The thrill of camaraderie and competitiveness set the arena ablaze on opening day of the 2024 National Western Stock Show. Five teams from three esteemed western performance disciplines vied for an impressive prize pool exceeding $17,000 in the inaugural Western Performance Horse Showdown.
Taking the spotlight as the first to enter the arena was the Red Team. Reining teammate Gabe Garrison of Eaton, Colo. riding Wimpys Crystal Ball (Wimpys Little Step x Crystal Crome x Custom Crome), flew into the arena to kickoff the event and thrill a large crowd. Gabe marked a 140 under legendary judges Sandy Jirkovsky and Allen Mitchels before JD Yates of Pueblo, Colo. and Peptide Hickory Cat laid down a picture-perfect steer stopping run to score a remarkable 148. Their final teammate and one of only two females invited, Naomi Bancroft of Stratton, Colo. on Glamour Royallty (One Time Royalty x Kitna Rey x Dual Rey) combined her rein work score of 145 with a 149, the highest fence work score of the day, to surge to an early team lead with an untouchable 582. Each horse and rider pair took home $1,700 for the team win.
Four additional teams representing six states squared off in each discipline, unable to top the Red Team. White team member Shane Brown of Sanger, Tex. on Shez Pretty Trashy (Gunnatrashya x Boom Proof x Boom Shernic) scored a total of 144½ , earning the discipline-specific high score award along with JD and Naomi. Each discipline high score earned $750.
The Showdown proved to entertain an engaged crowd and highlight the diversity and athleticism of these working athletes. The collective and mutual support of each other was evident in the cheers during every run and high-fives shared in the end-gate among every shirt color.
Western Performance Horse Showdown Teams
Red Team – Champions
- JD Yates
- Gabe Garrison
- Naomi Bancroft
White Team
- Kyle Trahern
- Shane Brown
- Gary Grokett
Blue Team
- Drake Johnson
- Marcus Banister
- Matt Koch
Black Team
- Jet McCoy
- Jecca Ostrander
- Dan James
Gold Team
- Aaron Ralston
- Jesse Jolly
- Cody Stark
