Reined cow horse has made quite an impression on Fort Worth, Texas, in the last few years, and the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) continues to build steam. The organization’s 50th annual Snaffle Bit Futurity, packed with something for everyone, promises yet another exciting rendition of the sport’s biggest premier event.
The season’s earlier futurities have been a primer for this climactic moment, when riders bring their best 3-year-olds to Cowtown in pursuit of the most lucrative checks paid in the reined cow horse industry. Along with those young hopefuls come NRCHA Hackamore Classic and horse show class competitors vying for their own piece of glory. And, new this year is a Beginning Fence Work horse show class.
Special events offer even more for riders and their horses. The Cowdog Rodear Fall Bash kicked off the fun on Oct. 10. It is followed by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Ranching Heritage competition on Oct. 13, the Cowboy Class Invitational on Oct. 14, Cow Horse for Cutters on Oct. 15 and three days of roping Oct. 17-19.
In addition to the Western Bloodstock Sales, where cow horses of all ages will sell, the National Reined Cow Horse Youth Association will host a stallion breeding auction with big names like Call Me Mitch, One Time Pepto and Hickory Holly Time.
On Oct. 16, the Old Timer’s Reception will start an evening dedicated to the NRCHA. Following a social cocktail hour, attendees gather for the annual Hall of Fame banquet to celebrate those who have made an unmistakable contribution to the organization. This year’s inductees include Ron Emmons, Jon Roeser and Johnny Tivio. Hall of Merit inductee Discount Tire’s Wilson and Susan Lyle will also be honored at the event. The night will conclude with a concert by The Derailers.
It all builds up to a spectacular finale, when the Futurity Open finalists will battle it out in the historic Will Rogers Coliseum for a lifetime’s worth of bragging rights. Once a champion is crowned, competitors and spectators will be treated to an afterparty — complete with food, a DJ and a cash bar. Get ready, get set … cow horse has arrived in Cowtown.
Top 10 Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Riders (Open money only)
1. Todd Bergen (OR) – $1,128,820
2. Todd Crawford (OK) – $1,029,444
3. Corey Cushing (AZ) – $1,018,569
4. Ted Robinson (CA) – $776,577
5. Boyd Rice (TX) – $764,878
6. Jake Telford (ID) – $717,980
7. Jon Roeser (ID) – $628,755
8. Zane Davis (ID) – $556,969
9. Bob Avila (CA) – $511,261
10. John Ward (CA) – $475,991
Top 10 Snaffle Bit Futurity Non-Pro Riders (Non-Pro & Amateur money only)
1. Annie Reynolds (ID) – $543,209
2. Dema Paul (AZ) – $301,489
3. Laurie Richards (CA) – $258,484
4. Mike Miller (WY) – $232,681
5. Jo Anne Carollo (CA) – $218,964
6. Tammy Hays (TX) – $164,702
7. Shawn Renshaw (CA) – $137,562
8. Eric Freitas (CA) – $125,520
9. Jayson Fisher (CA) – $103,218
10. John McCarty (CA) – $89,249
Top 10 Snaffle Bit Futurity Owners
1. Annie Reynolds (ID) – $1,405,625
2. Ward Ranch (CA) – $1,215,106
3. Holy Cow Performance Horses (CA) – $1,124,110
4. San Juan Ranch (CA) – $981,787
5. Gardiner Quarter Horses (KS) – $860,047
6. Kevin & Sydney Knight (TX) – $750,396
7. Joyce Pearson (ID) – $703,703
8. Miller Land & Livestock (WY) – $670,130
9. Walter Greeman & Tammy Hays (OK) – $663,817
10. Jim Paul (AZ) – $663,406
Top 10 Snaffle Bit Futurity Breeders
1. Carol Rose (TX) – $979,459
2. Ward Ranch (CA) – $845,155
3. Gardiner Quarter Horses (KS) – $580,161
4. San Juan Ranch (CA) – $528,402
5. Annie Reynolds (ID) – $462,097
6. Joyce Pearson (ID) – $414,040
7. Walter & Sharon Wright (CA) – $367,703
8. Wagonhound Land & Livestock (WY) – $339,989
9. Holy Cow Performance Horses (CA) – $334,870
10. Arcese Quarter Horses (TX) – $326,086
This article was originally published in the October 1, 2019, issue of QHN
