Wes and Kristen Galyean with Hes A Hot CatThree horses ridden by Claremore, Okla. trainer Wes Galyean – including Champion Hes A Hot Cat – earned a combined $176,913 Saturday night in the finals of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Super Stakes Open at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum.
Thiago Boechat and Wimpyneedsacocktail - photo by Robin FowlerIt was an extra special night for Xtra Quarter Horses, Purcell, Okla., when ranch manager Thiago Boechat and Wimpyneedsacocktail marked a 231 in the next-to-last draw to win the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Open Levels 3 and 4.
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Ray BaldwinAs the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Super Stakes comes to a close, Ray Baldwin and Shesa Hollywoodcat are celebrating their Non-Pro Championship. The 4-year-old mare (High Brow Cat x CD Fillybingo x Bingo Hickory) walked out of Will Rogers $28,355 richer.
Ron Thompson, with Taris Dreamer and trainer Matt Armenta (right). Photo by Robin FowlerRon Thompson, Pilot Point, Texas, has had success as a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) competitor, but his National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Non-Pro Level 4 Championship on Friday was his biggest win. Thompson had a scorching run on Taris Dreamer (Magnum Chic Dream x Taris San Cutter x Doc Tari) that earned him a score of 224 and a check for $32,000. His run from the ninth draw of 31 horses also earned him a Championship in the Non-Pro Prime Time, good for another $1,656.
The NCHA Super Stakes Open Draw Party - photo by Kelsey PecsekLil Rattler fell with trainer Wes Galyean during the second round of her debut at December’s National Cutting Horse Association but she fared better during her second trip to Fort Worth, leading Friday’s NCHA Super Stakes Open semifinals with a 218.5.
My first horse, Little Rocket AndyLast month, I had the pleasure of attending the 2013 AQHA Convention in Houston, Texas. This isn’t the first year I’ve been to the convention, but it is the first year I was able to stay for its entirety – from the opening comments to the closing remarks, and everything in between.
My favorite part of the convention had to be Friday afternoon’s forum, which was dedicated to equine welfare. Dr. Tom Lenz, of Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), gave a presentation on the science and emotion of equine welfare. I wish it were possible to put his entire presentation in print form, so all of you could read what he had to say.
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is seeking young riders to star in a new video series.
Spooks Gotta Whiz and Shawn Flarida – photo by WaltenberryWhen I was in seventh grade, I thought winning $100,000 would be a really neat thing,” Shawn Flarida said when asked about his earliest ambitions.
As an Equi-Stat Elite $5 Million Reining Rider, it’s clear Flarida’s grade-school wish has come true many times over. And with the $456,671 earned in 2012, he can now add Equi-Stat Open Rider Award winner to his extensive list of achievements.
Always Gotyer Gunsup was Mandy McCutcheon's top earner in 2012. Photo by WaltenberryA successful show year doesn’t come without hard work, dedication and a good partner in the arena. These are just a few things National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) rider Mandy McCutcheon, Aubrey, Texas, made use of in 2012. With earnings of $172,053, she is the recipient of the Equi-Stat Non-Pro Rider Award.
AQHA Hall Of Fame – photo courtesy of AQHAOn the evening of March 10, 2013, five men and five horses were inducted into American Quarter Horse Association’s (AQHA) Hall of Fame. This writer was one of the fortunate five who received admission through those hallowed arches, and I must admit, it was a night I will remember for the rest of my life!
