OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPIONS CROWNED
The 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® Finals on Saturday, October 23, at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, might go down as the loudest and the most intense in many years. A clear front runner didn’t emerge until the last set of cow work. When Darren Moore called out an incredible judge’s score of 226 for Zak 34 and NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Justin Wright’s fence run, it was clear who was adding Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion to his résumé.

“I’ve had dreams of this for as long as I can remember. It’s consumed my life to win the Snaffle Bit Futurity,” said Wright of Santa Maria, California. “It’s emotional, but it’s just it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”

Wright has been close before, taking the Open Reserve Champion title in 2018 aboard Scooter Kat. This year he had three Open Futurity Finalists in the field of 30 horses. The cream of that crop was “Zak.”

At the 2020 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales®, Wright saw a 2-year-old named, at that time R Tuff Diggin Louie (Woody Be Tuff x Cats Dig Lucinda x High Brow Cat), bred by Center Ranch, go through the sale pen and something had him go speak to the buyer, Melissa Fischer of Wagner, South Dakota.

“I didn’t recognize her, and I asked if she had a trainer. One thing leads to another and he came home with us,” Wright said. “The reason that she was [at the sale] is her son had just passed away and it was kind of a reason for her to get down here and just, you know, try to get through those hard times. He raced race cars and his number was 34, and his nickname was Zak. So, when she got home, she changed his name to Zak 34.”

From that moment, Wright says that the journey to bring Zak to the Futurity had a different feeling than his past attempts.

“It was a perfect storm,” Wright said as he reflected on the Finals. He and Zak rode to a 670 (H:221/R:223/C:226) on their way to the title and $125,000.

With Melissa’s son Seth’s memory tied to the horse, the emotion of accomplishing his lifelong goal, and the exhaustion of completing the marathon that is the Futurity, Wright was overwhelmed after the win. However, he was quick to share the credit.

“I’ve got the best team at home. There are guys that aren’t there [training with me anymore], Russell [Probert] and Nick [Howard] that have gone on to do their own programs, but they’ve all contributed so hard,” he said. “Jared’s [Jones] is there now, Lilla Bell and the Lloyds. We have a great team and I couldn’t do without them. My family is awesome. My mom came out; three kids and Gloria are here, and you know, they’ve made everything so easy. My crew and my family have done twice as much work as I have to get here.”

Wright follows his brother, 1985 Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion Greg Wright, into the NRCHA history books with the win.

In addition to earning $125,000, Wright takes home a custom made Martin Saddle sponsored by Matthews Cutting Horses, a CR Morrison Bronze Trophy, a Gist custom buckle sponsored by Mike and Kelly Warner/The Final Cut Ranch, a monogrammed CINCH jacket, a 100X hat from Western Legacy, a commemorative Gist pin, Platinum Performance gift certificate for product, a Polar Fleece Cooler from Classic Equine, a pair of Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, Sx Stall Treatment product from EcoPlanet One Health, UltraCruz Equine Advanced Joint Supplement from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a bottle of Ghostwood Whiskey and glasses from Ghostwood Distilling Company.

As rider, Wright also won a custom saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Gist buckle , a monogrammed CINCH jacket and a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product. 

CINCH INTERMEDIATE OPEN CHAMPION & OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
Dustin Mills made the Open Finals on two of his hopefuls this year, an incredible feat for a young trainer. Aboard Jule Smart Rey (Dual Smart Rey x Soula Jule Forever x Soula Jule Star), Mills piloted to a 666.5 (H:222/R:219/C:225.5), a score that held the high composite until Justin Wright and Zak 34. When the final cow exited, Mills still stood atop the CINCH Intermediate Open and was the Reserve Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion.

“People told me there is nothing like being in the Open Finals and they were right. It’s pretty cool. It’s overwhelming,” said Mills. “To have two back here in my first Open Finals, it’s pretty special.”

If the Futurity had a theme in 2021, it was that the champions were not out there alone. Similarly to Wright riding for Zak 34, Mills felt he was also carrying on a legacy.

“The guy who owned [Jule Smart Rey], Mike LaGrande, passed away. Phillip Ralls had him early in his 2-year-old year, then we bought him and we wanted to carry on his legacy,” Mills said.

However, it was not clear that the horse would make it to the show. Mills says it took a while for the 2018 gelding bred by Garth and Amanda Gardiner to understand his job. 

“When he was a 2-year-old, I didn’t know if he was going to make it, to be honest,” he said. “As soon as he understood the job, he turned into a monster [athlete]. I had to back him off a lot. It is pure talent. As soon as we broke the ice, got to the talent, he came on and he came on hard. It was cool to go through it all to get here.”

Though he rode cutting horses with his father, trainer Mark Mills, all his life, Mills only zeroed in on reined cow horse in 2014 when he started working for Todd Crawford. Today, the soon-to-be-dad with wife, Hope, can add a few more titles to his list.

Owner Shawna Miller earned $100,000 for the Open Reserve Champion title and another $40,000 for the CINCH Intermediate Open win. Additionally, for the reserve, she takes home custom made Bob’s Custom Saddles saddle sponsored by Trey and Sandra Neal, a Gist custom buckle, a monogrammed CINCH jacket, a commemorative Gist pin, $300 gift certificate for product from Farnam, a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product, Sx Stall Treatment product from EcoPlanet One Health, UltraCruz Equine Advanced Gastric Support Supplement from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a bottle of Ghostwood Whiskey and glasses from Ghostwood Distilling Company.

In the CINCH Intermediate Open, the Champion receives a custom saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles sponsored by CINCH, a Gist custom buckle, a monogrammed CINCH jacket, a CR Morrison Bronze Finish Trophy, a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product, a monogrammed Polar Fleece Cooler sponsored by Classic Equine, Sx Stall Treatment product from EcoPlanet One Health and UltraCruz Equine Advanced Joint Supplement from Santa Cruz Animal Health.

As rider, Mills also won a Gist buckle, a monogrammed CINCH jacket and a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product for the Open Reserve win.

In reserve for the CINCH Intermediate Open was Russell Probert aboard Dan and Suzy Probert’s Getting Arround (Metallic Rebel x Dressin Up x Peptoboonsmal), bred by Beechfork Ranch. Probert rode to a 656.5 (H:217.5/R:219.5/C:219.5) to earn $20,000.

For the reserve, the Probert’s take home a Gist custom buckle, a monogrammed CINCH jacket, $300 gift certificate for product from Farnam, Sx Stall Treatment product from EcoPlanet One Health and UltraCruz Equine Advanced Gastric Support Supplement from Santa Cruz Animal Health.

LIMITED OPEN CHAMPION
Cara Hencratt had a team of talented horses that she was excited to show at her first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, and Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station. She hadn’t dared to hope she would go home with as many wins as she did—but she did dream. In the end, those dreams came true with wins in both events, including taking the Level 1 Limited Open Futurity Champion title aboard Shiney Little Rock in the preliminaries.

The duo followed that win with a Friday, October22, Limited Open Finals night worthy of a second title, Limited Open Champion.

“I didn’t think things would go this well,” said Hencratt. “You take it one event at a time and it’s pretty cool to end up on top.”

Bred and owned by Paula Bremel, Shiney Little Rock (That CD Rocks x Uno Smart Starlight x Smart Little Pepinic) scored a 652 (H:217/R:219/C:216) to earn $17,500 for the Limited Open win.

The Limited Open Champion receives a custom saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles sponsored by Todd and Pam Crawford, a Gist custom buckle sponsored by Boyd and Halee Rice, a monogrammed CINCH jacket, a CowTrac system from CowTrac, a CR Morrison Bronze Finish Trophy, a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product, a monogrammed Polar Fleece Cooler sponsored by Classic Equine, Sx Stall Treatment product from EcoPlanet One Health and UltraCruz Equine Advanced Joint Supplement from Santa Cruz Animal Health.

Reserve Champion Abigayle Mixon and Reyzin A Princess (Reyzin The Cash x Pink Catty x Catty Hawk), bred by Cowan Ranch, rode to a 647 (H:212/R:216/C:219) to take the Limited Open second spot. Owner Andrea Luce earned $14,000.

Reserve Champion receives a Gist custom buckle, a monogrammed CINCH jacket, $300 gift certificate for product from Farnam, a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product, Sx Stall Treatment product from EcoPlanet One Health and UltraCruz Equine Advanced Gastric Support Supplement from Santa Cruz Animal Health.

NON PRO FUTURITY CHAMPIONS CROWNED
OCTOBER 22 – Abbie Phillips took command of the Non Pro Futurity Champion title after putting in three solid performances in the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® Finals with TRR Dual Smart Olena. The Weatherford, Texas, resident and her 2018 sorrel stallion (Dual Smart Rey x TRR Ms Pepcid Olena x Pepcid) were rewarded handsomely for their efforts, taking home $25,000 of the $130,046.97 total purse in the event.

Abbie has been with “Chief,” who was bred by Tongue River Ranch, since the beginning of his 2-year-old year. He’s a full brother to Duals Lucky Charm, the horse her her husband, NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Kelby Phillips, won on at the 2016 Snaffle Bit Futurity and at the World’s Greatest Horseman. The Phillips’ carefully brought along the stallion prior to the Futurity, and Abbie says the strategy walking into the competition was aiming for consistency.

“The cutting, we drew last,” Abbie said. “I had great herd help: Corey Cushing, Phillip Ralls, Brandon Buttars and my husband. They all picked phenomenal cows for me and I didn’t lose any. So that was good. We were consistent there. The reining, he was really good today. I feel like I could have gotten him stopped a little bit better, but he turned around really fast and we had good circles as well. Cow work was a lot of fun. He was just on it. He always is. He’s a great fence horse. It was just a fun ride.”

The pair’s 213.5 in the herd work, 218 in the rein work, and a 216 in the fence work placed them high enough to be crowned champions with their 647.5 composite score.

“This was a goal that I’ve had for a long time, and it’s really special to do it on that horse,” Abbie said.

Parke Greeson and Sarco Creek Ranch’s Boon Boon Ur Dead finished as Reserve Champions in the Non Pro Futurity.

With a composite score of 644.5. (H: 213/R: 215.5/C: 216), Greeson, of Goliad, Texas, and the 2018 chestnut gelding bred by Thad and Theresa Cox, sired by Once In A Blue Boon, out of Boons Coffee, by Boon Too Suen, pocketed $20,000.

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO & NOVICE NON PRO NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED!
Trail Townsend capitulated on his Amateur Futurity win earlier this week with Lil Purple Rein with an excellent finals performance. The Earth, Texas, resident and his 2018 red roan gelding (Once In A Blu Boon x Lil Red Firecat x High Brow Cat) captured not only the Intermediate Non Pro title, but also the Novice Non Pro championship.

Going into the finals after a great week, Townsend was gunning to win the Non Pro title.

“I always get nervous with the cutting, and then when I showed him in the cutting in the finals, it went great, and I was really pumped for that,” Townsend said. “In the reining, I went for it pretty hard, and just had a few things that weren’t quite as smooth as they were supposed to be. We still came out with a great score and I’m happy with that.”

With a herd work score of 215, a rein work score of 217 and a 212 in the cow work, Townsend and “LP” were given a composite score of 644. They received $15,463.08—pushing their prize money to over $22,425.

“I’m really happy with how tonight worked out,” Townsend said. “There’s a few things I would have wished that could have gone just a little bit better, but I’m happy with it. I couldn’t ask for anything else.”

Reserve Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro ended in a tie– Stefani Wagley of Abilene, Texas, and Boon Doxx (Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak), bred by Jeff Schieber, and Pam Myers and her Rok N Roll (Sannman x Peek Of Faith x Peeka Pep), bred by Dee Gragg, tied the composite 642.4 (H:215 /R:216.5 /C:211). They both earned $6,354.57 for the Intermediate and $2,745.72 for the Novice.

COW HORSE FOR ROPERS ROCKS THE FUTURITY
OCTOBER 21 – It’s not every day that you see multiple-time National Finals Rodeo roping qualifiers taking a cow down the fence in a cow horse class. But in the inaugural Cow Horse for Ropers class on October 20 at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, they did just that. In the end, Cade Rice of Lipan, Texas, riding his sister Robbin Rice’s horse Cat N Boon, beat seven other riders to claim first place and $1,500 of the $2,500-added purse, sponsored by MC Cowhammer.

Cat N Boon is a 2012 solid chestnut Paint Horse gelding bred by Double S Ranch, sired by Smart Lena Boon (QH), out of Dual N Cat (PH), by Wild Haired Cat (QH). When Rice was invited to compete in this class, he turned to his family of cow horse enthusiasts to find a horse. He rode “Chavez” trained by his dad, Matlock Rice, for the first time the day before the class.

For this class, ropers complete a reining pattern, then box a cow, drive it down the fence and rope it, steer-stopping style. In the pen, Rice focused on not missing the cow and performing each maneuver as he got to it.

“I didn’t want to go too fast, or get caught in the moment—just one maneuver at a time,” Rice said.

After scoring a 146 in the rein work and a 148.5 in the cow work, Rice’s 294.5 was the highest score.

“The cow work felt really good,” Rice said. “The rein work, I could have been a little smoother. That’s something I’m going to work on in the future. I think I’m going to get a two-year-old and try this out.”

Rice is hooked on cow horse now, he says.

“It always feels good to win,” Rice said. “My favorite part was going down the fence. There’s not another feeling like it.”

Reserve by just half a point, NFR qualifier Lane Ivy piloted John and Kay Coltharp’s Bet Hesa Freckledcat to score a 144 in the rein work, a 130 in the cow work, for a total of 294—taking home $750. The 2013 red roan stallion bred by the Coltharps was sired by Bet Hesa Cat, out of -Ms Freckled Star, by Freckles Smokin Doc.

COW HORSE FOR CUTTERS RETURNS
Riders accustomed to the routines of the cutting pen tried out cow horse in the Cow Horse for Cutters class October 20. Out of eight riders, Janet Westfall of Granbury, Texas, rose to the top aboard Julie Gibbons-owned and -bred 2014 black gelding Unos Blue Lightening.

Each rider completed a reining pattern and boxed for 50 seconds before having the option to go down the fence. Westfall and “Blue” scored a 141 in the rein work, a 146 in the cow work for a total store of 287. Westfall received a custom pair of Serna Boots.

Westfall competed in cow horse decades ago, but has lately stuck to cutting alongside her trainer husband Russ Westfall. When the chance to compete in this class came up, she connected with NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider Todd Crawford to borrow Blue (Uno What Time It Is x Miss Vibrant Chex x Nu Chex To Cash). The pair met the day before they competed.

Her strategy was to complete as clean a run as she could. And she tried to think ahead to make sure she completed the pattern correctly.

“The romal reins felt so foreign to me because we ride with split reins, with our reins down,” Westfall said. “So it was pretty much the complete opposite of what I do. I just tried not to embarrass myself.”

After this class, Westfall is eager to try again—this time, with a bit more speed. She is thankful to Blue’s owner and Crawford for their help.

“Todd kept telling me to push him a little harder and go a little faster, and I was probably a little tentative, but if I get the chance again, that’s what I’ll do,” Westfall said. “Everybody is really nice—all of this was awesome. Showing and seeing some old faces I know was super fun. Maybe one day I’ll come back with a three-year-old.”

Tim Drummond was reserve in Cow Horse for Cutters aboard Devon Camilleri’s Just Call Me Earl (Once In A Blue Boon x CP Peekn Sneank Blue x Peeka Pep). The 2015 red roan gelding was bred by Lassen Land and Livestock Co. They scored a 142.5 in the rein work, a 144 in the cow work for a 286.5 total score. Drummond received a custom pair of Serna Boots.

AMATEUR FUTURITY CHAMPION NAMED
OCTOBER 20 – Trail Townsend skyrocketed to the top of the preliminary leaderboard to handily collect the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Metallic Cat, Amateur Champion title aboard Lil Purple Rein. The 19-year-old from Earth, Texas, and the 2018 red roan gelding sired by Once In A Blu Boon, out of Lil Red Firecat, by High Brow Cat, scored a composite sore of 649.5—13.5 points ahead of the reserve champion. Of the $27,859 awarded to the Amateur class, Townsend and “LP,” bred by Bettina Jary-Mathis, took home $6,962.50.

“It feels awesome–this is the first time I’ve ever done well at the Futurity,” Townsend said. “It’s been a goal of mine for a long time, so it feels great.”

Going into the show, Townsend aimed for middle of the pack. In addition to the Amateur title, the duo has qualified for the finals in the Non Pro Futurity later this week.

“I just wanted to stay calm, it’s got to be clean,” Townsend said. “I didn’t have to be anything huge—I didn’t have to set the world on fire to make the finals. Our plan was just kind of go in and be smooth, yet aggressive at the same time.”

That strategy worked for the duo, with a 214.5 winning the herd work, a 217.5 tying for first in the rein work and a 217.5 to win the cow work.

“The cutting was good—I usually struggle with the cutting, so I was kind of nervous going into that one,” Townsend said. “I am really confident in the reining—I could have ran him a little bit harder, but now I know what to do for the finals. And the cow work was perfect. I mean, there’s always room for improvement, but I can’t complain about anything.”

Garrell Reilly Williams and Bet Shesa Playmate finished their Futurity with the Reserve Champion title in the Amateur division with a composite score of 636 (H: 214/R: 214.5/C: 207.5), earning $5,570.

The 2018 sorrel mare bred by Yellow Creek Ranch and owned by Preston Williams is sired by Bet Hesa Cat, out of Very Smart Playmate, by Very Smart Remedy.

OPEN HACKAMORE CLASSIC CHAMPION CROWNED
With nearly 100 entries in the Open alone, the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station and held during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, had four days dedicated to the herd, rein and cow works in the division. Starting with the herd work on Oct. 9-10 and finishing with the rein and cow works Oct. 18-19, the event proved the old adage that “it’s not over until it’s over,” with the last draw of the entire show, Annies Smart Cat and Lance Johnston, coming out on top with the Championship.

Johnston and the 5-year-old stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Nu Annie x Shining Spark), who was bred by Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC, laid down big scores in all three works to end up with a huge 671 composite (H:223/R:222/C:226). They collected a $20,500.00 check for owner Rocking BS Ranch.

“This horse needed a signature win,” Johnston said. “He’s such a nice horse, he deserved a major win. It’s so cool to be here in Fort Worth to do it.

“It was perfect [to be last in the draw] because I knew what I was chasing, and I knew what I had to be,” Johnston added. “I knew it was going to be tough, but I also thought I had a shot, as good as this horse is, to beat ‘Rico’ [Ricato Suave].”

Ricato Suave (Metallic Cat x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey), a 4-year-old stallion, had held the lead through most of the show but ultimately settled for Reserve with his composite 663.5 (H:224/R:218.5/C:221). The stallion, who was bred by Flag Ranch LLC, and trainer Clay Volmer took home a $15,093.54 check for owners Shaleah Hester and M. Fountain.

Intermediate Open, Limited Open & Level 1 Limited Open
With a composite 654 (H:217.5/R:217.5/C:219), Move That Rock (That CD Rocks x Smokums Dual Move x Mister Dual Pep) and Cara Hencratt, who is Johnston’s lead assistant trainer, picked up championships in the Intermediate Open, Limited Open and Level 1 Limited Open. Hencratt and the 2016 gelding, who was bred by Erin Mendes and is owned by Debbie Proctor, collected $6,588.45 from the Intermediate, $2,066.38 from the Limited and $4,226.40 from the Level 1 Limited Open.

One Ata Time (One Time Pepto x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey), who is a half-brother to Ricato Suave, and Ryan Gallentine collected the Intermediate Open Reserve Championship with their composite 653.5 (H:218/R:216.5/C:219). The 2017 stallion, who was bred by Flag Ranch LLC, picked up $4,941.34 for owner Steven Mattson.

CWR Sanntonio (Sannman x Surfin Calie x Cat Ichi) and Trey Pool brought home two reserve titles for owner Jane Owens after scoring a composite 650.5 (H:217.5/R:215.5/C:217.5). The 2017 stallion, who was bred by Devlyn Drake, nabbed $1,617.17 for the Limited Open Reserve title and $3,381.12 for Reserve in the Level 1 Limited Open.

Open Novice Horse
Lance Johnston also garnered the Novice Horse Open title, albeit on Lil Starlight Cat (High Brow Cat x Lil Foxie Starlight x Grays Starlight). He and the 2017 Glenn and Debbie Drake-bred stallion scored a 659 (H:217.5/R:219.5/C:222) and collected a check worth $2,709.00 for owners Kenneth and Karen Haugland.

Quizzicality (Magicality x Shirley Shine x Shining Spark), a 2017 gelding bred by Anne M. Reynolds, and Gusti Buerger brought home the Novice Horse Open Reserve Championship for owner Home Ranch LLC with their composite score of 653 (H:217/R:219/C:217). They banked $2,128.50.

OPEN CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT THE NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION HACKAMORE CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY OSWOOD STALLION STATION!

LADIES FUTURITY CHAMPION NAMED
OCTOBER 19 – For the high composite score of 654.5 from the Snaffle Bit Futurity prelims, Juliette Jonez, ridden by Sarah Dawson and owned by Linda Mars, receive the Ladies Futurity Champion title. Twenty-five female exhibitors were eligible for the Ladies award at this year’s event.

In addition to a Gist Silversmiths custom buckle, a monogrammed CINCH jacket and a CR Morrison Bronze Finish Trophy, the Ladies Champion also receives the Sheri Gilkerson Memorial Saddle made by Don Rich Saddlery and sponsored by Tres Osos Performance Horses and a custom diamond pendant created by Sami Fine Jewelry.

Non Pro Futurity — High Score Rein Score
The Non Pro preliminary rein work round is complete for the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Here are your high scoring teams!

LEVEL 1 LIMITED OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION
OCTOBER 18 – For Cara Hencratt, it’s been a year of firsts. Today, she can say she rode her first National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® entry to a Champion title. Piloting Shiney Little Rock (That CD Rocks x Uno Smart Starlight x Smart Little Pepinic) for owner/breeder Paula “Polly” Bremel, Hencratt topped the Level 1 Limited Open standings by six points.

“It’s pretty cool and I didn’t think things would go this well,” Hencratt said. “You take it one event at a time and it’s pretty cool to end up on top.”

Hencratt has had success riding Bremel’s homebred horses, but this one will stick with her for awhile. The California trainer was all smiles following the awards ceremony, matching the delight seen on Bremel’s face.

“It’s so exciting and fun for me to watch my babies get shown by other people and have success,” Bremel said. “I raise my [horses] and don’t buy them. I raised his mother and showed her to $40,000 before I started breeding her. My hope with every single baby is to be a nicer baby than the year before. He’s the 12th I’ve raised out of that mare.” 

With a composite 650 (H:216 /R: 215.5 /C:218.5) Hencratt and the 2018 gelding earned $16,000. The pair will be back for the Intermediate Open and Limited Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Finals on October 22. They were only one-point away from the Open Finals bubble.

“This gelding is really strong in the reining and a really great fence horse. We wanted to make a solid run out of the herd and he did,” Hencratt said. “We missed the Open Finals by one point, so that was pretty exciting to sit in the top 30 until the last go, which was pretty cool for my first Futurity! It’s so fun.”

Cody Hanson riding Shiners Voodoo Doll took reserve honors

NON PRO LIMITED FUTURITY CHAMPION
Kelsey Delaplaine Fulmer’s second trip to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, was a smashing success. Aboard 2018 sorrel mare LookAtLittleSister (Stevie Rey Von x Smart Playing Chic x Smart Chic Olena), the Cleburne, Texas, resident was ecstatic to achieve her goal.

“It hasn’t even completely sunk in yet,” Fulmer said. “I knew that my horse could do it. It’s been a really good year. I’ve only been showing in the cow horse for two years now—I’ve been riding ever since I was little, and I’ve always been super competitive. But I’ve never really got that big win. I feel like cow horse is where I’m meant to be, and it’s so cool to show a horse that’s as special as her.”

“Sister” and Fulmer took home $6,675 of the $22,250 purse. They scored a 208 in the herd work, and in the reined work—their best event—they scored a 215.

After a stellar boxing performance in the cow work, Fulmer and Sister scored a 215.5 for a composite score of 638.5 (H: 208/R: 215/C: 215.5). Fulmer says Sister was trainer Danielle Lybbert’s first to prepare for a Non Pro client. Sister was bred by Liz Armenta.

“I just thank God for allowing me to do this sport surrounded by so many awesome people,” Fulmer said. “I don’t want to say the stars are aligning, because we both put the work in and my horse is super talented. This win means a lot to me.”

Reserve champion Lori Frampton-Crafton rode One Smart N Timely, a 2018 red roan mare owned by Debbie Crafton and bred by Sprig Haven Farms. The mare was sired by One Time Pepto, out of Ima Smart Response, by Smart Little Lena. Their composite score of 637 (H: 208/R: 209.5/C: 219.5) earned them $5,340.

COWBOY CLASS CHAMPION
Consistency was the name of the game for Cotton Leathers, who was named champion of the Cowboy Class Invitational at the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, with a composite score of 441. Leathers, who works at the Frisco Creek Ranch Division of the 6666 Sixes Ranch in Stratford, Texas, rode the Burnett Ranches LLC-owned gelding Amarillo Attraction (Playin Attraction x Seven In Vegas x Seven From Heaven).

 
The team had the high scores in both the rein and cow work, with a 145.5 and 147.5 respectively. They marked a 148 in the steer stopping. Leathers and his 2015 palomino brought home two buckles, a pair of romal reins from Traditional Rawhide Braiders, and a check for $1,140.
 
“He’s just the same at home at as he is in town,” Leathers said. “He’s always the same, and I can read his moods and adjust.”

Buddy Thomas, riding Gas It Cat (Metallic Cat x CDS Starlight MS x CD Olena) owned by Kelsey Thomas, and Levi Walden, owner and rider of DD Quanah Blue (Huerfano River Blue x Quanahs Rooster x Quanah O Lena), tied for second and third place with composite score of 430.

Open Futurity — Preliminary Composite High Scores
The Open preliminary round is complete for the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Here are your high scoring preliminary composite teams!

Non Pro Limited Futurity – High Cow Work
The Non Pro Limited is complete for the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Here is the high scoring Non Pro Limited cow work team!

Adequan Open Gelding Incentive
 At the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, the Open Gelding Incentive receives support from Adequan, an American Regent company. Adequan pledged $7,500 in added money, raising this year’s purse to $24,420. This Gelding-only incentive kicked off in 2020. The gelding must be registered with its breed association as a gelding in order to qualify. For more than 30 years, Adequan has been administered by veterinarians to help horses of every discipline and level.

Chrome Cash Incentive
The American Paint Horse Association Chrome Cash Incentive pays to exhibitors with Paint registered horses. Thank you to McSpyder Ranch for sponsoring the Chrome Cash at the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat! 

OPEN
ChittChatt (Smooth Talkin Style x Bet On Nurse x Bet On Me 498), a 2018 gelding bred by Double Dove Ranch and owned by Russ Mothershead, was ridden to a 654.5 by Chris Dawson. The incentive paid $1,500.

NON PRO LIMITED
Sandy Kaplan rode homebred 2018 mare Smooth Smoke N Cat (Real Smooth Cat x Smoke N Jet Surprise x Doc N Smoke), a horse she co-owns with husband Glenn, to a 588 to earn $350.

Non Pro Hackamore Classic Champion
OCTOBER 18 – The cow horse action continued Saturday with multiple champions crowned during the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station, held at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. Fifty non pros went head-to-head in the rein and cow work, adding to their herd work scores from last Thursday. In an exciting twist, two competitors finished with matching composite and cow work scores, and a run-off was called. When it was all said and done, Myles Brown was named the Non Pro Champion.

Brown, on Red Holly Time (Hickory Holly Time x Very Red Remedy x Very Smart Remedy), and Debbie Crafton, aboard Dualin Alittle Time (One Time Pepto x ARC Little Dualena x Dual Pep), each scored a composite 648.5 during their initial herd, rein and cow works. Brown marked a 215.5 in the herd, a 216 in the reining and a 217 down the fence, while Crafton scored a 212 in the herd work, a 219.5 in the rein work and a 217 in the cow work.

Each duo had to go down the fence one more time for the run-off, and Crafton, who originally rode from draw two, was up first. She and Dualin Alittle Time scored a 216. Then, it was Brown’s turn.

“I got pretty nervous there for a little bit, so I went and got on my bridle horse that I’m showing tonight and trotted him around,” Brown said. “It helped me settle down and take my mind off it.  I know he [Red Holly Time] can be good, and I know he craves a cow and wants to circle a cow really nice, so I just decided we were going to go do the best we could.”

The pair was called off their first cow, but the second was more “user friendly.” After the horn blew, a score of 223.5 was announced, and the duo won the Championship, banking $5,500.00. It was a great note for the pair to end on, as Brown said the 2017 stallion, who was bred by Sheri Jamieson, is entered in the Western Bloodstock Sale on Friday, Oct. 22.

“For this horse to win this, it’s really special to my wife and I,” Brown said. “He’s 4 and I had some success on him as a 3-year-old, but I never felt like I had as much success as I should have on him because of how talented he is. It really couldn’t end a better way. It’s always hard to sell the good ones, but we own his mother and there’s more coming. We’re really excited about the future.”

Crafton and Dualin Alittle Time, a 2016 stallion bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, took home Reserve and a check worth $4,204.98. Crafton also placed third with Twice In A Blu Moon (Once In A Blu Boon x Teletrona x Little Trona) and fourth with Hesa Wee Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Wee Quejana Gal x Quejanaisalena), collecting an additional $3,416.55 and $2,890.92, respectively.

Non Pro Limited Snaffle Bit Futurity – High Rein Work

The rein work is complete for the Non Pro Limited exhibitors in the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Congratulations to Kelsey Delaplaine Fulmer!

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® — Non Pro Herd Work
OCTOBER 17 – Non Pro riders in the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Metallic Cat, wrapped the first of the three events on their 3-year-old horses, the herd work. Here are your high scoring teams!

Open Two Rein Champion
OCTOBER 16 – Two sets of 25 horses competed in the Open Two Rein class on Friday, October 15, at the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. When the last cow exited the arena, Scooter Kat and Justin Wright sat atop the leaderboard.

A 2015 stallion, Scooter Kat (Kit Kat Sugar x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey) was bred by Taylor Carbo and is owned by Eric Freitas of Santa Maria, California. A multiple limited age event champion that spent the first part of this year at the breeding farm, Scooter Kat’s return to the show pen was exciting for Wright.

“This is a whole new [event] for him and him missing the first seven months of the year at the breeding barn, I didn’t get to spend the time with him that I used to do,” Wright said. “We spent every day together since he was a 2-year-old, but he came back and was rejuvenated coming back. He feels like a 3-year-old again and happy to be here.”

The pairs scores of identical 148 in the rein and in the cow put Scooter Kat as the top rein work score and tied with the reserve champion, WR Hotshot, for the high cow work score. The win earned $5,376.

“He’s easy to show; he loves to be a show horse,” said Wright, who lives in Santa Maria, California. “He doesn’t try to take advantage of you and does his best for you. I think I’ve learned more [as a trainer] and can trust him. Looking back on it, as a snaffle bit horse, I didn’t trust him enough. Less is more. It showed me here that I can leave him alone, keep him fresh, and he’s going do his job.”

Scooter Kat’s score of 296 was three points higher than Open Two Rein Reserve Champion Cayley Wilson riding WR Hotshot (WR This Cats Smart x Sunspot Flo x Mr Peponita Flo), bred by Matthews Cutting Horses LLC and owned by Cayley Wilson Performance Horses Inc, to a 293 (R:145/C:148). The 2014 gelding’s run earned $4,224.

Complete class results are at nrcha.com/cowhorseplus/. 

 

Non Pro Limited Hackamore Classic Champion
In their first show together, Lori Frampton-Crafton and Hughes That Chic (Thomas E Hughes x Smart Playing Chic x Smart Chic Olena) captured the Champion title in the 2021 NRCHA Non Pro Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station. The 2017 mare, bred by Liz Armenta and owned by Debbie Crafton earned $2,812.50. 

Frampton-Crafton’s mom trained the mare and made the 2020 Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity® Finals when the horse was a 3-year-old.

“I like showing in the hackamore but it’s a little more challenging for me,” said Frampton-Crafton, of Ordway, Colorado. “I was confident going into the rein work on this mare. It’s my first time showing her, but I kind of knew how to show her from watching my mom show her.”

The duo tied for the second high score in the rein work with a 218, helping to make up ground from a 208 in the herd. Then, a 216 in the cow work took their composite 642 to the top spot.

“That mare is great on a cow; you can hold just about anything on her,” she said of her final work in the class. “I had so much confidence on her.”

Finishing Reserve Champion, Cheryl Chown piloted Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak), bred by  Chown Quarter Horses and co-owned by Cheryl and her husband, Robert. The duo marked a 638 (H:210/R:213.5/C:214.5) to earn $2,250.

Complete results are available at nrcha.com/cowhorseplus/. 

OCTOBER 15 -The herd work is complete for the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station. Here are your high scoring teams!

 

OCTOBER 13 – The herd work is complete for the Open, Intermediate Open and Limited Open competitors in the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Here are your high scoring teams!
The Level 1 Limited Open herd work continues on October 14th.

Follow the draws, scores and results online through NRCHA CowHorse+! The live, free web broadcast is available at NRCHA.com, thanks to Equine Promotion.

OCTOBER 10 – The herd work is complete for the Open competitors in the 2021 NRCHA Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station. Here are your high scoring teams!

RODEAR CHAMPIONS CROWNEDIt was a near flawless run for Kevin Lippe, his 7-year-old mare, and his 6 year-old Australian Kelpie Chock who earned a score of 177 in 9 minutes in the Rodear America Cowdog Association MARS EQUESTRIAN™ National Final Rodear Open Finals. The team earned a check for $12,500.

It was Lippe’s second time to compete in the event, which is held during the National Reined Cow Horse Association 2021 Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, and Chock’s first time after qualifying in just two trials. Lippe, who is from Blue Eye, Missouri, runs cattle and sheep, as well as trains dogs.

Jason Runfola and his dog, Timber, of Gainesville, New York, earned a perfect score of 180 in only 7:57 minutes, in the Non-Pro division, earning a check for $8,750. Because the team earned the highest score of the night, they were awarded a trophy saddle from Oswood Saddlery.

Winning the green dog division was Maycon Moura and his dog, Favela, of Weatherford, Texas, marking a 160 in 9 minutes, for a payout of $5,000. For more information on the event, visit rodearamerica.com.

OCTOBER 9 – The first leg of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Open Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, is complete! Here are the Open divisions rein work high scoring runs. All preliminary high score winners will be awarded prizes during the Metallic Cat Snaffle Bit Futurity Draw Party on Wednesday, October 20, following the Open Bridle Finals.

Today we move to the Will Rogers Coliseum and begin with the Open herd work for the 2021 NRCHA Hackamore Classic, presented by Oswood Stallion Station. Follow the draws, scores and results online through NRCHA CowHorse+! The live, free web broadcast is available at NRCHA.com, thanks to Equine Promotion.

Every Youth Plays in NRCHAThe NRCHA Youth have a lot to keep them busy here at the Snaffle Bit Futurity show! Thanks to Terri & Joe Carter, the Youth Activities Room stays stocked for our youngest to entertain themselves as well as for our older NRCHYA kids to use as a schoolroom!

On October 20th, the Buckaroo Classes will take over the John Justin Arena! From stick horse decorating to relay races, Everybody Plays in the NRCHA! Awards are sponsored by Bet He Sparks for our Buckaroo Classes.

Thank you to the parents and supporters that help us provide spaces and fun events for the next generation of reined cow horse competitors!

 

By NRCHA Press ReleasePhotos by Primo Morales NRCHA Official Photographer | Courtesy of National Reined Cow Horse Association