Billy Emerson

Riding his son Cory’s horse, Stylish Lizzorro, Emerson cut three fast cows that gave him some extra working time in front of the judges. His 221 score bested the other finals competitors by five points. Jim Nichols, Bossier City, La., was reserve champion with a 216.
Stylish Lizzoro is a 2005 sorrel gelding by Lizzys Gotta Palyer and out of a Docs Stylish Oak mare. “He’s just a big ol’ athlete that can hold the toughest cow,” Emerson said about the gelding he calls “Lizzard.”

“This horse has such a big stop. I know the judges will mark him better if I have a cow that will carry him somewhere,” he said. “I need a tougher cow to mark a big score on him. I wasn’t as worried with the draw as I normally would be because I know he can hold a tough cow.”

Jerry Lee Barger and his wife, Tammy

Rattlen Pepper is by Annies Little Pepper and out of Lenas Hickory Miss, a Docs Hickory mare. “This is my wife Tammy’s horse. She let me show him this year. Now it’s her turn,” Barger said. At 71, he said he’s just happy to still be able to compete, and winning a world title was icing on the cake.

His week at the Select World isn’t over yet. Barger is showing the 1994 AQHA World Show Superhorse, Tuckers Vaquero, in the Ranch Sorting.
Former world champion Gary Lynn Olson, Great Falls, Mont., and Justa Nutha Tucker were a half-point back of Barger to win reserve.