As a National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) World’s Greatest Horseman competitor Shadd Parkinson is no stranger to the pressure in the four-event realm, claiming victory in the 2023 NRCHA Western Derby Super Spectacular. Parkinson, aboard Christa Hampton’s 2015 gelding Whose Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x CR Dees Boon Meow x Peptoboonsmal), demonstrated the talent required for the championship with a composite score of 880.5 (Herd 219, Rein 221.5, Cow 220, Steer 220).
Competitors have only two chances a year to step up to the plate and take on the four event competitions at a premier NRCHA event. Each year the NRCHA hosts the World’s Greatest Horsemen event in conjunction with the Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas. As well as the CD Survivor Memorial Super Spectacular held at the Kimes Ranch Western Derby in Scottsdale, Ariz..
The Open Bridle Super Spectacular event requires an exceptional horse and rider combination. With the additional steer-stopping class, many aim to gain points in their strong suits to compensate for areas of weakness. But with this team, consistent talent in all four events prospered.
Whose Tuff, bred by the Center Ranch, has been a phenomenal partner to Parkinson since his 3-year-old year. The gelding has continuously demonstrated his rare ability, holding the key to all four events.
“It takes a great deal of practice; you have to rope well, cut [cattle] like a cutter, rein like a reiner, and have a strong horse to hold your own going down the fence,” Parkinson said.
Finishing with a composite score of 876 (Herd 217, Rein 219.5, Cow 216.5, Steer 223) was Trevor Carter and Bogle Borthers LLC’s eye-catching 2015 red roan stallion MC Cowhammer (Metallic Cat x Gunsmart Gay x Playgun). The team secured their Reserve Championship with an exceptional steer-stopping performance which added a massive 223 to their composite.
Texas Tech Ranch Horse Team Alumni Parke Greeson Wins NRCHA Non-Pro Super Spectacular
Texas Tech Ranch Horse Team Alumni, Parke Greeson, claims the NRCHA Non-Pro Super Spectacular Championship aboard his family-owned 2016 gelding SCR Betthistime (Bet Hesa Cat x PRF One Time Candi x One Time Pepto). The team set themselves apart with two event-high scores in the herd and fence work, giving them a composite score of 582 (Herd 146, Rein 145, Cow 146, Steer 145).
The Kimes Ranch Western Derby held at the WestWorld of Scottsdale showcases some of the nation’s finest horsemen and women. Offering two-event horse show classes, three-event derbies and spectaculars, and the prestigious four-event CD Survivor Memorial Super Spectacular.
Roping on finished bridle horses has been a goal with high rewards for the team. Greeson welcomes the opportunity to incorporate another element of skill at horse shows. Growing up with a rope in his hand while working on his family’s ranch and previous World Series of Team Roping experience has prepared him for his moment in the winner’s circle.
The Texas native began his journey in the reined how horse industry as a Collegiate Showman for Texas Tech University on their ranch horse team under the guidance of 2014 World’s Greatest Horseman, Boyd Rice, and his coaches Levi Williamson and Cooper Cogdell. Following his years as a collegiate competitor, this horseman has thrived as a non-professional competitor making headlines.
“I’m thankful to Boyd Rice for all the help he’s given me; pretty much all I know is because he showed me, so I’m glad he took the time to do that,” Gresson said.
Reserve Super Spectacular Champion was Debbie Crafton and Foundloveathooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey). The 2017 gelding, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, moved up the leader board with a 579.5 composite score.
