For Barney Mac Smith, the Young County Arena in Graham, Texas, has often been a scene of disappointment. According to Smith, he wasn’t even interested in entering 4-year-old mare Stunned Ya at the Cattlemen’s Derby because he had never cashed a check in the North Texas venue.
His luck turned around on Sunday, March 13, when he and Stunned Ya cut to a 219, winning the 4-Year-Old Unlimited Amateur. Sired by Stunned and out of Dual Rey mare Reyal Money, Stunned Ya lived up to her name at The Cattlemen’s.
“Stunned Ya did stun me this show,” Smith said. “I’m not so worried about going to Graham now.”
The victory provided Stunned Ya with her first earnings in the EquiStat database. According to Smith, the 4-Year-Old Unlimited Amateur at The Cattlemen’s was the fifth time she had been shown.
“It’s just now starting to click together as we get her finished and stuff. We’ve been working on our communication. Knowing what’s right and what’s wrong,” Smith said. “I’m gaining confidence.”
Smith’s wife, Madison, has been preparing “Paris” for the show pen, and Smith says it’s been making all the difference for the Beechfork Ranch mare.
“She can be a little weird about things, she’s not wild, but it’s taken her a while to come to [her senses]. She’s really a cow horse. She’s probably not as athletic as other horses but she’s damn sure smart,” Smith said.
Paris was finished by Smith, who showed her in the Unlimited Amateur at the 2021 National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity.
“We ride every day and it’s a lifestyle, so to have some success is so sweet. Success in the horses at all is cool but to do it yourself and worked [with a team] is great,” Smith said.
Reserve Champions were Glenn Barlow and Ferrocious with a 218.5. Bred by Barlow Livestock Inc, Ferrocious is a 2018 gelding by Metallic Rebel and out of Ferrarey (by Dual Rey).
Full results, including purse payouts, was not posted on The Cattlemen’s website as of Monday morning.
