
Hencratt has served as an assistant trainer for NRCHA Million Dollar Rider and NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion® Lance Johnston of Johnston Performance Horses in Lindsay, California, since 2020, the same year that she and Riley won the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity Limited Open Hackamore Championship. She sold Riley to NRCHA members Debbie and Lyle Proctor during his 4-year-old year and continued to show him for them as a 5-year-old.
In 2021, Hencratt won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Level 1 Limited Open and Limited Open titles aboard Shiney Little Rock (That CD Rocks x Uno Smart Starlight x Smart Little Pepinic). Hencratt had started Bremmel’s homebred gelding and Move That Rock’s half-brother as a 2-year-old.
“He was a tough horse for me to train, but he taught me so much,” Hencratt recalled.
Hencratt’s extensive achievements include piloting Magical Couper Ride (Little Red Coupe x Very Smart Choice x Very Smart Remedy), bred and owned by the Rocking BS Ranch, to the 2021 Level 1 Limited Open Derby Championship title at the NRCHA Western Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as competing in a fence work run-off aboard Playing One Time (One Time Royalty x Playin T Etta x TR Dual Rey), owned by Rocking BS Ranch, against NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Chris Dawson for the final qualifying spot for the 2022 Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge. Although Dawson ultimately won the run-off, Hencratt came close to nabbing a highly coveted spot.
Currently, Hencratt works 12- to 14-hour days riding approximately 20 horses daily for Johnston. She also has her own string of horses she rides, which she says is an opportunity few assistant trainers have. Hencratt is entirely responsible for the success of eight show horses. She and Amber Johnson, another extremely hard-working and talented assistant trainer for Johnston, ride all the 2-year-olds.
Johnston describes Hencratt’s work ethic and ability as a reined cow horse trainer as “straightforward.”
“Cara, as a reined cow horse trainer, is all business,” Johnston said. “She’s extremely hard-working and very dedicated with a God-gifted natural talent that very few have. The sky’s the limit for her—I see her future as one of the top NRCHA trainers. It means everything to have her as an assistant. If not for her coming along, I’d probably be retired today. She kept my business going when I was recovering from back surgery and is a key part of why our program has remained so successful.”
ASSISTANT ADVICE
Hencratt’s advice for aspiring reined cow horse trainers: continue to remain open-minded wherever you go.
“And, you’re never too good to saddle or clean stalls,” she stressed.
Working with reined cow horses is not about training out of the fanciest facilities or having access to the best resources, but it is about how hard one is willing to work to reach one’s goals, according to Hencratt.
“Because that’s what’s going to separate you from everybody else—how hard are you willing to work in whatever conditions and to do whatever it takes to have the best possible outcome,” she concluded.
Hencratt and Move That Rock made their first Open finals at the 2021 NRHCA Hackamore Classic.
Shiney Little Rock and Hencratt showed at her first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® in 2021. They won the Level 1 and Limited, placed fifth in the Intermediate Open and missed the Open finals by one point.
(WR This Cats Smart - Boss Woody, by CD Lights) Limited Open Bridle Top 10 Bred by Danny Motes and Winston Hansma Owned by Elizabeth Piccone • Shown by Rebecca L. Lipka
LIZZIES LIL SECRET
(WR This Cats Smart - Secrets Lil Liz, by Lizzys Gotta Player)
Novice Horse Derby Reserve Champion
Open Derby - split 6th
Bred by Cows and Horses Etc.
Owned by S. C. Ranch Co. Inc. • Shown by Justin T. Wright
SPRINKLD CONFETTICAT
(WR This Cats Smart - PPH Especial Nitro, by Nitro Dual Doc) Open Bridle - split 5th
Bred by Danelle Markham
Owned by South Cove Ranch LLC • Shown by Shane L. Steffen
FLOKI
(WR This Cats Smart - Who Rey, by Dual Rey) Youth Boxing - split 4th
Bred by Jim and Jo Anne Carollo
Owned by Terry Keith Ausbern • Shown by Marion Ausbern
2024 WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN
SADDLING AT SUNRISE
(WR This Cats Smart - Sunshine Ingredient, by Mr Sun O Lena)
WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN RESERVE CHAMPION
Herd Work Finals Champion
Steer Stopping Finals Reserve Champion
Bred and Owned by Burnett Ranches LLC • Shown by Boyd J. Rice
HALO CAT
(WR This Cats Smart - Stylin Jewel, by Docs Stylish Oak)
World’s Greatest Youth Horseman - 3rd
Herd Work Finals Champion
Bred by Jerry and Melinda Black
Owned by Zane Barkemeyer • Shown by Bryce Barkemeyer
CAT WALKS INTO A BAR
(WR This Cats Smart - Sue C Shiner, by Shining Spark) Intermediate Non Pro Bridle World Champion Youth Reserve World Champion
Bred by Garth and/or Amanda Gardiner
NU PASSPORT
Owned and Shown by Landri Lisac
(WR This Cats Smart - Shiney Nu Annie, by Shining Spark) Open Derby - 3rd
Bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC
Owned by Kalpowar Quarter Horses • Shown by Chris Dawson
SMART DUAL CAT
(WR This Cats Smart - Dually Dodger, by Dual Pep) Youth Cow Horse Finalist
Bred by Paige McNeill
Owned and Shown by Olivia Bethe
First foals are now yearlings!
Cat Walks Into A Bar
Interview Like a C HAMPION
Winner’s circle interviews can be tough, whether you’re a veteran pro or a non pro new to the scene.
Three NRCHA professionals offered advice on how to communicate your story clearly.
ARTICLE BY KRISTIN PITZER
After one of the best rides of your life and agonizing hours spent waiting through the rest of the class, you find yourself in the winner’s circle at a premier event. The congratulations pour in, the cameras flash, and you’re handed more prizes and paychecks than you can carry. Suddenly, you notice a group of reporters standing at the edge of the arena, and you realize they’re all waiting to talk to you.
If you have little to no interviewing experience, you might feel your heart rate increase and your palms sweat as the group approaches you. It’s natural to worry you’ll look awkward or say the wrong thing, but interviewing shouldn’t be a traumatic experience. You can learn how to nail the interview with a little practice and preparation beforehand and these eight tips from NRCHA professionals Corey Cushing, Chris Dawson and Abby Mixon.
“IF THERE'S SOMETHING THAT STICKS OUT, WHETHER IT BE YOUR SPONSORS OR SOMEONE WHO’S HELPED YOU ALONG THE WAY, DON'T BE AFRAID TO VOCALIZE ABOUT THAT BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT MAKES A STORY AND THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR.”
—Corey Cushing
PRIMO MORALES
Above:
Will you be ready when the spotlight shines on you? Preparing for an interview will make you more comfortable when the microphones and cameras turn to you.
STEP 1: PRACTICE BEFOREHAND
People have many reasons for showing horses, and usually, interviewing is the last thing on their minds. They’ll spend hours working their horses, improving their horsemanship and planning their show year, but most don’t think about how to speak to a reporter or what to talk about. Then, when the time comes for an interview, either for a written story or on camera, nerves can cause them to freeze up or forget what to say.
Most of those nerves are only there because of a lack of preparation, Dawson said. The best way to combat them is to practice in advance. That way, you’ll come across more eloquently and be able to tell the story of your horse’s success accurately.
“When I was a kid, I didn’t understand that
[interviewing] was going to be something I was going to have to know, so I didn’t really practice it,” Dawson said. “I’d get a little blindsided by it. One of the first interviews I did, it took me about four takes just to get my name out. But, if you’re aspiring to be a horse trainer or successful in the industry, you should be aspiring to win, which is going to come with interviews, so you should practice so you don’t sound silly when you get there.”
You can practice for interviews with a friend, taking turns asking each other questions and then elaborating on the answers. Focus on the general questions most reporters ask after each win: your history with the horse, the horse’s best assets, details about your run and some biographical information about yourself. If you prepare that information in advance, you won’t struggle to remember every detail.
Even if you perform better speaking in the moment rather than trying to memorize what you want to say, you can still keep a short list of the topics you want to hit on in the back of your mind, then elaborate on them as the interview builds.
“I try to keep in mind the important key points—a little bit about the horse and the owners, highlights of the run and then mention some people that helped me get there,” Mixon said. “I try not to think about it too much but work to say more than, ‘My run was good, my horse was good,’ which can be the typical horse-trainer interview sometimes.”
STEP 2: BE AVAILABLE
When you win a class at a major event, a reporter will likely follow up with you in person or by phone shortly after the awards ceremony. If someone is on-site, hang around briefly after the awards ceremony and be visible. That way, the journalist can find and interview you for a few minutes, and you can celebrate afterward.
“Know there are going to be interviews where people want to talk to you and want to hear your journey— don’t be rude by taking off,” Cushing said. “There are always plenty of things to do at the barn, so maybe have something set up on the side where someone can help you out with whatever needs to be taken care of. The reporter is there to shine the light on you and hear about your journey; give them the respect of helping them create that.”
If the reporter is operating remotely, expect a phone call shortly after the class ends. Because journalists are often working on tight deadlines after events, call them back quickly if you can’t answer their call. Otherwise, you might miss the chance to talk about your horse and the road to success together.
STEP 3: ELABORATE
It can be hard to talk about yourself, especially to a person you don’t know well, but reporters are there to tell your story—which is free publicity for you, as well as your horse, your business and the horse’s breeder and owner, among others. Use it to your advantage by elaborating on your horse’s history and strengths, and don’t be afraid to add extra details that people will enjoy reading about or hearing.
“Everybody kind of knows the facts about what happened if they’re following the horse show, but they don’t really know the behind-the-scenes story about the horse,” Mixon said. “It can be as simple as their barn name and personality or highlighting things you felt during the run. Giving an inside perspective can help make it more interesting and give you something to say.”
Many horsemen are uncomfortable talking about themselves but are happy to gush about their horses. If you fall into that category, let the reporter know so they can focus their questions on the horse and your journey to the winner’s circle.
“Every horse has its own story, and not one horse is the same out there,” Cushing said. “Talk about the horse and where you can count on him to show off, as opposed to the moments you wanted to keep him in the box. What was your game plan that day? You can even mention silly stuff like how you slept the night before, depending on the question.”
“I TRY TO KEEP IN MIND THE IMPORTANT KEY POINTS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE HORSE AND THE OWNERS, HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RUN AND THEN MENTION SOME PEOPLE THAT HELPED ME GET THERE."
—Abby Mixon
CAROLYN SIMANCIK
Left:
A media training class could help you learn how to best interact with journalists to represent your business, your horses and the association in the best light.
Below:
High-profile events, such as The American Performance Horseman, bring larger audiences who are unfamiliar with Western disciplines, so it’s important to be prepared to answer new types of questions and to explain the intricacies of your sport to newcomers.
STEP 4:
PRACTICE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR HANDS
Speaking into a recorder for a story that will be transcribed and written out is one thing, but if you’re going to do a video interview, you need to practice how to stand, Dawson said. He recalled how, during The American Performance Horseman last year, an interview specialist coached the finalists on handling themselves in front of the camera and hundreds of spectators.
“You don’t think about it until you’re up there, but what do you do with your hands?” Dawson said. “If you don’t practice, you’ll be like Ricky Bobby [from the movie Talladega Nights], with your hands just up in your face like a rocket ship. Don’t be afraid to talk with your hands, but if you’re unsure what to do, just clasp them in front of you.”
It might feel weird at first, he added, but it looks natural on camera and in person. The more you do it, the less you’ll think about it.
STEP 5: STAY AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVE
Whether you’re talking about your horse, its former owners or struggles you went through, remember to stay positive and politically correct, Cushing said. Refrain from putting down certain bloodlines, equipment or your horse itself. For one, it’s not a good look if the stallion or company you’re criticizing is sponsoring the event. Second, if you decide to sell your horse in the future, you could put off potential buyers.
“IF YOU DON’T PRACTICE, YOU’LL BE LIKE RICKY BOBBY FROM THE MOVIE TALLADEGA NIGHTS, WITH YOUR HANDS JUST UP IN YOUR FACE LIKE A ROCKET SHIP. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TALK WITH YOUR HANDS, BUT IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, JUST CLASP THEM IN FRONT OF YOU."
—Chris Dawson
“The whole world could see this story, so be as complimentary as you can,” Cushing advised. “If there’s something that may not sound good or everybody doesn’t need to hear about, just avoid it completely.”
If you’re a trainer, Mixon suggests pretending you’re talking to your horse’s owner. If there’s something you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying to the owner, don’t tell it to the interviewer.
“It’s a good way to keep things in perspective,” Mixon said. “The only details you should share should be what you want the general public to know.”
It’s OK to mention challenges you had to overcome, like a horse’s difficult personality or an injury or illness the horse overcame, but stick to the facts. If you can, try to spin them in a positive way.
“You could say, ‘Well, this horse has some quirks. She’s kind of a one-man horse, and I’m her person,’ ” Dawson suggested. “Find a way to spin that into something cool and interesting, not something that would come across as negative to anybody’s breeding program.”
STEP 6: DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS
After your big win, the adrenaline will pump, and you’ll likely still be processing what just happened. You might not feel as clear-headed as you usually would. Combined with the noise and chaos of horse shows, that can make it difficult to hear or even understand a question a reporter is asking you.
“I think it helps to repeat the question to make sure you understood it right or to ask them to repeat it,” Mixon said. “If anything, it gives you a minute to process what they said and come up with an answer without standing there awkwardly.”
If you don’t know the answer to a question, offer to follow up with the reporter later. Some may be unable to because of a quick turnaround, but those who can will appreciate having the extra information to add to their stories.
If you freeze up at the beginning of a video interview, it’s OK to ask if you can start over. Journalists
CAROLYN SIMANCIK
want you to be successful and to like the story when it comes out, so unless the video is live, they usually won’t mind doing a couple of takes until you’re confident with the final product.
STEP 7: THANK YOUR SUPPORTERS
It takes a village to make it to the winner’s circle, and acknowledging the people who helped you is always a good idea. While you might be tempted to list everyone involved in your success, that’s a good way to forget somebody.
If there’s a particular person who played a more significant part in your and the horse’s story—a trainer, an owner, parents or a spouse, for instance, feel free to give that person a shout-out and mention specifically how they supported you. Otherwise, it might be best to simplify the list and be general in thanking everyone who helped you get there. Most of the time, they’ll know who they are.
“If something sticks out, whether it be your sponsors or someone who’s helped you along the way, don't be afraid to vocalize about that because that's what makes a story, and that's what people want to hear,” Cushing said. “Don’t be afraid to show emotion for something you've worked so hard for.”
STEP 8: SHARE THE STORY
Once the story is written or the video interview is edited and posted, share it on your social media platforms. Not only does it get your story out in front of the masses, but it can also highlight your horse, its breeder and the people who had a hand in its training. It’s a good way to acknowledge the association and those that promote the sport, too.
“I like to give recognition to the people that believed in me enough to do the interview,” Mixon said. “I think it’s kind of a thank you to them to share the story they wrote.”
Take advantage of the free publicity about you and your horse and encourage others, such as your horse’s sire and breeders, trainers and owners, and even your local media groups to share the story. After all, it’s a chance to get a positive message out there about your sport while also highlighting the role you played.
“If you’re not willing to put yourself out there and represent your industry, who’s going to?” Dawson asked. “Is it going to be somebody who does it better, or will it be somebody who spins off into the negative stuff? You get very few opportunities to paint a picture of yourself to the public, so pick the picture you want to paint.”
“… YOU GET VERY FEW OPPOR TUNITIES TO PAINT A PICTURE OF YOURSELF TO THE PUBLIC, SO PICK THE PICTURE YOU WANT TO PAINT.”
—Chris Dawson
Bene t of BOX-DRIVE
Since its conceptualization, the goal of the box-drive class is to provide riders and their horses the best opportunity to learn the elements of going down the fence in true reined cow horse fashion.
BY KATE BRADLEY BYARS PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
HERE’S A MOMENT IN EVERY REINED COW HORSE RUN that draws the audience’s attention: people slide to the edge of their seats; the crowd begins to cheer louder or holds its breath. When a rider leaves the boxing end to drive through the corner and aim down the fence, the truly great element of reined cow horse competition unfolds. For riders who opt not to go down the fence, the same element of suspense awaits in NRCHA’s box-drive class.
In 1 minute, 45 seconds, competitors who enter the box-drive class must box the cow on one end, drive it down the fence and release it on the far end, then box it again before driving back down the fence past the middle marker to complete the run. The run doesn’t require a fence turn or circling, but it does ask the rider to demonstrate the competent control required to make that run.
Rating the cow down the fence is a challenge non pro boxing-eligible riders relish.
“For someone learning and going through each step, there’s another class to move into—the box-drive— to continue to learn before you go down the fence,” said Todd Crawford, an NRCHA Hall of Famer and
Two Million Dollar Rider from Blanchard, Oklahoma. “There’s another level of difficulty to showing, where you have to drive the cow to the other end, and you have to hold it down there. You and your horse must be dead-on as a team to hold the cow there. In my mind, that only helps you be a better rider.”
After two years as a provisional class, the box-drive class is now in its third year of being one of 16 classes to earn an NRCHA World Championship title. For trainers like Crawford and Chris Dawson, who’s also an NRCHA 2A judge, the class’s benefit is farther reaching than that one title. It sets up a much longer career for an exhibitor.
While the class took several years to gain popularity, today, youth and non pro exhibitors take advantage of the box-drive class as a stepping stone into fence classes or as another opportunity to show in a boxing-type event. Here, Crawford and Dawson outline how the box-drive event came to be and how it benefits NRCHA exhibitors learning the ropes of reined cow horse.
Bridging a Gap
When Crawford and NRCHA Hall of Fame member Bobby Ingersoll were both judging a reined cow horse show in Tulare, California, the pair learned they had a similar problem. Crawford was trying to teach non
pro riders how to go down the fence with no class to help prepare them; Ingersoll was judging riders who didn’t understand how to set up a fence run properly.
“There was no way to teach rate,” Crawford said. “Rather, it was hold back until you passed the middle marker and bust to go get a turn before the middle marker. That’s not how the cow horse class is supposed to be shown. Russell Dilday and Jake Gorrell were at that show, too, so we [four] got to talking at a break. Running and rating were a big part of the learning process, and we started talking about creating a class that allowed a better transition between the boxing and the fence work.”
Many agreed the class could provide education and opportunities for riders stepping from boxing to fence classes, but it didn’t immediately take off. In fact, Crawford said the club-offered class died out. The lack of incentive didn’t drive entries.
“Stock Horse of Texas revived the [discussion] on the class again, and then we talked NRCHA into adding it as a provisional class,” he explained. “It really didn’t blossom until it became a class where you could win a world championship. It has finally evolved into what I think is a very good class. Now, we have 30 or 40 entries, which was our original goal.”
The climb to add the class to NRCHA events was uphill, yet the result for Crawford and many other trainers was that their clients didn’t exclusively understand
how to practice and set up fence runs at home. With the box-drive class, exhibitors put the pieces together without some of the pressure of a full fence run.
“The biggest challenge to showing a fence horse is to come around the corner with a cow, be in time and rate the cow,” Crawford said. “If you can do that, you increase your chances immensely of making a good turn. Teaching riders to rate a cow means the next steps—making a fence turn and circling—are easier because they know how to rate and have much more control over their horse. I’m not saying going down the fence is easy, but after learning to run and rate, it makes it much easier.”
Beyond Boxing
There are flashy, cowy horses that make the boxing class incredibly competitive, but for Dawson, the true test of a horse and rider is when they drive a cow through the corner and down the fence. Whether judging or watching a client work a horse, Dawson wants to see the rider control the situation, from the horse’s position on the cow to the cow’s position in the arena.
“The boxing is very different than what you do prior to going down the fence,” said Dawson, an NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider from Perrin, Texas. “In the boxing, you’re trying to get as many turns as you can on that horse to show control in the 50 seconds allowed. When we’re boxing a cow to go down the
Below: After the first box and drive, previously, the class called for the rider to drive the cow to the far end and stop. Whereas now, the description says to “release the cow.” Riders can stop or pull up to let the cow go, and when they ask for the stop or release, a responsive horse can gain credit from the judge.
fence, we’re training that cow and driving that cow for the rest of the run, and there may not be a lot of flash. The box-drive class gives you the opportunity to evaluate and train that cow and then exhibit your decision-making skills to do down the fence and exhibit that cow. You show the judges—and your trainer—that you’re competent enough to get through a fence class. That’s how I pitched it to one of my first clients to go through the class.”
To date, Dawson and his wife, Sarah Dawson, have had a half-dozen clients step up from boxing to the box-drive class and eventually to a fence class.
“The corner is the most important part of a fence run,” Dawson said. “Where the run falls apart is when riders don’t control the cow through the corner, which sets you up for the fence run. You must keep control of that cow through a turn, and that’s where this class truly helps a rider learn how to step up. Really, in the class, you get to practice two corners and two rates, which are the most important things in a fence class.”
Crawford echoes those thoughts and reiterates the importance of learning to rate a cow.
“The class is designed to teach how to get into position to make a fence turn,” he said. “You want to be relatively close; you want to be in control of your horse to be ‘in position.’ There are a lot of people timid to get in there or can’t control their horse to get in there, and they’re not in position, which results in a 1-point P or 1-point A penalties coming around the corner. Like the fence work scorecard, that first drive will probably have a negative value because you’re not in position.”
The corner is where riders often tense up, anticipating the cow running faster, and get left behind, Dawson shared. While he keeps “shade” on a cow, staying
tight into it to drive through the corner, many riders stepping up from boxing are nervous about being in that tight. The class allows those exhibitors to experiment with position and control.
“I think this class should be mandatory before someone moves into going down the fence,” Dawson said. “The class gives you a chance to experiment on position and how to get through that corner and control the cow and the horse.”
Scorecard Shakedown
Earning credit on a run can be challenging. In the boxdrive class, confusion about the class initially led to confusion from the judges. Today, though, Crawford said the scorecard and rules better reflect the class’s goal to help riders learn to step up.
Previously, the class called for the rider to drive the cow to the far end and stop. Whereas now, the description says to “release the cow.”
“If you’re running down there and your cow is rolling around the end to go down the other side, you can break off to release the cow, and you don’t have to stop; you can break and stop the cow on the other side before you get a penalty,” Crawford explained. “That's one area where, through trial and error, our original wording didn’t get it done. That change has cleared some issues in scoring, showing and judging.”
An area where Crawford noted negative marks on the scorecard usually
Left: To gain scorecard credit, a horse and rider should drive the cow through the corner for the rate down the fence, not chase the cow.
Below: For Dawson, eye appeal is an area where credit can be earned in multiple spots. In addition to a cowy boxer, he wants to see a horse yield to the rider rating down the fence.
happens when the rider tries to work the cow harder than their horse tries to work the cow.
“Where people get in trouble is that they're so fearful of losing a cow that they over-ride their horse—pulling through the turn—and never let the horse take control of the cow,” he said. “You want to point the horse at the cow and learn to use your legs and feet to stop with the cow. That’s the biggest thing I see in the boxing portion of the class: people aren’t allowing their horse to work the cow; they’re trying to do all the work.”
For Dawson, eye appeal is an area where credit can be earned in multiple spots. In addition to a cowy boxer, he wants to see a horse yield to the rider rating down the fence.
“I want to see the horse be compliant and prepared to go down the fence,” he said. “If the horse takes its head away in the turns, that’s not going to make me think that rider and horse are prepared for going down the fence. If you’re rating down the fence, I want to know that if something happens and you’re in a dangerous position, you can pick up your hand and stop.”
Small things make a run move from mediocre to excellent on the scorecard. For exhibitors in the boxdrive class, the goal of the day might be to top the scoresheet, but the long-term benefit will be much more far-reaching.
“I’ve had a lot of non pros tell me they love the class, they love the extra task of driving that’s required and gives them different challenges with their horse,” Crawford said. “It’s another class to get in, and that’s a benefit because people have another spot to jump into to show. If you do the box-drive-box, the turn will happen.
RULEBOOK RUNDOWN
The box-drive class is open to approved non pro boxing riders and provides the chance to show in another class at NRCHA-sanctioned events. The class counts toward regional and national standings and world show qualification. Earnings accrued count toward horse and rider lifetime earnings but not toward Merit Awards. Find the full box-drive section in the 2024 NRCHA Rulebook
To compete in this division, contestants must be eligible for non pro boxing. The work consists of a reining pattern and single cow work. Exhibitors are allotted 1:45 to complete the cow work. Time begins when the gate closes behind the cow after being let into the arena. When there are 30 seconds left, the announcer will announce, “30 seconds remaining.” At 1:45, the announcer will call for time. Exhibitors aren’t required to use all the allotted time but must ride until the judge ends the run with a whistle or time expires, whichever occurs first. There are four parts to the work: boxing the cow; setting up the cow and driving/rating it down the fence to the opposite end of the arena; boxing it at the opposite end of the arena; and then driving/rating the cow past the middle marker again. There’s no expectation that the exhibitor will make a fence turn; rather, the drive down the fence demonstrates correct position and control around the corner. (New cow guidelines will follow rule 19.3.5.)
3.12.1 Open to approved Non Pro Boxing riders and who comply with all Non Pro eligibility rules. Non Pro riders in this class must meet the requirements of the 2.4 ownership rule. (See Non Pro eligibility rules.) Earnings are calculated as lifetime boxing earnings. Riders cannot have earned more than $750 in fence work classes at any judged classes or events with the exception of horse sales. A rider will be ineligible upon reaching the earnings threshold at the end of the current show year in any combination of officially published NRCHA earnings and/or earnings from any other association. The responsibility for eligibility lies with the competitor. If an individual feels a competitor is not eligible for a class, the burden of proof lies with the person who protests.
3.12.2 Horses 5 years of age and under as of January 1 of current show year may be shown in either a snaffle bit or hackamore. Horses of any age may be shown in the two rein equipment (for one year only) or bridle.
3.12.3 Riders that have exercised their Non Pro Boxing fall back provision (see 3.8.1.1) may compete in the Box Drive class. However, they may not go down the fence again in any judged classes or events with the exception of horse sales and remain in the Box Drive class.
A
top honors for a while.
Shawn Hayes and MoonshineAndTwoAdvil (Metallic Cat x Little Short Stuff x Shorty Lena) won the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ title with a composite score of 885.5, earning $150,000.
two-time World’s Greatest Horseman™ Reserve title holder, Hayes has had his sights set on winning
FIERCECOMPETITION
Shawn Hays’ unwavering commitment to excellence made winning a World’s Greatest Horseman™ title inevitable.
BY JADE CURRID | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
Winning the NRCHA Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock World’s Greatest Horseman™ competition is among the most coveted honors that top contenders in the reined cow horse industry could aspire to obtain. The event sells out annually because it guarantees an exhilarating display of mastery and skill during heart-pumping runs in the herd work, steer stopping, reined work and cow work events, requiring horses and riders to be completely synchronous to have a shot at the title.
The 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ showcased fierce competition by legends vying for the accolade, along with the hardearned rights to confirm their status as the best, during one solid run after another. The crowd’s electric energy and cheering for the proverbial gladiators of the reined cow horse world as they demonstrated their sheer prowess in the pen was palpable. Out of 72 entries, only 16 advanced to the finals on February 24 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
At one point, the title truly belonged to any of the exceptional horse-and-rider pairs, who valiantly fought for top honors until the literal end, and the margins between the top three finishes were extremely close.
Shawn Hays and MoonshineAndTwoAdvil (Metallic Cat x Little Short Stuff x Shorty Lena), owned by Angela Massey and bred by Wichita Ranch, emerged above the rest to claim the title and
1. Shawn Hays; MoonshineAndTwoAdvil; 2014G; (Metallic Cat x Little Short Stuff x Shorty Lena); Angela Massey; 885.5 (H: 221.5/SS: 222.5/R: 217/C: 224.5); $150,000
2. Boyd J. Rice; Saddling At Sunrise; 2016S; (WR This Cats Smart x Sunshine Ingredient x Mr. Sun O Lena); Burnett Ranches, LLC.; 884 (H: 222.5/SS: 224.5/R: 220.5/C: 216.5); $75,000
3. Chris C. Dawson; Reyzinette; 2014S; Dual Rey x Sheza Shinette x Shining Spark); Holy Cow Performance Horses TX LLC.; 883 (H: 218.5/SS: 219/R: 221.5/C: 224); $42,500
4. Brandon C. Buttars; Cuttin Wright Up; 2011G; (Hes Wright On x Isabellena x Quejanaisalena); David I Beckett; 881 (H: 217.5/SS: 217.5/R: 217.5/C: 228.5); $22,500
5. Nicholas S. Dowers; Time For The Diamond; 2010S; (One Time Pepto x Diamonds With Style x Playin Stylish); Rod Dowers; 879.5 (H: 215/SS: 216/R: 227/C: 221.5); $15,000
6. Todd A. Bergen; Smartly Starstruck; 2012S; (Very Smart Remedy x Katie Starlight x Grays Starlight); McSpyder Ranch; 876.5 (H: 220/SS: 220.5/R: 219.5/C: 216.5); $12,000
7. Justin T. Wright; Scooter Kat; 2015S; (Kit Kat Sugar x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey); Eric Freitas; 869 (H: 221.5/SS: 219.5/R: 226/C: 202); $10,000
8. Jeremy S. Knoles; Its That Time Shiner; 2011M; (A Shiner Named Sioux x Its That Time Again x A Chic In Time); Chad & Krystal Brunsch; 868.5 (H: 216/SS: 210.5/R: 216.5/C: 225.5); $8,500
9. Tyler G. Merrill; Seven S Hesa Cat; 2013G; (Bet Hesa Cat x Seven S Shady Cat x CJ Sugar Lena); Madeline A. Horton; 865.5 (H: 217.5/SS: 214.5/R: 217.5/C: 216); $8,000
10. Tucker Robinson; Smooth Outta Style; 2017G; (Smooth Talkin Style x Dualin Curly Pep x Dual Pep); Julie Weinhardt & F Velazquez; 861 (H: 218/SS: 218.5/R: 214.5/C: 210); $7,500
11. Todd Crawford; One Time Legend; 2015G; (One Time Pepto x HR Playin Legend x Little Lenas Legend); Larry Hall Cutting Horses LLC.; 856.5 (H: 217.5/SS: 223.5/R: 216/C: 199.5); $7,000
12. Phillip J. Ralls; Call Me Mitch; 2011S; (Metallic Cat x Miss Hickory Hill x Docs Hickory); Estelle Roitblat TTE Living Trust; 854.5 (H: 218.5/SS: 193/R: 223/C: 220); $7,000
13. Trent S. Pedersen; CR Dees Be Tuff; 2016G; (Woody Be Tuff x CR Dees Boon Meow x Peptoboonsmal); Renee L. Berrey; 850.0 (H: 217/SS: 201/R: 218/C: 214); $7,000
14. Sarah L. Dawson; You May Be Wright; 2012G; (Hes Wright On x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark); Garth And/Or Amanda Gardiner; 657.5 (H: 215.5/SS: 0/R: 220.5/C: 221.5); $7,000
15. Erin L. Taormino; Hazardouz Material; 2016S; (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey); Linda A. Mars; 647.5 (H: 222/ SS: 0/R: 222/C: 203.5); $7,000
16. Kelby Phillips; Duals Lucky Charm; 2013G; (Dual Smart Rey x TRR Ms Pepcid Olena x Pepcid); JB6 LLC; 646 (H: 220/SS: 226/R: 198/C: 0); $7,000
Consistent marks across all four phases of the finals kept Shawn Hays and MoonShineAndTwoAdvil in the hunt for Hays’ first World’s Greatest Horseman™ title. The 2014 gelding has been in Hays’ program since the horse was 2 years old and is considered part of the Hays family.
earn the $150,000 check with an 885.5 (H: 221.5/S: 222.5/R: 217/C: 224.5).
“It’s an honor to be in with that elite group of world’s greatest horsemen who’ve won this title,” Hays shared. “It’s kind of an Iron Man title. The very first time I ever saw it, I was like, ‘Wow, I want to do that—I want to try that.’ It’s amazing, and I still pinch myself because I can’t believe it happened.”
The Weatherford, Texas, horseman explained how their performance progressed throughout the event, beginning with the prelims.
“We started out just a little average in the herd, but I knew this is a marathon, not just a one-goal, one-event deal,” Hays related. “We came back a little stronger in the reined work, and then in the preliminaries in the steer stopping and the fence work—he was just on target.”
Hays added that he and his sure-footed MoonshineAndTwoAdvil put even more tremendous effort into those events that qualified them for the finals.
“We were maybe a little weaker in the reined work than in the preliminaries,” Hays admitted. “All those horses are a little trickier to show the second time around when they’ve been there and done that. And, then, I’d say he’s always been a spectacular fence horse.”
As MoonshineAndTwoAdvil’s reputation as an exceptional fence horse precedes himself, Hays said he had complete confidence the gelding could handle whatever cow was turned out.
“He can make a little less cow look even more spectacular—just the way he works down the fence,” Hays stated.
Hayes continued to describe the extent of the gelding’s uncanny cow sense.
“A lot of times, he can read the cow before it even knows what he’s going to do, and what I even know he’s going to do,” Hays shared. “He takes care of me, and he’s very quick and athletic and just very cow-smart. That’s what makes him maybe a little trickier to show in the reined work—because he’s always trying to outthink you.”
MEET THE SPONSORS
Western Bloodstock LTD. is a horse auction company based in Weatherford, Texas, that is run by Jeremy Barwick. Western Bloodstock began working with the National Reined Cow Horse Association when the Snaffle Bit Futurity® moved to Fort Worth, Texas, and handles the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales® held every fall during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. The company elevated its support of NRCHA to a Corporate Partner level in 2021 and matched the then-purse of $50,000 for the World’s Greatest Horseman™ winner, making it $100,000.
For more information, visit westernbloodstock.net.
Ray Shell Ranch joined as a title sponsor of the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™, thanks to ranch owners Michelle and Reagan Horton’s commitment to cow horse. The Horton family’s Strawn Valley Ranch was founded in 1998 with an emphasis on the cutting horse and through their ownership and promotion of the remarkable champion sire Dual Smart Rey. The family’s legacy is continued as they embark on success with the next generation under the new title, Ray Shell Ranch. This renaissance and interest in the reined cow horse is mainly due to Horton’s daughter Madeline’s passion for the reined cow horse industry.
///// BIG WINS IN THE PRELIMS
For the first year, each phase of the World’s Greatest Horseman™ preliminary round offered a $10,000 payout to the winner. The additional purse encouraged newcomers to enter to run at the cash in their specialty, as well as vie for a finals spot in the marquee event.
Cow Work
Kelby Phillips and Duals Lucky Charm (Dual Smart Rey x TRR Ms Pepcid Olena x Pepcid) earned the high cow work score of 226 in the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ preliminaries, earning $10,000, courtesy of One Time Pepto.
Steer Stopping (Tie)
Shawn Hayes and MoonshineAndTwoAdvil (Metallic Cat x Little Short Stuff x Shorty Lena) tied as one of the winners of the World’s Greatest Horseman™ steer stopping preliminaries with a score of 222.5 and earned an $8,000 check, splitting first and second place, courtesy of the American Rope Horse Futurity Association.
Reined Work
Chris Dawson and Reyzinette (Dual Rey x Sheza Shinette x Shining Spark) earned the reined work high score of 223.5 in the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ preliminaries. They took home $10,000 courtesy of the National Reining Horse Association.
Wyatt Fisher and Prize Winning Gal (Smokums Prize x Ill Be A Winning Gal x Ill Be Smart) tied as one of the winners of the World’s Greatest Horseman™ steer stopping preliminaries with a score of 222.5 and earned an $8,000 check, splitting first and second, courtesy of the American Rope Horse Futurity Association.
Herd Work
Jesse Lennox and Metallic Curveball (Metallic Cat x Cinca De Maya x Dual Rey) earned the herd work high score of 228 in the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ preliminaries, taking home a $10,000 check courtesy of Hat 6 Ranch.
A two-time Reserve World’s Greatest Horseman™ and a three-time AQHA World Champion, Hays’ win of the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman™ title has been long in the making.
Hays, who grew up on a cattle ranch in West Texas, developed a passion for horses and showing at a young age through the influence of his grandmother, the late Judy Hays, who was well-known for breeding and showing top American Quarter Horse
Association halter and all-around horses. His trajectory as an up-and-coming horseman included competing in all-around events as a youth; training and showing rope horses, first for JD Yates of Pueblo, Colorado, and then for Jay Holmes of Sarasota, Florida; and serving as the in-house trainer at Carousel Farms in Sulphur, Oklahoma, before he and his wife, Tammy, established a training operation in Saint Jo, Texas, in 2004.
“IT
WAS A SPECIAL NIGHT TO GET INDUCTED INTO THE MILLION DOLLAR RIDER CLUB AND ALSO GET TO WIN THE TITLE OF WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN™—IT’S A NIGHT WE’LL NEVER FORGET.”
—Shawn Hays
Hays and MoonshineAndTwoAdvil, whom Hays described as part of his family, have built their unmistakable partnership over the past seven years, ever since Hays began riding and showing the gelding during his 2-year-old year.
“He came out of Clinton Anderson’s program as a 2-year-old,” Hays recalled. “Clinton was really busy with his clinics at the time, and he handed the reins over to me.”
At the conclusion of World’s Greatest Horseman™, Hayes was honored with a special presentation for surpassing the million-dollar mark during the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.
Hayes became an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider after placing third in the Open Futurity Finals and claiming the Intermediate Open Reserve Championship title aboard the 2020 gelding Paint It Blak (CR Gotcha Covered x Herbs Lady x Grays Starlight), also owned by Angela Massey.
“It was a special night to get inducted into the Million Dollar Rider club and also get to win the title of World’s Greatest Horseman™—it’s a night we’ll never forget,” Hays said.
A CLOSE RUNNER-UP
A major contender during the event, Weatherford, Texas, horseman Boyd Rice claimed the World’s Greatest Horseman™ Reserve title and took home a $75,000 check with an 884 (H: 222.5/S: 224.5/R: 220.5/C:
216.5) aboard Saddling at Sunrise (WR This Cats Smart x Sunshine Ingredient x Mr. Sun O Lena), owned and bred by Burnett Ranches, LLC. A tough pair to surpass in every way as they jockeyed for the lead with each event, Rice and the striking 2016 stallion finished only a small margin of a point and a half behind the leader.
Rice’s extensive résumé includes winning the 2014 World’s Greatest Horseman™ title and achieving the historic milestone of being both a National Cutting Horse Association multimillion-dollar earner and an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider. At this event, he displayed powerful runs aboard Saddling At Sunrise that captured the cheers of a crowd repeatedly mesmerized by masterful horsemanship and poetry in motion.
Rice and Saddling At Sunrise started building the foundation of their partnership four years ago, and it's only strengthened.
“I’ve been showing him ever since, and he’s just gotten better and better and better,” Rice shared. “Everything just kind of lined up for him Saturday night. He’s a real, good-looking horse, and he tries hard.”
Rice also related an abundance of gratitude for an event and an organization that he regards in high esteem, as well as a sentiment echoed by many.
“I just thought the event was unbelievable—it always is,” Rice shared. “It’s unbelievable for spectators to watch, and NRCHA does a fine job of putting it on and making it entertaining for everybody. It’s just probably the greatest show on Earth for me.”
Boyd Rice and Saddling At Sunrise (WR This Cats Smart x Sunshine Ingredient x Mr. Sun O Lena) claimed the World’s Greatest Horseman™ Reserve title with a composite score of 884 and took home a check for $75,000. The pair battled until the end, with the high score in the herd work and the second-high score in the steer stopping.
THE STARS
EACHING FOR R
With laser-like focus and a strong work ethic, Nicole Donahoo made a huge dream come true aboard her seasoned gelding, Very Smart Pearl, to claim the 2024 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ title.
BY JADE CURRID | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
Nicole Donahoo rode to victory aboard her 2015 gelding, Very Smart Pearl (Very Smart Remedy x Black Pearl x Smart Lil Pepinic), bred by the Ward Ranch, on the grand stage of the 2024 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ on February 24 in Fort Worth.
After competing in a preliminary round featuring all phases of the event—herd work, steer stopping, reined work and cow work—the top 11 composite scores of the 40 entrants advanced to a fence-only finals during the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ finals. Amidst the intense glow of arena lights, whirlwind action and elated cheers erupting from a sold-out crowd, Donahoo and “Captain Jack” earned one of the most coveted titles in the reined cow horse industry and a $5,100 check for their valiant efforts and a standout composite score of 1,074.
Early on, Donahoo and Captain Jack established a lead with consistent, strong runs across all four phases, along with the preliminary rein work high score of 219.
“He was just so honest and did everything I asked of him,” Donahoo expressed while singing Captain Jack’s praises.
Nicole Donahoo and Very Smart Pearl (Very Smart Remedy x Black Pearl x Smart Little Pepinic) claimed the 2024 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ title with a composit 1,074.0, earning $5,100.
PRESENTED BY MARS EQUESTRIAN™ (Rider/ Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Composite Score/Money)
1. Nicole Donahoo; Very Smart Pearl; 2015G; (Very Smart Remedy x Black Pearl x Smart Little Pepinic); Nicole Donahoo; 1,074; $5,100
2. Tylie Norcutt; Soulas Hickory Star; 2013G; (Soula Jule Star x Turn Liz Loose x Docs Hickory); Darrel Norcutt; 1,073.5; $4,080
3. Bryce Barkemeyer; Halo Cat; 2007G; (WR This Cats Smart x Stylin Jewel x Docs Stylish Oak); Zane Barkemeyer; 1,072; $3,315
4. William S. Akin; SJR Starlit Ray; 2016G; (Dual Ray x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights); William Akin; 1,068.5; $2,805
5. Sterlin Mitchell; SJR Diamond Motion; 2017S; (CD Diamond x Stylish Little Oak x Playin Stylish); Singleton Ranches; 1,067.5; $2,295
6. Jade Mitchell; Hughes This Chic; 2017M; (Thomas E Hughes x Smart Playing Chic x Smart Chic Olena); SB Legacy Ranch; 1,066; $1,785
7. Cort Jones; Sally B Tuff; 2017M (Woody Be Tuff x CR A Little Peek x Halreycious); Veta Grande Ranch LLC.;1,059.5; $1,785
8. Collin Kaplan; Moonstruck One Time; 2013G; (One Time Pepto x Moonstruck Cat x High Brow Cat); Allan Kaplan; 1,057; $1,275
9. Paige Pointer; Hollyisalena; 2017M; (Hickory Holly Time x Isabellena x Quejanaisalena); Paige Pointer or Susan Pointer; 1,046.5; $1,275
10. Quincy Probst; Lodo Merada; 2015G; (Cats Merada x Soula Jule Forever x Soula Jule Star); Redgie Probst; 1,033.5; $1,020
11. Hailey Saffert; Chics Gunna Slide; 2009G; (Gunners Indian x Click On Chic x Smart Chic Olena); Jill Nash; 853; $765
earned the 2024 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ Reserve title with a composite score of 1,073.5 and took home a check for $4,080. The dynamic horse-and-rider pair won the 2023 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™.
She said that their monumental win felt incredible, especially since competing in the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ was what she most wanted to accomplish with Captain Jack ever since she bought him.
An 18-year-old freshman at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, majoring in Animal Science, Donahoo is a member of the rodeo team. She faced the challenge of balancing her already rigorous schedule with preparing for the highly anticipated 2024 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ competition.
“He [Captain Jack] has been amazing for me, but we have definitely had our challenges, and so getting with him and just trying to make sure we were prepared— it was always something that I was kind of worried about in the back of my mind, thinking that I wasn’t as well-prepared as maybe I hoped I was,” Donahoo revealed.
In addition, the horse-and-rider duo couldn’t prepare as much as Donahoo would’ve preferred due to regular, heavy rainfall experienced on their home turf
during the months leading up to the event. However, according to Donahoo, the challenge didn’t deter the 9-year-old gelding from performing at any level other than his best.
“He knows his job,” Donahoo said. “He knows what’s up. But he really just takes care of me, puts me where I need to be and ensures we’re in the right spots all the time.”
Donahoo relayed the trajectory of her horsemanship journey.
“I think I started riding horses when I was around 7 or 8, and then it just kind of evolved,” Donahoo related. “I started running barrels, and then that turned into high school rodeo. It was through high school rodeo and the National High School Rodeo Association’s programs that I got introduced to cutting and cow horse [events]. I found the cow horse [events] and just got completely hooked on it, and now here we are.”
She related how her rodeo background helped her prepare for World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™.
“With high school rodeo, we get to do a lot of events, and we make a lot of runs, and that has really helped me learn how to mentally prepare and how to compete and how not to get quite so nervous for everything and just really how to handle the mental side of it,” Donahoo shared.
The multi-talented 2024 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ title holder credits Tina and Tucker Robinson of Robinson Performance Horses in Shandon, California, for the magnanimous efforts they have poured into helping herself and her horse advance to the next level.
“We did make a little bet within our barn,” Donahoo shared. “We had a lot of youth riders who were entered in either youth boxing or whatever, and if any of us won our class, Tucker would have to shave his head. So, I ended up getting to do that Saturday night [after the finals].”
She also credits her family as a strong support system during all her endeavors.
“My parents are the reason that I get to do all of this,” Donahoo shared. “They’ve been so supportive and are so encouraging. This sport can be very, very frustrating, and they’ve seen every emotion that has come with it. So, I’m really happy that they could see it all work out.”
Unsurprisingly, more dreams to fulfill and goals to achieve are already on Donahoo’s radar.
“With this horse, I’m already getting really excited about The Run For A Million, and so that’s definitely a big goal,” Donahoo revealed. “I’d like to keep showing him in the Youth and Non Pro [divisions] at the NRCHA majors, and so, that is kind of what we are heading toward.”
Donahoo shared words of encouragement for youth who might be on the fence about delving into the world of reined cow horse and joining an organization that she is passionate about.
“I think sometimes people maybe get a little intimidated by just how big NRCHA is and everything that kind of comes with it, but it’s the most welcoming association I’ve ever been part of,” Donahoo said. “Showing cow horses is so much fun, and so the biggest thing I’d say is just to try it, and if you try it, you’ll get hooked on it—that’s what happened to me!”
Tylie Norcutt and Soulas Hickory Star (Soula Jule Star x Turn Liz Loose x Docs Hickory)
ROBBIE SCHROEDER MEMORIAL SADDLE RECIPIENT
The late, great Robbie Schroeder was most known as a roper; however, those who knew him best recognize he was a student of horsemanship. He excelled in the show pen and the rodeo arena, earning accolades in roping, reining, cutting and cow horse alike. Each year, a custom Jeff Smith Saddlery memorial saddle is awarded to the high-scoring steer stopper in the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™. The 2024 honor went to Tylie Norcutt for the second year in a row. She and Soulas Hickory Star (Soula Jule Star x Turn Liz Loose x Docs Hickory) marked a 220.5.
MEET MARS EQUESTRIAN™
MARS EQUESTRIAN™ is dedicated to equine sports and building a legacy of horsemen. That’s why MARS, sponsored by MARS, Incorporated, is the presenting sponsor of the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™. Eleven competitors advanced to the cow work finals after competing in events throughout the week.
MARS EQUESTRIAN™ has sponsored world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, as well as shown dedication to sustainability, with the goal of improving the lives of horses, pets and the people who love them.
Learn more about the event’s sponsor at marsequestrian.com, on Instagram @marsequestrian, and on Facebook, search “MARS.”
ROY EDSALL AWARD RECIPIENT
Each year, the Roy Edsall Award is presented to a contestant in the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman™ presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™. The recipient must demonstrate admirable sportsmanship, horsemanship and respect for his or her equine partner. In 2024, Bryce Barkemeyer, competing with Halo Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Stylin Jewel x Docs Stylish Oak), earned the $5,000 scholarship and other prizes.
Title and Presenting Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors
N TOP OF THE WORLDO
Horses and riders battled it out to take home the world champion titles in their respective divisions during the 2024 Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions.
Winning a world championship title at the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions isn’t easy. First, horses and riders must qualify for the world championships during the previous show season, then travel to Fort Worth, Texas, in February and score high enough in the preliminary round of their respective divisions to make it into the finals. From there, they must best a class of talented competition, all vying for the bragging rights and paychecks an NRCHA World Champion title brings.
The following horses and riders proved they had what it took, ultimately becoming world and reserve world champions.
OPEN BRIDLE
CHAMPION
With a score of 443.5 (R: 220.5/C: 223), SJR Smooth Lil Oak (Smooth As A Cat x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark) and Kyle Noyce picked up the Open Bridle World Championship, which came with a $11,400 payday for owner Janie Dvorak-Compton.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Snapdragons (Gunnatrashya x Catnaps x High Brow Cat) and Zane Davis took Reserve in the Open Bridle, collecting $8,550 for owner Shane Law. The duo scored a 443 (R: 222/C: 221).
COMPILED BY KRISTIN PITZER | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE
CHAMPION
The 2024 Art of the Cowgirl World’s Greatest Horsewoman Kelsey Love Thomas piloted Kit Kat Jerrie (Kit Kat Sugar x Jerries Dual Legacy x Smart Little Jerry), known to her fans as “Elvira,” to the Limited Open Bridle World Championship with a 442.5 (R: 219/C: 223.5). The pair collected $4,880 for owner Buddy Thomas.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Taking Reserve were RPL Boon (Boon Too Suen x RPL Ich This x Cat Ichi) and Aaron Goldade. The pair earned a score of 431.5 (R: 216.5/C: 215), banking $3,904 for owner Nancy Winkelman.
CHAMPION
SJR Smooth Lil Oak also carried Kyle Noyce to a 294 (R: 147/C: 147) for the Intermediate Open title, earning another $1,960 for DvorakCompton.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Open Two Rein Champions A Starlights Magnum (Magnum With A Dream x Shiny Starlight x Grays Starlight) and Kyle Trahern picked up the Intermediate Open Bridle Reserve title with their composite 293 (R: 147/C: 146). Trahern and the gelding collected $1,568.
NON PRO BRIDLE
SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE
CHAMPION
Garrell Reilly and Sparks On The Fence (Smart Boons x Spark Chic Olena x Smart Chic Olena) scored the Non Pro Bridle Select World title with a 290.5 (R: 144/C: 146.5) during the prelims, collecting $690.
RESERVE CHAMPION
In Reserve were Birgit Self and Martinis Bet 15 (Bet Hesa Cat x Dual Martini x Dual Rey), who banked $575 after scoring a 290.5 (R: 144.5/C: 146).
CHAMPION
A composite score 442 (R: 217.5/C: 224.5) shot
William Akin and SJR Starlit Rey (Dual Rey x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights) to the Non Pro Bridle World Championship. Akin and the gelding, bred by San Juan Ranch, collected $4,730.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Debbie Crafton and Foundloveathooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey), bred by Connie Down-Cicoria, nabbed the Reserve title and $3,784 with their composite 439.5 (R: 219/C: 220.5).
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE
LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE
CHAMPION
With a composite 443.5 (R: 218.5/C: 225), Lainey Grewing and Metallic Blaze (Metallic Cat x Blazen Tornado x Smart Mate) picked up the Level 1 Non Pro Bridle World title and $4,175. The gelding was bred by Dan Churchill.
RESERVE CO-CHAMPION
Teresa Fisher and Boonafide Royalty (One Time Royalty x Boonafide Cowgirl x Peptoboonsmal) earned a 432 (R: 215/C: 217), tying for the Reserve World Championship. The pair collected $2,974.69.
RESERVE CO-CHAMPION
Also tying for the Reserve title were Gracie White and Peptos CD Badger (Spoonin Roan x CD Hickory Badger x CD Hickory Pep), who accumulated a composite score of 432 (R: 215.5/C: 216.5) and also took home $2,974.69.
CHAMPION
The Intermediate Non Pro Bridle World Championship went to Landri Lisac and Cat Walks Into A Bar (WR This Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark) after the pair scored a 447 (R: 219.5/C: 227.5). Lisac and the Garth and Amanda Gardiner-bred gelding collected $3,465.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Sparks On The Fence, bred by CDR Farms LLC, also carried Garrell Reilly to a 446 (R: 221/C: 225) to collect the Reserve World title and another $2,772.
OPEN HACKAMORE
INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE
CHAMPION
A composite 297 (R: 146/C: 151) marked during the preliminaries gave Blindfolded (Blind Sided x Smart Nu Annie x Smart Shiner), owned by Sheila Mowat, and Clint Swales the Intermediate Open Hackamore title. The pair collected $2,000.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Taking home Reserve and $1,600 were Clyde Metzler’s mare Metallic Action (One Time Royalty x Moria Metallica x Metallic Cat) and Wade Meador, whose total score was 293.5 (R: 145/C: 148.5).
CHAMPION
Linda Mars’ homebred mare Juliette Jonez (Travelin Jonez x Shine Smarter x WR This Cats Smart) carried Sarah Dawson to the Open Hackamore World title. The pair scored a 442.5 (R: 217.5/C: 225) and picked up $10,840.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Speakeasy Cat (Smooth Talkin Style x Catty Moves x High Brow Cat) and Zane Davis captured Reserve in the Open Hackamore with their 441 (R: 221.5/C: 219.5). Owner Lightning 7 Cattle Co. LLC collected $8,672.
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE
NON PRO HACKAMORE
CHAMPION
Debbie Crafton and San Juan Ranch-bred SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) picked up the World title in the Non Pro Hackamore with their composite score of 440.5 (R: 217.5/C: 223), taking home a check worth $4,623 with them.
RESERVE CHAMPION
A 436 (R: 217/C: 219) gave Myles Brown and Overthelegallimitrab (One Time Royalty x Billie Travis x Continental Fly) the Reserve title, which came with $3,618.
CHAMPION
Jack B Quick (Buenos Boon x Sallie Spirit x Poco Smooth Spirit) and Leanne Jetton made quick work of the Limited Open Hackamore, winning the world championship and $4,243.50 with their cumulative score of 434 (R: 217/C: 217). Chris and Debbie Swain own the gelding.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Leanne Jetton additionally took Reserve aboard Sparktallica (Metallic Cat x Sparktilion x Shining Spark), a mare also owned by the Swains. The pair collected $3,321 after scoring a 431 (R:216/C:215).
OPEN TWO REIN
NON PRO TWO REIN
CHAMPION
A Starlights Magnum and Kyle Trahern also collected the Open Two Rein World title with their score of 448 (R: 221.5/C: 226.5), picking up another check worth $7,061.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Behind first place were Bad To Tha Boon (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On Merada x Bet On Me 498) and Erin Taormino, whose 447 (R: 221.5/C: 225.5) took Reserve. The pair collected $5,526 for owner Kathleen Pinkley.
CHAMPION
After accumulating a score of 439 (R:220/C:219), Debbie Crafton and Hesa Wee Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Wee Quejana Gal x Quejanaisalena) secured the Non Pro Two Rein World title. Crafton garnered $3,870 for the win.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Tylor Todd and Voodoo Whiskey (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whiskey On Wheels x Paddys Irish Whiskey) nabbed the Reserve World Championship with their score of 434 (R: 216.5/C: 217.5), taking home $3,096.
NON PRO BOXING
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING
CHAMPION
Carissa Schaafsma won $4,446 after she and Jills Last Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Shiners Diamond Jill x Shining Spark) picked up the Intermediate Non Pro Boxing World Championship with a cumulative score of 442 (R: 217/C: 225).
RESERVE CHAMPION
A 436 composite (R: 214.5/C: 221.5) elevated Gracie Bair and Reys Precious Star (Reys Star Cat x Tazanic x Nic It In The Bud) to the Reserve title, which awarded the pair $3,420.
CHAMPION
After a close race, Kendra Suhling and Metallic Slide (Metallic Cat x Sliden Wright By x Smart Little Lena) came out with the Non Pro Boxing World title by a half-point, accumulating a composite 442 (R: 218/C: 224). The duo picked up a check for $5,920.
RESERVE CHAMPION
In Reserve was Christa Hampton, who rode Whose Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x CR Dees Boon Meow x Peptoboonsmal) to a 441.5 (R: 219.5/C:222) and collected $4,440.
LIMITED NON PRO BOXING
YOUTH COW HORSE
CHAMPION
After riding Extra High Caliber (Snipers Smoking Gun x Extra Dry Dazzel x Extra Dry Chex) to a 442 (R: 220/C: 222), Sydney Whitling scored the Limited Non Pro Boxing World Championship, along with $3,163.50.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Kaylee Dufresne and Hickory Voodoo Time (Hickory Holly Time x Voodoo Chic x Smart Chic Olena) picked up the Reserve title and $2,331 with their cumulative score of 436.5 (R: 218/C: 218.5).
CHAMPION
Emily Kent rode On The Reydio (Reydioactive x Bewitching Ichi x Cat Ichi) to a 438 (R: 218.5/C: 219.5), winning the Youth Cow Horse World Championship and $1,340.
RESERVE CHAMPION
On top of the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Championship, Landri Lisac and Cat Walks Into A Bar also picked up Reserve in the Youth Cow Horse with a 433.5 (R: 213.5/C: 220), collecting another $1,005.
YOUTH COW HORSE—13
& UNDER
YOUTH BOXING
CHAMPION
Carissa Schaafsma and Jills Last Bet, bred by Garth and Amanda Gardiner, also picked up the Youth Boxing World title with a 441.5 (R: 216.5/C: 225), garnering $1,579.50.
RESERVE CHAMPION
SJR Diamond Rey (Dual Rey x Shiners Diamond Girl x Shining Spark) carried Caleb Cushing to the Youth Boxing Reserve World Championship with a composite score of 438.5 (R: 216.5/C: 222), adding $1,215 to the young horseman’s record.
CHAMPION
Hunter Hays rode Walter Greeman’s gelding Thecrowdlovesme (Smart Chic Olena x Shine Smartly x Shining Spark) to a 435.5 (R: 218.5/C: 217) to win the Youth Cow Horse 13 and Under Championship.
RESERVE CHAMPION
Taking Reserve with their 435.5 (R: 219/C: 216.5) were Pinkerton Bridges and Shiney Little Rey (Dual Rey x Shiney Little Queen x Smart And Shiney).
KIMES RANCH
BOX-DRIVE
CHAMPION
Cheryl Chown won the Box-Drive World Championship riding her homebred mare Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak). The pair scored a 446 composite (R: 219.5/C: 226.5) and banked $2,900. They also picked up the Box Drive Select title in the prelims with a 290 (R: 144/C: 146), which came with another $390, and the Non Pro Boxing Select Reserve title, worth an additional $960, after scoring a 293.5 (R: 146/C: 147.5).
RESERVE CHAMPION
Reserve went to Calley Rae Satriana and Cool Response (One Smart Response x Roosters Prima Donna x Gallo Del Cielo) with a 440 composite (R: 219/C: 221). The pair received a $2,175 check.
IME TO SHINE T
SJR Hitime Shine and Matt Koch picked up their first major event win in the Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby.
BY KRISTIN PITZER | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
The Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby, held February 11–19 during the Kalpowar Quarter Horses NRCHA Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas, always draws a large group of talented 4- and 5-year-old cow horses looking to earn paychecks and bragging rights during the Celebration’s limited-age event. This year, SJR Hitime Shine claimed top honors, carrying Matt Koch to a 663.5 composite to earn $45,000 for owner and breeder San Juan Ranch.
“I’ve never won a major event—this is my first one, so it was pretty exciting,” Koch said. “This horse wants to be a show horse. He feels good to work at home every day but doesn't feel like anything just real special or spectacular. But, when you ride through the gate to go show, he just perks his ears up and acts like he enjoys it out there.”
The duo started off in the herd work by marking a 215. Koch admitted the portion
SJR Hitime Shine, owned by San Juan Ranch, and Matt Koch won the Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby Open with a composite 663.5.
2024 OPEN TOP 10
Fort Worth, Texas—February 11–24, 2024 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)
1. SJR Hitime Shine; Matt Koch;20G (High Brow Cat x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark); San Juan Ranch; 663.5 (H: 215/R: 223/C: 225.5); $45,000
2. A Reyl Rebel; Nicholas Dowers;19S (Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Dual Rey); Clinton Marshall; 662.5 (H: 222.5/R: 219.5/C: 220.5); $35,000
3. Nu Passport; Chris Dawson;19S (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Nu Annie x Shining Spark); Kalpowar Quarter Horses; 662 (H: 215.5/R: 223.5/C: 223); $27,000
4/5. Itchin Ta Shine; Chris Dawson;19S (Call Me Mitch x Sheza Shinette x Shining Spark); Holy Cow Performance Horses TX LLC; 661 (H: 215.5/R: 219.5/C: 226); $21,000
4/5. Reyzin Peaches; Clay Roeser;19M (Reyzin The Cash x Shinin Peaches x Shining Spark); Kalpowar Quarter Horses; 661 (H: 220/R: 221/C: 220); $21,000
6/7. Lizzies Lil Secret; Justin Wright;19S (WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Lil Liz x Lizzys Gotta Player); S C Ranch Co. Inc.; 660 (H: 220/R: 220.5/C: 219.5); $13,000
6/7. Vince Von; Sarah Dawson;19G (Stevie Rey Von x Hottness x Spots Hot); Wendy Buehler; 660 (H: 221/R: 221/C: 218); $13,000
8/9/10. Roanmeo; Justin Wright;20S (Hottish x Trouble N Roan x Metallic Cat); S C Ranch Co. Inc.; 659.5 (H: 216/R: 220.5/C: 223); $7,833.33
8/9/10. Secondd Chance; Boyd Rice;19M (Im Countin Checks x Divas On Time x One Time Pepto); Moncrief Quarter Horses LLC; 659.5 (H: 221.5/R: 222/C: 216); $7,833.33
“HE’S
BEEN FUN TO SHOW IN THE REINING. HE WENT IN THERE, PERKED RIGHT UP AND WENT TO WORK. HE ENJOYS IT OUT THERE, AND I WAS PLUM HAPPY WITH HIM THERE.”
—Matt Koch
isn’t SJR Hitime Shine’s strongest, but he and the gelding (High Brow Cat x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark) managed to make a respectable performance. They gained ground in the reined work, where their 223 tied for the second-highest score marked.
“He’s been fun to show in the reining,” Koch said. “He went in there, perked right up and went to work. He enjoys it out there, and I was plum happy with him there.”
The cow work started a bit iffy—the first cow kicked out and barely ran as Koch took it down the fence. Fortunately, the judges blew the horn to give him a new cow, which came out determined to give SJR Hitime Shine a run for his money. The cow was no match for the gelding, though, and a 225.5 down the fence elevated the duo’s score to the top of the leaderboard and the overall lead by one point.
Koch was grateful to win the title with the gelding, who he’s had in his program since the beginning. Though they hadn’t won a major title
OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION & OPEN CHROME CASH CHAMPION
The 2019 stallion A Reyl Rebel (Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Dual Rey), bred by Hartman Quarter Horses Inc., and Nicholas Dowers secured the Open Reserve Championship with a 662.5 (H: 222.5/R: 219.5/C: 220.5), banking $35,000 for owner Clinton Marshall. The pair also picked up the Open Chrome Cash incentive, worth another $1,800.
before, the pair made the finals during the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and won the California Reined Cow Horse Association Futurity.
“He’s just been a pretty dang good horse for me,” Koch said. “He’s kind of the reason I was able to qualify for the 2024 American [Performance Horseman]. He’s pretty easy-going. I hauled him last spring, did a lot of brandings and went and worked at [Haythorn Land & Cattle Co.] one week on him, dragging calves and roping cows as a 3-year-old. He just kind of takes whatever you give him.”
Koch planned to haul the gelding to other major events this year. He thanked his wife, Brianna, for helping him out, as “it’s just her and I that do all of this.” He also thanked San Juan Ranch for letting him show their horses.
“We’ve had horses for San Juan for probably four or five years, and they’ve been outstanding clients,” Koch said. “They trust in our program and let us do our deal, and that makes it a lot simpler for us.”
INTERMEDIATE OPEN CHAMPION & OPEN NOVICE HORSE CHAMPION
After scoring a composite 661 (H: 220/R: 221/C: 220), Reyzin Peaches (Reyzin The Cash x Shinin Peaches x Shining Spark) and Clay Roeser took home the Intermediate Open and Open Novice Horse titles, worth $14,000 and $6,500, respectively. Kalpowar Quarter Horses owns the 2019 mare bred by J.T. III and Sandra Neal.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
K & L Phillips LLC-bred Kit Kat Paddy Whack (Kit Kat Sugar x Maliblu Barbie x Smart Boons), a 2019 mare, and Wade Meador picked up the Intermediate Open Reserve title with a composite 656.5 (H: 218.5/R: 213.5/C: 224.5), garnering $10,000 for owner Clyde Metzler.
LIMITED OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Homebred 2020 mare Metallic N Shine (Metallic Cat x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark) and Joshua Briggs picked up $3,000 for owner Andrea Luce after scoring a composite 649 (H: 215.5/R: 216/C: 217.5) to take home the Limited Open Reserve title.
LIMITED OPEN CHAMPION
The Limited Open Championship went to Bamacats Courage (Bamacat x Playguns Courage x Playgun) and Jon Hawthorne, who scored a composite 649 (H: 213/R: 213.5/C: 222.5). For the win, Hawthorne and the 2020 H.B. Bartlett DVM-bred mare collected $4,000 for owner Chuck Terro.
LEVEL 1 OPEN CHAMPION
With a composite 649.5 (H: 222/R: 215/C: 212.5), The New Cat In Town (Meteles Cat x Sweet Lil Ride x Sweet Lil Pepto) and Will Roden clinched the Level 1 Open Championship. The 2020 stallion collected $5,100 for owner/breeder Gully Enterprises Inc.
LEVEL 1 OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Bobby Lewis-bred Hy On Patron (Dual Patron x Hy N Dry Hattie x HR Pepperoni Dry), a 2019 gelding, carried Brent Boevers to a 645 (H: 210/R: 218/C: 217) for the Level 1 Open Reserve title. The pair collected $4,100 for owner Jodell Johnston.
OPEN CHROME CASH RESERVE CHAMPION
With a 660 (H: 221/R: 221/C: 218), Vince Von (Stevie Rey Von x Hottness x Spots Hot) and Sarah Dawson took second in the Open Chrome Cash incentive, which paid $1,350 to owner Wendy Buehler. The 2019 gelding was bred by Fults Ranch Ltd.
OPEN NOVICE HORSE RESERVE CHAMPION
Reserve in the Open Novice Horse went to Lizzies Lil Secret (WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Lil Liz x Lizzys Gotta Player) and Justin Wright, who marked a 660 (H: 220/R: 220.5/C: 219.5). Bred by Cows & Horses Etc., the 2019 stallion collected $5,000 for owner S. C. Ranch Co. Inc.
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Brent Ratliff and Twntytwntywhatamitch picked up the Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby Non Pro Championship together.
WHAT A WIN
A few months of maturation helped Twntytwntywhatamitch carry Brent Ratliff to the 2024 Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby Non Pro Championship.
BY KRISTIN PITZER | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
Before the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions, Brent Ratliff had made several top-five and -10 finishes at different events, even placing second in the Celebration’s Cow Horse Derby in 2016. At the 2024 Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby, he finally picked up his first major win, riding Twntytwntywhatamitch to a composite 660 to win the Non Pro Championship and collect $7,250.
The pair did it all in a hackamore, which Ratliff realized about a month before the show is the horse’s favorite headgear.
“I tried to go back to a bit, but he just feels better in the hackamore,” Ratliff said. “I called Matt Koch before the show and asked him about it, and he gave me a friendly shove and said I just needed to go show him in it instead of questioning it. It was the right move.”
Throughout the Cow Horse Derby, Ratliff saw a big difference in the gelding’s performance from the prior year’s NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. After their herd work, where the duo marked a 213.5, Ratliff realized “Jim” had started growing up.
“While the herd work wasn’t that impressive of a score, I was really impressed riding him,” Ratliff said. “I could feel him reading the cow, owning everything. All those things that we’ve really been working on since the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, he owned them. It gave me a ton of confidence to go into the rein work and let him have it a little bit more and send him.”
2024 NON PRO TOP 10
Fort Worth, Texas—February 11–24, 2024 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)
1. Brent Ratliff; Twntytwntywhatamitch; 20G (Call Me Mitch x Shiney N Quick x Smart Shiner Nic); Brent Ratliff; 660 (H: 213.5/R: 222.5/C: 224); $7,250
2. Debbie Crafton; SJR Diamond Luna; 19M (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat); Debbie Crafton; 656 (H: 218/R: 219/C: 219); $6,500
3. Debbie Crafton; Hotnrebellious; 19G (Metallic Rebel x Ima Hot Model x Spots Hot); Debbie Crafton; 655 (H: 216.5/R: 219/C: 219.5); $5,100
4. Brent Ratliff; Seven S Red Hot; 19G (Stevie Rey Von x Seven S Wild Flower x Nic It In The Bud); Brent Ratliff; 654 (H: 217/R: 220.5/C: 216.5); $4,100
5. Stephen Silva; DT Shiny N I Know It; 19S (Hickory Holly Time x Lil Miss Shiney Chex x Shining Spark); Stephen Silva; 651 (H: 216.5/R: 219.5/C: 215); $3,250
6. Sophia Buttars; Dollar Signs; 19M (Hickory Holly Time x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On); 27 Ranching Company LLC; 649.5 (H: 219/R: 214.5/C: 216); $2,850
7. Jayson Fisher; Sure Hesa Smart Cat; 19G (Bet Hesa Cat x Poco Smart Oak x Smart Little Lena); Jayson & Teresa Fisher; 648.5 (H: 214.5/R: 216/C: 218); $2,500
8. Debbie Crafton; Biscuits R Smokin; 19M (Hickory Holly Time x Ic The Biscuits x Dual R Smokin); Debbie Crafton; 648 (H: 215/R: 215.5/C: 217.5); $2,000
9. William Akin; Good Timing Mizzter; 20G (One Time Pepto x Goodgollymizzmolly x Very Smart Remedy); Russell Akin; 647 (H: 214/R: 214.5/C: 218.5); $1,650
10/11/12. Caroline Fletcher; Squeaky Reyalty; 20G (One Time Royalty x Hatties Toy x Lil Kual Rey); Caroline Fletcher; 646.5 (H: 210/R: 216/C: 220.5); $1,300
10/11/12. Hope Mills; Pastor Jackson; 20S (Brother Jackson x Red Carpet Style x CD Lights); HM Horses; 646.5 (H: 217/R: 214.5/C: 215); $1,300
10/11/12. Katie Fox; Shinersdiamondlights; 19M (CD Lights x Shiners Diamond Cat x WR This Cats Smart); Dan Fox; 646.5 (H: 217/R: 218/C: 211.5); $1,300
“HE READS A COW DOWN THAT WALL, AND HE’S SO QUICK TO THE GROUND AND OUT OF THOSE TURNS. I’M PROBABLY MORE WORRIED ABOUT ME FALLING OFF THAN I AM WHAT HE’S GOING TO DO.”
—Brent Ratliff
Jim (Call Me Mitch x Shiney N Quick x Smart Shiner Nic) responded to Ratliff’s trust in him by marking a 222.5 in the reined work, which topped the class. Ratliff said it was probably the highest he’s ever marked in a reining pattern, and he credited it to his staying out of Jim’s way. He was even more confident going into the cow work because Jim is a fence horse, which was proven when the duo scored a 224, also the highest score in that class.
“He reads a cow down that wall, and he’s so quick to the ground and out of those turns,” Ratliff said. “I’m probably more worried about me falling off than I am what he’s going to do.”
Ratliff thanked breeder Travis Young of Big Sky Performance Horses LLC, who started Jim, and Stephen Hutchins, who has trained Jim alongside Ratliff since the gelding was 3, for helping them get to the winner’s circle.
“A lot of thanks goes out to Stephen. He’s put a lot of time and energy into having a non pro, probably more than what’s warranted, so I have a ton of appreciation there,” Ratliff said. “I’m probably not the easiest non pro; I like to do a lot of things myself, and he accommodated that. The fact that he went out of his way not to tell me how to ride the horse that he trained but to actually help train the horse to fit me means a lot to me.”
Ratliff also thanked his wife, Kristin, for helping him practice, especially during the frigid Minnesota winters.
“She’s out there nonstop, as probably every wife of anybody that maybe has too much of a passion for this or an addiction, whatever we want to call it,” Ratliff said. “She listens to all the, ‘How does that look?’ questions, talks about the good things and the bad things and just really helps me think through it. Credit goes to her for this as much as it does to me.”
NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION & NON PRO CHROME CASH CHAMPION
incentive.
Debbie Crafton and SJR Diamond Luna’s (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) 656 composite (H: 218/R: 219/C: 219) secured Reserve in the Non Pro. She and the 2019 mare, bred by San Juan Ranch, received $6,500, plus another $810 for winning the Non Pro Chrome Cash
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO CHAMPION
A composite score of 647 (H: 214/R: 214.5/C: 218.5) gave William Akin and Good Timing Mizzter (One Time Pepto x Goodgollymizzmolly x Very Smart Remedy) the Intermediate Non Pro Championship. The 2020 gelding, bred by Todd Bergen Performance Horses, garnered $3,200.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO CO-RESERVE CHAMPION & NOVICE HORSE NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION
After scoring a composite 646.5 (H: 217/R: 214.5/C: 215), Hope Mills and Pastor Jackson (Brother Jackson x Red Carpet Style x CD Lights) went home with a $2,166.67 check for the Intermediate Non Pro Co-Reserve Championship. The 2020 stallion, bred by Daniel Perez, also picked up $1,320 for Reserve in the Novice Horse Non Pro.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO CO-RESERVE CHAMPION & LIMITED NON PRO CHAMPION
Caroline Fletcher rode Squeaky Reyalty (One Time Royalty x Hatties Toy x Lil Kual Rey) to a 646.5 (H: 210/R: 216/C: 220.5), winning the Limited Non Pro title and tying for Reserve in the Intermediate. The 2020 gelding, bred by Earl Rogers, collected $2,166.67 from the Intermediate and $1,575 from the Limited Non Pro.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO CO-RESERVE CHAMPION & LIMITED NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION
Rounding out the tie for the Intermediate Non Pro Co-Reserve Championship were Katie Fox and Shinersdiamondlights (CD Lights x Shiners Diamond Cat x WR This Cats Smart), who scored a composite 646.5 (H: 217/R: 218/C: 211.5) and took home $2,166.67. Mike and James Draper bred the 2019 mare, which also picked up the Limited Non Pro Reserve Championship with Fox for another $1,250.
LEVEL 1 NON PRO CHAMPION
Roan West rode 2019 gelding Boonafide Smarty (Smart Boons x Very Smart Jewel x Very Smart Remedy), who was bred by James Frahm, to the Level 1 Non Pro title with a 636 score (H: 207/R: 215.5/C: 213.5). The pair collected $1,850.
NOVICE HORSE NON PRO CHAMPION & SELECT NON PRO CHAMPION
Jayson Fisher piloted his 2019 gelding Sure Hesa Smart Cat (Bet Hesa Cat x Poco Smart Oak x Smart Little Lena) to a composite 648.5 (H: 214.5/R: 216/C: 218) for the Novice Horse Non Pro title. He and the gelding, bred by David Beckett and Laura Bell, collected $1,650. They also picked up the Select Non Pro Championship, worth another $320.
LEVEL 1 NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION
A composite score of 624.5 (H: 214.5/R: 209.5/C: 200.5) gave Carissa Schaafsma and Hes Got That Look (Dual R Smokin x SVR Shesgothatlook x Metallic Cat) the Level 1 Non Pro Reserve Championship. Schaafsma and the 2019 gelding, bred by J Five Horse Ranch Management LLC, collected $1,550.
SELECT
NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION
Eric Freitas and Scootin Lil Lola’s (Scooter Kat x Wareable x Smooth As A Cat) 643 (H: 215.5/R: 217/C: 210.5) took the Select Non Pro Reserve title, worth $240. Terry Ratto and Charise Gillespie bred the 2020 mare.
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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
NON PRO CHROME CASH RESERVE CHAMPION
A composite score of 649.5 (H: 219/R: 214.5/C: 216) gave Sophia Buttars and Dollar Signs (Hickory Holly Time x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On), a 2019 mare bred by Garth and Amanda Gardiner, Reserve in the Chrome Cash incentive, which awarded $540.
NON PRO BOXING CHAMPION
Amy Etcheverry and CP Metallic Dual (Metallic Cat x KD Sweet Corn x Dual Pep) scored a 653 composite (H: 217/R: 216.5/C: 219.5), which won the Non Pro Boxing Championship and a $4,200 paycheck. Cal Poly Corporation bred the 2018 gelding.
NON PRO BOXING RESERVE CHAMPION & SELECT NON PRO BOXING CHAMPION
For the Non Pro Boxing Reserve Championship, Cheryl Chown and Hippster (Metallic Rebel x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey), a 2019 gelding bred by Beau Galyean, earned $3,500. The pair’s 650 (H: 216.5/R: 216.5/C: 217) also nabbed the Select Non Pro Boxing title, worth another $330.
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With a composite 643 (H: 213.5/R: 211.5/C: 218), Taylor Worley led the Level 1 Non Pro Boxing on Saucy Outlaw (Shiney Outlaw x Shes Onetimes Ticket x One Time Pepto), a 2020 gelding bred by Zackery Stebbins. The pair received a check worth $1,100.
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Robert Shockley and Cold Harde Cash’s (Reyzin The Cash x Shes Icing Onthe Cat x High Brow Cat) 638.5 composite (H: 214.5/R: 207.5/C: 216.5) took Reserve. Shockley and the Lone Oak Performance Horses LLC-bred 2018 gelding banked $950, plus another $660 for taking second in the Non Pro Boxing Chrome Cash incentive.
NON PRO BOXING CHROME CASH CHAMPION
The Non Pro Boxing Chrome Cash incentive went to Lucinda David and Josslynnn (High Brow Cat x Jojo Boon x Peptoboonsmal). David and the 2020 mare, bred by Anderson Cattle Company, scored a 646.5 (H: 215.5/R: 210/C: 221) and collected $990.
SELECT NON PRO BOXING RESERVE CHAMPION
Lori Adamski-Peek and One Metallic Spark (Metallic Cat x One Sparking Time x One Time Pepto) scored a 648 composite (H: 213/R: 218.5/C: 216.5) to garner the Select Non Pro Boxing Reserve Championship and a $275 paycheck. Mark and Kimberly Rauch bred the 2018 gelding.
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MARTIN PERFORMANCE
COWHORSE
FROM THE
The NRCHA Foundation takes a fresh look at opportunities.
The NRCHA Foundation board met during the Celebration of Champions, and I couldn’t be happier with the progress we’re making toward increasing our support of the association. We had a very productive meeting that left us feeling inspired and encouraged thanks to excellent ideas and feedback.
All our efforts begin with fundraising, and the event planning committee is working toward hosting an event in the Fort Worth, Texas, area that will elevate those opportunities. This event, along with our other fundraisers held during NRCHA events, set the tone for our direction and what we can do for our membership.
The Cowboy Crisis Fund has a new set of rules to keep it aligned with legal requirements. It will focus on supporting those in need by accepting applications for funding accompanied by documentation for expenses, such as medical bills. The
support will have a cap, but we’re encouraged to be able to help our members when they need it most.
We decided to add two more scholarships to our program for youth members. One will be merit-based, including community work, and one will focus on sportsmanship. We’re excited to recognize more of our youth members and support their efforts toward higher education.
The Foundation is also excited to continue offering clinics and some new educational opportunities for our kids.
Finally, we’re working hard to preserve our sport’s historical archives, including photos and videos from the NRCHA’s early days. Our sport is built on tradition, and protecting our history is very important.
It’s an exciting time to be part of the Foundation in this growth phase! If you have ideas, suggestions or feedback to share, please reach out to me.
As those babies hit the ground this spring, be prepared for your vet to visit your mare and foal.
BY DR. JOE CARTER, DVM
Most mares are bred in April and May; therefore, the majority of foals are born in March and April of the following year. Exams for both your mare and foal are critical for their future health. Newborn foals are fragile, the foaling process is violent and a lot can and does go wrong. Working with your veterinarian is the best way to help your foal have a bright future.
PLAN FOR THE NEW-FOAL EXAM
Once a foal is born, there’s real value in having a newfoal examination performed by your veterinarian. I can’t tell you how many problems we’ve caught before they became big, life-threatening issues by performing a new-foal exam.
A new-foal exam is a general term for a comprehensive physical examination, including lab work. It begins with a general physical examination of the foal, including documenting its first few hours of life. Did the foal stand within one hour of foaling? Did the foal nurse within two hours of birth?
Why is this important? Delayed standing and/or delayed nursing are signs of trauma, brain swelling or foal maladjustment syndrome. There are treatments your veterinarian can administer to help those problems if they’re given at the onset, not after the foal is down, hypothermic and in a coma.
Next, examining the foal for congenital abnormalities such as entropion, cleft palate and hernias is warranted. We also check for trauma to the naval, ribs and eyes. Treating the naval with a disinfectant like chlorhexidine is recommended by most veterinarians.
Normal bodily functions are also critical. Is the foal urinating properly? Colts are predisposed to ruptured
bladders, signified by short, sporadic urination. The first feces, called meconium, is black and hard. Foals all too often get meconium impactions. They will need an enema to prevent this from happening.
EXAMINE THE MARE, TOO
After examining the foal, it’s a good idea to check out the mare. She needs to pass all of her placenta, which should be examined. Is she producing colostrum? You can measure its quality with a colostometer if there’s any question. How are the mare’s behavior and soreness? Is she letting the foal nurse?
We also check the mare’s perineal area for injury during the exam. Rectovaginal tears must be discovered within hours—not days—of foaling.
FOLLOW-UP EXAM
When the foal is more than 24 hours old, a follow-up examination, including blood samples, should be taken to measure the IgG (the antibodies to fight infection in the foal’s blood). If IgG deficiency is discovered, intravenous plasma can be administered to boost the foal’s immune system.
Many farms with an endemic bacteria called Rhodococcus in their soil will administer anti-Rhodococcus plasma. Rhodococcus causes lung abscesses and pneumonia and can be fatal.
Rarely, if the mare and foal have different blood types, the mare can develop antibodies that attack the foal’s red blood cells. This is called neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). Blood tests can be run on the mare before foaling or on the colostrum after foaling to determine if the mare carries these antibodies. Foals from these mares must be muzzled for 24 hours and fed colostrum from another mare or a colostrum bank for a day.
Joe
Carter, DVM Oklahoma Equine Hospital Official NRCHA Veterinarian
—Joe Carter, DVM “
A NEW-FOAL EXAM IS A GENERAL TERM FOR A COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, INCLUDING LAB WORK.”
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Kyrkbyn Backagarden 1 SE-512 62 Mardaklev., Sweden
Phone: +46 70 676 7642
Email: styrelsen@srcha.eu Website: srcha.eu
NRCHA SUSPENDED LIST
NRCHA membership privileges will be suspended for the second offense of bad checks, per rule 1.1.6.2 and for non payment of debt to NRCHA Show Management or NRCHA Approved Show Management. Additionally, all amounts for advertising in the NRCHA publication, Reined Cow Horse News, are due and payable within 30 days of receipt.
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.
