Intheknow CatBlackI RChartier 15SR web

In the Know: The Best Reserve Ever

Intheknow CatBlackI RChartier 15SR webCat Black I is a mare Randy Chartier calls “incredible, smart and very athletic.” • Shane Rux Photography

Randy Chartier has nothing but praise for Cat Black I (Smooth As A Cat x Smart Little Gal x Smart Little Lena). The 2007 mare had stifle surgery in early 2014 and has returned to the show pen ready to cut.

“I’m showing a mare that’s incredible, smart and very athletic,” Chartier said of the mare, who is owned by Charlie and Denise Seiz, of Cedartown, Georgia.

On Oct. 8 at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, Chartier was feeling good after a 224-point run in the Mercuria/National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) World Series of Cutting Open with Cat Black I. Their score was in the lead with just one team left to go.

“I went into this leading with one horse to go and I thought, ‘If I lose this, it’s going to be the best reserve championship I’ve ever had, and I’m probably going to lose it to the best mare that’s probably ever cut,’” Chartier said.

Chartier was referring to Special Nu Baby, who was ridden by Matt Gaines to a 230 that promptly knocked Chartier and Cat Black I into second place. While Gaines and “Baby” toted home their fifth Mercuria Open trophy of the season, Chartier and Cat Black I netted $8,721. It was the mare’s first paycheck since 2013, and increased her Equi-Stat record to nearly $60,000.

“We’re going to pick some special shows to go to and continue to promote her,” said Chartier, adding that his No. 1 goal is to keep the mare happy and healthy.

“We have a bond, but I can’t even explain it. I just feel so good going into a herd on her, and when you have that kind of confidence, you’re a winner.”

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