pritchett web

Amateurs Take Over Summer Spectacular

pritchett webDouglas Pritchett & Dual Glen Rey 012So far, the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Summer Spectacular has been jam packed with exciting go-rounds and finals, and on July 27 and 28 the amateur riders were in the spotlight.

In the Derby Unlimited Amateur finals, the field was tough and the competition was close, but Douglas Pritchett was able to edge out the rest. He was the first draw on Baer (Metallic Cat x Sweet Shorty Lena x Shorty Lena) and marked a 210, but it was his second ride that captivated the crowd. From the second set, he earned a 219.5 on Dual Glen Rey 012 (Dual Rey x Stylish Amanda x Docs Stylish Oak) and topped the division.

The pair earned $8,274 for their success, which pushed the Pritchett’s James Eakin-bred stallion to nearly $10,000 in lifetime earnings.

“He really sits down and is flashy,” Pritchett said. “It feels good to win here.”

Bear Davis and Red Solo Catt (Metallic Cat x Amanda Starlight x Grays Starlight) marked a 218.5 and shared the Co-Reserve Championship with Susan Koser and DMAC Moveslikejagger, who matched their score.

Derby Amateur

Any cutter would be happy with finishing on top of a division at an event like the NCHA Summer Spectacular, but besting the group by a big margin is something that would thrill a rider even more.

John Husley was able to put it all together on R Smokin Cat (Dual R Smokin x Playgirls Cat x High Brow Cat) in the Derby Amateur finals, and their 219 put them 5 points ahead of eventual Reserve Champions Robert Thigpen Jr. and Barbies Blue Cat (Metallic Cat x High Barbie x Smart Lil Highbrow).

The Championship brought a paycheck of $7,812, but beyond the prize money, Husley was more excited about the feeling of camaraderie he experienced at the event.

“The cutting is all I do,” Husley said. “It’s a family atmosphere.”

Continued on page 2