First-Time and won in their first-ever NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® appearance.
NRCHA CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS HACKAMORE TIPS ///
DOMINANT DOWN THE FENCE THE FENCE
COLE HAWK rode STYLISH BOONE to the NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® title.
NRCHA CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS ///////// HACKAMORE TIPS
your
NRCHA Derby May 27–June 6
NRCHA Hackamore Classic July 12–18
NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® October 9–24
CHECK OUT ALL NRCHA-APPROVED SHOWS AT NRCHA.COM/SCHEDULE.
Ensure that your 2026 foals are nominated to the Cow Horse Incentive program! Learn more online at nrcha.com/nrcha-incentive-program.
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 inany 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 $45 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 Volume 31, Number 2
NRCHA 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088 Phone: 940-488-1500 | Fax: 940-488-1499 | info@nrcha.com | www.NRCHA.com Official Publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Published by Equine Network
NRCHA OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President: Paul Bailey | Vice President: Ben Baldus | Treasurer: Todd Crawford | Secretary: Lori Wyman
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: Taylor Meek
Official NRCHA Photographer: Primo Morales | Official NRCHA Videographer: Equine Promotion
REINED COW HORSE NEWS
CEO: Tom Winsor | Editor: Jennifer Paulson | Managing Editor: Jennifer Denison Director of Art and Production: PHILIP COOPER | Production Manager: Stacey Horne | Prepress Manager: Brad Burleson
NRCHA professional and judge Darren Miller o ers insight on how to prepare a horse and rider to go down the fence.
By Paige Brandon
80
Milestones to Remember
A celebration held during the 2026 NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions recognized members and horses who’ve reached new heights in their NRCHA earnings. By Jennifer Paulson
92
Riding with a Hackamore
Aside from adjustment, proper cueing with a hackamore makes or breaks your success in using this piece of equipment.
By Corey Cushing, with Jennifer Paulson
FROM THE PRESIDENT
We had much to celebrate this February in Fort Worth.
As we step into 2026, I’m proud to share that we launched our year with tremendous energy at the NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions. This premier event brought together the NRCHA World Show, the NRCHA Tres Osos Derby, the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® presented by Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock, and the NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™. Producing an event of this magnitude takes dedication from every corner of our organization, and I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our staff for delivering an exceptional experience for our members, horses, and fans.
The Celebration has always been more than a showcase of talent— it’s a gathering place for our cow horse community. We honored major milestones at the Million Dollar Reception, supported and encouraged our youth through activities like the youth prom and officer elections, and welcomed new members with enthusiasm. The $500,000 purse paid out to the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® riders added excitement and opportunity, reinforcing our commitment to growth and inclusion. It truly is an event with something for everyone.
At the heart of it all is the show pen. This year, the NRCHA Tres Osos Derby reached record entry numbers, as did our world championship classes. More than 80 competitors entered the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®. You can read the full story of Jordan Williams’ first time entering—and winning—beginning on page 98.
Following the Celebration, we turn our attention to the NRCHA Stallion Stakes, featuring young horses by stallions enrolled in the NRCHA Stallion Incentive. With more than 300 enrolled stallions, the Stakes has become a must‑attend event for its level of competition and impressive purses. The Las Vegas show also hosts our annual Hall of Fame inductions—an evening that honors our heritage and expresses gratitude to the horses, riders, and owners who built the foundation we stand on today.
As we round out the first quarter of the year, I hope your show sea‑ son is off to a strong start. Thank you for your continued support of the NRCHA and for the passion you bring to our sport. I look forward to seeing you at the rest of our premier events in 2026.
—Paul Bailey
Paul Bailey, NRCHA President
Owner: South Cove Ranch, LLC | Rider: Shane L. Steffen | Breeder: Danelle Markham
2-Time World’s Greatest Horseman Finalist
WR ICEMAN LTE: $180,509
(WR This Cats Smart-Lean Irish Playgirl, Paddys Irish Whiskey)
Owner: Eric and Wendy Dunn | Rider: Corey D. Cushing | Breeder: Mary Scott Brown
Wagonhound-bred Performers earned $53,200 including
ONE TIME MELODY
(One Time Pepto-Reys Stressin Melody, Reys Dual Badger)
Top 10 World’s Greatest Horseman, Hi-Scoring
Mare, Fence Work Reserve Co-Champion
Owner: Cooper Smith | Rider: Clayton M Edsall
SMARTLY TWISTING
(WR This Cats Smart-Twist One Time, One Time Pepto)
Split 4th Int. Open Derby, Open Derby Finalist, 4th Novice Horse Open Derby, Split 6th Int. Open Hackamore
Owner: Larry E. & Karen A. Lommen | Rider: Brad W Barkemeyer
GRACEFUL SMART CAT
(WR This Cats Smart-Gracielights, CD Lights) 4th World Limited Open Bridle
Owner: Emily/Marjorie Jaques | Rider: Manda R. Mccarthy
BLU CAT
(WR This Cats Smart-Secrets Blue Angel, One Time Pepto)
Top 10 World Limited Non Pro Boxing
Owner/Rider: Audrey Abraham THE KOOL KAT
(WR This Cats Smart-Shiney Nu Annie, Shining Spark)
Top 15 World Open Two-Rein
(Metallic Cat - Lil Bit Reckless, by CD Royal) LTE: $203,508
COMMITMENT BEYOND BREEDING − WE INVEST IN STALLION INCENTIVES THAT DRIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR BREEDERS AND FOALS ALIKE.
NOMINATED TO STALLION INCENTIVE PROGRAMS THAT PAID $20,000,000 IN 2025!
FIRST FOALS ARE NOW 3-YEARS-OLD AND EARLY TRAINER FEEDBACK HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONAL!
Owner: Loren Booth Living Trust | Rider: Tracer S Gilson Booked Full in 2024 & 2025 2026: $5,000 + Chute Fee | Cooled & Frozen Semen Available STANDING AT OWNED BY INCENTIVES:
Von Jovii
FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR
Finding the balance between credits and faults.
BY BILL ENK
The better judges that I’ve been around have found the proper balance, score-wise, between credit, minor faults, and penalties. This takes knowledge and a lot of experience— as well as a fair share of mistakes—to consistently come up with a score that makes sense and is justifiable. These judges know the penalties but are more interested in how much credit the horse earned than in the negatives in the run. The penalties will expose themselves and, if they don’t, they’ll address the faults through the run content boxes. These judges are active and in demand because they’re consistently fair and have found this balance.
In the herd work, there are varying degrees of misses (one-point A’s). An exhibitor can recover from some, and for others, it’s more difficult to get on the positive side of the ledger. Say the horse misreads the cow temporarily and has to catch up, which takes three strides, then regains working advantage and stays on the cow until it’s centered-up and stopped. The judge is required to take the penalty, but the exhibitor showed courage, regained control, and stayed on the cow until it capitulated, all of which are credits. The score on this cow should reflect the penalty as well as the credit the horse earned to come up with the proper cow score.
On the second cow, say the exhibitor misses the cut (minus the cut), has a big miss (A), and loses control temporarily (minus in the control box), and then survives the rest of the work. This is considered a major fault in the run and is hard to recover from. The last cow was cut and cleared from the herd with 15 seconds left. The exhibitor had an above-average cut (V+) and above-average eye appeal (V+). Here’s how it would be scored: The first cow earned a 72 cow
score minus the one-point miss, making a 71 cow score. The second cow earned a 67 because of all the problems with the missed cut. The average between the 71 and the 67 is a 69. On the last cow, credit was earned on the cut and eye appeal boxes. The score would increase by one point from the average for the first two cows, bringing the final score to 70.
An example in the reined work is the horse that gapes his mouth excessively on its first approach and stop. If the mouth manners were good on this maneuver, it would’ve scored a +1 because of the very good approach and very good stop. The judge has to decide how much the gaping mouth is worth, maneuver-wise. Is it a minor fault where, coming off the +1 maneuver to a +½ would cover it? Or is it offensive enough to negate the maneuver to a 0 or below? If the horse tended to gape its mouth throughout the work, it would be an easier call to 0 or below. If, on the other hand, the one approach and stop were the only time it was noticeable, it would be an easier call to drop the +1 maneuver to a +½. Either way, it’s a fault and should be fairly addressed.
One of the keys to credit-earning circles during the fence work is not to leave the fence until there’s control of the cow on the last fence turn. If the exhibitor is late exiting the last fence turn, does he/she earn a loss of working advantage penalty? Or is it a first-circle maneuver deduction? If the horse doesn’t have any influence on where the animal goes, it’s probably a one-point A penalty, plus the maneuver should suffer because of the loss of control and the time it takes to catch and gain control to circle the animal. Remember, the more control you have when leaving the fence to attempt the circles, the more potential for credit.
“
THE KEY TO ANY SCORECARD IS TO DOCUMENT THE RUN FOR WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED AT THE TIME, NOT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST OR WHAT THE FUTURE POTENTIAL IS.”
—Bill
Enk
The judge must be consistent when blowing the whistle to end the cow work. Short whistles should only happen when safety or mercy (having exceptionally poor work) is involved. For all others, the exhibitor must be allowed to gain and keep control of the cow to earn credit. This should be a consistent call so the exhibitors know what they must accomplish before they can expect the whistle.
Bill Enk, NRCHA Director of Judges
THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM THAT IS TRANSFORMING THE SPORT OF REINED COW HORSE
Years listed indicate the stallion’s subscription year, which aligns with the foal year for nomination eligibility. The 2024 subscription year is an exception and includes offspring foaled from 2020 through 2024.
$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.
•METALLICS MVP 2024, 2025, 2026
•METELES CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•METILION 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•MINKISH 2027
•MISTER MONTANA CHIC 2024
•MISTER SMARTS 2024
•MOMS STILISH CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•MR PLAYINSTYLISH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•MY BOOTS ARE ROYAL 2026
•MY PISTOLS HOTT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•NATURAL BOTTOM 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•NICS BLACK DIAMOND 2024
• NO MORE TRASH TALKIN 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
•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 2024
•NU ONE TIME BLUES 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
•NU SMOKETANA 2024
•NZ SCOTCH TIME 2025
•OFFERS ARE CHEAP 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•OHICKORY REY 2026, 2027
•OLENA OAK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•ONCE IN A BLU BOON 2024, 2025
•ONCE UPON A BLUEBOON 2024, 2025
•ONE FINE VINTAGE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
•ONE OH NINE 2024, 2025
• ONE SHINEY METALLIC 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
Every organization thrives on one thing: the future generations carrying on its traditions and continually improving it at every turn. NRCHA is no different, and its youth members are already making a splash, assuring the future is in great hands. During the annual youth meeting, a new group of leaders stepped up to serve as the NRCHYA 2026–27 officer team, and they’re ready to keep the momentum going.
Meet the 2026–27 officer team.
Jack Kimes got his start in NRCHA through his parents’ involvement. His favorite part of the youth organization is the sense of community and the support members show one another. Kimes is most excited to work with the new officer team and hear their ideas. He wanted to serve as an officer to make an impact and give back to the community that was so welcoming to him.
Meador,
Kixi Meador grew up in the industry with a dad who trains cow horses. Her favorite thing about NRCHYA is the community’s support and welcome. She’s excited to become more involved and to help raise awareness of the many opportunities available through the organization. Outside of the cow horse world, Meador rides hunter/jumpers.
Kate Turner, Secretary
Ava Kate Turner grew up in the cow horse world as the daughter of a trainer. She loves that NRCHYA feels like family, with members who consistently support one another. As an officer, she’s excited to meet new people and make a difference. Outside the organization, Turner shadows a veterinarian at Texas A&M University and has assisted with tasks ranging from drawing blood to scrubbing in for surgeries.
Jack Kimes, President
Kixi
Vice President
Ava
Darcy Callahan, Treasurer
Darcy Callahan became involved in riding after his sister started. He joined NRCHYA after his trainers encouraged him to do so. His favorite part of the organization is the welcoming and supportive community. Callahan wants to serve as an officer to get to know fellow youth members better and contribute.
Kaleigh Belk, Reporter
Kaleigh Belk was introduced to cow horses by her dad, who’s a trainer. Her favorite parts of showing are traveling, meeting new people, and riding horses. She’s excited to serve as an officer and work with NRCHYA members. Belk wanted to serve in this role to encourage more youth to join in the Southeast region. A fun fact about her is that she also shows dairy cattle.
Reese Pederson, Northwest Representative
Rayleigh Peffer, Northeastern Representative
C aleb Cushing, South Central Representative
Westin Clearwater, Canadian Representative
Rick y Nicolazzi Jr., Southwest Representative
Eli Naylor, North Central Representative
Milo Naylor, Junior Officer
McKinley Blake, National High School Rodeo Association Representative
Oliver Koch, Junior Officer Charlie Kimes, Junior Officer
FROM THE
Securing our future by helping our youth.
In 2025, the NRCHA Foundation produced a youth clinic at the NRCHA Kimes R anch Derby that drew more young riders than we could’ve ever expected. This May, we’re bringing it back to Scottsdale, Arizona, for all the kids— members and non-members—to improve their horsemanship, teach them more about cow horse, and give them an experience they’ll never forget. Youth riders will learn from top NRCHA professionals, get to know our youth officers, and have fun horseback with their peers. It’s truly a can’t-miss opportunity for all riders under age 18, and we can’t wait to host all of you in Scottsdale!
We continue to make progress in developing our first-of-its-kind event: Big Guns in Cowtown, held during the 2026 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® presented by Metallic Cat. We’ll pair NRCHA professionals with Western athletes and personalities for one run down the fence to take all the glory. We’re thrilled with the list of impressive rodeo athletes we’ve confirmed so far, such as Hailey Kinsel, Shad Mayfield, Sage Newman, Fallon Taylor, and Wesley Thorp, just to name a few. Along with a
payout and prizes, we’ll donate $2,500 to each rider’s charity of choice. Mark your calendar for October 21, 2026, keep an eye out for ticket information. We’ll see you in Fort Worth, Texas, for a great night for the Foundation and for charity!
Calling all youth riders! Don’t miss the youth clinic produced by the NRCHA Foundation at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby.
Keep Cow Horse Connected
CIRCLE UP
APHA CHROME CASH TO BE AWARDED AT EVERY 2026 NRCHA PREMIER EVENT
NRCHA and the American Paint Horse Association have a longstanding alliance, recognizing the importance of the horses and members of both associations and their shared goals. In 2026, APHA joins NRCHA as an event partner, and APHA Chrome Cash will be awarded at every 2026 NRCHA premier event.
“Chrome Cash is a side pot open only to APHAregistered horses,” shared APHA Chrome Cash Senior Director Sunny Bates. “Horses may be registered with APHA based on visible color or parentage. NRCHA members pay a small entry fee at major events to be eligible for the Chrome Cash incentives. We’re confident Chrome Cash will open doors for more NRCHA members to become educated about the athleticism, talent, and affordability Paints can offer.”
The added money in 2025 was significant, with APHA paying out $99,000 in total at the five NRCHA premier events. The payouts are awarded in select classes at both the Open and Non Pro levels of competition.
“We’re excited to continue to offer new ways to increase the financial benefits our members can experience when competing at NRCHA premier events,” said NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “APHA Chrome Cash gives owners and riders the chance to take home extra dollars that help them continue to participate in cow horse and increase gratification across the board. APHA has been a longtime partner, and we’re pleased to continue that relationship with a leading breed registry.”
Learn more about the APHA Chrome Cash program at apha.com/chromecash.
CHEWY JOINS NRCHA AS A CORPORATE PARTNER
NRCHA announced that Chewy, your one-stop shop for pet and livestock needs, will join its roster of corporate partners in 2026. Additionally, Chewy will sponsor the shipping and receiving areas at all NRCHA premier events, emphasizing that they can get you what you need, where you need it.
Founded in 2011, Chewy offers more than 115,000 products for pets and livestock in categories from nutrition and health to gear and accessories. The company is known for its autoship program, which ensures you get your essentials on schedule, as well as its Chewy+ loyalty program, which unlocks exclusive rewards and deals.
“Chewy joins NRCHA at a time when our sport is booming,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “With five premier events of our own and many affiliate shows around the country, our members are busier than ever and looking for ways to streamline their day-to-day chores. Chewy helps with that, thanks to autoship, making the retailer a great partner for NRCHA and its members.”
Set up your Chewy account and schedule your deliveries at chewy.com or download the Chewy app from your device’s app store.
VALLEY EQUINE SPONSORS NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY® INTERMEDIATE OPEN DIVISION
NRCHA is proud to share that Valley Equine will sponsor the Intermediate Open division of the 2026 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® presented by Metallic Cat, an event that celebrates the roots of reined cow horse and the future of its stars.
“We work with a lot of horsemen who compete in NRCHA events, so this partnership feels authentic,” shared Jeremy Barwick, part-owner of Valley Equine, which provides breeding services on both the mare and stallion sides. “This partnership isn’t just about putting our name on something; it’s about supporting a division and an event that a lot of our customers care about. The association’s focus on horsemanship and proper development mirrors how we approach our own operation at Valley Equine.”
In 2025, the Intermediate Open division of the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® paid out a total of $271,000, with $45,000 awarded to the division winner Zane Davis aboard Constellations (Dual Reyish x Playguns Star x Playgun), owned by Lazy T Ranch and bred by Cara M. Brewer.
“We’ve always believed the industry is built at every level, not just at the very top,” Barwick continued. “The NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® is often the first major test for these horses, and sponsoring the Intermediate Open allows us to support that moment. Many of the riders in this class are customers of ours, which makes it especially meaningful to be involved as these horses begin their competitive careers.”
In 2026, the Intermediate Open division is available to any rider who’s not on the Top-30 Open Rider list, based on Open Category 1 money won in the past three years at any NRCHA-approved events.
“We stand with Valley Equine in valuing all levels of competition in our sport,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “Their support of this division promotes continued growth, opportunity, and achievement for riders and owners throughout reined cow horse.”
Learn more about Valley Equine’s services and elite roster of stallions at valleyequinerepro.com
2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity ® OWNERS INCENTIVE FUND
Thank you to these supporters for contributing to the added-money purse for the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®!
Bet Hesa Cat Syndicate
Best Kept Secret Ranch
BMW Quarter Horses
Fults Ranch
Hat 6 Ranch
Rock Creek Ranch
Shawn Hays
Shining Spark/Carol Rose
Stuart Ranch
Valley Equine Reproduction
2026 NRCHA
Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions
Buckle Up for Youth Program Sponsors
Thank you to these businesses and individuals for supporting our youth competitors!
NY Kid Ranch
GC Quarter Horses LLC
Beth Bant
Gilson Performance Horses
Kiana Creek Ranch
Kristen Cushing
Crafton Family
Code West Scholars
Bloomer Trailer Mfg., Inc.
So Cool Fans
Pinery Performance Horses
Candis Stanton
FACES OF NRCHA
Earlier this year, Jessi Medlin completed her first year as NRCHA Educational Programs Coordinator.
Born and raised in rural Midland, Texas, Jessi Medlin was immersed in the world of agriculture and horses. She grew up watching family members rope, ranch, and cut, and eventually met her husband, a roper, through those events. Medlin earned her Bachelor of Science in agricultural science from Texas A&M University and later earned a Master of Agriculture from Oklahoma State University. Before joining NRCHA, Medlin spent 16 years teaching in Texas public schools, including as an agricultural science teacher, blending her love of education, ag, and youth development. Medlin owns and shows Smooth Lil Dream (Smoot As A Cat x Dream A Lil Drem x One Time Pepto) in boxing and box drive classes at Texas affiliate shows.
RCHN: How did you first learn about NRCHA and reined cow horse?
Jessi Medlin: I was first introduced to reining in college, and that’s where the dream really began. I started stashing away pennies in a “reining piggy bank,” hoping to one day show a reiner of my own. Later, after attending a few Stock Horse of Texas shows, I was introduced to fence work, which added a whole new layer to my fascination. When I attended the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® finals in Fort Worth in 2017—the first year it was held there—I was completely hooked. I showed in my first cow horse class in 2020, and my love for this sport, great cow horses, and the cow horse community has grown deeper every single day since. When I saw this job posting in the fall of 2024, I remember thinking, “This is my dream job—the one I didn’t even know existed.”
RCHN: What excites you about working for the association?
JM: The people. Our NRCHA staff may be small in number, but they’re mighty in talent, grit, work ethic, vision, commitment, and passion. I’m continually grateful that the Lord has allowed me to learn and grow alongside my co-workers each day. Our membership is incredibly diverse, and I truly enjoy hearing their stories and using my education background—together with our team—to help shape programs that enhance their cow horse experience.
RCHN: What are you looking forward to in 2026?
JM: I’m honored and excited to help “make the best better.” This year NRCHA is launching several new components of educational programming that have the potential to enhance every member’s cow horse journey. I’m also looking forward to meeting many more members from across the country and learning both from them and with them through our programs.
MEMBER ROUNDUP
Meet Our NRCHA Members
KNOW THE PRO: CJ SHOPBELL
The challenge of obtaining knowledge was never too great for CJ Shopbell.
BY MEGAN ARSZMAN
Growing up in Ellensburg, Washington, CJ Shopbell was always ready to step up to any challenge. At 7 years old, he and his family watched a neighbor compete with his draft horses in a local plowing match. A neighbor challenged Shopbell to run one of the working plows, and he jumped at the chance. That challenge became a way of life for him outside school.
Shopbell learned the true meaning of horsepower by learning to care for draft horses and performing routine tasks with a hitch. Spreading manure, feeding pasture horses, and other chores were performed with horses rather than farm
implements. Summers were spent competing in plowing matches.
“I’d ride my bicycle to my neighbor’s house every day after school, and Dad would pick me up on his way home from work,” Shopbell recalled. “I did that for years. It’s one of those things that, if I could’ve made a living today, I’d still be doing that.”
In high school, Shopbell went to help a local trainer clean stalls, groom horses, and ride them. He learned more about real horsepower in the saddle, rather than from behind the horses.
“I fell in love with the horses,” Shopbell said.
Above: The Shopbell family, left to right: CJ, Michelle, Bree, Brant, and Baily at Baily’s high school graduation.
Bottom: Sugarnick (Kit Kat Sugar x Nicki The Cat x Shiners Nickle) and CJ Shopbell won the Southern Reined Cow Horse Association Pre-Futurity in 2025.
He knew that’s what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, so after graduating from high school, Shopbell set out to learn from some of the best horsemen. Brandon Staebler was a mutual friend of Shopbell and three-time NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® champion Russell Dilday. Staebler suggested that Shopbell reach out to Dilday for a job.
“I called him, but he said he didn’t really have a place for me and wasn’t looking
“I told him I’d really like to come work for him, so he finally took me on,” Shopbell said. “I wanted a job and to get my feet into the industry. I had every intention of working for free, but they ended up paying me.”
First-hand experience was definitely on the docket for Shopbell. Working with Dilday, he learned not only about cow horse but also about being a true horseman and ranch hand. Weekends were spent riding into the mountains to check cattle, doctor
them, and move herds for different ranches in the area.
the horse’s mind and train it. I owe that man everything.”
Murphy and Shopbell became close friends during his tenure in Oklahoma. He’s the first phone call Shopbell makes when he’s struggling with a horse.
“He knows my program inside and out, because I’ve taken so much from him and put it into my program,” he said.
Shopbell credits both Dilday and Murphy for molding him into the horseman he is today, teaching him to be a tough trainer with a soft hand while also giving his non pros and young horses the room to grow on their own.
“I learned from Don that you can’t get it all in one day,” he said. “He was big about training a little bit [at a time]. Let’s get a little today, a little bit tomorrow, and a little bit the next day, and then suddenly, you’ve got everything. He put a lot of pressure on his horses, but he didn’t overwhelm them. He always found that spot where he knew when to quit. The biggest thing I learned from him was knowing when to quit. Knowing how far to push that horse and knowing when enough is enough.”
for anyone at the time,” Shopbell said. “I sat there for a minute and ended up calling him right back.”
Shopbell offered his assistance for free, just for the chance to learn from Dilday and continue growing his own horse knowledge. At this point, he still didn’t know anything about the sport of reined cow horse—he’d owned a reiner and competed lightly, but that was the extent of his Western performance experience.
“Russell was really good about teaching me how to get around bad horses,” Shopbell said. “I learned a lot working for him—a lot of life skills.”
Shopbell met and fell in love with his wife, Michelle, whose father was Dilday’s farrier. When Shopbell was ready to advance in his education, Michelle moved with him to NRCHA Hall of Famer Don Murphy’s place in Oklahoma.
“Don was a big part of my world,” Shopbell explained. “He really taught me how to show a horse and how to get into
Now, almost 20 years later, Shopbell has his own place near Sadler, Texas, where he and Michelle are raising their children with a strong work ethic and a passion for horses. Their daughter, Baily, attends Texas Tech University. Their son, Brent, recently turned in his non pro card and is working alongside his dad training horses while finishing high school. Their youngest daughter, 10-year-old Bree, is hopping aboard her trusty mare and riding all around their self-built ranch. Shopbell coaches his kids much as he was coached by Murphy.
“I keep it to where when we step into that arena, it’s business,” he explained. “I want to win and they want to win, and I want them to be the best that they can. They’re going to make mistakes and I’m hard on them, but they can separate things from what’s in the arena and outside the arena.”
He admits he becomes more nervous watching his kids compete than he ever has for himself.
BLOODSTOCK
Shes Reys Cat and CJ Shopbell were dominant forces in the hackamore. The mare now has than $100,000 in NRCHA lifetime earnings.
“It’s very rewarding as a parent,” he said. “We run a small barn with 20 head of horses, and it’s just my family and me— we don’t hire any help. I know some parents don’t get to spend as much time with their kids as I do, and I feel very fortunate that I get to do that.”
Last year was a special year for the Shopbell family. Shopbell piloted Michelle’s mare, Shes Reys Cat, to an NRCHA World Championship in the Open/Intermediate Hackamore and an American Quarter
quirky. She doesn’t have any quit in her.”
Reined Cow Horse News: What do you look for in a cow horse?
CJ Shopbell: I’m really big about the mind. I know that’s not a physical thing to look at, but when people send me horses, I’m real big about what their minds are like. I want to dig in and see what’s in their head. Do they have that try or that desire to want to get better? Are they trainable? They might not have the most talent
in the world, but if their minds are right and they’re trainable and teachable, they’ll overcome any lack of ability.
RCHN: What piece of advice would you share with a young trainer who’s thinking about starting a family while trying to grow a business?
CJS: You need to find somebody who’s a partner with you and will fall forward. You have to fall forward so you can continue on. I don’t believe in backup plans. I don’t believe in falling back. If you have something to fall back on, you’ll never move forward. You want someone in your life who’ll motivate you to keep moving forward. You need someone who’ll fight with you.
RCHN: When you’re preparing to go into the show pen, what goes through your mind?
CJS: I try not to overanalyze it. When you get ready to go down the fence, you need to go in there with a clear mind and know you’re going to work what comes out. If I try to put scenarios in my head, something will fall apart. This allows you to react to the situation as it happens, and hopefully, the training I’ve done makes it all work. If I’ve done my job right at home, then I can step into that pen and work what comes at me. Hopefully, I’ve taught my horses to do their jobs, so I don’t have to do it for them. Sure, you get butterflies, but I think if you don’t, you’re not human. If you overanalyze, you’ll screw it up.
RCHN: If you were to put together the perfect cow horse, what attributes or bloodlines would you look for? The horse that fits you the best?
Horse Association Reserve World Championship in Senior Working Cow Horse.
“To have ridden her momma, Shes Plain Rey, and now this mare, it’s pretty special,” he said. “Her futurity year was a tough one, but Michelle helped convince me that she was going to work out to be a really nice horse in the pen. It just took me giving her time and not arguing with her—just ride her.
“She’s crazy, she’s hot and goofy, but she’s a blast,” he continued. “She’s an absolute blast to take to a horse show; she’s just
RCHN: What horse has made a big impact on your career thus far?
CJS: Probably my wife’s bay mare (Shes Reys Cat). Her dam (Shes Playin Rey) started it all, and I hope I can ride the mother, daughter, and daughter’s daughter. That mare has been one of the greatest horses that’s come through here. She’s a blast and she never quits. She might be goofy and crazy, but she’s part of the family. When I’m done with her, Bree will get to ride her, and she’ll die here.
CJS: I gravitate toward a horse with a trainable mind. I feel like those horses try hard for you when it comes down to it in the show pen. Our bloodlines are so amazing nowadays that it’s hard to pick just one line. When picking young horses, I’m big on conformation and how they travel. My goal is to train a horse for longevity in this industry.
RCHN: Last piece of advice?
CJS: You have to just keep going. No matter how bad it gets, just keep going; you’ll f igure it out.
At 10 years old, Shopbell competed at Duvall Days for High Bridge Shires.
COURTESY OF CJ SHOPBELL
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NOTABLE NON PRO: BRENT RATLIFF
A quick break from the show arena led this non pro to re-evaluate his “why” with his horses, and he’s now committed to enjoying the process more than the outcome.
BY JENNIFER PAULSON
Minnesota horseman Brent Ratliff might’ve started modestly, but the time, dedication, and heart he’s put into his horses have made him a perennial premier event finalist. That trajectory was especially evident in 2025 with his 2020 gelding TwntyTwntyWhatAMitch—known around the barn as “Jim”—by Call Me Mitch and out of a Shiney N Quick mare by Smart Shiner Nic. Bred by Big Sky Performance Horses LLC, the horse with Ratliff aboard was a consistent force in the derbies, earning finalist finishes at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby (fourth overall), the NRCHA Stallion Stakes (third overall), and the NRCHA Tres Osos Derby (second overall). Together, they earned more than $61,000 in NRCHA competition. Since entering his first NRCHA show in 2012, Ratliff has accumulated more than $180,000 in NRCHA earnings.
He and his wife, Kristin, make their home in Le Sueur, Minnesota, where their barn includes more than just stock horses. Missouri Fox Trotters—used primarily for recreational riding—outnumber the Quarter Horses, a nod to the breed that first introduced Ratliff to horses and competition. Outside the show pen, Ratliff is a partner in a swine nutrition company, balancing a demanding professional career with his passion for horses.
Brent Ratliff and TwntyTwntyWhatAMitch had a spectacular derby year in 2025. Together, the pair earned more than $61,000 in NRCHA competition. But for Ratliff, the journey with his horses carries more weight than titles or dollars.
Reined Cow Horse News: What part did horses play in your youth?
Brent Ratliff: I grew up on a farm in northeast Missouri, where we had pigs, cows, and a few sale barn horses. We didn’t know a lot about horses, but we trail rode here and there and rode around the farm. I didn’t get more serious about horses until college at the University of Missouri, where I had a good professor, Dr. Wayne Loch, who was kind enough to teach me a few things. I started my first horse in one of his classes and began learning to rope. When I moved to Minnesota in 2006, there weren’t many ropings, so I sold my rope horse, and we did a lot of trail riding on our Fox
Trotters. It was a young Fox Trotter mare that first introduced me to showing and the cow horse-type events. The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association held a 3-year-old futurity at its world show in Ava, Missouri, every fall. You competed in trail, rail, and ranch cutting. That was the first time I’d ever shown a horse, and I loved it. None of it would’ve been possible without Sonny and Sharron Nelson. They took in Kristin and me as their kids and taught us the ins and outs, not to mention the endless hours of listening and coaching Sonny provided.
RCHN: What early memories about cow horse stand out in your mind?
BR: The first I recall was at Monty Bruce’s place in Northwood, Iowa, in 2012. To this day, I’m not sure if Monty was joking, but after my reined work he said, “You know this isn’t a timed event?” That was with a horse named Chica Del Sol, which I bought from Luke Jones as a 4-year-old. It might not have been the best idea, but it worked out.
RCHN: What’s your greatest achievement thus far in reined cow horse?
BR: As you go through life, you learn to appreciate the journey more. For me, that’s the biggest achievement—understanding it for what it is and not getting too high or too low. I’m at a point where I probably enjoy the process more than I ever have. If you focus on wins instead of the horse and the process, it loses its luster in a hurry.
In the show pen, my biggest accomplishment would be Jim’s final derby year in 2025. I learned a lot from that horse. The only premier event final we didn’t make was the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, but we came back and won the hackamore horse show class. He’s been consistently at the top of his game, even when I probably didn’t show his true ability.
I bought Jim as a 2-year-old, and Travis Young started him. Travis and his wife, Stephanie, bred and raised him. Stephen Hutchins has helped me for the last few
years, and my riding has really improved. Training Jim was a true partnership between Stephen and me. Stephen allowed me to swap Jim in and out of training throughout his 3-year-old year, knowing I was making his job harder but respecting that’s what I needed to feel prepared to show him. Even in Jim’s derby years, if I got stuck, Stephen knew the horse and never hesitated to jump on or coach through issues as needed. Jim is taking 2026 off and hopefully will come back strong in 2027 in the two rein. Regardless, he’ll be in our barn forever.
RCHN: Tell us about a time you overcame doubt or felt overwhelmed.
BR: I overthink a lot— that’s just who I am. I got burned out, and competition got in my head too much. I told myself, “I’ve got to hang this up. This isn’t healthy.” I figured I’d go back to calf roping and trail riding, and for about six months, I completely stepped away. In that time away, I realized how much I missed it. I enjoyed it more than I admitted, and I just needed to keep it in perspective and remember why I do it. When I came back, I had a different mindset in the show pen, and I think it shows.
RCHN: What are you working toward in 2026? What’s your next goal?
BR: I’m all in on the journey. I have two derby horses this year, a 3-year-old I really like, and a 2-year-old I’m starting. My goal is simple: find good horses and enjoy the process.
PHOTOS
Top: Ratliff and his wife, Kristin, also enjoy their Missouri Fox Trotters. Ratliff’s first major competition experience was aboard a Fox Trotter, opening the door to reined cow horse.
Bottom: Brent Ratliff with his wife, Kristin, at their home in Le Sueur, Minnesota.
ADMIRABLE ASSISTANT: AMBER JOHNSON
This young horsewoman is chasing her dreams from Minnesota to California.
BY JOSIE MAC FLADAGER PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF AMBER JOHNSON
Though nervous, then-18-year-old Minnesota native Amber Johnson approached Tammy Johnston at a reined cow horse clinic that Tammy and her husband, Lance, were hosting in Wisconsin. Johnson asked Tammy how to get started in the reined cow horse business. Two and a half weeks later, Tammy called Johnson to say that an assistant trainer position was open at their operation in Lindsay, California.
After another two weeks, Johnson had quit her job and loaded her rig to make the trek to California with her dad. Johnson’s first day working for NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Lance Johnston was September 1.
Although she lived on a dairy farm, Johnson grew up around horses. Her dad started colts on the farm, and her grandad always had horses and enjoyed trail riding. Johnson would throw a fit if she were ever left behind. Her dad had worked for reined cow horse trainer Monty Bruce in northern Iowa, and Johnson spent her high school summers there. She began her first year of high school and developed the skills
Johnson, originally from a dairy farm in Minnesota, moved across the United States at 18 years old to pursue her dreams of becoming an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider and NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion®.
and work ethic that led her to the Johnston Performance Horses clinic that day in August of 2020.
Now, Johson has been working in California for five years. She has multiple titles under her belt, including the 2024 Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association Limited Open Bridle Champion, 2023 National Stock Horse Association Limited Open Bridle Champion, and the 2022 NRCHA Southwest Region Limited Open Bridle Champion.
Reined Cow Horse News: What made you want to move across the United States at 18 years old to pursue a career as a reined cow horse trainer?
Amber Johnson: It was a very hard decision. Leaving Minnesota and all my family was hard because I’m the only one out here in California, or anywhere. But I talked with my dad, and he knows how hard it is to get started in this business. Going to work for other trainers is what you have to do, no matter how far it is. If I really wanted to do it, this was the best opportunity I would have. I just needed to spread my wings and take it.
RCHN: What were you thinking before asking Tammy that question?
AJ: I was so nervous. I was texting my mom and worrying about it. I was super shy. I was like, “I don’t want
Amber Johnson is learning hard work and perseverance every day from NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Lance Johnston.
Johnson loves to score big, but her main goal is to be a horsewoman who does what’s best for the horse. From client horses to her own horse, Johnson takes every opportunity to train and show the best she possibly can.
to do this, but I should because they’re the top of the business.” I did. And I’m very thankful I did.
RCHN: What makes you love your job?
AJ: I love the horses and working for Lance. He gives me as many opportunities as I want. He’ll give me every opportunity he’s capable of—riding different horses, riding client horses, and showing those horses as well. Whether it’s his own personal horses or lower-level client horses, he’s giving me every opportunity I could ask for.
RCHN: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned working for Lance?
AJ: Keep your head up. It won’t always work out. No matter if you have a bad cow that runs you over in the herd or gets by you down the fence, keep your head up and find something positive. Let the bad things bother you, but in a good way, to make you try harder. Lance has a very bad back. He’s had multiple back surgeries, nerve damage, everything. He finds a way to wake up in the morning, go out there, and love his job, even when his back is slowing him down. I want to be as hardworking and as driven as he is. He’s like a father to me, and he treats us three girls [assistant trainers] like we’re his own children.
RCHN: What do you love most about reined cow horses?
AJ: The diversity of them. That you can go and do anything on them. If you get a good foundation on them, they can go in any direction. They’re so broke. The finesse they have in the reining and the smartness they have down the fence to be able to read a cow and be able to react on a split-second decision is incredible.
RCHN: What is your most special win to date?
AJ: I have a couple I can’t decide between. My first was the Limited Open Bridle in 2022 at the Western Derby in Arizona. It was on my own horse, Wicked Weyz. It was the first time I’d won anything at a major event, and I’d struggled with that horse a little bit because he’s so sensitive. We finally got it together and worked as a team to get the win.
That same year, I won the Level 1 Open Derby in Idaho on a horse for Kim Sabila that I had been having trouble with all year, trying to get to know him and fix a few things. I finally had my head right and went out there and marked the best I ever had on him, with the best runs I’d ever had on him.
RCHN: Does it feel better for you to get a win or get together with a horse?
AJ: To really get with that horse and have things go right. Yes, the score matters, of course. If I go out and mark a 220, I’ll be happy. But if I go out and mark a 215, but my horse was with me every step of the way, and we stayed with each other every second, and just had a very nice, clean, solid run, I’m also happy.
RCHN: Who do you turn to on long and hard days?
AJ: My mom. She’s always there for me. My whole family is always there, my dad and my sister. I talk to them a lot. They really get me through the hard days of being homesick, and if I have hard times on a horse. If I get down on myself, they help me and tell me, “You’re doing what you love. It’s not always going to work out. Keep your head up. Tomorrow is a new day.” I usually go home [to Minnesota] in the middle of the year, and then I fly home for Christmas.
RCHN: What are your goals inside and outside the show arena?
AJ: I want to be a successful horseman, not just a showman. I want to be able to take a horse, no matter how difficult it was or how sensitive it was and be able to bring out the best in that horse. I want to give that horse as much of a chance as I can. I hope one day I’ll walk into the John Justin [Arena], and my name will be up as a Million Dollar Rider and an NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Winner.
OWNER SPOTLIGHT: DAVID PRATT
For this Arkansas breeder and owner, cow horse has meant a commitment to greatness and a love of extended family.
BY JENNIFER PAULSON
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUKE JONES
David Pratt made a successful living selling fertilizer for nearly 50 years, but he’s made a life with horses. Pratt had horses early in his life, but once his granddaughter caught the horse bug, he was all in.
The Arkansas breeder and owner primarily has his stock in training with NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Luke Jones and has owned cow horses that’ve made numerous premier event finals. A championship title has thus far eluded Pratt, but he’s sure he’ll stand in the spotlight with a champion someday. No matter the outcome, he’s here for the horses, the friends, and the family.
Reined Cow Horse News: Tell us about your relationship with your granddaughter and how her interest in horses got you where you are today.
David Pratt: When she was 4 years old, we were on our way home from dinner in Jonesboro, and she wanted to go to a horse show to watch. Of course, we couldn’t say no to her, so we went and that led to her riding. She got on a 17-hand barrel horse to start that one of my friends owned. He was gentle, but it scared the
heck out of me! The next week, I bought her a beautiful leadline pony. She started doing those leadline classes, and it got me back in the horse business. She went on to be on the equestrian team at Baylor University and did very well. I bought her first reining horse
For David Pratt (far right), NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Luke Jones is more than just his horses’ trainer. Pratt considers the Joneses family. Pictured from left to right are Will, Lane, and Cort Jones with their father, Luke, at Pratt’s side.
THE RIOS OF MERCEDES FAMILY OF BRANDS
“One good part about working with Luke is he has three young boys who are just amazing on horses,” Pratt said, pictured here with Lane, the youngest son. Pratt is proud that Lane won the steer stopping phase of the 2025 NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® and sees big things in the young horseman’s future.
when she was in college, and she’s still very competitive in the reining today.
RCHN: How did you get into the sport of reined cow horse?
DP: I went to Reno, Nevada, to watch the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. I met Jay McLaughlin, and he introduced me to Luke Jones. I knew when I talked to Luke that he was probably the most honest guy I’d ever talked to. He was interested in getting to know me,
just as I was in him. The next thing you know, we decided to partner on a horse, and it went from there. We became like family.
RCHN: How involved are you with your horses that are in training?
DP: I live in northeast Arkansas, so it’s about an eight-hour drive to Luke’s in Iowa. He’s basically right on the Iowa-Missouri line. I go up there about every two months to watch the horses work.
RCHN: What keeps you motivated to stay in the game?
DP: These horses keep getting better and better. I haven’t had a horse in the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® in three years, but I had a lot of finalists up to that point. We had a heck of a run, and that’s an accomplishment. There are so many good horses competing. I also enjoy raising some of my own horses and buying prospects, too. But honestly, for me, it’s mostly the people who keep me in it.
RCHN: Outside of reined cow horses, how are you spending your retirement?
DP: I run a 10,000-acre farm with my son. I’m also a big duck hunter. We foal out five to 10 babies a year and keep them here until they go into training.
RCHN: What advice would you share with other owners?
DP: I’d tell them to buy and raise better horses. That way, if one doesn’t fit your goals or your program, they’re well-bred and can be sold pretty easily. They don’t lose value, and you don’t invest more than you should in them. Also, when you find a trainer, choose one who’s competitive, obviously, but honest. Everything has clicked between Luke and me, and his family is a big part of my life.
RCHN: What do you think makes reined cow horse stand apart from other Western sports?
DP: The office staff are easy to work with, the [NRCHA] Board is a positive driving force, you have good people working together for a great association. I just can’t say enough good things about NRCHA as an organization.
FOR THE FENCES SWING
NRCHA professional and judge Darren Miller offers insight on how to prepare a horse and rider to go down the fence.
For most non pros, especially those stepping up from the boxing or box drive, it’s a dream to turn one down the fence like Matt Koch or circle up with the confidence of Sarah Dawson. These non pros sit in the stands at NRCHA premier events, whooping and hollering, imagining what it would feel like to do the same one day.
Going down the fence is the pinnacle for many riders. It’s an exciting chapter to ride into, albeit intimidating. How does a rider know when to make that leap?
NRCHA professional and judge Darren Miller has helped many non pros decide when it’s time to step up. Here, he breaks down his key non-negotiables, as well as discusses developing the horse’s and rider’s timing, feel, and execution to prepare them for going down the fence.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY PAIGE BRANDON
Darren Miller demonstrates the rating drill, pushing a steer around the arena while maintaining proper distance. He may travel the length of the arena or all the way around, looking for softness and suppleness throughout his horse’s body.
Darren Miller is a professional NRCHA judge and trainer based in Canyon, Texas. With experience spanning nearly every facet of the cow horse industry, from breeding to training, he brings a well-rounded perspective to the arena. He’s judged every major NRCHA event, served on the NRCHA Board of Directors, and qualified for the finals at every premier limited aged event.
RECOGNIZING THE NON-NEGOTIABLES
Before any non pro attempts to go down the fence for the first time, Miller works through a mental checklist. His first non-negotiable is safety. Poor positioning on a cow can lead to falls and accidents. As a trainer, he feels responsible for setting up a rider correctly and teaching proper position to avoid mishaps.
“When it comes time, and they come here and want to learn to go down the fence, it’s my responsibility to figure out how much they know,” Miller explained.
When evaluating readiness, he considers both the horse’s and rider’s experience. He looks for a horse that can stop, turn around, and be guided. The pair must be able to steer toward and away from a cow with intention. Ideally, either the horse or rider must be more experienced than the other in the cow work, he noted.
He begins with dry work, away from cattle.
cattle standing around, that’s usually a good time because they’re going to run to a spot, and once you go by them, they’re going to stop,” he explained.
The goal is to build confidence and composure in both the horse and rider during those first few practices. Although Miller follows this general evaluation process, he noted there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, especially given the many moving parts in showing cow horses.
“There’s no magic one-step, two-step, three-step process for me,” he said. “As cliché as it sounds, every person is different, every horse is different, every arena is different, and every cow is different. It’s an individual situation every time.”
Once Miller understands the horse and rider, he teaches the pair to travel with a cow.
TRAVELING WITH THE COW
Rating is foundational in fence work. Miller noted that it’s crucial to understand it, as it can determine whether a rider turns a cow too soon or too late on the fence. Proper rating also sets up successful fence turns. A horse and rider must be in the correct position to “go by” a cow with ease and authority.
“There are some things they have to be able to do in the dry work for me to feel comfortable letting them work a single cow down the fence,” Miller said. “They must be able to gallop along, take the slack out of their reins, and stop their horse.”
After evaluating the pair in the dry work, he assesses the cattle he has available.
In a fence run, the competitor pushes the cow through the corner—where the short and long sides of the arena meet—and drives it down the long side after boxing the cow on the short wall. In doing so, the horse and rider must rate the cow by speeding up or slowing down to maintain a driving position at the hip. This foundational skill is the driving force behind the drill Miller has all non pros complete as the first step toward going down the fence.
“If you have a bunch of fresh, wild cattle, it’s probably not an ideal time for someone new to start going down the fence,” he cautioned. “If you have a bunch of half-broke beef
probably the fence.
“Once I feel comfortable helping a rider go down the fence, then for me, we don’t just go box a cow around and start down the their horse.”
Once Miller feels his horse is relaxed and “freed up,” he will “go by” to stop and turn the steer.
DARREN MILLER
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fence,” he said. “I want them to be very comfortable just traveling around with a cow.”
He’ll push a cow into the arena and have the non-pro rider step to the hip to drive it around the perimeter. This driving position on the cow—especially the distance from the cow—varies for each horse-and-rider pair.
“The right spot isn't the same for every person, horse, or cow,” he said. “That spot changes. But as a rider, it’s still important to ask, ‘Am I in the right spot? Do I need to move up? Do I need to move in? Do I need to stay in the lane I’m in?’ We talk about that a lot going down the fence.”
While traveling with the cow, a rider begins to understand “being in lane,” as Miller describes it—about a horse’s body width away. They learn to “change lanes,” moving horizontally toward or away from the cow while maintaining a straight line.
“I want them to just get comfortable, at whatever speed that cow’s going, and learn to rate that cow over a distance,” Miller said. “For most people, the starting point is getting comfortable
by, and they’ll run up there and make the prettiest fence turn they can make and have no idea that it just happened, except that in their mind’s eye, they’ve watched enough fence runs that they know what it’s supposed to feel like.”
Miller uses this same drill to help a seasoned horse soften through the corner and a younger horse learn to travel with a cow. He wants it to feel calm, like no big deal, he explained. He looks for relaxation in both the horse and rider. It should appear natural and happen with ease. Soon enough, being close to the cow no longer feels intimidating.
“One of my favorite sayings is, ‘Once you learn to work a cow, don’t wait for the cow to work you,’” Miller explained.
PREPARING FOR THE FIRST SHOW
Miller creates a game plan with each non-pro before the rider’s first fence run at a show. He considers the specific show, including the arena and type of cattle, to set the horse and rider up for success. He wants their first run to build confidence and create the best possible situation amid the many moving parts of competing in cow horse.
finding their spot, learning their rate, learning their position, and learning to breathe a little bit, because they’re not anticipating that big turn coming. All you have to do is travel around with this cow.”
He’ll have the rider maintain this position around the arena until he feels the rider is confident in that situation. Then, he may have them circle before asking for a true fence turn.
“I’m not talking about open rider-type, wide-open, right-atthe-shoulders circles,” he said. “I’m talking about 30- or 40-foot circles—almost like a pretty reining circle. It alleviates some of the anxiety people feel about going that fast and being that close to a cow. They’ll get their confidence traveling around with a cow, whether it’s in a straight line or circling. Things will work out. They’ll be in the right spot, and the cow will be in a good spot down the fence, going at the right speed. You’ll tell them to go
“Depending on what we’re setting out to do, if we’re just in springtime and getting ready for a long summer of horse showing, we plan on making three fence turns at that first show,” Miller said. “The reason we plan on making three fence turns is that I don’t want my horses ever getting comfortable on the wrong side of the cow after the second turn. We’re not schooling, but we’re trying to make a good environment and situation if we can. We can slow it down enough, step behind the cow, step between the cow and the fence, then knock the cow off the fence, get it out there, and circle right back in the center of the arena.”
“
“ONCE YOU LEARN TO WORK A COW, DON’T WAIT FOR THE COW TO WORK YOU.”
–Darren Miller
He may suggest entering a boxing or box drive class on the first day and going down the fence the next. This allows the rider to gauge the cattle. The added exposure gives the rider information to create a best-case scenario, Miller explained.
Suggesting a step back is never about ego, Miller emphasized. That recommendation comes from aiming for success and protecting the best interests of both horse and rider.
When preparing a horse and rider to go down the fence, Miller focuses on building blocks—a foundation to build through experience. By centering on confidence, timing, and correct execution, every practice and show becomes a steppingstone toward the next milestone.
“For me,” he said, “everything about horse training is the next step.”
Miller uses this drill—traveling around the perimeter of an arena with the cow—on seasoned horses to help them relax through the corner and set up for a correct fence turn.
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MILESTONES TO
A special celebration held during the 2026 NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions recognized riders, sires, dams, and breeders who’ve reached new heights in their NRCHA earnings.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER PAULSON • PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
Each milestone in the cow horse journey deserves celebration. With that in mind, the NRCHA family gathered at River Ranch Stockyards to commemorate the latest achievements of riders, sires, dams, and breeders. Whether it’s the first million or the ninth, the contributions of these individuals, both human and equine, to cow horse are undeniable.
RIDERS
1. Corey Cushing: $4 Million
The 2025 Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge proved life-changing for Corey Cushing. The accomplished horseman placed third in the event, earning $30,000 and pushing his NRCHA lifetime earnings over $4 million. That makes him the winningest NRCHA professional ever. He’s a four-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion, a three-time NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® Champion, a three-time NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Champion, and a four-time NRCHA Derby Champion.
2. Todd Crawford: $3 Million
Todd Crawford crossed $3 million in NRCHA lifetime earnings after taking the reserve champion title at the 2025 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®, presented by Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock, finals. Crawford won the 2006 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, is a twotime NRCHA Derby Champion, and a two-time NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion.
3. Boyd Rice: $2 Million
After an exciting showing at the 2025 The American Performance Horseman, Boyd Rice officially
crossed $2 million in NRCHA lifetime earnings. Rice was the 2007 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Champion and the 2014 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® Champion. He is also a multiple-time finalist in all NRCHA premier events and has earned numerous world champion titles, with many top-10 finishes.
4. Clayton Edsall: $2 Million
During the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, NRCHA professional Clayton Edsall reached $2 million in NRCHA lifetime earnings. Edsall is the 2016 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® Champion, the 2018 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion, the 2019 NRCHA Derby and NRCHA Hackamore Classic Champion, and the 2023 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion. takes
5. Zane Davis: $2 Million
During the Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity in September of 2025, Zane Davis reached NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider status. This comes 10 years after the Blackfoot, Idaho, horseman earned his first million after becoming an NRHCA professional following a successful career as a rodeo cowboy. Davis won the 2009 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, the 2014 NRCHA Hackamore Classic, the 2021 Tres Osos Derby, and the 2021 Run For A Million Invitational Fence Work.
6. Ron Emmons: $1 Million
Ron Emmons made his way onto the NRCHA Million Dollar Riders list after the 2025 Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity in September. Emmons has spent a lifetime horseback, working on Santa Barbara County ranches in his home state of California. The area is known for its rich bridle horse and vaquero traditions, and Emmons soaked it all in as he grew as a horseman. Emmons is a two-time NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® (2012 and 2013), the 2011 NRCHA Derby Champion, and an NRCHA Hall of Fame member.
7. Debbie Crafton: $1 Million
The 2025 NRCHA Hackamore Classic saw non pro rider Debbie Crafton surpass $1 million in NRCHA lifetime earnings. Crafton is only the second non pro to achieve this status. A threetime NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Champion, Crafton has topped numerous other premier events. She entered her first NRCHA show in 2018.
8. Shane Steffen: $1 Million
Shane Steffen became an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider with his earnings from the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. The Powell Butte, Oregon, horseman placed sixth in this year’s event, and the $55,000 check pushed him past the milestone. Steffen is the 2021 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®, the 2012 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Intermediate Open Champion, and a multiple-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® finalist.
9. Tucker Robinson: $1 Million
Tucker Robinson’s milestone marks more than two decades of success, including memorable victories such as the 2010 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Championship. Robinson’s growing list of accolades also includes victories at the NRCHA Derby, NRCHA Stallion Stakes, and NRCHA Hackamore Classic, placing him among just four riders in NRCHA history to win four of the association’s five premier events.
10. Brandon Buttars: $1 Million
Brandon Buttars’ journey to the million-dollar benchmark has been defined by consistency and big moments at NRCHA’s most prestigious events. His notable earnings include a reserve championship title at the 2022 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Finals, followed by a third-place finish at the 2023 NRCHA Derby. Both performances contributed to the steady rise that lifted Buttars across the million-dollar threshold.
SIRES SPONSORED BY JOHN DEERE
11. Metallic
Cat: $9 Million
The first-ever NRCHA $9 Million Sire, Metallic Cat (High Brow Cat x Chers Shadow x Peptoboonsmal), raised the bar another level in 2025. Owned by Rocking P Ranch, the 2005 red roan stallion is a National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame horse, he won the 2008 NCHA Open Futurity and was the 2009 NCHA Horse of the Year. Metallic Cat’s top offspring include Hazardouz Material (out of Scooters Daisy Dukes), Call Me Mitch (out of Miss Hickory Hill), and MoonShineAndTwoAdvil (out of Little Short Stuff).
12. WR This Cats Smart: $7 Million
The second stallion to surpass $7 million in offspring earnings, WR This Cats Smart (High Brow Cat x The Smart Look x Smart Little Lena), checked off another milestone in 2025 as a sire of cow horses. Owned by Wagonhound Land & Livestock and bred by Wiens Ranch Co., the stallion’s own performance record comes from the cutting pen, where he was a finalist in 26 NCHA major events. His legacy as a sire of reined cow horses is also undeniable, with top performers including
NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futu
Shine Smarter (out of Shiney Tari), Cabanna Boy (out of Shining Madonna), and Saddling At Sunrise (out of Sunshine Ingredient).
13. Woody Be Tuff: $3 Million
Following the 2025 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby, Woody Be Tuff crossed 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. His top performers include Zak 34 (out of Cat Digs Lucinda), CR Hes A Tuff One (out of Cat Digs Lucinda), and CR Tuffles N Lace (out of Callie Del Rey).
14. Stevie Rey Von: $3 Million
Owned by Theorem Ranch and bred by Brandon Dufurrena, Stevie Rey Von (Metallic Cat x Miss Ella Rey x Dual Rey) saw his offspring cross $3 million in NRCHA earnings at the end of 2025. Stevie Rey Von’s top NRCHA earners include some of the brightest stars that have taken center stage at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, including Tornado Jonez (of Missi Jonez), Vince Von (out of Hottness), and Life By The Drop (of Sheza DancingDiamond).
15. Metallic Rebel: $2 Million
Owned by Tim and Lisa Guinn, Metallic Rebel’s offspring crossed $2 million in NRCHA earnings in 2025. Metallic Rebel (Metallic Cat x Sweet Abra x Abrakadabracre) established his prowess in the cutting pen as the 2017 NCHA Open Horse of the Year and is a member of the NCHA Horse Hall of Fame. His highest-earning offspring include ARA Rebel King (out of Never Reylinquish), Spanish Nights (out of Lil Bit Reckless), and A Reyl Rebel (out of Never Reylinquish).
16. Dual Smart Rey: $2 Million
Just four years after making the NRCHA Million Dollar Sires list, Dual Smart Rey (Dual Rey x The Smart Look x Smart Little Lena) now has earners of more than $2 million. He’s
owned by Strawn Valley Ranch. His highest NRCHA earners include Duals Lucky Charm (out of TRR Ms Pepcid Olena), ReysMHigh (out of Prowlin High), and Jule Smart Rey (out of Soula Jule Forever).
17. Hottish: $1 Million
Even after his passing in 2020, Hottish left a mark on the Western performance world, becoming an NRCHA Million Dollar Sire. Hottish (Spots Hot x Stylish Play Lena x Docs Stylish Oak) earned more than $1,000,000 in NRCHA competition. He was owned by Dustin and Deena Adams and bred by Double Dove Ranch. His top NRCHA performers include Hott Rod (out of Sugars Smart Kitty), Roanmeo (out of Trouble N Roan), and DT HotLilShineyChex (out of Lil Miss Shiney Chex).
18. Call Me Mitch: $1 Million
A champion in his own right, Call Me Mitch (Metallic Cat x Miss Hickory Hill x Doc’s Hickory) won the 2024 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® with owner Phillip Ralls in the saddle. Call Me Mitch’s top-earning offspring include Ive Been Everywhere (out of Travalano Missy), Son Of A Mitch (out of Jackies Sparkle), and Itchin Ta Shine (out of Sheza Shinette).
19. Scooter Kat: $1 Million
Owned by Scooter Kat Partners (Eric Freitas, Justin Wright, and Jimmy Draper), Scooter Kat (Kit Kat Sugar x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey) was bred by Taylor Carbo and lit up the arena with Justin Wright in the saddle. His top performers include Lil Mini Scooter (out of Lil Play Rey), RAB Shiney Scooter (out of This Shiney Miss), and Scooter Five (out of Kat Five).
20. Reyzin The Cash: $1 Million
Owned and bred by Iron Rose Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado, Reyzin The Cash (Dual Rey x Spookys Cash x Miss N Cash) has more than $275,000 in NCHA earnings. His top NRCHA
performers include Cash Trades (out of Smooth Peanutbutter), The Cash Train (out of Metallic Train), and Reyzin Peaches (out of Shinin Peaches).
21. Travelin Jonez: $1 Million
Owned by Chris Dawson and Linda Mars, Travelin Jonez (Smart Chic Olena x Travelin With Sass x Travalena), the stallion took the cow horse world by storm in 2013, winning the Celebration of Champions Derby, the NRCHA Stallion Stakes, and the NRCHA Derby. His top performers include Juliette Jonez (out of Shine Smarter), Travelin Miss Jonez (out of Playin With Rubies), and Me And Mrs Jonez (out of Shine Smarter).
DAMS SPONSORED BY EAST WEST EQUINE
22. Shiners Diamond Girl: $750,000
Owned by San Juan Ranch and bred by Carol Rose, Shiners Diamond Girl (Shining Spark x Zans Diamond Jackie x Zans Diamond Sun) had offspring that earned over $750,000 in NRCHA earnings in 2025. Her top performers include SJR Talkin Diamonds (by Smooth Talkin Style), CD Diamond (by CD Olena), and SJR Royal Diamond (by One Time Royalty).
Shiners Little Oak: $500k (This photo has both her awards) Bred by Carol Rose and owned by San Juan Ranch, Shiners Little Oak (Shining Spark x Oaks Little Diamond x Docs Oak) surpassed $500,000 in offspring earnings in 2025. Her top NRCHA earners include SJR Hitime Shine (by High Brow Cat), SJR Smooth Lil Oak (by Smooth As A Cat), and Stylish Little Oak (by Playin Stylish).
23. Cat Digs Lucinda: $500k
Owned by Creek Plantation in Martin, South Carolina, Cat Digs Lucinda (High Brow Cat x Lenas Lucinda x Doc Olena) represents diversity for the Morris family, with her offspring succeeding across many Western sports. Her top NRCHA earners include Zak 34 (by Woody Be Tuff), CR Hes A Tuff One (by Woody Be Tuff),
and CR Woody Dig It (by Woody Be Tuff).
24. Shiney Nu Annie: $500k
The 2015 NRCHA Derby winner, Shiney Nu Annie (Shining Spark x Annies Nu Lena x Nu Cash), owned by Loren Booth and bred by Carol Rose, produced offspring that earned more than $500,000 in NRCHA events. Her top performers include Annies Smart Cat (by WR This Cats Smart), Nu Passport (by WR This Cats Smart), and The Kool Kat (by WR This Cats Smart).
25. Never Reylinquish: $500k
Owned by Billy Wolf of Whitesboro, Texas, and bred by Don Ballard, Never Reylinquish (Dual Rey x Look Never Mind x Squeak Toy) is a cutter-turned-producer. In 2025, she joined the NRCHA $500,000 Dams list. Her top performers include ARA Rebel King (by Metallic Rebel), A Reyl Rebel (by Metallic Rebel), and Reyl Metal (by Metallic Cat).
BREEDERS
26. Wagonhound Land & Livestock: $3 Million
The Douglas, Wyoming, Wagonhound Land & Livestock’s breeding program produces high-quality ranch horses for its own cowboys and the public, but its proven producers go far beyond athletic, gritty using horses. In 2025, Wagonhound Land & Livestock’s top performers included One Time Melody (One Time Pepto x Reys Stressin Melody x Reys Dual Badger), Cats Tell Secrets (WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel x One Time Pepto), and RBS Playing Nurse (WR This Cats Smart x NurseWare x Dual Rey).
27. Michelle Cannon: $ 1 Million
Michelle Cannon, owner of Cannon Quarter Horses, has cemented her NRCHA legacy by breeding outstanding stock that performs at the highest levels. In 2025, Cannon’s top performers included Rey Mo Rebel (Metallic Rebel x Mo Faye Rey x Dual Rey), Believe
FOR YOUR TOTAL OF $1 MILLION IN CASH AND AWARDS! WORLD CHAMPIONS WIN $5,000! RESERVE WORLD CHAMPIONS WIN $2,500 THIRD PLACES WIN $1,500 (Level 3 classes, judging & speech contests) Presented by the Kimes Ranch Competition Award Fund
JULY 29 - AUGUST 9, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY
Im Smart (Dont Stopp Believin x One Smart Long Legs x One Smart Long Legs), and Metallic Superstar (Metallic Cat x Lil Shiny Long Legs x Shining Spark).
28. Aaron Ranch: $1 Million
Aiming to combine performance and versatility to their mission of continuing the legacy of Blue Valentine bloodlines, Aaron Ranch surpassed $1 million as NRCHA breeders. Based in Commerce, Texas, its top performers include Smart Chic An Tari (Smart Chic Olena x Shiney Tari x Shining Spark), Bad To Tha Boon (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On Merada x Bet On Me 498), and Venom
Boonsmal (Peptoboonsmal x A Black Widow x High Brow Cat).
Taylor Carbo: $1 Million (Not Pictured)
It only took two NRCHA competitors to catapult Taylor Carbo onto the NRCHA Million Dollar Breeders list, yet those two horses have left an undeniable mark on the sport's history. Primarily known as a non pro cutting competitor, Carbo is from Plaquemine, Louisiana. His two top performers are Scooter and Hazardouz Material (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes l Smart Rey).
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WITH A
Riding Hackamore
Aside from adjustment, proper cueing with a hackamore makes or breaks your success in using this piece of equipment. My methods fall in line with traditional training theories I learned from iconic horse trainers such as Benny Guitron— a notable hackamore master and reined cow horse legend.
BY COREY CUSHING, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON
BY JENNIFER PAULSON
ONE
When riding with a hackamore, keep your knuckles flat so you can more effectively cue your horse to go left or right with a direct pull and follow up with a neck-rein cue from the opposite side. Loop the excess of your hackamore’s rein and hold the coil in your left hand so you can feed out more rein or remove excess rein as needed. Keep your hands close together so your cues more closely resemble what you’ll use riding one-handed in the bridle.
TWO
A hand position like you’re holding an ice-cream cone is great for romal reins, but it’s not effective when using a hackamore. With your hands straight up and down, you’re more apt to pull toward your thighs and knees. This motion works solely off your horse’s nose—and that’s not the point of the hackamore. Flat hands and pulling toward your hips and buckle result in the correct hackamore action, which works on your horse’s nose and his chin.
This article originally appeared in Horse&Rider magazine. Read more at HorseandRider.com and learn about their subscription video on-demand program, RideTV, at ridetv.go.
THREE
When you pick up one hand with flat knuckles and a pull toward your hip, your horse responds to that pull more effectively. Here I lift my left hand to pick up my horse’s left shoulder and flex his nose to his chest. He responds in a willing, soft manner that aligns with my slow, easy pull to place pressure on the bridge of his nose and his chin. I use my outside rein and leg to support my cue and help my horse’s response. My right hand stays low, so I don’t completely confine my horse’s forward motion, and it comes to the left to support my left hand’s cue.
FOUR
Here’s another example of my hand position eliciting the response I’m looking for. The pull from my right hand, toward my hip, directs my horse in his spin to the right. My left hand stays close to my right, supporting my direct-rein cue and pushing my horse to turn to the right. My hands work in tandem to help my horse get more accustomed to what he’ll feel in one-handed riding as he progresses in his training.
FIVE
When my hands are in neutral, as here loping a relaxed, easy circle around the arena, I keep a soft feel on my horse’s face. My knuckles are flat, and I hold my hands close together. My tie rope is adjusted properly—not too long nor too short. This is a good example of my horse “loping his own circle.” Helping your horse into form and having body control are good, but don’t let your horse use you as a crutch. If you’re lifting his shoulders and driving with your feet, you’re doing more work than he is. As long as you’re guiding him on the path of travel, he should be able to carry himself in a comfortable frame, as my horse is here, and be ready to respond to your next cue.
SIX
As your horse responds well to two-handed cues, you can move to some one-handed riding in a hackamore and easily go back to two hands when needed. Don’t be afraid to check your homework. Put your reins in one hand, and ride like you will in a bridle with romal reins. Steer one-handed to check his response. Is he learning and improving from when you started? Or does he rely on you to keep him in check? This will give you a feel for your progress toward riding him in the two rein or the bridle as he matures.
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FIRST-TIME FIREPOWER
Jordan Williams and Jaymes Bond (Metallic Cat x Shortys Jay Ray x Dual Rey), owned by Bonds Ranch, earned 885.5 points (H: 221.5/R: 220/SS: 225/C: 219) to take the 2026 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® presented by Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock title and a check for $150,000.
FIREPOWER
Jordan Williams topped a salty field of competitors to take the title by 4.5 points with longtime partner Jaymes Bond.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER PAULSON / PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
Jordan Williams experienced many firsts going into finals night of the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® presented by Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock. Let’s start with the biggest: it was his first time entering the event, which had a field of 79 competitors ranging from developing assistant trainers to multi-million-dollar riders. Williams has done plenty of pasture roping and ranch roping, but this marked the first time he’d roped in a competitive setting. He’s shown on the big stage plenty of times, winning his first major event last year at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby. However, this was his first time competing in the Will Rogers Coliseum on a Saturday night, with pyrotechnics, booming music, and an exuberant crowd.
All those firsts could’ve rattled his confidence, shaken his mindset, and landed him and his trusted Jaymes Bond (Metallic Cat x Shortys Jay Ray x Dual Rey), owned by Bonds Ranch, at the bottom of the pack.
But Williams was ready. He had faith in his partner, “Jaymes.” He believed in his preparation. He trusted his talent. It all came together to earn him a 4.5-point margin victory, with 885.5 (H: 221.5/R: 220/SS: 225/C: 219), a $150,000 payout, and a title many covet, and few call their own: NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®.
COMING UP COWBOY
Williams always had ranching in his blood and around him, but from age 5, he was a “townie,” and his interactions with horses and time on his family’s ranch dwindled. Sports and school programs filled the gaps until he was about 10 years old, when his maternal uncle, Thomas Saunders, picked up Williams from summer camp one day.
“I asked him, ‘Why are we going to the ranch?’” Williams recalled. “I was nervous because I hadn’t had a lot of time on the ranch other than with a pony that made me scared to death of horses. If a little one could rake me off, I didn’t want anything to do with a big one where there’s no telling what he could do!”
Williams spent two summers helping on the ranch, avoiding the horseback work by doing what he calls “grunt work”—picking rocks and sticks from the arena, weed eating, mowing, hauling trash, and cutting branches—work no one else wanted to do. Finally, at age 14, he decided he wanted to be involved in the colt-starting and ranch work his family enjoyed.
“Being second-to-last draw in the steer stopping, I got to watch a lot of guys go,” Williams said. “I told myself, ‘You’re not going to miss.’ I didn’t envision waving it off, splitting horns, or missing at all. All I was going to do was rope the heck out of it.”
“My confidence started to build,” Williams said. “I was probably 14 when I started my first colt. As I got older, I got to participate more with some of the young horses, but mostly I got to watch a lot of really good cowboys and learn their techniques and a lot of different ways to do things. There’s nobody better than my Uncle Thomas, especially with a rough or rank horse that’s broncy and doesn’t want to be your friend. I learned a lot watching those guys, so when I stepped into it, through all that watching and developing a feel for it, it stuck with me, and my passion for it grew.”
Once he could drive, you couldn’t keep Williams off the ranch until he went to Texas Tech University, where
he joined the ranch horse team and was first introduced to cow horse-type events. He went on to work for Bozo Rogers in 2013, which launched his professional training career, including training horses for Bonds Ranch.
BUILDING BONDS
April Bonds can’t believe she didn’t meet Willams before “Jaymes” started training with the young professional. They grew up in the same area and knew many of the same people. Over the years, Bonds and her family have become part of Willams’ family, setting the stage for a trusting, honest partnership that values progress with the horses more than winning titles.
“We always knew Jaymes was special
TOP 15 WORLD’S GREATEST HORSEMAN®
(Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)
1. Jordan Williams; Jaymes Bond; 18S (Metallic Cat x Shortys Jay Ray x Dual Rey); Bonds Ranch; 885.5 (H: 221.5/R: 220/SS: 225/C: 219); $150,000
2. Chris C. Dawson; Zak 34; 18S (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat); Melissa Fischer; 881 (H: 216/R: 222/SS: 226/C: 217); $75,000
3. Tucker J. Robinson; Smooth Outta Style; 2017G (Smooth Talkin Style x Dualin Curly Pep x Dual Pep); Julie Weinhardt & F. Velazquez; 875.5 (H: 218.5/R: 221.5/SS: 217/C: 218.5); $45,000
4. Brandon C. Buttars; Cuttin Wright Up; 11G (Hes Wright On x Isabellena x Quejanaisalena); David I. Beckett; 874.5 (H: 214 /R: 212.5/SS: 223.5/C: 224.5); $25,000
5. Matt J. Koch; MPH Voodoo Badger; 18G (Shiners Voodoo Dr x JRS Jessie Badger x Watch Darin Skip); David Mize; 871.5 (H: 214.5/R: 216/SS: 218/C: 223); $17,500
6. Abbie Phillips; Peptos Stylin Time; 15S (One Time Pepto x Stylin Jewel x Docs Stylish Oak); Kelby and/or Abbie Phillips; 870.5 (H: 221/R: 218/SS: 222.5/C: 209); $14,500
7. Adan Banuelos; Purrn Likeasmoothcat; 13S (Smooth As A Cat x Purr N Like Magic x Abrakadabracre); Ascencion Banuelos; 869.5 (H: 226/R: 212/SS: 216.5/C: 215); $10,000
8. Clayton M. Edsall; One Time Melody; 17M (One Time Pepto x Reys Stressin Melody x Reys Dual Badger); Cooper Smith; 869 (H: 221.5/R: 213/SS: 215/C: 219.5); $10,000
8. Luke J. Jones; One Time Sannman; 19S (Sannman x One Little Reygina x One Time Pepto); Charlie Porter; 869 (H: 213.5/R: 217/SS: 222.5/C: 216); $10,000
10. Todd Crawford; CRC 1942; 19G (Dual Smart Rey x Some Kinda Merada x Cats Merada); Timmi-Jo or Wade Lisac; 868.5 (H: 218/R: 221/SS: 220/C: 209.5); $10,000
11. Phillip J. Ralls; Son Of A Mitch; 17G (Call Me Mitch x Jackies Sparkle; x Nic It In The Bud) The Trust of Billie Jo Ralls DTD; 868 (H: 208/R: 221/SS: 220.5/C: 218.5); $9,000
12. Jay McLaughlin; Bring It Skippy; 19S (Reyzin The Cash x Smooth Peanutbutter x Smooth As A Cat); Bruce Logan; 860 (H: 224/R: 218/SS: 198.5/C: 219.5); $9,000
13. Corey D. Cushing; WR Iceman; 18G (WR This Cats Smart x Lean Irish Playgirl x Paddys Irish Whiskey); Eric & Wendy Dunn; 854 (H: 218.5/R: 220/SS: 193.5/C: 222); $8,500
14. Kyle Trahern; A Starlights Magnum; 17G (Magnum With A Dream x Shiny Starlight x Grays Starlight); Kyle Trahern; 852 (H: 214 /R: 223.5/SS: 198.5/C: 216); $8,500
15. Clay Volmer; Metallic Casanova; 18S (Metallic Cat x Dark And Sultry x Spots Hot); Pitzer Ranch/Dack Cattle LLC; 845.5 (H: 217.5/R: 215/SS: 198/C: 215); $8,500
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Chris C. Dawson rode Zak 34 (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat), owned by Melissa Fischer, earned 881 points (H: 216/R: 222/SS: 226/C: 217) to take the reserve champion title and a check for $75,000.
and that we’d be looking for a trainer,” Bonds shared. “Jordan’s name was brought up by our then-foreman. I knew he’d understand our ‘ranch factor’ really well and was cowboy enough and a good enough hand to let the horse be a little ranchy and not keep him in a performance bubble. All Jordan needed was a chance. The right horse. A chance to go all the way. His talent, love of the sport, humility, and determination were always going to take him far, and we knew that especially as we got to know him personally.”
That shared focus has made Jaymes one of Williams’ most solid mounts. So solid that Bonds wanted to enter the horse in
the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® after the stallion won the 2024 Open Two Rein World Championship.
“April asked how I felt about that, and I was honest with her,” Williams said. “I told her that I wasn’t sure the horse was ready. It might’ve been that I didn’t feel ready, but there were some spots that I didn’t feel were solid enough for us to go do that yet. I didn’t want to put the horse’s reputation in jeopardy, nor my own or the ranch’s. She was really good about it, and I think showing that horse straight up in the bridle as a 7-year-old and winning that national title and then winning at the [NRCHA Kimes Ranch] Derby in Scottsdale [Arizona], it
MEET THE SPONSORS
Western Bloodstock LTD. is a horse auction company based in Weatherford, Texas, that is run by Jeremy Barwick. Western Bloodstock began working with the National Reined Cow Horse Association when the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® moved to Fort Worth, Texas, and handles the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Sales held every fall during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. The company elevated its support of NRCHA to a Corporate Partner level in 2021 and matched the then-purse of $50,000 for the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® winner, making it $150,000. For more information, visit westernbloodstock.com
Ray Shell Ranch joined as a title sponsor of the 2024 NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman®, thanks to ranch owners Michelle and Reagan Horton’s commitment to cow horse. The Horton family’s Strawn Valley Ranch was founded in 1998 with an emphasis on the cutting horse and through their ownership and promotion of the remarkable champion sire Dual Smart Rey. The family’s legacy is continued as they embark on success with the next generation under the new title, Ray Shell Ranch. This renaissance and interest in the reined cow horse is mainly due to Horton’s daughter Madeline’s passion for the reined cow horse industry.
///// $10,000 FOR A ROUND
Each phase of the preliminary rounds of the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® offers a $10,000 check to the winner. It’s an incentive to newcomers and familiar faces to enter and take their chance at an additional payout.
Thank you to our sponsors Oswood Stallion Station, National Reining Horse Association, American Rope Horse Futurities Association, and One Time Pepto.
Sarah Dawson/Smart Chic An Tari
(Smart Chic Olena x Shiney Tari x Shining Spark )
Score: 224
Owner: Aaron Ranch
Breeder: Carol Rose
Justin Wright/Smart Lookin Secrets
(WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel x One Time Pepto)
Score: 224
Owner: Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC
Breeder: Cows & Horses Etc.
REINED WORK
Sarah Dawson/Smart Chic An Tari
(Smart Chic Olena x Shiney Tari x Shining Spark)
Score: 227
Owner: Aaron Ranch
Breeder: Carol Rose
STEER STOPPING
Chris Dawson/Zak 34
built a lot of confidence. I felt like we made the right decision. My horse felt confident and consistent.”
Bonds agrees that their relationship’s direct nature has helped keep them on the same page and progressing forward.
“The dynamic we have is always up front and honest,” she said. “We’ve been clear that winning doesn’t always mean success. As long as he’s preparing at home and developing, we’re along with him for the ride.”
THE WINNING RUNS
“It took an 879 to make the finals,” Williams stated. “That’s basically 220s across the board [in each phase]. That’s unbelievable. What an accomplishment in itself. Anyone who made the finals should consider themselves a winner, because goodness gracious, that’s tough.”
Moving from the prelims to the finals, Williams focused on maintaining his mindset—he didn’t want to change anything with his horse, which felt solid and prepared throughout the prelims.
Kicking off the herd work, Williams and Jaymes earned a solid 221.5, starting the competition in third position. Then came the plot twist: a huge 225 in the steer stopping, placing second behind Chris Dawson and Zak 34 (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat).
(Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat)
Score: 227
Owner: Melissa Fischer
Breeder: Center Ranch
COW WORK
Adan Banuelos/ Purrn Likeasmoothcat
“I’ve never even competed in a local team roping jackpot,” Williams said with a laugh. “So, when I did that, and they marked it a 225, it was pretty emotional for me in the moment. I realized I had a real shot. Then I became really calm because it was like, just go do your job and let the chips fall where they may.”
Their reined work earned a 220, putting them in a solid position going into the cow work.
(Smooth As A Cat x Purr N Like Magic x Abrakadabracre)
Score: 229
Owner: Ascencion Banuelos
Breeder: Kathryn L. Brown s
“We had a few baubles [in the cow work],” he admitted. “We weren’t perfect, but we did the best we could. I knew after that run that I’d left the door open. When Chris Dawson is lurking, you can’t count your chickens. That guy is the ultimate competitor when it comes to fence work. I’ll argue with anybody that he’s the best in the business. All he needed was a 221.5 to take the lead. He didn’t get the cow he needed to do it, and I was very fortunate in that regard.”
With the victory secured, Williams’ family, friends, and fans once again erupted with cheers for the first-time winners.
“We’ve all gone through a lot of things together, and they know that if the role was reversed and they’re in the finals, I’m up there doing the same thing for them,” he said. “I want to see them win just as badly as they want to see me win. Without them, none of this is possible. Without them, what’s it all worth?”
HERD WORK (TIE)
Built for dirt, dust, and hard work; Arenaflex keeps you cool and comfortable when heat and humidity are at their worst.
WRECKING MACHINE MACHINE
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
“Cole Hawk crushed the competition with Stylish Boone to win his first-ever NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® title.
The thing I like most about him is he can wreck a cow.”
Cole Hawk proved this true about his mount Stylish Boone (Stylish Rey Gay x RS Stars N Boonlight x Boonlight Dancer), owned by the Hawk Family Trust, as he pursued the NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™. The pair absolutely dominated the fence work during the main competition with a score of 150.5 and then took the fence-only finals with a 148.
“He has the ability and the body mass and the power to literally just waylay a cow,” he said with a smile. “Whenever we go down the fence or rope or any of it, he brings it every time.”
Partners for just two years, “Alvin” and Cole have come a long way. Their preparation for this event was simple and straightforward.
“We went to Jay’s [McLaughlin] a bit and practiced and did a few practice shows to get ready,” he shared. “Tyler Mangus lives about 30 minutes away from us, so he’s helped me out a lot in the roping. But most of my preparation was mentally preparing. The ability to know, ‘Hey, I’ve got this roping.’ I needed to be mentally prepared for what might be the biggest thing for me to overcome.”
Their plan came together, with Hawk and Alvin amassing 724 points composite (H: 138/R: 143/SS: 144/C: 150/F: 148).
“With my herd work, I was so happy to have survived it,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve had trouble with the herd before, and we don’t get to practice it as much. The cattle were a little stirred up by the runs before mine, and I was pretty nervous. So, I was pretty
a composite 724 (H: 138/R: 143/SS: 144.5/C: 150.5/F: 148). The successful campaign earned the high-school senior $6,410.
Cole Hawk rode Stylish Boone (Stylish Rey Gay x RS Stars N Boonlight x Boonlight Dancer), owned by the Hawk Family Trust, to top the NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® field with
Just one point behind the leaders, Westin Clearwater and Reygiddy Ann (Dual Smart Rey x Cee N Stars x Grays Starlight), owned by Justabouta Ranch Inc., took the reserve championship with 723.5 (H: 145/R: 139/SS: 145.5/C: 147.5/F: 146.5) for $5,128.
happy I survived and didn’t lose a cow.”
Hawk felt his reined work was on par with his expectations.
“I thought my reined work was pretty good,” he shared. “I could’ve done a few things better, but it was pretty on point for me and my horse.”
Hawk admitted feeling happy and relieved when he caught his steer and earned a solid 144 for the effort. He followed that with a huge 150.5 down the fence to solidify his spot in the finals.
“That [score] carried me through the whole thing,” he said. “I really enjoy going down the fence—I’ve always loved doing that. And that was a great run to have.”
The Saturday-night fence-only finals come with a loud crowd and booming music on top of general nerves about competing. But Hawk took it all in stride.
“I was very excited,” he admitted. “I’ve been to some finals before, but never in that huge of a moment. That was exciting
to me. I couldn’t hear the judge’s horn because everyone was screaming and it was so loud. That was awesome.”
But it wasn’t over yet. Hawk had to wait for Westin Clearwater to perform before he could seal the victory.
“I actually didn’t know my placing,” he said. “I didn’t have my phone on me, and my dad said I was sitting third. I had no idea. I was just watching and listening and ready to congratulate the winner. All the sudden, Jay walks up and congratulates me. My dad was over there laughing, and I had no clue what was going on. He wanted to surprise me. I had no idea until everyone was done!”
Hawk has solid advice for youths contemplating a run at the NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® title.
“Be as well-rounded as you can,” he advised. “Try to have the best mindset you can and remain humble. Do your best, try as hard as you can, and if you mess up on something, don’t let it get your entire run.”
Hawk is a senior in high school and has his sights set on big things for the future. He’s interested in pursuing aviation, whether it be at a university or through the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. But before he heads off to higher education, he looks forward to competing in The Run For A Million Youth Cow Horse Challenge with the valued support of his friends, family, and trainer.
MEET MARS EQUESTRIAN™
MARS EQUESTRIAN™ is dedicated to equine sports and building a legacy of horsemen. That’s why MARS, sponsored by MARS, Incorporated, is the presenting sponsor of the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman®. Eleven competitors advanced to the cow work finals after competing in events throughout the week.
MARS EQUESTRIAN™ has sponsored world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, as well as shown dedication to sustainability, with the goal of improving the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them.
Learn more about the event’s sponsor at marsequestrian.com, on Instagram @marseques trian, and search MARS EQUESTRIAN on Facebook.
TOP 10 WORLD’S GREATEST YOUTH HORSEMAN®
PRESENTED BY MARS EQUESTRIAN™ (Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)
1. Cole Hawk; Stylish Boone; 13G (Stylish Rey Gay x RS Stars N Boonlight x Boonlight Dancer); Hawk Family Trust; 724.0 (H: 138/R: 143/SS: 144.5/C: 150.5/F: 148); $6,410
2. Westin Clearwater; Reygiddy Ann; 13M (Dual Smart Rey x Cee N Stars x Grays Starlight); Justabouta Ranch Inc; 723.5 (H: 145/R: 139/SS: 145.5/C: 147.5/F: 146.5); $5,128
3. Landri Lisac; Lookslikelucktome; 13M (Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep); Timothy and Katherine Miller; 723 (H: 146/R: 145/SS: 140/C: 147.5/F: 144.5); $4,166.50
4. Caden Allen; Show With Style; 19G (Smooth Talkin Style x Smart Kitty RG x High Brow Cat); Ashley Greco; 722 (H: 145/R: 143/SS: 146.5/C: 147.5/F: 140); $3,525.50
5. Boyd Wilson; Annies Playin Cat; 09G (Annies Cat x Bob Playin x Bobs Freckle); Veronica M. Swales; 720.5 (H: 139/R: 142.5/SS: 149.5/C: 146/F: 143.5); $2,884.50
6. Taylor Allen; Dual Smarty; 17G (Dual Smart Rey x Cats Gabriella Acre x Cats Merada); Taylor Allen; 719 (H: 147/R: 140.5/SS: 143.5/C: 143.5/F: 144.5); $2,243.50
7. Colt Jesperson; Mister Ballistic; 18G (Metallic Cat x Playgun Is Smart x Playgun); Cassidy C Jesperson; 713.5 (H: 141/R: 143.5/SS: 146/C: 141/F: 142); $2,243.50
8. Jack Kimes; Oaks Dual Rey; 07G (TR Dual Rey x Docs Pearly Oak x Doc’s Oak); Matthew Kimes; 712 (H: 144/R: 141.5/SS: 142/C: 144/F: 140.5); $1,602.50
9. Kassady Helsen; Blinded By The Storm; 17S (Blind Sided x Dew It Flo x Mr Peponita Flo); Jace C Sheridan; 710 (H: 140/R: 144/SS: 145.5/C: 140/F: 140.5); $1,602.50
10. Levi Swales; My Purrfect Cat; 18M (Annies Cat x Prettiest Mate Yet x Smart Mate); Terry Hewitt; 709.5 (H: 138/R: 138.5/SS: 146.5/C: 145/F: 141.5); $1,121.75
The late, great Robbie Schroeder was most known as a roper; however, those who knew him best recognize he was a student of horsemanship. Each year, a custom Jeff Smith Saddlery memorial saddle is awarded to the high-scoring steer stopper in the NRCHA World’s Greatest Youth Horseman®. The 2026 honor went to Boyd Wilson riding Annies Playin Cat. The pair marked a 149.5 and finished fifth overall in the event.
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION COW HORSE CHALLENGE WINNER
Eli Naylor of Hayward, Wisconsin, won the NHSRA Cow Horse Challenge with a 291 composite score aboard Siouxperman (A Shiner Named Sioux x Budacious x Nic It In The Bud). The pair score a 144 in the reined work and a strong 147 on the cow and pocketed $1,980 for the win.
ROY EDSALL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Each year, the Roy Edsall Scholarship Award is presented to an NRCHYA member who demonstrates admirable sportsmanship, horsemanship, and respect for his or her equine partner. The 2026 Roy Edsall Award went to Natalie Mori.
RAFTER P CONSTRUCTION YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Rafter P Construction Youth Scholarship supports the next generation of the Western industry, especially those headed into trade programs after high school. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Statlen Hughes, of Beaver, Utah, who's pursuing a career in welding, and Shelby Beidleman, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, also pursuing a future in welding.
CONQUERING
TTHE WORLD
Top horses and riders convened in Fort Worth, Texas, to vie for coveted NRCHA World Champion titles.
he 2026 NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions brought out the true heart and grit demonstrated by the top horses and riders in reined cow horse. Each participant in the World Champion classes earned their spot in their class by showing in three NRCHA-sanctioned events, earning one-half point in that class, earning a finalist spot in that event in either the 2025 American Quarter Horse Association or American Paint Horse Association World Championship Shows, or placing in the top 10 at the Stock Horse of Texas World Show. Each event has a preliminary round, and then the finalists vie for coveted titles—and enviable prizes—that celebrate the hard work they’ve put in to achieve their goals.
Here are the 2026 NRCHA World Champions, as well as the winners of the horse show classes held alongside the World Championships.
OPEN BRIDLE
CHAMPION
Sprinkld Confetticat/Shane Steffen
(WR This Cats Smart x PPH Especial Nitro x Nitro Dual Doc)
Score: 441 (R: 219.5/C: 221.5)
Payout: $14,274
Owner: South Cove Ranch LLC
Breeder: Danielle Markham
RESERVE CHAMPION
Snapdragons/Zane Davis
(Gunnatrashya x Catnaps x High Brow Cat)
Score: 440 (R: 220/C: 220)
Payout: $10,980
Owner: Shane A. Law
Breeder: Flying V Ranch
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE
NON PRO BRIDLE
CHAMPION
Landri Lisac/LooksLikeLuckToMe
(Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep)
Score: 440 (R: 218/C: 222)
Payout: $5,145
Owner: Timothy and Katherine Miller
Breeder: Kevin and Sydney Knight
RESERVE CHAMPION
Sabrina Williams/CR Woody Dig It (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat)
Score: 434 (R: 212.5/C: 221.5)
Payout: $4,116
Owner: Kacey Jo Williams
Breeder: Center Ranch
CHAMPION
CD Boss Is Holm/Alex Byrom
(CD Lights x Smart Little Dodie x Smart Little Lena)
Score: 432 (R: 217/C: 215)
Payout: $4,230
Owner: Alex Byrom
Breeder: Dick and/or Dodie Holm
RESERVE CHAMPION
VE One Hired Gun/Bailey Bearup (Hired Gun x One Autumn Breeze x One Time Pepto)
Score: 430 (R: 217.5/C: 212.5)
Payout: $3,384
Owner: Vera Early Ranch Inc.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE
LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE
CHAMPION
Avalon Goldstein/Once Upon A Hicapoo (Once In A Blu Boon x SDP Hydriven Hicapoo x Hydrive Cat)
Score: 436 (R: 213.5/C: 222.5)
Payout: $4,240
Owner: Avalon Goldstein
Breeder: Chris or Tracy Brengard
RESERVE CHAMPION
Kaitlyn Widener/Tuckin Badger (Badgers Play Fair x Tuckin Lena x Shawn O Lena)
Score: 434.5 (R: 216/C: 218.5)
Payout: $3,392
Owner: Kaitlyn Widener
CHAMPION
Lara Myer/Metallic Duals
(Metallic Cat x Duals Play Kit x Kit Dual)
Score: 431.5 (R: 214/C: 217.5)
Payout: $4,055
Owner: Spring Haven Ranches
Breeder: Tim and Pat Dewey
RESERVE CHAMPION
Kelsey D. Fulmer/Starlight Driver
(Hydrive Cat x Starlights Lynn x Grays Starlight)
Score: 428.4 (R: 214/C: 214.5)
Payout: $3,244
Owner: Kelsey Delaplaine Fulmer
Breeder: Vicki Guilfoil
OPEN HACKAMORE
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE
CHAMPION
Wyldcat /Isaac Johnson
(Jaguarr x So Desired x Desires Little Rex)
Score: 432 (R: 217.5/C: 214.5)
Payout: $4,375
Owner: Mill Iron Livestock/Tyson & Del Bieleny
Breeder: Del Bieleny
RESERVE CHAMPION
Ima Jackie Rey/Isaac Johnson
(Stevie Rey Von x Ima Sixy Chick Anna x Ima Doc Olena)
Score: 428.5 (R: 214/C:214.5)
Payout: $3,437.50
Owner: Bridget Smith
Breeder: Jimmie Jack Smith
CHAMPION
Razor Scooter/Russell Dilday
(High Brow Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey)
Score: 440 (R: 221/C: 219)
Payout: $12,820
Owner: Russell and Tanna Dilday
Breeder: Aaron L. Cook
RESERVE CHAMPION
Paint It Blak/Shawn Hays (CR Gotcha Covered x Herbs Lady x Grays Starlight)
Score: 439.5 (R: 217.5/C: 222)
Payout: $9,615
Owner: Angela Massey
Breeder: Julie and Mike Magness
NON PRO HACKAMORE
OPEN TWO REIN
CHAMPION
Shes Reys Cat/Clifton Shopbell
(WR This Cats Smart x Shes Playin Rey x TR Dual Rey)
Score: 438.5 (R: 217.5/C: 221)
Payout: $8,980
Owner: Michelle Shopbell
Breeder: Gregg Lafitte
RESERVE CHAMPION
Timefornewstockings/Brandon Buttars
(Hickory Holly Time x Stylish In Stockings x Peptoboonsmal)
Score: 438 (R: 218.5/C: 219.5)
Payout: $7,184
Owner: Cow Down Performance Horses
Breeder: CJ and Bob Lembke
CHAMPION
Debbie Crafton/SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal)
Score: 442 (R: 221/C: 221)
Payout: $4,577
Owner: Debbie Crafton
Breeder: San Juan Ranch
RESERVE CHAMPION
Amy Bailey/Lightly Armed (PG Heavily Armed x Starlight Starbrite x Somebody Smart)
Score: 441 (R: 215/C: 226)
Payout: $3,283.50
Owner: Paul or Amy Bailey
Breeder: Renato Rezende Barbosa
NON PRO TWO REIN
NON PRO BOXING
CHAMPION
Cheryl Chown/Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo DR x Short And Royal x Short Oak)
Score: 436.5 (R: 214.5/C: 222)
Payout: $6,513
Owner: Robert and Cheryl Chown
Breeder: Chown Quarter Horses
RESERVE CHAMPION
Emma Dilts/Shiny Lil Catillac (WR This Cats Smart x Sashas Lil Angel x Shining Spark)
Score: 435.5 (R: 214/C: 220.5)
Payout: $5,010
Owner: Lee Ann McDaniel
Breeder: San Juan Ranch
CHAMPION
Darby Callahan/Bet Hese All That (Bet Hesa Cat x Cowgirl Sparkles x Shining Spark)
Score: 435.5 (R: 213/C: 222.5)
Payout: $4,564
Owner: Mickey Callahan
Breeder: Dorothy W. Queen
RESERVE CHAMPION
Katie Fox/ShinersDiamondLights (CD Lights x Shiners Diamond Cat x WR This Cats Smart)
Score: 435.5 (R: 216/C: 219.5)
Payout: $3,586
Owner: Dan Fox
Breeder: Mike and James Draper
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING
LIMITED NON PRO BOXING
CHAMPION
Tuli Dowers/High Stressin Cat
(WR This Cats Smart x Playguns Melody x Playgun)
Score: 450 (R: 224/C: 226)
Payout: $3,087.50
Owner: Triple D Ranches LLC
Breeder: Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLF
RESERVE CHAMPION
Susie Bauman/Jerry Smoke
(Dual R Smokin x Kool Arista Cat x Cats Merada)
Score: 437 (R: 219/C: 218)
Payout: $2,275.00
Owner: J Five Horse Ranch Management
Breeder: J Five Horse Ranch Management
CHAMPION
Amy Stoney/Sparkville
(Gunners Tinseltown x Sparklight Lillies x Lena Spark)
Score: 436 (R: 221.5/C: 214.5)
Payout: $4,960
Owner: Amy Stoney
Breeder: Teresa K. Putname
RESERVE CHAMPION (TIE)
Brittany Curlee/Bet Hesa Cool Cat (Bet Hesa Cat x Diggers Spinin Cat x Diggers Rest)
Score: 432.5 (R: 214.5/C: 218)
Payout: $3,410
Owner: Brittany Curlee
Breeder: Thomas and Evelyn Monckton
RESERVE CHAMPION (TIE)
Dr. Beth Peterson/Mister Whiz
(Mister Smarts x Brat Olena Whiz x Topsail Whiz)
Score: 432.5 (R: 216.5/C: 216)
Payout: $3,410
Owner: Dr. Beth Peterson
Breeder: Steve and Carol Metcalf
YOUTH COW HORSE
YOUTH BOXING
CHAMPION
Lela Chisholm/Bossy Boons (CD Lights x Meradas Boonsmal x Peptoboonsmal)
Score: 435 (R: 214/C: 221)
Payout: $2,527
Owner: Bruce Thompson
Breeder: Winston Hansma
RESERVE CHAMPION (TIE)
Caleb Cushing/Talkin Scat
(Smooth Talkin Style x Smart Scat x Smart Starbuck)
Score: 434.5 (R: 219/C: 215.5)
Payout: $1,795.50
Owner: Corey and Kristen Cushing
Breeder: Dottie St. Clair Hill
BOX DRIVE
RESERVE CHAMPION (TIE)
Addisyn Grilli/Im Everychics
Dream (Smart Chic Olena x Didit N Dunit x Reminic N Dunit)
Score: 434.5 (R: 219/C: 215.5)
Payout: $1,795.50
Owner: Amanda Grilli
Breeder: Anderson Performance Horses
CHAMPION
Taylor Allen/Shinen Metallic Cat
(Metallic Cat x Winenshineme x Shining Spark)
Score: 440.5 (R: 219/C: 221.5)
Payout: $2,280
Owner: Taylor Allen
Breeder: Russ Mothershead
RESERVE CHAMPION
Landri Lisac/Lookslikelucktome
(Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep)
Score: 438.5 (R: 216.5/C: 222)
Payout: $1,710
Owner: Timothy and Katherine Miller
Breeder: Kevin and Sydney Knight
CHAMPION
Angie Kilpatrick/Electra Tuff
(Woody Be Tuff x Electras Boots x Doc O Boots)
Score: 438.5 (R: 213.5/C: 225)
Payout: $4,100
Owner: Brian and Angie Kilpatrick
Breeder: WT Waggoner Estate
RESERVE CHAMPION
Emily Deville/Mei Time
(Hickory Holly Time x Dual Rey Mi x Olena Oak)
Score: 437.5 (R: 218/C: 219.5)
Payout: $3,075
Owner: Crystal Deville
Breeder: Ron Emmons
HORSE SHOW CHAMPIONS
INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE
SJR Smooth Lil Oak/Kyle Noyce
(Smooth As A Cat x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark)
Score: 292 (R: 145.5/C: 146.5)
Payout: $3,320
Owner: Janie Dvorak-Compton
Breeder: San Juan Ranch
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE
Callie Rae Satriana/PLL One Tuff Pepto (One Time Pepto x CR TuffIsTheNewBlack x Woody Be Tuff)
Score: 289 (R: 143/C: 146)
Payout: $896
Owner: Callie Rae Satriana
Breeder: Jason J. Paker
YOUTH COW HORSE 13 & UNDER
Tucker Dove/Hickory Ten Times
(One Time Pepto x Hickory Ten x Doc’s Hickory)
Score: 287.5 (R: 142/C: 145.5)
Owner: Katie Dove
Breeder: Michelle Cannon
INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN
One Rowdy Bet 19/Ron Emmons
(Bet Hesa Cat x One Rowdy Kitty x One Time Pepto)
Score: 295 (R: 147/C: 148)
Payout: $1,780
Owner: Mark and Judith Materne
Breeder: James L. Eakin
YOUTH BOXING 13 & UNDER
Caleb Cushing/Talkin Scat
(Smooth Talkin Style x Smart Scat x Smart Starbuck)
Score: 292.5 (R: 145/C: 147.5)
Owner: Corey and Kristen Cushing
Breeder: Dottie St. Clair Hill
SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE
Meryl Reber/Full Send
(Metallic Cat x Kittys Ruby x Dual Rey)
Score: 287 (R: 142/C: 145)
Payout: $930
Owner: Meryl Reber
Breeder: Nancy Burkes
LIMITED OPEN TWO REIN
Air Jordans/Alex Torres (Tolltac x Miss Money Lender x Money Lender 71)
Score: 282 (R: 144.5/C: 137.5)
Payout: $1,125
Owner: Hank and Janet Melsness
Breeder: Solo Select Horses LLC
SELECT BOX DRIVE
Cheryl Chown/Xtra Short Trick
(Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x )
Score: 290 (R: 143.5/C: 245.5)
Payout: $854
Owner: Robert and Cheryl Chown
Breeder: Robert and Cheryl Chown
INTERMREDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE
Im A Travelin Fool/Brad Lund (Travelin Jonez x Shiners Siena x Shining Spark)
Score: 292 (R: 141/C: 151)
Payout: $2,640
Owner: Bender Cattle Co.
Breeder: Melissa Ann Miller
SELECT NON PRO BOXING Deanna Johnson/Got The Money Hunny
(Reyzin The Cash x Charmed For Sure x )
Score: 290.5 (R: 142.5/C: 148)
Payout: $1,242
Owner: Terry and Deanna Johnson
Breeder: Miller Wade Smith
COWBOY CLASS
Jonez Heatwave/Ryan Byrd
(Farmer Jonez x Havin A Heatwave x Seven S Heatwave)
Score: 436.5 (R: 144/C: 146/S: 146.5)
Payout: $2,375
Owner: Durrett Cattle Co.
Breeder: Brooks Jobe
THREE FOR THREE
THREE
Painted Shadows and Myles Brown claimed three Open titles during the Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby at the 2026 NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions.
This horse has already taken us to places we only dreamed about going, and he doesn't owe us anything. But as long as he keeps feeling good and, Lord willing, I'm excited about the future.”
BY PAIGE BRANDON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
Less than six months ago, Painted Shadows (Scooter Kat x Miss Scarlets Cat x Metallic Cat) and Myles Brown claimed his first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® presented by Metallic Cat Non Pro Championship title. The pair rode this wave of success into the 2026 NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions. Stepping into the Open division, Brown and Painted Shadows took three Open titles in one fell swoop—the 2026 Tres Osos Derby Open, Intermediate Open, and the Limited Open—and raked in more than $80,000 across three checks.
“He’s been an incredible blessing to our family,” Brown said. “He’s got a really good brain. Obviously, he’s an incredible athlete and, for a 4-year-old, the amount of physical strength this horse has is just incredible. He feels like you’re riding a 6-year-old, and honestly, there are parts that felt that way at the Futurity, but he’s even stronger now.”
Painted Shadows holds a special place in the Brown family’s heart as the first horse Brown trained and showed out of their mare, Miss Scarlets Cat, whom he competed on at the 2017 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. Brown raised Painted Shadows with his wife, Jaylee, to whom he attributes his success.
“She does everything for me, and I couldn’t do anything without her,” he said.
Before the derby, his in-laws, Jay and Sherry Hall, joined them in owning Painted Shadows.
“They had faith in this horse, and they had faith in me,” he said. “To come out and have success at our first show as partners, you could hardly make up just how special that is. And we don't take it for granted.
Brown and Painted Shadows started in the herd work, where they scored 218 to set the pace for their Derby. He thanked his herd help: Kyle Trahern, Jeremy Knoles, Tyler Merrill, and Faron Hightower.
“We worked heifers, which we've worked before—not at this show, to my knowledge—but they're just a little different than working steers,” Brown explained. “You need to be a little quieter in the cut, but they have more feel when you do get them cut.”
He admitted that on his first cow Painted Shadows stumbled a bit toward the end of their first cut. They made up for it with an electric work on their second cut, leaving a “good taste in the judges' mouths,” Brown said.
With about 50 seconds remaining, they rode through the herd to push a gray cow out of the back corner.
Painted Shadows (Scooter Kat x Miss Scarlets Cat x Metallic Cat) and Myles Brown scored 662 points (H: 218/R: 219.5/C: 224.5) to earn the NRCHA Tres Osos Derby Open, Intermediate Open, and Limited Open titles for a total of almost $80,000. The horse is owned by Hall Brown LLC. They also claimed the Chrome Cash award for an additional $3,972.
2026 OPEN TOP 10
Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. Painted Shadows; Myles Brown; 22S (Scooter Kat x Miss Scarlets Cat x Metallic Cat); Hall Brown LLC; 662 (H: 218/R: 219.5/C: 224.5); $57,500
2. The Midnight Train; Sarah L. Dawson: 21S (Badboonarising x Metallic Train x Metallic Cat); Beverly L. Servi; 661 (H: 217.5/R: 221.5/C: 222); $40,000
3. DT Lil Big Time; Chris C. Dawson; 21S (Hickory Holly Time x Lil Miss Shiney Chex x Shining Spark); DT Horses LLC; 660 (H: 216/R: 222.5/C: 221.5); $29,750
3. Halreycious Rebel; Boyd J. Rice; 21S (Metallic Rebel x CR A Little Peek x Halreycious); Robert B Grieve; 660 (H: 219/R: 220/C: 221.5); $29,750
6. HSR Smart WR Lena;
5. Blinded No More; Jordan Williams; 21S (Blind Sided x Lil Red Firecat x High Brow Cat); Bettina Jary-Mathis; 659.5 (H: 217/R: 217.5/C: 225); $20,000 Shad Parkinson; 21M (WR This Cats Smart x Shining Miss Lena x Shining Spark); Bronwyn McCormick; 658 (H: 216.5/R: 219/C: 222.5); $12,250
7. SJR More Cowbell;
Lee C. Deacon; 21S (SJR Diamond Mist x Stylish Little Oak x Playin Stylish); Bent E Quarter Horses; 658 (H: 215/R: 220.5/C: 222.5); $12,250
8. Razor Scooter Russell
; Russell A. Dilday; 21S (High Brow Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey); Russell and Tanna Dilday; 658 (H: 215/ R: 221.5/C: 221.5); $12,250
9. Tha Rizzler
; Nicholas S. Dowers; 22S (Metallic Rebel x Starlight Playmate x Grays Starlight); Triple D Ranches LLC; 658 (H: 217.5/R: 222.5/C: 218);
$12,250
Phillip J. Ralls; 21G (Call Me Mitch x Readytoware x Peptoboonsmal); The Trust of Billie Jo Ralls DTD; 657 (H: 219/R:
10. Call Me Im Ready; 219/C: 219); $7,500
“THE HORSE WAS REALLY ELECTRIC AND SHOWED OFF A LOT OF ABILITY AND COW.”
—Justin Wright
“In hindsight, it probably was silly to attach myself to a cow, but I started driving her up on the outside, and that cow had so much feel, she went ahead and took a hold of my horse before I got her cut. I had to be careful not to scare her,” he said. “He’s the kind of horse that, if you’ll just give him a decent look at any kind of cow, he’ll give you the feeling that you can hold it. The horse was really electric and showed off a lot of ability and cow, and I was really pleased with it.”
Following the herd work, Painted Shadows and Brown showed in the reined work for 219.5.
“I knew I needed not to overshow my horse,” Brown said. “We were coming off showing him pretty hard at the Futurity, where I marked the 220 in the preliminaries and the 218 in the finals. I wanted to ride in that range and make sure I left myself a spot to win, but not overshow my horse.”
(Badboonarising x Metallic Train x Metallic Cat)
Score: 661 (H: 217.5/R: 221.5/C: 222); $40,000
O: Beverly Servi/B: Beverly Servi
Heading into the fence work, the pair was about five points behind the leader, Brown said. It was a bigger gap than he wanted, but they made up for it by marking 224.5 in their fence work. This finalized a composite of 662 (H: 218/R: 219.5/C: 224.5) for the win across the board.
After this show, Brown will have earned more than $100,000 in the Open, and according to the NRCHA Rulebook, he’s officially moneyed-out of the Non Pro division. He’s excited for this year’s horse shows, especially after the confidence boost from this show.
“I look forward to improving and hopefully continuing to be as competitive as the situation will allow us to be,” Brown said. “And when you’re riding a horse like this, he gives you the feeling that you can compete with anybody on a horse of this quality. I’m going to enjoy it because they don’t come around like this every day.”
OPEN DERBY RESERVE
The Midnight Train/Sarah Dawson
INTERMEDIATE OPEN DERBY RESERVE
SJR More Cowbell/Lee Deacon
(SJR Diamond Mist x Stylish Little Oak x Playin Stylish) Score: 658 (H: 215/R: 220.5/C: 222.5); $11,500
O: Bent E Quarter Horses/B: San Juan Ranch
LIMITED OPEN DERBY RESERVE
The Sannjo Catt/Isaac Johnson (Sannman x Banjoes Doll x Heza Banjoe) Score: 649.5 (H: 215.5/R: 214.5/C: 219.5); $3,387.50 O: Traci Moseley/B: Traci Moseley
LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY CHAMPION
Whata Smart Call/Kiley Newkirk (Call Me Mitch x Whata Smart Chic x Crown N Chic Score: 645 (H: 211/R: 217.5/C: 216.5); $6,000 O: Kiley Newkirk/B: Kiley Newkirk
Debbie Crafton rode SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) to 656.5 points (H: 219.5/R: 217.5/C: 219.5) to claim the NRCHA Tres Osos Derby Non Pro and $10,000. They also earned the Chrome Cash award for an additional $1,278.
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER
TITLE TITLE
Debbie Crafton added another win to her belt by claiming the 2026 NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions Tres Osos Derby Non Pro Championship for the second consecutive year.
BY PAIGE BRANDON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES
Debbie Crafton’s name is synonymous with being a champion in non pro classes, and she’s no stranger to the winner’s circle at the NRCHA Tres Osos Non Pro Derby during the NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions. She claimed the 2026 champion title—for the second year in a row—and this year, it was aboard SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal).
She also tied for Reserve Champion on Boot Scootin Flo (Scooter Kat x Hustle and Flo x Metallic Cat) and placed sixth on Ricky Bobby Boon (Bet Hesa Boon x Chula Fiel x Chula Dual), in addition to winning the NRCHA World Champion title in the non pro hackamore.
Her results mirrored an almost perfect reversal from last year. At the 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic, she won on Boot Scootin Flo and finished second on SJR Sumkinda Mist—an exact flip of their results at the 2026 NRCHA Tres Osos Derby. She also previously captured the 2023 NRCHA Tres Osos Non Pro Derby title aboard SJR Sumkinda Rockstar (Smooth As A Cat x SumKinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal), a half-sibling to her champion horse this year.
2026 NON PRO TOP 10
Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money
1. Debbie R. Crafton; SJR Sumkinda Mist; 21M (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie R. Crafton; 656.5 (H: 219.5/R: 217.5/C: 219.5); $10,000
2. Paris M. Starn; Rascal Rey; 21S (Stevie Rey Von x Reysin Autumn x Dual Rey); Paris and Clayton Williams; 651 (H: 215/R: 215.5/C: 220.5); $7,250
2. Debbie R Crafton; Boot Scootin Flo; 21M (Scooter Kat x Hustle and Flo x Metallic Cat); Debbie R Crafton; 651 (H: 219/R: 212/C: 220); $7,250
4. Lanham W Brown; Believe In Dynacat; 21M (Dont Stopp Believin x Little Dyna Cat x Neat Little Cat); R.A. Brown Ranch; 649.5 (H: 216/R: 218/C: 215.5); $5,500
5. Tylor Todd; Tiny Dancr; 21M (Smooth Talkin Style x Peptos Little Dancer x Peptoboonsmal); Tylor Rachael Todd; 649 (H: 216/R: 216.5/C: 216.5); $4,000
6. Debbie R Crafton; Ricky Bobby Boon; 21G (Bet Hesa Boon x Chula Fiel x Chula Dual); Debbie R Crafton; 645.5 (H: 216/R: 213.5/C: 216); $3,250
6. Amelia A Wakley; Back in Blackk; 21S (Once In A Blu Boon x Kickback Nic x Nic It In The Bud); Amelia Wakley/Joseph Wakley; 645.5 (H: 215/R: 216.5/C: 214); $3,250
8. Nicole A. Myer; This Cats An Outlaw; 21S (Shiney Outlaw x Metallic Cat Rose x Metallic Cat); Spring Haven Ranches; 644.5 (H: 215.5/R: 216/C: 213); $2,500
9. Brent W. Ratliff; TR Hello Sugar; 21G (Kit Kat Sugar x Adelle x Metallic Cat); Brent W. Ratliff; 643.5 (H: 210/R: 216.5/C: 217); $2,000
9. Stephen A. Silva; Danny Be Tuff; 22S (Woody Be Tuff x CR Stylish Danny Rey x Dual Rey); Stephen A. Silva; 643.5 (H: 216/R: 217/C: 210.5); $2,000
“I DO BETTER BY TRULY FEELING THE CATTLE AS I'M IN THE HERD AND CUTTING WHAT WANTS TO BE CUT.”
—Debbie Crafton
Crafton credits her horses for her success.
“They’re all horses that God put in my path to allow me to excel at what I believe He created me to go do,” she said.
Crafton and SJR Sumkinda Mist started the week with a high score in the herd work, a 219.5. She was dead last in her set but was confident in her mare going into the herd work and worked to avoid any mind games that come with being the last draw.
“I cut really good on feel,” she said. “I’ve learned that about myself that I do better by truly feeling the cattle as I’m in the herd and cutting what wants to be cut. So that’s what I did with that mare. She loves to cut. She’ll use her neck and sweep through there on a
work, for a consistent week and a composite score of 656.6.
“I know this filly, and I’ve learned that she thrives on a lot of cow,” Crafton said. “The more cow you go with, the better she reads it. The slower the cow, the more she’s noticing the little kid up in the stands with his sucker. So, when I went in there for the fence work, I had to tell myself, let’s trust her and go with more cow than I would want to initially go with.”
This title was a confirmation of what Crafton always believed about the mare. Crafton bought SJR Sumkinda Mist as a yearling, and she was one of the last foals out of Sumkinda Pinkcadilac, a matriarch to a number of horses Crafton had success with. In the winter of SJR Sumkinda Mist’s yearling year, Crafton broke her leg. She was worried it would put the pair behind.
NON PRO DERBY RESERVE
Paris Starn/Rascal Rey (Stevie Rey Von x Reysin Autumn x Dual Rey)
Score: 651 (H: 215/R: 215.5/C: 220.5); $7,250
O: Paris and Clayton Williams/B: Coyote Rock Ranch
cow. I went in there with confidence and we got three good cuts.”
They continued to a 217.5 in the reined work where Crafton was pleased with the mare’s presence in the pen.
“I went in there with, ‘I’m going to show you the same way I ride you at home; it’s just you and me in this pen,’” she explained. “It was so fun cruising her through there and showing her because she’s so simple. There’s really no challenge to her. It felt like another day in the office.”
They finished with another 219.5 in the fence
“She’s always been great-minded and always felt like she was a winner,” Crafton said. “And so now to have her feel like her mindset is more ‘game on’ her job is really fantastic.”
The day after the duo claimed the NRCHA Tres Osos Non Pro Derby title, they won the Non Pro Hackamore prelims.
“When I have the confidence that, ‘Hey, you’re ready to horse show,’ then we can become a pretty good team, a pretty dynamic team, because we each have confidence in one another,” she said.
In 2022, Crafton won a championship at every NRCHA premier event in a single season: NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes, NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby, NRCHA Hackamore Classic, and the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® presented by Metallic Cat. This year, she’s aiming to do the same with SJR Sumkinda Mist and is excited about their upcoming year. She’s prepared for another record-breaking year and feels confident she has the horsepower to make it happen.
Crafton thanked NRCHA, the events, the sponsors, and especially her family and friends for always helping behind the scenes.
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION
Tylor Todd/Tiny Dancr
(Smooth Talkin Style x Peptos Little Dancer x Peptoboonsmal)
Score: 649 (H: 216/R: 216.5/C: 216.5); $4,500
O: Tylor Rachael Todd/B: ADH Mor-Big Luck Ranch
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO DERBY RESERVE
Nicole Myer/This Cats An Outlaw
(Shiney Outlaw x Metallic Cat Rose x Metallic Cat)
Score: 644.5 (H: 215.5/R: 216/C: 213); $3,500
O: Spring Haven Ranches/B: Jerry & Nicole Myer
LIMITED NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION
Nicole Myer/This Cats An Outlaw (Shiney Outlaw x Metallic Cat Rose x Metallic Cat)
Score: 644.5 (H: 215.5/R: 216/C: 213); $2,000
O: Spring Haven Ranches/B: Jerry & Nicole Myer
LIMITED NON PRO DERBY RESERVE
Whitney Hall/Bob J Wilson (J Noble Daggett x Gar Sacajawea x Hickorys Indian Pep)
Score: 643 (H: 210/R: 215/C: 218); $1,325
O: Shannon & Ronda Hall/B: Shannon & Ronda Hall
LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION
Grace Estes/Naughtyy (One Time Pepto x Shes Precious Metal x Metallic Cat)
Score: 640.5 (H: 214/R: 212/C: 214.5); $2,100
O: Grace Estes/B: Tom Kauer
LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY RESERVE
Grace Green/TCR
Bettingoncowtown (Cowtowns Cat x Bet Twice 002 x Peptoboonsmal)
Score: 638.5 (H: 211/R: 215/C: 212.5); $1,650
O: Grace Green/B: T Cross Ranches
NOVICE HORSE NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION
Danielle Griffiths/Rab
Sunshine Time (Time For The Diamond x Sparks
Smart x Genuine Masterpiece)
Score: 643 (H: 217R: 215.5/C: 210.5); $1,350
O: D & S Performance Horses/B: R A Brown Ranch
NOVICE HORSE NON PRO DERBY RESERVE
Stetson Ostrander/Boxo Chx
Gota Hammer
(MC Cowhammer x Opus Chic x Smart Chic Olena)
Score: 637.5 (H: 213/R: 209.5/C: 215); $1,125
O: Jecca Ostrander/B: Jecca Ostrander
NON PRO BOXING DERBY CHAMPION
Emily Kirchenschlager/ Scooters Tuff Spot
(Scooter Kat x Wooodya x Woody Be Tuff)
Score: 653.5 (H: 212/R: 219/C: 222.5); $10,000
O: Emily Kirchenschlager/B: Eric Freitas
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NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE
Cheryl Chown/Velvit Elvis (Dual Smart Rey x Duals Play Kitten x High Brow Cat)
Score: 653 (H: 215/R: 218.5/C: 219.5); $7,500
O: Robert & Cheryl Chown/B: Billy Martin
LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY CHAMPION
Alex Bos/Kit Kat Queso (Kit Kat Sugar x Maliblu Barbie x Smart Boons)
Score: 644 (H: 211/R: 213.5/C: 219.5); $2,600
O: Alex Bos/B: K & L Phillips LLC
LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE
MaKinley Reddock/Blu Chip
(Once In A Blu Boon x SR Sassy Cat x WR This Cats Smart)
Score: 640.5 (H: 213.5/R: 207/C: 220); $1,800
O: Daniel Reddock/B: Sassy Cat Syndicate
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FROM STABLE TO SMARTPHONE
Technology is revolutionizing equine health monitoring.
BY JOE CARTER, DVM
Asilent revolution is transforming the traditional horse care industry. The integration of advanced technology, once confined to high-tech research labs, is now mainstream, offering unprecedented tools for monitoring equine health and performance from a smartphone. These innovations empower veterinarians, trainers, and owners alike to move beyond subjective observation and embrace a data-driven approach to animal welfare and preventive medicine.
THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY
At the forefront of this shift are wearable biometric sensors—small, non-invasive devices that capture a wealth of data in real time. Placed in saddle pads, girths, or specialized “smart” slickers, these sensors monitor a horse’s vital signs and movement patterns 24/7.
Key metrics being tracked include:
• Heart Rate and Respiration. Continuous monitoring helps identify stress levels, fitness recovery times, and potential signs of illness.
• Activity Levels and Movement. Accelerometers and gyroscopes track subtle changes in gait, rhythm, and symmetry, which are crucial early indicators of lameness or discomfort that human eyes might miss.
• Temperature and Environment. Sensors also monitor a horse’s internal temperature and the ambient conditions in the stable or during transport, sending alerts for sudden fevers or potential heat stress.
This technology is proving to be a game-changer, especially in highstakes environments such as racetracks. A research project funded by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Thoroughbred organizations is testing biometric sensors on hundreds of 2-year-old racehorses to identify those at risk of musculoskeletal injury before a catastrophic event.
DATA ANALYTICS AND AI: THE POWER OF PREDICTION
The true potential of these sensors is realized through the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence. The enormous volume of data collected is processed in the cloud, where machine-learning algorithms analyze it to identify health trends, predict potential illnesses such as colic, and refine training programs.
For example, the Sleip app uses deep neural networks to perform motion from a simple smartphone video, providing veterinarians with objective data on a horse’s movement to help diagnose lameness remotely. This shifts the paradigm from reactive treatment
to proactive, personalized care, enabling interventions before a condition becomes critical.
BEYOND THE BARN
Technology is also dissolving geographic horse care. Telemedicine platforms enable remote consultations, allowing owners in rural areas to connect with specialists and receive timely advice. Veterinarians can assess post-treatment progress via shared images and data, reducing the need for repeated, costly farm visits.
Moreover, the environment itself is becoming more intelligent. Stable-based systems use Internet of Things frameworks with sensors to monitor air quality (temperature, humidity, ammonia levels) and automated cameras with AI-powered behavior recognition to detect signs of stress or abnormal behaviors.
CHALLENGES AND THE ROAD AHEAD
“ THE INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY INTO HORSE HEALTH MONITORING ISN’T JUST A TREND; IT’S THE FUTURE OF EQUINE CARE.”
Joe Carter, DVM
Despite the undeniable advantages, challenges remain. The cost of advanced systems can be a barrier for some owners, and ensuring data privacy and accuracy is an ongoing ethical consideration. Reliable internet access is also a necessity that’s not universally available.
However, the future is bright. Continued advancements promise even more sophisticated tools, including AI-driven diagnostics and more affordable, user-friendly wearables. As these innovations are further validated by scientific research and become more accessible, they’ll undoubtedly strengthen the bond between horses and their human caregivers, paving the way for a healthier, safer, and more data-informed approach to equine management. The integration of technology into horse health monitoring isn’t just a trend; it’s the future of equine care.
Joe Carter, DVM, Oklahoma Equine Hospital and Official NRCHA Veterinarian
Current through 2/13/2026
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Paul Bailey Vice President: Ben Baldus Secretary: Lori Wyman Treasurer: Todd Crawford
Executive Committee Members: Lance Johnston, Dan Roeser
Board Members: Todd Bergen, Debbie Branch, Dr. Joe Carter, Corey Cushing, Jay McLaughlin, Shadd Parkinson, Beverly Servi, Jake Telford, Boyd Rice, Cayley Wilson
COMMITTEE DIRECTORY
STAFF
To contact committee chairs, visit nrcha.com/board-and-committee/ Amber Gentry agentry@nrcha.com
AFFILIATES
Chairperson: Jay McLaughlin
ANIMAL WELFARE
Chairperson: Joe Carter, DVM
ETHICS
Chairperson: Debbie Branch
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairperson: Ben Baldus
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
NON PRO
Chairperson: Lori Wyman
NOMINATING
Chairperson: Jake Telford
OWNERS
Chairperson: Debbie Branch
PROFESSIONALS
Chairperson: Cayley Wilson
RULES
Chairperson: Dan Roeser
SHOWS
Co-Chairperson: Ben Baldus
Co-Chairperson: Shadd Parkinson
SPONSORSHIP
Chairperson: Patty Tiberg
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Chairperson: Emily Konkel
YOUTH
Chairperson: Sarah Clymer
MARKETING
Chairperson: Callie Boevers
Executive Director: Emily Konkel emily@nrcha.com
Director of Marketing: Callie Boevers callie@nrcha.com
Director of Incentive & Sponsorship: Patty Tiberg patty@nrcha.com
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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
Unit 330, 205 Quarry Park Blvd. SE Calgary, AB Canada T2C 3E7
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.
Keetch Ranch, Waddell, AZ
Desert Spring Ranch, Queen Creek, AZ
Chris Anderson, CA Performance Horses, Marietta, OK
Jim Babcock, Babcock Ranch, Sanger, TX
Lorena Bechtholdt, Flying P Paints & Quarter Horses, Fallon, NV
Pete Bowling, Oasis Ranch, Inc., Herald, CA
Marilyn Bowling, Oasis Ranch, Inc., Jacksboro, TX
Donnie Boyd, Sarasota, FL
Rod Brents , Childress, TX
Robyn Bush, Visalia, CA
Blair Bynum, Bynum Farms, Palm City, FL
Marcy Campbell, Creston, CA
Riccardo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, ITALY
Pompeo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, ITALY
Quenten Childs, Cleburne, TX
Cody Christensen, Heber City, UT
Elizabeth Clary, Dark Horse Consulting, Inc, Inkom, ID
Morgan Miller 3185 W. 15200 N Collinston, Utah 84306
Phone: 403-279-7529
Email: utahcowhorse@gmail.com Website: urcha.org
A finance charge of 1.5% per month (18% APR) will be added to all past due amounts. Membership privileges shall be suspended on accounts greater than 90 days past due and this information will be published in Reined Cow Horse News. There will be a membership reinstatement fee of $75.
Current as of March 10, 2026
Justin Crawley, Crawley Ranch, Springdale, AR
Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY
Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA
Laura Delfino, Martinez, CA
Kinsey Dodson, Cleburne, TX
Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL
Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA
Miguel Gonzalez, Unique Ranch, Miami, FL
Roy Hockensmith, Frankfort, KY
Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA
Brian & Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA
Brian Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA
Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE
Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC
Newt Lemond, Lemond Cattle Co., Andrews, TX
Jody Lemond, Andrews, TX
Terry Malarkey, Lazy T Shamrock Ranch, Star, ID
Thera Myers, Oxnard, CA
Andrew Ospital, Valley Springs, CA
Susan Ray, Dream Cross
Tara Reed, Rosston, TX
Kalli Reed, Rosston, TX
Darren Roberts, Kent, NY
Gordon Robinson, Big Rock Arena, Granum, AB, CANADA
Gina Roidopoulos, Saddle Creek Ranch, Heath, TX
Randall Russell, Del Cielo Ranch, Decatur, TX
Aneka Schelbeck, Del Rey Paint & Qtr Horses, Cottonwood, CA
Jill Serena, Castaic, CA
Vernon Smith, Santa Maria, CA
Rick Steed, Steed Training, Okeechobee, FL
Don Stockman, Dayton, TX
Tracy Wager, Bridle and Bits, Cave Creek, AZ
Rita Ward, Canyon, TX
Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL
LAE = Limited Aged Event, HS = Horse Show
Dates
April 16-19 Southwest RCHA April Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Ardmore, OK Southwest RCHA
April 17-19 Delta RCHA Spring Fling HS, Cat 1 Cordova, TN Delta RCHA
April 19-20 Carolina Spring Ranch Show HS, Cat 1 Sanford, NC
April 21-26 Nevada RC & CHA Winnemucca Spring Spectacular and Derby HS, LAE, Cat 1 Winnemucca, NV Nevada RC & CHA
April 22-25 European RCHA Derby & Horse Show #2 HS, LAE, Cat 1 Travagliato, Italy European RCHA
April 23-26 Arizona RCHA Spring Fling HS, Cat 1 Scottsdale, AZ Arizona RCHA
April 23-26 North Central RCHA April Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Winona, MN North Central RCHA
April 24-26 California RCHA Horse Show #3 HS, Cat 1 Tulare, CA California RCHA
April 24-26 Southern RCH Alliance Cow Horse Boogie HS, LAE, Cat 1 Amite LA Southern RCH Alliance
April 24-26 South Texas RCHA Spring Showdown HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Waco, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com
May 1-3 Atlantic RCHA Dust Off The Rust HS, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA
www.atlanticrcha.org
May 1-3 Nevada RCHA Show #3 & #4 HS, Cat 1 Las Vegas, NV Nevada RCHA www.nvrcha.org
May 6-10 Colorado RCA Drought Buster HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 McCook, NE Colorado RCA www.coloradoreinedcowhorse.com Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 tina.showentries@gmail.com
May 8-10 Central Montana RCHA Twisted Wire Spring Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1 Vaughn, MT Central Montana RCHA www.cmrcha.com Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
May 8-10 Southern California RCHA Jimmy Flores Sr Memorial HS Cat 1 Cat 2 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA www.scrcha.com Kelley Hartranft 714-267-5912 klsgrn@yahoo.com
May 9 East Coast Showdown HS, Cat 1 Jacksonville, FL www.eastcoastshowdown.net Claudia Nichols 772-321-9637 claudia.horseshow@gmail.com
May 9-10 Northwest RCHA Cowgirl Classic HS, Cat 1 Eugene OR Northwest RCHA www.nwrcha.com Keri Croft 503-701-3305 dkcroft4@frontier.com
May 15-17 Alberta SHA May Cow Horse Show HS, Cat 1 Ponoka, AB Alberta SHA www.stockhorse.ca Shawna Husted 403-875-1369 abstockhorse1@gmail.com
May 21-24 Idaho RCHA Classic Derby, Horse Show & Spectacular HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Nampa, ID Idaho RCHA www.idahoreinedcowhorse.com Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
May 21-24 Panhandle RCHA Windy City HS, Cat 1 Lubbock, TX Panhandle RCHA www.panhandlecowhorse.com Nelle Murphy 580-276-0761 panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com
May 22-23 Northern California RCHA Affiliate #2 HS, Cat 1 Corning, CA Northern California RCHA www.ncrcha.info Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
May 22-24 South Texas RCHA Memorial Day Match Up Buffalo, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com
May 27-June 6 NRCHA Derby HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Scottsdale, AZ NRCHA www.nrcha.com NRCHA 940-488-1500 entries@nrcha.com
May 30-31 European RCHA The Cattleman’s Prestige HS, Cat 1 Bavaria, Germany European RCHA www.gcha-ev.de Otto De Fazio 39338-886-0657 ercha.otto@gmail.com
June 5-7 Atlantic RCHA Mike Carone Classic HS, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA www.atlanticrcha.org Carrie Nicol 614-519-2809 carrie.nicol.4@gmail.com
June 5-7 Central Montana RCHA The Clark Canyon Cow Horse Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1 Dillon, MT Central Montana RCHA
June 11-14 Alberta SHA Wildrose Derby & Cow Horse Show HS, LAE, Cat 1 Ponoka, AB Alberta SHA www.stockhorse.ca Shawna Husted 403-875-1369 abstockhorse1@gmail.com
June 16-21 Nevada RC & CHA Dave Grashuis Memorial Spectacular and Derby HS, LAE, Cat 1 Winnemucca, NV Nevada RC & CHA
June 17-20 European RCHA Hackamore Classic & Horse Show #3 HS, LAE, Cat 1 Travagliato, Italy European RCHA
www.nrccha.com Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
www.ercha.org
Otto De Fazio 0039-338-8860657 ercha.otto@gmail.com
June 25-28 South Texas RCHA Heritage Days Classic San Angelo, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com
July 4-5 Southern California RCHA Grant Berg Memorial HS, Cat 1 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA www.scrcha.com
Kelley Hartranft 714-267-5913 klsgrn@yahoo.com
July 9 Calgary Stampede Cow Horse Spectacular Cat 2 Calgary, AB ag.calgarystampede.com Brett Warder 403-261-0313 bwarder@calgarystampede.com
July 10-12 Central Montana RCHA The Deer Lodge Summer Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1 Deer Lodge, MT Central Montana RCHA www.cmrcha.com Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
July 12-18 NRCHA Hackamore Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Tulsa, OK NRCHA www.nrcha.com NRCHA 940-488-1500 entries@nrcha.com
July 17-19 Atlantic RCHA Summer Shootout HS, LAE, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA www.atlanticrcha.org Carrie Nicol 614-519-2809 carrie.nicol.4@gmail.com
July 21-26 Panhandle RCHA Red Dirt Rendezvous HS, Cat 1 Lubbock, TX Panhandle RCHA www.panhandlecowhorse.com Nelle Murphy 580-276-0761 panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com
July 29-Aug 1 European RCHA Pre-Futurity & Horse Show #4 HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Travagliato, Italy European RCHA www.ercha.org Otto De Fazio 0039-338-8860657 ercha.otto@gmail.com
July 31-Aug 1 Northern California RCHA Affiliate #3 HS, Cat 1 Corning, CA Northern California RCHA www.ncrcha.info
Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
Aug 4-10 Southwest RCHA Pre-Futurity & Horse Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Fort Worth, TX Southwest RCHA www.srcha.org Jackie Cline 408-818-7556 entry@srcha.org
Aug 14-15 High Desert RCHA Show #2 HS, Cat 1 Powell Butte, OR High Desert RCHA www.hdrcha.com
Aug 14-16 Atlantic RCHA WrighTimeToSmokum Show HS, LAE, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA www.atlanticrcha.org
Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
Sept 18-20 Alberta SHA September Cow Horse Show HS, Cat 1 Claresholm, AB Alberta SHA www.stockhorse.ca Shawna Husted 403-875-1369 abstockhorse1@gmail.com
Sept 19-20 Southern California RCHA September Cow Horse Classic HS, Cat 1 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA www.scrcha.com Kelley Hartranft 714-267-5913 klsgrn@yahoo.com
Sept 24-27 Panhandle RCHA Fall Into Autumn HS, Cat 1 Lubbock, TX Panhandle RCHA www.panhandlecowhorse.com Nelle Murphy 580-276-0761 panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com
Sept 29-Oct 3 European RCHA Futurity + Autumn Show + Horse Show #5 HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Travagliato, Italy European RCHA www.ercha.org Otto De Fazio 0039-338-8860657 ercha.otto@gmail.com
Oct 2-4 South Texas RCHA Snaffle Bit Warm Up San Angelo, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com
Oct 9-11 High Desert RCHA Show #3 HS, Cat 1 Powell Butte, OR High Desert RCHA www.hdrcha.com Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
Oct 9-24 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Fort Worth, TX NRCHA www.nrcha.com NRCHA 940-488-1500 entries@nrcha.com
Oct 14-18 Alberta SHA Jensen Silver Futurity, Hackmaore Classic & Year End Horse Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Ponoka, AB Alberta SHA www.stockhorse.ca Shawna Husted 403-875-1369 abstockhorse1@gmail.com
Oct 23-24 Northern California RCHA Corning, CA Northern California RCHA www.ncrcha.info Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
Oct 29-Nov 1 Atlantic RCHA Code West Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA www.atlanticrcha.org Carrie Nicol 614-519-2809 carrie.nicol.4@gmail.com
Nov 4-8 South Texas RCHA Road To Nowhere Abilene, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com
