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Cornbread Thinks: Just Some Thinking

The National Cutting Horse Association Futurity Non-Pro starts as I write. Horse shows have a “feel;” this one is very good, like it should be and what we want. I’m driving in from Whiskey Flats, listening to Norwegian Symphony tunes, to meet a Swiss snowboard racing lady, a man from Venezuela and a Ukrainian truck driver. I have run video feed for a Canadian. I have made a loper from Israel laugh. I helped “Fish,” the Eritrean parking attendant, help a girl from Wisconsin find her car and a cutter from Peaster, himself. Facebook has given me cutter friends from all over the world. These global connections are fascinating. This is old in the world of horses and cows.

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Cornbread Thinks: Whose Trophy is it Anyway…

This column comes out deep into the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity. Even though I am writing before it even starts, I know we have seen some great runs. I am clairvoyant like that. Everybody has seen old friends, made some new ones, told each other Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukah or such. It’s all good. We are going to get down to the end and start passing out trophies, buckles, swag and most importantly, checks – big ones in some cases.

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Cornbread Thinks: It’s Kind of a Big Deal

The NCHA Futurity starts this month. Our biggest deal. In today’s world of war, pestilence, drought, non-functioning politicians, earthquakes, rampant crazy and such, we are tiny. I’m guessing Mr. Putin has never even heard of us. Too bad, we could fix him. We could fix a lot of oversized egos, given a half a chance. During this Futurity thing, we ain’t knowing much about him, either. It is all consuming. Because all it takes is all you got and, unfortunately, that is sometimes still not enough.

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Cornbread Thinks: Quality

Embarrassed here. I am used to it though. Been doing it to myself for a while. I talk about cutting being all about quality. Buttermilk brought it to my attention (of course she did) that I have never really defined “quality.” So, I am going to have a crack at it.

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Cornbread Thinks: Some Assembly Needed

Semifinals at the National Cutting Horse Association’s 2014 Summer Spectacular, sitting in my and Buttermilk’s box. Tom Holt just said the prayer and played the anthem – a grounding moment. There are five sets of Derby semifinalists; it’s do or die. The big money and fame are for the taking. It’s about getting one shown. Putting a run together.

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A Hot Topic

I would like to visit with you about a hot topic in the reining industry – the National Reining Horse Association’s proposed drug rule. Whether you agree or not, I ask that you please consider what I share with you, based on my more than 40 years of experience in the horse business. This is my opinion and only mine. I have thought long and hard about sharing it, because there are people who feel very strongly about drug rules, and I know I am exposing myself and my family to criticism. I ask that you read with an open mind, and not resort to personal attacks on Facebook or other social media sites.

Let me start by saying I do not agree with any horse trainer, owner or vet who drugs an unsound horse and blocks them to the point that they cannot feel their limbs, feet or otherwise. I am first a horseman and firmly disagree with this type of doping. You can ask any client of mine in the past 25 years of my professional career; I will not do this. I believe my horse is my teammate and I do not want to cripple or damage one for life. I know there are owners and trainers in this industry who want to win at all costs. I am not one.

However, what I can tell you is no drug rule will stop that type of individual from doing what it takes to win.

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Cornbread Thinks: The Convention

June-teenth, the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) held its convention in Salt Lake City, not an easy destination for many. A very wealthy family from India managed to have a million-dollar wedding there at the same time. So, it was Cowboys and Indians all weekend – a very cultural experience.

Several years ago, the powers that be decided to have the Convention in different parts of the country every other year. There is a fair amount of discussion about this. Any way you look at it, most people will have to travel. Even if it is in your backyard, your time will be spoken for. The important thing to know is this: No matter where it is, not near enough Directors or Members attend.

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Cornbread Thinks: Things To Know

JBankston14 Cornbread (aka Jimmy Bankston)Look at a horse’s eye first, then his feet. Never look a horse in the eye when loading him. Danny Motes was a trick rider. The meanest horse in a bunch is the fat one. Matt Budge loves to fish. Tie a horse higher than its nose. Mary Bradford is from Montana. Dusty Adams and Casey Green are good welders. When in doubt, stop and back ’em up. Mary Ann Rapp was driving cow trucks by 15. Horses are not pets.

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Frankly Speaking: Chrome Effect

Since earlier this spring, I have followed the exploits of one “California Chrome” and his march toward the Triple Crown title of Thoroughbred racing: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and, finally, the Belmont Stakes. By the time you read this, “Chrome” will have either won or lost his battle to reach equine greatness – one that has only been achieved by 11 other horses. My hope, of course, is that he has won the Belmont and become the worldwide, polarizing individual that “Secretariat” once was (and still is, to a lesser extent, today).

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Cornbread Thinks: Gunna Be Hot

JBankston14 Cornbread (aka Jimmy Bankston)We had a brutal winter that has carried over into a chill spring. It won’t last. As much as we all said we would never complain about it being hot again, I bet we do. Because in Texas, it will be bake-oven hot by July, if not before. Trainers start getting up at 3 a.m. to get horses worked. That 15 or 20-degree difference means maybe five more quality minutes in a work. Which, by the way, is how the great trainers beat you – quality, not quantity.

Jumping off topic, here are a few summer customer and trainer tips. Customers, ask your trainer when they are stepping on the first horse of a day and adjust your timing to them. Be reasonable, do it their way. Quit bringing the dang donuts, start bringing cold fruit. There is no need to mention the heat. Everyone is aware, I promise you.