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Reined Cow Horse News - August/September 2025

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

VOLUME 30, NO. 4

VOLUME 30, NO. 4

Blu Genes Beats All!

BOYD RICE AND BLU GENES top the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Open.

Unstoppable! JORDAN WILLIAMS rides TAZZY ES SAVVY to his first premier win: the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Open Championship.

CORRECTIVE SHOEING

//////

NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC

//////

TRAINING TIPS: STOP THE CROSSFIRE

CORRECTIVE SHOEING

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NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY

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TRAINING TIPS: STOP THE CROSSFIRE


AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

VOLUME 30, NO. 4

Champion on the First Try STEFANI WAGLEY and BOON DOXX won the World’s Greatest Non Pro title.

CORRECTIVE SHOEING

MARS EQUESTRIAN™ TRAINING TIPS: ////// NRCHA ////// HACKAMORE CLASSIC STOP THE CROSSFIRE

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

VOLUME 30, NO. 4

Unstoppable! ERIN TAORMINO and HAZARDOUZ MATERIAL hit paydirt again in the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular.

CORRECTIVE SHOEING

MARS EQUESTRIAN™ TRAINING TIPS: ////// NRCHA ////// HACKAMORE CLASSIC STOP THE CROSSFIRE

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NRCHA.COM

Mark your

CALENDARS for 2025!

W HAT TO LOOK FOR

ONLINE

2025 RULE BOOK Be sure to view, download and review the 2025 Rule Book before you head to the show pen!

NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY® October 3–18

CHECK OUT ALL NRCHA-APPROVED SHOWS WITH THIS QR CODE.

Ensure that your 2025 foals are nominated to the Cow Horse Incentive program! Learn more online at nrcha.com/nrcha-incentive-program.

Find it at www.nrcha.com/ rule-book.

Volume 30, Number 4

Official Publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Published by Equine Network

NRCHA 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088 Phone: 940-488-1500 | Fax: 940-488-1499 | info@nrcha.com | www.NRCHA.com NRCHA OFFICERS & DIRECTORS President: Paul Bailey | Vice President: Trey Neal | Treasurer: Todd Crawford | Secretary: Ben Baldus Executive Director: Emily Konkel | Director of Marketing: Callie Boevers Director of Incentive & Sponsorship: Patty Tiberg | Director of Judges: Bill Enk Director of Programs: Tara Carter | Director of Shows: Tina McCleary Official NRCHA Photographer: Primo Morales | Official NRCHA Videographer: Equine Promotion

REINED COW HORSE NEWS CEO: Tom Winsor | Editor: Jennifer Paulson | Managing Editor: Jennifer Denison Art Director: Michelle Miller | Production Manager: Stacey Horne | Prepress Specialist: Brad Burleson Advertising Sales: Shawn McCoy, 817-929-8597, advertising@nrcha.com Reined Cow Horse News (ISSN 2380-3975, USPS 024-906) is published six times a year by the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Known office of publication: 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088. 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, 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088. Subscription rate is $25 a year. Periodical postage paid at Weatherford, TX 76088 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reined Cow Horse News, 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

FEATURES

COURTESY OF AL DUNNING

66

Crossfire Conundrum Correct this costly mistake and improve your and your horse’s safety through shoulder and hindquarter control.

70

Stepping Right Your horse may need corrective shoeing, and these methods can be incredibly helpful.

76

Remembering Jim Paul The cow horse community lost a champion horseman, respected coach and NRCHA Hall of Fame member with the passing of Jim Paul early this summer.

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

DEPARTMENTS EVENTS

12 From the Executive Director 18 From the Judge’s Chair 22 From the NRCHYA rom the NRCHA 26 FFoundation

82

NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Open

92

NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Non Pro

104

NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Spectaculars

122

NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Horse Show Highlights

CIRCLE UP

32 NRCHA News

134

NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Open

42

Faces of NRCHA: Lori Wyman

142

NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Non Pro

82

MEMBER ROUNDUP

152

NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ World’s Greatest Non Pro

now the Pro: 50 KLeanne Jetton

NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Spectaculars

dmirable Assistant: 56 ATaylor Adams

NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Boxing Battle in the Saddle

otable Non Pro: 60 NClaire Edwards

NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Horse Show Highlights

MEMBER RESOURCES

188

NRCHA Committee Directory

160

172 174

On the Front Cover:

104

Tazzy Es Savvy and Jordan Williams earned the Open and Intermediate Open titles in the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby. Photo by Primo Morales

On the Inside Cover:

190 Affiliate List 191 Suspended Member List

Blu Genes and Boyd Rice built momentum— and overcame challenges—to win the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Open. Photo by Primo Morales

Insert Cover Front:

192

NRCHA Sanctioned Events PRIMO MORALES PHOTOS

142

Hazardouz Material and Erin Taormino partnered for another win, taking the CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby. Photo by Primo Morales

Insert Cover Reverse:

Stefani Wagley and Boon Doxx stepped up in their World’s Greatest Non Pro debut. Photo by Primo Morales

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NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY SALE October 17th & 18th • Will Rogers Equestrian Center, Fort Worth, Texas

Reg Name

DOB

Color

Sex

(Sire - Dam, by Dam's Sire)

Twenty Below

1/13/2024

Sorrel

Colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Markin This Cat, by WR This Cats Smart)

2/20/2024

Sorrel

Colt

Smooth Lookin Prince

3/4/2024

Bay

Colt

(Smooth Talkin Style - Princess Betty Rey, by One Time Royalty)

One Cool Twist

3/17/2024

Red Roan

Colt

(WR This Cats Smart - Twist One Time, by One Time Pepto)

Fiddle Smart Cat

5/24/2024

Red Roan

Colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Cats Smart Melody, by WR This Cats Smart)

Woody Be Twisted

4/4/2024

Sorrel

Colt

Cats Got The Blus

5/2/2024

Black

Colt

(WR This Cats Smart - Stressin The Blus, by Once In A Blu Boon)

Bingos Fiddlin Star

3/17/2024

Red Roan

Filly

(Fiddle And Steel - Reys Stressin Melody, by Reys Dual Badger)

Fiddles Last Play

4/27/2024

Red Roan

Filly

(Fiddle And Steel - Melodys Playin Smart, by WR This Cats Smart)

Secrets Of The Cat

4/13/2024

Sorrel

Filly

(WR This Cats Smart - Secrets Blue Angel, by One Time Pepto)

Shiney Miss Von

4/12/2024

Sorrel

Filly

(Stevie Rey Von - Shiners Diamond Lady, by Shining Spark)

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RETURN TO THE REMUDA SALE September 26 & 27th • 6666 Ranch, Guthrie, Texas

Registered Name

DOB

Color

Sex

(Sire - Dam, by Dam's Sire)

Too Graceful To Miss

4/13/2024

Red Roan

Filly

(Graceful Smart Cat - Too Blu To Miss, by Once In A Blu Boon)

Shine Gracefully

4/2/2024

Chestnut

Filly

(Graceful Smart Cat - Shiner Dear Rey, by Reys Dual Badger)

Kuki N Guns

4/28/2024

Bay

Filly

(Blu Guns Crackin - Kuki, by Cats Merada)

One Blu Bullet

4/29/2024

Bay Roan

Filly

(Blu Guns Crackin - One Catty Nurse, by WR This Cats Smart)

Bet He Fiddles

3/25/2024

Sorrel

Colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Bet Shesa Melody, by Bet Hesa Cat)

Steel The Disco

4/7/2024

Bay Roan

Colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Party With Patron, by Dual Patron)

Smart Steel Cat

5/4/2024

Palomino

Colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Shining Smart Cat, by WR This Cats Smart)

Dual Cat Style

5/9/2024

Sorrel

Colt

(Graceful Smart Cat - Savannahs Dual Rey, by Dual Rey)

Shiney Holly Time

2019

Palomino

Mare

(Hickory Holly Time - Miss Shiner Dear, Shining Spark)

Bet Shes Lookin

2019

Sorrel

Mare

(Bet Hesa Cat - Smart Lookin Girl, by WR This Cats Smart)

Stressin Onetime

2016

Chestnut

Gelding (Stressolena - Shes Onetimes Ticket, by One Time Pepto)

Rockin Spook

2014

Sorrel

Gelding (Rockin W - Bobs Smokin Spook, by Bob Acre Doc)

Bet Shesa Melody

2019

Sorrel

Mare

(Bet Hesa Cat - Playguns Melody, by Playgun)

Cat Full Of Diamonds

2018

Palomino

Mare

(CD Diamond - Masterful Cat by, WR This Cats Smart)

Melodys Playin Smart

2019

Sorrel

Mare

(WR This Cats Smart - Playguns Melody, by Playgun)

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR How we manage our growth matters.

CALLIE BOEVERS

Emily Konkel, NRCHA Executive Director

O

ur premier events, including the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby and the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic, which are featured in this issue, have experienced strong growth this year. When we pair that with other major sanctioned shows, such as The American Performance Horseman, The Run For A Million and this fall’s pre-futurities, we see that cow horse is certainly on the rise! With that growth comes the need for smart decision-making and strong leadership. Some of the recent decisions made by the Board of Directors and Executive Committee have been driven by growth, while others are necessary due to logistical changes, such as the renovations at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, home of the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. Due to these renovations, we won’t have access to the coliseum in 2025, and as a result, the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® will look a little different. While we know change can be difficult, please know that our team is working hard to ensure that the event remains the incredible experience that our members, owners, exhibitors and fans expect and deserve. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’ve been with us for decades, we’re committed to providing a high-quality event that celebrates the best of our sport. We’re navigating the facility challenges with our members in mind and will continue to share updates as we have them. At the end, one thing remains the same: We’ll crown the next NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Champion! Our cow horse family is nothing if not adaptable—we adjust to arena conditions, unruly cattle and other circumstances. We’re confident we can come together through these changes—both temporary and more long-term—and continue to enrich our sport. You can count on the NRCHA staff and our Board to share updates as they’re available and to maintain open communication as new information becomes available. In closing, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to all our winners from this summer’s premier events. And to our exhibitors, breeders and owners, thank you for the time, passion and dedication you pour into this sport. It’s because of you that cow horse continues to thrive and grow. We’re proud to have you as part of the NRCHA family, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. —Emily Konkel

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2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales October 17 th & 18 th

Join Us the Final Weekend of the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Will Rogers Equestrian Center - Fort Worth, Texas

One Secret Cat 2024 Open Sale Incentive Winner!

Tuffer Than Metal

2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Reserve Co-CHAMPION!

Early Consignments Include

-

ROK N ROLL FANTASY 2024 sorrel stallion (Sannman x Peek Of

Faith) Dam PE $58,276.

SHADOW ASSETS 2024 chestnut mare (Rollz Royce x Shadowcat

Hickory) Dam LTE $5,833.

SJR DIAMOND ROYALTY 2024 sorrel stallion (One Time Royalty

x Shiners Diamond Girl) Dam LTE $64,725. Dam PE $713,185.

SJR MISTIC WARRIOR 2024 buckskin stallion (SJR Diamond Mist

When Results Matter is to !

x Shiners Little Oak) Dam LTE $6,692. Dam PE $424,177.

SJR MISTS GOT STYLE 2024 bay mare (SJR Diamond Mist x SJR

Stylish Reyata) Dam LTE $3,764. Dam PE $2,592.

2024 Top 10 Average $110,800

Western Bloodstock Proud Maintain the Financial Commitments that Foster the Health & Vitality of the Industry Providing Unparalleled Advantages for Buyers & Sellers

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Selling Horses that Go the Distance!

RBS Cleocatra

Sparklet $100,000

$162,000

2024 High Sellers Daisy Jane $250,000

Shiney Nu Looker

$100,000

Watch for the Complete San Juan Ranch Offering!

Home of CD Diamond & SJR Diamond Mist * NRCHA Open Futurity CHAMPIONS! *Top Placing CD Diamond, SJR Diamond Mist OR SJR Talkin Diamonds foals thru 2029 NRCHA Ft. Worth Futurity Finals receive $25,000 Open/$10,000 Non-Pro (see www.sanjuanranch.com for all the details)

Sales will be Webcast with Online Bidding Available Horse Listing with Photos & Videos available at www.westernbloodstock.com 9710 Mineral Wells Hwy Weatherford, Texas 76088

Office 817-594-9210 Jeremy Barwick 254-485-2542

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FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR Look for the subtleties to earn credit.

R

ate, as it applies to cow horses, describes the ability of a horse to control pace and position while performing maneuvers. This includes matching the speed of the animal being worked. The less resistance exhibited by the horse while rating, the more potential for credit. In the herd work, the age-old saying is rate, stop, turn. Paul Hansma, a Hall of Fame cutting horse trainer adds, “rate, stop, draw and turn” to this definition. The horse’s ability to rate during the herd work is important to set up the cow and control it in the middle third of the arena. Good rate also allows the exhibitor to step outside the cow on both sides, far enough to turn the cow without missing. This scenario, plus doing all of this on fairly loose reins, is a credit-earning situation. Horses that lack rate have trouble controlling the cow without being stopped and turned by the exhibitor. Reining is allowed under our rules, but if it’s excessive, run content should be reduced. A true cow horse should be acknowledged and rewarded. A successful reining horse trainer once told me that it was impossible for a horse to mark a plus-one stop without a good approach. The approach is part of the stop maneuver, so if you graded the approach and stop separately and averaged the two, it would be almost impossible to have a plus-one type stop maneuver if you had an average or below average approach. Rate is key to a good approach and stop. The horse should retain good form while smoothly and willingly building speed up to the stop maneuver. If this is accomplished, exceptional rate has been exhibited and, along with a credit-earning stop, should be rewarded. It’s almost impossible to stay in control of a cow during the fence work without some level of rate. When the exhibitor transitions from the boxing to the first run down the fence, they

should be in a controlling position to exhibit a positive rate. After the first turn, most exhibitors tend to make their second fence turn whenever they catch up to the cow. It’s fairly easy to grade the rate on the first run down the fence, but the second rate is more difficult because the exhibitor is usually accelerating to catch up. When they finally catch the cow, they make a turn. In reality, no rate was involved. That’s why there are a lot of check-plusses in the rate box. If the first run was exceptionally good (plus) and the second run was average (check), the rate box should be a check-plus. If there are more runs and turns, they’d have to be factored in to get the correct balance, score-wise, for the rate box. It’s important to realize that just because you have a plus-type turn doesn’t always mean you had great rate. The exhibitor might’ve been behind and just timed the turn right when they finally got there. Exceptional rate is all about being in a consistent position to give the horse an advantage while controlling and working the cow on the fence. This can only happen if the horse understands rate and is allowed to cow without too much help from the exhibitor. The rate box is for the fence work only, not the circles. The circle maneuver box and score include the rate. A horse that gets to the cow quickly and efficiently and then assumes a controlling position on the cow and stays in that position is acknowledged to have rated well and should be credited. On the other side of the coin, if the horse achieves the correct position on the cow temporarily, then quickly switches sides, or gains position but is unable to maintain position because they lack rate, positive credit should be reduced. Rate is an important factor to fully understand when attempting to correctly score cow horse classes.

Bill Enk, NRCHA Director of Judges

“

The less resistance exhibited by the horse while rating, the more potential for credit.” — Bill Enk

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FROM THE Our members spent the summer learning and having fun!

The NRCHYA youth clinic brought together riders from across the country to learn from top NRCHA professionals.

N

Our youth members served as leaders for the clinic’s groups, guiding them through the clinic’s rotations and serving as ambassadors for our sport. PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

RCHYA had an awesome time at the last few shows. We had a blast at the 2025 Kimes Ranch Derby and the 2025 MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic. At the Derby, we hosted a dummy roping contest, sponsored by Rafter P Construction, which has gained popularity since we started it. We also held a youth flag football game, which we divided into two divisions: smaller kids and bigger kids. It was a blast with a lot of goofy photos! We also hosted a massive youth clinic sponsored by the NRCHA Foundation. Over 60 youth kids showed up from all over the nation—some from California, Nevada and even a kid from Louisiana! NRCHYA members led different groups of these kids, taking them through rotations such as reined work, cow work and working the flag that were taught NRCHA professionals. I want to thank all the clinicians, NRCHYA leaders and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this event possible. You truly made a lot of people’s day! Next, the Hackamore Classic was a lot of fun. We did the Ride-a-Buck, which is an extremely easy event to put on but a blast to participate in. The goal of the game is to ride a horse bareback and keep a dollar bill under your thigh without losing it. It’s a jackpot-style game where the last person to lose their bill wins all the money. Four youth officers were selected to attend the American Quarter Horse Youth Association YES

conference—the Youth Excellence Seminar. Aurora Nicolazzi, McKinley Blake, Caleb Cushing and I had an opportunity to participate in this event, and we had an amazing time! It was a three-day experience in Amarillo, Texas, where we participated in multiple leadershipdevelopment activities, including a community-service project at the Amarillo Zoo. We also toured the AQHA Hall of Fame and the AQHA Headquarters. Several of our NRCHYA officers are involved in AQHYA leadership positions: Jack Kimes, who’s the Region 7 Director (covering Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico and Hawaii), and Brylee Leach, who is now part of the executive committee. Thank you to everyone behind the scenes who makes all these opportunities available to NRCHYA members. —Cole Hawk, NRCHYA Reporter

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FROM THE Your support is hard at work.

I

f you’ve previously supported the NRCHA Foundation, we can’t thank you enough for joining with us to support the reined cow horse community and honoring the legacy of the sport through charitable and educational programs. On top of our Crisis Fund and youth scholarships, this summer we hosted a major event during the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby: a free youth clinic open to all young riders, including those who weren’t yet NRCHA members. The Foundation’s committee members worked hard to enlist NRCHA professionals to donate their time to teach these kids about cow horse, promote the event, provide gift bags for all participants and ensure that everyone involved—from riders to volunteers—had a great experience. It was encouraging to see the interest from riders of various backgrounds, all of whom we hope to make lifelong members of NRCHA and the cow horse family. You can read more about the clinic and see a couple of photos from it in Cole Hawk’s

“From the NRCHYA” column on page 22. We’re so grateful to everyone who volunteered, especially the NRCHA professionals who donated their time during a very busy show to help these kids. We can’t wait to provide more experiences like this for kids to promote cow horse and grow our membership. During the upcoming NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, you’ll have many opportunities to support the Foundation. Notably, you won’t want to miss the auction of a special painting created by NRCHA sponsor Shannon Lawlor. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 18, before the yearling sale, to take in the action and bid for your chance to own “Soul Collector.” The piece was created exclusively for NRCHA, reflecting our association’s core values and ethos. Lawlor brings a lifetime of experience to preserving the legacies that have shaped our Western heritage and the unique history of individual families. Visit shannonlawlor.com for an extensive offering of cow horse-inspired artwork. Chelsea Edsall, NRCHA Foundation Chairperson

26 August/September 2025 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS

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RAISING YOUR NEXT

CHAMPION www.rockingbsranch.com

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$ 2 5 1 , 1 0 4 $ 13 4 , 4 6 3

ONCE IN A BLU BOON x STAY OUTTA MY SHORTS

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WR THIS CATS SMART x SHINEY NU ANNIE

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CIRCLE UP NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION

Keep Cow Horse Connected

MACI MEADS

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///////// CIRCLE UP

ADEQUAN GROWS ITS SUPPORT OF NRCHA and NRCHA share a commitment to keeping our horses comfortable and performing at their best throughout all phases of life. For horses with equine arthritis, Adequan can help make that possible in multiple ways. Adequan has been proven to reduce inflammation, restore synovial joint lubrication, repair joint cartilage and reverse the disease process of arthritis.1,2 “For more than 30 years, supporting horses and riders has been our primary mission,” said Marjorie Lathrop, marketing director at American Regent Animal Health. “We’re excited to continue that legacy with NRCHA for another year as we help keep horses and their riders moving.” Thanks to Adequan for keeping our horses entered up—both by presenting the CowHorse+ entry system and helping them stay ready to compete. Learn more about all NRCHA’s sponsors and partners at nrcha.com/sponsors/.

Adequan® i.m. polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) solution 100 mg/mL

animal health with proven FDA-approved products like Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan). The company’s portfolio is anchored by the only FDA-approved polysulfated glycosaminoglycan products for horses and dogs, which have been relied on for over three decades by veterinarians. American Regent, Inc., a Daiichi Sankyo Group Company, manufactures and distributes human and veterinary pharmaceutical products and is committed to providing the ever-changing U.S. healthcare marketplace with a growing and diversified American Regent portfolio. For more information on American Regent Animal Health, visit ARAnimalHealth.com or call 800-458-0163. 1. Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), Package Insert. American Regent, Inc. 2. Burba DJ, Collier MA, DeBault LE, HansonPainton O, Thompson HC, Holder CL: In vivo kinetic study on uptake and distribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in equine body fluid compartments and articular cartilage in an osteochondral defect model. J Equine Vet Sci 1993; 13: 696-703. PP-AI-US-1274

INDICATIONS Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness in the carpal and hock joints of horses. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). Studies have not been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses. WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For additional safety information, please see the full prescribing information at adequan.com. About American Regent Animal Health American Regent Animal Health, a division of American Regent, Inc., is committed to advancing

COURTESY OF SOLO SELECT HORSES

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RCHA proudly announces that American Regent Animal Health, makers of Adequan i.m.® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), has expanded its support of the association, becoming the Official Joint Therapy of NRCHA. A valued partner since 2023, Adequan’s generous sponsorship supports the CowHorse+ entry system, as well as other NRCHA programs, services and events. “We’re proud to recognize Adequan as the Official Joint Therapy of NRCHA,” said Patty Tiberg, NRCHA Director of Incentive & Sponsorships. “Their expanded commitment reflects a strong dedication to the performance horse industry and the long-term care of the equine athlete. We appreciate their continued support and look forward to growing our partnership.” Reined cow horses work hard to achieve in our sport, competing in multiple events that require exceptional athleticism. Adequan

WOODY BE TUFF BECOMES NRCHA THREE MILLION DOLLAR SIRE

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ollowing the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby, Woody Be Tuff crossed yet another threshold, becoming an NRCHA Three Million Dollar Sire. Woody Be Tuff (Nitas Wood x Tuffs Junie x Tuff Lena) is owned by Solo Select Horses and Kaleb Terlip and stands at the Lazy E in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The 2001 Quarter Horse stallion became an NRCHA Million Dollar Sire just four years ago, in 2021. Woody Be Tuff holds more than $351,000 in earnings of his own in National Cutting Horse Association competition. But his real mark has been—and continues to be—his prowess as a sire across all Western performance events, from reined cow horse to cutting, roping to ranch horse events. His leading earners are some of the biggest names in reined cow horse (earning as of June 23, 2025). • Zak 34 (2018 stallion; out of Cat Digs Lucinda): $278,605.12; 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion; 2022 NRCHA Derby Open Reserve Champion. • CR Hes A Tuff One (2018 stallion; out of Cat Digs Lucinda): $172,819.26; 2022 NRCHA Derby Open and Intermediate Open Champion. • Cr Tuffles N Lace (2015 mare; out of Callie Del Rey); $134,583.39; 2018 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open finalist; 2019 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Reserve Champion. “It’s gratifying to see a stallion like Woody Be Tuff find success not only as a sire in NRCHA, but across the Western performance space,” said NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “It truly demonstrates the versatility and athleticism of our reined cow horse athletes and the influence they have on Western performance sports.”

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///////// CIRCLE UP cow horses. She won the NRCHA The honor will be presented to Very NRCHA ANNOUNCES reined Snaffle Bit Futurity® three times—1997, Smart Remedy’s owner, Anne Reynolds. 1999 and 2001—and holds numerous 2026 HALL OF FAME other accolades. OTHER SPECIAL AWARDS Robert Chown, Gainesville, Texas, is a • Linda Mars will be inducted into the INDUCTEES, OTHER • multiple-time NRCHA Hall of Merit in recognition finalist in NRCHA premier of her generous and extensive support events. He pulled his first NRCHA check SPECIAL AWARDS

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RCHA will induct two people and one horse into its prestigious Hall of Fame on April 10, 2026, during the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel and Casino, as well as honor two people with special awards.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES • Jo Anne Carollo, Atascadero, California, made a name for herself as a non pro competitor as well as a breeder of top

on record in 1999 and continues to be a formidable open competitor. He’s also well-known for coaching his successful string of non pros to top titles. • Very Smart Remedy (Smart Little Lena x Remedys Response x Docs Remedy) earned more than $83,000 in the NRCHA show pen and went on to become an NRCHA Two Million Dollar Sire. He won the 2003 and 2004 NRCHA Derby Championships and the 2005 World’s Greatest Horseman® title, each with NRCHA Hall of Fame member Jon Roeser.

of NRCHA and its mission. Mars owns top reined cow horses, including 2025 World’s Greatest Horseman® champion mount Hazardouz Material. • Tom Buckingham, Bruneau, Idaho, will receive the Vaquero Award, which honors the recipient’s service to NRCHA. Buckingham serves as an AAAA NRCHA Judge. Mark your calendar for April 10, 2026, and look for the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Hall of Fame event early in 2026. It’s a can’t-miss evening of celebration and camaraderie.

SHINERS LITTLE OAK REACHES NRCHA $500,000 DAM STATUS

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PRIMO MORALES

RCHA celebrates the maternal side of the sport by recognizing each dam whose offspring surpass $500,000 in total earnings. Shiners Little Oak, a 2002 palomino mare by Shining Spark and out of Oaks Little Diamond, by Doc’s Oak, is the latest remarkable dam to reach this milestone. Bred by Carol Rose and owned by San Juan Ranch, Shiners Little Oak has three six-figure earners who contribute to her success as a dam of reined cow horses. These figures are NRCHA lifetime earnings as of July 7, 2025. • SJR Hitime Shine (2020 gelding by High Brow Cat); 2024 NRCHA Tres Osos Derby Champion; $204,021.01 • SJR Smooth Lil Oak (2016 gelding by Smooth As A Cat); 2023 NRCHA World Championship Open Bridle and 2020 NRCHA World Championship Open Hackamore Champion; $144,503.78 • Stylish Little Oak (2007 mare by Playin Stylish); 2010 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion; $125,702.71

“We’re very excited for another mare we raised to achieve this milestone,” said Brenda Stephenson, owner of San Juan Ranch with her husband, John. “Shiners Little Oak has produced some great cow horses. Stylish Little Oak won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and has produced more than $120,000 herself. With Shining Spark as her sire, Shiners Little Oak has all the talents needed for NRCHA and roping events. They’re great fence horses and reiners. They’re also beautiful and have great conformation.” This marks San Juan Ranch’s second leading NRCHA mare, the first being Shiners Diamond Girl, with her progeny earning $727,897.26 as of early July 2025. “The powerhouse dams that lead NRCHA play important roles in our sport, and we’re excited to have Shiners Little Oak join that elite group that demonstrates incredible mare power,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel.

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LIFETIME EARNINGS:

$145,551

NRCHA OPEN BRIDLE WORLD CHAMPION ALL TIME LEADING REINED COW HORSE SIRE

2025 BREEDING FEE:

$2,000 + CHUTE FEE

OWNED BY MONCRIEF QUARTER HORSES

LIFETIME EARNINGS:

$235,852

NCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION PROVEN PRODUCER OF CHAMPIONS

2025 BREEDING FEE:

$2,000 + CHUTE FEE *ICSI ONLY*

OWNED BY MONCRIEF QUARTER HORSES

BURNETT RANCHES, LLC • GUTHRIE, TEXAS • (806) 596-4424 • WWW.6666RANCH.COM

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RCHA added another stellar sire to its ranks of Million Dollar Sires when the offspring of Hottish (Spots Hot x Stylish Play Lena x Docs Stylish Oak) earned more than $1,000,000 in NRCHA competition. The 2008 sorrel stallion, who passed in 2020, was owned by Dustin and Deena Adams and was bred by Double Dove Ranch. “Hottish becoming an NRCHA Million Dollar Sire is huge for us,” remarked Deena Adams. “It’s very rewarding to watch his legacy grow. We’re grateful for the advances in science that allow us to continue his breeding career, and we love how ‘Hottie’ continues to bless our family and so many others. We’re very proud.”

Adams added that Hottish’s breeding made him stand out among his peers, and he shares his conformation, athleticism and temperament with his offspring. His top performers include the following reined cow horses, as of July 9, 2025. • Hott Rod (2015 stallion out of Sugars Smart Kitty); 2022 World’s Greatest Horseman® Champion; $351,514.01 • Roanmeo (2020 stallion out of Trouble N Roan); 2025 Tres Osos Derby Open Champion; $262,866.72 • DT HotLilShineyChex (2019 stallion out of Lil Miss Shiney Chex); 2024 Stallion Stakes Open Reserve Champion; $71,874.04 “Hottish is another example of an outstanding crossover sire of reined cow horses,” said NRCHA Executive Director Emily

COURTESY OF DUSTIN AND DEENA ADAMS

HOTTISH REACHES NRCHA MILLION DOLLAR SIRE MILESTONE

Konkel. “His legacy only stands to grow in NRCHA as his get continue to compete in reined cow horse events.”

2024 SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY® OWNERS INCENTIVE FUND Thank you to these supporters contributing to the added money purse for the 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®! Best Kept Secret Ranch

Matthews Cutting Horses

Call Me Mitch

Spahn Law Firm PLLC

Hartwood Farms

Bet He Sparks

Ann Matthews

BMW Quarter Horses

Bet Hesa Cat Syndicate

Honeysuckle Rose Boutique

Double F Ranch/ Roy & Sherri Fisher

Larry & Kathy Barker

Brazos Valley Stallion Station

Woodglen Investments

Stuart Ranch

Dual Smart Rey/ Strawn Valley Ranch

Red Arrow Ranch LLC

Hooray/Eric & Wendy Dunn Gardiner Quarter Horses Carol Rose

D Lazy K Ranch Hat 6 Ranch

Steve and Lori Roseberry War Ponies, Elite Paint Cowhorses

Moncrief Quarter Horses/ Kit and Charlie Moncrief Fults Ranch Rocking Nine Four Ranch Shawn Hays Triple D Ranches

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REINED COW HORSE: RANCH EVENTS:

$80,900+ $58,200+

TOTAL EARNINGS:

$139,400+

OSWOOD BREEDER BONUS • NRCHA COW HORSE INCENTIVE • NCHA SUPER STAKES NRHA SIRE & DAM • NATIONAL REINING BREEDERS CLASSIC • GOLD BUCKLE FUTURITIES • RIATA BUCKLE • ARHFA TOP GUN STALLION

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NRCHA FILE PHOTO

BOYD RICE CROSSES TWO MILLION IN NRCHA LIFETIME EARNINGS fter an exciting showing in the 2025 The American Performance Horseman, NRCHA professional Boyd Rice officially crossed $2 million in NRCHA lifetime earnings. From Weatherford, Texas, Rice is a lifelong horseman who established himself as a cutting trainer before giving reined cow horse a try. His commitment to excellence in all he does led him to become one of the few professionals to hold Million Dollar Rider status in both NRCHA and the National Cutting Horse Association. Rice was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame earlier this year during the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes. A few of Rice’s many successes include: • 2025 The American Performance Horseman Cow Horse Champion with My Boots Are Royal

• 2007 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion with Oh Cay N Short • 2014 World’s Greatest Horseman® Champion with Oh Cay N Short • Became an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider in 2014 • Multiple-time finalist in all NRCHA Premier Events and earner of many World Champion titles and top-10 finishes Rice’s commitment to cow horse goes beyond the arena. He’s served on the NRCHA Board of Directors and many committees, giving back to the association and improving the sport. “Congratulations to Boyd Rice and his family on this monumental accomplishment,” commented NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “Boyd has shown commitment to his horses, our sport and

our association that makes his achievement well-deserved.”

AGTRUST FARM CREDIT JOINS NRCHA’S ROSTER OF PARTNERS

Our deep roots in rural lending and dedication to agriculture make this partnership a natural fit. We understand the commitment it takes to raise horses, operate a ranch and invest in the next generation of horsemen and women.” AgTrust Farm Credit takes pride in being more than just a lender. They’re long-term financial partners who understand your operation and what you need, whether you’re expanding your ranch, looking to improve your financing or looking for working capital. They offer solutions tailored to the needs of equine and agricultural communities. “It’s important that each of our partners share our commitment to our membership and our community’s values,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “AgTrust Farm Credit certainly meets that standard, and we’re excited to work with them to help our members find the financial solutions they need.” “We’re excited to build lasting relationships with NRCHA members and to be a

visible, active supporter at events throughout the year,” Eppler continued. “More than anything, we look forward to earning the trust of this community and proving that AgTrust is a partner who understands the unique demands of your lifestyle and business. Together, we can preserve the Western way of life and help the next generation thrive.” The NRCHA Owners’ Reception is a premier gathering that takes place during the final week of the prestigious NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. This event draws a sellout crowd to the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. This evening reception connects with the heart of the reined cow horse industry, bringing together influential NRCHA owners, leading breeders, top competitors and valued supporters of the sport in a refined, invitation-only setting. Learn more about AgTrust Farm Credit, its offerings and opportunities to work with a financial consultant at agtrustaca.com.

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RCHA welcomes AgTrust Farm Credit to its valued team of partners who support reined cow horses, their owners and breeders and NRCHA members. AgTrust Farm Credit will be an Event Partner and the sponsor of the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Owners’ Reception. “NRCHA represents a tradition-rich, performance-driven community that aligns perfectly with the values of AgTrust Farm Credit,” said Laramie Eppler, Senior Loan Officer. “The association’s members embody the hard work, resilience and passion for Western heritage that we’re proud to support.

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THE NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAM THAT WILL TRANSFORM THE SPORT OF

REINED COW HORSE

Years listed for stallions indicates the year(s) that the stallion is subscribed. If a stallion is subscribed for 2024, offspring foaled in 2020 - 2024 sired by that stallion are eligible for nomination.

• A LENA TIMES TWO 2024 • A SHINER NAMED SIOUX 2024 • A VINTAGE SMOKE 2024, 2025 • ALL THAT BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • AMERICASNEXTCHANCE 2024 • ANNIES SMART CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • APOLLO CREED 2025, 2026 • ARA REBEL KING 2026 • ARC SPARKIN CHICS 2024 • ARMANI CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ARRISTOCRAT NAPPIN 2024, 2025 • BADBOONARISING 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BADGERS SMART PEPPY 2024 • BAMA JELLY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BAMACAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BAY BOON IN STYLE 2026 • BET HE SPARKS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BET HES BLU 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • BET HESA BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BET HESA CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BET HESA SHINER 2024, 2025 • BET YER A SMARTALLIC 2024 • BLEAU 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • BLIND SIDED 2024 • BOB HES QUICK 2024 • BONAFIDE HUSTLER 2024 • BOON TOO SUEN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BOONIFIED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BOONS REFLECTIONS 2025 • BOWMANS GUN 2025 • BOWMANS METALLIC CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BREYKIN BAD 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • BROTHER JACKSON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CALL ME MITCH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CANT KICK A PLAYBOY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CARIBBEAN CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CAT FROM IPANEMA 2024 • CATALLIC 2024 • CATATOMIC 2024

• CATOLENA CASHIN IN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CATS PAINTED ILLUSION 2024, 2025 • CATS PICASSO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CATS ROYAL BOON 2024, 2025, 2026 • CATTALOU 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CATTY HAWK 2024 • CD DIAMOND 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CD DYNA CEE 2024, 2025 • CD HIGHLIGHTS 2024, 2025 • CD LIGHTS 2024 • CD METALLIC 2026, 2027 • CEE MR HICKORY 2024 • CHECK YER METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • COLOR PROOF 2024 • COOL GUITAR 2025 • COOL N HOT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • COUNTIN HOT CHECKS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CR GOTCHA COVERED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CR HES A TUFF ONE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CR HIGHLIGHT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CRACKLIN KAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CSR DUAL GLO 2024, 2025 • CT SHOW ME YOUR GUNS 2024 • DANDY CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DEEPER SHADE OF BLU 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DELTA HELLCAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DOC SEAS WHISKEY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DONN JULIO 2024, 2025 • DONT STOPP BELIEVIN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUAL DELTA REY 2024 • DUAL EQUIS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUAL PEP 2024 • DUAL R SMOKIN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUAL REY 2024 • DUAL REYISH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUAL SMART REY 2024, 2025 • DUALIN BLU MOON 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • DUALIN BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DYNAMITE DUNN IT 2026

• FARMER JONEZ 2024, 2025 • FIDDLE AND STEEL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • FINALS BOUND 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • FIVE SUGAR COWBOY 2025 • FLAMES WITH ROYALTY 2024 • FM COTTONWOOD 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • GENUINE MASTERPIECE 2024 • GOTTA GO GET IT 2024, 2025 • GRACEFUL SMART CAT 2024, 2025 • GUNNA BET MY BOON 2025 • GUNNABEBIGTIME 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • GUNNATRASHYA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • GUNNER ON ICE 2024 • HA SHINE OAK SHINE 2024 • HAIL CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HALF TIME REPORT 2024, 2025 • HASHKNIFE KING 2024 • HASHTAG BLUES 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • HASHTAGS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HAZARDOUZ MATERIAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HENDRIXX 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HERE COMES THE BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HES WRIGHT ON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HESA BLUHADI 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • HESA DUAL BET 2024 • HEY BABE 2025 • HICALIBER CAT 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • HICKORY HOLLY TIME 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HIGH BROW CAT 2024, 2025 • HIGH COST OF METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HIRED GUN 2024, 2025 • HONKY TONK DREAMS 2024 • HOTT ROD 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HOTTISH 2024, 2025 • HOTTISH METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HQ HELLUVA CAT 2024, 2025 • IM COUNTIN CHECKS 2024 • ITS TIME TO SMOKUM 2024 • JANS REY CUATRO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

• JAYMES BOND 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • JOHNNYS LIL CASH 2025 • JUDGE BOON 2024 • KINKY BOOTZ 2025 • KIT KAT SUGAR 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 2024 • KR FANTALLICKA • KREYZY HORSE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • LAST CALL FOR TEQUILA 2026 • LBR HANGEM 2025 • LEGAL N TWISTED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • LONE WOOLF 2026 • MAGGIC MIKE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MAGICAL VOODOO 2024, 2025 • MAGICALITY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MARKED FOR GREATNESS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MASTER MERADA 2024 • MC COWHAMMER 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MEGICIAN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CAJUN 2024, 2025 • METALLIC CASSANOVA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CATTACK 2024, 2025 • METALLIC CHROME 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CHROME CAT 2024, 2025 • METALLIC HEAVEN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC MALICE 2024 • METALLIC MASTERPIECE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC REBEL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC REY MINK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC ROYAL MATE 2024 • METALLIC SLAYER 2025 • METALLIC SPARK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC UNO 2024 • METALLIC WIZARD 2024 • METALLICS MVP 2024, 2025 • METELES CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METILION 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MISTER MONTANA CHIC 2024 • MISTER SMARTS 2024

COW HORSE INCENTIVE SUBSCRIBED STALLIONS Untitled-3 2

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$1.2 MILLION DOLLARS WAS PAID OUT IN THE LIMITED-AGED EVENT AT THE 2025 STALLION STAKES

NOMINATE NOW Nominate your offspring to be eligible for FULL payouts including the new Nominator Purse. Visit nrcha.co/cow-horse-incentive to submit your nomination.

• MOMS STILISH CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MR PLAYINSTYLISH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MY PISTOLS HOTT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NATURAL BOTTOM 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NICS BLACK DIAMOND 2024 • NORTHERN METALLIC 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NOTHING BUT BLU 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NRR CAT KING COLE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NU N SHINEY 2025 • NU ONE TIME BLUES 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • NU SMOKETANA 2024 • OFFERS ARE CHEAP 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • OLENA OAK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ONCE IN A BLU BOON 2024 • ONCE UPON A BLUEBOON 2024 • ONE FINE VINTAGE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ONE OH NINE 2024 • ONE SHINEY METALLIC 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ONE TIME PEPTO 2024 • ONE TIME ROYALTY 2024 • ONE TIME UP NORTH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • OPUS CAT OLENA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PABLO PICATSO 2024 • PADDYS IRISH WHISKEY 2024 • PALE FACE DUNNIT 2024 • PEDEL TO THE METALL 2024 • PEPTO BRO CD 2024 • PEPTOBOONSMAL 2024 • PEPTOREY 2024 • PEPTOS STYLIN TIME 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PG HEAVILY ARMED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PHIL N DANGEROUS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PLAIN CATTY 2025 • PLAYGUN 2024 • PLEASE PLAY ME 2026 • POCKET FULLA PEPTO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PORR QUE 2024, 2025 • PRF PURRFECT STAR 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PRIDE AND JOYY 2025 • PSR POISON CAT 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029

• PURE PEPTO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PURRN LIKEASMOOTHCAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • QUAHADI 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • RAWHIDES SLIDE 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • RAZOR SCOOTER 2025 • RED HOT METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • REEL DEAL 2025 • REMINICAT 2024, 2025 • REYNSHINE 2024 • REYS A SHINE 2024, 2025 • REYZIN CANE 2025, 2026 • REYZIN THE BOON 18 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • REYZIN THE CASH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • RICATO SUAVE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • RL STYLING REY 2024, 2025 • RN HIGHBROW LENA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROCKIN W 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROLLZ ROYCE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROO TO DO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROYAL FLETCH 2024 • SADDLING AT SUNRISE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SANCTUS 2024 • SANNMAN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SCOOTER KAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SENOR SHINEY CAT 2024 • SEVEN S GRAND SLAM 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SEVENS STAR GLO 2025, 2026 • SF HOTTISH LUMI CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHADES OF REY 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • SHINE CHIC SHINE 2025 • SHINERS NICKLE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHINERS VOODOO DR 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHINEY DUAL REY 2025 • SHINEY OUTLAW 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHINING CD LIGHT 2024, 2025 • SHINING SPARK 2024, 2025 • SIXES BLUE POWDER 2024 • SIXES PICK 2024, 2025, 2026 • SJR DIAMOND MIST 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SJR REYSON 2026

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Find the most list of stallions at nrcha.co/subscribed-stallions Stallions listed are subscribed into the Cowcurrent Horse Incentive assubscribed of 11/11/24

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FACES OF NRCHA

Lori Wyman joins the NRCHA Board of Directors as the Owners’ Committee Chair.

NRCHA FILE PHOTO

Lori Wyman was born and raised in Rising City, Nebraska—a true Nebraska Cornhusker through and through. Horses were always a part of her life, thanks to her grandpa, dad and mom. Her family used horses to work cattle and didn’t think much of horse shows until friends introduced Wyman to 4-H. There, she discovered her competitive side and a whole new world. Wyman and her husband, Dick, live in Osceola, Nebraska, where they raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa, manage a commercial Angus cow-calf herd and raise Quarter Horses. They take pride in their ranch work, which is still done horseback. They love raising and riding good horses that truly excel at their jobs, whether it’s a ranch horse, rodeo horse, rope horse, reined cow horse, trail horse or a kid’s horse. Horses—competition and rodeo life—are truly a family affair for the Wymans. Their daughter, Terra, and son-in-law, Tate, own Tate Kirchenschlager Performance Horses in Stephenville, Texas, which specializes in training horses for roping futurities. Their youngest daughter, Alex, lives in Queen Creek, Arizona. She’s a chiropractor and an avid roper who shares the same passion for horses.

Reined Cow Horse News: How did NRCHA become a part of your life? Lori Wyman: Roping and ranching run deep in our family. About 20 years ago, Dick and I had an incredible rope and ranch horse, a Pat Cowan-bred gelding by Tuff Time Peppy. He was too big for the cutting, so we transitioned him to fit work on the ranch and our pastime of roping. This horse might be one of the most versatile and reliable horses I’ve ever had the privilege to ride. One fall, Sonya Atkins encouraged me to try the Sandhills Reined Cow Horse Show in Grand Island, Nebraska. They had a rancher class—ride two-handed in any bridle, run a reining pattern, take a cow down the fence and circle it. I thought, why not? We do this all the time, and at least I wouldn’t have to worry about chasing a cow through a barbed-wire fence, right? How hard could it be? That ranch horse, Shiner, absolutely took care of me. He laid down a 69 in the reining and handled that cow work like a pro. I’ll never forget Sonya yelling from the sidelines, “Get up there, keep riding!” From that moment on, I was hooked. Life was busy with kids for a while, but I always knew I’d find my way back into the show pen. That’s when Brad Lund stepped in. Dick and I asked him to help find me the right horse, and he introduced us to Little Doc Lady, “Smiley,” a mare we purchased from Benny Guitron. She was exceptional, and I learned so much from her, including how many mistakes one rider can make! Brad was patient with me and incredibly consistent in his support and guidance. I truly owe him and Amy so much. Fast forward to today, with the kids grown and life in a new rhythm, I can devote more time to competing at major NRCHA events. I especially enjoy the limited-age classes and showing horses we’ve raised ourselves. I couldn’t do it without the steady hand and friendship of Luke and Erin Jones. Luke has been a critical part of the journey, offering guidance, encouragement and the kind of support that keeps you grounded and motivated. I’m grateful every day to have him and Erin in my corner.

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RCHN: What’s your favorite NRCHA memory? LW: Two memories stand out. First, the Celebration of Champions in San Angelo—the year it snowed. It was bitter cold. They delayed the show because of the ice; we couldn’t even get the horses from the barn to the show pen. I competed in the Non Pro Hackamore and warmed up outside at dawn. I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold in my entire life, and I’m from the North, but it was worth it. I finished in the top five at my first major event on Smiley. The second is the year Brad rode Honeybees, which I co-owned with Debbie Branch, at the World’s Greatest Horseman®. Being part of an Open horse’s journey was the absolute best experience. Brad won the steer-stopping prelims on her. I still have the video on my phone! RCHN: What excites you about serving on the NRCHA Board? LW: Serving on the Board of Directors is both humbling and energizing. I’m excited to be part of a group that works hard to

shape the future of NRCHA while honoring the roots that drew us all here in the first place. It’s about preserving the authenticity of our sport—where tradition, integrity and community still matter—and ensuring that those values are front and center as we grow. I want to help foster an environment where newcomers feel welcome, longtime members stay inspired and everyone can become better horsemen and -women. RCHN: What are you looking forward to during your service? LW: Honestly, making a difference. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be involved. Growth of membership, show entries and money won all bring a whole new set of dynamics, hurdles and challenges. We as an organization have the opportunity to be a leader in equine sports. I look forward to continuing the growth trajectory of the association and also ensuring that we hold fast to the time-honored traditions of developing the bridle horse and continuing the family-oriented atmosphere that so many of us enjoy.

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NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION

MEMBER ROUNDUP Meet Our NRCHA Members

MACI MEADS

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KNOW THE PRO: LEANNE JETTON

Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable can make you a better rider. BY MEGAN ARSZMAN | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

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eanne Jetton doesn’t live in her comfort zone. She’s always done things differently—from growing up in South Carolina as a horse-crazy girl in a family that had nothing to do with horses to entering the World’s Greatest Horseman® without knowing anyone at the show. She can’t tell you what it was about horses that first caught her attention, but Jetton can speak to how much she begged her parents for riding lessons while she played with plastic horse figurines. She can tell you how she started to spend afternoons and evenings in the barn, learning to ride English and jump, cleaning stalls and grooming horses. But it seems like a lifetime ago, considering the change from breeches and tall boots to jeans and cowboy boots. “It’s a bit of a wild ride,” Jetton said. “Every opportunity I’ve ever gotten, I’ve felt like I might not get that opportunity again. People say you never know what will happen, so I’ve taken it to heart.” This mentality took root during Jetton’s teenage years. “I think it was God’s will that I had developed such a connection with horses to keep me going and keep me focused,” she recalled. “It was a huge turning point in my life watching my mom battle breast cancer. When you’re a kid, you don’t understand it, and my parents never really talked to me about it, but I just watched it. You knew, but you didn’t know.” Jetton found solace in the barn, riding other people’s horses and competing at local eventing shows. “I was never in a position where we could afford horses,” she said. “My parents were great because I spent so much time at the barn, and I would work so I could have the opportunity to ride.” After graduating from high school, while her friends were looking forward to college, she knew she belonged in the barn. Her mother had passed away, and horses drew her in deeper. When she was invited to move to East Texas and continue riding and training at a couple’s barn of cutting horses, she packed away her English saddle for the last time.

“I knew this couple, and they offered me a job because I had ridden horses, and I’d stay overnight at their place,” Jetton said. “It was one of those things that you know you have to leave everything behind, and you wonder if you’re doing the right thing, but you don’t want to look back and question, ‘What if?’ So that’s why I’ve been very gung-ho about diving right in.” It might have been a difficult transition, going from one extreme of a discipline to another, but Jetton instantly fell in love and dived right into the Western culture. “I honestly loved it,” she shared. “When I finally got around Western riding, I loved watching it and I loved the feeling of how the horse connects with the cow, and I like when you become that team when you’re doing a job together.” The journey has been fun for Jetton. When she sees something new and enticing, she jumps all in and learns.

Leanne Jetton found her niche in reined cow horse because of the fulfillment she has working a horse that wants to do its job.

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///////// MEMBER ROUNDUP “I tend to get introduced to something and think, ‘That looks fun—I want to try it and see how good I can get,’” she said. “From there, I want to go through the whole process: training a horse to do it, then competing. I love the challenge of learning how to be a good competitor.” When Jetton moved to Texas, she owned a palomino Quarter Horse gelding. He wasn’t cow-bred, but he was all she had at the time. She was surrounded by ropers, so when she started learning to rope, she trained him while she was learning the sport herself. Later, the couple Jetton worked for had purchased a Paddys Irish Whiskey gelding named Bourbon N Branch at an auction. “He was a lot of horse—very forward and still pretty green—but I loved him,” Jetton recalled. “I saw so much potential in him, and I felt like he was the kind of horse I needed to grow with. Eventually, I bought him from them. That’s what launched me into NRCHA.” Jetton took advantage of his natural athleticism and started him in the breakaway. Throughout this whole time, she heard about the World’s Greatest Horseman®, and while she had never seen the event before, she knew that would be her next goal.

“I was fully invested in being a competitor of all the things,” she said. “I’d heard about the World’s Greatest Horseman®, and I thought, ‘Oh, you just have to do those three events and rope? I rope!’ So, in 2020, I entered on ‘Bourbon.’ I’m sure everybody was like, ‘What in the world is this girl doing?’ They had no idea who I was­—I’d only gone to a couple of shows by then. I honestly didn’t know how prestigious the event was until the back number ceremony.” It was a challenge Jetton wasn’t afraid to take on. While she and Bourbon didn’t make the finals, she understood that her attempt gave her a lot of exposure, and she made friends in the cow horse industry and met many more people. “Obviously, we didn’t have very great scores, but it was a fun event to be in because it opened my eyes to knowing that this is what I really want to do,” she said. “It made me decide that I really wanted to find a horse, build a horse and really go for it. I have some great people behind me like Chris and Debbie Swain—they’ve always been big supporters of mine and push me to do everything I’ve dreamed of.”

A memory for life: Jetton earned the 2023 Limited Open Hackamore World Championship on Jack B Quick and the Reserve World Championship on Sparktillica.

Q A With NRCHA Pro Leanne Jetton

Reined Cow Horse News: What do you look for in a reined cow horse? Leanne Jetton: I think it’s their mind and their athletic ability. I get along with a horse if he wants to work for me. I have a hard time working against a horse, so I really want their mind and desire to be there to help me. It’s very important to me that the horse wants to do his job, because I don’t want to force the horse into that job. If he doesn’t want to do that job, I’ll try to find him another job. That’s one thing about having roping as another discipline, because you can bring a horse home and give him a break from the horse shows while getting exercise and doing something mentally that’s different. A lot of horses that I train, I rope off to give them a mental break from the cow horse. Cow horses need to be cowy, big and strong with a natural stop, but it’s mostly their willingness and their mind that makes them special. RCHN: Do you have a particular bloodline that you mesh with better? LJ: I’m still very open to trying any bloodline. If there’s anything that I’ve learned from

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talking to other trainers and owners, they’ll say something like they don’t like a specific bloodline, but then a special one comes along and wins it all. We have the statistics of what looks the best and what’s consistently winning in the finals, but I feel each horse is an individual, and each horse deserves an opportunity. The last few years, I’ve had a horse named Jack B Quick (Buenos Boon x Sallie Spirit x Poco Smooth Spirit), and he’s not bred for cow horse—he’s a big horse, and you wouldn’t recognize much on his papers. I got him from a team roper in Stephenville as a 3-year-old for 60 days [of riding]. He was super green, and I fell in love with him. He had a lot of heart and wanted to do the right thing. He was a nervous horse, but you knew he wanted to try his heart out and do what you asked if you took the time to teach him what to do. We bought him, and he made a good hackamore horse, and he won a bit in the derbies, and he won the Limited Open Hackamore in the 2023 NRCHA Celebration of Champions. If they want to work for you and they have the desire to help you, then any horse will work. “Jack” is a horse that not many

people would mess with, but he worked for me and became a world champion. He’s another who’s earned a home for life with me, and I’m now heading off him. It’s been fun bringing him along. RCHN: Did you find it difficult to break into reined cow horse, being an Easterner and a woman? LJ: I’ve gotten very good at being uncomfortable, being the nobody and not knowing anybody. I learned that you push through. Everything I’ve done has stemmed from me wanting to push myself, and I’ll do whatever it takes to learn. I don’t go into something because I want to be competitive or prove myself to others. I do it because I want to prove to myself that I can. When I came to Texas, I didn’t know anybody except the people I worked for. Going into a new situation, I knew everyone was looking at me like, “Who is she?” I wasn’t connected with anyone, so they didn’t know me. I got comfortable with being uncomfortable. The nice thing is that through that, you build friendships and get to know people.

Jetton and Bourbon N Branch competed at the 2020 World’s Greatest Horseman®, which was Jetton’s first major NRCHA show.

RCHN: What is your personal goal in the next five years? LJ: The biggest goal for cow horse that I would love to accomplish is to make the World’s Greatest Horseman® finals. I want to build a horse that can take me there. If I could have a horse that’s consistent enough to take me to the World’s Greatest Horseman® every year, maybe The Run For the Million, etc.— to have the opportunity to do all of that would be cool. I’m excited for any horse I get to develop and work for the futurity and make the finals. That’s one thing about the cow horse—you always have another project and another goal to go for. It doesn’t feel like there’s an ending; you’re always trying to give each horse the biggest opportunity. I’m always looking for that new opportunity to push myself to do something I’ve never done before, and I hope I’m always that way. I hope I never get complacent.

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ADMIRABLE ASSISTANT: TAYLOR ADAMS Taylor Adams truly has a servant’s heart.

BY JOSIE MAC FLADAGER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAYLOR ADAMS

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rom growing up in a neighborhood just 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip to Oregon, Texas and now Idaho, Taylor Adams is a living testament to her passion for the industry and her journey of working her way up from the bottom. Adams was a typical city kid who loved horses, but she was willing to make sacrifices that most people wouldn’t to turn her passion for horses into reality. As a junior in high school, Adams began holding horses and cleaning pens for farrier Dan Conrad in exchange for riding and roping lessons. She credits Conrad for launching her career in the horse industry. While in college, Adams started working part-time for Jake Telford, cleaning pens. Before she realized it, Telford hired her full-time, and she headed to Fort Worth, Texas, for the NRCHA Celebration of Champions. She has never mentioned to Telford that after unloading the horses and the trailer at Will Rogers Memorial Center, she quickly Googled, “Who is Jake Telford and what is reined cow horse?” Adams has come a long way since that Google search in Texas and has become quite accomplished in an industry she once knew nothing about. She rode Le Purr N Royalty (One Time Royalty x Purr N Cat x High Brow Cat) to win the Limited Open Hackamore at the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes earlier this year and is excited to see the 2-year-olds she began training last year for Telford compete as 3-year-olds this year at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. Reined Cow Horse News: How did you get started with horses and in the reined cow horse world? TA: I’ve always loved animals, especially horses. As a kid, I took a few riding lessons and participated in typical dude ranch trail rides on every vacation. I knew

I wanted horses in my life; I just didn’t have a background in the industry. It wasn’t until I was a junior in high school that I started truly riding horses. I didn’t have a horse [of my own] until my last year of college, and that’s how I met Jake. I was going to school, and at the time, my horseshoer was roping and said, “I think Jake would be an awesome guy for you to get to know and get your foot into the horse industry a little more.” I went over to Jake’s and started cleaning pens while also getting roping lessons on the side.

Taylor Adams’ main goal as an assistant trainer is to help others reach their aspirations. This includes clients, young horses and her head trainer, Jake Telford.

RCHN: What made you want to move across the country to learn the industry? TA: If you want to be the best at anything, I think you need to go where the best of the best are, so I’m willing to make sacrifices and make moves to get the experiences that I want. Working for Jake and all these different people around the country—that’s what makes you improve. I grew up in Vegas, and I had no idea any of this existed. Each move and experience reveals endless possibilities and opportunities I didn’t know existed, and ultimately, got me to where I am today. RCHN: What has been your most special win to you? TA: I kicked off this show season at the Stallion Stakes riding a derby horse named Le Purr N Royalty. One of my best friends, Lexi Daskalos, and Bar 20 Ranch own this horse, and it’s their first cow horse. We got her going with this horse, and he’s pretty talented, but he’s a lot of horse. He’s taken a lot of training,

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///////// MEMBER ROUNDUP time and patience. If we’re being completely honest, I wasn’t too sure he was going to be broke enough to be a show horse, but I’m glad I didn’t give up on him. I won the limited hackamore on him in Vegas and then placed seventh in the Level 1 Derby. My runs weren’t my best at that show, but it’s all I could’ve ever asked for. I felt like my horse had finally decided to become a show horse, and all my training and hard work had finally come to fruition. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be lying if I told you I don’t care about winning, but the real win to me was that my horse finally felt like a show horse. In my eyes, that’s the best win a trainer could ask for. RCHN: What are your goals inside the show arena and out? TA: I’ve always been a people person, so it’s always been my goal to help others accomplish their own goals, whether I’m helping [Jake] reach his goals, helping coach his non pros or training a 2-year-old for one of his clients who dreams of showing at the Futurity. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping others, and I think that aligns with my ultimate goal. As an assistant trainer, your goal is to become who you’re working for—a trainer. Jake has always set me up to reach my goals, and he allows me to have a few outside clients and horses in training, hoping that one day I can build on that and create my own business. RCHN: Do you have bad days? And, if you do, who do you turn to? TA: It’s funny because my nickname around the cow horse is “Smiley,” so some people find it hard to believe that I have bad days, too. But I feel like long, hard days are inevitable with this job. We eat, sleep and breathe what we do. It’s all hours of the day, seven days a week. It’s so important to have a support system that understands what you do and why you do it. My friends; my boyfriend, Charlie; and Jake are my support system. They understand what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. What and how you think are huge factors in not letting the bad days get to you. I feel like you have to accept that every day won’t be perfect. There will be amazing days and absolutely horrible days. And then there are days that are just in between. We can’t totally control how our day goes, especially with horses. The only thing we can control is how we react to those bad days. RCHN: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned working for Jake? TA: Jake is a true testament to the fact that hard work can take you anywhere you want to go. He’s probably

Above: After growing up just 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Adams has quickly fallen in love with the reined cow horse world, including the early mornings and late nights that come with large shows.

one of the hardest-working people I know, and anyone who knows Jake can attest to that. A strong work ethic creates discipline and consistency, and those two attributes scream Jake Telford. His work ethic is completely unmatched, and I feel like that’s why he’s so successful and so great at what he does. It’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from him: hard work is the key to success.

Left: Adams’ main show horse this year is Le Purr N Royalty (One Time Royalty x Purr N Cat x High Brow Cat), owned by Lexi Daskalos and Bar 20 Ranch. Telford allows Adams to work and show outside horses, helping her eventually achieve her goal of starting her own horse-training business.

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NOTABLE NON PRO A strong work ethic pays off in Claire Edwards’ professional life and her horse life. BY JENNIFER PAULSON / PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLAIRE EDWARDS

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iding and showing reined cow horses takes a big commitment. Combine that with pursuing a demanding graduate degree and working in a stressful field, and you better have a strong work ethic. Fortunately for NRCHA non pro Claire Edwards, that hardworking mindset comes naturally. “My parents are both really hard workers,” Edwards shared. “Growing up watching them instilled [that value] in me. My trainer, Russell Dilday, has had a lot of influence on me, too, [encouraging me] to stay hardworking and be positive. When I say I’m going to do something, I figure out how to fit it all in.” Learn from and be inspired by Edwards’ dedication to excellence here.

RCHN: Who do you ride with, and why does that program work for you? CE: I ride with Russell Dilday. I started with him when I was about 15, and we lived in California. My mom sent me to ride with him for a summer. They moved to Oklahoma when I was in school in Texas, so I’m grateful they’re close

HIGH COTTON PROMOTIONS

Reined Cow Horse News: How did you get started with cow horse, and what’s your journey with horses looked like so far? Claire Edwards: I started with cow horse when I was about 11, doing local events. I competed in more events and the larger ones starting when I was about 13 or 14. After graduating from high school in 2014, I rode on Baylor University’s equestrian team. I went back to school for nursing, and now I’m in a graduate program to become a nurse anesthetist.

Claire Edwards and Hashtag 365 competed in futurities in 2024 and are focused on the fall derbies this season.

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///////// MEMBER ROUNDUP and welcome me to ride when I’m able. They’re like family to me. He pushes me to be better, but he keeps it fun. I’m always learning, and he always has new things to teach me. We work really well together, which is good because we share my bridle horse, Smooth Rein (Real Smooth Cat x Rein My Belle x Topsails Rien Maker). RCHN: Tell us about the horses you’ve been showing. CE: My focus this year is on my 4-year-old, Hashtags 365 (Hashtags x Rein My Belle x Topsails Rien Maker). I took him home after the 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® to work on building his confidence. He can get a little nervous in the show pen. Last year’s NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® was my third time showing in that event. I’m most confident and comfortable on my bridle horse, Smooth Rein. Both horses are out of a mare we raised and I showed as a youth, Rein My Belle (Topesails Rien Maker x HR Legends Lil Belle x Little Lenas Legend), so we’re probably never selling either one of them. I want them to last for me, so I want the show pen to be a happy place, so that we can have more success in the future. During the first half of this year, my 4-year-old has gotten so much better. I’m excited to do some derbies this fall. RCHN: What’s your biggest accomplishment with your horses, in the show pen or elsewhere? CE: Right now, it feels like balancing it all with school is a major deal. My graduate program is time-consuming. I have to be in school in person four to five days a week, and I work every other weekend. I juggle all that to ride one weekend and work the next. I’ll be going to Louisiana in January for clinicals for 20 months, which could change my ability to show for a while. I’ll be excited when I’m done with the program, but I love learning and challenging myself.

Top: Edwards has ridden with Russell Dilday since she was a teen and continues to thrive in his positive, encouraging program. Center: Both of Edwards’ current mounts are out of her family’s mare, Rein My Belle, which Edwards showed. Bottom: Edwards credits her parents, Jon and Laura Edwards, for instilling a strong work ethic that has enabled her to continue riding and competing, even while pursuing an intense master’s program.

RCHN: What do you love about competing in cow horse? CE: I’ve always liked how everyone is so encouraging and like a family. Everyone looks out for each other. I like going down the fence—that’s always fun! I like that you can see newcomers join and do well and get help from each other.

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Crossfire Conundrum Correct this costly mistake and improve your and your horse’s safety through shoulder and hindquarter control. BY BRAD BARKEMEYER, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON PHOTOS BY JENNIFER PAULSON

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rossfiring—when your horse is on the wrong lead behind—will get you a penalty in many events. But in reined cow horse, the penalty costs more than points; it can cost your safety and that of your horse. Falling out of lead behind while working a cow, especially when circling up, puts your horse off balance during a high-speed task. When your horse falls out of lead behind, you might be tempted to focus on maneuvering his hind end, which makes sense. But you might not think about the importance of controlling your horse’s shoulders to prevent— or correct—crossfiring. Without shoulder control, your horse starts to lean toward the cow with his front end and swings his hindquarters out, which sets him up to crossfire, lose balance and possibly fall. Here, I’ll show two shots on a cow—one correct and one that’s heading off track. I’ll then offer tips to develop hindquarter and shoulder control. Keep in mind that, when circling, we want the horse to be on the cow-side (inside) lead as opposed to cutting or going down the fence where we want the horse to be on the lead away from the cow (outside).

This article originally appeared in Horse&Rider magazine. Brad Barkemeyer is a featured contributor to RideTV, a streaming video on demand service. When you subscribe, you can find Barkemeyer’s Cow Horse Masterclass and the associated workbook for more of his expert instruction. Learn more at ridetvgo.tv.

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I’m in a safe position here, with my horse on his left (cow-side) lead in front and behind. My horse’s inside hind leg reaches deeply underneath him, allowing him to drive forward and stay in the correct arc to control the cow. There’s straightness in my horse’s body and neck, with his nose slightly tipped in the direction of the cow, creating balance from head to tail and, more importantly, stability. This also allows me to sit balanced in the saddle and support my horse as he needs. If I have to make a sharp change of direction here to stay with my cow, my horse is balanced and able to fulfill that request.

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This situation could turn bad quickly. My horse’s shoulder is closest to the cow—that is, he’s leaning into the cow. This makes it easy for my horse to change leads behind and swing his hindquarters away from the cow and his shoulders toward the cow instead of maintaining the desired arc. My horse knows he wants to be with that cow, so it’s natural for his front end to gravitate toward it. But with his shoulders leaning in toward the cow and his hips slipping away, he might lose his ground and fall. Additionally, because my horse is unbalanced, I am,

too. This combined means it’ll be hard for us to turn or switch sides when I move to circle the cow in the opposite direction.

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To work on maneuverability of the front and hind ends, I remove the cow from the equation and focus on my horse and his response to my cues for body control. Both parts of this drill can be used as part of your warm-up routine or to correct your horse when he crossfires on a cow. Here and in Photo 4, I work to control my horse as he’s looking inside my circle of travel, where a cow would be. I tip his nose to the inside by lifting my inside rein. My feet drive my horse forward and help control my horse’s hind end. The more arc or bend in the horse, the more difficult it is to say in the correct lead. It’s OK—and even recommended to maintain—straightness in the horse’s body to be more effective when we go back to live action with a cow at full speed.

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Here, you can see how my left hand lifts and pulls back toward my hip to tip my horse’s nose to bend in the direction of where the cow would be. This also lifts his inside shoulder up and away from the cow. My right hand works in a supporting

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Brad Barkemeyer of Scottsdale, Arizona, grew up on a ranch in Montana, giving him an appreciation for versatile horses and the Western lifestyle. He now trains reined cow horses and coaches non-pro riders of all competitive levels for NRCHA events. Learn more on his Facebook page, Barkemeyer Performance Horses.

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4 position and helps control my horse’s hips. If I pull back on my right rein, I can keep my horse’s hips from swinging to the outside. Even though the horse’s head and neck are bent to the inside, I want the path of travel to be straight. My outside (right) leg is slightly back to support forward motion and encourage the hindquarters to drive to the left, in the direction of the cow, and my inside (left) foot is slightly forward to encourage forward motion as well as

5 assist in directing the shoulders to be willingly guided straight or even away from the direction of the cow. This puts my horse in a slight C shape around the circle, which is what I want when we’re circling a cow, keeping his hind end engaged and on the cow-side lead.

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Part two of the exercise helps if your horse wants to lean into the cow. This can also lead to his hindquarters swinging out, which can cause crossfiring. The

6 point is to be able to keep his hind end engaged and in lead while moving his shoulder away from the cow. With steady forward motion, I tip my horse’s nose to counter-bend, so he’s traveling in the opposite direction of the bend. He’s looking in the direction of where the cow would be. Supported by my feet, my direct rein controls the degree of the arc, and my indirect rein guides my horse’s shoulders and body away from the cow (toward the camera).

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From this angle, notice that my cow-side (right) foot is centered, promoting forward motion and lateral movement away from the cow. My off leg (left), in conjunction with my rein position, encourages the hindquarters to stay driving forward and pushing in the direction of the cow. All of this comes together to keep my horse in the correct lead behind, especially when I have to move his shoulders away from the cow.

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Corrective shoeing can improve structural problems that can hinder your horse’s progress in training and prevent future injury, especially when your veterinarian and farrier work together.

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STEPPING RIGHT W

Your horse may need corrective shoeing, and these methods can be incredibly helpful. BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

hile we all want horses with perfect legs and feet, if your horse has a problem that would benefit from corrective shoeing, you’re far from alone. Western performance horse farrier Kyle Kukla says a significant number of the horses he works on improve dramatically with a specific kind of corrective shoeing method. We spoke with Kukla and Charlie Buchanan, DVM, of Signature Equine Hospital about two common leg and hoof issues and how corrective shoeing can help.

LATERAL AND MEDIAL SINKING

ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

When a horse has lateral sinking in his legs, conformationally, the horse’s knees are offset, or his toes point inward, toward each other. “Everything rotates outward, so [when the hoof strikes the ground] you load the inside of the leg, compress the joints and stress the tendons and ligaments on the outside,” Buchanan said. This can be seen as the horse’s leg not moving forward in a straight line when walking, and with hooves not landing flat when a horse walks on a hard surface. Kukla says the effect when the hoof hits the ground is worse on soft surfaces like dirt and arena footing. “If they toe-in, [the hoof] will land on the outside first, and then it will look like they will go down on the inside,” Kukla said. “But if you take that horse on dirt, they’ll land on the outside and then they sink on the outside. REINED COW HORSE NEWS | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 71

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They don’t come down in the inside. That puts a huge amount of strain on the outside suspensory branch, and it’s also hard on the knee.” Over time, this causes excess wear and tear on the horse’s knees and suspensory branches. For a Western performance horse, toeing in can lead to him being heavier on the front end as he struggles to make quick turns in the herd work, for example. “The horse will land [in a stop] and sink on the outside [of the hoof], and it can be dramatic,” Kukla said. “The horse may get down and pull on the rider’s hands. And as the horse turns back the other direction, the horse almost has to stand up a bit and then go back. It’s hard on them. Sometimes they feel slow, but a lot of times they’ll keep up. But they’re just tearing up their legs doing it.” A horse with medial sinking has the opposite problem. The knee and ankle are set toward the inside of the foot, and the toes point outward. The leg swings in and then to the outside, landing flat, or on the outside first, but sinks dramatically to the inside. Then, the ankle rolls and further sinks to the inside. This can overload the joints and strain the inside ligaments. “Those horses end up with sore angular pastern and ankle joints, and they get sore in the inside suspensory branch because there’s so much load on it,” Kukla said.

When a horse toes in, the extensor tendon attaches to the center of the ankle but will be offset to the outside of the knee and leg, as shown here.

On hard ground, a horse that toes in will have hooves that don't land flat while walking.

With a shoe that provides lateral support, such as a collateral ligament shoe, the horse has noticeably less sinking to the outside on soft surfaces.

PINPOINTING THE PROBLEM

RENDERINGS BY CHATGPT

Lateral and medial sinking can be visually identified by an expert eye, Buchanan and Kukla agreed. Observing a horse standing still, flexing its legs, and walking on both hard and soft surfaces can reveal these issues. “Once you know what to look for, it’s super obvious,” Kukla said. “When a horse toes-in, you can see that the frog points to the inside. If you watch a video of the horse walking in slow motion, you can see the horse lands on the outside of the hoof first.” On a horse with straight alignment, the extensor tendon attaches at the front of the ankle, straight through the middle of the knee. With a horse that toes-in,

the extensor attaches in the center of the ankle but will be offset to the outside of the knee and leg, and that’s visible. “It’s not a medial or lateral imbalance of the foot—it is the entire leg,” Buchanan said. “So, you’re looking at the whole horse, instead of just the foot.” Both these problems stem from conformational issues, and both can lead to lameness. That’s why he recommends addressing them aggressively—not to correct the horse’s structure, but to manage the negative effects. Kukla says these conformational defects can be inherited through bloodlines. Different disciplines have different issues. He sees more horses toeing out in the barrel world, while cutters—the sport he shoes the most for—have more horses toeing in. “Most barns I go to have a few horses with these issues,” Kukla said.

TREATMENT

Kukla believes that taking radiographs of a horse’s legs and hooves can be helpful in planning treatment methods and tracking progress, and Buchanan agrees. “It’s always a good idea to have X-rays to assist in balance,” Buchanan said. Some schools of thought assert that building up the side of the hoof that hits the ground last will help the horse with lateral or medial sinking, but Kukla disagrees. “You can’t make that horse land flat, and if you shoe the horse to try to do that by building the inside up, or making the outside shorter, you’re going to make the outside sink even harder,” Kukla said. “You’re going to exacerbate the problem.” Instead, for a horse with significant lateral sinking, Buchanan and Kukla promote creating lateral support. This means applying a shoe that has a wider surface area at the section on the outside of the foot—the edge hitting the ground first, which prevents the outside of the hoof from sinking as much, causing the inside of the leg to sink in response. “When you get into soft ground, it keeps the leg straight and loads it better,” Buchanan said. “It helps minimize the risk of injury.”

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A horse that toes out will suffer medial sinking. This is when its knee and the ankle are set toward the inside of the foot and the toes point outward. The leg swings in and then to the outside, landing flat or on the outside first, but sinks to the inside. Then the ankle rolls and further sinks to the inside. RENDERING BY CHATGPT KYLE KUKLA

Shoeing with medial support pushes the outside of the hoof down and prevents the inside of the hoof from sinking as much, which helps load the limb equally, easing strain on the joints and ligaments.

A horse that toes out significantly, suffering from medial sinking, can benefit from a medial support shoe that pushes the outside down and prevents the inside of the hoof from sinking as much, which helps load the limb equally. Also called a collateral ligament shoe or an asymmetrical shoe, both methods of shoeing were designed for collateral ligament injuries in the coffin joint inside the foot. But Kukla doesn’t use the shoe for this purpose, and Buchanan agrees. “It actually doesn’t work very well for that, but it does work exceptionally well for this problem,” Buchanan said. Kukla said that while the design of the shoe is called a collateral ligament shoe, applying this type of shoe without modifications can result in a horse losing traction for events like cow horse. That’s why he custom makes a shoe in a similar design for Western performance horses. “I wouldn’t run in them—they’re too slick,” Kukla said of factory-made collateral ligament shoes. “I usually cut a branch off of a rim shoe to make sure they have plenty of traction.” If you already have an issue with lameness due to these conformational problems, you can use this shoe to load the limb more appropriately, which allows the injury to heal, Buchanan said. “If you have some arthritis on the inside of the knee, you can use this shoe to minimize the load on the inside of the knee and make the horse sounder and more manageable for that lameness,” Buchanan said. Corrective shoeing can’t change the horse’s conformation, but it can alleviate the effects, and these methods can improve a horse’s prognosis. But early intervention is important. “Let’s say the prognosis for a horse that is toed in badly, and you apply that shoe as a 2-year-old, typically those horses have a normal career trajectory, and they don’t necessarily develop any of the negative issues you would expect,” Buchanan said. “If you have a horse that’s 7 or 8 years old, maybe it’s a head horse that toes in badly and he’s got arthritis at his knees, you’re going to

prolong his career more than you would without the shoe, but you’re not going to correct that problem. You’re going to manage the problem, but the prognosis is not as good.” Buchanan said the improvements are noticeable. Working with Kukla, he’s seen the flight pattern of the legs change with these methods. This is even noticeable in arena footing, which is where the horse will be working. Some other methods may help on hard ground, but not on softer footing. “You can trot them and walk them on hard ground and it’s OK, but then when you put them on soft ground, the flight pattern of the leg is shockingly bad,” Buchanan said. “But then you put these shoes on them, and it gets significantly better. It’s quite amazing how much of a difference it makes.” Kukla sees issues stemming from lateral and medial sinking more in front feet versus hind feet. He mainly applies these corrective shoes to the hind feet when the condition has led to soreness or injury.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Not every horse with these leg and hoof issues needs corrective shoeing. But when they do need it, the effect of having these corrections is noticeable. “With sinking, there are a lot of horses that might do it a little bit, and I’ll leave it alone because they’re not having trouble,” Kukla said. “But the ones that need it, really need it. They will be in trouble without it.” The goal for corrective shoeing is to help your horse not only perform at his best but also stay sound. “Prevention is important,” Kukla said. “Even if your horse isn’t necessarily getting lame, he could start to go down that path [without corrective shoeing].” If your horse has either of these issues, your best bet is to talk with your veterinarian and your farrier to make a plan. “What I really think it boils down to is having a really good relationship with your veterinarian and your shoer, and making sure everybody is on the same page,” Buchanan said. “You’re doing the best you can by the horse.”

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COURTESY OF AL DUNNING

REMEMBERING

Jim Paul The cow horse community lost a champion horseman, respected coach and NRCHA Hall of Fame member with the passing of Jim Paul early this summer.

NRCHA Hall of Fame member Jim Paul’s training philosophy was to make every horse as great as it could be.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON

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thinker, an artist, a horseman. Jim Paul embodied each of these traits, among many others that made him an influential horseman, a mentor to many, a friend to all, a husband to his wife, Dema, and a father to his three sons—Jimmie, Randy and John. Paul passed away on June 30, 2025, leaving a void in the cow horse community.

EARLY LIFE

Paul grew up in California, born in Sacramento on June 1, 1937. As a youngster, he’d jump on his bicycle to ride with NRCHA Hall of Fame member Barbara Worth Oakford, whom he always mentioned as a major influence on his life as a horse trainer. He moved into junior rodeos

and other activities that allowed him to be around horses and livestock. In 1959, after finishing his service in the U.S. Navy, Paul settled in Arizona for the first time—a place he’d call home again later in life after returning to California. He helped shape the first-ever NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and served on the association’s board of directors from 1968 to 1971. Additionally, he served as president of the newly formed Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association and played a key role in organizing the inaugural Arizona Snaffle Bit Futurity. Paul’s cohorts included legends of his time such as Skip Brown, John Hoyt, Bobby Ingersoll and Smoky Pritchett. “When Jim started showing back in the ’60s, things were a lot different,” shared Al Dunning, one of many horsemen mentored

by Paul. “The cattle were wild—you worked everything you can imagine—and the horses weren’t as refined. You had to be a heck of a hand to be successful.” Paul was a consummate student of his sport. He rode with his peers, absorbing lessons both big and small, and applying them with his horses. “He was always going riding with somebody,” Dunning recalled. “He went to the California shows where he’d compete with Don Dodge, Tony Amaral, Bobby Ingersoll—all the greats of that day—and Jim was right there with them.”

THE MENTOR WHO MADE WINNERS

While Paul was an outstanding horseman in his own right, his biggest mark in cow horse came from those he coached and

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2025 Chrome Cash added-money working cow horse events:

$10,000 ADDED to NRCHA events

$2,000 added to each of the following:

Celebration of Champions • Stallion Stakes • NRCHA Derby Hackamore Classic • Snaffle Bit Futurity

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Below are some APHA-registered sires with competing foals: BADBOONARISING BROTHER JACKSON DANDY CAT DONT STOPP BELIEVIN

DUAL REYISH HASHTAGS HF MOBSTER METALLIC MALICE

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“

It isn’t our job to make every horse great; it’s to make every horse as good as it can be.” — Jim Paul

A THINKER AND AN ARTIST

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AL DUNNING

mentored to success. Future champions, such as Cal Cooper, Debbie Cooper, Laurel Denton and Dunning himself, learned how to train a horse and win from Paul. On top of that, he was known for riders seeking his advice on their horses, and he was always willing to help. “He taught me a work ethic that was amazing,” Dunning said. “He was a leader. He never asked you to do something he wouldn’t do himself. He always told me, ‘It isn’t our job to make every horse great; it’s to make every horse as good as it can be.’ That’s been my mantra my entire career.” Perhaps Paul’s greatest achievements as a coach came when he partnered with Dema Paul in the barn and marriage. “When Dema and Jim teamed up, he helped her become one of the most successful non pros to go down the fence,” Dunning asserted. “He gave her a plan— that’s what he taught all of us. We didn’t just arbitrarily ride. We thought about what the horse needed next and what we needed to do to accomplish our goals.” Dema accumulated nearly $700,000 in NRCHA lifetime earnings, including two NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Championships, which she credits to her husband’s coaching and training of her horses.

“Jim always had an idea; he was always thinking ahead,” Dunning recalled. “Whether he was trying to beat someone in the arena or get the horse better the next day or alter a bit to suit a horse, he was always thinking.” Bits and spurs Paul made became sought-after treasures for horsemen from all Western disciplines and were often awarded at shows and for special recognitions. He was also known for his drawings and musical talents, including his guitar playing and singing.

SERVICE TO THE SPORT

Paul helped develop the first Case Book for NRCHA and contributed to the development of the sport’s rules and guidelines for judges. He served as the Judges’ Monitor for the inaugural NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and did so multiple times for that event, as well as for every other major NRCHA event. His commitment to the sport—and his service to his horses and his students— earned him induction into the NRCHA Hall of Fame in 2007. “Jim will be missed, but his legend lives on through all the people he’s taught,” Dunning concluded.

Top Left: Paul was a constant student, learning from all the greats around him as he developed his training career and throughout his life. Above: Paul mentored many greats in the Western performance horse world, including Al Dunning, shown here with Paul.

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY OPEN

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HAT FIRST-WIN FEELING

Jordan Williams claimed his first premier event win at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby with Tazzy Es Savvy for owners Bonds Ranch. BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

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ometimes, not knowing you’re in a position to win is the mental advantage you need to take the title. Jordan Williams made the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Open and Intermediate Open Derby Finals on two horses—Tazzy Es Savvy and Hott And Juicy, both owned by Bonds Ranch—which improved his odds, but nothing is guaranteed in the cow horse. “I had no idea that we had a shot to win it,” Williams admitted. “I figured, if I won it, it would be on [Hott And Juicy].” In the end, it was Tazzy Es Savvy (CR Gotcha Covered x Mizz Savannah Taz x Pepto Taz), a 4-year-old mare, who had the grit and consistently delivered high-level runs that helped Williams nab his first NRCHA premier event win, taking both the Open and Intermediate Open divisions with a dominating 663.5 (H: 216.5/R: 222/C: 225). The Open title came with a check for $60,000, while the Intermediate Open check cashed in at $18,500, adding nearly $80,000 to Williams’ NRCHA lifetime earnings. Williams has come close to achieving his first major win, but the titles kept staying just out of his reach. “I’ve been close a few times with Jaymes Bond and had a shot but never did it,” he said. “When

Tazzy Es Savvy (CR Gotcha Covered x Mizz Savannah Taz x Pepto Taz), a 4-year-old mare, and Jordan Williams put on an electric performance to top the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby in the Open and Intermediate Open divisions with a 663.5 (H: 216.5/R: 222/C: 225). The Open title came with a check for $60,000, and the Intermediate Open check cashed in at $18,500 for owner Bonds Ranch.

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2025 OPEN TOP 10 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)

1. Tazzy Es Savvy; Jordan Williams; 21M (CR Gotcha Covered x Mizz Savannah Taz x Pepto Taz); Bonds Ranch; 663.5 (H:216.5 /R: 222/C: 225); $60,000 2. Roanmeo; Justin Wright; 20S (Hottish x Trouble N Roan x Metallic Cat); SC Ranch Co. Inc.; 659.5 (H: 222/R: 218.5/C: 219); $45,000 3. ARA Rebel King; Corey Cushing; 20S (Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Dual Rey); Aldo Ramon; 658.5 (H: 217.5/R: 219/C: 222); $35,000 4. The Cash Train; Veronica Swales; 20M (Reyzin The Cash x Metallic Train x Metallic Cat); Beverly Servi; 656.5 (H: 216.5/R: 219.5/C: 220.5); $30,000 5. Metallic N Shine; Clayton Edsall; 20M (Metallic Cat x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark); Andrea Luce; 655.5 (H: 216/R: 217.5/C: 222); $25,000 6. Meyze Cat; Chris Dawson; 20S (Metallic Cat x SJR Cash Advance x Dual Rey); Kalpowar Quarter Horses; 655 (H: 217.5/R: 218/C: 219.5); $20,000 7. Stevies Lead Guitar; Chris Dawson; 21G (Steve Rey Von x Cee Me Travelin x Hickory Holly Time); Stephen Roseberry; 654.5 (H: 213/R: 217/C: 224.5); $15,500 8. Badddazzzzzz Stevie; Ben Baldus; 21S (Stevie Rey Von x Perry Shorts x Shorty Lena); Aaron D Muehlstein/William Marsh/Matt Daniel; 653 (H: 217/R: 219.5/C: 216.5); $12,500 9. Reyguns Metallic Cat; Brady Weaver; 21M (Metallic Cat x SJR Reygun x Dual Rey); Gary Ewell; 652.5 (H: 216/R: 216.5/C: 220); $9,500 10. Tuffer Than Metal; Veronica Swales; 21M (Metallic Cat x CR Tuff Tizzy x Woody Be Tuff); Sandhill Steuter Ranch LLC; 652 (H: 217/R: 217.5/C: 217.5); $9,200

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY OPEN

“I DIDN’T CARE

IF I WON OR NOT IN THE MOMENT—JUST THAT I SHOWCASED THAT MARE ON THE BIG STAGE.” —Jordan Williams

I completed this run [at the Derby], I knew it was a good one. I didn’t care if I won or not in the moment—just that I showcased that mare on the big stage. I’ve worked really hard on my fence work over the past few years. I doubted myself, but I kept grinding. Don Murphy helped me, and Russell Probert has really elevated my training to a level I’m not sure I could’ve achieved on my own. His help has been very valuable in my life. It’s a relief to get the monkey off my back and get the win.” The championship was even sweeter because it was for owners Bonds Ranch, close family friends of Williams’ family for many years. “When Jaymes Bond turned 3, that was my first horse for them,” Williams said. “We’ve had lots of ups and downs, and they’ve never weakened in their support of me and have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

GROWING UP ON THE RANCH Williams spent his childhood on the family ranch in Weatherford, Texas. His horsemanship revolved around developing using horses suited for all aspects of ranch life, whether dragging calves, sorting and doctoring sick cattle or simply covering ground. “My uncle always said, ‘We had horses because we had cattle,’ and that’s how our operation ran,” Williams said. “We had nice horses because we used them every day on the ranch.” He showed cutters for a year or two as a youth and said the experience helps his herd work to this day. He was also very comfortable starting colts and getting a good 60 to 90 days on them before they were sold or

sent back to the ranch for the cowboys to pick through. Once Williams signed up at Texas Tech, he joined the ranch horse team, which introduced him to reined cow horse. After college, he began working for Bozo Rogers in 2013 at Dove Creek Ranch, where Williams still trains horses today. After competing in his first NRCHA event shortly after joining Rogers’ staff, he became hooked.

EARLY TRAINING Williams and Tazzy Es Savvy, aka “Gotcha,” had a bumpy start when she first went under saddle as a 2-year-old, with Williams describing her as “a bit of a wild thing.” He called April Bonds, who runs the horse division of Bonds Ranch, and expressed his uncertainty about Gotcha, but said he’d keep trying. Soon, Williams and the ranch-raised mare started to make progress, and that reformed wild thing has become a great partner for Williams. “She's a wonderful mare to ride now,” he shared. “She’s just quirky with a big personality. I’m a mare man—I love riding mares, and the good ones are almost always like that. Once you get them on your side, you have them forever.” Williams uses his experience with ranch horses to keep his show horses fresh and physically ready. He’s dragged calves on Gotcha and has put in long days working to prepare her mentally and physically. “It’s a double-whammy,” he said. “They have to use their minds and their bodies. In the arena, you can’t really sit on one for three hours. But when you’re out working all day, it matures them in a way that’s more natural than riding in circles every day.”

GETTING THE WIN Between the CINCH Stallion Stakes and the Kimes Ranch Derby, Gotcha spent some time preparing for her future—the Bonds family sent her to have embryos collected. During that time away, they swam her for fitness. She wasn’t back with Williams until just a week before the Derby started, but Williams felt confident, saying she felt the best she ever has, setting them up for success in the prelims that would give them a shot in the finals. “In the herd finals, she was very good,” he recalled, thanking his herd help: Boyd Rice, Tyler Merrill, Lee Deacon and Russell Probert. “She’s pretty exceptional in the herd and was second in the prelims," he said. "In the finals, we cut the best cattle that were left. I was very happy with her, but she felt tired. It was hot in Scottsdale.” Williams rested his mare before the reined work finals on Saturday morning, then brought her into the air conditioning before warming up to show. “When I got on her, she was jazzed up,” Jordan said with a laugh. “But I think it gave her what she needed. That was the best she’s ever done in the reining. Marking a 222, holy moly, that felt great. She wasn’t tired at all, and I knew I had plenty of horse left for the fence work.” In a tough field, a decisive 225 claimed the win for Williams, Gotcha and Bonds Ranch. “I told myself I just needed to go work a cow,” Williams said. “When that cow came out and my mare took hold immediately—we boxed and went. She kind of took over, and she was spectacular. It was unbelievable. She showcased all that she can be.”

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8/6/25 1:49 PM


///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY OPEN

OPEN DERBY RESERVE Roanmeo/Justin Wright

(Hottish x Trouble N Roan x Metallic Cat) Score: 659.5 (R: 222/H: 218.5/C: 219); $45,000 O: SC Ranch Co. Inc./B: Katherine Goodfried

INTERMEDIATE OPEN DERBY RESERVE

LIMITED OPEN DERBY

(Woody Be Tuff x Calie Del Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 662 (R: 218.5/H: 221.5/C: 222); $15,000 O: XIT Ranch LLC/B: Center Ranch

(WR This Cats Smart x Oh Cay Meriah x Light N Lena) Score: 656 (R: 219.5/H: 218.5/C: 218); $5,000 O: Hope Mills/B: Monica Duflock

XIT Rita Blanca/Abbie Phillips

Oh Cay Smarty Pants/Dustin Mills

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY OPEN

LIMITED OPEN DERBY RESERVE High Stakes Affair/Samuel Bremenour

(High Roller Whiz x Sioux Had An Affair x A Shiner Named Sioux) Score: 656 (R: 217/H: 213.5/C: 218); $4,000 O: Stacey Webb/B: April Williams

LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY

LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY RESERVE

(Woody Be Tuff x CD Stylish Girl x High Brow CD) Score: 645.5 (R: 215.5/H: 216/C: 214); $4,000 O: Lucky D Performance Horses LLC/B: Madalyn Cowart

(Metallic Rebel x Reycherche x Dual Rey) Score: 642.5 (R: 216.5/H: 213/C: 213); $3,250 O: Top Fuel Ranch/B: Kenneth Munsell

Stylish Woody/Caylee Parrish

The Rebel Yell/Travis Fisher

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY OPEN

NOVICE HORSE OPEN DERBY Quite A Smart Rey/Clay Volmer

(Dual Smart Rey x Quite The Cat x High Brow Cat) Score: 658.5 (R: 218/H: 215.5/C: 225); $4,550 O: Ann Matthews/B: Rose Valley Ranch

NOVICE HORSE OPEN DERBY RESERVE

OPEN DERBY CHROME CASH

(Stevie Rey Von x Sweet Swingin Melody x Peppys Boy 895) Score: 653.5 (R: 216/H: 218/C: 219.5); $3,635 O: Logan Krone/B: Penny Cogdell Carpenter

(Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Dual Rey) Score: 658.5 (H: 217.5/R: 219/C: 220.5); $4,260 O: Aldo Ramon/B: Hartman Quarter Horses Inc.

Outlaww Tunes/Russell Probert

ARA Rebel King/Corey Cushing

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY NON PRO

O

NA ROLL

Hope Mills and SmartLookinMercedes claim their second consecutive major title in the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Non Pro.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

B

arely a month before the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby, Hope Mills was somewhat surprised to claim the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes Non Pro title with SmartLookinMercedes (Dual Smart Rey x Smooth Play Kit x Smooth As A Cat). However, in Scottsdale, Arizona, she could rest assured that her success with the gelding wasn’t a fluke. They’re indeed a force to be reckoned with. As you read in the March/April 2025 issue of Reined Cow Horse News, Mills’ journey with “Brett” wasn’t always easy, and she didn’t feel her most confident after having her first child and finding her way back toward the show pen. Working her way to getting on the same page as Brett—and staying there to achieve another title—required Mills to dig deep and turn to her most trusted confidants in her horse life: her husband, NRCHA professional Dustin Mills; her new trainer, Abby Mixon; and longtime friend and cutting legend Faron Hightower. “I’ve always been a non pro and ridden with a trainer,” Mills shared. “I’d always been able to ride every day, until I had my daughter, Sage. With less saddle time and changes in my confidence, I wasn’t connecting with my horses.

When I’m home, if I get five minutes, I’m not spending it on a horse. I have mares to care for, cows, horses, chickens and my daughter.” That led Mills to commit to sending her horse to Mixon, scheduling riding time and lessons and getting her show career back on track, which also happened to coincide with Mills’ husband nursing an injury that kept him out of the saddle. Changing her program transformed everything for Mills. “I finally got a little mom time—social time with adults,” she said with a laugh. “I bonded with non pros, and I got a little break. That part was really nice. Now, we joke that we all do it as a group. My horse stays with Abby. Dustin shares his insights, and Faron gives his thoughts. It’s a big group effort.” It’s not just those three professionals shaping Mills’ comeback. She prides herself on her adaptability and openness to education from everyone surrounding her. “You can never stop learning,” she said. “You can never know enough. Don’t be scared to ask for advice.”

THE REPEAT WIN

Between the Stakes and the Derby, Mills brought

Hope Mills and SmartLookinMercedes (Dual Smart Rey x Smooth Play Kit x Smooth As A Cat) did it again, winning the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Non Pro with a 654 composite (H: 219.5/R: 218.5/C: 216), for a check worth $10,000.

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2025 NON PRO TOP 10 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)

1. Hope Mills; SmartLookinMercedes; 21G (Dual Smart Rey x Smooth Play Kit x Smooth As A Cat); HM Horses; 654 (H: 219.5/R: 218.5/C: 216); $10,000 2. Lanham Brown; Believe In Dynacat; 21M (Dont Stopp Believin x Little Dyna Cat x Neat Little Cat); R.A. Brown Ranch; 651 (H: 215.5/ R: 218.5/C: 217); $7,500 3. Debbie Crafton; Modern Metallic; 21G (One Shiney Metallic x IC The Biscuits x Dual R Smokin); Debbie Crafton; 647.5 (H: 218.5/R: 212/CL 217); $6,000 4T. Brent Ratliff; TwntyTwntyWhatAMitch; 20G (Call Me Mitch x Shiney N Quick x Smart Shiner Nic); Brent Ratliff; 645.5 (H: 214.5/R: 217/C: 214); $4,350 4T. Debbie Crafton; Believe Im Smart; 20G (Dont Stopp Believin x One Smart Long Legs x One Time Pepto); Debbie Crafton; 645.5 (H: 216/ R: 218.5/C: 211); $4,350 6. Jayson Fisher; High Priced Chyna; 21G (High Brow Cat x Chyna x Peptoboonsmal); Jayson and Teresa Fisher; 645 (H: 214/R: 215.5/C: 215.5); $3,250 7. Debbie Crafton; Boot Scootin Flo; 21M (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat); Debbie Crafton; 640.5 (H: 212/R: 218.5/C: 210); $2,825 8. Elizabeth Kania; No Enemies; 20G (Stevie Rey Von x Uno What Time It Flo x Uno What Time It Is); Renee Dubois; 638 (H: 213/R: 212.5/C: 212.5); $2,350 9. Debbie Crafton; SJR Sumkinda Mist; 21M (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda PinkCadilac x Peptoboonsmal); 633.5 (H: 213/R: 213.5/C: 207); $1,875

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY NON PRO

“HE’S A PRETTY

MOVER AND HAS GOOD TRANSITIONS, SO MY GOAL WAS TO BE CLEAN AND GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO MARK.” —Hope Mills

Brett home, let him rest and turned him out. They entered a smaller derby, which they won, and then set their sights on Scottsdale. She and her husband spent a week before the show in Arizona, helping their horses acclimate to the heat, while Mills rode with friends, from whom she also gleaned new insights for riding her horse. The planning paid off: Brett and Mills finished the prelims in the lead. “I’m a little superstitious,” she admitted. “You rarely see the person who wins the prelims win the finals.” She also had to let go of the mistakes she made in her prelims herd work. Instead of focusing on winning, she concentrated on having a good run with her

horse, getting out of her own head and showing her horse. “In the herd, I was out first in the second set,” she said. “The cows were very different than in the prelims. I saw the first set have good runs, so I knew I just needed to be clean and good.” The duo marked a 219.5, topping the herd work finals. Before the Saturday reined and fence work finals, Mills gave Brett a break to conserve his energy in the heat. She had confidence because her horse was a 221 in the reined work prelims. “We didn’t school that morning, so he’d have enough juice to run that three-circle pattern and go down the fence,” she said. “He’s a pretty mover and has good transitions, so my goal

was to be clean and give them something to mark.” A score of 218.5 put the pair in a four-way tie to lead the reined work portion. “We had a little time before the fence work,” she recalled. “I saddled early and brought him into the air-conditioned arena. We just walked around and went in to keep him fresh. We boxed our cow, made a good first turn and circled up—and it worked.” A score of 216 down the fence put the pair in first place with a 654 composite (H: 219.5/R: 218.5/C: 216), for a check worth $10,000. In their short time together, the pair has earned nearly $60,000 in NRCHA competition.

NON PRO DERBY RESERVE

Lanham Brown/Believe In Dynacat (Dont Stopp Believin x Little Dynat Cat x Neat Little Cat) Score: 651 (R: 215.5/H: 218.5/C: 217); $7,500 O: R.A. Brown Ranch/B: Scott and Patricia McClurg

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY NON PRO

INTERMEDIATE AND LIMITED NON PRO DERBY Amber Wright/Scooter Five

(Scooter Kat x Kat Five x High Brow Cat) Score: 642.5 (R: 215/H: 214/C: 213.5); $4,500; $2,250 O: Amber Wright/B: Lacy and Wyatt Bourdet

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO DERBY RESERVE

LIMITED NON PRO DERBY RESERVE

(Stevie Rey Von x Uno What Time It Flo x Uno What Time It Is) Score: 638 (R: 213/H: 212.5/C: 212.5); $3,650 O: Renee Dubois/B: Renee Dubois

(Smooth Talkin Style x Bobs Smart Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 635 (R: 209/H: 211.5/C: 214.5); $1,750 O: Lester Walker/B: Chelsea and Cass Tatum

Elizabeth Kania/No Enemies

Lester Walker/Talkin Shmack

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8/6/25 2:07 PM


///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY NON PRO

LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY

LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY RESERVE

(Stevie Rey Von x Scoot A Lil Closer x Smart Lil Scoot) Score: 638 (R: 211.5/H: 216/C: 210.5); $2,375 O: Kendra Suhling/B: Kathleen Moore

(Purdy Boy Flash x Its Tammy Time x One Time Pepto) Score: 631.5 (R: 210/H: 213/C: 208.5); $1,890 O: Zachary Haydon/B: Madison and Barney Mac Smith

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO DERBY

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO DERBY RESERVE

(WR This Cats Smart x Very Smart Choice x Very Smart Remedy) Score: 641.5 (R: 211.5/H: 212.5/C: 217.5); $1,500 O: Jay and Wendy McLaughlin/B: Rocking BS Ranch

(Reyzin The Cash x PG Special Edition x Playgun) Score: 631.5 (R: 215.5/:H: 206.5/C: 209.5); $900 O: Triple D Ranches LLC/B: Triple D Ranches LLC

Kendra Suhling/Stratocaster One

Cutter McLaughlin/RBS Wright Choice

Zachary Haydon/Dealz A Deal

Crue Dowers/Basic Baddie

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY NON PRO

SELECT NON PRO DERBY AND CHROME CASH

SELECT NON PRO DERBY RESERVE

(Smooth Talking Style x Zacks Fifth Avenue x Zack T Wood) Score: 648.5 (R: 217.5/H: 216/C: 215); $160; $1,080 O: Walter Greenman and Tammy Hays/B: RCJ Cutting Horses LLC

(High Brow Cat x Chyna x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 640.5 (R: 215/H: 215.5/C: 210); $120 O: Jayson and Teresa Fisher/B: Beechfork Ranch

Tammy Jo Hays/Tik Talker

Jayson Fisher/High Priced Chyna

NON PRO BOXING DERBY Erin Keys/Dixies Reybl Yell

(Dual Smart Rey x Dizzy Miss Dixie Cat x Pretty Boy Cat) Score: 647 (R: 215.5/H: 214.5/C: 217); $8,000 O: Erin Keys/B: Madeline Horton

NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE Mason Taggart/CP Hal O Havya

(Travelin Jones x Hal O Matic x Halreycious) Score: 646 (R: 215/H: 215/C: 215.5); $6,000 O: Joe and Elizabeth Taggart/B: Mark and Lori Cross

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY NON PRO

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY Ellie Haaby/Ima Lil Cow Fresh

(Hashtags x Six Boon x Boon Too Suen) Score: 624.5 (R: 214/H: 211/C: 217.5); $2,050 O: Tenley Haaby/B: Rochelle Meredith

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE

Lindsay Donovan Perraton/Seven S Red Hot (Stevie Rey Von x Seven S Wild Flower x Nic It In The Bud) Score: 635.5 (R: 210.5/H: 210/C: 215); $1,650 O: Lindsay Donovan Perraton/B: Forst Ranch LLC

SELECT NON PRO BOXING DERBY Lori Adamski-Peek/Licensed To Steal

(Stevie Rey Von x Dual Peppy Kitty x Dual Pep) Score: 643 (R: 214.5/H: 214.5/C: 214); $270 O: Lori Adamski-Peek/ B: 70 Ranch Performance Horses

SELECT NON PRO DERBY RESERVE Kelly Lindell/Remerada

(Cats Merada x Chicks Sassy Nic x Remenic) Score: 632.5 (R: 210/H: 211/C: 211.5); $216 O: Kelly Lindell/B: Lucava Farms Inc.

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS

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S

PECTACULAR

PERFORMANCES The NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby featured bridle spectaculars and super spectaculars, as well as two rein spectaculars, showcasing the talents of marquee phases of cow horse training. BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

C

ow horse fans and competitors alike watched some of the best bridle and two rein horses perform during the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona. Throughout the levels, familiar faces and new ones took home titles, awards, checks and bragging rights, along with great memories and new goals to work toward.

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

Hazardouz Material (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey) and Erin Taormino did it again, winning the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Open Bridle Spectacular with a 665 (H: 219.5/R: 223/C: 222.5), cashing in $15,523 for owner Linda Mars.

Erin Taormino and Hazardouz Material came off a huge victory by winning the 2025 World’s Greatest Horseman® title. They kept that momentum going to win the CD Survivor Memorial Open Open Bridle Spectacular at the Kimes Ranch Derby. “We gave him a little time off, and he had some R&R turned out,” Taormino shared. “We kept him in shape and ready to show, but he knows his job. Anymore, I just try to stay out of his way.” That break put “Skeeter” in the winning mindset again in Scottsdale. Starting with the herd work, Taormino was pleased with their 219.5. “I had a pretty decent draw out of the herd,” she said. “He felt really good—even a little fresh since I hadn’t hauled him since the World’s Greatest Horseman®.” For the reined and fence work, Skeeter stayed true to his character.

“Getting ready for the reined and fence work, I just galloped him a little,” she said. “He felt great in the reined work. He was with me the whole time. I hadn’t schooled him, but I trusted him, and he felt phenomenal. For the fence work, he felt so dang good. He was with me 100%. We drew a good cow—one that was very workable and allowed him to do his thing. I was elated with him down the fence.” The pair ended up with a 223 in the reined work and a 222.5 in the fence work for a total 665, earning the title and a check for $15,523 for owner Linda Mars. “He’ll have a little time off now,” Taormino shared. “With all the rain we’ve had in Texas, we have great grass, and we can let him eat and enjoy life. We’ll trot him in the pasture and go school before I show him again, but he gets a deserved break now.” REINED COW HORSE NEWS | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 105

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

Debbie Crafton knows what she has in SJR SumKindaRockstar: a very special individual. Partners since the stallion was 2 years old, Crafton says he’s as pure as he was as a 3-year-old and only continues to feel better every time she shows him in the bridle. “He absolutely loves being a show horse and constantly amazes me,” Crafton said. “He doesn’t get ahead of me, he waits on me and he’s a very special individual. He’s so chill mentally. He’s been such a blessing.” SJR SumKindaRockstar (Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) went from live-covering Crafton’s mares at home straight to the winner’s circle at the Kimes Ranch Derby. The pair won the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular with a 439.5 (H: 145.5/R: 146.5/C: 147.5), pocketing another $4,980 for the horse Crafton has piloted to more than $100,000 in NRCHA earnings. The pair’s path to victory by two points began with the herd work, where Crafton recalled that he felt very good. “He’s so smart on a cow,” she shared. “I can ride in the herd with a lot of confidence that he can hold whatever we decide to cut. He’s so solid.” The reined work went as Crafton expected, because her mount is so reliable and pure. “He let me push him around and call on him when I needed to,” she recalled. “He answered everywhere. His circles are so good

on a loose rein. He stopped big and turned well. For this horse to have been shown as many times as he has and be as pure as the first time we rode in the pen is very special.” Ending with the fence work, SJR SumKindaRockstar again stepped up to the plate. “If you ride by a cow, he’ll swallow one, and he did just that in Scottsdale,” she said. “It was one of those moments where you make a big turn and get a tingle inside. That’s how it felt showing him there going down that wall. He owns a cow in the circles. He uses his head and neck to dominate and control the cow.”

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR

With less than a month together, Darby Callahan didn’t expect the Kimes Ranch Derby Youth Cow Horse Spectacular to go nearly as well as it did for him and Smack Talking (Smooth Talkin Style x Haelies Comet x Halreycious). But the pair really clicked in their first outing, winning the class with a 435 (H:145/R: 144/C: 146) and a check for $937.50. “I had a very short time to work with him, but it worked out very well,” Callahan said. “I just figured we’d go out and do what we could do.” Callahan’s trainer, Jay McLaughlin, knew “Smack” would be a great fit for Callahan, and the young horseman came to agree in the days leading up to the Derby. “I didn’t think we’d do that well in the herd,” Callahan said.

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR

(Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 439.5 (H: 145.5/RL 146.5/C: 147.5); $4,980 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

(Smooth Talkin Style x Haelies Comet x Halreycious) Score: 435 (H:145/R: 144/C: 146); $937.50 O: Mickey Callahan/B: Corey and Kristen Cushing

Debbie Crafton/SJR SumKindaRockStar

Darby Callahan/Smack Talking

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS “Besides practice runs, this was the first time I cut on him. He’s easy—you just have to sit and watch your cow and use your feet. He won’t lose a cow unless you lose the cow. He’s a taller horse, but he can get down.” The reined work can be particularly challenging on an unfamiliar horse, but Callahan and Smack figured it out. “It went better than I thought it would,” he said. “He’s feely. If you move your toe, he’s going to feel it and look at it, and that happened

in my first circles. But he dragged his butt and spun good.” The pair sealed the win in a solid fence run. “It went really well,” he recalled. “The cow didn’t have a lot of action on the end, but down the fence, we started rolling. We had two great turns—that horse won’t get outrun.” Next up, Callahan looked forward to roping practice to get ready for the World’s Greatest Non Pro and the World's Greatest Youth Horseman®.

OPEN BRIDLE SUPER SPECTACULAR

OPEN BRIDLE SUPER SPECTACULAR WR Iceman/Corey Cushing

(WR This Cats Smart x Lean Irish Playgirl x Paddys Irish Whiskey) Score: 883 (H: 218.5/R: 221/C: 222.5/SS: 221); $1,200 O: Eric and Wendy Dunn/B: Mary Scott Brown

Coming off a seventh-place finish in the NRCHA Western Bloodstock Rayshell Ranch World’s Greatest Horseman®, Corey Cushing and WR Iceman (WR This Cats Smart x Lean Irish Playgirl x Paddys Irish Whiskey) captured the Open Bridle Super Spectacular by four points with an 883 (H: 218.5/R: 221/C: 222.5/SS: 221), taking home a $1,200 check for owners Eric and Wendy Dunn. “He knows and loves his job, and he’s always ready,” Cushing shared. “He can go all day and keep giving his whole heart. He’s always been a fun bridle horse, and as he’s gotten older, I’ve learned that I don’t need to help him. I just need to get him into position.” Cushing was pleased with the horse’s herd work, saying it takes the right situation for a horse to show off what he can do, and they were able to achieve that, kicking off the event with a 218.5 going into the reined work. “In the reining, he knows what’s coming,” Cushing said. “He knows his job, so I didn’t have to school him a whole lot; I just need to ride him around. I told myself not to get too amped up—I have to stay calm but ride aggressive. I didn’t want to over-ride, but I wanted to ride hard enough to be credit-earning. I was very happy with circling on a loose rein, and his stops felt good.” Going into the fence work with another good score—a 221—in the reined work kept the pair in the hunt. “I drew the perfect cow [in the fence work],” Cushing said. “It was a cow that would try to beat him, so he had to expose himself and work a little harder. They were a good match to show what he can do.” Their score kept building, with a 222.5 down the fence and only the roping remaining. “He’s always been a little apprehensive about the roping chute— not the cow or the excitement, just the chute,” Cushing shared. “It’s taken a lot of patience to work on it. After the World’s Greatest Horseman®, I took him to Sun Circuit, where he won the all-around. That was the last time he’d been in a roping box. [In Scottsdale], he maintained himself, let me wrap my legs around him and got set. He was good about waiting and going when I asked. I had to reach out in front a bit to get the muley roped, but when I got the rope dallied, my horse sat down and got on his rear end.” The Open Bridle Super Spectacular ran concurrently with the Open Bridle Spectacular, where the pair placed fourth and earned a spot in the 2025 Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge.

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS NON PRO BRIDLE SUPER SPECTACULAR

Kacey Williams and CR See Dees Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x Dees Cats Meow x High Brow Cat) teamed up four years ago after she bought him at a sale. From their first ride, Williams knew their bond would take them far. “He’s very special,” she said. “He does anything I ask him to do and always tries 100%. He has the biggest heart. When we bought him, he didn’t know cow horse, but he does it [now]! He was a little skeptical about the reined work at first, but he’s improving every time.” Their never-give-up attitude led them to win the Non Pro Bridle Super Spectacular with a 569 (H: 143.5/R: 142.5/C: 138/SS: 145) and a $400 payday. Because “Bullseye” is a former cutter, Williams was confident going into the herd work to kick off the event. “That’s the event I always feel good about with him,” she said. “He’s more comfortable and tries his best. We got three good cows, and he did his job. He was right there with me the whole time.” Recognizing that the reined work is her horse’s biggest challenge, Williams was pleased with earning a 142.5 in that phase. “With a lot of practice and help, he keeps getting better and better,” she said. “It’s becoming one of the more fun events for us because his progress is so cool.” A dip in the cow work came as the result of a few baubles, but Williams recognized that her horse was with her, if a little tired, as they went into the roping. “Roping is the newest event for both of us,” she said. “We started roping in November to prepare for the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman®. We just missed the finals there, so I entered in Scottsdale to gain confidence and get practice because I don’t get to rope much, and we don’t want it to be an issue at next year’s World’s

NON PRO BRIDLE SUPER SPECTACUAR Kacey Williams/CR See Dees Tuff

(Woody Be Tuff x Dees Cats Meow x High Brow Cat) Score: 569 (H: 143.5/R: 142.5/C: 138/SS: 145); $400 O: Kacey Williams/B: Center Ranch

Greatest Youth Horseman® in my last year as a youth.” A 145 in the roping sealed the win for Williams and Bullseye. Their performance in Scottsdale made Williams excited to enter the World’s Greatest Non Pro during the MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic. “He’s so fun to do all the events on,” she said. “Anything you show him, he wants to do. Winning in Scottsdale makes me more confident and comfortable with him and myself.”

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR Nothing But Blu/Cayley Wilson

(Once In A Blu Boon x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat) Score: 438.5 (H: 144.5/R: 146/C: 148); $7,300 O: Alicia Bolls/B: Alicia Bolls

Nothing But Blu and Cayley Wilson have a strong history together. At the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, the pair captured third place in the Open division and second in the Intermediate Open. As they’ve progressed in the horse’s training, they’re finding additional success in the two rein. “He’s had a really steady progression,” Wilson shared. “He’s good to show and has been all along. He’s big and strong, and he’s a very sound horse and an exceptional mover, so he has lots of longevity. He’s good-minded and doesn’t anticipate or take over. I don’t have to school him much, and he’s so consistent.” All those characteristics came together to earn Nothing But Blu (Once In A Blu Boon x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat) a 438.5 (H: 144.5/R: 146/C: 148) to win the Kimes Ranch Derby Two Rein Spectacular title and $7,300 for owner Alicia Bolls. Wilson couldn’t have been happier with the horse’s performance and the progress he’s making in the two rein. “In the herd, I was really happy with this horse,” Wilson said. “Our first cut wasn’t the best, but we got control of all three cows, and he felt very good. He was honest in the reined work. He guided around well, and all of it was clean. We drew a strong calf in the fence work. He was a little challenging, but we boxed, made two fence turns and then finished by circling good. He had a good switch in his circles, and I was thankful it all came together so well.” The composite score tied with Zak 34 (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x Metallic Cat) and Chris Dawson, but Wilson and Nothing But Blu came out on top thanks to winning the fence work by a mere half-point.

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR Debbie Crafton/SJR Diamond Luna

(CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) Score: 437.5 (H: 146/R:144/C: 147.5); $2,460 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

Debbie Crafton found herself at the top of the leader board a second time in Scottsdale, taking the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular title with longtime partner SJR Diamond Luna. “I’ve had her since the middle of her 3-year-old year,” Crafton said. “She’s the ultimate premier event horse—she’s made every premier event finals and placed in the top five. I took her to a show in McCook, Nebraska, before Scottsdale to see how she’d do in the two rein, and it all felt good. Scottsdale was only her second show in the two rein. She’s so fun to ride one-handed! And she was so good in the hackamore; it’s fun to see her progress through her training.” Marking a 437.5 (H: 146/R:144/C: 147.5), Crafton and SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) claimed $2,460 for the champion title. “She cuts really cool—she’s very low-necked and sweepy,” Crafton shared. “She gets so low that I can really push on the saddle horn and get out of her way. I was proud of her in the herd. She’s been shown a lot, and she felt good.” The mare lived up to Crafton’s expectations in the reined work, too. “She circles very well,” Crafton said. “She’s a big, aggressive stopper. I adore showing her—she continues to get better with age.” For the final phase of the event, Crafton knew she could count on her mount thanks to the consistency and reliability the horse has shown in their time together. “It doesn’t matter what cow they kick out, I have the utmost confidence in her,” Crafton beamed. “No cow is too fast, too wild or too rank. I can dominate it on that mare. She’s an incredible fence horse because she is so cowy and stays in time. She can go so fast and be so physical.”

///// MEET CD SURVIVOR The NRCHA Derby Open Bridle Spectacular is named in memory of CD Survivor (CD Olena x Have A Lil Lena x Peppy San Badger), orphaned as a foal to earn the name “Survivor.” He was best loved by his owner, Nancy Crawford of Holy Cow Performance Horses, who puts up added money for bridle spectacular classes held each year at NRCHA premier events. The added money started in 2010, and Crawford hasn't wavered in her support of the finished bridle horse. “The goal of the bridle spectacular and why it exists in the first places to have [incentive] for a fully trained bridle horse to compete,” she said. “I think it’s really important to have those fully trained bridle horses that just about anybody can ride.” The CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular Champion, presented by Holy Cow Performance Horses, receives a perpetual trophy and the rider’s name and the horse’s name are added annually.

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE AND INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE CHAMPIONS Jaymes Bond/Jordan Williams

(Metallic Cat x Shortys Jay Ray x Dual Rey) Score: 664.5 (H: 224/R: 220/C: 220.5); $12,255; $4,230 O: Bonds Ranch/B: Fults Ranch

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE Peptos Stylin Time/Abbie Phillips

(One Time Pepto x Stylin Jewel x Docs Stylish Oak) Score: 662 (H: 215/R: 222.5/C: 224.5); $3,384 O: Kelby and Abbie Phillips/B: Hanging H Ranch LLC

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR RESERVE

(Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat) Score: 437.5 (H: 149/R: 143/C: 145.5); $3,984 O: Kacey Williams/B: Center Ranch

(Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep) Score: 431 (H: 142/R: 143/C: 146); $781.25 O: Timothy and Katherine Miller/B: Kevin and Sydney Knight

Sabrina Williams/CR Woody Dig It

Landri Lisac/LooksLikeLuckToMe

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS

NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR

NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE

(Metallic Cat x One Sparking Time x One Time Pepto) Score: 436 (H: 142.5/R: 147.5/C: 146); $7,480 O: Lori Adamski-Peek/B: Mark and Kimberly Rauch

(Metallic Cat x Quick N Quanah x Quanah O Lena) Score: 433.5 (H: 138.5/R: 146/C: 149); $5,610 O: Heather Vatcher/B: Big Sky Performance Horses LLC

YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR

YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE

(Hashtags x Six Boon x Boon Too Suen) Score: 440 (H: 147/R: 143/C: 150); $1,200 O: Tenley Haaby/B: Rochelle Meredith

(Smart Boons x Peppy Nicolena x Nic It In The Bud) Score: 440 (H: 147.5/R: 146.5/C: 146); $960 O: Heather Vatcher/B: Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays

Lori Adamski-Peek/One Metallic Spark

Ellie Haaby/Ima Lil Cow Fresh

Heather Vatcher/Metallicism

Ricky J. Nicolazzi/Sippin Boons Farm

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SPECTACULARS

OPEN BRIDLE SUPER SPECTACULAR RESERVE

NON PRO BRIDLE SUPER SPECTACULAR RESERVE

(Hes Wright On x Isabellena x Quejanaisalena) Score: 879 (H: 218.5/R: 219/C: 218/SS: 223.5); $960 O: David Beckett/B: Garth and Amanda Gardiner

(Smooth As A Cat x Voodoo Chic x Smart Chic O Lena) Score: 530.5 (H: 120/R: 136/C: 138.5/SS: 136); $300 O: Vera Earl Ranch Inc./B: Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch LLC

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR

(Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x Highbrow Cat) Score: 438.5 (H: 146/R: 145/C: 147.5); $5,840 O: Melissa Fischer/B: Center Ranch

(WR This Cats Smart x Shes Playin Rey x TR Dual Rey) Score: 438 (H: 143/R: 145/C: 150); $1,978 O: Michelle Shopbell/B: Gregg Lafitte

Cuttin Wright Up/Brandon Buttars

Zak 34/Chris Dawson

Addison Tomlinson/Smooth Cat Voo

Shes Reys Cat/Clifton Shopbell

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INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

(Stevie Rey Von x Justa Lil Freck x Bobs Freckle) Score: 433.5 (H: 142.5/R: 144/C: 147); $1,548 O: Althea Prewett/B: Double Dove Ranch

(CD Lights x Shiners Diamond Cat x WR This Cats Smart) Score: 429.5 (H: 145/R: 141/C: 143.5); $2,050 O: Dan Fox/B: Mike and James Draper

Stevie Wunder/Alethea Prewett

Katie Fox/ShinersDiamondLights

///// DOUG WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL AWARD BY NRCHA STAFF

In a powerful tribute to one of the sport’s most celebrated horsemen, NRCHA awarded the firstever Doug Williamson Memorial Award at the 2025 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby. Created to honor the memory of NRCHA Hall of Fame member and Million Dollar Rider Doug Williamson, the award recognizes the top-scoring cow work in the Holy Cow Performance Horses CD Survivor Open Bridle Spectacular,

becoming the first Doug Williamson Award recipient, was shared by two of the sport’s leading horsewomen: Abbie Phillips, riding Peptos Stylin Time (One Time Pepto x Stylin Jewel x Docs Stylish Oak), and Sarah Dawson, riding Shine Smarter (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Tari x Shining Spark). Both riders marked a 224.5 down the fence, earning the award in a tie.

an event Williamson not only loved but dominated. One of his most memorable wins came in 2019, when he marked a 231 down the fence on ARC Sparkin Chics (Chic Please x Sailing Spark x Shining Spark) to win the Open Bridle Spectacular at the NRCHA Derby, an event now forever linked to his name. The 2025 Kimes Ranch Derby Open Bridle Spectacular high cow work score, and the honor of

Carol Williamson, Doug’s wife, helped shape the spirit of this award by identifying four traits that defined his legacy: longevity, work ethic, competitive spirit and bravery. Williamson trained and showed bridle horses until age 80, never missing a day’s work and constantly striving to improve. He was especially known for his skill down the fence, where his timing, feel and cow sense set

him apart. As many in the reined cow horse world would say, “It’s not over until Doug goes down the fence.” When asked how it felt to be the first recipients of this award, both Phillips and Dawson expressed what an honor it was to be part of such a historic moment in reined cow horse history. “Carol told me about this award a couple of months ago, and I told her that was what I was going for,” Phillips said. “It’s one of the best awards anyone could get.” “Whether it was the first or fifth, it's so special,” Dawson added. “I spent a lot of my youth years with Doug, and he’s made a big impact on my life from a very early age, so it’s very special to be able to receive this.” When asked to describe Doug as a competitor, Dawson recalled, “Relentless, a force to be reckoned with. That guy didn't like to lose, whether he was at an AQHA schooling show or in the World's Greatest Horseman® Finals, he rode with the same grit and determination in both.” Phillips agreed, “He was fierce and relentless. He went for it every single time, no matter what, and he gave it his all every time. That's taught me to try to do the same thing.” Each recipient will be honored on a perpetual trophy and receive a Preston Williams custom bit.

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY HORSE SHOW

H

ORSE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

The horse show classes at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby were as hot as Scottsdale.

COMPILED BY NRCHA STAFF | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

OPEN AND INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE

LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE

(One Time Pepto x Stylin Jewel x Docs Stylish Oak) Score: 447 (R: 222.5/C: 224.5); $12,160; $1,200 O: Kelby and Abbie Phillips/B: Hanging H Ranch LLC

(Hired Gun x One Autumn Breeze x One Time Pepto) Score: 428.5 (R: 219.5/C: 209); $1,425 O: Vera Earl Ranch Inc./B: Vera Earl Ranch Inc.

Peptos Stylin Time/Abbie Phillips

VE One Hired Gun/Bailey Bearup

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NO MANS WHIZKEY

XTRA LITTLE BALOU

IRISH BLU

WHIZKEY N DIAMONDS X SS ROSA

WIMPYS LITTLE STEP X LIL CHIC BALOU

ONCE IN A BLU BOON X MYO STARLIGHT

LIFE TIME EARNINGS: $94,000+

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $27,955

2025 FEE: $2,000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $1,500 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $2,000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

ELIGIBILITIES: ROYAL CROWN ROPING

ELIGIBILITIES: NRHA, NRBC, RIATA BUCKLE

ELIGIBILITIES: NRHA

STRAY CAT SI-93

TRASHINYURDREAM

WIMPYS LITTLE NITE

STORM CAT (TB) X YOUR FIRST MOON

GUNNATRASHYA X THIS CHICSDUNDREAMIN

WIMPYS LITTLE STEP X DUN IT BY CHECK

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $58, 638

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $199,000+

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $24,500

2025 FEE: $2,000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $2,150 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $2000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

ELIGIBILITIES: OKLAHOMA BRED

ELIGIBILITIES: NRHA, NRBC

BREEDING MANAGER: Madelyne Hawkins 405-288-6460 | repro@oklahomaequinehospital.com 2652 Reece Lake Rd Washington, OK 73093

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY HORSE SHOW

NON PRO BRIDLE

INTERMEDIATE AND LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE

(Smooth As A Cat x SumKinda PinkCadilac x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 294 (R: 146.5//C: 147.5); $3,350 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

(Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat) Score: 288.5 (R: 143/C: 145.5); $2,072; $1,635 O: Kacey Jo Williams/B: Center Ranch

SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE

OPEN AND INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN

(Bet Hesa Cat x Very Smart Playmate x Very Smart Remedy) Score: 291 (R: 145.5/C: 145.5); $470 O: Preston Williams/B: Yellow Creek Ranch

(WR This Cats Smart x Shes Playin Rey x TR Dual Rey) Score: 295 (R: 145/C: 150); $4,300; $920 O: Michelle Shopbell/B: Gregg Lafitte

Debbie Crafton/SJR SumKindaRockStar

Garrell Reilly/Bet Shesa Playmate

Sabrina Williams/CR Woody Dig It

Shes Reys Cat/Clifton Shopbell

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY HORSE SHOW

LIMITED OPEN TWO REIN

NON PRO TWO REIN

(Bet Hesa Cat x Dualin Darlene x Dual Pep) Score: 292 (R: 145.5/C: 146.5); $1,000 O: Tracy Lee Ellingson/B: Roberta Thompson

(CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) Score: 290 (H: 146/R: 144); $1,506 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

Bet Hesa Dualin/Eva Rittner

Debbie Crafton/SJR Diamond Luna

OPEN HACKAMORE

INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE

(Stevie Rey Von x Lillys Bugatti x A Shiner Named Sioux) Score: 291 (R: 145.5/C: 145.5); $3,050 O: Ray Shell Ranch LLC/B: Fulton Quien Sabe Ranches LP

(Dual Smart Rey x Foxys Little Merada x Cats Merada) Score: 290 (R: 145/C: 145); $540 O: 4D Performance Horses LLC/B: Britta Oberrauch

RSR Closing Time/Erin Taormino

Robert Crey/Sunni Ann McCormick

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY HORSE SHOW

LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE

NON PRO HACKAMORE

(Wranglered x PackinMySilverPistol x Smart Little Pistol) Score: 282 (R: 141.5/C: 140.5); $1,300 O: Raton Ranch/Manda McCarthy/B: Pat Garrett

(Hickory Holly Time x Catsmerada Frostynic x Cats Merada) Score: 285 (R: 141.5/C: 143.5); $1,660 O: Daniel Heath/B: Daniel Heath

BOX DRIVE

SELECT BOX DRIVE

(Shiners Voodoo Dr x Very Smart Sweetheart x Very Smart Remedy) Score: 295.5 (R: 146.5 /C: 149); $1,818 O: Debbie Crafton/B: J. Pearson

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Silver Toy Pistol/ Manda McCarthy

DJ Crafton/Voodoo Sweetheart

Toni Hagen Heath/Whole Lotta Holly

Catherine Brown-Swain/Mintgundition

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///////// 2025 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY HORSE SHOW

NON PRO AND SELECT NON PRO BOXING

YOUTH AND YOUTH 13 & UNDER COW HORSE

(Metallic Cat x Quick N Quanah x Quanah O Lena) Score: 295 (R: 146 /C: 149); $4,330.95; $736 O: Heather Vatcher/B: Big Sky Performance Horses LLC

(CD Olena x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark) Score: 291 (R: 141 /C: 147); $805.50 O: John Swales/B: San Juan Ranch

Heather Vatcher/Metallicism

Levi Swales/CD Shiner

INTERMEDIATE AND LIMITED NON PRO BOXING Tuli Dowers/High Stressin Cat

(WR This Cats Smart x Playguns Melody x Playgun) Score: 292 (R: 147.5/C: 144.5); $1,200; $866 O: Triple D Ranches LLC/ B: Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC

YOUTH BOXING AND YOUTH BOXING 13 & UNDER DJ Crafton/Voodoo Sweetheart

(Shiners Voodoo Dr x Very Smart Sweetheart x Very Smart Remedy) Score: 297 (R: 148 /C: 149); $706.25 O: Debbie Crafton/B: J. Pearson

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC OPEN

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WINGING FOR THE FENCES

Two major fence runs secured the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Open title for Blu Genes and Boyd Rice.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

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hen Boyd Rice saw Blu Genes at a pre-futurity, he knew the horse had exceptional potential. However, the 2020 stallion by Once In A Blu Boon and out of Lil Miss Shiney Nic by Nic It In The Bud faced one obstacle after another that kept Rice from testing the horse’s mettle, let alone proving what he had. “He got sick, and then something went wrong in his throat,” Rice recalled. “We had to do surgery and get that all cleaned up, and once he healed, he kept coughing. We’d do nebulizer treatments before I’d work him. Once he finally recovered, he started having stifle trouble. We got that healed up, and he’s pretty much been ready to go since then.” After overcoming that stretch of hard luck, Rice and Blu Genes hit more challenges in the show pen. “I took him to Scottsdale [for the Kimes Ranch Derby], and he was really good, but

I didn’t get him shown good enough,” Rice recalled. “He’s always been a good fence horse; I just haven’t gotten the chance to prove it.” Everything changed in Tulsa at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic with two monster fence runs that nabbed the win for Rice and Blu Genes. However, the pair didn’t start out with that kind of momentum. In fact, Rice said they had a weaker start than he expected. “He felt really good in the reined work, and he’s usually a 219 or a 220,” Rice said; however, the pair just couldn’t get there, marking a 216.5. “He was the same as always in the herd—he’s usually a 216.5 to a 218, and we were a 219. We were still behind, and it had me out of the top 19 that they’d take back to the finals.” In their qualifying run down the fence, Rice said they got a really good cow that allowed him to showcase Blu Genes’ talent, and a 222.5 shot them up in the standings. They went into the fence-only finals in third place, just 3.5 points off the leaders, ARA

Rebel King and Corey Cushing. “I knew that if I got the right cow and could get it worked, I had a shot to win it,” Rice shared. A huge 225 secured the title by 4.5 points in the composite score. “I was pretty excited to show what this horse can do,” he said. “It’s as good a run as I’ve had in a long time—this one and the one at the American [that secured The American Performance Horseman Reined Cow Horse Championship].” There was no rest for Blu Genes following the Hackamore Classic and winning $34,500 for owners BR Moncrief. Rice and his horse were headed to Fort Worth just a few days later to film a scene for Landman. “I’ll go down the fence in the background and they’ll film from the stands,” Rice shared. “One of the characters is looking at buying this horse in the episode.” On top of the horse’s debut on television screens, Rice looks forward to showing the horse in the two rein and really testing what they can do together.

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2025 OPEN TOP 10 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)

1. Blu Genes; Boyd Rice; 20S (Once In A Blu Boon x Lil Miss Shiney Nic x Nic It In The Bud); BR Moncrief; 882 (H: 218/R: 216.5/C: 222.5/F: 225); $34,500 2. DT Lil Big Time; Chris Dawson; 21S (Hickory Holly Time x Lil Miss Shiney Chex x Shining Spark); DT Horses; 877.5 (H: 215.5/ R: 224/C: 217/ F: 221); $25,000 3. Bleau; Ben Baldus; 20S (Hashtags x Taquitas Playgirl x Freckles Playboy); Lisa and Adam Gatlin; 877 (H: 217/ R: 217.5/C: 222/F: 220.5); $20,600 4. ARA Rebel King; Corey Cushing; 20S (Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Hottish); Aldo Ramon; 876 (H: 220.5/R: 221.5/C: 218.5/ F: 215.5); $18,000 5T. SJR Hitime Shine; Matt Koch; 20G (High Brow Cat x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark); San Juan Ranch; 875.5 (H: 216/R: 220.5/C: 218/ F: 875.5); $11,083.33 5T. Rey Von Wave; Erin Taormino; 20M (Stevie Rey Von x Blues Honky Cat x Playboy Boonsmal); Aledo Horses LLC; 875.5 (H: 218/R: 218.5/C: 218.5/ F: 220.5); $11,083.33 5T. Holly Jonez; Abigayle Mixon; 21M (Hickory Holly Time x Travelin Miss Jonez; Travelin Jonez); Paige Bummund; 875.5 (H: 210/R: 222/CL 223.5/ F: 220); $11,083.33 8. Pistole; Clay Volmer; 21S (Dont Stopp Believin x Shes My Other Pistol x Playgun); Halley/Scott Kleeman; 875 (H: 221/R: 218/C: 219/ F: 217); $7,164.29

After overcoming multiple obstacles that kept the horse from showing what he’s really got, Blu Genes (Once In A Blu Boon x Lil Miss Shiney Nic x Nic It In The Bud) and Boyd Rice put together two high-scoring fence runs, earning the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Open title with an 882 (H: 218/R: 216.5/C: 222.5/F: 225) and claiming $34,500 for owners BR Moncrief.

9. Stevie Rey Wright; Erin Taormino; 21M (Stevie Rey Von x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On); Yellow Creek Ranch; 874 (H: 219/ R: 219.5/C: 218/F: 217.5); $5,373.22 10. Venom Boonsmal; Sarah Dawson; 20S (Peptoboonsmal x A Black Widow x High Brow Cat); Aaron Ranch; 873.5 (H: 216/R: 220.5/C: 218/ F: 219); $5,373.22

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC OPEN

OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE DT Lil Big Time/Chris Dawson

(Hickory Holly Time x Lil Miss Shiney Chex x Shining Spark) Score: 877.5 (H: 215.5/R: 224/ C: 217/F: 221); $25,000 O: DT Horses LLC/B: DT Horses LLC

INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE & NOVICE HORSE OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE Holly Jonez/Abigayle Mixon

(Hickory Holly Time x Travelin Miss Jonez x Travelin Jonez) Score: 875.5 (H: 210/R: 222/C: 223.5/F: 220); $10,750 O: Paige Brummund/B: Stephen Roseberry

INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE Suprise Bullet /Garrett Cooper

(Tracer Bullet x Our Santa Fe Suprise x Nino Dream) Score: 871.5 (H: 216/R: 219.5/C: 220/F: 216); $8,250 O: Emily Catherine Boldt/B: Bobby Boliew

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC OPEN

LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE Actually Metallic/Sandro Ferretti

(Metallic Cat x CR Tuff Tizzy x Woody Be Tuff) Score: 860.5 (H: 215.5/R: 211/C: 219/F: 215); $3,500 O: Sandro Ferretti/B: Rocking P Ranch LLC

LIMITED OPEN HACAKMORE RESERVE

LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE

(WR This Cats Smart x Oh Cay Meriah x Light N Lena) Score: 856.5 (H: 212/R: 215/C: 212.5/F: 217); $2,700 O: Hope Mills/B: Monica Duflock

(Metallic Masterpiece x Blue Gunpowder MS x PG Gunpowder) Score: 638.5 (H: 210/R: 214/C: 214.5); $3,800 O: Burnett Ranches LLC/B: Burnett Ranches LLC

Oh Cay Smarty Pants/Dustin Mills

Mr Blue Metallic/Spur Leathers

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC OPEN

LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE (TIE)

LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE (TIE)

(Dual Reyish x Smooth As A Merada x Smooth As A Cat) Score: 637.5 (H: 210.5/R: 210/C: 217); $2,637.50 O: Dean Rand/Megan Ciana/B: Rich Charrier and Ellie Willoughby

(Metallic Rebel x Reycherche x Dual Rey) Score: 637.5 (H: 213/R: 216/C: 208.5); $2,637.50 O: Top Fuel Ranch/B: Kenneth Munsell

NOVICE HORSE OPEN HACKAMORE

OPEN HACKAMORE CHROME CASH

(Stevie Rey Von x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On) Score: 656.5 (H: 219/R: 219.5/C: 218); $3,750 O: Yellow Creek Ranch/B: Garth and Amanda Gardiner

(Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Dual Rey) Score: 660.5 (H: 220.5/R: 221.5/C: 218.5); $3,500 O: Aldo Ramon/B: Hartman Quarter Horses Inc.

Hot Donna/Madison Weber

Stevie Rey Wright/Erin Taormino

The Rebel Yell/Travis Fisher

ARA Rebel King/Corey Cushing

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC NON PRO

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MILLION WAYS TO WIN

Debbie Crafton reached the NRCHA Million Dollar Rider milestone with her victory in the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Non Pro, along with other wins and checks earned throughout the show. BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

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ebbie Crafton’s first NRCHA premier event was the 2018 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. That’s also where she pulled her first NRCHA premier event check after placing fourth in the Non Pro division with Shiney Lil Belles (Shining Lil Nic x Dual Reys Belle x Dual Rey). Before that, she’d shown closer to home in Colorado in affiliate events, testing the waters and building on her background of competing in various events. But during that first major, under the bright lights and intense pressure, Crafton said she found her home. “I’d shown around Colorado, but I was waiting until I had a ‘nice’ horse to go to a premier event,” she said. “I’d never been, so I didn’t know what was considered ‘nice,’ but I decided to go and didn’t care how I did. I remember sitting in the arena, schooling my horse, and in that moment, it came to me: this is who I am. I’d team roped, rode reiners and barrel horses, I’ve jumped—I’ve done all of it. But this—this is who I am. This is where I belong.” Growing up a cowgirl, Crafton idolized NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Anne Reynolds. “She had long, blonde hair and was such a

bad ass,” Crafton said. “I’d watch videos on VHS of her riding like other kids watched cartoons. Once this started to materialize for me in the cow horse, I wanted to be like her.” With the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Non Pro title—and a few other wins and checks during the event—Crafton cemented her legacy alongside that of her idol, becoming an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, only the second non pro to achieve that status. “I initially thought it was far-fetched,” Crafton revealed, pointing out that non pro riders compete for much smaller purses than open riders. “I thought I’d accomplish some goals and wins, but I thought I was too old to make it happen in the non pro. Then my career kept momentum. Once I hit $500,000, I thought I could make it happen. Then it became an achievable goal.” One of the final performances to achieve her milestone occurred when she and Boot Scootin Flo (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat) earned a 645.5 (H: 140/R: 142.5/C: 144.5/F: 218.5) and $9,000 to win the Hackamore Classic Non Pro title. She and SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) took reserve with

Debbie Crafton and Boot Scootin Flo (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat) topped the Non Pro Hackamore Classic, earning $9,000. They also secured reserve in the Novice Horse Non Pro for an additional $900.

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2025 NON PRO TOP 8 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)

1. Debbie Crafton; Boot Scootin Flo; 21M (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat); Debbie Crafton; 645.5 (H: 140/R: 142.5/C: 144.5/ F: 218.5); $9,000 2. Debbie Crafton; SJR Sumkinda Mist; 21M (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie Crafton; 644.5 (H: 143/ R: 145/C: 146/F: 210.5); $7,100 3. Hope Mills; SmartLookinMercedes; 21G (Dual Smart Rey x Smooth Play Kit x Smooth As A Cat); HM Horses; 643.5 (H: 142.5/R: 144/ C: 146/FL 211); $5,350 4. Cutter McLaughlin; I Believe; 20G (Dont Stopp Believin x Shinin Peaches x Shining Spark); Jay and Wendy McLaughlin; 642 (H: 139/ R: 140.5/C: 147.5/F: 215); $4,250 5T. Debbie Crafton; Believe Im Smart; 20G (Dont Stopp Believin x One Smart Long Legs x One Time Pepto); Debbie Crafton; 640 (H: 138/ R: 143/C: 146/F: 213); $3,200 5T. Myles Brown; Eddie B Tuff R A B; 21G (Woody Be Tuff x Shesa Rock Hancock x Hesa Eddie Hancock); Rob A. Brown; 640 (H: 140/ R: 146.5/C: 142/F: 211.5); $3,200 7. Ashley Lembke; Voodoo Vibes; 21G (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Cat Sees De Lights x High Brow Cat); Tyrel and Ashley Lembke; 634.5 (H: 140/ R: 145.5/C: 144/F: 205); $2,121.80 8. Maisen Avent; Stylin Trixie; 20M (Stylin Cat x Miss Acre San x Peppys King Chex); Maisen Avent; 624 (H: 140.5/R: 142/C: 142/F: 199.5); $1,414.53

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC NON PRO

“SHE’S A FERRARI, SHE FITS ME VERY WELL— SHE’S VERY PHYSICAL AND COWY. I BOUGHT HER AND TOOK HER RIGHT TO THE DERBY, AND WE MADE THE FINALS.” —Debbie Crafton

a 644.5 (H: 143/R: 145/C: 146/F: 210.5) and earned $7,100. Finally, Crafton piloted Believe Im Smart (Dont Stopp Believin x One Smart Long Legs x One Time Pepto) to a tie for fifth place with a 640 (H: 138/R: 143/C: 146/F: 213), earning an additional $3,200 in the class. Her winning mount, Boot Scootin Flo, only joined Crafton’s program in May after she was purchased at the Triangle Sale from Sam Smith and Russ Mothershead, right before the Kimes Ranch Derby. She’d tried the horse before the sale and knew the fit was right. “She’s a Ferrari,” Crafton said. “She fits me very well—she’s very physical and cowy. I bought her and took her right to the Derby, and we made the finals. I brought her home and put a hackamore on her, and she felt good. She’s really blooming, and I’m very proud of how far she’s come along.”

Crafton and her mare started strong in the reined and herd works and continue to learn more about each other during those phases. The mare’s physicality and athleticism contribute to her ability to do her job and continue to build Crafton’s confidence in her, which set up the pair well for the preliminary fence work and the fence-only finals. “I haven’t been getting down the fence like I can,” Crafton admitted. “I came off the Derby and was really disappointed in myself. I had to go back to the drawing board and figure out what I was doing wrong. I focused on my confidence in my horse and her confidence in me, and I was really proud of her. She’s so electric and hooks up immediately; she’s very aggressive and strong, and she gets right back into position after a turn. She was spot on, and our homework paid off!”

NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE Debbie Crafton/SJR Sumkinda Mist

(SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda PinkCadilac x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 644.5 (H: 143/R: 145/C: 146/F: 210.5); $7,100 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC NON PRO

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE, LIMITED NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE & LEVEL 1 NON PRO HACKAMORE Taylor Worley/Catastrophe

(EBR Kitty Hawk x High Rollin Country x High Rollin Cat) Score: 635.5 (H: 137/R: 143.5/C: 139.5/F: 215.5); $4,100; $1,375; $2,250 O: Taylor Worley B: Rick and Jennifer Worley

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE & NOVICE HORSE NON PRO HACKAMORE Ashley Lembke/VooDoo Vibes

(Shiners Voodoo Dr x Cat Sees De Lights x High Brow Cat) Score: 634.5 (H: 140/R: 145.5/C: 144/F: 205); $3,275; $1,500 O: Tyrel and Ashley Lembke/B: Linda Brinkerhoff

LIMITED NON PRO HACKAMORE Kirk Druey/Stylish Woody

(Woody Be Tuff x CD Stylish Girl x High Brow CD) Score: 635.5 (H: 128/R: 144/C: 144.5/F: 219); $1,650 O: Lucky D Performance Horses LLC/B: Madayln Cowart

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC NON PRO

LEVEL 1 NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE

SELECT NON PRO HACKAMORE

(Shiney Outlaw x Shes Onetimes Ticket x One Time Pepto) Score: 420 (H: 142/R: 143/C: 135); $1,350 O: Taylor Worley/B: Zackery Stebbins

(Sweet Lil Pepto x Miss Sarah Solano x Docs Solano) Score: 417.5 (H: 139/R: 139/C: 139.5); $120 O: Paul or Amy Bailey/B: Leea K Arnold/Dudley Caraway

SELECT NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE

NON PRO HACKAMORE CHROME CASH

(Metallic Rebel x Oh Cay Meriah x Light N Lena) Score: 407 (H: 135/R: 139.5/C: 132.5); $80 O: Sarah Marold Clymer/B: Monica Duflock

(Stevie Rey Von x Ferrarey x Dual Rey) Score: 420 (H: 141/R: 140.5/C: 138.5); $1,000 O: Dan E. Fox/B: Barolow Livestock

Taylor Worley/Saucy Outlaw

Sarah Clymer/Oh Cay Maverick

Amy Bailey/EZ Breezy Solano

Katie Fox/Smart Like Stevie

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC NON PRO

NON PRO BOXING HACKAMORE Jaylee Brown/Call Me Lonesome

(Call Me Mitch x Pinkolena Boon x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 435 (H: 142.5/R: 145/C: 147.5); $3,675 O: Larry Hall Cutting Horses LLC/B: James Eakin

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING HACKAMORE & SELECT HACKAMORE RESERVE Perry Williams/My Mamas A Rebel

(Metallic Rebel x Chumama x Chula Dual) Score: 429 (H: 144.5/R: 142/C: 142.5); $950; $80 O: Twin Vee Key LLC/Perry Williams/B: Pete Bonds

SELECT NON PRO BOXING HACKAMORE & NON PRO BOXING HACKAMORE RESERVE Cheryl Chown/Velvit Elvis

(Dual Smart Rey x Duals Play Kitten x High Brow Cat) Score: 433 (H: 142/R: 145.5/C: 145.5); $2,875; $120 O: Robert and Cheryl Chown/B: Billy Martin

NON PRO BOXING HACKAMORE CHROME CASH Lucinda Rose David/Rebel Wth A Cause

(Metallic Rebel x Dainty Little Step x Wimpys Little Step) Score: 432.5 (H: 143.5/R: 143/C: 146); $1,000 O: Lucinda Rose David/B: Brooke M Warton

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CUT THROUGH THE CONFUSION.

WIN WITH CONFIDENCE.

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RESSURE SHOT

Stefani Wagley learned to rope for the World’s Greatest Non Pro and put her skills to the test under the bright lights of Tulsa for the championship, winning two phases along the way. BY LARRI JO STARKEY | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

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tefani Wagley didn’t know if she could win the World's Greatest Non Pro, presented by Bimeda, but she wanted to try. “I've watched all the other non pros I show against in [the World’s Greatest Non Pro], and they’ve been very competitive at it,” Wagley said. “I thought it’d be something to push me past my comfort zone and try to become a better horseman.” The stopping point—the hurdle—was steer stopping. “That’s one reason I haven’t done it the last couple of years,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve swung a rope, just messing around. But nothing like that. Nothing like coming out of the box.” Wagley’s competitive drive pushed past her hesitance. “I knew there would be times I wanted to give up,” she said. “And there were times I thought, ‘What am I thinking?’ It wasn’t just me learning; it was my horse learning. He’s never been roped off of. He was actually terrified of the rope.” Her horse, Boon Doxx, had been exposed to the art of the drag through Stock Horse of Texas competition, and he was absolutely sure he didn’t like ropes. “The first year I would show him, I would [go off pattern] and go right past the drag,” Wagley admitted, “because he was so scared of me reaching over and grabbing the rope and dragging the log.”

But Boon Dox (Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak) is a solid performer. Wagley has shown the 2018 gelding, called “Sandy” and bred by Jeff Schieber, since January of his 3-year-old year. “I have a good friend, Leanne Jetton,” Wagley said. “She lives near Stephenville, [Texas]. I started going to her place at the end of March, and she took it very slow with us. She taught me the basics: how to correctly hold the rope, handle the rope and swing the rope. And then we spent hours roping the dummy and tracking the [mechanical roping dummy] around on Sandy, getting him relaxed and letting him know it wasn’t going to get him. “[Jetton] had her hands full teaching a green roper like me, plus having to teach me to teach my horse,” she continued with a laugh. “It was a lot.” In the last couple of months before the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, Wagley began stopping steers. “I knew I could do it at her house, but just in front of her,” Wagley said. “I was like, ‘I hope I can pull this off when there are lots of people watching and under the pressure and when it actually counts.’” But before she could test her roping skills under that pressure, she faced the herd work and the reined work. Wagley had worked in the herd on Sandy in spectaculars, but Jetton said it wasn’t enough.

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TOP 5 OVERALL Tulsa, Oklahoma—July 21–26, 2025 (Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Scores/Money)

1. Stefani Wagley; Boon Dox; 18G (Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak); Stefani Wagley; 580 (H: 143.5/R: 142.5/S: 144/C: 150); $13,200 2. Jennifer Holland; Ze Sparkin; 16G (Zezes Pepto Cat x Digger She Sparkles x Diggers Rest); Jennifer Holland; 576.5 (H: 141/R: 144/S: 144/C: 147.5); $10,560 3. Myles Brown; OverTheLegalLimitRAB; 18G (One Time Royalty x Billie Travis x Continental Fly); Rob A. Brown; 576 (H: 142/R: 143/S: 145.5/C: 145.5); $7,920 4. Debbie Crafton; SJR SumKindaRockstar; 18S (Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie Crafton; 574 (H: 142.5/R: 144/S: 139.5/C: 148); $5,280 5. Morgan Holmes; Monster Truk; 16G (Ima Downtown Cat x Cowgirls GettinItDun x Dun It Big); Morgan Holmes; 573 (H: 142; R: 144/S: 142.5/C: 144.5); $3,960

Stefani Wagley and Boon Doxx won the herd work with a score of 143.5 in the World’s Greatest Non Pro competition. She marked a 142.5 in the reined work before tying for second place in the steer stopping with a 144. Her winning cow work score of 150 gave her a composite of 580 and earned a check for $13,200.

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“IT WASN’T JUST THAT WE CAUGHT—WE DID VERY WELL. I WAS TICKLED.” —Stefani Wagley

“She said, ‘You need to go cut on him,’” Wagley remembered. “So, I started taking cutting lessons last November and December from a cutting trainer. I entered Sandy in our first official cutting in January at the Abilene Spectacular. That definitely helped us get more confidence in the herd.” The lessons paid off in the World’s Greatest Non Pro. Wagley and Boon Doxx had the high score out of the herd. “I tried to say take it one event at a time,” Wagley said. “So, in trying to focus on my herd work, I got him prepared for that, flagged him, did all my prep work that I usually do for that. And then we got through that class and the next day, I took him to the arena and schooled him for our reining.” Their 142.5 in the reined work kept them in the running. And then it was time for steer stopping. “I was up at 6:00 in the morning [the morning of the steer stopping],” Wagley said. “I’d put my shirt and hat on. I [thought], ‘I’ve never roped in my show shirt, so I’d better see if that’s going to affect me.’ I tried to rule out anything that could change anything. And I sat out there at my trailer, roped on my dummy for about 30 minutes, and I roped good that morning. I felt like whatever happens, I am as prepared as I could be. Sandy had been working great out of the box.” Wagley drew up 10th in the steer stopping. “It was weird, but I wasn’t nervous that morning,” she said. “I think almost everybody before me caught, and I didn’t want to be the first person who didn’t catch. But then, at the same time, I knew I was brand new to this. It’s OK if I don’t catch. But as soon as I walked into that show pen, Sandy was so calm and chill. And it worked. We tied for the second-highest score. It wasn’t just that we caught—we did very well. I was tickled.” Then it was time for the cow work—always the pinnacle event of any NRCHA class. “Going into the cow work, the top five had a half-point difference among all of us,” Wagley said. “We were so close. The group of non pros that I show against are such great, fierce competitors. They definitely

push you to become a better competitor. Going into it, I hoped the stars would align and we could pull it off. I was pretty speechless afterward. We actually did it! It was crazy for our first time to go after that title, then it all worked out for us.” The score was a 150, pushing Wagley to a 580 composite score and the World’s Greatest Non Pro title.

GETTING TO THE TOP At one point, Wagley was told she might never ride again. “I was in a wreck in 2005 where I broke my back and pelvis and every bone in my right leg,” Wagley said. “My back surgeon told me I’d never be able to ride a horse again, just because of how my pelvis was broken. I was off a horse for about a year, and then, almost a year to the date, I sat back on my first horse.” She wanted to see whether she could physically handle the possible pain of sitting on a horse. “I stopped on one of my horses just to know whether it was going to hurt or not, and it didn’t,” she said. “I took it slowly, but I gradually got back to showing a couple of years later.” The chance that she might never ride again drives her still, pushing her to stretch her abilities as far as she can. One winter, she was riding with trainer Ben Baldus and told him she’d been itching to try a futurity horse. “We went through his 3-year-olds that he had in the barn,” Wagley said. “I rode Sandy around and kind of liked him.” Baldus kept the horse in training for his 3-year-old year, with Wagley making trips to ride him. “We did the Futurity and then the Derby, then we showed him the hackamore and the two rein, and now he’s officially a bridle horse. It’s been pretty cool to go through all the levels of the cow horse.” Wagley, who always lives life with goals, said her next goal is to repeat her win. “I put so much pressure on myself that people [tell me you’re] supposed to have fun,” Wagley said. “I have fun, but I’m also very competitive. I like doing good because it just makes it a little bit more fun.”

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WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION Jennifer Holland /Ze Sparkin

(Zezes Pepto Cat x Digger She Sparkles x Diggers Rest) Score: 576.5 (H: 141/R:144/ S: 144/C:147.5); $10,560 O: Jennifer Holland/B: Janiejill Tointon

WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO REINED WORK HIGH SCORE (TIE) Debbie Crafton/SJR Sumkindarockstar

(Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 144 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO REINED WORK HIGH SCORE (TIE)

WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO REINED WORK HIGH SCORE (TIE)

(Zezes Pepto Cat x Digger She Sparkles x Diggers Rest) Score: 144 O: Jennifer Holland/B: Janiejill Tointon

(Ima Downtown Cat x Cowgirls GettinItDun x Dun It Big) Score: 144 O: Morgan Holmes/B: Jay and Rhonda Holmes

Jennifer Holland/Ze Sparkin

Morgan Holmes/Monster Truk

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WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO REINED WORK HIGH SCORE (TIE)

WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO STEER STOPPING HIGH SCORE

(Bet Hesa Cat x Honey Bees x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 144 O: Tyrel and Ashley Lembke/B: Honeybee Partners LLC

(One Time Royalty x Billie Travis x Continental Fly) Score: 145.5 O: Rob A. Brown/B: Rob A. Brown

WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO HERD WORK HIGH SCORE

WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO FENCE WORK HIGH SCORE

(Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak) Score: 143.5 O: Stefani Wagley/B: Jeff Schieber

(Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak) Score: 150 O: Stefani Wagley/B: Jeff Schieber

Ashley Lembke/Bet Hesa Honeybee

Stefani Wagley/Boon Doxx

Myles Brown/OverTheLegalLimitRAB

Stefani Wagley/Boon Doxx

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THE

THE RIOS OF MERCEDES FAMILY OF BRANDS

THE OFFICIAL BOOTS OF THE

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S

HOWDOWN IN TULSA

The Spectaculars at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic saw repeat champs and new faces claim titles with topnotch performances. BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

W

ith two premier events only a handful of weeks apart, many horses and riders kept their momentum from the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Spectaculars to win again in Tulsa. Others pushed to new heights to take the wins during the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic.

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

Selvarey and Sarah Dawson overcame setbacks to win the Open Bridle Spectacular with a 657.5 (H: 217/R: 222/C: 218.5), claiming $11,140 for owner Sheri Jamieson.

Sarah Dawson and Selvarey (Dual Rey x Shine Smarter x WR This Cats Smart) have had both good and bad luck together. But owner Sheri Jamieson kept on believing in her horse and helped Dawson's faith that everything would come together — and it did in Tulsa during the Open Bridle Spectacular. “She’s been a tricky horse, as far as being able to get her seasoned in the bridle,” Dawson shared. “It seems like every time we get ready for a show, we get through one event and something happens. It’s really nice to get through a full horse show on her. We showed at the Wild Rag and were a 220 in the herd, but the night before the reined work, she came up sore. It’s happened before, so I was thinking, maybe this is silly, and she should just go be a mom and I should stop trying to show her. Miss

Sheri wanted me to try one more time; we needed to see what would happen. I’m very glad Miss Sheri pushed me in that direction, because I was ready to throw in the towel.” It proved to be the winning decision when Dawson and Selvarey marked a 657.5 (H: 217/R: 222/C: 218.5) to earn the Open Bridle Spectacular title. Dawson remarked that she was very happy with the mare throughout each phase of the event and how she handled tough cattle. She’s proud her mare rose to the occasion and handled it all well. Dawson shared sound advice for finding the right path for a horse that keeps hitting roadblocks. “Listen to the horse,” she said. “Give them time to recover. Bring them back right and slow and shoot for the next show. Listen to what they say, soundness-wise. You have to be their voice.”

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NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR Stefani Wagley/Boon Doxx

(Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak) Score: 436 (H: 143.5/R: 142.5/C: 150); $3,980 O: Stefani Wagley/B: Jeff Schieber

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR

Hunter Hays and Shiverz got back to their winning ways in Tulsa. The pair marked a 430.5 (H: 145/R: 142.5/C: 143) to take the title by 5.5 points. “We had a good spot in our set in the herd work,” Hays recalled. “I had my mom helping me, and it turned out pretty good. My mare is always good in the herd and takes care of me.” Hays was a bit nervous about the reined work after struggling with lead changes the night before he showed, but it all came together. “She was really good that day,” he said. “The night before when schooling, we had a little trouble changing leads, but the Lord had it for me. It was in His hands.” The pair worked for their fence run, but he knew Shiverz would be solid. “She loves her job—she loves working a cow,” he said. “I made my first turn good, but I had to push her a little past the cow on the second one. I leaned a little in the third turn, but she circled well.” Hays shares Shiverz (Woody Be Tuff x Cats Boonolena x High Brow Cat) with his mom, Tammy, and his dad, NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Shawn. “She’s real laid back and chill at home,” he said. “We’ve been roping, and I plan to do the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® with her. She’s a fun little horse.”

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR Hunter Hays/Shiverz

(Woody Be Tuff x Cats Boonolena x High Brow Cat) Score: 430.5 (H: 145/R: 142.5/C: 143); $550 O: Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays/B: Center Ranch

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC SPECTACULARS OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR Nothing But Blu/Cayley Wilson

(Once In A Blue Boon x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat) Score: 437.5 (H: 144.5/R: 147/C: 146); $5,400 O: Alicia Bolls/B: Alicia Bolls

Nothing But Blu (Once In A Blue Boon x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat) and Cayley Wilson continued their winning ways in the Two Rein at the Hackamore Classic after claiming the champion title at the Kimes Ranch Derby in May. Wilson credits taking the horse to a few smaller shows this spring to keep him tuned up with the results he’s seeing now. “I showed at some weekend shows and put him through a few runs early this year without trying to show hard so I could rate or take him off pattern if I needed to,” Wilson said. “The way I rode him was probably a lot more relaxed. If you can cruise and get through runs without trying super hard, it builds the horse. It’s not stressful, so you can go and do it again and again.” In Tulsa, Wilson said he drew up late in the herd, so there were fewer fresh cows to pick from. They earned a 144.5 for their effort. “I was glad to get cut clean, and the horse felt like he wanted to work well,” he said. “In the reined work, it was a run-in pattern. I knew I had to be clean, and the horse was really good. He got stopped good, turned good, and ran his circles real nice—that’s what he always does well.” Their score showed it, marking a 147. Down the fence, Wilson was grateful to get a good cow to work, and everything came together for a 146. He’s looking forward to next year and showing Nothing But Blu in the bridle.

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR Debbie Crafton and SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) also had a repeat performance in Tulsa after winning in Scottsdale. The win played part in Crafton becoming a Million Dollar Rider (see page 142) and continued to prove to her what a special mare she has. “She’s an incredible ride,” Crafton shared. “She’s one you can count on every time. I’m equally as proud of this win as the one in Scottsdale. I have so much emotion for her because she’s always been in the money. She’s been in the top five from the day I started showing her.” The mare’s heart and grit led Crafton to win the Non Pro Two Rein title by 6.5 points with a 429.5 (H: 143/R: 143/C: 143.5).

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR Debbie Crafton/SJR Diamond Luna

(CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) Score: 429.5 (H: 143/R: 143/C: 143.5); $2,687.50 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

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OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CR Dainty N Tuff/Lee Deacon

(Woody Be Tuff x Dainty Dual Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 657.5 (H: 222.5/R: 217/C: 218); $8,912 O: Lee Ann McDaniel/B: Center Ranch

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE RESERVE

(Magnum With A Dream x Shiny Starlight x Grays Starlight) Score: 655.5 (H: 214/R: 224.5/C: 217); $2,300 O: Kyle Trahern/B: Terry Van Martin

(Dual Smart Rey x Soula Jule Forever x Soula Jule Star) Score: 647.5 (H: 216/R: 218/C: 213.5); $1,840 O: Shawna Miller/B: Garth and Amanda Gardiner

A Starlights Magnum/Kyle Trahern

Jule Smart Rey/Dustin Mills

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NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE

YOUTH COW HORSE RESERVE

(Smooth As A Cat x SumKinda PinkCadilac x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 434.5 (H: 142.5/R: 144/C: 148); $3,184 O: Debbie Crafton/B: San Juan Ranch

(Metallic Cat x WineNShineMe x Shining Spark) Score: 424 (H: 142/R: 142.5/C: 139.5); $330 O: Taylor Allen/B: Russ Mothershead

YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR

YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE

(CD Lights x Meradas Boonsmal x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 430 (H: 142/R: 142.5/C: 145.5); $510 O: Bruce Thompson/B: Winston Hansma

(Woody Be Tuff x High Class Peptolena x High Brow Cat) Score: 427 (H: 139/R: 145/C: 143); $425 O: Michael Keller/B: Center Ranch

Debbie Crafton/SJR SumKindaRockStar

Lela Chisolm/Bossy Boons

Taylor Allen/Shinen Metallic Cat

Piper Keller/CR Better Off Tuff

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OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR

(Travelin Jonez x Shine Smarter x WR This Cats Smart) Score: 437.5 (H: 146/R: 146/C: 145.5); $4,320 O: Linda Mars/B: Linda Mars

(Metallic Cat x Kathryn x Smart Lena Boon) Score: 427.5 (H: 147/R: 141.5/C: 139); $1,380 O: Amanda Friesen/B: Dallas and Beverly Talkington

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

(WR This Cats Smart x Shes Playin Rey x TR Dual Rey) Score: 426 (H: 137/R: 145/C: 144); $1,150 O: Michelle Shopbell/B: Gregg Lafitte

(CD Lights x Shiners Diamond x Shining Spark) Score: 423.5 (H: 144/R: 144/C: 135.5); $1,612.50 O: Dan Fox/B: Mike and James Draper

Juliette Jonez/Sarah Dawson

Shes Reys Cat/Clifton Shopbell

Tattle Cat/EJ Laubscher

Katie Fox/ShinersDiamondLights

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC BOXING BATTLE

F

OCUSED EFFORT

Cheryl Chown and her homebred mare Xtra Short Trick stay sharp for the Boxing Battle in the Saddle victory. BY LARRI JO STARKEY | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

C

heryl Chown’s rides were elite in the Boxing Battle in the Saddle, presented by Purple Wave Auction, during the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic. The non pro delivered solid runs in the herd work, reined work and cow work for a composite of 433. But where Chown really excels is in the art of focused competition. She spent most of her previous horse competition life as a barrel racer, knowing that it doesn’t matter what other people do— only what you do. “On three-event competitions, I don’t ever get wrapped up in who’s winning [each round],” she said. “I don’t make competition personal, and I don’t look around. I go do what I can do because that’s the only thing I have control over. But in those three-event competitions, especially, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I don’t look around because it’s really not going to change my job or what I go out and do. I think it’s a mental interference to look around and worry about what everybody else is doing.” Her intense internal focus paid off for the win on her homebred mare Xtra Short Trick.

Cheryl Chown rode Xtra Short Trick to win the Boxing Battle in the Saddle, scoring a 143 in the herd work, a 144.5 in the reined work and a 145.5 in the cow work for a composite of 433. The pair also claimed the Select Non Pro title for a total check of $4,495.

“She’s by Shiner’s Voodoo Dr and out of our mare Short And Royal,” Chown said. “She’s been an outstanding horse her entire career for us. There aren’t enough words I can say about her. She’s my once-in-a-lifetime—a really good mare. She’s strong in all three parts. She reads a cow really well.” Chown carefully chooses where the 2016 mare will compete. “I’m really picky and protective about where I show her,” Chown said. “And so when I do get to show her, I’m always so grateful, no matter the outcome. She’s a very confident horse, and so I feel like her confidence gives me confidence.” Xtra Short Trick was good in the herd work, Chown said. “I didn’t cut my third cow as cleanly as I would’ve liked,” she said. “That was on me. That was not on her or the cow or the help—that was on me. Then in the reining, everything I asked out of her—speed, whatever—she was right there with me. “I really enjoyed getting to show her in that great big arena,” she continued. “I like to go fast, and I could send her out there in her big circles on a loose rein and she was

really locked on and hooked and really fun.” The judges scored them a 143 in the herd work and a 144.5 in the reined work. Then it was time for the cow work. “I drew a good cow, and it kept trying to kind of double back and take me, and she’s so smart,” Chown said. “She kept reading that cow. The only thing about her I have to do a little different than my other horses is on my outside ends on the boxing: I’ve got to make sure that the cow clears before she does because she’s so quick. She’ll beat a cow through that turn and force them back down the fence if I’m not careful.” The mare is just that quick, Chown said. “She was really good on that cow and read him really good,” Chown said. “You have to draw enough cow to mark big in the last part. And she did. It was a good day for us.” The score called out in the Ford Truck Arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a 145.5, good for a 433 composite and the Boxing Battle in the Saddle title. “I like the pressure of finals, and I like the pressure of big events,” Chown said. “I think it makes a person rise to the occasion, if they choose to.”

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“Trix” has a long competitive career ahead of her, Chown said, with the possibility of pulling embryos so the mare can continue to show. “We still own her mother, Short And Royal,” Chown said. “The last one out of her mother is a 2-year-old filly, by Kit Kat Sugar. And then my futurity horse this year is out of her mother, and she’s a Woody B Tuff. So, I’m pretty much going to hang onto all the mares, which are Xtra Short Trick and those two, to go on with that line in our breeding program. I’ll never sell Trix.” Both Robert Chown and their daughter, Riley, have been successful competing on the mare’s dam, Short And Royal. About eight years ago, when Cheryl Chown began competing in reined cow horse, she called on the seasoned campaigner. “I went out in the pasture and brought her in and she taught me a lot, even at her older age,” Chown said. “She won a lot for me. I showed her for a couple years. They’re just gritty. They’re super talented; they’re very confident horses. They really read a cow. Everybody talks about their studs and you’ve got to have that, but there’s nothing like mare power.” Chown herself had success in barrel racing before she began riding cow horses. Wins like the Boxing Battle in the Saddle never get old, she said. “I’m 64 years old and to be honest, I never have taken a win my whole life for granted,” caption Chown said. “Never. And I never will. But they get a little different when you get my age because you just don’t know how much longer you get to do it. But it doesn’t matter what I win: You give me a hoof pick in a bucket and I’m going to think it’s special. I just don’t think you can take it for granted. It can all end tomorrow.”

NON PRO BOXING BATTLE IN THE SADDLE RESERVE CHAMPION

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING BATTLE IN THE SADDLE

(Snipers Smoking Gun x Extra Dry Dazzel x Extra Dry Chex) Score: 432 (H: 145/R: 142/C: 145); $3,260 O: Sydney Whitling/B: Kellee Sundstrom

(Reyzin The Cash x Charmed For Sure x Smart Little Lena) Score: 428 (H: 142/ R: 141.5/ C: 144.5); $1,092 O: Terry and Deanna Johnson/B: Miller Wade Smith

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING BATTLE IN THE SADDLE RESERVE (TIE)

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING BATTLE IN THE SADDLE RESERVE (TIE) & LIMITED NON PRO BOXING BATTLE IN THE SADDLE RESERVE

Sydney Whitling/Extra High Caliber

Jess Garvin/Here For A Good Tyme

(Thomas E Hughes x Dualin Safari x Playin Safari) Score: 426 (H: 142.5/R: 140/C: 143.5); $764.40 O: Diane Edwards/B: Kathleen Moore

Deanna Johnson/Got The Money Hunny

Makenna Van Pelt/Hickorys One Time

(One Time Pepto x Turn Liz Loose x Docs Hickory) Score: 426 (H: 139/R: 144/C: 143); $764.40; $418 O: Lisa Jane Van Pelt/B: Ken and Ramona Wold

LIMITED NON PRO BOXING BATTLE IN THE SADDLE

SELECT NON PRO BOXING BATTLE IN THE SADDLE RESERVE

(Woody Be Tuff x High Class Peptolena x High Brow Cat) Score: 428 (H: 141/R: 146.5/ C: 140.5); $532 O: Michael Keller/B: Center Ranch

(Metallic Rebel x Chumama x Chula Dual) Score: 429 (H: 146.5/R: 140/C: 142.5); $350 O: Twin Vee Key LLC/Perry Williams/B: Pete Bonds

Piper Keller/CR Better Off Tuff

Perry Williams/My Mamas A Rebel

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

H

ORSE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Tulsa saw tough competition in the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Horse Show classes. COMPILED BY NRCHA STAFF | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

OPEN BRIDLE

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE

(WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel x One Time Pepto) Score: 442.5 (R: 221/C: 221.5); $5,400 O: Katalyst Performance Horses/B: Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC

(Magnum With A Dream x Shiny Starlight x Grays Starlight) Score: 441.5 (R: 224.5/C: 217); $1,357 O: Kyle Trahern/B: Terry Van Martin

Cats Tell Secrets/Shawn Hays

A Starlights Magnum/Kyle Trahern

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE

OPEN TWO REIN

(WR This Cats Smart x Gracielights x CD Lights) Score: 429.5 (R: 214.5/C: 215); $1,200 O: Emily/Marjorie Jaques/B: Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC

(Once In A Blu Boon x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat) Score: 293 (R: 147/C: 146); $2,464 O: Alicia Bolls/B: Alicia Bolls

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN

LIMITED OPEN TWO REIN

(Stevie Rey Von x Justa Lil Freck x Bobs Freckle) Score: 289.5 (R: 145/C: 144.5); $720 O: Alethea Prewett/B: Double Dove Ranch

(Royally Patrick x Sixbar Grey Feather x Joe Derringer) Score: 265 (R: 133.5/C: 131.5); $1,250 O: Wren and Rose Farm LLC/B: Sage Boswell

Graceful Smart Cat/Manda McCarthy

Stevie Wunder/Alethea Prewett

Nothing But Blu/Cayley Wilson

High As The Colonel/Samantha Andriola

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FUEL PERFORMANCE

FEED STANDLEE

standlee.com

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

OPEN HACKAMORE & INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE

LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE

(Hickory Holly Time x Travelin Miss Jonez x Travelin Jonez) Score: 445.5 (R: 222/C: 223.5); $3,900; $1,050 O: Paige Brummund/B: Stephen L. Roseberry

(Dual Reyish x Smooth As A Merada x Smooth As A Cat) Score: 427(R: 210/C: 217); $1,050 O: Dean Rand/Megan Ciana/B: Rich Charrier & Ellie Willoughby

NON PRO BRIDLE

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE

(Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak) Score: 292.5(R: 142.5/C: 150); $2,250 O: Stefani Wagley/B: Jeff Scheiber

(Zezes Pepto Cat x Digger She Sparkles x Diggers Rest) Score: 291.5(R: 144/C: 147.5); $1,845 O: Jennifer Anne Holland/B: Janiejill Tointon

Holly Jonez/Abigayle Mixon

Stefani Wagley/Boon Doxx

Hot Donna/Madison Weber

Jennifer Holland/Ze Sparkin

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LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE

SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE

(Zezes Pepto Cat x Pastels Play Girl x Pastels Smart Lena) Score: 291 (R: 143/C: 148); $1,758.40 O: Treylyn R. Hancock/B: Tom or Lorna Neel

(Smart Boons x Rising Starlight x Little Bay Starlight) Score: 272 (R: 132/C: 140); $650 O: Jim Gauthier/B: Eric Dunn

NON PRO TWO REIN

NON PRO HACKAMORE

(Dont Stopp Believin x Smart Little Snap x Smart Little Lena) Score: 290 (R: 144.5/C: 145.5); $1,304.00 O: Judith Bott Gonzalez/B: Jim and Denise McCain

(Call Me Mitch x Shiney N Quick x Smart Shiner Nic) Score: 291.5 (R: 147.5/C: 144); $1,915.20 O: Brent W Ratliff/B: Big Sky Performance Horses LLC

Treylyn Hancock/Slyd My Way

Isabelle Gonzalez/Dont Snap Twice

Jim Gauthier/Smart Boon Starlight

Brent Ratliff/TwntyTwntyWhatAMitch

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE

NON PRO BOXING & SELECT NON PRO BOXING

(Shiners Voodoo Dr x Cat Sees De Lights x High Brow Cat) Score: 289.5 (R: 145.5/C: 144); $405 O: Tyrel and Ashley Lembke/B: Linda Brinkerhoff

(Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak) Score: 290 (R: 144.5/C: 145.5); $1,571.25; $465 O: Robert & Cheryl Chown/B: Chown Quarter Horses

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING

LIMITED NON PRO BOXING

(Reyzin The Cash x Charmed For Sure x Smart Little Lena) Score: 286 (R: 141.5/C: 144.5); $1,030 O: Terry & Deanna Johnson/B: Miller Wade Smith

(Woody Be Tuff x High Class Peptolena x High Brow Cat) Score: 287 (R: 146.5/C: 140.5); $683.10 O: Michael Keller/B: Center Ranch

Ashley Lembke/VooDoo Vibes

Deanna Johnson/Got The Money Hunny

Cheryl Chown/Xtra Short Trick

Piper Keller/CR Better Off Tuff

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///////// 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

BOX DRIVE

SELECT BOX DRIVE

(Snipers Smoking Gun x Extra Dry Dazzel x Extra Dry Chex) Score: 291.5 (R: 143.5/C: 148); $1,405 O: Sydney Gay Whitling/B: Kellee Sundstrom

(Reyzin The Cash x Charmed For Sure x Smart Little Lena) Score: 285 (R: 139/C: 146); $280 O: Terry & Deanna Johnson/B: Miller Wade Smith

Sydney Whitling/Extra High Caliber

Deanna Johnson/Got The Money Hunny

YOUTH BOXING Lela Chisholm/ Bossy Boons

(CD Lights x Meradas Boonsmal x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 288 (R: 142.5/C: 145.5); $345 O: Bruce Thompson/ B: Winston Hansma

YOUTH COW HORSE Hunter Hays/Shiverz

(Woody Be Tuff x Cats Boonolena x High Brow Cat) Score: 285.5 (R: 142.5/C: 143); $560 O: Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays/B: Center Ranch

YOUTH BOXING 13 & UNDER Tucker Crafton/ SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat) Score: 285 (R: 141.5/C: 143.5) O: Debbie Crafton/ B: San Juan Ranch

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MAKE YOUR FOAL ELIGIBLE FOR

MILLION DOLLAR

PAYOUTS PRESENTED BY:

NOMINATE YOUR 2025 FOALS TO THE NRCHA COW HORSE INCENTIVE FOR A ONE-TIME FEE OF $275

OFFSPRING NOMINATIONS MAKE FOALS ELIGIBLE

for Million Dollar Payouts at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes. Deadline to nominate without late fee is December 31, 2025. SCAN TO NOMINATE

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8/15/25 5:14 PM


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BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Paul Bailey

Vice President: Trey Neal

Secretary: Ben Baldus

Treasurer: Todd Crawford

Executive Committee Members: Dr. Joe Carter, Lance Johnston, Cayley Wilson Board Members: Todd Bergen, Corey Cushing, Diane Edwards, Jay McLaughlin, Boyd Rice, Dan Roeser, Jon Roeser, Beverly Servi, Jake Telford, Lori Wyman

COMMITTEE DIRECTORY

STAFF

To contact committee chairs visit nrcha.com/board-and-committee/.

OWNERS

Executive Director: Emily Konkel emily@nrcha.com

Sanctioned Shows Coordinator: Amber Gentry agentry@nrcha.com

ANIMAL WELFARE

PROFESSIONALS

Director of Marketing: Callie Boevers callie@nrcha.com

Sponsorship & Incentive Coordinator: Cami Toliver ctoliver@nrcha.com

ETHICS

RULES

Director of Incentive & Sponsorship: Patty Tiberg patty@nrcha.com

Accounting Associate: Marilee Nies marilee@nrcha.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SHOWS

Director of Programs: Tara Carter tara@nrcha.com

AFFILIATES

Chairperson: Jay McLaughlin Chairperson: Joe Carter, DVM Chairperson: Trey Neal Chairperson: Trey Neal

HALL OF FAME

Chairperson: Dan Roeser

HORSE SALES

Chairperson: Todd Crawford

JUDGES

Chairperson: Lance Johnston Director of Judges: Bill Enk

NRCHA FOUNDATION Chairperson: Chelsea Edsall

Chairperson: Lori Wyman Chairperson: Cayley Wilson Chairperson: Dan Roeser Co-Chairperson: Ben Baldus Co-Chairperson: Cayley Wilson

SPONSORSHIP

Director of Shows: Tina McCleary tina@nrcha.com

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Educational Programs Coordinator: Jessi Medlin jessi@nrcha.com

YOUTH

Events Services Coordinator: Ashley Valor ashley@nrcha.com

MARKETING

Foundation & Youth Coordinator: Lyndsey Fitch lyndsey@nrcha.com

Chairperson: Patty Tiberg Chairperson: Emily Konkel

Chairperson: Sarah Clymer Chairperson: Callie Boevers

NON PRO

Chairperson: Diane Edwards

Membership Coordinator: Trisha Cantrell trisha@nrcha.com Media Coordinator: Maci Meads maci@nrcha.com Premier Event Coordinator: Taylor Meek taylor@nrcha.com

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AUCTIONED DURING THE WESTERN BLOODSTOCK SALE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 BEFORE THE YEARLING SALE

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE NRCHA FOUNDATION

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AFFILIATE LISTING Current as of July 29, 2025

Alaska Reined Cow Horse Association Dorothy Hrncir P.O. Box 876754 Wasilla, AK 99687 Phone: 907-841-4875 Email: akcowhorse@gmail.com

Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association

Krystal Meade 330, 205 Quarry Park Blvd. SE Calgary, AB Canada T2C 3E7 Phone: 403-991-4617 Email: info@cowhorse.ca Website: cowhorse.ca

Alberta Stock Horse Association

Shawna Husted 27245 TWP 350 Red Deer County, AB Canada T4G 0M4 Phone: 403-875-1369 Email: abstockhorse1@gmail.com

Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association Jeffry Heyer Phone: 508-221-1358 Email: jrhyer@comcast.net Website: azrcha.com

Atlantic Reined Cow Horse Association

Jennifer Black 1600 Mapledale Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Phone: 717-433-5357 Email: ARCHASecretary.2022@gmail.com Website: atlanticRCHA.com

California Reined Cow Horse Association Chris Krieg 11503 Avenue 184 Tulare, CA 93274 Phone: 707-293-5079 Email: info@californiacowhorse.com Website: californiacowhorse.com

Central Montana Reined Cow Horse Association Dave Clark P.O. Box 194 Boyd, MT 59013 Phone: 307-349-0551 Email: wyoclarks@yahoo.com Website: cmrcha.com

Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association

Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity, Inc.

European Reined Cow Horse Association

Nevada Reined Cow Horse Association

Gem State Stock Horse Association

National Reined Cow Horse Association Australia Incorporated

High Desert Reined Cow Horse Association

New York Reined Cow Horse Association

Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association

North Central Reined Cow Horse Association

Lavaca Ranch Reined Cow Horse Association

Northeastern Reined Cowhorse Alliance

Emily Parry 21660 E Road Delta, CO 81416 Phone: 970-520-1069 Email: coloradocowhorse@gmail.com Website: coloradoreinedcowhorse.com

Otto De Fazio Via Natalia Ginzburg 1 - 11015 Ivrea (TO) Italy Phone: +39 338 8860657 Email: ercha.otto@gmail.com Website: ercha.org

Callee Miller 301 Market Road Caldwell ID 83607 Phone: 541-519-4748 Email: Cowhorse22@gmail.com Website: gemstatestockhorse.com

Quincy Warner P.O. Box 894 Lakeview, OR Phone: 541-219-2716 Email: warnerquincyr@gmail.com Website: hdrcha.com

Laura Kiracofe P.O. Box 1375 Caldwell, ID 83606 Phone: 208-409-5656 Email: laurakiracofe@yahoo.com Website: idahoreinedcowhorse.com

Carie Patrick 1748 CR 444 Hallettsville, TX 77964 Phone: 717-600-6417 Email: lavacaranchcowhorse@gmail.com Website: lavacacowhorse.com

Magic Valley RCHA

Kaycie Keller P.O. Box 5956 Twin Falls, ID 83303 Phone: 208-329-0499 Email: kkayc_13@yahoo.com Website: mvrcha.com

Margaret Ore P.O. Box 1604 East Helena, MT 59635 Phone: 406-227-7019 Email: more@mt.net Website: montanareinedcowhorse.com

Katie Yard 3484 W Cougar Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89139 Phone: 702-324-2679 Email: katie@czyranch.com

Wilba Thornberry P.O. Box 95 Gulgong, NSW Australia 2852 Phone: 042-965-9288 Email: info@nrchaaustralia.com Website: nrchaaustralia.com

Cindy Pfeifer 6040 Cleary Road Livonia, NY 14487 Phone: 585-749-1764 Email: cindypfeifer59@gmail.com Website: newyorkrcha.com

Jim Wilson 2409 25th Ave. Rice Lake, WI 54868 Phone: 641-420-0440 Email: wilson@myomnitel.com Website: ncrcha.com

Kaylee Thompson 85 Brumm Road Pembroke, Ontario Canada K8A 7G6 Phone: 514-616-1506

Northern California Reined Cow Horse Association Kelly Hamblin 4203 Road M Orland, CA 95963 Phone: 530-510-0198 Email: ncrcha2023@gmail.com Website: ncrcha.info

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AFFILIATE LISTING Current as of July 29, 2025

Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association Debbie Pilgoret P.O. Box 302 Newburg, OR 97132 Phone: 503-318-7339 Email: nwreinedcowhorse@gmail.com Website: nwrcha.com

Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association Lane Arnold P.O. Box 1053 Canyon, TX 79015 Phone: 806-341-0941 Email: panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com Website: panhandlecowhorse.com

South Texas Reined Cow Horse Association Tina McCleary 1951 Poe Prairie Road Millsap, TX 76066 Phone: 979-218-0633 Email: southtexasrcha@gmail.com Website: strcha.org

Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association Roy Rich Phone: 951-529-6258 Email: socalrcha@aol.com Website: ltht@airenetworks.com

Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance Debra Motichek 18211 La Tung Road Covington, LA 70435 Phone: 985-373-8347 Website: srchala.com

Southeastern Reined Cow Horse Association Rachel Cobb 104 Murphy Hill Road Belton, SC 29627 Phone: 864-276-9678 Email: southeastcowhorse@gmail.com Website: southeasternrcha.com

Utah Reined Cow Horse Association Morgan Miller 3185 W 15200 N Collinston, Utah 84306 Phone: 403-279-7529 Email: utahcowhorse@gmail.com Website: urcha.org

Volunteer Ranch Horse Association

Catie Campbell P.O. Box 292 Moscow, TN 38057 Phone: 765-524-6003 Email: v olunteerranchhorseassociation@gmail.com Website: volrha.com

Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Gay Lenz 11587 Hunt Lane Guthrie, OK 73044 Phone: 405-818-7556 Email: glenz@glenzenterprises.com Website: srcha.org

Team Professional Italia Western Show A.S.D. Alexandra Liberati Via Ottaviano 42, Roma, Rome Italy 192 Phone: +39 347 26 22 783 Email: alexandraliberati@gmail.com Website: westernshow.it

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 Springs Ranch, Queen Creek, AZ Keetch Ranch, Waddell, AZ Andrew Ospital, Valley Springs, CA Aneka Schelbeck, Cottonwood, CA Blair Bynum, Palm City, FL Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE Brian Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA Brian & Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC Carina Stephens, Runnymede, Victoria, Canada Chris Anderson, Marietta, OK Cody Christensen, Heber City, UT Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA Darren Roberts, Kent, NY Don Stockman, Dayton, TX Donnie Boyd, Sarasota, FL Eastin Goodpasture, Mobeetie, TX Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL

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.

Gina Roidopoulos, Heath, TX Gordon Robinson, Granum, AB, Canada Jill Serena, Castaic, CA Jim Babcock, Sanger, TX Justin Crawley, Springdale, AR Kalli Reed, Rosston, TX Kinsey Dodson, Cleburne, TX Laura Delfino, Martinez, CA Lorena Bechtholdt, Fallon, NV Marcy Campbell, Creston, CA Marilyn Bowling, Jacksboro, TX Miguel Gonzalez, Miami, FL Nonie Casselman-Reed, Stephenville, TX Paris Starn, Litchfield Park, AZ Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL Pete Bowling, Herald, CA Pompeo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, Italy Quenten Childs, Cleburne, TX

Current as of July 29, 2025

Randall Russell, Decatur, TX Riccardo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, Italy Rick Steed, Okeechobee, FL Rita Ward, Canyon, TX Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA Robyn Bush, Visalia, CA Rod Brents, Childress, TX Roy Hockensmith, Frankfort, KY Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA Susan Ray Tara Reed, Rosston, TX Terry Malarkey, Star, ID Thera Myers, Oxnard, CA Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY Tracy Wager, Cave Creek, AZ Vernon Smith, Santa Maria, CA

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SHOW SCHEDULE Current as of July 29, 2025

LAE = Limited Aged Event, HS = Horse Show

Dates

Location

Affiliate

Show Secretary

Phone

Jerseyville, ON

Northeastern RCH

nercha.ca

Sherry Simoes

519-871-7224

sherrylynnsimoes7@gmail.com

Aug 2 Northern California RCHA Affiliate #3 HS, Cat. 1 Corning, CA

Northern California RCHA

ncrcha.info

Laura Norman

559-760-2769

laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Aug 1-3

Name of Show Northeastern RCH Alliance Summer Sizzler Futurity, Derby & Horse Show

Type of Event HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Aug 5-11

SRCHA Pre Futurity & Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Aug 6-10

Magic Valley RCHA Futurity, Derby, Horse Show & Spectacular

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Filer, ID

Fort Worth, TX

Website

Email

Southwest RCHA

srcha.org

Jackie Cline

entry@srcha.org

Magic Valley RCHA

mvrcha.com

Reanna Dillman

303-895-5256

info@horseshowpros.com jenschueller21@gmail.com

Aug 7-10

North Central RCHA August Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Cannon Falls, MN North Central RCHA

ncrcha.com

Jennifer Schueller 641-590-1041

Aug 7-10

California RCHA Mid-Summer Pre-Futurity & Horse Show #8

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Tulare, CA

California RCHA

californiacowhorse.com

Jamie Wills

Aug 8-10

Atlantic RCHA WrightTimeToSmokum Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Dillsburg, PA

Atlantic RCHA

atlanticrcha.org

Cindy Pfeifer

585-749-1764

cindypfeifer59@gmail.com

August 9-10

Alberta RCHA WCAS August

HS, Cat. 1

Claresholm, AB

Alberta RCHA

cowhorse.ca

Krystal Meade

403-991-4617

info@cowhorse.ca

Aug 13-17

Colorado RCA Western Slope Pre-Futurity

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Montrose, CO

Colorado RCHA

coloradoreinedcowhorse.com

Keri Croft

503-701-3305

dkcroft4@frontier.com

Aug 14-15

The Run For A Million

Cat. 2

trfam.com

Kathy Gould

559-760-0512

kathy.saddleup@gmail.com

Aug 15-17 Classic Cow Horse Futurity and Derby HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Prairieland, Saskatoon

classiccowhorse.com

Teri Clearwater

306-544-7621

justaboutaranch@gmail.com

Aug 15-17 Central Montana RCHA The Rosebud HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Forsyth, MT

cmrcha.com

Dawn Unzicker

406-320-2036

dlindberg406@gmail.com

nationstockhorse.com

Kelley Hartranft

714-267-5912

nshaentries21@gmail.com

Aug 19-24

2025 National Stock Horse Association Futurity, Derby & World’s Richest

Las Vegas, NV

Central Montana RCHA

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Las Vegas, NV

Aug 20-24

Southern RCH Alliance Louisiana Classic HS, LAE, Cat. 1

West Monroe, LA Southern RCH Alliance srchala.com

Mikayla Alexander 936-900-4568

Aug 21-24

Cowboy State Classic

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Big Piney, WY

Bonnie DeVerniero 406-694-5234

bonnied.horseshowsec@gmail.com

Aug 23-24

Alaska RCHA Fireweed Spectacular

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Palmer, AK

Alaska RCHA

Dorothy Hrncir

907-841-4875

dorothyhrncir@gmail.com

Aug 27-31

Utah RCHA Futurity, Derby and Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Salina, UT

Utah RCHA

urcha.org

Tina McCleary

979-218-0633

tina.showentries@gmail.com

Aug 27-Sept 1 South Dakota RCHA Road To Texas

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Rapid City, SD

South Dakota RCHA

sdrcha.com

Keri Croft

503-701-3305

dkcroft4@frontier.com

Aug 28-31

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

cowhorse.ca

Teri Clearwater

306-544-7621

entries@cowhorse.ca

coloradostatefair.com

Pam Orth

405-509-0494

pamela.a.humphreys@gmail.com

Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity & Derby

Aug 27-Sept 1 Colorado State Fair Sept 1-7

Claresholm, AB

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Pueblo, CO

csshaclub.com

mikaylaalexander317@gmail.com

European RCHA Americana Derby HS, LAE, Cat. 1 & Horse Show #5

Friedrichshafen European RCHA Messe, Germany

ercha.org

Otto De Fazio

(39338) 886-0657 ercha.otto@gmail.com

Columbiana, OH

newyorkrcha.com

Cindy Pfeifer

585-749-1764

renosnafflebitfuturity.com

Reanna Dillman

303-895-5256

info@horseshowpros.com

scrcha.com

Kelley Hartranft

714-267-2769

klsgrn@yahoo.com

Sept 4-7

New York RCHA Fall Finale

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Sept 5-14

Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Reno, NV

New York RCHA

Sept 6-7

Southern California RCHA HS, Cat. 1 Temecula, CA September Cow Horse Classic

Southern California RCHA

cindypfeifer59@gmail.com

Sept 10-14

North Central RCHA September Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Cannon Falls, MN North Central RCHA

ncrcha.com

Jennifer Schueller 641-590-1041

jenschueller21@gmail.com

Sept 16-21

Colorado RCHA Mid America

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Douglas, WY

Colorado RCHA

coloradoreinedcowhorse.com

Keri Croft

503-701-3305

dkcroft4@frontier.com

Sept 17-21

Arizona RCHA Fall Championship

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Arizona RCHA

azfallchampionship.com

Heidi Lane

623-869-8037

azqhainfo@gmail.com

Montana Reined Cow Horse Association

montanareinedcowhorse.com Jackie Cline whoanelle75@gmail.com

Scottsdale, AZ

Sept 17-21 Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Kalispell, MT Sept 18-21

PRCHA Fall Into Autumn

HS, Cat. 1

Lubbock, TX

Panhandle RCHA

panhandlecowhorse.com

Nelle Murphy

580-276-0761

Sept 19-21

Alberta SHA Sept Cow Horse Show

HS, Cat. 1

Claresholm, AB

Alberta SHA

stockhorse.ca

Shawna Husted

(1403) 872-1369 abstockhorse1@gmail.com

Sept 19-21

Atlantic RCHA The Green Showdown

HS, Cat. 1

Dillsburg, PA

Atlantic RCHA

atlanticrcha.org

Cindy Pfeifer

585-749-1764

cindypfeifer59@gmail.com

Sept 20-21

Lavaca Ranch RCHA Cattle Battle

HS, Cat. 1

Hallettsville, TX

Lavaca Ranch RCHA

lavacacowhorse.com

Arlynn Fulton

717-600-6417

lavacaranchcowhorse@gmail.com

Sept 26-28

Canadian Coast RCHA Under The Sun

HS, Cat. 1

Chilliwach, BC

ccrcha.com

Terri Clearwater

306-544-7621

justaboutaranch@gmail.com

Sep 27

San Benito County Fair Cow Horse Show

HS, Cat. 1

Tres Pinos, CA

sanbenitocountyfair.com

Laura Norman

559-760-2769

laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Oct 3-5

French Riders Reunion Meet & Greet Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Diemoz, France

Damien Chiari

3365-112-7092

chiaridamien@gmail.com entries@nrcha.com

Oct 3-18

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Fort Worth, TX

Oct 7-11

European RCHA Futurity, Autumn Show & Horse Show #6

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

French Riders Reunion NRCHA

Travagliato, Italy European RCHA

nrcha.com

NRCHA

940-488-1500

ercha.org

Otto De Fazio

(39338) 886-0657 ercha.otto@gmail.com

Oct 25 Northern California RCHA Affiliate #4 HS, Cat. 1 Corning, CA

Northern California RCHA

ncrcha.info

Laura Norman

559-760-2769

laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Oct 15-19

Alberta SHA

stockhorse.ca

Shawna Husted

403-875-1369

abstockhorse1@gmail.com

Alberta SHA Futurity, Hackamore Classic & Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Ponoka, Alberta

Oct 30-Nov 2 Atlantic RCHA Code West Classic

HS, Cat. 1

Dillsburg, PA

Atlantic RCHA

atlanticrcha.org

Cindy Pfeifer

585-749-1764

cindypfeifer59@gmail.com

Nov 9-16

California RCHA Paso Robles Fall Classic Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby & Horse Show #9

HS, LAE, Cat. 1

Paso Robles, CA

California RCHA

californiacowhorse.com

Reanna Dillman

303-895-5256

info@horseshowpros.com

Nov 10-16

North Central RCHA November Show

HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat 2 Cannon Falls, MN North Central RCHA

ncrcha.com

Jennifer Schueller 641-590-1041

jenschueller21@gmail.com

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